Caidrik didn’t answer, but he appreciated the assurance.
“I hope you’re going to stay for dinner,” Luna said. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, Nadia. Even though we didn’t really get a chance to know each other, I’ve kept track of everything through Emily.”
Nadia’s expression softened. “She’s home with Jackson right now. I miss her.”
“Yeah,” Luna said. “We’re going to get together a lot more.”
The hope that filled Nadia’s eyes hit Caidrik square in the chest. She wanted this. Connection. Packs working together instead of standing alone. He didn’t fully trust the other packs yet, but maybe it was time to close ranks. Attacks from outsiders kept coming. Holding everyone at arm’s length wasn’t working anymore.
Erik cleared his throat. “How solid is the pack?”
Caidrik stiffened. “Very. We’re a bit unsettled right now as we go through these trials, but we’re ready to fight if anybody tries to infiltrate our territory. I’m surprised you asked.”
Erik grinned. “I’m not making a move, Caidrik. We’ve just watched the Ravencalls, the Ghostwinds, and the Nightvein packs circling closer to your territory.”
The hair prickled down Caidrik’s neck. “Two of the challengers for the Alpha position have connections to other packs, including the Ravencalls and Ghostwinds. But Nightvein? That’s new.” All three were wandering packs without true territory.
Erik nodded. “I figured. We’ve been watching Nightvein for a while. They’re ready to expand, and they want territory. A fight is coming, just so you know.”
A fight was always coming.
Caidrik glanced at Erik. “We need to send word back to the Slate Pack that we’re both okay.”
“I already did,” Erik said. “We sent out an all-call. Apparently the two of you disappeared, and nobody knows more than that.”
Nadia winced. “Does anybody know what happened to Isaac?” she asked quietly.
“Who?” Erik asked.
“That’s what I thought,” she murmured. “He was one of the challengers.”
Erik looked from one of them to the other. “Are the challenges really to the death?”
“Yes,” Caidrik said flatly, unease edging through him.
It was a fact he couldn’t forget again.
Chapter 14
They ran as wolves from Copper Pack territory, cutting through stretches of human land before reaching Slate Pack territory. Several of Erik’s wolves escorted them part of the way, their scents steady and familiar. When it was time to split off, the Copper wolves bid them goodbye with sharp yips before turning back.
As they crossed fully into Slate Pack land, wolves were already waiting.
Seriously.
Nadia slowed, disbelief flickering through her even as she kept moving. The pack members were clearly happy to see them. She could feel the welcome in the air, the relief and excitement rolling off familiar scents. Still, laws were laws, and apparently that meant Caidrik had to endure yet another trial.
She didn’t wait around.
Nadia headed straight for the family home and ran inside, shifting back to human as she went. Warmth wrapped around her almost immediately. She stood in a hot shower in no time, steam filling the bathroom as she leaned her forehead against the tile and let herself breathe. It had been wonderful seeing her old friends again. The happiness lingered, buoying her thoughts as she started cataloging possibilities.
Maybe they could link Slate Pack and Copper Pack territory through a series of farms that connected their lands. They’d have to buy some of the property from humans, but such a plan might be workable. She would love to farm with her old friends again, and the endeavor would help both packs.
She finished showering, finally warm, and pulled on thick pajamas and wonderfully plush socks. Her muscles loosened as the chill faded.
Hopefully Caidrik was safe and not being forced to jump into more freezing water. Her body was deliciously sore from her night with him, and her anxiety way up. Feelings swamped her, and she tried to focus. The guy was overwhelming, and she wanted him. Again. Maybe forever.
But what was best for him? For the pack?
