“No,” I answered, my stomach churning as I silently cursed myself for that fact.
“Hmm,” Xander hummed, stroking his chin. “Well, this may complicate things.”
“When is my life ever uncomplicated?”
“Never,” Rhea answered for me. “She does have a mate, Xander. Her scent and declaration alone are clear signs.”
Xander was quiet, but I could tell his mind was racing. “Well, as always, if you wish to stay here, you’re welcome to the rooms on the third floor. Dawn is fast approaching, and judging by the circles under Neera’s eyes, I would assume that your group has been awake all night.”
“Thank you, Xander,” I said and entered the alpha’s compound as he stepped aside.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Skylar Cathal
The five of us decided to share a room. None of them wanted to leave my side. I was thankful for their support and company. The last thing I wanted was to be alone right now.
We picked one of the largest rooms at the top of the staircase that overlooked the entrance to the manor, adjacent to Daxton and Castor’s quarters when they were here.
Rhea and Talon slept together in a smaller bed tucked into the far corner, while Neera decided to sleep next to me, with Shaw on my other side. The three of us easily fit into one of the overly large wooden-framed beds. As we all settled in, Neera was the first to find sleep, her head tucked into my chest, holding onto me through the final hours of the night.
I glanced to my right, looking over the top of a slumbering Shaw, to see the branches of the spruce trees dancing in the breeze through the nearby window. Winter was well underway, with frost along the edges of the windowsill framing the outside world in a beautiful, iced silhouette.
“Can’t sleep?”
I twitched, with Shaw’s voice catching me off guard.
“Gods above,” I hissed quietly. “I thought you were asleep.”
He shrugged. “You thought wrong.”
“Clearly.”
“What’s keeping you up?” Shaw whispered.
Neera stirred against me, but thankfully, she remained asleep.
“Too many things,” I replied.
“Night terrors?”
“No, not really, not anymore…” I trailed off, realizing I hadn’t had a dream about my capture since I’d arrived in Silver Meadows.
Gods, I missed him.
“That’s good,” Shaw said.
“Yours?” I dared to ask.
“They come and go, but none have ripped me from a good night’s sleep for a few years now, thankfully.” He stilled and turned onto his back to gaze at the wood panel ceiling. “Ask.”
“Ask what?”
“Really?” Shaw murmured, casting me a brazen sideways glance. His black hair, so dark it seemed to shimmer blue in the light, tumbled effortlessly over his hazel eyes. “I know you better than that, Sky. Ask me about what happened on the steps with Xander.”
“Fine.” I sighed. “Why didn’t you take the mantle? Why is Xander the beta and not you?”
I knew Xander’s well of power deemed him strong enough to hold the position of beta within our pack, along with his strength and fighting abilities. But Shaw… Shaw’s magic was undeniablymore. Their scuffle on the steps and Rhea’s comment about pretending only solidified my suspicion. I just didn’t understand why.
