Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Nadia.” He inclined his head. “I have to admit, these customs of your people are…odd.”
“You’re not kidding.” She gestured to the seat across from her. She still couldn’t believe this was her reality now. “Please, have a seat.”
He did, and his body appeared relaxed. “You’re handling this with impressive grace.”
She poured his tea without looking at him. “Grace is just panic with good posture.”
He laughed softly. “I would never force you to do anything. You deserve time and choice.”
She lifted her gaze to meet his. “Yet you didn’t deny the trophy.”
He lifted one shoulder. “Because I intend to win, and when I do, I intend to earn you.” He leaned toward her. “There’s no time requirement, is there? Once an Alpha is named, he doesn’t have to mate the trophy right away.” He winced as he said the word.
She had to give him that. The word made her want to wince as well. “I don’t think there’s a time requirement.” As a point, it was a good one.
“Well then, there you have it. I’ll win the Alpha position, and I’ll court you. If our relationship doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. If it does, that would be fantastic.”
“Okay,” she said, surprised by how easily the word came. She could appreciate his honesty.
He looked her over more carefully. “However, I do want to make sure this is legitimate. You’re the rightful heir. Is there no chance you want to be the Alpha?”
“There’s no way,” she said. “I grew up a farmer, not a fighter.”
“Ah. Fair enough.” He rolled his neck and then stood. “Well, we’ve done this. I’d really like to move on to the challenges.” He gave a half bow, turned, and walked out.
She looked down at his untouched tea. “All right. Good enough.”
Solomon rushed in immediately, his frown deep and unmistakably disapproving. “He didn’t drink the tea. It’s huckleberry. We have limited resources, and that’s the good stuff.”
Nadia’s mouth fell open as she turned to look up at him. “Seriously?” Her entire life was on the line. The pack could be in trouble, and he was worried about tea?
Solomon faltered. “I’m taking my job as librarian seriously. The position is listed in the grimoire. That’s important.”
She sipped her tea. “You’re an interesting fellow, Solomon.”
He straightened his tie. “Thank you. It’s kind of you to notice.” He removed Luca’s cup and saucer.
Next arrived Dax Moontel, who kept adjusting his black vest as he entered. “This is stupid.”
She couldn’t help the amusement that swept through her. “I could not agree more.”
Frowning, he crossed the room and sat, sniffing. “Please tell me there’s bourbon in there.”
“Sorry, but no.” She sipped again.
“Fine.” Shrugging, he lifted the cup and downed the contents. “Hmm. Fruity.” Then he sat back, placing the cup on the tablecloth and not on the saucer. “I figure the trophy has a say in all of this, somehow. Why don’t we make an agreement?”
Curiosity had her pausing with her cup next to her mouth. “Go on.”
“Agree to mate me, and let’s get it done. Like tonight. Then I’ll bring in my soldiers, and we’ll make this the most successful era for the Slate Pack.” He smiled again, showing twin dimples. “I’ll shower you with jewels and give you as many children as you’d like. You’ll never have to work again.”
She liked working. Plus, that would break the rules, and apparently this pack was all about rules.
He winked. “Just think about it.”
Solomon leaned his head through the doorway. “I’m sorry but everyone would have to agree. All of the challengers as well as the two of you.”
Somebody was eavesdropping.
“I see. It was worth a shot.” Standing, Dax turned and strode out, leaving the faintest scent of musk in his wake. The expensive kind.
Solomon quickly switched out the tea cups again.
Isaac Pembroke entered next, his broad shoulders nearly blocking the doorway. He bowed, formal and restrained. “Ms. Nightsom.”
Actually, her last name was Hodge, but she could understand the confusion. “You can call me Nadia.” She poured his tea. If this all fell apart, maybe she could get a job as a barista somewhere.
“Then you can call me Isaac,” he replied, taking a seat. He didn’t smile, but he did drink the tea. One of his dark eyebrows rose. “What is that? Blueberry?”
“Huckleberry,” she said. “I guess it’s a big deal around here. Thank you for joining me for the tea, and thank you for not claiming the trophy.”
“You’re welcome.” He met her gaze steadily. “No offense, but I would like to have several strong sons, or daughters, to follow me in the Alpha position. I want a legacy.”
She cocked her head. “All right.”
“You’re short. Petite. I’m looking for someone much stronger to be my mate.”
She leaned back, folding her hands in her lap. “thought you declined because you weren’t a chauvinist asshole.”