Chapter 22
Nadia finished her breakfast at the long table with the journals spread out in front of her.
Her body was deliciously sore and tired from playing with Caidrik the night before.
He’d stayed until early that morning before heading back out her window.
She rubbed her arms, rolling her eyes at herself.
Why was she enjoying breaking the rules so much?
Or perhaps she was just enjoying Caidrik.
She glanced outside at the wintery day. Snow pressed against the windows in uneven drifts, softening the edges of the world outside. Pale winter light crept in through the glass and settled across the table, catching on the rim of her mug and the faint steam still curling from it.
She giggled at remembering poor Caidrik folded up in that closet. Oh, they'd had to stay in there for quite a while until finally Bussy and Margaret had left. The memory made her mouth curve even as she fidgeted in her chair, the ache in her muscles reminding her exactly why she was tender.
Back to work. No more daydreaming about Caidrik’s hard body.
She’d already called Gail, who hadn’t been able to track down any possible translation of the grimoire but promised to keep looking.
Perhaps everyone had stuck to the rules and not copied any of the laws down, but wolves were rebels.
She thought some of the much older pack elders might have taken a few passages down, but so far, she hadn’t found anything.
She’d also checked the school library, top to bottom, to no avail.
So, she currently compared the translations in Gail's journals in an effort to learn the ancient language. Her knowledge was coming along nicely. The pages had started to make sense to her, and anticipation licked through her. Yeah, she loved learning.
She recognized the word wolf in several places.
Thank goodness these were translated. In fact, as a language, it was fairly easy to pick up.
Maybe it was something they should teach in the schools again.
She didn't like the idea of old languages being completely lost and would pitch that idea at the next school board meeting.
It'd be nice to return to some of the traditions even while they welcomed new advances and innovations.
Her phone buzzed and she looked down to see her sister requesting a video call. She clicked on the button. “Hey Em, how are you?”
Emily came into view, looking lovely with her blonde hair piled on top of her head. “Fantastic. I wanted to double check how you were feeling.”
“I’m fine.”
Emily squinted through the screen. “You have a very nice glow to you. That Caidrik, huh? Again?”
Nadia grinned. “Yes, though we're supposed to stay away from each other if we're not in the middle of a trial.”
Delight lifted Emily’s pink lips. “Ha. Not a chance. That guy has been watching you very closely, let me tell you. Although, you’re right. That rule is dumb. You should get your hands on that grimoire and see if there's a way out of the situation. My guess is there has to be, right?”
Nadia shook her head. “I don't think so. Solomon's intent on doing a thorough job, and he was with Caidrik when they rescued me from the Ravencalls, so I think he's dedicated to it.”
“Doesn't mean he's right,” Emily said. “I've known Solomon my whole life, and he's a stickler, dude. You need to read the text yourself.”
“I know. I'm working on some translations that Gail gave me, and I might be able to read some of it when Solomon gets here.” Anticipation lit inside her. “I'm looking forward to it, in fact.”
Emily looked around and then returned to the phone. “Good. For now, I have something to tell you.”
Nadia straightened slightly, the quiet morning seeming to hold its breath with her. “What?”
“I'm not really telling anybody else yet, but guess what?”
“What?” Nadia’s voice dropped without her meaning it to, sliding into a hush as if the walls might overhear.
Happiness burst across Emily’s face. “I’m pregnant.”
“No way.” Nadia grinned, her heart doing a strange, full twist in her chest. “That’s wonderful.”
“It’s a little before the wedding,” Emily added, already smiling wider, “but that’s okay.”
It was nice to see her sister so happy. “You’re mated, so who cares? This is fantastic. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Emily leaned closer to the screen. “So you know what this means, right?”
Nadia didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. I’m going to be an aunt.” That, somehow, felt like the most important thing in the world right now.
Emily snorted. “Yes, you are. Very true. Very, very true. And don’t tell Dad yet. He’s still on that cruise and I don’t want him worrying.”
“Okay. I won’t tell a soul.” The promise came easily, and warmth settled low in her ribs at the trust in it. She wished, not for the first time, that they’d known each other growing up. That this closeness hadn’t come so late. “Is Jackson over the moon?”
Emily rolled her eyes. “Actually, he’s being a complete pain in the ass. He thinks I need to sit all the time. I am not a sitter.”
Amusement bubbled through Nadia. “That’s kind of sweet.”
“It is. Annoying. But sweet.”
“You’re getting married at the end of the month,” Nadia said. “So hopefully things settle by then.” She glanced around the quiet kitchen, snow still pressing against the windows.
Emily nodded. “I want the wedding in Slate Pack territory, like we talked about. Pretty much all of Jackson’s pack will come, so it’ll be a good mixer. A good way for everyone to meet.”
“That will work perfectly. I’d like to talk to a couple of your city planners,” Nadia went on. “If we’re serious about developing shared farming land, we need to start now.”
“Sure. I think that’s a great idea. The closer the packs get, the better.”
Nadia reached for her tea and took a careful sip before nudging one of Gail’s journals farther from the edge of the table. The last thing she needed was a spill on it.
“Anyway,” Emily said, clearly waiting to drop the rest, “Mia, Luna, and I are all pregnant.”
Nadia blinked. “Well. That’s kind of amazing.” The Alpha females of each pack. “That’s actually really cool.”
“I know,” Emily said. “Hopefully the kids grow up close, uniting the packs more than ever.”
Something thoughtful settled over Nadia. Anything that strengthened the coalition was a good plan.
“You know what would be even better?” Emily asked.
Nadia leaned back from the phone, instincts already flaring. “No. No. Uh-uh. Absolutely not. I am not ready for that.”
“Oh, come on.” Emily rolled her eyes. “You and Caidrik have been explosive from the start. The tension’s been ridiculous. I knew you’d end up together.”
“We’re in the middle of challenges and fights to the death over here,” Nadia said dryly. “Let’s worry about progeny later.” Although, the image of a miniature Caidrik with his dark eyes and firm jaw flashed through her mind. He’d make adorable pups.
Emily’s eyes twinkled. “How great would it be if the Alpha females of all four packs had kids around the same time? They’d all be connected. If they grew up together, that kind of bond could keep things strong.”
Nadia exhaled slowly. “I see what you’re saying. One thing at a time, Em.”
“So long as you’ll think about it,” Emily said lightly. “It’s just a thought.”
A knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Nadia called, already frowning. Solomon was late.
“Oh, hello.” Taryn stepped inside.
Nadia glanced at her phone. “Oh—hey, Em, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
“All right,” Emily said. “Just keep what I said in mind.” The screen went dark.
As if Nadia could think about anything else right now. She set the phone aside and shook her head once, trying to clear it. “Taryn. How are you?”
“I’m great.” Today Taryn wore black pants and a soft blue sweater that brought out the color of her eyes.
Snow still clung to her boots, melting slowly onto the entry rug.
The air followed her in, cold and sharp, stirring the faint scent of pine and smoke already lingering in the house. “I wanted to check on you.”
Nadia lifted her wrist slightly. “I’m fine. It finally healed.”
“That’s good.” Taryn’s gaze flicked to the bandage and then away.
“Would you like some tea?”
“Oh no, thanks. I’m not drinking tea in this territory,” Taryn said dryly.
Fair enough and not dumb at all. Nadia cleared her throat. “I wanted to thank you for the rescue last night. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you, Caidrik, and Solomon hadn’t shown up.”
“Well, we did,” Taryn said lightly. “So everything’s okay.” She shifted her weight. “I checked on Luca. He’s fine. Pretty pissed off, though. He’s still sorting through how many of the Ravencall wolves actually turned against him.”
Nadia felt for the guy. He’d given a heck of a fight the night before. “That can’t be easy.”
“He’s diplomatic,” Taryn said. “I think he’ll get his pack in line once things settle here.” She hesitated, then looked directly at Nadia. “Have you decided to align with Caidrik?”
“Yes.” Nadia didn’t hedge. “I think Luca’s a good man and he could make a solid Alpha. But Caidrik’s better for this pack. I’m aligning with him.”
Taryn nodded slowly. “I’m considering aligning with Luca,” she said. “But I’m still not sure you and Caidrik make the best pair. No offense.”
Nadia leaned back in her chair. “None taken.” She met Taryn’s gaze evenly. “But we do work well together, and I’m all in now.” Yeah, she was ready to fight for her man and all of that. The night before had cemented her resolve.
Something unreadable crossed Taryn’s face, then she nodded. “Good to know.”
A knock sounded at the door, sharp and brisk. It opened before anyone answered.
Solomon stepped inside, the grimoire tucked against his chest, Helena right behind him in a dark coat dusted with snow. Cold air rushed in again, curling around their ankles.
“Hello, ladies,” Solomon said. “I hope we’re not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” Taryn said, waving a hand. “We were just getting a few things straight.”
Solomon gulped.
“That sounds interesting,” Helena said, eyes bright as she looked from one woman to the other. “Are you two going to fight it out?” She sounded almost hopeful.
“No,” Nadia said flatly. “Neither of us think that’s necessary.”
Taryn nodded, her hair falling around her shoulders. “Nadia’s still a little injured from yesterday. It wouldn’t be a fair fight.”
Nadia wasn’t entirely convinced of that, but she let it go. Caidrik had mentioned teaching her a few moves later, and she found herself looking forward to it more than she’d expected.
Solomon’s gaze dropped to the journals spread across the table. “You’re learning to translate.”
“I am,” Nadia said. “I’d like another crack at the grimoire later.”
“Perfect.” He smiled. “I’d appreciate someone double-checking my work. I stopped by Gail’s earlier, but she wasn’t home.”
Oh, that wasn’t her
“I didn’t mean to make you doubt yourself,” Nadia said quickly.
He lifted a hand. “It’s fine. It’s better to have another set of eyes. It’s a shame most of the elders don’t know the language anymore.”
“Yeah,” Nadia murmured, glancing down at the careful notes in the margins. Snow tapped softly against the glass. “I was thinking we should offer classes. For the kids and for any adults who want to learn. I don’t want the old ways to completely go by the wayside.”
Solomon’s expression shifted at that. His shoulders eased, and something bright sparked behind his eyes. “I’d love to teach the old languages. I’ve been meaning to expand the curriculum anyway. This would fit perfectly.”
Helena hummed thoughtfully, glancing toward the journals. “It would be nice to hear children speaking something ancient again. Makes a place feel rooted.”
The wind rattled faintly against the windows, snow sliding off the eaves in soft thumps.
Nadia crossed the room and picked up her jacket, the fabric still warm from earlier.
Her body felt clearer today, lighter. The lingering fog from the darts was gone, and she knew she could shift if she had to.
The silver was still there, though. A quiet ache under her skin that reminded her not to push too hard.
Another week, maybe more, before it burned out completely.
Solomon glanced at his watch and straightened. “All right. It’s time. You and Caidrik are due at the lodge.”
That’s what she’d figured. Her stomach flipped, not with fear exactly, but with that tight anticipation she’d started to recognize as part of these trials. Part nerves. Part adrenaline. Part wanting to see how he’d handle whatever came next.
“He’s supposed to meet us at the main lodge,” Solomon continued and then looked at Taryn. “You said you wanted to attend. Normally we wouldn’t allow that, but this is one where the entire pack can watch.”
“Really?” Helena’s brows lifted. “May the challenger’s mother attend?”
Solomon gave a small bow. “Of course, ma’am. At this point, half the territory will be there anyway. We’ll need to gather outside.”
Nadia jolted. Everyone got to join in on her trial with Caidrik?
That didn’t seem fair. She had actually been looking forward to having some alone time with him.
Sighing, she slid her arms into her jacket and paused, adjusting the cuffs.
The room felt warm and steady behind her, and now she didn’t want to leave.
“Can you give me a hint what this one’s about? ”
“Oh no,” Solomon said, rocking back on his heels, far too pleased with himself. “But it’s a good one. I promise.”
Snow waited outside, bright and unbroken, the sky low and pale above the lodge roofs. Whatever was coming next, apparently the whole pack was about to see it.