Chapter 52. I Make No Promises

Caleb’s POV

I clear my throat around a smile and step back ten paces, eyes on the ground, but not so I can keep an eye on Zane. The way you stand for someone when they have to step out of their skin and won’t ask you to hold the door.

Zane breathes slowly and counts, the way we do when we’re choosing to fight or forgive. Then he nods once.

“After dawn we go to the Council,” he says, practical as a list. “Then sleep. Then we talk.”

“I’ll be there,” Rowan says, relief loosening his shoulders. He glances down like he just remembered the satchel and winces again.

“Also, Alpha Winter, there’s an actual paper with wax on it demanding the presence of several very important people at the packhouse by sunrise.”

“Delivered,” I say dryly, because I am, in fact, an important person in this situation. “Good job, runner Pike.”

He almost smiles at me. Then properly smiles when he looks back at Zane. It’s quiet and bright and a little lethal in the w