“Sure. I think that’s a great idea. The closer the packs get, the better.”
Nadia reached for her tea and took a careful sip before nudging one of Gail’s journals farther from the edge of the table. The last thing she needed was a spill on it.
“Anyway,” Emily said, clearly waiting to drop the rest, “Mia, Luna, and I are all pregnant.”
Nadia blinked. “Well. That’s kind of amazing.” The Alpha females of each pack. “That’s actually really cool.”
“I know,” Emily said. “Hopefully the kids grow up close, uniting the packs more than ever.”
Something thoughtful settled over Nadia. Anything that strengthened the coalition was a good plan.
“You know what would be even better?” Emily asked.
Nadia leaned back from the phone, instincts already flaring. “No. No. Uh-uh. Absolutely not. I am not ready for that.”
“Oh, come on.” Emily rolled her eyes. “You and Caidrik have been explosive from the start. The tension’s been ridiculous. I knew you’d end up together.”
“We’re in the middle of challenges and fights to the death over here,” Nadia said dryly. “Let’s worry about progeny later.” Although, the image of a miniature Caidrik with his dark eyes and firm jaw flashed through her mind. He’d make adorable pups.
Emily’s eyes twinkled. “How great would it be if the Alpha females of all four packs had kids around the same time? They’d all be connected. If they grew up together, that kind of bond could keep things strong.”
Nadia exhaled slowly. “I see what you’re saying. One thing at a time, Em.”
“So long as you’ll think about it,” Emily said lightly. “It’s just a thought.”
A knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Nadia called, already frowning. Solomon was late.
“Oh, hello.” Taryn stepped inside.
Nadia glanced at her phone. “Oh—hey, Em, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
“All right,” Emily said. “Just keep what I said in mind.” The screen went dark.
As if Nadia could think about anything else right now. She set the phone aside and shook her head once, trying to clear it. “Taryn. How are you?”
“I’m great.” Today Taryn wore black pants and a soft blue sweater that brought out the color of her eyes. Snow still clung to her boots, melting slowly onto the entry rug. The air followed her in, cold and sharp, stirring the faint scent of pine and smoke already lingering in the house. “I wanted to check on you.”
Nadia lifted her wrist slightly. “I’m fine. It finally healed.”
“That’s good.” Taryn’s gaze flicked to the bandage and then away.
“Would you like some tea?”
“Oh no, thanks. I’m not drinking tea in this territory,” Taryn said dryly.
Fair enough and not dumb at all. Nadia cleared her throat. “I wanted to thank you for the rescue last night. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you, Caidrik, and Solomon hadn’t shown up.”
“Well, we did,” Taryn said lightly. “So everything’s okay.” She shifted her weight. “I checked on Luca. He’s fine. Pretty pissed off, though. He’s still sorting through how many of the Ravencall wolves actually turned against him.”
Nadia felt for the guy. He’d given a heck of a fight the night before. “That can’t be easy.”
“He’s diplomatic,” Taryn said. “I think he’ll get his pack in line once things settle here.” She hesitated, then looked directly at Nadia. “Have you decided to align with Caidrik?”
“Yes.” Nadia didn’t hedge. “I think Luca’s a good man and he could make a solid Alpha. But Caidrik’s better for this pack. I’m aligning with him.”
Taryn nodded slowly. “I’m considering aligning with Luca,” she said. “But I’m still not sure you and Caidrik make the best pair. No offense.”
