Red tinged his jaw.
I scented his slight shame. “I’ll see you tomorrow for sparring. If you’re lucky, I’ll get my claws out.”
Such a treat.
Wade’s sparring buddy sent me a scathing look when I joined them. The guy marched back to Bob without delay.
People had no idea how stupid they looked sometimes.
“How did that go?” Wade puffed as he jogged between cones.
I followed, enjoying the light strain in my muscles. “Well. Considering.”
“So, look. There’s this thing.” His salted caramel scent took on an extra sweet edge.
“What do you want?”
“I’m a really good friend to you. I make sure to be a good friend because you’re in a great position and have the power to grant me access to things I want.”
My lips twitched. “Here I thought we were friends because of our mutual unattraction.”
“How can your personality be so good, but the packaging so bad? It’s like individually wrapping biodegradable coffee cups in unrecyclable plastic—just makes no sense.”
I laughed. “Thanks. What do you want? Spit it out.”
Wade yanked me behind a stack of dummies that I’d probably violated once or twice.
“Here’s the thing. You mentioned the council. Well, there’s this thing I’ve really, really wanted to do for the longest time. Stupid Judy usually organises it, but you have no idea how dry and boring it is. The potential is huge, and it’s not being achieved. You know?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“The Annual Deception Valley Ball,” he rushed.
Someone mentioned that a while back.
Wade took my hands. “Everyone comes—the pack too. This ball could be so much more, but—”
“Judy is stupid? Look, if Judy has organised it for years, she won’t appreciate me tearing the job away.”
Wade checked Gerry’s back was turned. “If I can convince her?”
The pack came to this thing?
Part of plan B included desensitising the tribe to Luther presence. This ball could help my agenda. Plus, denying earnest Wade anything was impossible.
“If Judy is okay with giving up the reins, then you can do it.”
“Yes!” Wade swept me into a hug. “You won’t regret—”
A whistle blew from less than a metre away, leaving my ears ringing.
Gerry glowered at us. “Burpies. Fifty.”
Ha! That was nothing.
He narrowed his eyes at my smile. “Three hundred for you.”
I groaned. Mothershitter.
11
I called again.
“Sascha Greyson. Leave a message.” Beep.
For at least the tenth time, I texted.
Help me understand what’s going through your head.
I want a life with you, Sascha.
At least Victratum meant that Sascha and I were thrown together all the time. Tomorrow, he’d come to the manor to announce the pack’s grid choice.
That felt so far away.
My phone rang.
Fumbling to answer, my heart sank when I saw the caller wasn’t Sascha.
Private number.
“Hello, this is Andie,” I answered.
“Don’t sound so disappointed.” The woman laughed.
My eyes widened. “Basilia?”
“The one and only.
“How are you?”
“Full of my mate’s blood and curious after your message. I hoped to hear from you again.”
I pulled a face. Blood? Gross. “I’ve had more time to wrap my head around supernatural beings. Your offer to talk stuck in my mind.”
Her footsteps were soft in the background. “It’s not easy to think you’re at the top of the food chain one day and then realise you’re nowhere near the top.”
There was that.
I closed my eyes. “I’ve been meaning to call, specifically, because I’m in the middle of a mating call. You mentioned that you were mated last time we spoke.”
Pascal was the only other person I’d spoken to about what was happening with Sascha, but she was so much older than me. I wanted to speak to someone my age.
“Shit, for reals? Is that what werewolves call it?”
“Yep. It’s intense.”
She blew out a breath, flopping down on what sounded like a couch or bed. “How intense? Vissimo drink from each other seven times, and there’s a three-day thrall after each blood exchange where they have big sex.”
“There are seven meets in ours too. The mating call follows a Luther’s senses to begin with. The pair scent each other, then meet each other’s eyes—”
“Uhm, romantic. That reminds me of a Truth Ranges episode.”
“You really like that show, huh?”
“Understatement. What else?”
I leaned back in the office chair. “They touch each other, then there’s a stalking thing called the capture meet. The last three are the kissing meet, then biting. Sex to finish. Each meet is followed by a heat that the woman can deny if she wants to. I don’t know much about how long it goes for.”
“Kinky. Probably a week.”
I snorted.
“You’ve denied the heat each time then?” she asked.
“At first. Now Sascha doesn’t want us to have sex.”
“Massive red flag. Get out of there, girl.”
“He says I use sex as a weapon.”
“And what’s he doing with it? Hey, this wouldn’t be Sascha Alarick Greyson, the pack leader?”
My brows climbed. “You’ve done your research.”
“You took ages to call, so I did some digging. Rich people aren’t good at waiting.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’m Poor with a capital P.”
“Ah, that’s probably why I like you.” She held the phone away and shouted. “Tommy, she’s poor like you.”
“Must be cool then” came the feminine reply.
Was that a rule? “Friend of yours?”
“The best.”
“They’re important. Does she know you’re Vissimo?”
Basilia sighed. “Yeah. It was rocky for a while, but I’m glad for it now. Will you become a werewolf with the mating call, or do you have a choice?”
I hadn’t mentioned that yet? “I transformed into a Luther not long ago.”
She was silent. “Well that puts a dampener on my plans to invite you to Bluff City to meet face to face.”
I stilled.
Did she know I couldn’t leave the valley?
“I’ll need you to invite me out there,” Basilia stated after a beat. “Vissimo are super anal about their territory. Julius will throw a tantrum about a werewolf on his turf.”
“Who’s Julius?”
“The king. My father-in-law.”
My mouth bobbed. The king? “Does he rule the whole city?”
“Yeah. Our territory stops before Frankton Gorge.”
From what I’d gathered, Frankton Gorge didn’t belong to any supernatural race. “I had no idea you were part of the royal vampire family.”
“I know, right. Billionaire and princess—so cliché. I’m mated to the king’s eldest son, Kyros. He’s super hot. And he’d be super angry if I entered werewolf territory without him… When he’s angry, we have great make-up sex. Yes. Yes, this is a great idea. When do you want me there?”
Had I agreed to invite her?
Well, not only did I want to meet Basilia Le Spyre, but her connections could open other avenues I hadn’t considered when first returning her call.
“Is next weekend too soon?” I asked.
“Tommy,” she hollered. “Want to go for a road trip next weekend?”
“Hells yeah!”
“Tommy said hells yeah. We’re in.”
“The drive here is five hours—fair warning. But please don’t worry about coming into werewolf territory. I’m head steward of the Ni Tiaki tribe who govern this
land. I grant you formal protection from the moment you enter Deception Valley until you leave again. You won’t be harmed by any pack or tribe member.”
“Wait, so Sascha-No-Sex is the werewolf leader. What’s this about a tribe?”
I sighed. “We’re on opposite sides. Our people don’t get on. At all.”
Her tone sobered. “I see.”
“Yeah. I’ll give you a rundown over a lemon and raspberry gin cocktail next week?”
“Make it a strawberry mojito.”
I laughed. “Deal.”
“Good. I’ll be there. Now, go get your growly man, wolf girl!”
She hung up, and I took a moment to process the whirlwind that was Basilia Le Spyre. Only a fool would take her eccentricity to mean she was stupid. It covered a sharp intellect.
Maybe I should go get my growly man.
I checked the time.
The Dens would be in full swing.
The last council report lay sealed on my desk and had comprised my Saturday night plans.
I glanced at my outfit. I’d partnered a square-neck black bandeau with tartan slacks. A black blazer toned the ensemble down to something bordering professional.
“Fuck it.” I had to see Sascha now, especially with this new potential development.
Grabbing my car keys, I briefly stopped at my second-floor room to ditch the blazer and switch my white sneakers for red heels.
Jumping in Ella F, I selected an appropriate pump-up song. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo playing, I gunned the engine and drove toward town.
Ugh, Saturdays were hell for out-of-town traffic. I parked out near the petrol station and trekked toward the casino.
He was inside. I could feel him.
He’d feel me coming too.
Sascha was gonna listen to me tonight. Or else.
Striding to the front of the queue, I squared my shoulders.
Hairy turned towards me and his smile dropped. I waited as he finished stamping the hands of an elderly couple.
“Hairy, I need in.”
The beta lowered his gaze, “Can’t do that.”
My eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“Sascha’s orders.”
My gut lurched. Really? He didn’t want to see me that much?
Ouch.
Hairy flushed, and I grabbed his arm. “He’s not returning my calls and texts. We have things to get done. I have to speak to him.”
The beta pressed his lips together. I could smell his uncertainty.
“Sorry, Andie. I can’t help you. It’s not my decision to make.”
Patrons called out behind me.
I rubbed my forehead. “Look, could you at least tell him to unblock my number if he doesn’t want to meet outside of Victratum duties? This is serious.”
Hairy frowned. “He really blocked your number? That doesn’t seem like Sascha.”
I crossed my arms.
He sighed. “I’ll pass it on. Listen, I’ve got to get these people inside.”
I swallowed. “Sure.”
“I really am sorry.”
So was I. I’d apparently pushed Sascha way too far. “Not your fault. Night, Hairy.”
“Night, gorgeous.”
My top wasn’t right.
“I’ve never seen someone change clothes so many times,” Wade whined from my bed.
Herc’s former room was the biggest in the manor. Traditionally, these quarters always belonged to the head steward. With a fresh duvet cover and my stuff filling the drawers, the room now felt like mine.
“Sascha wouldn’t let me into The Dens last night. He doesn’t want to see me, and we’re running out of time. I’m not above using my body to get back in his good books.”
“Then go with the red, puff-sleeve number. White jeans. Gives off a ruin the innocent girl vibe.”
Was I going for that? “It’s not too much for a grid announcement?” I stripped out of my sole black dress that was definitely too much for a meeting.
Wade rolled onto his back. “It toes the line, but you’re stylish. No one will think twice about it.”
I pulled on the white jeans and red top. The sleeves were slightly puffed, and the scoop neck was held by a drawstring in the middle. I drew the ends tighter and looped the ends into a bow.
“Before you take another hour to decide on your hair, leave it.”
Hands already raised, I paused. “Half up, half down. You sure?”
“Never more certain.”
“You, sir, are being sarcastic.” I lowered my arms though. “What happened with Judy by the way?”
“Thought you’d never ask. You’re speaking to the new Deception Ball organiser.” He scrunched his face. “Coordinator? Planner… Designer. You’re speaking with the new Deception Ball Designer.”
“Such an honour.” I curtsied. “Speak with Stanley about budget, please.”
“It’ll be epic. Elton John epic.”
I smiled at the glee in his voice. “I believe you. Let me know if you want to bounce ideas.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got this. And assuming you can’t go with Sascha, want to be my date?”
I sat on his lap and interlaced my hands behind his neck. “I’d love to.”
He lifted me, walking us to the door. “You’ll need to coordinate your outfit to mine.”
“Of course.”
“Good. Then let’s get to the meeting.” Wade carried me out into the hall and down the stairs.
“When does this ball go down anyway?”
“Just under a month. Judy had already started planning, but I’m scrapping everything. Seriously. No taste.”
“Was she okay with handing things over?”
His salted caramel scent muted.
I narrowed my eyes. “Wade? What did you do to Judy?”
He kicked open the meeting room door. The startled head team members stared at us.
“We’ve arrived,” Wade sang.
They didn’t answer.
The Luthers were only revealed when we fully entered the room.
Shit.
“Ah. Esteemed guests.” Wade dumped me unceremoniously in my chair, plonking down beside me.
Blood poured in my face. We must be late. “I apologise for our tardiness and extend my welcome to the pack members.”
I peeked at Sascha.
A painful yearning slammed into me. For weeks, there were no barriers to touching him. To be so close and unable to feel the soothing bliss we felt in each other’s arms was torture.
My hands trembled.
Sascha’s eyes hardened. “Thank you, Head Steward.”
Aware of the mounting tension, I broke our contact to study his team. Lisa appeared on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Grim was, as ever, disinterested in proceedings. Hairy was attentive while Leroy mimicked his leader’s posture.
Mandy didn’t meet my gaze.
I’d never seen her cowed before.
Weird.
“What’s the pack’s grid choice this week?” I forced myself to look at Sascha again.
His face hadn’t softened.
The outfit was a failure. Should’ve gone with sexy badass.
Gravel entered his voice. “The pack chooses Iron.”
Which surprised no one. “We’ll see you there…” I trailed off as the Luthers scraped back their chairs.
They filed for the exit.
“Sascha,” I called. “Will you grant me a private word? Perhaps my head team can escort your wolves around the manor.”
He met my gaze for a leaden moment. I inhaled his want and need, an exact rival for mine. He wanted to close the gap and touch me. He wanted me, but his four scents were brittle and drawn in a way I’d never experienced.
“I think not, Head Steward,” he said softly.
Turning, he strode after his wolves.
We need to talk, I thought at him.
Sascha froze in the doorway.
Oh my god, did he just hear me? I inhaled his shock.
He did.
“Are you certain?” I asked aloud.
Sascha didn’t look back again. “… Yes.”
He left.
I curled my hands into fists. Dammit. What was I missing here? Sascha didn’t have this kind of hate inside him, not for anyone—let alone me. There had to be another reason he was keeping his distance.
Wade’s not so gentle nudge roused me.
The head team was watching.
Crap.
Trixie walked to the window. A minute later, she announced, “They’re gone.”
“It’s fair to say things there are extra hostile,” Stanley remarked.
That was one way to put it. “I’m not in their good books. I’d hoped to smooth things over today.”
“Why?” Nathan said.
“Because hostile Luthers aren’t ideal for the tribe.” I stood. “And because I’m still in the middle of the mating call with Sascha. Certain things are necessary.”
Nathan stiffened. “When does it end?”
“We have two more meets. I can’t do them alone.”
Wade grinned.
“What happens if you don’t complete the meets?” Roderick asked.
“Our discomfort grows progressively worse until one of us cracks. I guess.”
They were quiet.
Trixie broke it. “What does it feel like to be apart during the call?”
At this point? I opened my mouth.
Pascal cut in. “Like not touching them is the worst fate imaginable. That touching them will make everything in the world right again.”
Her words rang in the meeting room.
The head team and Wade gaped at her.
They had no knowledge about what happened with Daniil.
Pascal grabbed her tablet. “Tomorrow at 8:00 a.m., is it, Andie?”
I smoothed my expression as attention swung to me. “It is. See you there.”
The straight-backed marshal gripped my shoulder. “You look lovely today by the way.”
A lump rose in my throat. “Thanks.”
Reeking of grief, she smiled and strode out.
12
On the muddy beach, I studied the red lake of Iron.
Sascha didn’t get in touch after Sunday. As a result, everything depended on the tribe winning tonight.
If the pack won, it was over. And then what? Bile rose in my throat. Remaining behind as my stewards ventured into the big wide, uncertain and afraid, was nearly as horrible as the thought of bitterness creeping over Sascha and me in time.
Wolf Roulette: Supernatural Battle Page 11