Wolf Roulette: Supernatural Battle

by Kelly St Clare

  I perched on the top step, and she sat a few metres away with her back against the balustrade.

  “Foley told me you decided to return after hearing the news about Timber.” I tracked her scent. If I caught the smallest sign of decay, then the gloves had to come off. I could handle her disliking me—not working against me.

  There was too much to lose.

  Rhona didn’t meet my gaze. “Yeah.”

  “This will always be your home. No one will take that away from you. But due to your past actions, there need to be clear conditions to your return.”

  She looked at me then. “So I’m not always welcome.”

  “You’re welcome in the same way any steward who acts in the tribe’s best interest is welcome. If you choose to act in a different way, that’s a choice you make knowing the consequence. Put another way, only you can choose to leave this place by behaving selfishly.”

  Rhona returned her attention away to the cabin.

  “I don’t need an apology from you,” I said softly. “I don’t need to understand why you’ve done the things you have or even why you returned. Here’s what I do need from you.”

  She tensed.

  “You will immediately write an apology letter to the pack for your past violent actions in the grid. You will apologise to our tribe at a Tuesday night gathering for your past actions. That must happen within the next month. So you’re aware, a condition of my return to head stewardship was that no extreme violence against the pack will be tolerated. Another was that there will be no derogatory comments made about my Luther nature. You’re expected to abide by those also. The extreme mentality you inspired is dead, Rhona, and that’s because the overwhelming majority of stewards want to win Grids more than they hate Luthers. That hasn’t been the case with you recently, and while that worries me on a personal level, your attitude is dangerous for my stewards too. I’d like you to attend psychotherapy appointments. There are two psychologists in Deception Valley. One is a member of the public, and one is a member of the tribe. Both assure complete confidentiality—no one else will hear anything from your sessions, including me.” I took a breath. “Otherwise, you’re on grid probation and will not partake in the game until further notice. You’re welcome to attend dawn trainings, of course.”

  She barely moved, though I could hear her shallow breaths.

  “Any questions?” I asked.

  “No.”

  I inhaled again.

  No decay. Just a deep, deep shame.

  That I could work with. Or someone else could. Too much had happened between us, and I wasn’t the right person for Rhona anymore.

  I nodded. “The tribe is upset about you leaving, but our stewards are loving and open-minded on most issues. Show them that you’re sorry, and they’ll believe you in time. The only way to earn back their respect is to respect them yourself.”

  It didn’t escape me that I’d said the same thing to Essie recently. That’s almost how I saw my sister sometimes—as a person who’d stopped feeling years ago and therefore stopped growing. Whether her mother’s diagnosis or her mother’s death had affected her, Rhona had a backlog of grief to process.

  And I truly hoped she did.

  I stood. “You’re welcome to move back into the manor at any time.”

  When I’d walked out of earshot, I released a pent-up breath.

  It was done.

  Things might always be awkward as shit between us, but I’d opened the door and set my boundaries or whatever.

  I entered the meeting room. “Morning. Where are we at with Sandstone preparations?”

  Choosing Timber last week was a no-brainer, but we’d bounced between Clay and Sandstone for hours. There were long-term plans for Clay that we had to set up, but with our unemployment situation, going after a grid that we had a reasonable chance to turnover made financial sense.

  However, if we lost in Sandstone, we’d regret not pressing on with our strategies in Clay.

  Phew.

  Roderick replied, “The new equipment hasn’t arrived, but as soon as it’s here, Gerry will begin manoeuvre drills with the stewards.”

  “The shipment was due yesterday?” I trawled through my folder to find the delivery confirmation.

  “Correct. This is a company we haven’t used before.”

  I pressed my lips together. “Nothing we can do about that. Let’s focus on some of the other strategies our teams put together. One used the water cannons from Iron. Let’s get the stewards trained in that operation in the interim.”

  We’d always used traps on the ground level in Sandstone but had no steward presence there. Yet we had the numbers to dedicate a force to the first level. More focus had to be on preventing and slowing the pack’s climb.

  “Stanley, Trixie, is everything prepared for Sandstone stewards to work for the pack on Monday?” I asked.

  “The contract is signed,” Stanley replied. “Some of the stewards are nervous, so we’re holding a seminar on how to behave while they’re there and what to do in a worst-case situation. They also need to understand the consequences of their actions to the tribe if tempers get the better of them.”

  Trixie added, “I’m working with Leroy and Mandy from the pack. They proposed that for the first week, our stewards can stick to work in one area. Next week, we can begin integrating with the pack to make the most of our different abilities.”

  “Great. Please report to me after the first workday and each Friday until Sandstone is back in our possession.”

  My mind drifted as the team started working through the most pressing items on our agenda.

  Hours remained until meeting Sascha for the new moon.

  I’d only gone through one. Booker did so great, but we were both nervous about Sascha and Greyson being around. It was a vulnerable time in some ways. I mean, we were a lethal predator for an entire night, but the new moon was the most out of control a Luther got.

  “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss, Head Steward?” Nathan interrupted my daydream.

  “There is.” I studied the head team. “We have three penalty points. It’s in our interest to gain two more.”

  Their faces smoothed.

  Yep, this was shaky ground.

  “You want to set something up?” Pascal confronted the elephant in the room like a champ.

  “I won’t condone underhand tactics. I do believe that we should actively try to catch a misstep from the pack. For instance, care of the land must be displayed at all times. The pack workers have been stretched over four grids and leaped at the chance to employ us. Why is that?”

  One by one, the head team smiled.

  My thought exactly. “I’d like a full investigation done in Timber to ensure best practices were maintained during the pack’s possession. You mentioned a seminar for the Sandstone stewards, Stanley. Add another topic to the agenda, please. The workers are to assess what they can of the grid while working for the pack and report anything amiss. The pack manages Timber on and off, but they haven’t possessed Sandstone in a long time. If there are hiccups, we’ll use them to our advantage.”

  Trixie jotted notes down. “I’ll set up a reporting chain.”

  “Thank you. If anyone has any last questions for the day, now’s the time to ask,” I said. “I’m unavailable until later tomorrow morning—it’s the new moon.”

  “What happens at the new moon?” Roderick asked.

  My team asked these questions casually, but I’d noticed that my answers became common knowledge to the tribe. They were promoting transparency, and I didn’t see any harm in that. I was starting to think Sascha should reconsider Alexei’s past example and be more transparent with Luther powers and their struggles. “Without sunlight, my wolf takes over from dusk until dawn. In the week prior to the new moon, I run more to give her what she needs. That prevents uncontrolled shifts and helps my mood. Once the new moon is over, I feel great.”

  His brows shot up. “Luthers always seem weakened
and tired for several days after.”

  “What the pack shows you and actually experience are different things. They like to mislead the tribe on occasion.”

  I collected my paperwork. I had plenty of time to finish my last assignment before dusk. My study was enjoyable once, but I couldn’t wait to get the extra task off my plate now.

  Can you ask Wade to give us a bath? Booker said quietly.

  Was that the equivalent of shaving your legs before a date? I had to be a cool wolf parent. Sure. No problem. He may agree to brush us too.

  That would be agreeable.

  She was going to kill me with cute. I pulled out my phone and texted Wade.

  There were other messages there. From Basilia.

  King Julius believes Luthers make better rugs than allies.

  But he’s willing to negotiate further.

  That… was brutally honest. I hadn’t even met this king guy and he gave me the heebie-jeebies.

  I read her next message.

  He sees particular value in your proximity.

  That will be crucial to Vissimo involvement.

  When is good for a video meeting?

  Dang, that wasn’t ideal. The pack may need to leave the valley, and if we entered an alliance and backtracked later, I had a feeling ol’ Julius wouldn’t react well.

  I texted her back a time later next week.

  I needed time to brainstorm.

  Wade rang.

  “What do you think?” I hoped he heard the amusement in my voice.

  “There’s nothing I’d love more than to wash and brush Booker.”

  I paused “Is this another stereotype trap?”

  “What? A man can’t enjoy making a woman wolf look her best? Less labels, please.”

  “Why does Booker get her hair done and not me?”

  “I can work with what Booker has to offer. I only have so much skill, if you understand what I’m saying.”

  My shoulders shook with laughter. “You’re a massive bitchhole!”

  “The biggest, baby girl. See you soon?”

  Apparently, I was spending my afternoon at a wolf beauty salon.

  22

  Seriously, if Sascha and Greyson didn’t notice Booker’s gleaming fur, she’d be so upset. She’d just preened through a public bath and grooming over the afternoon. Half of the tribe watched, and Booker loved every second.

  Every second.

  My wolf had vanity issues.

  Bag thumping against my lower back, I ran from where I’d parked Ella F near Lake Thana to meet Sascha.

  He was waiting.

  “Sorry I’m late.” I stopped to catch my breath.

  Booker wanted to arrive late to give the impression this was a casual thing that she hadn’t talked about non-stop since receiving the bite of her life.

  Sascha wrapped his arms around me and touched his lips to mine. I looped my arms behind his neck, pressing closer.

  “Mmm. Glad I’m here now.” I relaxed into the happiness I always felt in his embrace.

  Sascha stroked my hair. “I love you.”

  I opened my mouth. “Shut up. It’s my turn!”

  Whirling away, I covered my mouth. “Booker. Manners!”

  Sascha’s laughter boomed behind me, and I turned to find him wiping his eyes.

  “That’s even better than watching your face when you talk with her.”

  “My face changes?”

  “Enough to guess the content of the conversation.”

  Huh. “I’m guessing that Booker would like me to shift now.”

  “Greyson’s impatient to spend time with her too.”

  A loud, harsh purr left my mouth—all Booker—and Sascha started laughing again.

  I groaned.

  Back in the trees, I stripped off and stuffed everything in my bag before shifting.

  On four legs, Booker trotted out to meet Greyson, who sat very upright waiting.

  You are absolutely divine, beautiful wolf. He circled us. Your coat shines like the sun. Your teeth are as sharp as your mind.

  I couldn’t do this. Adorable overload would be my cause of death.

  The sun dipped below the mountain ranges, and I felt the same volatile darkness from last month creep over my senses.

  I look forward to eating hearts with you tonight, Booker said shyly.

  Pick up line of the century.

  It would be my honour, young one.

  Touché.

  Girl had him in the bag.

  A wrinkle formed between my brows as I connected to my senses. Stale air. Small space.

  Still dark?

  Booker was fast asleep, and a shining happiness filled us.

  Sascha was really close.

  Sitting up, I studied his sprawling, naked form at the cave entrance.

  Weak light streamed over him.

  I approached but kept my distance at the sight of his extended claws and fangs. “Hey. Guarder of caves.”

  He jolted awake and rolled to look up at me. I’d never—not once—woken before Sascha Greyson. He was mussed up, and I had to control the urge to set him to rights.

  “Are you going to stab me if I come closer?” I asked.

  He blinked a few times and sheathed his claws and fangs in response.

  I crouched. “Good sleep?”

  His voice was husky from disuse. “A very good sleep.”

  “I’m hungry and there’s food in my bag. Want to go back to the lake?”

  As we descended from our elevated cave, I realised we weren’t that far away from our starting spot.

  We hiked toward the lake.

  “Do you remember anything from last night? I just blacked out again.”

  “Little bits,” he answered. “You may want to brush your teeth.”

  I blanched. “You’re kidding?”

  “Just… brush them. It’s best not to know some things.”

  I swallowed hard, trying not to think of dangling rabbit guts.

  He took my hand when we reached the narrow beach. “They had a great time.”

  “I’m glad. Booker was looking forward to it. She got herself all done up.”

  Sascha grinned, and my breath caught as the sun caught his honey eyes, making them appear nearly yellow.

  So fucking handsome.

  We found my bag and after dressing and brushing critter innards from my teeth, I split my food with Sascha.

  Last time, I made the mistake of only bringing granola bags.

  I gnawed on my fourth barbeque chicken drumstick, staring out at the glassy lake.

  “You’re deep in thought for a wolf after the new moon.” He was lying on the forest floor and using one arm as a cushion—dressed in loose, grey trackpants too, which should be illegal on guys, full stop.

  “I feel good,” I murmured.

  “I’m asking what’s on your mind, mate.”

  Oh. “Grid stuff. Us stuff. Nothing different to the usual.”

  “I was wondering about Andie stuff yesterday.”

  “About her hot bod?”

  His amusement curled around me. “That’s a given. I found myself wondering why you experienced no heat after the kiss meet and the strongest heat yet after the bite meet.”

  Yeah, that had niggled at me. “Any ideas?”

  “In the past, our mating gifts—and your partial heats—always seemed to come when you accepted my presence in your life more.”

  I’d first felt the elastic band sensation at the waterfall when Sascha told me about his dreams. “Fair point, but I’d accepted you more than ever at our kiss meet.”

  Sascha took a deep breath. “Maybe so, but you weren’t happy on pack lands, Andie. We received the ability to mind-speak in this form as soon as you returned to the tribe. You were farther from me, and that made you more accepting of our situation.”

  His words filled the space between us.

  Because he was absolutely right—and wrong at the same time.

  “I wasn’t happy on pack
lands as things were,” I eventually answered. “I felt closer to you but believed less in our future. That made me close up.”

  He gazed up at the brightening sky. “You weren’t the only one. I was disappointed and it clouded my judgement. I closed up too.”

  Give me a guy with the ability to reason any day. I was deluded to believe alphas were my type. “When I went back to the manor, it felt like I was in a position to claim our future instead of watching everything unravel. I wasn’t happier because we were farther apart. That felt—and will always feel—horrible.”

  Sascha closed his eyes. “Thank fuck for that. I miss you so much.”

  My throat tightened. “I miss you too.”

  “Will you ever be back?” Pain infused his words.

  And my heart. “I believe there’s no future for us unless a compromise can be reached between the pack and tribe. I can’t leave my stewards in the lurch, and maybe doing the right thing by the pack was due to my feelings for you initially, but now, I care about them as well. We need to find a middle ground, Sascha.”

  He still disagreed.

  “Your stance on working together is still the same?”

  Sascha exhaled. “I’m not sure.”

  I’m not sure was better than absolutely fucking not. “What’s holding you back?”

  “A lot of my older wolves have lived through centuries of oppression. It’s not just our history with your tribe. The pack we were once part of was ruled with violence and fear. Many of my wolves carry physical scars from the treatment they received at the hands of my father’s brother. Then there were the vampires and demons. We’ve never owned something for ourselves. My people want a home they can rely on. They want to be safe.”

  That helped me to understand Alexei’s anger. “I didn’t know the old pack was that bad.” I couldn’t even fathom what it would take to scar a Luther.

  “It was. Enough for half of them to flee toward the unknown with my father. My wolves have never had anything to call their own. That’s why convincing them to give more won’t be easy—maybe impossible.”

  “I wouldn’t push this if I didn’t believe it was best.”