Chapter 24: The Bride-Price

Linnet's POV

The Southbay Alpha's house stood on a cliff above a gray harbor.

It was long and white, and every window faced the sea.

He met me on the front steps in his deep blue coat, with his hands held out.

"Miss Ashworth. You are very welcome."

"My sister has until the third dawn," I said. "That's today's, I believe."

"Tomorrow's. You are in good time."

He took me through a hall that smelled of salt and brass polish.

In the library a fire had been lit, though the day was warm.

Father stood by the window with his hat in his hands.

He had ridden hard since dawn, and dust lay along his shoulders.

The color had gone out of his face and left it yellow.

He did not look at me.

"Councilor Ashworth tells me your mother has been indiscreet," the Alpha said.

He poured two glasses of wine.

"She has always been a woman of feeling."

"It doesn't change anything," I said. "It only means I'm here sooner."

"Wise."

He held out a glass. I took it and did not drink.

"I would like a moment to wash," I said. "Then we can discuss it."

They let me go up.

A maid showed me to a bright room with a washstand and a bed with a quilt of white shells.

When the door shut, I took the folded paper out of my coat.

My hands were steady. I made them stay steady.

Linnet.

I am writing this in my own hand, because you deserve a man who signs his own name.

Whatever you say in that house, I will know you said it to win.

Whatever you sign will not bind you in my eyes.

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