Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 71: Caine: Banquet (I)

CAINE

The van rumbles beneath us, carrying our mismatched party through Fiddleback territory. My fingers drum steadily against my knee.

"High Alpha, we’re approaching the venue now," Elizabeth announces, cool and collected once again. "Alpha Halloway wanted to do justice to the Lycan King’s presence. This is our community’s premier venue. We host all major affairs there—celebrations, council meetings... mate ceremonies."

She turns her head slightly toward Jack-Eye at the last bit.

My beta shifts in the passenger seat. "It’s a beautiful place," he says, perfectly noncommittal.

Fenris snorts from his position in the captain’s chair beside me. He’s perched on it like it’s his throne, and even I have to admit the visual is mildly amusing. He’s about to collect another mating proposal. How many is that now?

Twenty, maybe? I have no idea why his mere presence seems to addle their brains, but women are always desperate to attach themselves to the man.

And I know exactly what he’ll say when teased about it. "It’s not my fault the local females have taste." I’ve heard it more than once, when other Lycans have ribbed him over his casual conquests.

Behind me, Thom and Andrew sit silent—Thom fidgeting with his glasses, and the Blue Mountain pup staring stonily out the window. The extended van feels overcrowded despite the empty seats of even more rows.

My phone buzzes, and I check it briefly. Another photo. Grace is still asleep. Lyre’s still reading, not responding to my text. Thankfully, once I bring my mate home, her contact with the rainbow-haired woman will be close to severed. She’s a bad influence.

Are you trying to run her off again?

Fenris snaps at the air between us, his teeth gleaming in the dim light of twilight, and I frown at his absurd question.

She will return with us. It’s no longer an option. A wolf doesn’t leave his mate behind. She might fuss a little, but she’ll understand in the end. She’s a smart girl.

He heaves a sigh, his ears pressed tight against his head as he stares at me. You’re an idiot. Again. I take back everything I said about you becoming smarter after you accepted Grace. You’re stupider than before.

My teeth bare at his accusations. Are you suggesting we leave her with someone who can’t be trusted to keep us informed of her health?

I’m saying don’t force Grace to do

Oh.

My shoulders relax.

no

through me. The certainty of Grace’s connection to me is undeniable. It seems a little silly to have been so resistant against this clear tether between us, this tug in my chest. Even now, I can feel her as a soft, warm

too. I saw it in her eyes. Felt it in her

mate bond doesn’t

strange explanation of energy transfer, saying

Protect them. But to accidentally harm them?

Either Lyre’s wrong, or...

I’ll figure it

Fenris growls, his tail smacking against the back of

others can’t hear how disrespectful

pact myself, I would. You’re going to destroy

Calm down. Have a little more

in the driver’s seat. I have plenty of faith in

my mate has gifted me fades as

slows, pulling into a massive parking structure, attached to another building. This must be the venue Elizabeth spoke of so

windows, I glimpse chandeliers suspended from

into park. "We’ve

but my focus remains on Fenris. The fury coiling in my body is enticing, beckoning me further, but I

Grace likes Fenris.

truly believe I would hurt her? I

weight to his words, and a reluctance in the part of our soul stitching us together. But your intentions aren’t the problem. It’s your inability to see

King has always been considered a strength. Not

Idiot.

passenger door, creating a welcome diversion. "Shall