Grace of a Wolf by Lenaleia

Chapter 72: Caine: Banquet (II)

CAINE

Fenris doesn’t acknowledge the greeting, instead fixing his gaze on something beyond the Alpha’s shoulder. I follow his line of sight to a display of ancient-looking weapons mounted on the wall inside—ceremonial, but deadly nonetheless.

There is blood. Fresh. Not even a day old.

My nostrils flare, but I can’t pick up any scent.

Halloway’s eyes drift over our party, dismissing Andrew and Thom almost immediately before pausing on Elizabeth with a distinct frown. Then he settles his attention on Jack-Eye, his lips thinning. Not quite hostile, but... something. "I see your beta has dressed for the occasion."

Jack-Eye inclines his head. "I believe in respecting local customs, Alpha Halloway."

"Indeed." The Fiddleback Alpha’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. "And the others are...?"

"My warlock," I say, nodding toward Thom, who shrinks further into himself. "And a wolf from Blue Mountain."

"Ah." A flash of recognition crosses Halloway’s face as he looks at Andrew. "From the rumors. You have our condolences."

Andrew says nothing, his posture rigid.

The alpha steps aside, allowing us entry into a vast open space with vaulted ceilings and tables draped in white linens. The room buzzes with at least fifty wolves, all in formal attire, watching us. A string quartet plays in the corner, though the music falters as the musicians notice our arrival. They’re all human.

"I hope you don’t mind," Halloway says, gesturing to the gathering, "but word of your visit spread quickly. Many were eager to pay their respects."

As if he didn’t spread the word himself. My lips quirk. I’m sure he’s assembled his entire inner circle, possibly his full pack hierarchy. It is interesting he could call in so many on such short notice.

They’re either incredibly loyal... or deeply afraid of their alpha.

efficiency," he adds, as if reading my

appears with champagne flutes on a silver tray. I wave them away

a private discussion,"

High Alpha. After dinner." His smile tightens. "But surely you understand—it would be an insult

manner I can only describe as practiced theater. "Tonight,

I nod once, sharply, refusing to play this game of ceremonial adoration. The music swells

clenched with the anticipation of holding my temper at

our

which he takes

with rehearsed questions about Lycan territory. I answer

his own adulating fans, and I can feel his temptation to

here, he says, sounding confused. Something smells

Thom nervously hovering by Andrew’s side. The latter looks bored, and his dark eyes meet mine with the faintest hint of defiance before he

Bastard.

have just

now. Killing off a

think about

bare my teeth at Fenris’s snappy

attire, respectable conversation, an appropriate amount of deference. But Fenris is right.

honor, High Alpha." A woman in her fifties squeezes between two

acknowledge her with a nod before

coordinator. We have excellent facilities. Should your companion require

curls back. "My mate’s care is not

course,

his expression is neutral but his eyes are sharp. "High Alpha, perhaps you’d care to see the outdoor terrace? The