Page 27 of Alpha's Rejected Warrior
The brother’s eyes are bouncing around the place like he’s mapping every escape route. Maybe it’s military training. They’re always planning for the worst-case scenario. I guess that’s not so weird, considering that if shit hits the fan, Holden will want to protect his family.
As he passes by me, a distinctive scent hits my nostrils. It’s some kind of malty herb I can’t quite place — sharp and medicinal — clinging to his skin beneath expensive cologne. When our eyes briefly meet, his expression shifts so quickly from strategic calculation to diplomatic warmth that I almost doubt what I’ve seen. Almost.
Haron’s gaze runs through the line of guards. She’s about to turn away when she does a double take the moment she spots me. She stares with curious dark eyes behind long lashes, her full lips lifting into a coy smile.
I avert my eyes quickly.Yikes.That’s a look I recognize. She’s interested in me. Just what Idon’tneed — another complication in this crazy world.
“Thank you for honoring us with this visit,” Xander says to Stasio. “How was your trip?”
Stasio gives a single, deliberate nod. Once up and once down. “It was very pleasant. Thank you for hosting us.”
From there, the wave of introductions begins. Xander introduces Thea, Lady Gemma, and members of the Pack Council. When he gets to us, he only introduces Rhiannon specifically, as Commander of the Guard. I give a small sigh of relief, thinking I’ve managed to blend in with the rest of the guards.
Just then, Stasio looks down the line the same way his daughter had a second ago. He sees me. He doesn’t do a double take like she did, but as soon as his gaze lands on me, he stops completely and his eyes sharpen. It’s like a spotlight has just been cast over me. “And . . . who is this?”
It dawns on me that I would’ve blended in better with the Council members than the line of guards. Since I’m not wearing a uniform, I probably stick out like a sore thumb.
“This is Ethan,” Xander says, “My Luna’s personal assistant.”
Stasio’s face doesn’t budge. He stands there like a statue with only his eyes moving over my face. “Hmmm,” he says simply.
Shit.Elder Stasio can tell I’m different from the others. He can’t quite figure out how yet, but he’s silently archiving that information. He nods again — once up and once down — satisfied. For the moment.
Then he turns back to Xander. “A formidable group you have here.”
And just like that, the spotlight’s gone as Stasio and Xander resume polite small talk amongst themselves. I let out a slow exhale.
I glance over at Stasio’s children. Holden and Haron are standing together, shoulder to shoulder. At first glance, it looks like nothing, but . . . I don’t know. I’m picking up an odd vibe from their demeanor. Their facial expressions are shifting slightly. Their lips aren’t moving, and they’re not even looking at each other, but it seems as if something is being communicated between them. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were having a conversation. Just as I think that maybe I’m seeing things, Haron ducks her head with a shy smile, a pink hue rising in her cheeks. She covers her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Thea told me that Lycan can mind-link, so maybe Shaman can too?
Xander and Stasio wrap up the formalities, and everyone follows them further into the fortress. It occurs to me that I should get Rhiannon’s attention and tell her what I saw. But before I can, Rhiannon rushes to Xander’s side.
“My Lord, may I speak with you?”
“Can it wait?” Xander asks.
“No, My Lord. It can’t.”
Xander exchanges an awkward glance with Stasio, then turns toward Lady Gemma and waves her over. “Mother, would you be so kind as to escort our guests to their quarters, please?”
Lady Gemma nods, rushing to the Elder’s side, turning on her motherly charm. “This way. We selected our finest guest chambers for you.”
The second the Shaman are out of earshot, Xander and Rhiannon have a hushed back-and-forth before disappearing down the corridor toward Xander’s study. I can’t shake thefeeling that the siblings’ silent exchange felt off somehow, like they were plotting right under our noses. Could whatever Rhiannon has to talk to Xander about be related to that?
Thea takes me by the arm and says in a bright tone, “Well done. You didn’t let them see you sweat.”
I chuckle. “Thanks.”
“I was thinking we could have a quick nightcap in the garden. The kitchen will make those little sandwiches you like.”
“Rain check?” I glance in the direction Rhiannon and Xander went. “I’ve gotta take care of something. You’ll be okay without me?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t dream of taking you away from your duties as Human Lie Detector.” She smiles and waves to Akila, who’s talking to Jayme and Branson. Akila comes bounding over, stray strands of her flyaway hair waving in the air behind her. “We’ll catch up later.”
I squeeze Thea’s hand and hurry after Rhiannon and Xander, hoping I’m just being paranoid.
Chapter 10 — Ethan
