Chapter 23

“Cousin,” Hunter said, nodding formally.

Adrian stood and clasped Hunter’s hand. He gave it barely half a shake before dropping it.

“Congratulations on the new member class,” Adrian said. His eyes slipped over to Maya. His eyebrows were raised when he looked back at me.

I certainly wasn’t going to be the one to explain who she was.

“Maya is one of our new members,” Hunter said, voice clipped.

I could see her slump further. I wondered if she’d been hoping that now that she was officially initiated, that he’d be more willing to declare their relationship in public.

She was disappointed if so.

“I’m surprised your schedule allowed for this,” Hunter continued. “You don’t usually deign to attend our ceremonies.”

Adrian didn’t reply and Hunter continued.

“Is there any particular reason you’re honoring us with your presence? I suppose it’s not a bad preliminary strategy in a campaign for Alpha King, is it? To be seen at other packs’ events.”

I studied Hunter’s face. He clearly didn’t know what I did: that Adrian was already almost guaranteed to become King.

I felt a flicker of sympathy for Hunter. All he’d ever wanted was to move up in the Alpha leadership. His every decision had been geared toward advancing his progress toward the Alpha council.

Including his marriage to me.

He must hate feeling unimportant and lacking in knowledge compared to his cousin.

Adrian seemed to be thinking the same thing.

“It’s busy, yeah. I guess you probably have quite a bit of time in your schedule, without Alpha Council responsibilities.”

Hunter seethed.

I saw his whole body tense and jaw clench.

I was surprised they were speaking to each other like this. It had been tense between the cousins as long as I’d known them. But it was usually much more hidden.

I guessed I’d never seen them interact when Hunter had a fated mate, I thought bitterly.

Maya’s gaze shifted between Hunter and Adrian, brow furrowed. She clearly didn’t understand the relationship dynamics at play, or what Hunter was so upset about.

She put her hand on Hunter’s arm.

He ignored it.

She looked up at his face, pleadingly, but stayed silent.

I’d never seen her looking so out of her depth. But if she needed Hunter’s attention, this wasn’t the time or way to get it. At least, such clinginess wouldn’t have worked on the version of him I knew.

I was just thinking about what I should say needed to be done or checked on with the event so I could leave the tense situation, when Adrian spoke again.

“Apologies,” he said. “I’ve just seen an Alpha I need to speak to. In fact, I’d like to introduce you to him as well, Kara.”

He nodded to Hunter and Maya and gestured to me to lead the way along the path back to the poolside.

“Good seeing you, cousin, and nice meeting you, Maura,” he said lightly over his shoulder.

“It’s Maya,” Hunter said through clenched teeth, but Adrian didn’t reply.

I exhaled. I was pleased to leave the awkward interaction with Hunter and Maya, and it felt good to be following someone else’s lead for a moment.

I’d been in charge of everything for the event all day. Had been carrying the weight of too many big decisions.

I fell into step behind Adrian.

But not before I looked back at Maya.

The expression on her face wasn’t one I’d seen there before. She looked confused and out of place, yes, which wasn’t unexpected. But there was a hard nugget of something darker behind her expression. The downward tilt of her eyebrows was deep anger, and the set of her mouth almost vindictive.

I shook my head to clear it, leaving them behind in the darkness of the tree cover. We stepped back out on the the dimly lit poolside.

The volume had increased while we’d been out of earshot. Most people had had a drink or two, and the atmosphere was celebratory and jovial.

I smiled. People were enjoying the event. I’d gotten the details and the timing right. Laughter and animated conversations emerged from groups of people spread across the ballroom and poolside area. Servers dotted the scene, offering appetizers and drink refills.

I was overcome by another wave of nostalgia. If this marked the end of my time with the pack, it was a good way to leave.

“Sean is an Alpha of one of the packs near the northern border, and I think he’s someone you should know.”

I nodded. I’d wondered for a moment if it was just an excuse to leave Hunter and Maya. But Adrian was competent and businesslike as well as empathetic. He could get me out of an awkward situation while also advancing interpack relations. He continued:

“He’s one of the most exacting and meticulous people I’ve met. He’s almost impossible to work with because of it, but I really want to get the northern packs more connected with the rest of us. They’ve been so isolated, and it makes us weaker, especially if the rogues are becoming more organized. I’m hoping he’ll work better with you than he has with the others.”

“Do you have something in mind for us to collaborate on?”

“I trust your judgment. At this stage it’s just about building connections, so you can do it however you see fit.”

He paused, looking into my eyes. His gaze flitted down my body, like he was assessing my posture. I resisted the urge to cover my chest and stomach with my hands. There’s no way he could know.

“Are you feeling up to this, though?” He asked kindly. It seemed like you were about to faint earlier, and you still look pretty pale.”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, though my voice cracked a little. He narrowed his eyes at me for another moment, then nodded.

“Sean,” Adrian said as we neared the tall Alpha he’d pointed out. He’d been talking with a group of others, looking severe, but immediately abandoned his conversation and clasped Adrian’s hand.

“I want you to meet Kara,” Adrian continued. “Chief Delta of Hunter’s pack, and a very competent partner for yours. I’m hoping you can work together.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said, grasping Sean’s hand firmly.

I thought he looked skeptical, and a little bored.

“Sure,” he said, “anything interesting you’re working on?”

I launched into a description of the pack school project, letting myself focus on work. Adrian had really saved my evening, between catching me, then getting me some quiet when I needed it, then giving me a chance to talk about work.

I was almost not thinking about the solidified connection between Hunter and Maya.

Almost.

I watched Sean’s expression change as I talked: from skeptical to interested. It seemed like he hadn’t wanted to be impressed by what I had to say, but was despite himself.

“Our lands border each other, don’t they?” He asked suddenly. I nodded. “Do you think we could make it even bigger—a multi-pack option?”

Excitement flared in my chest. No one had ever done anything like that before. If I could be a part of something like that, I would be leaving more of a legacy than I’d thought possible. I couldn’t help feeling proud and validated.

Maya might be getting Hunter, but she couldn’t have made this kind of connection that would better the pack. I could still make a difference.

I smiled and shook Sean’s hand.

I felt Hunter’s eyes on me from across the room, his expression dark.