We walked across the burned blades of grass. It looked like a recent fire had scorched the land, but Astra had explained it was just the sudden loss of alpha magic when Red died.
Rab gave me a long side-glance and I growled. “What?”
He chuckled. “I can’t believe our last remaining alpha is a city wolf.”
I rolled my eyes. “I can’t believe you’re related to sweet and charming Arrow.”
His lips twitched into a half grin and then fell. “I can’t believe Red died so that you could live…”
I stopped walking, my throat tightening as his words. “Hey, that was a low blow.”
He shook his head. “No, what I meant was … I can’t believe that Red crossed over Ithaki land to save a city wolf who happened to be his long-lost granddaughter.”
Oh.
“Yes it was … synchronistic.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so,” he sighed, looking deeply into my eyes before inhaling through his nose, as if smelling me. “I think he knew. I think on some level he knew who you were.”
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from crying. I wished I had gotten to meet the old man, to know him. I tried to think back to our conversation, and any indication that he knew we were related.
“Rab! Food’s getting cold. Get your butt in here!” a female yelled down the street, and I grinned at the sassy way she spoke to him.
“Oh, I’m going to like her.” I let the amusement play out on my features as he scowled at me. He stalked off toward the beautiful woman standing in the red doorway who was waving us over, and I followed him.
As we approached, I examined her closer. She looked to be about mid-twenties with her brown hair in a long silky braid over one shoulder. She had those intense almond shaped turquoise eyes, and a smattering of freckles across her nose that made her look young and innocent. I swallowed hard when my gaze went to her abdomen and I noticed her belly was swollen with pregnancy.
“Hello, Demi. I’m Willow.” She smiled at me and bowed her head slightly in greeting.
“You’re pregnant,” I said stupidly, instead of actually greeting her like a normal person. That’s why she invited me; she didn’t want her baby to be born human. This was all a part of their plan.
Oh Lord.
The guilt trip was being laid so thick I could barely breathe.
She nodded. “Only four months along, but yeah.” She grinned at Rab. He reached over and rubbed her belly as the smells of something savory filtered out to us on the porch.
“Come on in.” She stepped back and ushered me inside.
I gingerly crossed the threshold, the guilt of her unborn baby weighing on me with each step. If I didn’t go into the Dark Woods and find that damn cave, then her baby would be born human … without a wolf.
I swallowed hard, looking around her home. It was similar to my guest cottage but seemed more lived in. She had the table set with some type of bean stew and a fresh bowl of rice. The tablecloth was a deep red, and there were some dried husks of wheat for decoration in the centerpiece. “Sorry there is nothing fresh. As you know, the crops have been failing since we lost Red.”
I paled.
“Dry rice and beans, courtesy ofWolf City,” Rab grumbled.
Willow reached out and smacked him on the back of the head. “What’s gotten into you, mate? Where is your gratitude? Would you rather your pregnant mate starve?”
Rab’s cheeks pinked and he cleared his throat. “Thank you for the food,” he half growled and sat down.
I liked her, but I frowned at Rab as we both sat down at the table. “You’re welcome,Rab.” I said his name like it was made of poison as Willow served me a plate of steaming hot beans and rice. There was also a spicy looking relish on the side.
Willow barked out a laugh. “You know his name is Rabid Wolf for a reason, right?” She bared her teeth in a mock growl and he playfully smacked her butt.
I chortled, my mouth going slack. “Rab is short for Rabid!”
He squared his shoulders, shoving a mouthful of beans into his mouth. “It’s a strong name.”
