Chapter 55: Telling a friend

*Nick*

As I trot my horse through the familiar streets, I hope that taking Julia to the park later will reassure her that no one is going to look at me and see Nick. They have no reason to doubt the veracity of my identity. I have no reason to lie. I am the Alpha of Greystorm. That is whom people will see.

The closer we came to Blackrock city, the tenser Julia became. I tried to distract her with kisses, but even they fail to relax her once we entered Blackrock city proper.

One of the things I love about her is her awareness of her reputation and its impact on her daughter’s prospects for a happy life. Scandal is a scourge that can ruin any bright future, and unfortunately, she-wolves can get away with far less inappropriate behavior than men. Perhaps because they care so much more about their positions, but then it is more important for them. Few have the means to support themselves. Marriage is their occupation.

I now have a rank, power, and wealth. Mothers will overlook my transgressions if it means a good match for their daughters. But a ruined she-wolf makes a favorable mistress, and men will often settle for that when desire is all that draws them.

But more than desire draws me to Julia. I admire her strength, her dedication to the right path even if she is willing to tiptoe along the wrong one for me. Actually, that makes me love her all the more.

Drawing my horse to a halt in front of Tom’s residence, I quickly wrap the reins around the hitching post before darting up the stairs, taking them two steps at a time. I’m not anticipating this confrontation, but it has to be done. I knock, wait. The door opens.

“Alpha Greystorm,” the footman says.

I still have a moment of wanting to look around for Noah whenever someone speaks that address. I’m not certain if I will ever grow accustomed to it being directed at me. For Julia and the sake of our relationship, I have to.

Handing my hat, riding crop, and gloves to the footman, I ask, “Where might I find the Alpha?”

The Alpha’s presence here is the natural order of things. The staff is well aware that I don’t require an announcement.

“He’s in the library, my Alpha.”

I carry on down the hallway. The library door is unattended, which suits me just fine. I don’t need anyone to overhear the coming conversation, and I suspect part of it might entail a raised voice or two. Although I have no intention of being goaded into shouting.

Tom is sitting behind his desk, apparently in the process of inscribing some missive. Looking up, he shoves back his chair and stands. “Nick. I was just writing to you to see if you were planning on coming to Blackrock city.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” I ask.

“You told her, then?”

“I did.”

With a brusque nod, which I take as a sign of approval, my longtime friend walks over to the sideboard and splToms scotch into two glasses. He hands me one. “How did she take it?”

“As you predicted. Her heart shattered, she wished me dead, and she went into mourning.” I tell.

“That could not have been pleasant for either of you, but being forthright is always the least complicated path. I suppose your next step is to dispatch a letter to the Alpha Times.”

“No, actually.” I take a long slow swallow of the scotch, holding Tom’s gaze the entire time. “My next step is to tell you to keep what you know to yourself.”

Tom angles his head thoughtfully, his mouth pressed into a hard, firm line. “I beg your pardon?”

“I love her, and she loves me. We’re going to continue on as we have been, with people believing Nick is dead and I am Noah.” I explain.

“Have you gone mad?” He blinks repeatedly.

I shake my head, “Our positions in pack Society prevent us from going off to some parish where we’re not known and getting married. We are known among the High packs. Good Goddess, we’re known among royalty. The only way we can have a marriage that is not questioned is if Noah remains alive. Tell me that I’m mistaken.”

“But you’re not Noah. This is not legitimate; you’re not legally wed.”

“No one other than you, Zac, Marsden, Julia, and I will ever know that.”

Tom spins around, paces halfway across the room, stops, and turns back. “If even one person should suspect.”

“No one ever will. Why would they? Why would anyone suspect I am not Noah? The entire notion is ludicrous that I would pretend to be my brother. That Nick would want as his mate a she-wolf he abhorred. Why would anyone even postulate such a scenario as Nick not being the one laid to rest in the vault at Evermore? I’m the legitimate heir, Tom. There is no reason for this ruse other than keeping at my side the she-wolf I love. Who is harmed by us going on as we have been for a little over half a year already? I submit that we will cause more harm if the truth is revealed.”

Tom drops into a chair, hangs his head. “Are you certain you love her?”

“It is the one thing I am completely, entirely certain of. And I love her with all my heart. Will you deny us a lifetime of love because of a stupid law?” I say.

He looks up. “We could work to get it changed.”

“How long will that take? What if we have children before the law is changed? Do we deny ourselves each other’s company? Would you tell Melina, ‘Someday we will be together but not now’?” I ask.

“Damn you.” He growls.

I realize I should have asked him that question in the beginning. It’s no secret that Tom adores his mate, and would do anything to have her.

Tom stands. “If you love her even half as much as I love Melina...”

I’m willing to wager my entire fortune that I love Julia as much as Tom loves Melina, if not more.

The Alpha of Ashebury raises his glass. “Nick, I wish you and Julia all the happiness in the world. You will have my silence, and from this moment forth I will recognize you as Grey. I pray to the Goddess that you have better luck keeping your secrets than I had keeping mine.”

I toss back my scotch, ignoring the shiver of foreboding that skitters up my spine.