Chapter 10: Cut Off

Linnet's POV

Rafe was waiting on the steps of MOONHOUSE headquarters at six in the morning with a split lip and a photograph.

"Don't speak yet," he said. "Look at this."

It was the picture from room one, my mother on the lodge steps with her hand on a man's shoulder.

"That's my father," he said. "He was alpha before me. He died when I was twenty. Linnet, he knew your mother."

I held the frame in both hands.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I found it last night. I found it in your room."

"It's locked."

"Rodrick gave me the key."

I looked up at him.

"I'm not here to touch you," Rafe said. "I'm here because I owe you the truth before the vote."

He told me about the list.

Fourteen names, and the old law, and a council that could make any of them prey.

He did not make excuses, and he did not cry.

When he finished, I said, "You should have told me."

"Yes."

"I would have found a way."

"I know that now."

"I'm still angry."

"You should be."

"The kiss doesn't change it."

"I didn't think it would."

I gave him back the photograph, and I did not say yes, and I did not say no.

"Go to the lodge," I said. "Sit where the alpha sits. I'll be there at nine."

By nine the Ridgeline lodge hall was packed to the rafters, because Ward had called the whole pack to watch the vote.

Rafe sat in the alpha's chair on the dais.

Ward stood at the lectern with a paper in his hand.