Good thing I wasn’t trying to win anyone over. “Threatening me and the pack with war unless I show up here isn’t a good way to win me over.”
More murmurs went through the crowd.
Daniel stepped forward. “Mother, I think it’s best if she gets settled. It’s been a trying few days for her.”
“Good idea.” Luciana didn’t spare him a glance. “I was hoping you could stay with me and Daniel.”
Yeah. There was no way in hell that was going to happen.
I looked toward my cousins. “I think I’ll stay with my family. I’m sure you understand.” When I moved to the back of the car, Dastien followed.
First impression? I asked. As long as our bond was in place, I’d use it as much as I could until Dastien had to leave.
Not everyone is backing her, but there are a lot who are. Even through the bond, his voice had a hint of wolf. He was under control, but just barely. You’re going to have to watch your back at all times, and I’m not going to be here to do it.
I never had any intention of letting my guard down. I grabbed my backpack and let Dastien handle the rest. Do you think it’s a mistake to stay with Claudia and Raphael?
Anything is better than sleeping in the same house as her. But keep one eye open.
Always.
By the time we rounded the other side of the car, the crowd had dissipated. I made my way toward my cousins’ place. Their door hung open. “Hello,” I called as we stepped inside.
“Come on in,” Raphael said. “Claudia is changing the sheets in the guest room. They were clean, but she wants them fresh, too.” He shrugged.
“Thanks. Where to?”
“Up the stairs. First door on the right.”
The stairs creaked with age as I walked up, Dastien close on my heels. The steps were covered with a patterned carpet that was a little threadbare in places. Claudia was in what I took to be the guest bedroom, rushing around the tiny twin bed. It had a white-painted iron frame.
“Can I help you do anything?” I asked.
“No. I’ve got it. Just one second and I’ll have this all ready.”
“You didn’t have to—”
“Yes, I did,” she said without pausing her quick movements. “You have every right to hate me right now, but we need you more than your pack needs you. The least I can do is make a clean bed for you to sleep in.”
I dropped my messenger bag with a thud. “You need me?”
She kept busy as she moved around the room. A huge lace doily sat on top of the dark wooden bedside table, which was cluttered with an ornate lamp, some colorful dishes, a bowl of potpourri, and a lit candle. The potpourri and candle were going to have to go. The concentrated floral scent was already giving me a headache and I was barely in the door.
I stepped to the candle, blew it out and handed it to Dastien. He grabbed the potpourri and went back downstairs. Knowing him, he’d grab all the rest of the little smelly things around the house and chuck them out the window. I hope they didn’t leave any important potion stuff hanging around.
Sure enough, I heard something crash. Hopefully, whatever it was wasn’t irreplaceable. Raphael started talking downstairs, but he didn’t sound angry, so I ignored it and focused on Claudia.
I felt awkward not helping as she rushed to make the bed, but if bustling around made her feel better, then I might as well let her have at it.
When she was done, she smoothed a hand over the white and yellow quilt. She was a couple years older than me, but she acted much older than that. It made me wonder how much responsibility she’d had to take over when her parents left the compound. “There. The closet is small, but empty. There are hangers, too. I don’t have a desk for you, but I could—”
“This is fine. I didn’t bring much. I’m not staying longer than the full moon.”
Claudia finally stopped moving. “That’s fine. If we can’t do what needs to be done by then, it’ll be too late.”
I shot a look over my shoulder as Dastien came back into the room. He gave a barely there shake of his head. I haven’t figured out what Claudia’s planning, either, he said through the bond.
“What’s going on?”
“That’ll take a bit to explain. I’m sorry for what I did, but we’re desperate.” She pushed past me to exit the room. “Get settled, and then come downstairs.” She checked her watch. “Luciana will be here soon to make Dastien leave. We can talk more once he’s gone.”
Dastien moved into the room and set my duffles by the foot of the bed. “What do you want to do? We can turn around now. I can take you home.”