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)
“I think he went out scouting,” Nadia said.
The door opened, and heavy footsteps echoed across the stone floor. Enforcers shifted subtly, hands moving closer to weapons, eyes tracking the entrance.
“My goodness,” Paco muttered. “I’ve had enough of all these people.” He smiled at Helena. “I was thinking about getting some coffee. Would you like to join me, ma’am?”
“I would,” Helena said lightly, “but I need to speak with my son.”
Nadia knew those footsteps. Awareness rushed through her body so fast it almost knocked the breath out of her. She angled her head. “Caidrik. Hi.”
He walked inside, gaze sweeping the room, clocking everyone in seconds. “What’s all this?”
Nadia looked around. “Farming plans. Any news about Luca?”
Caidrik’s jaw flexed. “Margaret said he didn’t make it, and she was trying to contact his people for instructions as to burial.”
Oh no. Nadia fought nausea. That was so sad.
“Do you think Bulwark did it?” Helena asked.
“I don’t know,” Caidrik said. “I scouted and couldn’t find any scent of him around the house.”
Helena swallowed. “That’s why I wanted to get ahold of you. One of my enforcers called.”
Caidrik’s head snapped up. “Yeah? How are the Nightveins?”
“They’re good. I’ve had them stay out of the territory until an Alpha is chosen, but they’re over on the east side. They say the Ravencalls are making moves. They’re edging closer to the pack territory.”
Caidrik glanced at Nadia. “That’s not good,” he said, rubbing a hand through his thick hair. Man, he looked devastatingly handsome. Focused and dangerous. She wished she could let the scent of him flow freely, but she didn’t want to cause more problems.
He looked at Solomon. “I’m done with this whole trial situation. I need to take over as Alpha. I’m the last one standing.”
“Yes,” Solomon said calmly. “I’m aware. There’s one more challenge. The same one every Alpha has to do. It starts tomorrow at dawn and takes all day. I’ll give you the instructions when dawn arrives. Just so you know, Philip completed the task successfully, so I have no doubt you can. Once you do, we’ll have the ceremony.”
“Good,” Helena breathed.
“Yes,” Solomon added. “After you’re named as the Alpha, you can claim your trophy.” He grimaced as he looked at Nadia and then Taryn. “And hopefully change the archaic laws so I never have to use that word again when talking about a female.”
Caidrik nodded. “That sounds like a plan.” His phone buzzed. He lifted it to his ear. “When? Now? You’re sure?” He paused. “Okay. Do an all-call for soldiers and enforcers. Meet at the football bleachers in twenty minutes.”
Nadia blinked as awareness slid down her spine.
He clicked off. “I need you and everybody to take cover. I’ll have four enforcers on the house.” He looked at Taryn, then his mother. “Why don’t you go to the main house as well? I can keep all of you contained in one place.”
Solomon stiffened. “I can fight if necessary.”
“It’s necessary,” Caidrik said.
“What’s going on?” Nadia asked quietly.
His jaw clenched. “The Ravencalls are edging up to our eastern line, and apparently the Ghostwinds just crossed the northern boundary. They’re coming for us.”
Her stomach lurched. “You think they’re working together?”
Caidrik shoved his phone back into his pocket. “I think it’s a distinct possibility. With Luca out of commission and me having killed Merritt, I can see them making an agreement.” He shook his head. “I don’t like separating the pack, but we’re going to need to hit them at both lines.” He glanced at Solomon. “Be ready in fifteen.” His voice lowered again. “Nadia, walk me out.”
Taryn rolled her eyes, Helena smiled, and Nadia’s heart leaped. She hurried forward and took his hand as he led her outside, the enforcers moving across the street to give them space.
“How are you doing?” he asked, gaze probing.
“I’m good. I mean, my molecules feel like they’re popping left and right, and I’m having to work pretty hard not to say anything or smell like you.”
“Ditto,” he said. “Did I hurt you last night?” His thumb traced her cheek gently.
Her knees wobbled. “No. I’m fine. I just want everything settled.”
“So do I.” He leaned in and kissed her hard. “This time, listen to me. You stay at the house with enforcers all around.”
“There’s nothing I’d love more,” she admitted. It would give her plenty of time to go through the grimoire. Solomon couldn’t take it with him to fight, now could he?
Caidrik had never fought so hard or felt so responsible for other people. His pack. He’d kill or die for them. The mating with Nadia had taken root, and he felt her connection to the Slate members. Strong.
Caidrik hit the Ghostwind line already bloody.
The Ravencall wolves had been the first wave, loud and arrogant, pushing hard along the eastern boundary and not expecting a decent fight. They’d miscalculated.
The Slate Pack had met them fast and deep, driving them back with teeth and weight and discipline. Caidrik had torn through the front ranks himself, snapping necks, crushing throats, and sending the rest scattering back into the trees. Ravencall broke easier than he’d hoped.