Gally was right about one thing—hewasattractive, and that alarmed Rem. It felt like a sin to consider this male pleasing. She dropped her gaze, unable to stop her eyes from wandering over his calloused hands, his visible forearm thick with muscle.
Was it normal to find such a man so appealing, so easily?
Ronan reached for Rem's wrist, and she was so nervous that she jumped back when his rough hand touched her.
He growled lowly.
The hairs on her arms stood with attention, a shiver snaking down her spine, her hair rising. When he spoke, his words were ripe with caution.
"Our Alpha says that you are far too nervous,” the translator said.
For a moment, she almost broke her act. Rem wanted to laugh and tell him he could go stick a log up his ass and get over himself.
Thoughts of Oliver grounded her attitude. "I am sorry... I just, I am just out of place here. And yes, that makes me very nervous," she said with a small, forced smile. Manners. Respect. She had to harness that, as Ronan had little patience for anything else. Remember, the Callons told him you came on your own and were willing.
Ronan moved towards her, raising a hand to touch her face. It wasn't with force or pressure, and she couldn't deny the curiosity in his gaze. It was one thing to imagine seducing someone under false pretenses, but it was another tomeetthat person—to realize she'd have to face the wrath of the male before her if he ever found out.
That terrified her.
He gripped her jaw with ease, tilting her head up so she looked him directly in the eyes. He thoroughly considered her, and conflicting emotions riddled her mind. His captivating gaze made it seem like he saw more than she could ever hide. "Þú ert hræddur," he rumbled.
"He notes that you are not just nervous, but afraid," echoed the translator.
Ronan removed his hand, looking her over very carefully, taking in the details of her body before looking her in the eye once more.
Then, he actually turned to leave.
"Why is he leaving?" she asked.
The translator glanced at Rem, but as Ronan left the house without looking back, the translator wordlessly followed. When the door was shut, Rem's jaw dropped with incredulousness.
R O N A N
Ronan walkedout of the home, eyeing Jackson who waited outside. Owen Callon was not present, tending to another Clan's needs while Jackson attempted to lead.
"She is afraid," Ronan chided, addressing Jackson before looking at his Prime Beta, Erik. "She reeks of it."
Erik, a middle-aged shifter with dark red hair and a short beard did not seem surprised and was the first to speak. "It cannot be helped. The fact remains that she has to go tosomeone. She has blood that belongs to the moon."
"Moon or not, I have no interest in a terrified mate. I am not here to mind her."
The shifter-wolves stood in silence as cicadas buzzed in the morning sun, Jackson silently observing. Ronan glanced back at the home, the remnants of her scent getting lost to the smells of nature.
There was no doubt her unique smell—like that of a natural, honeyed musk and something earthy—could easily drive him wild. He even took an unintended, deep breath when her scent was right under his nose, and he even let it sit in his lungs. She was human, no doubt, but something unique emanated through her that was everything shifter.
What a curious combination, only magnified by how pleasing to the eye she was.
But what gratification would he gain from tending to someone so timid and petrified? That's never been his preference.
"Well, to be honest," Erik started, "adopting a Silver into our pack is not something any of us predicted. There will be issues, but they are manageable."
Ronan shook his head, his concentration rattled by his instincts to breathe her in again. Perhaps try to speak with her… No. He had seen that look before. His presence only unraveled her, and not in desirable ways. "I am only the Alpha because my uncle was forcefully removed from the throne, along with his once human mate. Josephine was a poor Luna, even if a good person. I need someone of strength and who carries a robust presence. Not a frightened human. We cannot have thatagain."
Ronan glanced over at Jackson, a hidden fury mudding the Callon's gaze as he faced his home. For a moment, Ronan wondered if Rem was safe with this wolf. Jackson was never known for his diplomacy, which was why Owen gave him the chance to lead and prove himself. Minding a human should have been easy enough, no?
"Before your temper guides you," Ronan cautioned, Jackson looking back at Ronan, his eyes altogether abandoning his anger. Ronan paused at the unnatural behavior. "Remember, Callon, she is aSilver. We need her. Not only for the Warden Pack, but for our alliance with Scarlet Howl. She may need more time to adjust before we meet again."
Jackson nodded. "I will work with her."
