“I’m so sorry,” I murmured to no one in particular, even as my chest squeezed painfully.
Gael slapped me on the shoulder. “You didn’t do this. Varga did this. And you have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I could have stopped him.” The words cut so deeply because they weretrue.
Petró may have been the leader of the Hungarian pack by birthright, but it was my own reticence to step forward and challenge him after his father died that hadallowedthis to happen. I was stronger than him, but felt my place was with the pack, protecting the women, children, and elderly he left unprotected as he took the males on his “hunts.” It had never even occurred to me to challenge him for control.
It had occurred to Lucien, though. It was one of many reasons I was happy to be his second.
Shame filled me at my own shortcomings, multiplied by the fact that the Blackwater pack—including our new Hungarian pack Alpha—had dealt with so much yet still extended the hand of friendship to us instead of wiping us off the map.
It would have been their right. But they chose not to, and it was humbling.
“This was such unnecessary destruction,” I finally said, trying to shake off the haze of dark emotions that were trying to swallow me. “But we will make it right.”
Gael eyed me curiously. “I know you work around the pack town, but… this is a lot to take on.”
I shrugged a shoulder. “Hard work doesn’t bother me. Besides, I’m good at stone work.”
He laughed, eyeing the blackened castle with obvious trepidation. “Anything you’re not good at?”
My gaze caught on Elodie, standing about ten feet away, where Leigh leaned against her shoulder as the women all discussed the dismal living arrangements. “Plenty.”
Chapter 19
Elodie
As soon as we were out of the SUVs and into the castle, somewhat settled into one of the freshly prepared family rooms, I pulled Brielle aside and told her my suspicions about Leigh. She took my analysis seriously, which surprised me.
“Hydration is always a good first step, so I’m glad you got her to drink. I’ll tell her I’d like a checkup, and if there’s anything else, my wolf will take care of it.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, feeling oddly anxious about the way she was looking at me, as if she approved. For an ambitious woman, I was somehow uncomfortable with praise, whether spoken or implied.
She shocked the shit out of me when she pulled me in for a hard hug, squeezing me tight before she let me go. “You’re an excellent addition to our pack, you know that? I’m glad we have you. Although, I have a feeling you’ll be officially a member of the Hungarian pack one of these days?”
“Uhh—”
Brielle must have seen the panic on my face because she threw her head back and laughed. “I’m sorry. It’s just funny to see someone as tough as you panicked over the idea of a matebond. Don’t worry, though. It will work out how it’s supposed to.”
One more quick squeeze, and she was off to Leigh’s side to check on her and the baby.
I was ridiculously grateful to have the spotlight anywhere but on me.
Shay stood by the door, watching us all with a quietly amused expression. “I’m going to see about food,” I told her as I left.
Her silent grin told me she saw right through me, but hey, Leigh was surely going to want to eat when Bri was done with her, right? That had to be a pregnancy cliché for a reason.
I bumped into Dirge in the hallway, arms crossed over his chest, brooding so quietly it was loud in the enclosed space.
“Sorry.” A quick nod his way, and then I moved to skirt him, on a mission.
“Elodie.” I paused, the usually quiet male a little unnerving, even to a trained warrior like me.
After a long pause where he said nothing else, I prodded. “Yes?”
He tapped his temple. “Shay is worried that Brielle’s shielding potion from the bonding ceremony is wearing off. She’s sensing more of her omega signature. Thought you should know, but she didn’t want to freak anyone out in case she was wrong.”
Shit.
