“No. But this isn’t a hotel. It’s a familyhome.”
From what I could see through the glass wall of windows separating the living room from the deck was that the Adirondacks and charming teak tables had been removed and replaced by plain picnic tables, the sort with attached benches. Dozens of them from the looks of it. They were lined up in two neat rows and topped with pitchers of drinks, thermoses of tea and coffee, and platters of breakfastofferings.
A handful of Creeks were already seated, digging into the food. As I stepped out, the loud chewing noises subsided and hunched backs straightened. And then heads perkedup.
Only two were familiar—the Alpha’s and herdaughter’s.
“Sandy, look who stopped by to see you,” Aidansaid.
28
Cassandra’snarrow jaw moved as she chewed on whatever was in her mouth. After swallowing, she wiped her lips with a napkin. “I was expectin’ yousooner.”
My heart began to stampede inside my chest. Was walking into this den of wolves alone a poor idea? Would I leave here alive and in onepiece?
I lifted my chin a notch to show I wasn’t scared, hoping they wouldn’t associate the pounding behind my ribs with fear. What else would they associate it with,though?
“Can we speak in private,Sandra?”
She smiled at me. “You may call me Sandy. All my wolvesdo.”
“I’m not yourwolf.”
Her smile strengthened, and although she didn’t utter the word,yet, I could see its shape take form on her bluish lips. She rose and stepped over the bench. A shapeless tunic that seemed made of tarp dropped to just below her knees. “Would you like to take a stroll or sit in the livingroom?”
As she stepped closer, I cranked my face up. I didn’t like how small she made me feel, even though being a full head taller than me wasn’t her fault. She wasn’t even wearing shoes. Her toenails, like her fingernails, were lacquered in dark polish, and her toes were stained with dried mud and crushedgrass.
“I’m not a fan of shoes. I’m not much of a fan of clothes either, but I was told walkin’ around these populated parts naked was frownedupon.”
“Where you live in Beaver Creek is thatremote?”
“Even more so than the Rivers’ compound. Was your trip to their domainenjoyable?”
Sarah had shared the info I surmised. I found myself gaping up at the small balconies in front of each room, wondering if my friend was standing on one ofthem.
When Cassandra raised her head to study the log façade, I shot my gaze away. I couldn’t have her wondering what or who I was lookingfor.
“A walk sounds good, but not in the woods. Right here in theclearing.”
The Creek Alpha turned the full force of her blue gaze to me. “I got no plans on murderin’ you,Candy.”
“My name’s notCandy.”
“Sorry. Must’ve slipped mymind.”
I doubted it had. As we walked side by side toward the stairs built into the porch, I heard footsteps behind us and glanced over my shoulder. “Tell your cousin not to followus.”
“Aidan. You heard the girl. Leave usbe.”
After a beat, I asked, “Where’s the rest of yourpack?”
“Some are runnin’. Some aresleepin’.”
“They’re all stillhere?”
“Not all of them, but most stayed. They like how fresh the air is here.” She tipped her face toward the sun and inhaled slow breaths. “What’s the nature of your visit,Ness?”
“I wanted to know if your offer to sign a peace treaty is still on thetable.”
