Page 103 of Moon Claimed
She’d reduced Rhona tothe sisterin the last two days.
I glanced behind to see that indeed, Rhona stormed our way. I managed nearly a whole day without any antics too.
“I’ll meet you there,” I said to the head team.
Roderick walked towards the van, but Valerie pointed over my shoulder. “Is Rhona coming too?”
Fucking. Valerie.
I turned. “Rhona. Can I help you with something?”
“I’m coming to pack lands.”
Put her in her place.
“We’ve been through this,” I said, ignoring my wolfagain. “You must remain at the manor in case something happens to me.”
She grinned and hurt spliced me at what the grin implied—if only we were so lucky.
“The Luthers have shown themselves to behave on two occasions,” she countered. “I have a right to see pack lands as a Thana.”
I tilted my chin. “Every steward in this tribe has a right. And yet I see none of them here. Would you leave them leaderless?”
“Not at all. You stay here. Just like last week when I took your spot.”
Trixie broke the leaden silence. “What?”
“Andie and I swap places sometimes,” Rhona lifted a shoulder. “Sometimes, she’s too scared to give public speeches on Tuesday nights. And she needed a break last Sunday, so I stepped in for the grid announcement.”
Wow.She went there.
She really hated me that much.
I scented the subtle shift in scent of those at my back. Facing them, I nodded. “Rhona’s right. Twice, we’ve switched position. I’m afraid my confidence was lacking in the first week. Last weekend, I learned what happens when duty and health aren’t balanced. I apologise for myself and for Rhona for not informing you of the switch. The first instance was last minute, and I admit, I was too ashamed to tell you the truth. The second, well, there’s little excuse for that except health.”
“And that theory we were testing,” Rhona piped up behind me.
My stomach lurched. “My main objective was to recoup, but perhaps we can present our theory to the head team after the meeting on pack lands. We’ll be late if we don’t leave.”
“And I’m coming,” she said.
My gums ached, but I stepped in front of her, tilting my chin. Her lips curved, and I didn’t hesitate to let her see my sadness and pain.
“Because I care for you and this tribe, my answer is no.”
“Perhaps we could put it to a vote,” Valerie said, the sneer evident in her voice.
I glanced over my shoulder. “If you want every decision to be a group vote, Valerie, we’ll soon suffer from gross lack of efficiency.”
“Even so. Given the circumstances with Herc,” she simpered.
My wolf was bursting under the surface to take charge of the situation and put Valerie in her place way at the bottom. For a furious moment, I considered letting her do just that.
Tightening my hold, I focused. “I’m disappointed at your lack of confidence and trust in my decisions, Valerie. Some of that is on me too though. Something I’ve done has clearly made you feel that way. In the future, I hope you’re able to support your head steward.”
Her cheeks flushed.
“Those who believe Rhona has a right to visit pack lands on this single occasion, raise your hand,” I said in a ringing voice.