Page 13 of Moon Claimed
How easily I’d forgotten that we were all linked.
The stewards were my community.
My people.
“The Luthers expected us to choose Timber,” Rhona said. “As you know, I chose Water. There’s a wealth of knowledge within the head and strategy teams that Imustadjunct with my own learning to truly serve you as a leader. That learning starts with Water. I can’t deny that there has been massive change in our tribe. The wolves are circling, wondering if my father’s death has weakened us. This week, I have an unusual request.Thisweek, we won’t focus on winning the grid.”
Murmurs broke out.
Her voice swelled. “Instead, we will show the Luthers that we are one. That we are not shaken. That their vile actions in Sandstone have only brought us closer. Made usmoredetermined.This week, we win by showing the Luthers we are united and strong.”
She beamed at the cheering audience, and I watched on, heart stuck in my throat.
Valerie and Nathan took her place on the stage to run through the final strategies, and I released a breath, forcing myself to remain relaxed under Wade’s rapt attention.
Bastard suspected a switch.
Behind Rhona, I strode back to the manor.
Closing the door, I turned to find her already stripping off. I tore off the red hat.
“You think they believed it?” she muttered.
I’dnearly believed her. “Yep, we’re good. Thanks.”
“You know that was a one-off?”
I nodded. Oddly, now she’d been me, my fear had dissipated. I was more than capable of addressing the stewards. “I just had a moment. It won’t happen again.”
Pulling up my jumpsuit, I waited for her to shove the cap on, and we exited the manor again.
Wade was there in an instant, taking my hand. He ran his hand over the pads of my palm again.
“Funny thing about you and Rhona,” he whispered. “Rhona has callouses, and you have wimpy musician hands.”
Dang it.“Yeah, I had a freak out. Keep it to yourself.”
“I’m just upset you didn’t get drunk and set the dummies up again.”
So was I, but leaders didn’t get the luxury of openly losing the plot.
Wade looped an arm around my neck. “Come on. The Freys are here to see you.”
Oh, shit.I forgot about them. “Right now?”
“Right meow, baby girl.”
What was I wearing? Why was I nervous? They weren’t my real family anymore.
For a split second I had a great grandmother, two aunties, another uncle, and a grandfather—when Murphy was still my father.
Wade planted me in front of a small group.
I recognised Margaret, but her son and grandchildren were easy to spot. All of them had her straight nose.
I stared at the youngest man. He had to be in his late forties, nearly identical to pictures I’d seen of Murphy. My mouth dried as silence fell.
I just couldn’t tear my gaze from the man.