The southern wolves weren't enemies, but something about the way Alpha Balen Bloodmoon looked at Nova made Jax's hackles rise. Too many comments about her beauty. Too many lingering stares. If Balen mentioned how his son Grant was still unmated one more time, Jax was going to throw someone off a balcony.
When they were in Fin's study, it was especially unsettling when Grant asked, "Mind if I have a quick word?"
Jax raised a brow. "Sure. Let's step out on the balcony." It was cold out. If nothing else, the frost in the air might put a cap on this conversation.
He followed Grant out onto the stone terrace, watching his breath cloud in the air. The view below was nothing but snow and silence. Inside, the castle was preparing for the Spring Ball—servants moving in and out like bees.
Jax folded his arms, letting Grant lead.
"I just wanted to apologize," Grant said immediately, rubbing the back of his neck. "For the way my father's been… speaking to Nova. I wanted to apologize to her as well, but I felt I should say it to you first. I'm not trying to take her from you. When I asked about her, I didn't realize she was yours. I'm under a lot of pressure to choose a mate—and fast. I remembered how sweet she was when we were kids, so that's why I asked."
Jax was surprised by the sincerity.
"Appreciate you pulling me aside. Nova said we could trust you, but it's still good to hear you say it. I know your father's the one making all the noise—but I won't lie, I've wanted to rip his head off more than once this week."
Grant chuckled awkwardly. "Understandable."
"I love her with everything in me," Jax added, voice calm but solid.
Grant nodded. "I figured as much. Honestly… she's the one who told me I could ask you something. She said you'd give it to me straight."
That made Jax pause. "What do you want to know?"
Grant took a breath. "Is Meredith still betrothed to Alpha Shadowclaw? Because if not… I'd like to request permission to court her. Nova suggested it might be a good match politically—and possibly beneficial for you both. She said if we can use it as a trade, or some way to strengthen relations with Ashbane or secure peace for your borders, it might be worth exploring. If she's still claimed, I'll let it go."
That minx. Jax nearly laughed. His Nova, always five steps ahead.
"Give me a second," he said.
He mindlinked Fin.
Jax: You're eavesdropping, right?
Fin: Yup. Be right there.
Jax: I'm concerned she's going to out Nova for her wolf.
A beat.
Fin: We'll handle it.