Chapter 97
Chapter 97
“But I think we can spin it in a way that still saves face,” I add.
“How do you mean?” he asks cautiously.
“I think that… there may be some explanation that we can come up with that would account for you not knowing my whereabouts and for the level of patrol activity here, without admitting the full situation p>
Nolan tilted back in the chair slightly, his tall frame stretching back as he looked at the ceiling as if he might find an answer there.
“Traitors,” he muttered.
“What?” I asked wide-eyed.
“I could say that you were taken to a hidden location by a trusted ally because I suspected that there were traitors in the pack that had assisted your attacker,” he explained. “That way it makes sense that I truly didn’t know your location, and that I was frantic to shake out anyone hiding in the territory, but at the same time I wasn’t completely out of control of the situation p>
I nodded slowly. “Yes, I think that may work p>
Nolan sat forward again, running his fingers through his dark hair as he seemed to consider the possible explanation. A tense silence fell between us.
I poked at my food for a few more minutes before I couldn’t stand the awkwardness anymore. Sitting with those thoughts was making me feel guilty again.
“So… for the election you need me for, what? Dinners with elders, public appearances, that kind of thing p>
“Yes,” he said simply. “Early receptions, a few strategy sessions with the council. Nothing strenuous, but your involvement matters. It will help me more than you realize p>
I hesitated, my pulse a little too loud in my ears. The thought of stepping back into that role, even temporarily, left my stomach in knots. But as much as I wanted to resist, I couldn’t ignore the truth.
Nolan was a good leader. Infuriating, impossible, cold as the moon sometimes-but still, a good leader. He had always put the pack first, even if it meant stepping on hearts along the way.
“All right,” I said at last, exhaling slowly. “I’ll stay. I’ll go to your events, sit through the endless elder meetings, smile when I have to. Because-” I paused, biting my lip before forcing the words out. “Because I actually believe in you, Nolan. You’re a jerk, but… you’re a good alpha p>
For a moment, silence stretched between us. His eyes-stormy, assessing-softened just a fraction. And then, to my complete surprise, his mouth curved into the ghost of a smile.
“You think I’m a jerk,” he said, sounding faintly amused.
“That’s the part you focus on?” I demanded, incredulous.
“I’ll take it,” he said with a shrug. “It’s better than what I expected you to say p>
Something in my chest twisted painfully. He was still himself-cool, controlled, always with that edge of distance –but there was something else now, something warmer threaded through the coldness.
A flicker of heat in the way he looked at me, an undertone in his voice when he said my name.
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Chapter 97
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And gods help me, I realized I’d missed it. Missed him.
The thought startled me so badly I nearly knocked over my glass. Why on earth would I miss Nolan of all people? The man who had broken me down, who had made me feel small more times than I could count?
And yet here I was, my heart betraying me with every traitorous beat.
I shifted in my chair, tearing my gaze away. “This doesn’t mean I forgive you,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended.
“I know,” he replied, quiet but steady. “I’m not asking you to p>
And that was the problem. He didn’t have to ask. Because somewhere deep inside, against all reason, I wasn’t sure I could stop myself from forgiving him.
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