Jericho is reading a book in a leather chair, the back of which rises above even his immense height, bathed in warm light from an antique lamp nearby. He’s surrounded on all sides by bookshelves, intricately carved out of rich mahogany. The shelves are stacked with leatherbound volumes, artifacts, and sculptural curiosities that sit somewhere between crazy science gizmo and art piece. Under his feet is a large rug with geometric patterns. I feel like I’ve just wandered into the Library of Alexandria.
“Max,” he says, standing to greet me, placing the paperback novel, diminutive in his massive hands, on the table beside him and reaching out to shake my hand. His grip is firmer than firm, like steel wrapping around my poor fingers. “It’s a pleasure to see you”—he lowers his gaze, pinning me to the spot—“as always.”
Gulpity gulp.
Jasper is a warm presence beside me and I wish I could reach for his hand. But I also don’t want to show weakness in front of the alpha. Even if he chews me out for having a go at him on New Year’s it’s important I stand my ground.Right?
Or maybe I should fall on my sword, drop to my knees and beg forgiveness, anything to make him stop glowering at me like that.
“It’s…nice to see you too,” I croak.
“Come in.”
I take a step but Jasper doesn’t accompany me, instead nodding to encourage me forward. With my palms raised I shake my head at him.What are you doing?To which he smiles and ushers me onward. I shoot him my best death stare then turn back to the alpha.
“That’ll be all, Jasper,” Jericho says. “I’ll send Max out when I’m done with him.”
Gulpity gulpity gulp gulp.
Jericho flashes me a toothy grin, like he’s hungry and looking for a snack to take a bite out of.
“Yes, sir.”
Jasper gives me one last encouraging nod then leaves the room, shutting the large and probably quite heavy door behind him.
“Take a look around,” Jericho says, when Jasper is gone. “You like to read?”
“Uh-huh,” I say, casting another exploratory glance across the shelves. “When I have the time.”
“Of course.” Jericho gestures to his collection of books. “The entire history of our pack is contained within these volumes. Decades of power struggles, political uprisings. And through it all the Apollo family has ruled the Elite Pack with an iron jaw.”
He comes to stand next to his chair, placing a threateningly large hand on the leather back.
“What you and Jasper are doing has never been done in the entire history of our pack.”
“I see.”I don’t see, I’m completely in the dark. What’s he getting at?
“To do what you’ve done…takes guts—the guts I thought you had.”
Whoa, wait a lunar minute? Was that a compliment?
“Sorry?” I stammer.
“The resilience and fortitude it takes to stand proudly as you and my son have done is no small feat.” Again he grins like he wants to gobble me up. “I’m proud.”
Holy smokes!
“I…uh, thanks?”
Jericho laughs, the sound reverberating in his expansive barrel chest. “I expect you thought I might be less hospitable after our last interaction.”
I rub the back of my neck. “Yeah, uh, sorry about that.”
“The truth is you were right, Max. And you weren’t afraid to tell me exactly where to stick it. I appreciate that sort of forthcomingness. That’s how I know you are the right wolf to stand by my side now during this time of uncertainty.”
“Uncertainty?”
“Yes.” He sighs and rubs his eyes, and for the first time in my life the alpha seems to shrink before me, to appear—just a little—like a normal wolf. Suddenly he looks his fifty-something years. “Not every pack is as understanding or welcoming of change as ours. You and Jasper have made quite a splash, one our rivals are willing to take advantage of.”
