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“We’re discussing the passing of the guard with the returning council members, along with the details of your ascension ceremony.”
“That’s where I’ll come in,” said Willow, appearing beside us with her ever-present tablet in hand.
The meeting got underway, and while I would rather focus on getting to know the women, at least this meeting was more productive than last night.
When we wrapped up a few hours later, Garrett followed me into the hall. “Want to come up for a drink? Since you sent Oakley home, you’ve been tight-lipped about your thoughts.” He gave me a mischievous grin. “Maybe some whiskey will loosen your tongue.”
I laughed. “I’ve been too busy politicking to have time to think. I’m going for a walk and to do just that, but maybe I’ll stop by later tonight?” Garrett was a night owl, always up pretty late.
“Sounds good.” He clapped me on the back. “You know where to find me.”
I quickly headed for the nearest exit, a door that led out to the northern courtyard. Stepping out into the moonlit night, I breathed in the salty sea breeze and chose a path that wove through the vast gardens. Summer was quickly coming to an end, and the nights were getting cooler.
Settling into an easy gait, I tried to let go of the stress that always weighed heavy on my shoulders. There was so much riding on my ability to fill my father’s shoes; sometimes it was overwhelming. Other times, I knew I’d excel. I’d been training for this my whole life.
Perhaps the biggest stress was the Contention itself. Going into it, it had been like a rite of passage, something I’d always accepted as part of becoming alpha. I hadn’t counted on what it felt like in the moment, though. Knowing that every little choice I made—from who I sat next to at dinner to who I chose for more private dates, and ultimately who I would choose as my mate—impacted my future.
I’d worried that I might unknowingly send the perfect choice home too early. The challenges were another matter. Willow had informed me at the end of the meeting that two other women were going home tonight—Adriana and Grey.
The rush of relief I’d felt when she hadn’t mentioned Kayden’s name had given me pause. What was it about her that I found so interesting? Was it how she stood up to me and said whatever she wanted without worrying about trying to impress me? Or perhaps she didn’t fawn all over me like almost every other woman I’d ever known. It was refreshing, ironically.
My mind drifted back to our conversation two nights ago. She’d given me some insight into Branson and had offered to provide information on her pack. While she didn’t exhibit loyalty to her alpha—which would normally be a giant red flag—I could understand why she didn’t. She didn’t trust Branson any more than I did, and for good reason.
Maybe taking her up on her offer was a good idea. While she wasn’t on board with the Contention, she might jump at helping us overthrow Branson—an option that had been brought up more than once last night, though it was definitely a last resort. It would allow Kayden the option of returning home to her pack lands.
I frowned at the thought. I’d already come up with various positions on the council for which Kayden would be suitable. As I thought it over, I found I’d made my way along a winding trail to the south side of the estate. The fountain where we’d sat and talked was just off the path, so I stopped to stare into the rippling water, hoping to gain some clarity on the various decisions resting on my shoulders.
A few moments later, the sound of feet hitting the dirt drew my attention, and I lifted my eyes, only to see Kayden jogging along another trail that passed by the fountain. From where I stood on the opposite side, she couldn’t see me. I took the opportunity to study her, and I liked what I saw. In her running shorts and sports bra, I could see just how fit she was, her muscles taut and toned. She moved with grace, comfortable in her own body. She wore no makeup, her hair was tied back in a braid, and sweat beaded on her lightly tanned skin. She was absolutely beautiful.
Almost as if she felt my eyes on her, she looked up from where her eyes were focused on the trail ahead of her, locking with my own, and she came to a sudden halt, just staring back at me from ten yards away.
“Out for an evening run?” I asked, then fought not to cringe. Obviously, but I didn’t know what to say to her for a moment. I was thrown off guard by my thoughts about her beauty and the strange pull towards her that I didn’t quite understand.
“Um, yeah.” She arched a brow, then hesitated, unsure if she should stay or go.
“Come have a seat?” I offered quickly, not wanting her to leave.
She narrowed her eyes as she regarded me, then shrugged and walked my way. A thrill of excitement rushed through me, the air between us almost electric as she neared.
“How was your night?” I sat on the edge of the fountain, then patted the stone next to me in invitation.
She looked a little unsure, reminding me of a bird ready to take flight at a moment’s notice, but ultimately sat on the fountain’s edge a few feet away. “It was great, actually. I had dinner with your mother.”
I smiled. “I heard. Congratulations on your performance in the training exercise this afternoon.”
Kayden’s eyes widened in surprise, but then she pursed her lips. “I suppose you get regular updates about everything we do.”
“Not everything.” But I was sent several memos throughout the day giving objective details of how all the women were faring in training. “How are you enjoying the classes and PT?”
“The perimeter training today was fun. It’s also interesting to learn how the North American pack works.”
“Fun?” I arched an eyebrow and gave her a crooked grin. “Interesting? Is this the same woman who’s made it clear she doesn’t want to be here?”
“Ha-ha,” Kayden said dryly. “I didn’t say I was in love with the Contention. But I’ve always wanted to learn. My pack never prioritized education when it came to politics. Plus, classes and training are better than the dates.”
“Wow, really?” I mock-stabbed myself in the heart. “You’re vicious.”
That drew a smile out of her, a real one, something I wasn’t sure I’d seen before, and for a few seconds, I could only stare at how it magnified her beauty.
