Moon Claimed (Werewolf Dens #2) - Kelly St. Clare Page 0,31
a penalty point. Five penalty points and the Luthers lose a grid. We have cameras all through our territory.”
Her face worked. I didn’t know if being sisters made reading her emotions easier, but I’d never had the ability to read anyone like Rhona. I could almost hear her inner battle.
She didn’t want me in danger’s way, but she loathed Sascha Greyson with the fires of a thousand hells.
She smirked. Hatred won. “You’ll need to gear up to protect yourself. I’d be on speed dial, of course.”
“That’s why I need to be at the outskirts. Though, I’m really not lying, I need this for myself too.”
She kicked at the ground. “I know.”
“Are you sure? Because you managed to make those words sound like fuck you.”
She snorted. “It’s a skill. I’m sorry. I keep biting off your head without meaning to.”
This wasn’t just temper. This was her truly worrying about me. And more. “I can handle anything the Luthers throw at me. You know that, right? I’ve got this head stewardship under control. I’m almost bored.”
Her head lowered and the movement only reminded me of a werewolf’s submission.
“It’s just that...” She bit her lip. “I could do it too. That’s the problem.”
I stiffened, and Rhona shook her head, holding up her hands. “It’s a daddy issue. That’s all. I’m taking it out on you. I have this need to prove myself to show him what a mistake he made. All the while, I agree that he made the best choice in you. I would choose you too. Seriously, don’t worry. It’s fucked up.”
Gripping her arm, I said fiercely. “You would have made a great head steward, Rhona. Don’t ever doubt it. We know Herc didn’t mean for things to come out this way, but please don’t doubt that he believed in you. You could lead the stewards in a heartbeat. I know it. You know it.”
Her eyes shone with unshed tears. “I’m being silly. It’s nothing.”
Wounds like this weren’t nothing. I really hoped she came to terms with this one day.
“Also, ouch.” She tugged free. “Your grip is strong considering you stopped training.”
Oops. “I want to start again soon. Once I have things in order. I feel better after Iron. Give me a few months, and I’ll be an old hat at this.” I remembered my real reason for this talk. “Listen, I want you to do something. I have a feeling you’ll be happy about it.”
Rhona’s brows climbed. “Do I get to kill Sascha Greyson?”
My stomach lurched and I gritted my teeth against the voodoo before forcing a smirk. “Well, it’s a start.”
10
I heaved the last suitcase from Ella F onto the small table in the kitchen. Dusty. And worn.
I didn’t care.
This run-down cabin was officially my safety net.
“We’re going to have so many parties here.” Wade burst inside with my cleaning supplies from the car.
“Hey,” I greeted him. “Didn’t hear you pull up.”
“Walked here,” he said. “You’re really isolated. Are you sure that won’t bother you?”
The full moon would begin tonight, and—impossibly—I could feel energy stirring under my blood like a beast waking from slumber. I just hoped the change happened tonight and not during the grid tomorrow night.
I crossed the creaking floorboards. “Wade, listen. About the other night when I yelled at you. I’m sorry.”
He pursed his lips. “What was it about?”
“Everything. And nothing I want to get into. I just needed a moment alone.”
Wade pulled me into his arms. “Being a hermit out here will give you a lot more of that. Forgiven, baby girl.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you want me to stay with you tonight?”
Hell fucking no. “I appreciate that. But I’d like to be alone.”
His hold tightened. “I’d like to pull apart whatever you’re holding inside, but I’m going to be an adult about this.”
Drawing away, I peered up. “Uh, thanks?”
“You should thank me. Adulting is something I prefer to avoid. Just please promise there’s nothing to worry about.”
I eyed the cabin. “The only thing to worry about is the state of this place. You have perfect timing.”
He groaned. “I fell into that one. Before I forget. The accommodation team want to start letting the riverside apartment again. They found your saxophone inside. I put it just outside.”
My mouth dried. “Okay.”
“I’ll grab it. I know you have an unhealthy relationship with it.”
“No, no. It’ll get dusty with this mess. I’ll grab it later.”
Fucking thing can stay out there and rust.
Wade started with the broom and dustpan as I grabbed a rag and surface spray. I listened to his