Page 121 of Moon Claimed
19
“What’s her name?” I asked.
Wade took the car keys from me and pocketed them. “Jessi Angell.”
Sounded like a boutique sports clothing brand. “Anything I should know?”
The time for making an effort to meet every steward had started today. Tuesday afternoons were now blocked out for the job. For someone who wasn’t big on most people, Wade kneweveryone, which made him the perfect person for introductions.
I knocked, and a short woman answered.
“Head Steward,” she gasped.
“Jessi, isn’t it?” I held out a hand that she automatically took, blurting a “Yes.”
Wade intervened. “The head steward is trying to get around to meet us all. Do you have ten minutes for a quick introduction?”
The ten-minute hint was appreciated. The first four visits took over two hours—I couldn’t blame stewards for wanting to ask the same questions, but I felt more like a politician with each passing second.
What are your plans for the tribe?
Do you think we can win?
We were so shocked when Herc’s will was read.
How is Rhona doing?
We followed Jessi inside.
Whoa.
Plants took up nearly every available space in the cabin. A potted tree behind the flower-print sofa was so large it now grew sideways along the ceiling.
“You like nature,” I said after a beat.
She flushed. “Well, yes. I think it’s our duty to love nature. I’ve always felt a call.”
That was something I could appreciate. “I felt the same when I set foot into this valley.”
“Sometimes, when I’m upset, I just go out and hug the trees. Makes me feel good inside.”
Wade coughed into his water.
I schooled my features. “If it makes you happy, I’m all for tree hugging.”
Her gaze turned dreamy. “Yes. Happy and peaceful.” A wrinkle formed between her brows. “Rhona’s made concerning comments at trainings—about a more violent approach to the game.”
Dammit.
I tapped a finger on the threadbare side of the sofa. “I’m sure you can appreciate that my sister has lost two grandparents and her father to Luthers. Her views are a way of expressing her current grief. I assure you that there are no plans to take a more violent approach against our opponent.”
The training propaganda was an issue, but I’d started waking at 4:00 a.m. to cram study, shift, and run. I made it to the manor for the first head team meeting at 8:00 a.m. when dawn training ended. I wasn’t sure how to stomp on the problem without being physically present.
Jessi sighed. “I’m glad to hear it. Do you think I should talk to Rhona about hugging trees?”
Wade piped up, “Please do. I think she’d greatly benefit from it. Don’t you think so, Head Steward?”
Bastard.I nodded, shooting him a death look. “Absolutely.”