Page 132 of Moon Claimed
Cameron rolled her eyes. “I’m so glad. I don’t know about you guys, but I just really need chill out time with friends.”
“Is everything alright?” I asked. Her scent carried an edge of worry and sorrow that felt serious.
“You’re kidding, right? The tribe is crazy at the moment. Those pictures you showed everyone made me sick to my stomach.”
Which was why I did it.
Seeing was believing. I hadn’t let empathy for the tribe’s comfort affect me whatsoever as I relayed the happenings in Clay. Valerie and Rhona’s demotions were laid out for all to hear. The three units who’d combined to carry out the ambush were disbanded and relocated as individuals into teams selected by Roderick and Pascal. They were on a one-year probation to decide their participation in Grids and would be closely monitored. I promoted a woman named Catrina to team leader based on a recommendation.
“There has been a lot of change,” I answered.
I may have asserted authority over Rhona, but the ground felt shakier than ever, especially with my new hearing.
Why didn’t she wait?
She feels sorry for them and that won’t help us win.
Rhona is a Thana.
I heard she didn’t give Valerie any chance to explain herself.
I was the subject of growing conversation. I’d forfeited the grid, and stewards didn’t care that we probably would have lost the grid for inflicting serious and sustained injuries anyway. Even if they agreed the entire tribe should be held to account for Rhona’s actions, as the matter stood, my action was a small betrayal.
They were reeling, and I could only be as open as possible about what happened and continue to repeat myself until the heat died down.
“Maybe change is what we need,” Wade said.
Cameron balled her hands. “It’s past due.”
I inhaled the slight decay of lime. “Cam, is this the only thing bothering you?”
“Tomorrow morning then.” Cameron stood.
Uhm,blatant fob off.
“Works for King Wade.” He glanced at me.
Dang.I’d hoped to start my trimester assignment tomorrow. It was due in three weeks and with the new moon coming up, I had the entire day free until the meeting with the Luthers.
Still, I owed Wade big time. “I’ll be there.”
She let herself out.
There’s a problem in her life,my wolf said.
I’ll keep an eye on her.
Wade took Cam’s place on the couch, running a finger through the layer of dust covering my saxophone case. “Messaged Sascha about the kissing meet?”
I sighed, reliving—for the hundredth time—the absolute horror on his face when he saw his wounded pack members. “He’ll have his hands busy managing the pack. It’s not the time.”
“The whole point of getting through the meets is because thereisn’ta good time. Text him, meet somewhere, lay one on him, done. One step closer to being free.”
My heart twisted. “It’s not that simple.”
“Why not?”
“It just doesn’t feel that simple, okay?”