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The hackles on my back rise. and I release an instinctual growl. “Stay back. Don’t come any closer. Don’t think I won’t fight.”
The wolf stops in his tracks. “I know you will. I can smell the blood on you, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from the granddaughter of Eleanor of Crystal Rock. I’ve heard many stories of her from my grandfather.”
What? His grandfather knew my grandma? How?
“Come on. Follow me back to my den, and I will answer any questions you have.” The wolf releases a yip. “You are safe in Ice Meadow. I’m neutral when it comes to Sunset Pointe, and I happen to have a young pup in my pack who would love to see you. He’s told me everything about you, Eliana. I’m Slater, by the way. Alpha of Ice Meadow.”
My heart skips a beat at his comment. He has a pup in his pack? That would mean...
“Hurry now. I will let you peek at Tristan for a couple minutes, and then we’ll talk. Warm up. And after, I will let you see him. Is that a deal?” The wolf trots closer again, but he only circles me.
I bark, my nerves fading the longer I think about Tristan. I’ve been so scared. I’m so fucking upset that he was taken from me. But now he’s here with this man.
“Fine. You have a deal except I want to talk to him first.” I remain steady, confident.
“No. I need to figure out what we are going to do with you before that. I will not get his hopes up just to break them. Follow me if you want. Or leave. Those are your options.” Slater bolts away, not waiting for me to respond.
I puff a breath of air through my nostrils. What choice do I have? I can’t leave without seeing Tristan. I don’t even know where I would go.
So, I follow Slater. I just hope it isn’t a grave mistake.
“You can take a hot shower and get cleaned up. I’ll have my cousin bring you anything she thinks you’ll need. Once you’re ready, head down the hallway and meet me in the kitchen. I’ll make you something to eat. You’re hungry.” Slater doesn’t ask but assumes. He can probably hear the constant grumbling of my stomach, angry that I can’t remember the last time that I’ve eaten.
“I want to see Tristan first. Please, it’s the only way I can trust that you’re not lying.” Deep down, I know he isn’t. It’s as if I can sense it on a spiritual level. Tristan is nearby and so close that I can pick up his scent on everything. He’s been in this room.
Slater scrubs his hand on the back of his neck. “We had a deal, Eliana. Now, please. Take care of yourself first. Tristan isn’t going anywhere.”
I narrow my eyes. “Just one peek.”
Growling, Slater smacks his hand against the wall, startling me. “Goddess, damn it. Fine. One peek. But do not make yourself known. I mean it. He’s adjusting well here. I don’t trust that you won’t try something that will destroy the brittle foundation of our new-forming bond as a pack.”
I gawk in surprise. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he cared for Tristan.
“Of course, I care about him. I care about every single member of my pack, regardless of position, weaknesses, or where they’ve come from. We all have our purpose in our territory, and each one of us is important.” Slater meets my gaze, giving me a long once-over. “We are a family. Do you know what that is?”
I don’t know whether I should be pissed off and offended or swooning and in love, because his words touch me in an unexpected way. Who is this alpha? Where has he been hiding?
Fuck. I need to get that out of my head. He’s listening in on my thoughts.
Slater doesn’t react, keeping his face expressionless. Maybe I blocked him out again. I can’t be sure, and I hate it. I hate not knowing when and if someone can just listen in on my thoughts. It isn’t fair, because I can’t seem to pick up on anyone else’s. Not yet at least. I guess when I practice more, I might be able to. I just haven’t had the chance.
“Don’t do that,” I finally say, crossing my arms over my chest. “You shouldn’t just respond to my thoughts. It’s an invasion of privacy.”
“I’m sorry. You were practically screaming your questions at me, and since you seem to be so guarded, I thought it would be best to take the initiative. I will wait. But if you fail to ask something that’s on your mind, that’s on you. You will be left with your curiosity.” Extending his arm, Slater holds out his hand to me. “Now, since you refuse to warm up and eat before seeing Tristan, let’s hurry up. I don’t want you getting sick or hangry. Your mood already seems fragile enough. I’m trying to keep you calm, knowing how volatile your beast can truly be.”
Is he for real? Hangry?
He doesn’t say anything as he wiggles his fingers.
I relent and place my hand in his. “I’m only volatile when disgusting men try to put me in my supposed place, beat me, and threaten to mount me like an animal.”
He sucks in a sharp breath. “You need to see our healer.”
I scowl. “Stop telling me what I need, and just take me to Tristan. Once you take me to him, then I will take care of myself.”
He releases a little growl, so deep that it’s nearly inaudible. I’m only aware of it because it radiates to my very core, shuddering through me. “How anyone could see you as an omega is beyond me. You’re a little spitfire, Eliana.”
My mouth betrays me, and my scowl softens with my smirk. I shake my head, trying to force it away. Once again, I question myself in the situation. Who the fuck is this alpha?
