Page 16 of The Wolf Queen’s Curse

When Julius returns, we’re ready to go. Julius and Nancy have packed the horses, and that was the excuse for the two walking off, but I suspect they were also accessing the money Bishop and Julius need.

It’s all handled very adroitly, as if they’ve done this dozens of times. Bishop and Julius come for a rare visit … and get what they need from their stash of funds, without their grandfather knowing such funds exist.

Then we take our leave, Montague telling Bishop to bring me for a longer visit, that Nancy would appreciate the feminine company. Julius hugs Nancy, and Bishop gives her a quick embrace, and she squeezes my arm before I make it clear that a hug wouldn’t be unwelcome. I’m no longer in polite society and increasingly glad of it.

As we set off, the two men have changed positions, Julius riding ahead and Bishop behind, and I feel the significance of that. The threat Bishop shields me from comes from that cottage, as if I need to be protected from some insidious miasma.

We’re nearing the edge when Julius twists to call back, “Why don’t you two walk for a while? I’ll lead the horses out, and you can enjoy a forest stroll.” His gaze shoots to Bishop. “He won’t follow us.”

Bishop catches my eye. “Would you mind walking?”

“I would like it very much, thank you.”

I dismount. At a command from Bishop, Cinder follows Julius and the gelding plods along behind her.

Bishop takes my hand and leads me onto a side path. When the horses have passed from sight, he says, “Should I have warned you?”

“I understand why you didn’t.”

“I thought it better if you didn’t have time to imagine what to expect. Also, I…” His hand tightens on mine. “I know you probably presumed that I wasn’t in contact with him, if he still lived.”

“Yes.”

His voice drops. “Because of what he is. What he’s done.”

“I don’t know what he’s done, Bishop. I only know he was exiled from the Pack when your father was young. From his reputation, Montague was—is—a brutal werewolf, and not in any way where such a term might be considered flattering.”

A short, humorless laugh. “True. Still, what you heard today could be mistaken for bluster or hyperbole. A braggart saying he’d like to kill his rivals.”

“I didn’t mistake it for that.”

“Good. First, let me assure you that you’re in no danger from him. As my mate, you help solidify my claim to Alphahood.” He slants a look my way. “Are you wondering why I didn’t tell him I’m already Alpha?”

“Oh, I understand. Is there any chance he’ll find out?”

Bishop shakes his head. “Nancy has connections in the outside supernatural world, but Julius will have told her, and she’ll keep it from Montague.”

“So Nancy is your grandfather’s…?”

“Caretaker.”

I slide a look his way, and he sighs before saying, “And probably more.”

“His lover.”

“I…” He takes a deep breath. “I can say I have no proof, but that’s cowardice. I feel as if I should protect her, but then I feel as if that is not my choice to make, and then I worry that I’m only saying that because I need her to care for him.”

He glances at me. “You’re going to hear many confessions today.”

“I appreciate them all.” I wrap my hand tighter with his. “You don’t need to be the unshakable Alpha with me, Bishop.”

“Showing weakness isn’t easy for me.”

“Emotion isn’t weakness. Uncertainty isn’t weakness. And not interfering with whatever is going on back there is only cowardice if anyone forces her to stay, and I can tell that’s not the case.”

He exhales a long breath. “It’s not. He doesn’t abuse her. Doesn’t even insult her. He saved her life, maybe twenty years ago, in the attack that injured her leg.”

“Ah.”