Heir of the Coven (Daughters of the Warlock 3)

This was absolutely pitiful.

I glanced across at my father, horrified. But he didn’t flinch. And he didn’t look my way. He simply walked with his head held high, following the pack through the town, until we came across a slightly larger tin shed.

I wasn’t sure what was worse: acknowledging the disarray here or purposefully ignoring it.

I decided to follow my father’s act and remain silent, though there were a few times I had to bite my bottom lip to keep from saying anything at all.

I wondered where the Alpha lived compared to his people.

Would this Alpha have a nicer home than the rest of his pack? Had he hoarded powers, or riches, while his people had none? Or was it like with the Fae, their magic stolen but for one man and one room?

I’d soon find out.

The naked wolf man beta moved a beige curtain, which served as a door, out of the way. He flicked his head and I assumed that meant we should follow.

My father went in first, and Tavlor indicated that I should follow him, my

Fae warrior bringing up the rear, sandwiching me so I was protected.

Once inside, the barrenness wasn’t much better, though there was some furniture. It looked as though it was constructed by the wolves rather than purchased at a store, which meant the wolves had to be crafty.

No weapons. No technology.

Just a group of worn couches and a pack of men standing around. Most of them were only half naked, and one older man with a greying beard who was fully dressed.

“Alpha,” Tavlor said in greeting, stepping forward and bowing his head. How Tavlor knew it was him, I didn’t know unless Tavlor was familiar with all rulers in every realm.

The older man smiled, his teeth white and surprisingly sharp. “Please. Sit.”

We walked forward and sunk into the old, comfortable couches.

My nose was still struggling with the smell of the people, and excrement around us, but I was slowly getting used to it.

“Thank you for seeing us, Alpha,” Tavlor said, speaking in lieu of my father, which I thought was odd.

Perhaps Tavlor had a better relationship with the shifters than my father did?

“I was intrigued by your request.” His gaze turned to me. “The daughter of the High Warlock. A daughter I was not sure existed until now.”

I smiled back at him, biting my tongue. I was only one of the daughters of the High Warlock, but that was a secret I needed to keep to myself.

“I’m Ava,” I said, trying to keep my voice under control. I bit my tongue right after to ensure I didn’t say more than I needed to.

“Robert,” the older man said, placing a hand on his chest.

“Nice to meet you,” I said, not sure exactly what greeting was appropriate for a wolf shifter at all, let alone the Alpha.

Robert’s gaze slid over to my father, but he didn’t say anything. Interesting. There was no love there, obviously.

Then he moved his attention to Tavlor.

“What do you want on this day, Fae?” he asked. His voice was stiff, cautious.

I frowned at the change in attitude and tone. Tavlor was only half Fae, but was that the better half as far as the wolf shifter’s attitude went? Or the worse?

“Ava is deciding on whether she will become the official heir to her father, or if she will hand the mantle over to a man of the Council’s choosing,” Tavlor said.

Robert’s gaze narrowed. “I’m surprised it would even be a choice to be considered,” he said with a sneer. “But what does that have to do with me?”