Chapter 141
I froze as Tristan strode up our driveway, his confident swagger making my stomach clench. He moved like he owned not just Silverblood territory but our land too–back straight, head high, those broad shoulders filling out his tailored suit to perfection.
“What the hell is he doing here?” I whispered, my fingers digging into the windowsill.
Alaric didn’t answer. He simply adjusted his shirt cuffs and squared his shoulders, a strange calm settling over his features. Too calm. Suspiciously calm.
The doorbell rang, and I spun toward my brother. “Ric, you can’t possibly be thinking of letting him in.”
“I’ll handle this,” he said, his voice controlled and measured in a way that sent warning signals blaring through my brain.
Two pack guards opened the massive oak doors, and Tristan Wolfbane stepped into our home like royalty arriving for a scheduled coronation. Behind him trailed Beta Varian and three other wolves I didn’t recognize–all looking alert and ready for any sign of trouble.
Alaric stepped forward, meeting Tristan halfway across our living room.
“Alpha Tristan,” my brother greeted, extending his hand with surprising civility. “This is unexpected.”
Tristan clasped his hand firmly. “Alpha Alaric. Thank you for receiving me.”
I blinked rapidly, trying to process what I was seeing. My brother–who’d been spitting fire about teaching Tristan a lesson just days ago–was now shaking his hand like they were old colleagues at a business conference?
“Ric,” I hissed, unable to stop myself. “What is he doing here?”
Alaric shot me a sharp look before turning back to Tristan with a practiced smile. “Lyss, don’t be rude. Act like the professional I know you are and greet our guest properly.”
I gaped at him, completely lost. This had to be some kind of bizarre dream brought on by my hangover. Alaric gave me a pointed nod, his eyes communicating something I couldn’t decipher.
With a resigned sigh, I turned to face the man who had made my life a living hell.
Tristan stepped closer, his eyes never leaving mine as he extended his hand. “We meet again, Miss Ravencroft.”
His voice–that deep, velvet–smooth voice–sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine. Memories of the hot springs flashed through my mind—his naked body, water running down defined muscles, his hands on my skin…
I forced my lips into a cold smile, deliberately ignoring his outstretched hand. “Yes. Welcome to our pack.”
I wasn’t about to risk physical contact with him, not after what happened last time he’d touch watching, ready to explode at any provocation.
- e. Not with my brother
Tristan glanced at his rejected hand before slowly curling his fingers into a fist and lowering it to his side.
‘Honestly, my sister doesn’t appreciate being touched by strangers,” Alaric remarked, his friendly tone laced with unmistakable warning.
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Chapter 141
Tristan nodded calmly. “That’s good.” He turned slightly toward me, voice dropping to a rear whisper. She shouldn’t let anyone touch her.” His eyes flicked briefly toward Kieran, who’d just entered the room.
“I’m sorry, what was that?” Alaric asked, though I was certain he’d heard perfectly well.
“Nothing,” Tristan replied smoothly before settling himself on our sofa, one arm stretched along the back, legs crossed casually at the ankles.
Alaric and I reclaimed our original seats while Kieran positioned himself protectively beside me. Varian and the other three wolves arranged themselves strategically around the room, maintaining a clear line of sight to their Alpha.
“The Moon Ring Council meeting is tomorrow,” Alaric noted, a hint of mockery seeping into his voice. “I wasn’t aware Silverblood’s Alpha had so much free time to make social calls.”
I glanced at my brother, finally understanding his game. He couldn’t attack Tristan physically without breaking ancient pack laws, but he could certainly slice him with words.
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