The Found One

Chapter 33

Izzy POV

Izzy didn't know exactly how these whole bond things worked, and decided to add it to the growing list of answers she was going to beat out of Rowan when she next got him alone, but she hoped it allowed him to know exactly what he thought of their little 'sitting arrangement'.

While his arm around her had felt nice and had even been reassuring as they had faced a new unknown pack and one with such a history with Rowan's family, she was not amused when just assumed that she would sit on his lap like a child – or ... like some pet. It was infuriating!

Sure, he had done the same thing a few times, but that didn't give him the right to just force her to sit wherever the hell he wanted. And, on his lap to make it worse! She felt humiliation bloom, her cheeks heating as she perched stiffly on his knees, her arms folded over her chest as she stared daggers at Hayden and Austin, daring them to say anything as they pulled out two other chairs and took seats. Thankfully for their own hides, they kept their faces blank, no amusement at her current position in front of these strangers – they were acting almost as if it was expected that she would sit where she was. The thought hit her and her eyes narrowed instantly, she knew they sensed it when their gazes flicked to her, both jerking at the fury that met their curious looks.

Her irritation was sidetracked when Rowan spoke, interrupting and sidetracking her internal ranting and anger for the moment.

"Will she be safe here?"

The bluntness and directness seemed to throw the Semper wolves, who now glanced between her and Rowan. Jackson took it in stride, "Whatever resistance still exists, doesn't have enough support to risk acting openly. Mostly they like to meet in backrooms to alternately: daydream about the old days, and plot to kill me. They haven't become strident enough to actually try it yet though."

"We'll keep a guard around her." Rowan said glancing at Hayden and Derek meaningfully, the two nodding back in understanding.

Izzy felt herself bristling again, not that she disagreed that she needed a guard, not even that she really minded having Hayden and Derek around (they were actually growing on her) but she was cranky and tired and annoyed at always been talked over and about but never included.

"We have rooms set up for you Prince Rowan and the court, did you need another- "

Rowan cut Alpha Jackson off, "She'll stay with me."

Izzy made a strangled sound in her throat, annoyance and embarrassment roaring their heads once more to clash at his words. It was stupid she knew – she was actually grateful for the protection, and she actually liked sharing a room – or more correctly a bed – with Rowan, but ... well she didn't really know why she was annoyed. More that she knew she should be. That she should be putting up more of a fight, rebelling against his assumptions that he could make all these decisions without her. In the end she would probably agree to them – but it was the principal of the thing, and dammit she was still allowed a say in her life! Well, not really, she amended in her head thinking back to the promises she had made in Maleco's office, and the fact that she was a fragile human surround by werewolves, but still there's a principal to the thing! Finishing the thought with a pointed elbow to Rowan's midsection, cutting off his next sentence with a small puff of air.

"Like I was saying," Rowan picked up giving her side a small squeeze of meaning that she couldn't help smirking at, "your borders will need to be increased. Austin will be taking over while we are here."

"Our borders are strong; we've implemented all the suggestions the Crown's advisors have offered." Jackson said, a slight defensive edge creeping in to his voice at the inferred criticism.