30. Phil #2
My heart stopped, and fear rushed in. I didn’t realize I’d moved. I’d pushed through the door and into the office. I didn’t realize I’d spoken until Sedrick’s eyes met mine. While I was sure panic sang through my gaze, Sedrick’s held something much worse—stoic determination.
I barely recognized the other being in Sedrick’s office as a fairy.
I flew forward in a hail of pixie dust, slamming the breakfast basket onto Sedrick’s desk.
“Please tell me I didn’t just hear what I think I did.
Please tell me you aren’t planning on challenging Arie Belview.
” Panic wasn’t just in my eyes; it sang throughout my body.
I might not be a werewolf, but I knew about the challenge ring. Nearly every species did.
Were challenges were brutal, deadly affairs.
According to more recent sensibilities, they were considered barbaric.
More than once, bills had been set forth to outlaw the practice.
But fairy law always nixed those burgeoning laws.
Fairies upheld weres’ rights to challenge as part of their culture and deemed their outcomes lawfully binding.
“Phil, I—”
“No!” I slammed my hands down on Sedrick’s desk. The room was awash in a haze of pink. I heard the fairy sneeze but couldn’t have cared less. “That’s suicide.”
Sedrick sneered, lifting a lip and showing a fang. “It’s good to know you think so highly of my abilities, Phil.” Sedrick sounded angry and wounded.
“This isn’t about your damn pride.” Fear gripped my chest and wouldn’t let go.
“I might not know a lot about werewolf society and practices. Regardless, I trust that you’re strong.
But strength isn’t enough where the Belviews are concerned, and you know it.
” I was pleading now, ready to fall to my knees and beg if I had to.
Sedrick’s expression softened. The amber didn’t fade from his eyes, but he wasn’t as offended.
“He’s right, Sedrick.”
I finally turned, taking notice of the fairy I’d only peripherally acknowledged when I’d flown in.
“In a fair fight, I’d give you better than a 50 percent chance of winning. But this is Arie Belview we’re talking about, and fair won’t be on the fighting docket.”
I vigorously nodded my agreement, sending my hair falling all around my shoulders. “Yes, listen to . . .”
“Ray,” the fairy answered, amusement slipping through his stoic features.
“Ray.” I nodded my thanks and kept going. “Ray seems to know what he’s talking about. Listen to him.”
Sedrick’s eyes flew wide, and he struggled to contain a grin, which just angered me further. “This isn’t a joke, Sedrick. You can’t—”
“I’m sorry,” Sedrick finally spoke up. “You’re right. Forgive me, Phil.”
My ire dwindled in the face of Sedrick’s capitulation.
My wings fluttered a couple more times before they stopped.
My toes kissed the concrete floor before my feet fully landed.
Easing back, I gripped the basket handle.
My gaze swiveled from Sedrick to Ray. The name suddenly clicked. “You’re Sedrick’s lawyer.”
“Guilty as charged,” Ray answered without the barest hint of a smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Phil.”
Ray held out his hand, and I shook it. Unlike Hamish McIntyre, I had no qualms about shaking Ray’s hand.
“Thank you for all your hard work on Dillon and Ruthie’s case,” I sincerely said as I released Ray’s hand.
Eyebrows raised, Ray answered a clipped, “No thanks necessary, but regardless, you are welcome.”
Realization kicked in after introductions and pleasantries were out of the way. I’d interrupted a meeting between Sedrick and his lawyer. Things must not be going well if Sedrick was considering challenging Arie Belview.
With that sinking feeling, I swallowed hard and asked, “Is the situation with the children bad enough you’d truly contemplate challenging Arie?” That sick feeling in my stomach came back with a roar.
Sedrick didn’t answer. He just stared at the wood grain on his desk as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world.
“I’m afraid there’s been some new developments,” Ray answered instead of Sedrick.
“Ray.” Sedrick gave a warning growl, his amber eyes flicking between Ray and me.
Ray stared at Sedrick, unaffected by the flare of his wolf. “It seems you are incapable of making logical decisions. I believe it is important to get Phil’s perspective on the matter. Perhaps that will offer you more perspective as well.” The words were spoken with a hint of admonishment.
“Phil doesn’t need—”
“I believe he does.”
Claws gripped the edge of the desk, and Sedrick’s eyes glimmered amber.
His fangs elongated, and the hair on his arms thickened.
Without thought, I walked around the edge of the desk and placed my hand on Sedrick’s shoulder.
Sedrick could rip me in half if he wanted.
Regardless, I wasn’t afraid. Sedrick wouldn’t hurt me. Neither would his wolf.
The fur receded, and Sedrick’s claws returned to blunt nails. With a heavy inhale, Sedrick leaned back into his chair. Reaching up, he covered my hand with his own. Seconds ticked by, turning into a minute and then two. Finally, Sedrick nodded and said, “Tell him, Ray. Tell Phil everything.”
I stood there, heart in my throat, as Ray laid it all out in front of me.
Nausea roared up again, threatening my earlier breakfast. The entire time Ray spoke, Sedrick’s hand never left mine, and I gripped his shoulder harder, begging for some type of relief from the nightmare Arie Belview had thrown us all into.