Chapter 2
As much as he tried to ignore why he was eating such tantalizing food, Anders couldn’t. This alliance was needed. Otherwise, it was just him and Misti against two large werewolf packs. Their deaths would be a certainty. Now, it was possible they might survive this.
Might.
And if they did… Misti would still be married to that Talon guy. He choked on his next bite of stuffed flounder.
“You’re gorging yourself like it’s your last meal.” The she-wolf of his dreams sat down next to him with the grace of a queen.
“It might be.” Anders didn’t bother to shift over to give her more room, enjoying the heat radiating from her body, their thighs touching. Last night had been their goodbye, and he had so appreciated her coming to him. He meant something to her, even if she had refused to allow him to claim her several times. Although that had been for the best. If they had been together, this alliance would never have happened. They would have been doomed. Even knowing that, he still longed to have her as his. He had never met a more ferocious and strong she-wolf. She was intelligent and powerful, and she didn’t allow him to do as he wished. She challenged him. Above all, he appreciated that.
“Your optimism is overwhelming,” she said dryly.
“You want optimism? How about this? I hope your husband meets his demise in the next battle.”
“Anders!” She slapped him hard, her features twisting with fury. “How could you say such a thing?”
“You know why.”
Her expression softened. “Still, that is awful.”
“I never claimed to be a good person. Since my optimism isn’t why you came over, why did you?”
“There’s a war council assembling now. You’re invited.”
Because of her, he assumed. From the scowls and glowers her husband had thrown his way throughout the wedding and during the celebration feast, Anders knew her husband didn’t appreciate his presence. He’d be happy for my death too. Because I’m a rival for Misti, at least until he claims her? Or because he hates Shadowed Stars more than Red Nightwalkers? Or maybe Red Nightwalkers are easier to forgive when they look like her. With curves in all the right places and long, luscious locks, and an amazing smile, Misti turned heads wherever she went.
She started to get up, but he touched her wrist. His groin stirred at the contact. Settle down.
“You hardly ate. Have a little of mine.” He shoved a forkful of his flounder and brought it up.
She took his fork hastily, and he grimaced. He would love to feed her an entire meal, to maybe go on a picnic, the sun warming them enough for them to strip their clothes, maybe some wine or champagne to wash down the food. One thing would lead to another and…
Misti took a few more bites then jumped up. “Come along.”
“Yes, my queen.”
She scowled. “Don’t call me that.”
“You might not be married to the alpha?—”
“I am not yours.”
Was there pain in her voice, or was he hearing things?
“And besides,” she continued, “wolves don’t have queens. You know that.”
“I know I would follow you anywhere.”
“Oh, hush.”
“If Kastner had a daughter instead of a son, I would have married her like you did Talon. I know it’s necessary, but that still doesn’t change how I feel.”
“Hush, Anders.” She quickened her pace, so they left the hall behind. “You shouldn’t talk like that.”
“If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll stop.”
“Please.”
But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t stop thinking about her. “So… war.”
“It’s what they want.”
They meaning the Shadowed Stars and Red Nightwalkers.
“What they had in mind was more massacre.”
Her grin was almost savage. “We have a rude surprise for them.”
“They’ll never expect an alliance with the Wild Shades.”
Her feral smile dimmed. “As long as they don’t track us here.”
“We took every precaution,” he assured her.
“I know, but it would be foolish to assume they might not have thought of us seeking out allies.”
“True. Our fathers are ruthless, and with ruthlessness comes a certain measure of intelligence and cunning and precautions.”
She was walking at a slower pace now. Prolonging their time together? He really had to stop overthinking things. He was normally a doer, not a thinker, but he couldn’t claim her like he wanted—hell, he couldn’t even kiss her again even though she looked so beautiful now, with those flowers in her hair, and a tint of red to her lips—so all that left him was thoughts and desires.
Unfulfilled desires.
More than a little uncomfortable, Anders adjusted himself as she opened the door to the alpha’s quarters. Her slight smirk told him she saw his growing bulge. He almost hoped Talon would notice and come after him. No way would he lose to the likes of him. He’d wipe the floor with his ass… and lose their alliance and their lives.
Okay, so he definitely needed to lose his erection and fast.
“You are such a guy,” Misti said.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“If you want to.”
“I do.”
She stopped suddenly and stared at him. “Please, behave during the war council.”
“Of course.” Hurt pulsated deep within his chest. “I know how important this is. I’m not a fool.”
“I’m not insulting you. You just have a tendency to crack jokes or be sarcastic, and it’s possible some people might not appreciate that.”
“Are you that concerned for me? Or do you think I’m that stupid that I would try to sabotage our goals.”
Misti sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I know that. I’m sorry. I just… I don’t want to die.”
“You won’t. I will never let that happen. I’ll die first.”
“I don’t want you to die either,” she said softly.
Tia, a small werewolf who seemed to be almost like a secretary for Kastner, approached. “There you are. Everyone else has already gathered. Come with me.”
Misti seemed careful not to look at Anders as they fell behind Tia.
Your life means more to me than my own, he thought as Tia opened the double doors to the right. Nothing will happen to you while I’m alive.