“How’s he holding up?” Nell asks.
“Still an asshole, if that’s what you were wondering.”
“Atta boy,” Qinnu chuckles.
Chapter 24
VESSA
When I turn the knob to the Alpha’s bedroom, the familiar aroma of mahogany fills my senses. I easily could bask in the shadowy ambiance and cozy smell all afternoon, but I do have a purpose for sneaking in here. The man requested a fresh change of clothes.
Leisurely, I find my way over to the closet. I imagine most of the clothes hanging in here have been personally tailored to fit his intimidating frame. Several pairs of jeans and dark trousers made of thick cotton canvas are folded on the lowest shelf—still six inches above my head. The tier to my left holds several sets of boots, each pair designed for combat of some degree. Tucked in the very back are his old uniforms from his time in the army. The blue and tan fabrics are rugged and stained in a few places. Proof that he must’ve seen action overseas.
My fingers stroke the letters of the name etched opposite a square chest pocket that designates his former rank. When I look up, something catches my eye with a squeal of delight. On the very top shelf rests a dark leather cattleman hat, the rimbent slightly inward.Oh,I’d like to stick around for the day he reaches for that.
A voice from the hall startles me into action, snatching the first shirt and pants in my reach. Nell. “There you are. I was starting to think you’d curled up for a nap in there.”
I frown at the nosey intruder. “When were you going to inform me that Axe’s birthday is next week?”
The question had been stewing in my head since yesterday, when I noticed the event discreetly marked on his calendar propped under the sconce at his bedside. March 23rd:Another one down.Along with another important occurrence, just three days before—the next full moon.
Thank the gods.
Nell cocks a brow in amusement. “Why would I? The man loathes his birthday. He can’t be reasoned with and quite franklyis impossibleto find a gift for. I gave up trying years ago.”
I shrug. “I don’t know, I might have a good shot. I have decent taste.”
“Says the person who voluntarily eats black licorice.”
Nell follows me out the door, shutting it tight. Abruptly changing the subject, she squeaks, “So, what did you think of Solmuk? Does he still strut around with his perfect gentleman façade?”
“I knew I sensed something there.”
There’s a glimmer of pain in Nell’s eyes that’s impossible to conceal with sarcasm.
Treading lightly, I ask, “You fell in love with a human?”
She stiffens, taking her first step down the stairwell.
“Aren’t lycans allowed to be in other relationships before their mate comes along?”
“Yes,” Nell says. “But the nature of a human relationship is different from ours. Typically, when wolves seek partners prior to finding their mates, it is to fulfill a primal need. Love andintimacy . . . those feelings don’t typically show up until you find your true match. To feel such intense emotions for someone who isn’t your bonded, and for him to be a human at that . . . some of our elders, those most devoted to the Luna goddess, might call it blasphemous.”
My face contorts. “As if we have any control over who our heart wants.”
Almost instantly, Dominik’s voice comes to mind.Humans always have a choice. Remember that.
“Right? We were eighteen. An entire year together, and not once did Solmuk inform me of a crucial detail pertaining to his obligation to the clan. Each year on the spring equinox, Chief Kismet and her family host a meal inviting the Skornokovys and a few members of the pack to the property. I wasn’t planning on going, but Demi—big surprise—insisted. When I stepped in line to fill my plate, I saw Solmuk out of the corner of my eye. Sitting next to a girl he was supposed to marry the following summer. Needless to say, I was mortified. Demi—she wanted to strangle him,” she admits. “But if either of us put our hands on him, it would’ve been the end of our precious alliance.”
“He came to find me later that night,” Nell continues. “Tried to explain it all away, saying that he had begged his grandmother to rescind the betrothal. Apparently, it was made a year before the two of us met. He was struggling to find the right time tell me. But if he really loved me, he would’ve broken tradition.”
“That’s awful. Truly, I’m sorry.”
“Eh, don’t be. I found a way to get over himrealquick.”
“Oh?”
Nell glances around furtively. “As Luna, you’re eventually going to become a vault for everyone’s secrets. I love Cora to pieces, but she can’t keep one to save her life.”
