Chapter 10

Chapter

Ten

N ow that was a shock, thought Renata. Branson had often talked about some of the packs he'd known as a child. The Hamptons Pack had been one he'd mentioned several times. Renata wondered if Branson knew that Roz Halsey had been turned without her consent. He'd expressed such admiration for the alpha of that pack. How could he respect a wolf that would do that to a woman?

"When she died," Renata continued, "I buried her and got on with my life. I have no need or desire to be part of a pack and prefer my solitary life. I like working with the children of our village. Before you choose to betray my secret or withdraw your support, I would ask you to think of them."

"Whoa," said Mariah, taking a step back. "I have no intention of doing either. But if you want to remain independent, we should probably come up with a plan to help you do that. I have several friends who would be willing to lend us a hand. I don't know how much you know about male alpha wolves, but they can get stupidly overprotective of independent she-wolves and the idea of one living on her own is an anathema to them."

Surprise turned to shock and Renata said, "You would do that for me? But you don't even know me."

"I don't need to. You're a she-wolf, just as I am, and at the moment I'm trying to figure out how to ensure my own freedom. Maybe we can make that work for you. You didn't grow up knowing much about our kind, did you?"

For the first time in their private conversation, Renata smiled. "I didn't know anything at all. I'm not sure my mother would have told me anything if I hadn't started having horrible dreams about wolves."

Mariah nodded. "I can't imagine what that must have been like. I grew up in a happy, stable pack. But I come from a line of rabble-rousing she-wolves. Male wolves can be overbearing and domineering. The good ones are raised to believe that one of their jobs is to protect the she-wolves in their pack. They are downright arrogant about it. You can confront them with all the facts you like about autonomy and a she-wolf's ability to take care of herself and still they get bossy and pissy about being in charge."

"You're not winning me over if you're trying to convince me to belong to a pack," said Renata.

"I'm not trying to. Don't get me wrong, for the most part it has worked well in our society, but it can be a bit much sometimes and frankly the boys don't want the rules to change, as it gives them the upper hand. That's all fine and good if that's what the she-wolf wants, but my friends and I believe a she-wolf has the same right to make decisions about her life as any male wolf. We will help in any way we can. They're all here in London with me, and I'll give them a heads up. Their names are Piper, Skylar, Kat, and Abriana. Abriana comes off as the snotty Mistress of Calon Onest, but believe me, she can get as down and dirty as the rest of us. Whatever we need to do, we will—up to and including spiriting you out of London to wherever you want to go right after the event. Or, we can say something came up and get you out now if you prefer."

"No. I need to be here for this event. I haven't been to London in years and besides, I spent a fortune on my dress." Renata didn't bother to mention that she had a boatload of money and not much to spend it on in the Hebrides.

"Really? Me too. My friends had to drag me out kicking and screaming to go shopping. Make sure you stay close to one of us at the end of the official presentation. We'll have a couple of surprises for you."

"Good surprises, I hope."

"Oh, I don't believe in bad ones," teased Mariah. "All of the sculptures are expected to sell, and they'll probably go for more than the opening bids. My father was so impressed with what you did, he's going to match the amount of the donations."

"Are you joking?" Renata couldn't believe it. How could she reconcile the man's generosity with what he'd done to his mate? And how was such an outspoken she-wolf okay with what he'd done to her mother?

Mariah smiled and shook her head. Then she pointed to the gallery's entrance. "I saw you admiring the sculpture out in the foyer. I don't know if you noticed, but it isn't on the auction block. I'd like to donate it to your school."

"Mariah, that's too much."

"Not at all. Are you ready to leave? I'm meeting my friends for lunch. Would you like to join us?"

Renata hesitated. "I don't think so. I don't know that I'd fit in."

"Sure you would. My friends are just regular people like you and me. Skylar's a cop. Kat's something I can never pronounce but has to do with picking what wines are served at fancy restaurants."

"A sommelier?"

"Yeah, that's it. Know anything about horses?"

"Yes, I ride. It's one of my few indulgences. One of the farmers went to my house and got my animals when I couldn't leave the school. Most of my tack was okay, but the storm destroyed my cart. I like to drive as well as ride."

"Well then," said Mariah teasingly, "just talk about your horses and Piper and Abriana will be all in."

Renata laughed. "You make it sound so easy."

"It is."

Mariah gave her final approval on the exhibition and handed the clipboard back to the coordinator, who was waiting with her bodyguards. Linking her arm through Renata's, they ventured out into London together. Renata did something she hadn't done in years—enjoyed herself with friends. There were plenty of things that brought her joy, but most were either solitary pursuits or related to helping others. It was a rare indulgence to meet with a group of women just to enjoy one another's company. And these were the first she-wolves she'd ever met.

After a delightful lunch, Renata begged off to return to the hostel to get ready for the gala. She would stay one more night in London, and would have loved to stay longer, but felt the risk was too great. She knew Branson was from Ravenscar, but she knew he also lived and taught in Oxford. There was too great a chance that they might bump into each other and that was something she couldn't afford to have happen.

Renata looked in the mirror. The dress had been an indulgence, especially given she'd probably never wear it again. But she loved it. She'd justified the expense easily. She was representing her school and her whole village and besides, she had little else to spend that kind of money on. After the event she would donate it to a worthy charity.

The dress was a velvet-trimmed, bronze brocade gown made of silk with a wrap skirt, deep sweetheart neckline, and ruffle detailing at the hem. The majority of the dress was made up of a rather bohemian, wavy stripe pattern in varying widths in autumnal colors. The wide shoulder straps and ruffle at the bottom were black velvet. It hugged her curves, making the most of every inch of them, yet it was still comfortable and easy to wear.

Renata had refused the museum's offer to send a car for her and instead hired a cab to pick her up for the event. The fewer people who knew she was in town the better. Branson knew the world was full of wolf-shifters and this afternoon's lunch had proved his point. There was a part of her that regretted not being able to get to know Abriana, Kat, Skylar, Piper and Mariah better, but she knew it would be best to leave London without having contact with them again.

She'd been fascinated and horrified at Skylar and Kat's stories about their encounters with something they'd called the Darkness. The thought of something taking over her body and being bent to its will, as Kat had been, was terrifying. Renata had joked that the Darkness wouldn't want to come to the Hebrides, as it was too cold for demons. But something about the story struck a chord in her memory.

Vaguely, she recalled Bran talking about his belief that it was not Merlin who had cast a spell on Uther Pendragon so he could satisfy his lust of Igraine, but rather a dark spirit. Merlin had banished the Darkness, but it had reappeared at the Battle of Camlann in the form of King Arthur's son, Mordred. King Arthur had been forced to kill his son, and as Mordred lay dying, a black fog had been expelled from his body and dissipated into the mist. She wondered if the two entities were related, or perhaps were even one and the same. If the opportunity arose at tonight's gala, she would mention it to Skylar. If she didn't see her, she'd send a note to the Savoy before she left tomorrow.

Renata joined Mariah, her father, and the director for a quick cocktail before heading to the museum's gallery and the start of the main event—the auction. Oliver Halsey had surprised her. She had expected to dislike him on sight, but instead had been captivated by his warmth and obvious love for his daughter. Perhaps there was more to the story than she knew.

As she looked around the bar area, she shook her head. It was hard to believe that five hundred people were attending, and all of this had been done for the school. Renata had to stifle a laugh. The entire schoolhouse would almost fit in the main gallery. She watched as wealthy patrons and the press mingled in the exhibit hall.

She spied Mariah heading out onto a private terrace. She imagined the enigmatic sculptor actually loathed these things and needed a minute to herself.

"Dr. Valor? Let me introduce you to some of tonight's patrons," said the director, taking her by the arm and leading her to the main floor of the museum.

Why was it, she thought, that she felt a bit like a prisoner being led into the Coliseum to face the lions? But it couldn't be helped. Time to paste on a smile and be trotted out to help raise more money. Seeing as it benefited the school, the children, and the village, Renata felt it was the least she could do.

Renata was beginning to feel like the director's personal prized possession. She was shown off and introduced to so many people that names and faces began to blur. She reminded herself that she was doing this for the school, the kids and the village itself. The director and Lloyds had arranged for the gala at considerable cost. All proceeds, not net, were going to the project. She needed to remind herself of that, be grateful and act accordingly.

When the director was called away, Renata managed to find her way out of the dazzling throng of well-meaning people and stand with her back to a wall, watching the glittering spectacle that played out before her. The numbers she was hearing in random bits of passing conversations were staggering. All of the pieces put up for sale were selling for far more than they had estimated.

"It's going well," said Skylar as she and Piper joined her.

"I'm truly gobsmacked. I thought they were being a little too optimistic with their predictions of what the auction might bring in. This exceeds my wildest expectations."

Skylar smiled at her. "I'm glad," she said, placing a hand on Renata's arm.

"I enjoyed lunch this afternoon," said Piper. "I know you don't want to get involved with a pack, and I can't say I blame you, but I hope you'll stay in touch."

"I'd like that. This afternoon made me realize how much I've isolated myself up in the Hebrides."

"Even when you're raised in a pack, the boys can be a bit overwhelming. At least here at the gala, there's enough of us that you should go unnoticed as a lone she-wolf. And while Abriana, Kat, and Skylar are now tied down with mates, maybe Mariah and I can come up to visit sometime. I'd invite you to the Hamptons or Wolf Meadow, but I'm afraid our fathers would be opposed to letting you live alone."

"I'd like that very much. It's quiet up there, but also gorgeous. And the riding and fishing are outstanding. But be advised, I might just drag you to school for show and tell. I think meeting a real live cowgirl would be such a treat for them."

"I'll be sure to bring my lariat," said Piper with a grin.

Skylar laughed. "Remember that time Rémy was being an ass?"

"You'll have to narrow that down for me. Rémy has been an ass way too many times to count. In fact, I think Rémy's default setting is alphahole."

"Yes, and he's gotten worse since he became a SEAL."

"Skylar, do you know a wolf named Branson Norris?" asked Renata.

"Bran? Sure. I've known him most of my life. He's Abriana's cousin. His mother and hers are sisters. Why?"

"I met him four years ago on a dig in Israel. When you guys were talking about this Darkness thing, I think Bran mentioned it. You might want to talk to him."

"You knew Bran? Oh shit, you're that girl? His fated mate?" said Skylar. She turned to Piper. "This is not good. I mean it's okay because he's not here, but he's good friends with Trav and Rémy. You have to stay for that thing at the end, don't you?"

"I do. Am I in danger?"

"Danger? Like he'd hurt you? No. Like he'd try to push the fated mate thing? You bet. He may have lost your trail, but he's never given up on finding you."

"Skylar," said Piper, "you're here with Trav but I'm alone. I think as soon as this shindig is over, I should get Renata out of here."

Skylar nodded. "Agreed. In fact, I'm going to go find my mate and try and keep all of them away from here. You stay with Renata and if you get into trouble, let us know. I'll see if I can't pass the word."

"Renata, where are you staying?" asked Piper.

"I'm at a nearby hostel. I didn't want to stay someplace conspicuous. This place does all their records by hand."

"We'll get you out of here and on a train headed home. Do you have a ticket?"

"No," said Renata. "I pay cash at the station. That way there's no record of my traveling."

"Can I ask a personal question?" asked Skylar. Renata nodded. "Did Bran do something to you? I mean did he hurt you?"

"Not at all. I never should have gotten involved with him. I never wanted to live as a she-wolf. I knew I'd gotten in too deep, and by then the only thing I could do was leave. There are certain things he doesn't know about me. Based on things he's said… Well, to be honest, I thought it was going to end badly and I just didn't want to have it out with him. I'm sure I hurt him, but we never would have worked out."

"Look, I'm not telling you what to do, but my brother Rémy and Bran are pretty close," said Skylar. "Rémy says Bran has never gotten over you and doesn't plan to give up looking for you. It's been about five years, right? If you still feel something for him, maybe you should…"

Renata shook her head. "Not quite that long—four years, three months, two weeks, and nineteen days, but who's counting."

Skylar gave her a quick hug. "I'll run interference. If we need more than that, holler." She turned to Piper. "You stick with her so she isn't alone." Then she left them.

"You and I haven't known each other very long, but like Sky, I've known Bran a long time. He's pretty open and tolerant, and if there's another wolf, I know he'd take him on."

"No, it's nothing like that."

"Then what?"

She looked Piper in the eye. "He has no belief in magick. He thinks it harms people."

"So?" Piper asked, confused.

"So, I'm a sorceress."