Page 13 of A Sunwoven Ascent

A little help would be nice, she sent toward Kaldrek.

Not a chance. This is too entertaining, came his dry reply.

Beau gave a weak laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s actually a funny story. Luanna wasn’t really my mate after all.”

Amusement dripped from Kaldrek’s tone. I cannot wait to watch Heidara—

CRACK! Heidara’s fist collided with Beau’s jaw, snapping his head to the side.

Alaric looked up at that, but didn’t move from his sitting position.

“Damn it, Heidara!” Holden’s shout rang out as a group of wolves drifted toward them.

Heidara jabbed a finger at her brother, fury blazing in her eyes. “You knew. You knew he wasn’t mated—and you let me believe he was.” Her hand dragged down her face as her voice fractured. “You listened to me cry myself to sleep after he left. How did I miss it? How did I not see?” She stared at the ground, her breath hitching. “Gods. I was so wrapped up in foolish, childish heartbreak that I didn’t even—”

A brittle laugh slipped out, one Evelyne recognized at once. The kind born of humiliation, not humor.

Holden’s voice was low, almost pleading. “You were sixteen, Heidara. Caught up in what you thought was love. I did what I believed was best for you.”

But the damage was done. Evelyne watched the betrayal carve itself across Heidara’s face. She stepped back from her brother, shaking her head as if she no longer knew him, then turned away from them all.

“Oh, come on. You cannot truly believe it would have ended in some fairy-tale happily ever after,” Holden pressed.

That was enough. Evelyne stepped in at once, sliding a steadying hand along Heidara’s back. “Holden, stop. Step away.” Her eyes flicked to Kaldrek with silent urgency. Get him out of here. Now.

Beau lowered a hand from his bruised jaw, hesitation creeping into his voice. “Heidara, please. Can we talk?”

Heidara met his stare with a coldness so absolute it sent a sharp pulse of alarm through Evelyne. Fury, at least, burned hot and reckless. This was something far more dangerous. She knew, with sudden certainty, that Heidara was about to put every man present firmly in his place.

“There was a time,” Heidara said evenly, “when I thought seeing your face was the best part of any day. I dreamed of your smile, your touch, even the feel of your body beside mine.” Her gaze traveled over him with slow, merciless care. “I thought it meant something. But I was young enough then to mistake beauty for substance.” A bitter smile touched her mouth. “You looked like a dream, Beau, but beneath all that charm was nothing solid enough to hold.”

She straightened.

“I am not that foolish girl anymore. I have grown. I know who I am. And you…” Her expression hardened. “You have not changed at all. You are still exactly what you were. Lovely to look at, and empty beneath it.” Her voice turned colder still. “Once, you gave me butterflies. Now that feels like a child’s affliction. I want more than sweetness. More than pretty words and an easy smile. I want a man who can stir fire in me.” Her eyes shifted briefly toward Alaric. “And that man was never you. So no. We have nothing to say to each other.”

Heidara’s attention snapped to Holden.

“A lie from a brother cuts deeper than the betrayal of a first love. Do not speak to me again until you’re worthy of my time.” With that, she looped her arm through Evelyne’s and whispered, “I’m ready for our walk.”

Evelyne looked to Kaldrek, who gave a small nod of understanding, then winked before returning to Coren. Still seated, horn full of ale in hand, Coren wore an expression of pure amusement, as if he had expected this quarrel and relished seeing his son bested by a female. Evelyne found herself liking him instantly.

***

Evelyne walked at Heidara’s side, weaving quietly through the rows of tents now sheltering three wolf packs. Warriors chatted easily among themselves, scouts posted on the perimeter, their protection more than secure. Even so, Evelyne couldn’t quite shake the shiver that came whenever she thought of straying too far and falling prey to the walkers of the night.

The silence broke when Heidara snapped, “What an utter dog. Though, considering we are wolves, perhaps that is not the insult I mean it to be.” She began to pace, anger pouring off her in waves. “I cannot believe Beau lied to me for all this time. And my brother…” She groaned. “Which means Kaldrek knew as well. I should have realized. One can smell a mating bond, for heaven’s sake. But I was so furious over the things he said that it never occurred to me to test the scent. Not that I truly understood any of it back then…”

Evelyne stayed quiet, watching her friend spill every thought as though arguing aloud with herself.

Heidara dragged a hand through her hair. “As much as I want to hate him for saying it, Holden was right. I was only sixteen when I fell for Beau, and he was never good for me.”

“He does not strike me as a man worthy of you, but keeping the truth from you was no kindness,” Evelyne said softly.

A faint, wry smile touched Heidara’s mouth. “I was stubborn then. Holden likely knew I would have fought him every step of the way to stay with Beau. But you are right. That still does not excuse what he did.”

“Might I ask what transpired between you and Beau?”

Heidara’s smile faltered, turning wistful. “Beau was sweet. He made me feel… pretty. And that’s all a girl really wants at sixteen, isn’t it?” She let out a dry laugh. “Pathetic, I know. But I was young, and—well, you saw him.”