“This town has always been home to the surrounding packs—or, at least, to what’s left of them.” Her voice was softer now, more thoughtful. “The people here have provided us with food, shelter, and kindness for generations, so long as we protect them in return. We aren’t bound by blood, but it might as well be family.”
Alaric couldn’t take his eyes off Heidara. She looked stunning even after a long day of travel beneath the spring sun. The warm lantern light made her skin glow, and the flicker of the flames danced in her emerald eyes. A few strands of golden hair had slipped loose from her braid, but instead of looking messy, she looked—
Beautiful.
Tearing his eyes away wasn’t easy. It took Holden clearing his throat—a quiet sound, but unmistakably a warning—for Alaric to blink and finally look away. He let out a slow breath and reached for his drink. Holden didn’t need to say a word. They both knew it. Alaric had been staring too long.
Obren leaned back and stretched, moving with the ease of pure confidence. He picked up his ale and stood. “Alright, beautiful,” he said toEvelyne, that maddening grin still plastered on his face. “Time I found myself a place to sleep for the night.”
He leaned in, mouth close to her ear, but did not attempt to keep his voice down—ensuring every wolf at the table, and likely beyond, could hear him.
“You’re welcome to join me if the alpha isn’t keeping you warm enough.” He winked, entirely too pleased with himself.
The tension at the table shifted as steady bootsteps sounded behind them. Alaric didn’t need to turn to know Kaldrek was approaching. And judging by the charged energy rolling off him, he had heard every word.
The alpha stopped at the table’s edge, and Alaric could feel the intensity of his stare. But Evelyne, damn her, didn’t so much as waver. Instead, she gave a smile that was sweet on the surface but sharp underneath and purred, “I’ll be sure to consider your offer.”
Obren’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he slowly turned to Kaldrek. It wasn’t subtle. It was a challenge. And Kaldrek? He looked like he might rip Obren’s throat out.
Obren lifted his tankard in casual acknowledgment before strolling out of the tavern, completely unfazed. Evelyne didn’t spare Kaldrek a single glance. Instead, she reached for her ale, tipped it back, and finished it in one swift motion. Kaldrek finally sat down, his movements calm on the surface, but Alaric saw the tightness in his shoulders and the tension running through every line of his body.
“Take it easy on that ale,” Kaldrek said firmly. “Or you won’t even be able to walk out of here.”
Evelyne lowered her glass, licking the last drop of ale from her lips. “Oh, hush. I’ve only had one.”
She turned to Heidara, and the two shared a mischievous, knowing smile. Alaric couldn’t help but love the bond between them, love thatEvelyne had finally found someone she could truly trust. He supposed he could call Heidara a friend, too. She was the one who had patched him up every day after his capture, the one who’d checked on him—twice a day—after the Noskari attack. She was kind. Too kind. And gods, he needed to get his mind off her.
The ale clearly made him reckless. Holden remained at the table, and he would likely tear Alaric apart if he even thought about looking at his sister the wrong way. So Alaric wisely dropped his gaze to his plate, took a bite of his meal, and said casually, “Eh, let her drink up. After all, it’s her birthday tomorrow.”
He shot Evelyne a wink just as Heidara gasped and spun toward her, eyes narrowing in mock accusation. “You didn’t tell me that!”
Evelyne shrugged. “It’s just another day.”
“How old?” Holden asked.
“Twenty-three,” she said, her voice quieter now, almost like she was reluctant to admit it. Maybe the others missed it, but Alaric didn’t. Back home, twenty-three was considered old for a noblewoman without a husband, though she was still technically engaged to him. He wasn’t even sure where they stood anymore. Sooner or later, he knew he’d have to ask.
“Oh! I must take you, and you,” Heidara said, pointing at Alaric, “on a tour through town tomorrow. I’ll show you all the best shops!”
Evelyne smiled slightly. “I’d like that.”
“So would I,” Alaric added.
Heidara practically vibrated with excitement, clapping her hands together. Then, as if something even better had just occurred to her, she let out a delighted squeal. “And it’s a full moon tomorrow! This is going to be so much fun.”
Kaldrek raised his drink in an easy salute. “Well, in that case,” he said, “drink up, Lady.”
Alaric caught it. The way his eyes lingered on Evelyne’s just a little longer than necessary. Like he was thinking something he wouldn’t say aloud. And Evelyne didn’t look away.
Chapter 37
Evelyne stirred in the softest bed she’d felt in weeks. For a blissful moment, she didn’t move. Eyes half-lidded, she let herself melt into the warmth of the mattress, breathing in the clean scent of fresh linens and listening to the faint hum of life drifting in from beyond the lodge. She had missed this—the comfort of a real bed; the illusion of safety, not just from solid walls, but from the two wolf packs now standing guard over Cindermoor.
She exhaled and stretched beneath the covers, only to regret it instantly. A dull throb bloomed behind her eyes, and memories from the night before came rushing back: Heidara laughing as she half dragged her back to their room, arms looped tightly around Evelyne’s shoulders, both of them stumbling and breathless.Yeah. Kaldrek was right.She should not have drunk that much.
Still, at least she’d slept. Better than she had in weeks. She blinked toward the empty bed beside hers, already made, the hint of soap hanging faintly in the room. Heidara was long up, no doubt washed and ready. Meanwhile, Evelyne had slept in. No training today. A birthday gift from Kaldrek? She scoffed at the thought, but she wasn’t about to complain.
The sun outside was already bright and warm, promising another beautiful day. For the first time in what felt like ages, Evelyne felt a flicker of excitement. She and Heidara were going to explore the town with Alaric. No trekking through the wilds, no sore muscles or gruelingroutines. Just wandering the streets, sharing laughter, and maybe, if she was lucky, feeling a little bit normal again.
