Chapter 3

Cade reached for my chin.

"What's with the face?"

Once, that touch would have melted my anger before I'd even decided whether I wanted it gone. Tonight, all I felt was his thumb on my skin.

"Poppy seems to get prizes for breathing."

His hand stopped.

"A pony. A tablet. Apparently, the best daddy ever."

He got up so fast the couch cushion bounced under me.

"Why are you comparing our son to someone else's kid?"

"I'm comparing what you say to what you do."

"Are we seriously fighting over one present I forgot?" His voice had the edge he used in council. "Be honest, Tess. Is this about Milo, or is this about you?"

I just looked at him.

He held my eyes for a few seconds, then looked away.

"Fine." He let out a breath. "His birthday's in two days. I'll do something big. A real surprise. Happy?"

"Will you be here?"

"Of course."

It came out too easily.

"Now stop stressing and start packing for Iceland. I set this whole trip up so you could relax."

As if I were being ungrateful about a gift.

I went into the study and called Sadie's lawyer.

The next morning, Celeste showed up early to the council meeting.

She was wearing green.

Before I could open my report, she leaned forward.

"Somebody's going to have to cover Tessa's work while she's gone. I'd be happy to help."

The whole table went quiet.

My office ran the pack's trade, its accounts, and every agreement that kept five neighboring packs from tearing up our borders. A ten-day vacation didn't call for a new head of operations. My deputies already had the schedule.

The elders looked at Cade.

He set down his pen.

"Celeste will take over while Tessa's away."

Across the table, our Beta glanced at me. The question was written all over his face.

Cade went on. "Tessa needs a real break. I don't want anyone bugging her about every little thing."

Celeste's smile got wider.

"You don't think I'm trying to take your place, do you?"

She said it so sweetly that any answer would have made me look petty.

I closed my folder.

"No. Go ahead."

Somebody's chair creaked. Cade's shoulders dropped.

He'd walked in ready for a fight. He was so pleased I'd given in that he never noticed I hadn't asked what I'd be coming back to.

I walked out.

He caught up with me in the hallway and grabbed my arm.

"Tess. Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Storm out and make everyone think something's wrong."

"Was there anything else you needed from me?"

He glanced back at the council room and lowered his voice.

"Celeste needs a shot. She's got ideas. Energy. I can't keep her stuck in some token role forever."

"So you gave her mine."

"For now." He pulled me against his chest, like a hug could settle a fight he hadn't actually answered. "When you get back, I'll give you a seat on the Elders' bench. No more paperwork. You'll be above all that."

The pack charter didn't have a seat on the Elders' bench for a Luna. It never had.

One more gift for later.

"I've spent twelve years making your life easier," I said.

"I know." He kissed my hair. "That's why we work. You get me."

He squeezed my shoulder, already turning back toward the meeting.

"Don't overthink it, babe. You're my Luna. Where else would you go?"

I watched him walk away.

He honestly didn't want an answer.