Page 49 of Moon Claimed
Fury slammed into my chest. I stood and turned from the head team.Inhale. Exhale.When the ache receded from my throat and teeth, I answered, “That’s right, Rhona. If you needed this, then I would support you. I know your disagreement stems from your fear for my life, but I won’t live in fear.” Opening my eyes, I looked into the reflection of a picture to check them.
No black.
I faced them again. “Iwilllive my life for this tribe, but it’s with this caveat. And it’sforthe tribe. I know my own limits. I know how to manage them.”
Stanley rumbled, “I don’t see the issue of you moving out myself. Couldn’t stand people milling around at every hour of the day. If the stewards take issue, it’s because they’re too damn nosy.”
My lips twitched. “Thank you, Stanley.”
“I’m against it, but then, I don’t believe you were asking for our permission,” Valerie said, glancing at my sister.
Yeah,Valerie didn’t like me one bit. I addressed her. “The head team are representatives of the tribe. Concerns you have will be shared by other stewards. Of course, we must be united in how this is presented.”
Pascal leaned forward. “You know your limits. You’re a strong believer in maintaining your wellbeing for the betterment of the tribe. Even if that baffles some, they’ll respect it. Some will talk.” Her eyes slid to Nathan and Valerie. On purpose?
I couldn’t figure that woman out.
“I’m in agreement. If you need this to balance the stresses of head stewardship, then we’ll support you,” Roderick said.
The others murmured their assent.
Mostly.
“If you can’thandlethe stresses of head stewardship, you should delegate more tasks to others,” Rhona exploded.
When I played this through in my head, Rhona didn’t kick up the most fuss. I should have known better, but my heightened temperreallywanted to forget that she cared about me.
“That’s exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.” I tilted my head when she glared at me. “Will you join me on a walk outside? I’ve been cooped inside all day.”
My skin literally itched with the need to be outside—another Luther trait, I could assume.
Rhona stormed for the door, and I followed her out, halting in the doorway. “You’re dismissed. Please return to me for individual reports on strategy developments by the end of today.”
Timber was next, and I’d passed my ideas on to the teams.
Wehadto win this grid. I needed a damn good thing to happen.
Rhona was waiting for me in the herb garden. I should be happy she didn’t make me run to prove my love.
We fell into step.
“Why are you really doing it?” she burst out.
This required quick thinking and another fucking lie. It was true what they said—telling one lie led to another and another.
I slid a look at her. “You were right about Sascha Greyson.”
Her eyes widened. “That he’s obsessed with you? How do you know?”
“I watched him when we went to pack lands. There’s something to your theory. And I’ve thought of a way to use it to our advantage.”
Rhona stopped. “You want to lure him to the cabin.”
“Yes. Any unwilling touch between Luther and steward outside of Grids will result in a penalty point. Five penalty points and the Luthers lose a grid. We have cameras all through our territory.”
Her face worked. I didn’t know if being sisters made reading her emotions easier, but I’d never had the ability to read anyone like Rhona. I could almost hear her inner battle.
She didn’t want me in danger’s way, but she loathed Sascha Greyson with the fires of a thousand hells.