Half Were Mine novel · Chapter 14 of 24

Chapter 14: A Wolf's Yes

The stone hall still smelled of smoke.

They had cleared the supper tables and set three chairs on the stage for the council.

The Elder sat in the middle with her stick across her knees.

Torsten sat to one side in the hearing seat, because the charter said an Alpha under challenge answered from it.

Rhett stood alone at the foot of the stage in a clean grey shirt.

He had shaved. He looked like a wolf who had slept well.

I sat in the second row with Cormac and Jodie, and I did not hold anyone's hand.

"We are here on a challenge," the Elder said. "Rhett Sawyer, state it."

"Thank you, Elder." He turned so the whole hall could see his face. "I charge the Alpha with interfering with a free wolf."

"A free wolf," Torsten said evenly. "Whose?"

"Mine."

A low sound went through the hall.

"For four years Bronwyn Harlan and I have shared a home," Rhett said. "Last week she was upset, and I let her leave to cool her temper."

He looked round the room, slowly.

"Within two days the Alpha had moved her onto his own detail. Within eight he had her under an oak behind this hall."

Someone in the back hissed.

"I don't say she's a bad wolf. I say she's confused, and the pack's own leader took advantage of it."

I felt Jodie go stiff beside me.

"Does the accuser have a witness?" the Elder asked.

"I have her." Rhett took a folded page from his pocket. "I also have this, which she gave me four years ago."

He read it aloud.

Please tell the Alpha I want this kept quiet. I'm not ready for the pack to know. N.

Keep reading free with an account. Start Half Were Mine from Chapter 1, then sign up free to read the rest of this chapter.