She’d already called Gail, who hadn’t been able to track down any possible translation of the grimoire but promised to keep looking. Perhaps everyone had stuck to the rules and not copied any of the laws down, but wolves were rebels. She thought some of the much older pack elders might have taken a few passages down, but so far, she hadn’t found anything. She’d also checked the school library, top to bottom, to no avail.
So, she currently compared the translations in Gail's journals in an effort to learn the ancient language. Her knowledge was coming along nicely. The pages had started to make sense to her, and anticipation licked through her. Yeah, she loved learning.
She recognized the word wolf in several places. Thank goodness these were translated. In fact, as a language, it was fairly easy to pick up. Maybe it was something they should teach in the schools again. She didn't like the idea of old languages being completely lost and would pitch that idea at the next school board meeting. It'd be nice to return to some of the traditions even while they welcomed new advances and innovations.
Her phone buzzed and she looked down to see her sister requesting a video call. She clicked on the button. “Hey Em, how are you?”
Emily came into view, looking lovely with her blonde hair piled on top of her head. “Fantastic. I wanted to double check how you were feeling.”
“I’m fine.”
Emily squinted through the screen. “You have a very nice glow to you. That Caidrik, huh? Again?”
Nadia grinned. “Yes, though we're supposed to stay away from each other if we're not in the middle of a trial.”
Delight lifted Emily’s pink lips. “Ha. Not a chance. That guy has been watching you very closely, let me tell you. Although, you’re right. That rule is dumb. You should get your hands on that grimoire and see if there's a way out of the situation. My guess is there has to be, right?”
Nadia shook her head. “I don't think so. Solomon's intent on doing a thorough job, and he was with Caidrik when they rescued me from the Ravencalls, so I think he's dedicated to it.”
“Doesn't mean he's right,” Emily said. “I've known Solomon my whole life, and he's a stickler, dude. You need to read the text yourself.”
“I know. I'm working on some translations that Gail gave me, and I might be able to read some of it when Solomon gets here.” Anticipation lit inside her. “I'm looking forward to it, in fact.”
Emily looked around and then returned to the phone. “Good. For now, I have something to tell you.”
Nadia straightened slightly, the quiet morning seeming to hold its breath with her. “What?”
“I'm not really telling anybody else yet, but guess what?”
“What?” Nadia’s voice dropped without her meaning it to, sliding into a hush as if the walls might overhear.
Happiness burst across Emily’s face. “I’m pregnant.”
“No way.” Nadia grinned, her heart doing a strange, full twist in her chest. “That’s wonderful.”
“It’s a little before the wedding,” Emily added, already smiling wider, “but that’s okay.”
It was nice to see her sister so happy. “You’re mated, so who cares? This is fantastic. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Emily leaned closer to the screen. “So you know what this means, right?”
Nadia didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. I’m going to be an aunt.” That, somehow, felt like the most important thing in the world right now.
Emily snorted. “Yes, you are. Very true. Very, very true. And don’t tell Dad yet. He’s still on that cruise and I don’t want him worrying.”
“Okay. I won’t tell a soul.” The promise came easily, and warmth settled low in her ribs at the trust in it. She wished, not for the first time, that they’d known each other growing up. That this closeness hadn’t come so late. “Is Jackson over the moon?”
Emily rolled her eyes. “Actually, he’s being a complete pain in the ass. He thinks I need to sit all the time. I am not a sitter.”
Amusement bubbled through Nadia. “That’s kind of sweet.”
“It is. Annoying. But sweet.”
“You’re getting married at the end of the month,” Nadia said. “So hopefully things settle by then.” She glanced around the quiet kitchen, snow still pressing against the windows.
Emily nodded. “I want the wedding in Slate Pack territory, like we talked about. Pretty much all of Jackson’s pack will come, so it’ll be a good mixer. A good way for everyone to meet.”
“That will work perfectly. I’d like to talk to a couple of your city planners,” Nadia went on. “If we’re serious about developing shared farming land, we need to start now.”
