“We’re the ones asking the questions here.” That means no. “And we don’t like your tone.”
“This isn’t Clover territory,sweetheart,”the other guard sneers. “We’re real wolves. Show some respect.”
Ugh. Assholes. They’re enjoying the opportunity to harass me too much. There aren’t many chances. Us wolves steer clear of the other pack’s land without an official invite, and the covens insist on peace inside the actual city. If hundreds of covens can cohabit harmoniously, they expect two wolf packs to manage it as well.
Headlights flood the clearing, momentarily blinding the two Iron Pack guards. I turn my head and squint against the glare, thankful to my savior—until the vehicle’s engine cuts off and the lights fade.
Oh no. It’s Bane.
The guards automatically defer to him and he takes over smoothly. One of the guards eagerly fills him in about how a wolf from a ‘rival’ pack is trying to get into Iron territory with a ‘mysterious potion.’
“I’ve been ordered by a coven to deliver this potion directly to Elias Blackwood,” I correct the guard’s account.
Bright gold eyes lock onto mine, slicing through the darkness. “Which coven?”
“The Fern coven, via the Fern and Flower.”
“Well now,” he smirks. “That doesn’t count for much.”
“What are you talking about? The Fern Coven is respected! They’re the best at potioncraft in Concordia.”
“Yeah, you would say that about your mom’s coven, just like mommy would vouch for you.”
My face reddens as the other jerks chuckle. Bane’s version does sound less legitimate since technically I am here because of my mommy—ahem, my mom.
Damn, I always wondered if Bane Blackwood really disliked me personally or if I was just being paranoid. Guess I was right. He hatesme.He even knows my mom’s coven. The other two certainly didn’t. How did I get lucky enough to be personally despised by Bane Blackwood himself? The world is cruel.
“Leave us,” Bane barks the order at the guards. They retreat hastily, leaving me alone to face him.
Great. One vs. one is so much better odds than one vs. three. Somehow, being on my own with Bane doesn’t feel any safer. His quiet confidence infuriates me more than the guards’ outright hostility. Why does he get under my skin so badly?
“Alright, you did your job,” he says. “You put up a good fight. Now give me the bottle and we can go on with our lives.”
“Just let me in,” I suggest. “You can even go with me, just let me make the delivery.”
“No can do,” he says. “Hand it over.”
“No.”
“I’m Elias’s son. Give me the damn potion.”
“I can’t.”
Bane rolls his eyes. I brace myself for more arguing, ready to stand my ground no matter what.
“Whatever,” he huffs and turns on his heel. “Come on.”
“Uh, what?” I blink dumbly at his retreating form. “Where are you going?”
“To call this in. If you’re legit, someone should know the Alpha is expecting a delivery.”
I follow Blackwood to his car in case I need to explain myself again. At least we’re getting somewhere now. Why are the Iron wolves so sanity impaired? All bark, aggression, and superiority. So glad Clover does things differently.
He opens his car door and even reaches inside for his phone. Then he suddenly spins around and rushes forward. I have enough time to realize he’s played me and then he’s yanking the potion right out of my hands.
“No!”
“See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
