I forget that you don’t remember all of the things I once taught you yet.”
“I’m getting there.” He squeezes my hand before kissing me softly.
“I know. We’ll get there together.” The doors to the hall shut with a resounding slam when Aryna and Echo enter the space. The noise dies down as they stride straight towards us, each of them predatory in their own right.
“Welcome to the feast,” Roman says, not letting their entrance rattle him, he doesn’t even look a little concerned.
“We are not here for your feast,” Aryna tells us, and I regret my softening of feelings towards her. I knew I should’ve just trusted my instincts about her.
“I call a challenge,” Echo announces, his voice booming around the room. “Our leader has proven himself to be ineffective, this new danger rises for us all because he could not keep his Lycans on side and in line. Not one of my Lycans has gone rogue for years, kept in line by loyalty and a strong hand. The same cannot be said for all packs here. It is the responsibility of the Alpha of Alpha’s to ensure all packs are kept in line, but he has been distracted, chasing around the globe after his little Hunter pussy, abandoning his people, our traditions, for his so-called mate.”
Murmurs rise across the room and I keep my face clear, when beneath the surface a sea of rage threatens. I’d like nothing more than to introduce this asshole to my swords edge. Roman sits beside me, aloof as if nothing of importance is happening.
“I second the challenge,” Echo’s second stands, announcing his backing. Nothing unexpected I’d guess from the man beside me. Theron and Tobias on either side of us have dropped into that stillness I’ve always called the killing calm. Preparing for all out chaos I’d guess.
My hands practically itch for my weapons, but they’re not in here with me, and this is not my fight.
“So be it, at the high moon tomorrow, I’ll show you your place pup,” Roman says, dismissing Echo as if he is nothing but an inconvenience.
“A challenge to the death,” Echo seethes at Roman’s nonchalance.
“So be it. Your pack will miss you, now get out of my hall.”
“Not quite yet,” Aryna purrs. “I challenge your mate. She thinks she can sit up there beside you, she does not deserve that spot. So, should you survive, I challenge her.”
“You’re a fool,” Roman laughs, but his grip on my hand under the table tightens. “You’re asking to die, Aryna. Remy might not be a Lycan, but she’s a far superior warrior to you.”
“That is to be seen,” Aryna hisses.
“I accept.” I say with a shrug, and whispers around the room grow in volume. “I do not wish to hurt you, Aryna, but if you insist on doing this, then I accept.”
“It’s done,” Roman booms. “Now get out of my sight. Both of you.” He looks like a king dismissing a foolish peasant, and they each stiffen at the dismissal. Some of their packs rise and follow them out, but not all, which intrigues me. I look to Roman, and he nods slightly to tell me he has seen, of course he has. The man misses nothing. He said there would be blood.
“Now that’s over, let’s eat!” Cheers go up around the room, and food starts being brought out from the doors on either side of our table. Platters and platters of food. The smells alone are enough to make me drool.
“Should we…” I start, but Roman squeezes my thigh.
“Later.” I smile at him understanding. No more talk of what just happened, this is not the time or place.
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you too, Princess. Now eat up, you’re going to need your strength for what I have planned later.” My cheeks heat from the look he gives me alone.
And so we eat and laugh. Enjoying the revelry of the room. Even after the food is gone, and the tables are cleared to the side, music starts playing, and the night descends into one of joy
I stretch out in bed, sore in the best way. Last night was a hell of a party, both in the hall and then when we got back to the house. Roman left me here hours ago, telling me to get more sleep, because tonight is going to be a hell of a night.
I shower and get myself ready for what I know is coming, letting the nerves run through me while I’m alone,