Chapter 9 #2
Wedging my cell phone between my jaw and shoulder, I ignore the exasperated protests of my inner beast. “I’ve assigned chaperones to look after her, Demitrya.”
“I would hardly call the bimbo magnet a qualified chaperone.”
Huffing at the nickname she coined for our smug little brother, I’m inclined to agree. “He wasn’t my first choice.”
Demi continues. “I’m surprised you let him within ten feet of her.”
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t. If my wolf had it his way, I wouldn’t permit any unmated male to breathe the same air as Vessa, let alone occupy the same room until my mark is there for all to see. That’s how ridiculously mouthwatering her pheromones are.
“How are the others handling the big news?”
I clench my jaw. Yesterday’s assembly hadn’t been a productive one. Most of the elders and warriors just stood there, gawking at me like I had sprouted a second head. I knew the announcement would be divisive, but I didn’t anticipate that I would stun the advisors into baffled silence.
“Could be worse,” I sigh, tossing my tool bag behind the passenger seat.
Yikes. It’s a shit show back there. Not to mention the right side of the truck is spattered in dried mud.
If I hadn’t spent an extra thirty minutes running inventory in the armory, maybe I would’ve had the decency to wipe the doors down a bit or at least—
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Vessa shut the side door. As she approaches the carport, I grin into the phone. “Hey Demi, I’ve gotta let you go.” She barks in protest, only to be cut off when I tap the red button to end the call.
Vessa looks me over with rosy cheeks. “You sure are attached to that phone of yours.”
I open the passenger door for her. “One of the downsides of the job, I’m afraid.”
She raises a leg as she prepares to fling herself, but I stop her by quickly swooping her up and placing her in the seat. It’s really just an excuse to touch her. To breathe her in for a moment.
“Thanks,” she mutters, adjusting her furry earmuffs.
“I could always get a stool for you,” I offer, immediately regretting the words.
Smooth, my wolf groans.
Like our first ride together, she keeps to herself, eyes widening at everything that passes outside the window. Eagles flying overhead. The delay of a moose family crossing the road, led by a broad male with an impressive beard and bulbous nose.
Eventually, the sloping terrain opens to the harbor where our central business district resides.
The sky casts a cool grey shadow over the murky waters.
Two fishing vessels have just pulled into dock, their captains waving at me as I pull my truck into the designated lot for pedestrians.
Vessa wrinkles her nose at the pungent smell of fish pulled from the sea.
I smother a laugh, deciding not to inform her that the two fishermen probably smell a lot worse.
The two of us walk side by side as we pass the local establishments.
First is an art gallery and the fresh market, followed by a tackle and hardware store.
I make an effort to slow my pace so her shorter legs don’t fall behind.
She doesn’t say anything about our drastic difference in height, though it doesn’t stop people from staring.
Most know who I am, but no one off the Tilaak reservation is privy to the Skornokovy family secret.
On the next block, I point out a few of the businesses owned by my family along with the automotive shop where I work. Across the street, Vessa’s eyes lock on the window of a boutique where a row of busts are adorned with spring décor and bright floral prints.
My memory jogs. Right. Flowers.
“There’s a quick stop I need to make. It’s just around the corner.”
She shoots me a look of intrigue but doesn’t ask any questions when we arrive at the front door of the only flower shop in town.
“You like flowers, right?” I prop the door open, stopping the bell mid-ring. “What’s your favorite?”
“Calla lilies,” she answers.
I haven’t the slightest idea what the hell a calla looks like, but I stroll inside with a mission.
Five minutes later, I return to Vessa’s side, handing her a small arrangement of deep-violet blooms. It’s the least I can do after being a dick last night.
The sight of those scars flooded my system with murderous impulses, so intense that I overlooked the glimmer of shame in her eye.
The truth that at one point, she had been in such desolate pain that she’d resorted to harming herself.
Had I not pressed her for an answer, I wouldn’t have forced her to relive that.
Snowflakes silently drift around us. One kisses the tip of her nose and disintegrates.
Vessa clutches the bouquet close to her chest. The color suits her.
But she doesn’t smile like I’d hoped. Her eyes go glassy.
Beholding them, I lean in slightly, studying the thin maple rings that ripple outward like the center of a tree.
Rather than try to count the years, something tells me that I should be counting secrets.
We make it as far as the front door to the café before a whistle stops me in my tracks.
Catching Qinnu's vetiver scent, I spot him waiting for a catering van to pass before crossing the street.
What's he doing here? He should be conducting afternoon drill at the top of the hour.
And by that, I mean watching his cadets wrestle each other and toss his maniac toddler around like a football.
Releasing the door handle, I frown. “Who let you off diaper duty?”
“Good one,” he grunts.
Vessa's eyes bulge as she takes him in. We don't call him “bulldozer” for nothing. He’s outrageously jacked.
Personally, I prefer Nell's term of endearment—jackass.
Qinnu is third in command, should the Betas be removed.
Though he's cocky enough to lead, I think he'd tear off his fingernails before willingly sorting through file cabinets.
"Vessa," I clear my throat. "This is Qinnu Lorray. He is one of the two captains of our warrior stronghold. Here, they are referred to as Sentinels."
Qinnu dips his head to my companion. "Pleased to meet you, miss. I'm sorry to intrude. Believe me, if this didn't require the Alpha’s immediate attention, I would report to him once you both returned."
A holster sags around his waist. On his left hip rests a nine millimeter pistol, securely fashioned. Strapped around both calves are knives. Patrons seated at the window are also beginning to ogle the weapons.
Shifting my back to obstruct their view, I keep my voice low. "What is it?"
He cringes, scratching at his beard. "Colton showed up right after you left. Tesni’s unit is working on pushing out his entourage, but he won't leave without facing you. He’s officially declared a challenge.”