Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“I’m good.” Emily laughed, her eyes filled with mirth. “How about you?”
“Much better. Hi, Jackson,” Nadia added, and he nodded in response. “I think I can help with the farming here. I’ve got some plans and sketches. They’re efficient.” She patted the clipboard as if it contained the key to their future.
“I’m sure.” Emily’s eyes warmed. “Where’s your hulking bodyguard?”
Nadia blushed. “Outside working on his new truck. He avoids being inside as much as possible.” She turned her attention to Jackson. “I don’t suppose you know anything about him?”
“Nope.” The resemblance between her and Emily still threw Jackson. It was fascinating, really. Nadia looked happier than the last time he had seen her, which gave him hope. One glance at her and he knew she wasn’t a fighter, though deep down, he was starting to doubt if Emily was one, either. She presented as delicate, even with her height. It would tempt many to challenge her if she tried to serve as the pack’s Alpha.
The safest course for Emily Nightsom’s life was to mate him. The truth strengthened his resolve. It was the best thing for her. Plus, it was what he wanted. For now, he sat back and studied Victor, who looked insolent. “Somebody kidnapped Emily the other night. Did you hire them?”
Victor reared back. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“I believe my words were clear.” His voice dropped Alpha low.
Philip Nightsom set down his scotch and looked at his daughter with concern. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” Emily said. “But somebody hired three males to abduct me. The ringleader said someone hired him.” She stared at her cousin as she spoke. “Vic, you’re the only one I know with a motive.”
“Motive?” Victor sneered. “What motive would I have?”
Nadia jerked her head toward him. “Duh. You want to be the Alpha of this pack someday, and right now, Emily’s got the job if she wants it, right?”
“Exactly,” Emily said smoothly.
Victor crossed his beefy arms. “I’m not worried about you being the Alpha, Emily Nightsom, and you should know that right now. I don’t think you have a chance in hell. If you try to step up someday, I’ll challenge you, and I’ll win.”
Silence thickened in the room, but Emily didn’t flinch. “If you come at me, Vic, you’d better not miss.”
Victor’s eyes narrowed, a predatory gleam in their depths.
Jackson’s wolf rumbled beneath his skin, itching to tear into the cocky male. “You should watch how you speak to her,” Jackson warned.
“I don’t answer to you,” Victor shot back.
“Yet,” Jackson replied, his smile cold. “But if you come after Emily again, you will.”
Victor met Emily’s stare, his chest puffing out as tension thickened the air.
Philip’s gaze shifted between them, his mouth tightening. “I’m not going anywhere, but it’s good to plan for the future.”
“You’re getting older.” Victor’s tone was flat, lacking any pretense of tact. “I could challenge you now and win.”
A low growl rumbled from Philip’s chest, vibrating through the room.
Jackson watched them closely. His gut told him Victor was right in that, as a younger wolf, he’d probably win. The only thing stopping him was the pack’s devotion to Emily. But loyalty could only shield a leader for so long.
“I’m ready,” Victor said, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “Ready to succeed at the trials.”
“Trials?” Jackson asked, glancing at Emily.
She inhaled slowly. “I have no idea what he’s talking about.”
Yet another fucking secret. Fantastic.
Philip nodded. “Jackson, it’s none of your concern.”
“I see.” Jackson’s voice dropped, steel threading through the words. His pulse pounded hard in his head. “I’m going to ask you one more time. Did you come into my territory and kidnap Emily?”
Victor’s eyes flared. “No. I don’t need to kidnap anyone to take what’s mine.”
Emily studied him closely, finally settling back in her seat. “I believe him. Vic doesn’t know anything about either kidnapping.”
That’s what Jackson’s gut told him, as well. His gaze slid to Nadia. “How about you?”
Nadia’s eyes widened. “Why would I kidnap my sister?”
“Answer the question,” Jackson ordered.
The female paled. “I don’t know anything about a kidnapping.”
“Jackson, she’s telling the truth.” Emily slapped his jean-clad thigh in a warning. “Besides, neither of us knew we had a sister during the first kidnapping. There’s no connection.”
The thought of Emily being vulnerable under someone else’s control made Jackson’s wolf claw at him. It never should have happened. Not even once.
“That’s not exactly true.” Nadia’s voice softened. “I’ve always known that Philip Nightsom was my father, but I never planned to come here until he invited me. When he did, I wanted to meet everyone.” Her smile brightened as she glanced at Emily. “I have a sister.”
Emily’s smile was both sweet and unguarded. “You do have a sister,” Emily said smoothly. “Also, you don’t seem much like a kidnapper.”
Nadia tapped a finger against her lips. “I bet I could think of a nice and efficient way to do it, but I see no reason to bother.”