Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
He took a seat next to Nadia on a thick sofa as the other two did the same, across a small table from him. He accepted the champagne and handed one flute to Nadia.
“So,” Erik said, looking between them. “How’s it going?”
Nadia crossed her legs and tucked her feet beneath her.
Luna’s gaze dropped immediately. “Oh my gosh. Do you need socks?”
“No, I’m fine,” Nadia said, lifting the champagne flute and taking a sip. Her eyes lit. “Oh. This is good.”
Luna laughed softly, glancing at the glass. “Yeah. It’s one of my favorites.” She reached into the massive cargo pants she was wearing and pulled out a water bottle. “I miss it. Only a few more months.”
Erik wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer on the sofa. Luna fit against him easily, almost disappearing into his side. She was tiny compared to him, but the way they leaned into each other said everything. They were solid. Happy. Caidrik noted it without meaning to, the stability of it settling somewhere deep.
“We’ve started farming the land you suggested,” Erik said, turning his attention back to Nadia. “I’d like to request your assistance, though. Any chance you could come work with us for a week or two?”
“No,” Caidrik said shortly, the word leaving his mouth before he’d fully decided to say it.
Nadia shot him a look and then smiled politely. “Once we get everything settled, I’d be more than happy to come help with the farming land. That’s what I do. I plan well.”
“All right,” Erik said easily, though his gaze sharpened a touch.
Caidrik remained relaxed, liking her against his side. Safe and protected, where he could take her down if there was any danger. “But she’d have enforcers with her the entire time.”
Erik barely hid a smile. “You can send all the enforcers you want. I guarantee her safety.”
Caidrik didn’t answer, but he appreciated the assurance.
“I hope you’re going to stay for dinner,” Luna said. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, Nadia. Even though we didn’t really get a chance to know each other, I’ve kept track of everything through Emily.”
Nadia’s expression softened. “She’s home with Jackson right now. I miss her.”
“Yeah,” Luna said. “We’re going to get together a lot more.”
The hope that filled Nadia’s eyes hit Caidrik square in the chest. She wanted this. Connection. Packs working together instead of standing alone. He didn’t fully trust the other packs yet, but maybe it was time to close ranks. Attacks from outsiders kept coming. Holding everyone at arm’s length wasn’t working anymore.
Erik cleared his throat. “How solid is the pack?”
Caidrik stiffened. “Very. We’re a bit unsettled right now as we go through these trials, but we’re ready to fight if anybody tries to infiltrate our territory. I’m surprised you asked.”
Erik grinned. “I’m not making a move, Caidrik. We’ve just watched the Ravencalls, the Ghostwinds, and the Nightvein packs circling closer to your territory.”
The hair prickled down Caidrik’s neck. “Two of the challengers for the Alpha position have connections to other packs, including the Ravencalls and Ghostwinds. But Nightvein? That’s new.” All three were wandering packs without true territory.
Erik nodded. “I figured. We’ve been watching Nightvein for a while. They’re ready to expand, and they want territory. A fight is coming, just so you know.”
A fight was always coming.
Caidrik glanced at Erik. “We need to send word back to the Slate Pack that we’re both okay.”
“I already did,” Erik said. “We sent out an all-call. Apparently the two of you disappeared, and nobody knows more than that.”
Nadia winced. “Does anybody know what happened to Isaac?” she asked quietly.
“Who?” Erik asked.
“That’s what I thought,” she murmured. “He was one of the challengers.”
Erik looked from one of them to the other. “Are the challenges really to the death?”
“Yes,” Caidrik said flatly, unease edging through him.
It was a fact he couldn’t forget again.
Chapter 14
They ran as wolves from Copper Pack territory, cutting through stretches of human land before reaching Slate Pack territory. Several of Erik’s wolves escorted them part of the way, their scents steady and familiar. When it was time to split off, the Copper wolves bid them goodbye with sharp yips before turning back.
As they crossed fully into Slate Pack land, wolves were already waiting.
Seriously.
Nadia slowed, disbelief flickering through her even as she kept moving. The pack members were clearly happy to see them. She could feel the welcome in the air, the relief and excitement rolling off familiar scents. Still, laws were laws, and apparently that meant Caidrik had to endure yet another trial.
She didn’t wait around.
Nadia headed straight for the family home and ran inside, shifting back to human as she went. Warmth wrapped around her almost immediately. She stood in a hot shower in no time, steam filling the bathroom as she leaned her forehead against the tile and let herself breathe. It had been wonderful seeing her old friends again. The happiness lingered, buoying her thoughts as she started cataloging possibilities.