nded the elders council meeting with a fummand about bonder security. As the pack leaders filed mat, Tyler fell into step i


    You seemed a million miles away in there, he said, studying my face. That vein in your forehead been doing the che che all night


    Hinsernd Bim, my focus already on schon waited mutside.


    My eyes scanned the crowd motomatically, searching for silver-both the dren and that distinctive shade of moonlight caught in dark hair


    The elders are waiting for you at the big table," Tyler reminded me, nodding toward a raised tform where pack leaders gathered.


    I changed direction, heading toward


    refreshment area instead. "In a minite"


    Near the drink stations, I spotted Steven selecting beverages. The sight of my nephew reminded me instantly of his festivalpanion-Av. My jaw


    I followed Steven''s gaze and found her instantly. She stood alone near the edge of the gathering, wrapped in that silver ceremonial dress that hugged an curve of her warrior body. Unlike the other females with their fancy hairstyles and too much jewelry, Ann wer her hair in a simple updo with just a single se- positioned perfectly to hide her mark.


    Steven spotted me before I could slip away, his face lighting up as he approached, drinks in hand.


    Uncle! Didn''t think you''d be rubbing elbows with regr folks tonight," he joked, though I caught the nervous edge in his voice.


    I acknowledged him with a short nod, not trusting myself to sound normal.


    "About wa..." He shifted his weight slightly. I hope imiting her hasn''t stepped on any toes. She''s an amazing warrior, and I really admire her."


    1 arched an eyebrow, watching him squirm slightly under my stare.


    "She''s different," he continued, words tumbling out faster. Not just her looks- though she''s gorgeous-but her spirit. I think I might actually be falling for


    This kid falls for a new shelf every full moon, I thought, recalling his passionate derations about a tracker from the western packs just weeks ago.


    "She''s Lucas''s trainer," I answered evenly, hiding the possessiveness raging inside. She works for my family. Her choices are her own."


    Steven''s shoulders rxed slightly. "I''ll treat her right,'' he assured me. "She''s special"


    You have no idea how special, my wolf growled silently as Steven excused himself, heading back toward Ava with his drinks..


    I watched him go, shaking my head. Steven''s "true feelings changed direction fas


    Easter than a rabbit in a foxx chane.


    "Alpha King," a sultry voice called from behind me. Finally found you alone."


    I didn''t need to turn to reconize that voice, but I did anyway. Amber Collins stood there in a gold dress that left little to imagination, the neckline diving way too low while the back showed more skin than it covered. The medical team emblem hung from her neck-her only ticket to this gathering.


    "All by yourself?" she asked, moving closer than necessary. "I thought the Alpha King would have a date tonight."


    The festival is pack business," I replied, already looking for an escape route.


    kwarrior at your side? I''ve heard she''s quite special. Special enough


    Amberughed lightly, her fingers brushing my arm. "Not even that liule Shadow Creek.


    to score a room at ckwood Manor."


    My exp


    expression hardened. ''Ava is Lucas''s trainer. I don''t exin my decisions."


    "Of course not," she parted, pressing against my aim. ''Cosh me tone moon nectar? We muld drink and


    I mechanically returned two drinks, my attention already elsewhere. Across the clearing, Stevens had returned in Avax side. The sight of his resting her lower back sent a singe of aners through me that I barely contained


    Amber epted her dink with a practiced smile. Tve been thinking," she began, swirling the glowing.


    medical family joined with the Alpha line-it''s traditional, tight?


    Chapter Comments


    Mike


    Debbie Ward