Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Agreed,” Victor said lowly. His gaze held a spark of something dark and unreadable. “Since we’re having this little family get-together, why don’t we talk about a transition of power?”
“No.” Philip’s voice cut through the room with the finality of a judge’s gavel. “I’m not giving up my role as Alpha of this pack. So, back the fuck off.”
Victor glared at him, muscles tightening in his arms as if ready to strike. His shoulders squared, and his nostrils flared, but something held him back.
Jackson studied the younger wolf. Perhaps Victor wasn’t as confident in his ability to beat Philip as he pretended. That was interesting.
The tension in the room thickened, tightening like a rope about to snap. Emily’s gaze flicked from her father to Victor, then to Jackson, her thoughts hidden behind her cool, composed mask. Snow tapped against the tall windows, soft and persistent, a reminder of the storm brewing beyond the walls. The fireplace crackled behind them, its warmth at odds with the chill running beneath the surface of the conversation.
“Well.” Nadia broke the silence, her tone light. “This is cozy.”
Nobody laughed.
Philip might last another thirty years in the role, but he did look older and slightly weaker than just the other day. Was the stress getting to him? Age was normal, and his progression was standard. Jackson wondered why Philip hadn’t mated again to produce more heirs. Unless he had truly believed that Emily would take the reins. Why didn’t everyone see the fragility in her that Jackson did? The thought tightened his chest in a way he didn’t appreciate.
Emily took a deep breath. “Jackson, I hope you don’t mind, but I’d really like to speak with my family alone.”
He tilted his head slightly, his eyebrows lifting. “Why?”
She blinked, surprise flashing across her face at his bluntness. She should know by now that he was usually blunt.
“Pack business,” she said simply as she stood. “And since we aren’t—” She hesitated, her lips parting slightly before she continued. “Since we aren’t mated, you don’t belong in that conversation.” She gestured him toward the door.
Irritation clocked through him, and he masked it. He stood. “That’s fine, but after your meeting, Philip and I need to speak. Alone.”
“Agreed.” Philip leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze locking with Jackson’s.
Jackson followed Emily to the door, walking outside as she firmly shut it behind him. What did she need to discuss with her family that required his absence? Exactly what kinds of secrets did Emily Nightsom have? The question lodged in his chest, unwanted and persistent, as he forced himself to focus on the task at hand. If Philip agreed to his terms, there would be no more secrets between them.
Period.
Emily shut the front door as Jackson stepped onto the porch, irritation cascading off him. She rolled her eyes before returning to the living room.
Nadia flipped through her notes. “What are we discussing?”
“I like your idea of creating farming land.” Emily offered her sister a small smile.
“Thanks.”
Victor stood abruptly. “I’m done with this conversation.”
“Wait.” Emily’s smile didn’t waver, though heat simmered beneath her skin. “I wanted to say something about your threat to challenge my father.”
Victor cocked his head. “Oh, yeah? What’s that?”
Emily swung without hesitation, her fist connecting solidly with his nose.
Blood spurted as Victor staggered back, clutching his face. “What the fuck?”
Philip surged to his feet. “Emily! There will be no fighting in my house.”
“Oh, my goodness.” Emily snatched a linen doily from the nearest table. It was one of the replacements, not one her mother had made. “I’m sorry. I just lost my temper.” She patted Victor’s face awkwardly, dabbing at the blood.
“She hit me,” Victor growled, voice muffled behind his hands.
“I said I was sorry.” Emily shrugged. “Besides, you’re an Alpha male, Victor. You’ll heal within minutes. Probably.”
Victor glared at her, eyes dark with fury, but he didn’t say another word. He stormed toward the door, pausing just before stepping outside. “This isn’t over, Emily Nightsom. We’re going to come to blows one day.”
The door slammed behind him, and his footsteps thudded down the stairs outside.
“What the hell was that about?” Philip rounded on her, eyes blazing.
Emily exhaled, placing the doily carefully on the piano and ensuring no blood touched the polished wood. “Sorry about that. I needed his blood.”
Philip took a step back. “Excuse me?”
“I need to speak with both of you.” Her voice softened slightly as she glanced toward her sister.
Nadia’s eyes remained wide as she lowered herself onto the edge of the couch. “You just punched him right in the face.”
“I did.”
Nadia cleared her throat. “Were you really that angry?”
“No. Like I said, I needed his blood.” Emily clasped her hands tightly, her fingers cold despite the warmth of the room. “I’ve been feeling off for the last month or so. It comes and goes, but it’s gotten worse.