Chapter 4: Familiarity Breeds an Heir

It couldn’t be

Aaron bobbed his head at me, his curls falling over his face. “Maeve,” he said, his voice serious, nothing like the man! had met hours earlier. “You’re looking… well.”

I could see the smile hiding in the corner of his mouth. I glared, which surprised him, one of his dark brows arching.

Ernest was standing between us, looking from one to other expectantly, a wide, almost deranged smile plastered on his face. “This is just great!”

“Fantastic,” i murmured, not breaking eye contact with Aaron. “You’re quite changed, Aaron.”

Something passed over his face at that, a look of concern? I couldn’t quite make it out.

“It’s been ten years, if I remember correctly.” He took a step forward, looking down at me through a fan of dark lashes. “I would hope I look different than I did at what, fourteen?”

Oh yes, he looked different. The Aaron I once knew had been short, blond, and lanky, slightly behind in physical development compared to Rowan and his friends. Aaron had, in fact, gravitated toward me during his family’s visit to Winter Forest, shortly after his father had formed the Red Lakes pack in what was once the uninhabited forests in the Western Territory. Aaron hadn’t wanted to play warrior with Rowan and his friends. He mistook my gender for weakness, however. There would be no dolls or tea parties for Maeve that day.

i lifted my chin, squaring up to him. I didn’t know why I was suddenly so angry. I felt deceived, perhaps. I obviously didn’ trecognize him in the market. He must not have recognized me. Not until he heard my name, that is.

Something in his eyes told me not to mention that we had met earlier. I could see it written on his face. He was watching me closely, like prey, taking me all in.

No, this wasn’t the Aaron I remembered. Not at all.

“How is your father?” I asked formally. Ernest was beaming,

“Fine, as always,” Aaron said shortly, glancing over at Ernest. “He sends his regards, Alpha,”

Ernest looked as though he might burst into happy tears. I rolled my eyes.

“And to your father, of course.copy right hot novel pub