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I stayed frozen for a second.
What the hell was I getting myself into?
Chapter Eight
My father and brothers showed up in my room not long after Donovan left. It took me the better part of an hour to assure them that I was leaving and that I’d be okay. Max threatened to go with us to Ireland, but I was going to be joining the Irish pack. Possibly sooner than I’d thought. I couldn’t have him or the others there stopping me from accepting challenges. It took Donovan pledging them that he’d look after me before they saw reason. It frustrated me that after everything, they still needed Donovan’s word. I could take care of myself.
It was just the two of us on Donovan’s plane. As we finally made our descent, I pressed my nose to the window, fogging it a little with each breath. I’d never been to Ireland before. Now I knew why my father had avoided the island, but that didn’t matter now. I pushed away all the anxious thoughts about what we’d face when we landed and let myself enjoy the view. It was too beautiful not to.
Ireland held so many varying shades of green. As we lowered toward the Dublin airport, I could make out each square patch of variegated green, even though it was gray and raining. I spotted little cottages in the countryside and wondered about the people who lived there.
Did Ireland have reality TV? Because I was so in for that. The stronghold better have cable. And good Wi-Fi.
The plane’s tires finally touched the ground, and I sat frozen as we slowed to a stop. I knew it was time to get out.
“You ready?” Donovan said.
I jerked in my seat. It was just the two of us on his beautiful plane, which had been nice. He’d slept most of the way, but I could never sleep on planes. Especially not this trip.
“Yeah.” I shook myself as I reached for my bright blue Longchamp bag, stuffing my book, phone, and earbuds inside.
“Best put on your overcoat now. It’s going to be quite cold.”
Living in Texas had thinned my blood. The last little while in Colorado—with the highs just above freezing—had been an adjustment, but now I was pretty used to the bitter temperatures. I shoved a brimmed knit hat on my head, buttoned up my coat, grabbed my scarf, and felt only partially warmer. “How do humans survive winters like this?”
“I haven’t the foggiest.” Donovan reached for my bag, but I shook my head. I liked to carry my own things. Plus, Vivian would be outside. It was probably better if my hands were occupied or might be tempted to start something I shouldn’t. “All right then. Let’s go.”
As I stepped onto the stairs, I spotted five men in all black waiting by a car.
Where was everyone else? The top-ranked wolves usually came to greet their Alpha when he arrived home. It differed for every pack, but no less than the first five were required to be there, plus a handful of Cazadores. For some, it was only ten, and for others, the crowd could fill a bus. It depended how close the top people were in terms of power level. The closer they were, the more disputes in rank there would be, so more people would show up to solidify their position in the pack.
But there should’ve been no less than ten. And where in the hell was Vivian? As much as I wanted to delay meeting her, she should’ve been here. She was Donovan’s second, at least for now. Even if I didn’t know what I knew, her absence would’ve been a huge red flag.
Maybe she was investigating the murder? But her absence was still a definite slight against Donovan.
The steps were slippery as we climbed down the airstair, and I was grateful for my Were balance. Eating it in front of the most powerful members of Donovan’s pack wasn’t the first impression I wanted to make. I gripped my bag a little tighter as I reached the tarmac.
I met each Were’s gaze for a moment before moving on. The first one met it and looked down so quickly that I gasped. He was actually welcoming me to the pack? Not exactly what I was expecting after everything I’d heard.
The next guy scowled at the first one before looking my way. He crossed his arms as he leaned back on the car. He looked away after a minute, but from his posture, he wasn’t happy about it.
The next two proved even more standoffish.
The little twinge of hope that the first guy had sparked died. Fine. This was what I’d expected, and I’d be happy to force submissions all day if that was what it took to be accepted around here. But each Cazador looked away in turn.
Then I got to the last Were. A redhead. He was the hardest of the bunch. Being Donovan’s true mate meant that I’d basically become his surrogate. Eventually, I’d be able to use his power almost as if it were my own, and pack position wouldn’t be an issue. I was the Alpha’s mate. Full stop. But we hadn’t had our ceremony yet, so I had to make this guy accept my future position. Staring him down went against all my instincts and training, but making my standing known from day one was essential.
I took in the man’s hair, a total knotted mess, and the bags under his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept for at least two days. Poor guy. Losing the pack’s second had done a number on him, but exhausted or not, he wouldn’t look away. I respected that, but it wasn’t going to fly with me.
I dropped my bag from my shoulder down to my hand, ready to let it go and fight if I had to.
Donovan stepped beside me. Everyone’s attention went immediately to him.
“This is my mate, Meredith Molloney.” He paused to let that sink in.
The guy I’d been staring down flushed red, and I didn’t know if it was from anger or embarrassment. Something about his stance told me that it was more likely anger, but I didn’t want to be a total pessimist. He might have realized he should’ve given in.
“Ian Murry is my fourth.” He gestured to the redheaded guy. “He also has the pleasure of being my cousin.”
