Chapter 5: The Terms

Marek stood in the middle of Tavish's office with a cream envelope held between two fingers.

It was thick paper, sealed with black wax and stamped with the Ashfall paw.

I wore a pair of Tavish's sweatpants rolled six times at the ankle and a flannel shirt that hung to my knees.

My hair was still wet.

Tavish stood behind the desk with his arms crossed.

"Read it," he said.

Marek broke the seal and cleared his throat.

"'To Tavish Rowe, Alpha of Black Pine.

Under the old law, Viggo Keene, Alpha of Ashfall Ridge, claims the right of challenge for his promised mate, Ione Strathern.

The challenge is at the rising of the next full moon.

Her sanctuary ends at moonrise on the ninth night.

The challenge is for her person, her wolf and her place. Signed.'"

He looked up.

"There's a smiley face drawn under the name."

"A smiley face," I said.

"It's a nice one."

"He draws it when he's angry," I said.

Tavish's gaze moved to me.

I kept my face still.

"Her person, her wolf and her place," Marek read again. "That's the full wording of the old claim. He's using every word."

"What does it mean if I lose?" I asked.

Tavish answered.

"If he takes the challenge and wins, you go back to Ashfall as his, and the rite is done by right."