Alpha Toth and Luna Marie are the only people Rook lets approach. When they come over to us, Rook relaxes and moves out of my way. Alpha Toth is apologetic, while Luna Marie is wearing a stilted smile.
“That did not go as planned,” Alpha Toth says. “I apologize that your involvement in this was brought to light.”
I shrug. Honestly, it could have gone a lot worse for me. “It’s okay. Shit happens. At least my powers were kept secret, and we figured out who was stealing from you.”
“That we did.” Alpha Toth holds his hand out to me. Again, I shake it, not wanting to disrespect him. His thoughts are of gratitude toward me and sadness for his lost wolves. He’s upset that two wolves he liked so much betrayed him, but he’s even sadder that their lives were forfeit. I like that. He’s strong and harsh but also compassionate. He seems like a good leader.
“I, too, am grateful for your help,” Luna Marie says, flashing me a beautiful smile. It turns rueful as she looks at her mate. “Though, I am upset I was not let in on this problem or the plan to involve Miss Jacobs.”
Alpha Toth cringes. “I didn’t want to worry you with the problem until I knew for sure what was going on.”
“You went to an outsider before consulting me,” Luna Maria says through clenched teeth. “And then you brought her here and still didn’t tell me of her involvement.”
Talk about marital issues. Alpha Toth, to use a horrible pun, is going to be in the doghouse with his mate for a while. But since I like him, and she seems a bit bipolar, I take pity on him and help him out a little. “Oh, that was all me,” I say, covering for him as much as I’m able. I make sure not to tell any lies for Luna Marie to sniff out. “Part of our deal was that he tell no one about me.”
Luna Marie narrows her eyes on me. I easily wave it off. “Sorry. It’s just, I know how private packs are, and I knew the pack wouldn’t like my getting involved. There was some danger to me in that respect. Plus, I keep my gifts a very closely guarded secret. Even Alpha Toth still doesn’t know exactly what I do or how it works. The truth of my gifts getting out would make me a target. I made him promise it would stay between us if I agreed to help, or I wouldn’t do it.”
Luna Marie considers me a moment before sighing. “I understand. I’m not happy about it, but I do empathize with your need for discretion. And I am grateful to you for your help.”
Luna Marie dips her head in gratitude and steps closer to her mate as some sort of show of solidarity, like she needs to prove to me that she’s sincere and on her husband’s side. Admittedly, it helps. I’m a little disturbed by the woman after watching how fast she put down Daniel and Maya.
I shrug awkwardly, wondering how to end this conversation so that I can leave. “Well, I’m glad I could help. I’m just sorry about Daniel and Maya.”
Luna Marie gives me a soft, sad smile. “We all are, dear. Maya was beloved in the pack. And as much as I hate to say it, there will be wolves in the pack who harbor resentment toward you, the outsider, for her death. I know you are not responsible, but my wolves, who loved her, will be in denial for some time about her actions and will need someone to blame. You may want to be careful around here in the future.”
Both Rook and Alpha Toth sigh at the truth in her words. I know she’s right, too, considering there are several wolves still watching us, and not all of them look happy. And I still have the vague sense of being in danger, which means someone in the pack still means me harm.
“Perhaps,” Alpha Toth says slowly, “it is best if you keep your distance from the compound for a while.”
The real regret in his voice is surprising, and he can’t help the way his eyes flick to Rook. I’m a little shocked. Was he hoping Rook and I would hook up as much as the rest of the pack? I guess it makes sense. He and Rook are best friends. He must want to see Rook happy almost as much as Wulf does.
I nod my understanding, though I’m disappointed. “I can do that.” I frown at Rook. “I guess I won’t be getting that training after all.”
“I can still teach you,” Rook offers. “I’ll just have to come down to Wulf’s home in the city. We can use his gym.”
“Of course!” Alpha Toth jumps on the idea, his face brightening up again. “Anything we can do to repay you for your service to our pack. Plus, I’m sure it would be good for Rook to get away from the compound a little, and I know he’ll enjoy seeing his brother a bit more often.”
Rook nods his agreement, as does Luna Marie. “That sounds like a suitable compromise,” she says.
They all frown at my grimace. I have to explain my hesitation, though I’m embarrassed to do so. I hate my weakness where men are concerned. “I would be uncomfortable training alone in a private gym,” I tell Rook, face flaming. “That’s why Wulf suggested we come here in the first place.”
“Oh. Uh, okay.” Rook looks like he doesn’t know what else to say to this. Alpha Toth and Luna Marie keep quiet, too.
I feel like an idiot, and I really don’t want to pass up the training, but I’m not entirely convinced Rook won’t fall under my spell if we spend the time together. He’s been flirty, and his wolf has an interest in me. He’s proven that a couple times tonight. If only Terrance or Oliver could train me… “Oh, I know!” I blush again at my blurted excitement. “Would it be all right if we trained, but I invited a few people to come to the sessions so that we’re not alone? Do you think Wulf would care?”
“I’m sure he won’t mind at all.”
Rook shakes his head, looking at me with understanding that’s bordering on pity. I squash down my anger at the look, because I am pretty pathetic this way. Maybe once I can defend myself better, I won’t feel so vulnerable with men. Hopefully.
“Great,” I say, looking at the ground as I nod. “Thanks. I’ll call you then, after I talk to Wulf.”
Rook gives me a small smile. “I look forward to it.”
“Okay, here I come,” Rook warns politely. “Are you ready?”
I give him a stiff nod and brace myself for the physical contact that I know is coming. Strong arms wrap around me from behind, locking me against a firm chest. For an instant, panic creeps into my thoughts, but I push it aside and try to focus.
Rook has been training me for two weeks now. This is our sixth session. I’m starting to instinctively trust him, and it’s getting easier to have him touching me. It helps that he always warns me before he puts his hands on me, and that he’s always so professional about it.
Rook’s thoughts are similar to my own. She’s doing great. Relaxing. She hardly flinches anymore. We’re going to have to start practicing without me warning her every time so that she can get used to being taken by surprise.
I’m not looking forward to any surprise attacks, but he’s right that I need the practice. It would be nice if I didn’t practically jump out of my skin every time someone touches me.
Releasing a slow, calming breath, I brace my foot, drop my shoulder…and flip a six-two one hundred eighty-five pound man onto his back. His grunt as he hits the mat is highly satisfying. My small audience cheers and whistles. Okay, Oliver claps and Ren whistles. Cecile, Wulf, and Enzo aren’t paying me any attention. They’re too busy planning my stupid underworld coming-out party.
“Excellent job, Nora. You’ve already got it down,” Rook says without a hint of a groan.
I’m envious of his werewolf genes. If I’d been slammed to the mat as many times in a row as he has now, I’d be sore for days. We’ve been at this for two hours, and I’m drenched with sweat and on the verge of collapse. He’s got a sexy shine to his skin and looks like he’s ready to run a marathon.
I hold my hand out, offering to help him up. “Great. Now if only I had a tenth of your werewolf stamina.”
Rook accepts my hand with a laugh and easily climbs to his feet. Our hands clasp just in time for me to catch his internal response. If only. Before I can let go of Rook’s hand, he gently tugs me to him. I stumble forward, and my hands fall against his chest. “You would be glorious as a werewolf,” he murmurs in a low voice.