He huffed a quiet laugh. “Fair.”
They reached the far side just as the light dropped another notch and shadows took over the world. Nadia stepped off the bridge and nearly sagged with relief, her legs trembling.
Isaac stayed close until both of them were on solid rock.
“Okay,” he said. “No dying so far.”
She glanced back at the bridge. It swayed emptily behind them, the boards knocking together like teeth. “Let’s not tempt fate by admiring it.”
The slate deposit sat against the mountain wall, a dark, glossy sheet half-buried in snow. It shimmered faintly, almost like it was holding onto the last of the light. Okay, it might be magical.
“There,” Isaac said. “That’s got to be it.” He brushed snow away with his fingers and pulled the tools out of his pocket. “This is the shiniest slate I’ve ever seen.”
“I know,” Nadia whispered, happy her feet were on solid ground again. Icy, snowy ground, but good enough. She tilted her head and looked up the sheer rock wall. “We must be halfway up the mountain?” She’d love to see it in the daylight.
Isaac crouched, studying the slate. “It seems like it. This slate is curved. Can you see that?” His voice turned thoughtful.
She crouched to better see the striations in the rock. “Yeah.” They looked like they were moving, and she could see shapes. “There’s a wolf.”
He peered closer. “Cool.” As he began to chip at the slate, the sound rang sharp and bright, echoing off the stone walls. Nadia positioned herself beside him, one shoulder pressed to the rock, eyes flicking between his work and the bridge behind them.
The wind howled, carrying the smell of water and snow. Her fingers were numb now, aching deeply, but she stayed still.
“I’m sorry about the tunnel collapse earlier,” he said, working away. “I didn’t set those explosives.”
She studied him. That sounded like the truth, but she didn’t really know the guy. “Okay.”
“Not my style.” He leaned closer to the rock.
She wanted to believe him. He was the guy who’d been modern enough to deny the trophy and apologize on behalf of all males. “If it wasn’t you, and it wasn’t Caidrik—considering he rescued me—that leaves Luca.”
“Maybe. It could be anyone from the pack. You can’t tell me everyone liked discovering Philip Nightsom’s unknown daughter.”
Huh. That was a point she hadn’t considered. “Everyone has been so nice.”
“Humph.” The wolf shape slowly emerged from the slate, sharp lines forming under Isaac’s careful strikes. The stone resisted, then yielded, glowing faintly where it broke free. “Plus, don’t discard Caidrik so easily just because he saved you. Maybe he had a plan to kill his brother and then rescue you. As a strategy, it wasn’t bad.” Isaac leaned back, breathing hard. “Done.”
Nadia looked at the wolf, rough but unmistakable, carved from living stone. She felt something settle in her chest. “Wow,” she whispered softly. “That’s beautiful.”
Isaac turned to face her, still crouching. “So are you. I know I said I wanted a tall female, and Taryn fits that requirement, but I feel like I was too hasty with you. You have gumption, and I like that. I’d never force anyone to mate with me, but when I become the Alpha of the pack, would you consider allowing me to court you?”
“And Taryn?” Nadia drawled, her lips too cold to smile.
“Of course.” Isaac stood.
She liked the logical side of him. Heck. He was all logic. “I see.”
He cleared his throat. “However, just to be fair, I need a true Alpha female. One who can protect the pack, and I have doubts that you have the skills needed.”
Ouch. “I’m a great planner and organizer,” she murmured. Wait a second. Why was she trying to convince him of anything?
“I’m sure.” He nodded, his gaze serious. “Yet you don’t act like an Alpha. Taryn does. She knows her power.”
Was he talking himself out of courting her? Not that she wanted to be courted, but still. Did he have a point? “I wasn’t raised in the pack,” she murmured. Plus, she did lack fighting skills. Perhaps that mattered more than she realized. She’d have to think about it. Later. At home, in bed, once warm. Reluctantly, she turned back toward the rapidly swaying bridge. “Ugh. I guess we’d better?—”
A massive black wolf lunged down from above, smashing into them both.
Nadia screamed, falling toward the edge.
