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.Noah s gaze raked the throng. Two weeks ago mypack hunted an innocent woman.There were murmurs of disbelief, mostly from thosewho, despite evidence to the contrary and testimonyfrom witnesses, still believed Amara was responsiblefor the deaths.Those voices were few, but Parkerknew who each one belonged to.He d already visited a few of their dreams.He dwarned them, after all. We learned the hard way that you do not go after adryad in her woods, especially a hamadryad.Most of the crowd laughed at that, some darting slyglances at Amara, others nodding in eitherunderstanding or approval. Yet she did nothing that would cause us permanentharm.She taught us a lesson and nothing more.Andwhen we learned she was not the one responsible forthe tragedy that occurred here, we realized someform of reparation would have to be made.Parker s brows rose.This wasn t what he dexpected Noah to say. At first I thought thatreparation would be monetary or perhaps a favorowed.Not uncommon payment in the supernaturalcommunity, but Parker had been after something farmore precious than gold. Imagine my surprise when I was informed the priceof forgiveness would be a public apology. Noah wasgrowling at the end.Some in the audience laughed,but most backed up a step.Parker noted that allthose who laughed appeared to be pack.What is he up to? Everyone knows I don t apologize.Ever.I haven tsince I became my father s beta, and I certainlyhaven t since I became alpha. He bowed his headand stared at his hands for a moment before lookingback over the partygoers. But today I offer one toAmara Schwedler-Hollis, mate of Parker Hollis,wrongfully accused of causing the deaths of twopeople and hunted by my pack for crimes she didn tcommit.I would defend our actions, except they weremade in the heat of the moment and without properknowledge of who the true culprit was.The fact thatwe thought we were protecting our mates, our cubsand our town should have no bearing on this.That, Ihave discovered, is no excuse for what we tried to do.The death toll, had we succeeded, would have beenthree innocent lives and the knowledge we wouldnever again be allowed to roam freely within ourbeloved forest. For that reason because the life we tried to takewas an innocent one and because we were wrong Ioffer this apology to Amara in all sincerity and with thefull backing of my pack.And one by one, the pack walked onstage andstood behind their alpha, offering their silent supportand their own unique form of apology.Amara joined the wolves on the stage, her greengown floating around her legs, her brilliant curlspinned neatly to the top of her head.Parker had everyintention of taking each and every pin out andwatching those curls tumble about her head before hestripped that floaty gown from her body and tastedevery inch of her skin.He might even wait until they got home.This was anawfully big house.Dragos wouldn t mind himborrowing a bit of it.Amara stopped in front of Noah and bowed. Iaccept the apology of the alpha and his pack.I alsoaccept that you thought you were defending yourpeople and your town. She winked at Noah andgrinned broadly. I can understand the need to defend.Consider this over and done and your safe passagethrough the forest renewed with the blessing of Oak,Ash and Birch.The three ruling dryads bowed regally to Noah.They d managed to get right up to the stage in time tohear Amara s pronouncement and confirm it. We need to talk to them about Iva when this isdone, my sweet. We do? Yes. Crap.More trouble? Yes.One of Noah s enforcers has been taken.Itcould be connected to Iva s disappearance.Amara took a deep breath, but she held out herhand and forearm for the alpha to clasp.Noah took it, his big paw swallowing her slenderarm.The crowd cheered the two, including one veryenthusiastic witch who d managed to sneak herbroom in and was currently doing loop-de-loopsaround Dragos s chandelier.Noah looked at his pack and nodded once.Theyheaded for their mates or partners of the evening,leaving Noah, Parker and Amara alone on the stage.The musicians struck up a lively tune, and Amara,laughing, dragged Noah into the gyrating crowd,proving once and for all that everything was forgivenand forgotten. Well.Dismissed. Parker looked up at the witch inthe chandelier. I wonder if she d like to dance. Parker? What have I told you about the crazy?Parker laughed. Fine.I ll see if I can drag my wifeaway from the furry set.Parker stepped up behind the big alpha andtapped him on the shoulder. May I cut in?Noah moved back, allowing Parker to take Amarainto his arms, right where she belonged. Enjoyingyourself, sweet?She draped her arms around his neck. Mm-hmm.Her head lowered until it rested on his chest, her curlstickling his nose. But now it s better.Parker breathed in her scent and damn near fellover.She smelled wet and warm, inviting him into her. Hold still, sweet.I m about to take you on a ride.He reached out with his mind and traced hernipples with imaginary fingers before she couldprotest.Amara gulped. Oh hell. She clenched her fingersin his hair and tightened them to the point of pain. Here? Think you can be quiet? Are you kidding me? Take me home, Pa-Parker.Oh Goddess.Parker.He d slid one of his hands down to the wet cleftbetween her thighs.He stroked her clit, eager to seeher passion, to let everyone in this room know exactlywho she belonged to
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