"Trust no one. We may be in the middle of a pack, but there are always snakes in the grass." Diaval speaks of the secret contingent of mercenaries my people are famous for. Fangs for hire who will kill for a price at a moment's notice. I don't have the stomach for violence like my brother does. But when it comes to Feray... I pause, staring at my precious mate, and I know deep in my black heart I would turn the world to stone to secure her safety.
"I'm well aware," I state plainly.
"Let's make sure you're dressed for the occasion, little wolf." Torben scoops Feray up and ushers her into the bathroom.
Once she's out of the way, I look back toward the door and stare at it for several moments.
"The alpha being here is very interesting, don't you think? I mean, he offered to host us for dinner." I address both mythics, not directing my question to either one in particular.
"Indeed..." Easton states as he pulls out a suit and starts changing. His entire demeanor has shifted since the mention of the dinner invitation.
"What do you mean, indeed?" I move closer to watch him prepare.
"That's easy. We've suspected corruption on the council." He motions between himself and Diaval. "The council and the witch council have had an understanding for the last several hundred years." Diaval arches a brow, and suddenly the picture is crystal clear.
The arranged matings. The way the girls were singled out. Everything makes sense now.
"He wants to see if she took a mate beyond Torben and me." I pace as I ponder the meaning. "A Luna is only as strong as her pack. He knew we needed to come here." My head whips up. I stare at Diaval, then Easton. They nod.
"Either he's going to mislead us or help us," Diaval states. "I don't trust him as far as you can throw my dragon."
"I'll be ready for it."
Feray steps out of the bathroom wearing a strapless black dress, allowing her bites and Diaval's scale to be on display. There's a fresh hickey on her neck, and we all know what Torben did to settle her nerves. My mouth goes dry at the sight of her. Fierce. Beautiful. Ours.
"Are you sure? He's another wolf..." Easton moves closer and looks her over. He runs his fingers through her hair, freeing his feather and moving it to lie in front, taking a prominent place. He leans in, kisses her cheek, then passes her off to me.
"Do you know where we're going, Precious?" I press my lips to her temple and breathe in her scent deeply. Even though my sense of smell is muted compared to hers, I love her scent.
"We need to head to the alpha house." She heads toward the door, and we walk out into the street. Turning her nose to the wind, she goes left, heading up the street.
"It feels strange to be in the middle of a pack and not see any wolves." She grips my hand tighter.
"What do you mean?" I give her hand a squeeze to encourage her.
"They're scared." She glances at me and smiles. "They're scared, and I feel it." An easy, confident smile crosses her lips as she turns slightly to face me.
"Once the prey, now the predator..." She arches a brow, then glances over at Diaval for approval. He gives her a smile and a nod.
"Does their fear please you?" My curiosity is piqued as I stare at this more confident version of my mate.
"No, but I'm not concerned that they may attack me." She kisses my cheek. "We're going to be late if we don't pick up the pace." Feray gives my hand a squeeze before looking over her shoulder at Diaval.
What is my feisty little minx up to?
Chapter 25
Feray
When I sleep,my wolf teaches me about wolven politics. She tells me that through the Luna line, knowledge is passed down generation to generation. Roman is of the old school of thought—females are meant to be seen and not heard. He already tried to dominate me once and failed.
"Diaval, I need you..." I extend my hand and take hold of his when he approaches.
"I sense a wicked plan, my eternal." He arches a brow with a twisted grin.
"I will not bow or break. I smell the scent of several elders from the pack in that house. They will try to get me to submit." I meet his eyes with fierce determination. "They will fail." My wolf bolsters my confidence, and for once, I don't feel like a frightened little girl anymore.
"There's the Luna I've been waiting to see." Diaval caresses my cheek and releases my hand. "You need to walk these last steps alone." I understand what he means. To lean on him and his ancient power will only make me look weak.
