Page 74 of A Trial of Two Worlds
“Same,” Rhea groaned as she dropped onto one of the large sectionals near the roaring fire.
“Right away,” the kitchen worker said with a kind smile. “Anyone else want something stronger?”
The rest of us shook our heads.
“Their loss,” Rhea mumbled.
“We made stew for lunch earlier today. Rewarming it won’t be an issue. It shouldn’t take long.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Oh, and I’m so sorry… I’ve forgotten your name.”
“It’s Wren,” she said with a nod.
“Like the songbird.”
“You got it,” she answered with a wide grin as a dark curl fell in front of her tanned face. “Although I shift into a wolverine, so that didn’t exactly match up.” Wren laughed. “Both my parents shift into birds, so that’s where they got the name.”
I couldn’t help chuckling with her. “What a unique story. I think that’s amazing.”
Wren smiled. “You’re amazing, Alpha.”
“I haven’t done much to earn that level of praise, Wren.”
“But you have,” she replied, looking at me with a sense of awe and respect that humbled me.
“Your words honor me.” I tilted my head to her as she bent forward, kneeling and bringing her fist to her chest before rising to her feet.
“As do you, Alpha.” Wren’s smile was infectious. “Whiskey is coming right up, Beta!”
“That’s no longer my title,” Magnus rumbled. “But I’ll take the drink regardless.”
“Oh.” Wren blinked. “Sure thing, right away,” she said as she made her way toward the kitchen.
Talon joined Rhea near the roaring hearth as I sank onto the soft, cushioned couch across from them.Tilting my head back, I gazed upward at the large wooden beams that stretched across the exposed interior. The craftsmanship of this estate was beautiful. I had always admired the intricate framework of this room that reached the top of the second floor of the three-tiered mansion. Shaw stretched out on the nearby chaise adjacent to the large floor-to-ceiling A-frame window as Neera curled beside Magnus.
“So, Magnus,” Talon casually said. “Not Beta?”
Magnus meticulously rubbed at his temples with his finger and thumb, releasing a small groan. “No.”
Talon glanced at his mate, who shook her head. “Then who is, Sky?”
“I…” My words trailed off at the sound of thundering feet practically leaping down the stairs.
“Magnus!” To my surprise, Alistar barreled through the manor, anxiously rushing toward my uncle. “Magnus, my friend!” he exclaimed as they grasped each other’s forearms, looping the other around their shoulders.
With firm thuds on each other’s backs, they pulled away, both sporting smiles of exhaustion for the traumas they’d experienced these past months.
“I’m glad you’ve returned.”
“Me too,” Magnus answered as they embraced each other once more.
Next, the sound of a rolling cart entered the room, drawing our attention.
“Told you it wouldn’t take long,” Wren announced as she pushed the cart behind the backs of the couches and reached for two glasses to hand to Magnus and Rhea.
I jumped up, hurried over to Wren, and eagerly scooped up a bowl of stew. Rhea and Magnus received their drinks, which they eagerly finished before filling their bellies.
“It’s going to take time, but it’s good to be back,” Magnus said, his eyes scanning the second-floor landing. “How’s Gilen?”
