She shoots me a look of intrigue but doesn’t ask any questions when we arrive at the front door of the only flower shop in town.
“You like flowers, right?” I prop the door open, stopping the bell mid-ring. “What’s your favorite?”
“Calla lilies,” she answers.
I haven’t the slightest idea what the hell a calla looks like, but I stroll inside with a mission. Five minutes later, I return to Vessa’s side, handing her a small arrangement of deep-violet blooms. It’s the least I can do after being a dick last night. The sight of those scars flooded my system with murderous impulses, so intense that I overlooked the glimmer of shame in her eye. The truth that at one point, she had been in such desolate pain that she’d resorted to harming herself. Had I not pressed her for an answer, I wouldn’t have forced her to relive that.
Snowflakes silently drift around us. One kisses the tip of her nose and disintegrates. Vessa clutches the bouquet close to her chest. The color suits her. But she doesn’t smile like I’d hoped. Her eyes go glassy. Beholding them, I lean in slightly, studying the thin maple rings that ripple outward like the center of a tree. Rather than try to count the years, something tells me that I should be counting secrets.
We make it as far as the front door to the café before a whistle stops me in my tracks. Catching Qinnu's vetiver scent, I spot him waiting for a catering van to pass before crossing the street.What's he doing here?He should be conducting afternoon drill at the top of the hour. And by that, I mean watching his cadets wrestle each other and toss his maniac toddler around like a football.
Releasing the door handle, I frown. “Who let you off diaper duty?”
“Good one,” he grunts.
Vessa's eyes bulge as she takes him in. We don't call him “bulldozer” for nothing. He’s outrageously jacked. Personally, I prefer Nell's term of endearment—jackass. Qinnu is third incommand, should the Betas be removed. Though he's cocky enough to lead, I think he'd tear off his fingernails before willingly sorting through file cabinets.
"Vessa," I clear my throat. "This is Qinnu Lorray. He is one of the two captains of our warrior stronghold. Here, they are referred to as Sentinels."
Qinnu dips his head to my companion. "Pleased to meet you, miss. I'm sorry to intrude. Believe me, if this didn't require the Alpha’s immediate attention, I would report to him once you both returned."
A holster sags around his waist. On his left hip rests a nine millimeter pistol, securely fashioned. Strapped around both calves are knives. Patrons seated at the window are also beginning to ogle the weapons.
Shifting my back to obstruct their view, I keep my voice low. "What is it?"
He cringes, scratching at his beard. "Colton showed up right after you left. Tesni’s unit is working on pushing out his entourage, but he won't leave without facing you. He’s officially declared a challenge.”
Chapter 10
VESSA
So much for sneaking that phone call to Maurleen. It looks like the only way I can contact her now is by writing. Which I need to do as soon as possible.
I don’t realize how long I've been holding my breath until Qinnu pulls his truck into the familiar stone-paved driveway of Lupine Manor, parking it right next to Axe’s. The second he heard the word “challenge” come out of the male’s mouth, he took off running, leaving me alone with yet another supervisor.
Once I climb out of the vehicle, Qinnu meets me on the other side, blocking me. His dark brown hair is wild and curly, flowing well past his shoulders. Swirling flames cover nearly every inch muscle, save for his brawny face. I don’t know which is more intimidating—his septum piercing or his gargantuan size that rivals Axe. The strength and raw masculine energy oozing from the men when I stood between them earlier was . . . mildly flustering.
The Sentinel’s features harden. "You need to be here for this. Not showing your face would be shameful on the Alpha's behalf."
"I understand."
I almost squeak as Qinnu picks me up and breaks into a jog, gunning for the Great Lodge. How he can run and speak without gasping for air is beyond comprehension.
"I don’t think you do, Vessa. Colton Sherwood has been calculating ways to strip the Skornokovys of the Commander title since Demitrya took over as Alpha. He wasn’t the only one to question her legitimacy. She didn’t inherit an augment like her brothers.”
Unfortunately, it’s a valid motive. Augments are heightened sensory abilities, unique to Alpha wolves. Having such a gift gives them an edge over other lycans who may try to assert dominance and is usually the reason why the commandership is maintained by the same families over generations.
“Once Axe was discharged from the military and officially assumed his sister’s duties, Colton started coming around constantly, undermining his judgment and escalating tension with wolves to the east. Now that he's decided to claim a human, Colton thinks he's finally got what he needs to unite the other packs and make his move."
My heart skips a beat. "Has Axe broken any laws by bringing me here?"
"Not exactly. But I’m sure Colton won't be the first to challenge him. Other packs might take your presence here as a show of weakness."
I think of Wyatt and Maurleen, struggling to fit in with the other mated pairs in Glacier Meadow. How harshly they were ostracized for sheltering me. "I never meant to cause any trouble."
He veers around the back of the log building. Dozens of people have already encircled the area between the main house and the dining lodge, where a snarling shirtless man waits in the center, chest puffing, nostrils flaring as my scent is confirmed.
The adrenaline pumping through me ramps up at the sight of the circle parting, allowing Axe through. He too has removed his shirt and boots, but he’s bigger. Broader. And younger, with lightning-charged fury in his eyes. I can’t help but ogle at the side profile of his chiseled figure. As he turns, his back takes my breath away. Ink like Qinnu’s spans across the canvas of his shoulder, all the way down his thick forearm. Marking the center of his spine are two crossing spears which delineate four quadrants of intricate runes. A warrior’s coat of arms.
