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Just as I was about to give up, a woman stepped to me, holding my jacket. Tendrils of her frizzy, curly black hair were escaping her braid. She was a little shorter than me, but the way she was hunched down made her
look way shorter.
I took my hoodie from her outstretched hand. “Thanks.” I gave her my best let’s be friends smile.
“I…” She trailed off, and I waited patiently, trying not to be self-conscious. “That was amazing. We haven’t… We don’t train all the time—I haven’t in years—but with what happened to John and Thomas, I can’t just sit around anymore. I want to learn. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind workin’ with me?”
My smile got so big, I was sure I was glowing. Finally. A solid in with this pack. I wasn’t about to pass that up. “Of course.”
That’s Francis. She works in the kitchen. I believe she makes the pastries.
Good person to know. Desert was the most important meal of the day.
Yes. Donovan was quiet for a second. The bonds are changing. Calming.
I couldn’t discount the awe in his voice, but that seemed way too easy. Really?
Yes. I think everyone was impressed.
He sounded so excited that I didn’t want to bring him down, but one sparring session wasn’t going to fix what was wrong with his pack. Maybe it was a start, but I wasn’t so sure that anything lasting would come of it.
Francis was the first to talk to me, but she wasn’t the last. For the next hour, I corrected forms, taught basic defensive moves, and genuinely had a good time. That didn’t mean everyone was suddenly buddy-buddy with me. I got more than my share of stare downs and dominance displays. Donovan had to step in to stop a heckling situation as I tried to teach the ladies. Every time the guys watching said something rude, at least one of the women would stumble. This pack had a few grade-A assholes that needed a lesson or ten on how to be a decent Were.
After a couple hours, Francis was covered in sweat, and her friends were getting sloppy with their movements. It was time to call it. “All right. That’s enough for today. Who else is ready for some food?”
I need to talk to Ian, Donovan said.
Cool. This group is wiped, and I’m hungry. Unless you want me to hang back?
No. I’ll meet you there in a bit. Just stay safe.
Don’t worry. I’m not going to be alone. And you’ll be just behind me. Donovan was worried about me, but he didn’t realize that I was just as scared about Bhrunyz being after me as he was.
I gave him a little wave and walked out with Francis.
“I know it must be hard coming here, but I think you’ll be good for us,” Francis said. That was really kind of her. Before I could say anything, she continued. “I didn’t think you would be. I mean, Donovan hasn’t had the best choice in women, but you’re proving yourself.”
I could’ve taken that badly, but instead, I accepted it as a compliment. And I had no idea how to respond, so I was keeping my mouth shut.
“I’m sure Riona’s thrilled that he’s found someone.”
What? I stopped walking for a second, before catching up with Francis. “Who is Riona?” It better not be another crazy ex.
“You don’t know?”
“I haven’t heard of her, no.” But I had a feeling whoever she was, this was going to be bad news.
Christ. If he’d slept with another mad wolf, I was going to flip.
“I figured as his mate, he’d have told you. I haven’t seen her in years since she doesn’t live at the stronghold anymore. It was too big for her to navigate, but it was sad to see her go all the same. She kept Donovan coming around, even when he was busy. He never misses his yearly visit with her…”
Oh my God. The woman was rambling and my fingers itched to grab her shoulders and shake the information out of her. Yearly visit? What the hell was she talking about? “Francis. Who is she?” The words came out a little crisp, my frustration clear.
She stumbled a few steps. “Oh. Sorry. It’s just… I mean… I just thought you’d know.”
For the love. Donovan. Who. Is. Riona?
Why?
