Still, the feeling of being watched doesn’t leave me. While I sit at the café, I keep scanning the crowd, telling myself over and over again that nothing is there and that I’m safe.
But I don’t believe it.
Chapter 18 - Kit
Even though I’m still a bit rattled by Lexa’s announcement and a bit anxious from the silent, tense ride in the car, by the time I walk into the rec hall, I’m calm, collected, and ready to throw down.
I’ve spent the last few years cleaning up Grandfather’s mess, and I won’t tolerate the elders attempting to get in my way anymore.
When I see Cade, he gives me a wave and a smile, but a slight narrowing of his eyes warns me of trouble. The only others at the table are Derrik, Jones, and Loretta.
I’m a little surprised she’s here to face off with me. I half expected her to go and wreck the informal meeting.
“Kit,” Loretta says, her voice as hard and cold as a blade made of ice. “I see you’ve finally joined us.”
“I’m not late,” I answer casually.
And even if I was, it’s not up to you to call me out.
“Come in,” Derrik says, gesturing to the paperwork laid out on the table. “I need you to look at these arrangements. We’ve decided to go with a fairytale theme, an enchanted forest type of thing. There will be fairy lights strung across the ceiling and wicker wreaths hung on the walls. The decorations will lead right out through the back door, where we are going to have a dance floor ringed with magical accompaniments.”
“It’s going to be wonderful,” Loretta says, smiling. “Soft, white light, elegant natural decorations, crisp white tablecloths. I’ve already ordered hundreds of white rosebuds for the centerpieces. They cost a small fortune, but every crystal vase will have an utterly perfect rose arrangement.”
I stay quiet but shoot a glance at Cade. He raises an eyebrow.
“White coats for the men,” Loretta continues dreamily. “I’ve got an ice blue dress being made, with a lace overlay studded in diamonds. I’m going to personally invite Regina Glass, an elder from Gryphon Eyrie. She’s going to be mad with envy—”
“Hmm,” I cut in, rubbing my chin. “I hope she likes corn dogs.”
Loretta goes dangerously silent, and it feels like everyone at the table steps back, leaving the older elder and me glaring at each other.
“You aren’t still on that nonsense,” she huffs. “This is a travesty. Your grandfather would be thrashing in his grave—”
“Probably a good thing he’s not in it, then,” I snap. “I wouldn’t want the undead anxiety to attract necromancers.”
Loretta pales, and she clenches her fists as she stares me down. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing,” she hisses, “but—”
“No, Loretta, I don’t think you realize whatyouare doing.”
Even though my voice is soft, it resonates through the hall. All the elders take another step back in response to the threat.
She opens her mouth to speak, then closes it again. Doubt is starting to cloud her eyes, and for the first time, she actually looks like she’s listening to me.
“This is nonsense,” she protests, her voice getting shrill. “You can’t possibly be considering cotton candy and bumper cars! Not for ourannualevent!”
“I’m not considering it,” I say, watching her face briefly relax with relief before I add, “I’ve already decided.”
She glares at me, and I glare right back. I’ve never stood directly against her like this before, but the time has come to put her in her place.
“Kit,” she says cajolingly. “You’re so very young. You must listen to me. The first families—”
“Will do whatever I say,” I cut her off smoothly. “Because they are loyal, and they pledged fealty to me, just like you did.”
Loretta opens her mouth again, but I slam my hands down on the table so hard that everybody jumps. Even Cade.
“I am going to say this very slowly so you don’t misunderstand me,” I say. “Loretta, you have argued with me and opposed my orders since I became alpha. You have disrespected my mate. Now you think you can organize my event for me. This is your last warning. Either you help us organize the event the way I want, or you can leave the council—right now. If that is your choice, I want you to know that if I hear any word from you about me, my choices, or my mate, I will call the alpha’s challenge.”
Her eyes widen, and I see a shudder run through her.
