Chapter 7
Elder Thor’s Hoth birthday was the kind of gathering that demanded appearances, smiles, honor, and an iron–tight grip on image.
Larrived at the grand hall with Nina on my arm her belly was beginning to show now, enough to draw attention. Whispers floated from
the crowd, but none of it mattered. (kept my face blank, unmoved X5
Only when my grandfather bamsell entered did I let go of Nina’s hand. He wasn’t just the former Alpha–he was a living legend in the Silverclaw Pack. And I know he had always loved her like a real daughter.
“Where is Quinn? Elder Thom asked me directly!!
“She’s
”s been busy preparing a gift for your birthday” I shifted my weight, trying to sound more certain than I felt. “She’ll arrive later“} He studied me for a moment but said nothing.
Two hours passed
The gift–giving was just about to begin, but still no sign of Quinn. I kept glancing at the doors, trying to act like I wasn’t waiting, but my wolf was pacing, growling inside me. The longer she stayed gone, the more I could feel the nerves crawling up my spine. Where the hell was she?78
Just as I was about to step out and call someone, a courier walked in, carrying three neatly wrapped packages.X
The courier looked between me and Elder Thorn, unsure who to address, fingers tightening slightly around the packages as if they were heavier than they looked
“Delivery for Elder Thom,” he announced respectfully. “They’re from Luna Quinn.“) ||
My heart stopped at the mention of her name.
I cleared my throat. “Give them to me ”
He hesitated. “I was told to deliver them directly to the Elder. Her instructions were very clear“!
Of course they were
I growled, stepping aside and gesturing toward my grandfather. Then do as she asked.“il
Elder Thom was in the middle of a quiet exchange with another elder when the courier approached. He nodded respectfully and said. *This is from Luna Quinn, sir She’s wishing you a happy birthday.”
The Elder blinked surprised. “Why didn’t she deliver them herself? Where’s my granddaughter–in–law?”
The courier gave a small shake of his head Tim sorry, sir I was only told to deliver these to you. Nothing more.“%
Elder Thom looked visibly dismayed, his eyes shadowed with confusion. Still, he accepted the gifts with quiet grace and carefully placed them on the table beside him, his hand lingering on one box as if hoping it might speak for her.
valked over to my grandfather’s side, wanting a closer look. “Do you want me to open them for you?”
He shook his head “No il doi
inside was an intricate embroidery piece–a tapestry of ancient spints gathered to bless a long life. It had taken her months to complete. I knew because I’d seen her fingers bleed while stitching it.
The Elder’s eyes moistened
second gift with a slower hand this time, at if he too was beginning to sense where this was going It was a velvet box. Invade lay the heirloom jewelry passed down from his late mate–the same pieces Quinn had worn on our wedding day. My throat tightened, and my palms started to sweat Why would she send this back?|
anymore. My hands moved on their own as i
Ireached forward and snatched the final package. My grandfather gave me a
tore opens the therd gift tie roughly and directly
clearly what was inside, I suddenly tumed pale and froze in placeli
