“I promise you, they are all really nice guys,” Sarah says. “I was worried, especially when we had some troubles at the start of our marriage. But the girls all vouched for Shawn. Even you did, if I recall.”
“Yeah,” I whisper. “And I have to say, I’m really sorry that I didn’t fully understand the situation. I’ve got a different perspective now.”
The guys are too close for us to continue having a private conversation, so we just say our goodbyes, and I get into the car, trying to get control of my breathing so I’m not panting when Dan finally gets in as well.
When he slams the car door, my heart shoots up into my throat. I keep my lips clamped together so I don’t scream and try to smile as I wave goodbye to the girls.
Oh, God. This is really happening. Fuck!
Dan turns the car away from town, heading out onto the dirt track that joins Eccles to Rose Hollow. About halfway between the two towns, there is a fork leading west that will take us to our new home.
The silence deepens as we drive, and I don’t struggle too hard to find something to say. I just watch the scenery pass by and try not to think.
What would we possibly talk about? I don’t know anything about boys’ toys and war games, and he sure as hell doesn’t know how to grow roses.
“I’m sorry again,” he breaks the silence. “If I offended you. We need to be able to communicate, at least a little. Don’t you agree?”
I nod, but I don’t look at him.
“Grace, no one is expecting us to fall desperately in love, but you have to help me out here. We are going to be running the new pack, and it’s a huge responsibility.”
You don’t know the half of it.
“It’s very important for the stability of all four packs that we do this well, so if I’ve done anything wrong, please, just tell me so we can work through it.”
I try to suppress a sigh, but I fail miserably at it and turn to face him. I want to let out all my frustration in one screaming rush and tell him I wouldn’t be sitting here right now if my sister witches didn’t insist on it.
They forbade me from sharing anything about our true purpose yet. Dan may be a key piece of the puzzle, but we can’t risk spooking him. Capturing Sakesh is too important.
“It’s not a big deal,” I say, trying to keep my voice even. “I’m very nervous about this, and I just… I was surprised by how quickly you ate your food. That’s all.”
“Oh,” Dan replies, his eyes widening. He looks at his hands quickly, as if he can’t remember if he washed them or not. “I was nervous, too. That’s why I was so hungry. Don’t worry, I usually have much more restraint.”
“Do you usually use cutlery?” I shoot back. “Or do you always tear your food apart with your bare hands?”
Dan looks over at me, a genuinely confused expression on his face. “Is there another way to eat chicken? Or ribs? Or… well, anything, for that matter?”
I stare at him in disbelief, my jaw slowly falling open. “Well, if you want to get your hands so damn dirty, you won’t be touching me with them!” I snap. “And don’t expect me to approve of your lack of manners, especially at any formal events.”
“Today was the most formal event I’ve ever attended,” he laughs. “Isn’t that just wild? Like, I think this is actually the first time I’ve ever worn a suit.”
I hold in a groan, closing my eyes so he won’t see me roll them as I turn back to look out the window again.
I’ve married a complete fucking savage. My sisters have no idea what they’ve asked me to do.
I know stopping Sakesh is more important than my personal feelings, but right now, it’s very hard to be the chosen one.
Chapter 5 - Dan
A tense silence stretches out between us, and it feels like I’m hanging over the edge of a cliff.
Actually, that would be better. At least then I’d know what to do.
“Do you like the suit?” I ask, mining my brain for a good follow-up question.
“It’s fine,” she answers without turning around.
“The guys found it for me. I didn’t really get a say in what it looked like.”
