Page 73 of Alpha's Rejected Warrior
“Commander Rhiannon, Mr. Langley.” Lady Gemma’s voice carries its usual warmth, but there’s a strain to it. “Please, join us.”
Rhiannon flawlessly executes a respectful bow. “Lady Gemma, Elder Stasio. We hope we’re not interrupting.”
“Not at all.” Stasio’s voice rumbles like distant thunder. His eyes lock onto Rhiannon. “I was just discussing the recent...incidents with Lady Gemma. Tell me, how progresses your investigation into the monster who attacked my children?”
I pick apart each syllable he speaks and observe every micro-expression, hunting for hidden meanings.
“We’re pursuing several leads, Elder,” Rhiannon responds carefully. “I assure you, we’re committed to finding the truth.”
“Several leads?” Stasio leans forward, his weathered hands clasping together. “What sorts of leads? Do you mean there are suspects other than that guard of yours, Jayme? Or are you closer to understanding why my Haron and Holden were targeted?”
He sure likes to ask a lot of questions.
Is this normal parental concern, or is it something else? The man’s son was just brutally attacked in the dungeons after his daughter was mauled in the garden. Any father would be desperate for justice.But still. . .
“We’re exploring all possibilities,” Rhiannon says. “It would be premature to make a judgment at this stage.”
“My children’s safety cannot wait.” Stasio stands up, bearing down on her with a sharp look. “They both identified the same attacker. I don’t know what else you need. If you cannot protect—”
Lady Gemma stands and places a steady hand on his arm. “Elder Stasio, you promised to grant them time to see theinvestigation through. Let them conduct their work thoroughly. I guarantee our Alpha seeks justice for your family.”
Her gentle voice seems to calm him. “Yes, you’re right, My Lady. I should be going anyway. I’m due to see Haron and Holden. Olcan says their wounds are healing quickly. Fortunately, we are Shaman.” There’s no kindness or even a drop of pleasantry in his voice. He nods to Lady Gemma. “If you will excuse me, My Lady.”
“Of course, Elder. Thank you for being receptive.”
His concern seems real enough, but I still can’t tell if he has another agenda.
As Stasio begins to walk away, he pauses and turns back to regard us one more time. His gaze darts between Rhiannon and me with disturbing precision, as if he’s deciphering a hidden code that only he is aware of.
Do I look that creepy when I’m reading people?
“Those bound by the stars cannot be broken,” he says, his voice carrying an odd note of thoughtful satisfaction.
Rhiannon’s posture becomes more rigid. “What do you mean by that, Elder?”
His expression changes, and there’s a certainty in it that roots me to the spot.
“It’s an old Shaman proverb. Perhaps it means nothing.” His gaze lingers on us a moment longer, unreadable, before he turns as if a spell has been broken and walks away, his white robes flowing behind him.
A feeling settles over me that we’ve just been weighed and measured for something we never signed up for.
“What the—” I catch Rhiannon’s eye, my confusion mirrored in her expression.
“I have no idea.” Rhiannon shrugs. “Maybe he’s talking about the summit. The Shaman and Lycans working together. The stars binding our alliance?”
“Sure.” I don’t believe that for a second, but I have no alternatives to offer besides that it must be Shaman mystic nonsense.
Lady Gemma watches the Elder’s retreating figure with concern etched across her features. “I apologize for his...intensity. The attacks on his children have left him quite shaken.”
“That’s understandable,” Rhiannon says. “Lady Gemma, I’m glad we found you here. We have a question related to the investigation.”
“Of course.” She gestures toward the bench. “Please, sit. How can I help?”
Rhiannon settles beside her, but I decide to remain standing. The professional amount of space needed between Rhiannon and me might as well be a chasm after everything we’ve shared.
“What do you know about Blackroot?”
Lady Gemma raises her thin, elegant eyebrows. “The tea? I recall you don’t like it, Rhiannon.” She looks up at me. “Did you want to try it, Ethan? I can have some brought to your quarters if you like.”
