Page 121 of Dhampira

His expression turned sullen. “That’s what I just said.” Vander growled, and Daryn shot him a nervous glance before adding, “I mean, yes. Kristoff is my alpha.”

“I’d like to speak with him,” I said. “The witches are using you, Daryn. They won’t share power with the werewolves when this war is over. You bleed and die for them, but they don’t respect you. And they won’t permit you to rule yourselves.” I paused, letting my words sink in. “But I will.”

Even as the promise left my mouth, I realized how much I still didn’t know. How were the werewolf packs organized? What was their hierarchy? How many alphas were there, and did they work together or compete for power? I had so much to learn, and the list never stopped growing.

Daryn appeared to consider my words. “Why should I believe you?” He tossed Vander another quick look. “That’s what Kristoff will ask.”

I nodded. “As he should. The truth is, I don’t have a way to convince him. But I can give you my word. I didn’t come to Nocta freely. I was brought here against my wishes. Like you, I fight a war that isn’t wholly mine. But now that I’ve seen how my father treats Nocta’s people, I won’t stand by and let his abuses continue. I will end him, and I will end this war. That’s what I can tell you.”

Daryn was silent, his gaze watchful.

“Tell Kristoff what you heard here tonight,” I said. “If he wants his wolves to stop dying, I’ll make it happen. And I’ll honor your right to rule yourselves.”

The silence stretched. Finally, Daryn nodded. “I’ll give Kristoff the message.”

“And you’ll arrange a meeting?” I asked.

Some of Daryn’s sullenness returned. “I can only deliver the message. The alpha does what he wants—or doesn’t want. You can’t be angry at me for that.”

“I’m not,” I said before Vander or Lorcan could turn violent again. “And I understand. Thank you for your help.”

Daryn’s shoulders relaxed even as his eyes remained guarded. “Sure.”

“Where can I find you again?” I asked. “How will we know if Kristoff agrees to meet?”

Arrogance touched the man’s features, and his upturned nose went a little higher as he said, “We’ll find you.”

Vander stepped toward him.

“Fair enough,” I said, putting a hand on Vander’s arm. “I look forward to the meeting.”

Lorcan dragged Daryn backward. Wings rose above his shoulders as he looked from me to Vander. “I’m taking the dog back to the forest. You two stay here.”

Daryn jerked against Lorcan’s grip. “I’m not a dog, leech.”

Lorcan pulled Daryn against him. “You smell like one. Now, shut up and stay still.” He dragged Daryn over the ward and to the balcony. A second later, Lorcan launched into the air and swooped toward the forest.

I turned to Vander. “What if someone sees them?”

“Lorcan drained a witch with strong warding magic after dinner tonight.”

My stomach flipped over. “You mean he killed a witch.”

Vander sighed. Standing as close as we were, I could make out the individual freckles on his nose. It was hard to believe the same man with a dusting of the delicate spots had just threatened to feed a werewolf his own manhood.

“We all make difficult choices in war, my queen.”

The title landed as hard as it always did when he used it. Maybe it landed hard because he used it.

“You brought me a werewolf,” I said. Perhaps if I repeated it enough, it would sink in.

Vander captured one of my hands and lifted it to his lips. His pewter eyes on mine, he spoke with his mouth hovering above my knuckles. “You told me to.”

A shiver ran through me. Heat followed in its wake, and my voice sounded breathless in my ears as I asked, “Do you always do what you’re told?”

Something wicked sparked in his gaze. “As I told you before, my inquisitive one, I’m a soldier. Not always the brightest torch on the wall, but I’m very good at following orders.” He brushed my knuckles back and forth over his lips. “Very, very good.”

The heat slid to low, forbidden places. Before I could respond, Lorcan sailed back through the balcony doors and landed on the carpet. He strolled forward with dark eyes and predatory grace, his wings snapping down.