House of Wolf (A Wulvers Prequel)

Beware of the Wolves. . .

I jerked awake, sucking in a sharp breath, the howl from my dream still ringing in my ears. Rubbing my face, I tried to remember why I'd decided sleeping on the window seat was a good idea. My back and neck ached and my limbs were stiff and tingling. Sighing softly, I looked out the window, wiping away at the moisture with the sleeve of my nightdress.

Freezing, I stared at the sun beginning to peak above the horizon. I cursed and jumped to my feet, jumping at the icy touch of the stone floor on my feet.

How could I have allowed myself to fall asleep? There was no time to waste. Whatever wasn't essential would have to stay.

Stripping quickly, I pulled on a rough petticoat that would be sure to keep me warm before donning my riding dress. I clambered over the bed in search of my boots, tugging them onto stocking covered feet.

I paused, trying to catch my breath with a hand over my racing heart. Was I really going to do this?

Doubt began to creep in as the sun got higher.

The Lyall's were odd yes, but I'd never felt in danger from Torian or his father. In fact, from Lord Lyall's reaction to the bruises my father had left as a parting gift on my skin, he would be furious if anyone hurt me.

My eyes flicked from the lightening sky to the leather satchel resting on top of one of my wooden chests. My resolve weakened until I replayed the conversation I had heard last night. I couldn't stay here amongst madmen.

Grabbing the satchel, I was glad to hear the clink that let me know my herbs and vials were still safely tucked inside. I fell to my knees and tore open a chest, then paused again.

My things hadn't been here when I had fallen asleep. . .but there was no time to ponder on that now. I raked through the piles of silks, and embroidered dresses until my hand gripped a velvet pouch. Squeezing, making sure all my life's money was inside, I yanked it out.

The chirping of birdsong rang louder through the air but I was yet to hear any sounds from the courtyard below. Nobody was awake yet, at least that's what I prayed. I had no idea what time servants woke to go about their chores.

Again I hesitated. What if the castle was already bustling with servants preparing breakfast?

I sat still, straining to hear any movement but only the birds could be heard. Nodding again, muttering that I could do this, adrenaline was my fuel. I pulled out the thickest, warmest cloak I had and wrapped it tight around my shoulder.

I'd need food, but I had no idea where the kitchens were. Yet, we were deep in the wild Highlands and it could be days before I found a village or town to buy supplies. I had to try.

My sword was missing from amongst my belongings and that brought an ache to my heart. My mother had gifted it to me, we had blessed it together over a fire. As much as I didn't want to leave it behind, I feared I had no choice, but how could I protect myself on the road with no weapon?

Gods, I wished I'd planned more but I doubted I had the nerve to make a second attempt. It was now or never.

Strapping the bag of coins to the belt of my dress and tugging the rough leather strap of the satchel over my shoulder, I took my first step. Opening the door that lead from the bedchambers into the rest of the apartment. There was no sign of Torian, nor any servants. The fire had died, and a ghostly wind blew from the chimney as if warning me to stop.

Bracing myself, I picked up my long skirts and bolted on tiptoe to the door that lead to the hall. This door announced my fleeing with a loud creak that bounced off the walls. A gust of wind blew and candles flickered. I held my breath, waiting to see if the noise had disturbed anyone.

"Morrigan be with me," I murmured desperately, voicing my prayer for the wind to carry.

Surely a Goddess of femininity would understand my plight, my need to leave a forced marriage? And the warrior would keep me strong while the mother guided my footsteps.

I crept along the wall and down the steep stairs, peering down into the dancing shadows of the large entrance hall. The sweet smell of fresh bread turned my head to the left. The kitchens. Did I dare take the chance?

I felt for the satchel, searching for room amongst the glass bottles and herbs. Surely I could squeeze in some bread?

I was about to take to the direction of the kitchens before women's laughter echoed through. Like a startled deer, I changed course, running for the massive oaken double doors and to my freedom.

Brisk morning air seemed to knock a little more sense into me. This was no time for risks. I had to get out. The courtyard was still empty and I spun around until I spotted the stables before starting to run again. Each foot step seemed as loud as banging war drums to my ears. In fact, every sound seemed to have grown in volume as if my hearing had become sharper. Maybe it had. Maybe the fear that rushed through my veins had boosted my senses. Perhaps the Morrigan had heard my prayer.

That gave me the confidence I needed as I clattered into the stables. The musty smell of horses and straw filled my nose, my eyes darting around. My saddle hung on the other side and I grabbed two blankets before shifting the saddle over my arm. Bridle clasped firmly in my other hand, I crept past the shadowed stalls where beady eyes seemed to peer out accusingly. A sudden whiny almost made me jump out of my skin, a scream catching in my throat.

A hysterical laugh bubbled up at my silliness. Stomping hooves and the black face of Breò-chlach caught my eye. I grinned, moving over to him, wishing I had a carrot to tempt him to behave for me. Setting everything down, I cood at my beautiful stallion.

"We're going on a ride, boy. We have to be fast and we have to be quiet. You understand me don't you?" I murmured sweetly, stroking down his neck as the fingers of my other hand grasped the wooden hinge.

I lifted it slowly before pulling the door open, and sighed in relief when it made not a sound. Luck was on my side, it seemed. After that, I had to rush again, but I still had to check and double check the saddle was tight enough.

Breò-chlach stood still and quiet, and when I climbed into the saddle, he immediately started walking, sensing my urgency. I tugged the hood of my cloak up, tucking dark hair away. The clack of hooves on the cobbles as we left the stable sent another wave of nervousness through me.

A male voice coming from the house shocked me into action. My heels non too gently kicked Breò-chlach's side and he almost reared forward, throwing me back. He galloped for the gates, and I scrambled to correct my posture before I ended up on the ground.

Daring to look behind me, a lump formed in my throat. Standing at the gates that were now far behind me, stood a man. I couldn't make out the expression on his face, but caught a glimpse of golden hair. He didn't look quite tall enough to be Torian but that didn't matter. Despite having my hood pulled low to conceal my face, anybody who saw someone leaving so hastily would surely tell their Lord, and Breò-chlach was far too recognisable amongst the other horses in the stable. They'd know it was me riding off into the light of the rising sun.

I'd have to try and lose anyone they dared send after me in the thick forests surrounding their land. Taking the roads wasn't an option, not today at least. Yet I didn't know these lands, and I'd need to find a place with a river so Breò-chlach and I could have water.

My mind turned over itself, my stomach twisting. Would I die out in the wilderness in my attempt to get away from the only people who had shown me kindest in a long time?

I pushed all thoughts away and hunkered down, letting Breò-chlach set his own pace. My eyes scanned the countryside and the slowly growing slopes of purple hills made me worry. We certainly hadn't passed this way on our arrival. . .

Just as I was about to change direction, the sound of rushing water met my ears. Thick silver birch trees concealed and view of a river but I'd take my chances. Guiding Breò-chlach off the beaten road, I allowed him to lead us through the winding paths of trees. It was cold here and the atmosphere grew tense. Mist swirled low on the ground, hiding the hooves that dared trespass. And that was exactly how I felt, like I was trespassing. I clenched my jaw against instincts that told me to turn and flee, my dry mouth urging me to find water.

A soft breeze and swaying branches made fluttering leaves whisper in the air. Breò-chlach snorted and I told myself he was only sensing my own trepidation. The feeling of eyes on me had my gaze darting to every shadow and my body had tensed so much, I wasn't sure how much more I could take of being here. . .until Breò-chlach's next step was met with a splash. Looking down, the mist cleared enough to reveal a pebbled stream. I frowned, this certainly wasn't the torrent of a rushing river I had heard on the road.

Still, it was water. Jumping down, I didn't care that the bottom of my dress got soaked because I was sure I was safely hidden here. I could barely see through the thick branches of trees even as the fog slowly cleared.

Looking up, I tried to gauge how the weather would be later. With how quickly the sky was clearing, I hoped it would me sunny. Breò-chlach drank happily after his long run and I crouched down to drink too. The water was icy cold, freezing my hands almost instantly. I drank greedily, cursing myself for not thinking to bring something to carry water in.

Just as I stood, a branch behind me snapped. My whole being froze but Breò-chlach seemed unconcerned with the sound as he splashed a little deeper into the stream. I looked around wildly for a rock or branch big enough to wield as a weapon but there was nothing to be seen. As a last resort, I jumped forward, grabbing the reins and jumping to hoist myself into the saddle only to slip on slime covered pebbles.

Breò-chlach snorted unhappily when I landed on by side, yanking at his reins. The cold water shocked my body, almost winding me until I focused enough to scramble backwards.

"You have nothing to fear from me, my brother's wife."

My head jerked up and my eyes widened. At the edge of the stream was a man that looked eerily similar to Torian. He was a little younger, with kinder eyes and a smile curving his lips. Slowly I got back to my feet, watching him warily with a pit in my stomach. How on earth had he found me?

Noting my fear, he held up his hands, approaching slowly. I stood my ground, something in me telling me not to back down from him.

"You were just going for a ride, yes? And you got lost. I found you and we rode home together," he said slowly, as if speaking to a child.

I swallowed, stuck, eyeing the sword that hung by his hip.

"I'm Artair," the man spoke again, drawing my gaze back up, "My brother and my family are trusted with your protection. They will always look after you. I swear on my honour no harm will come to you while you are with us. Do you understand?"

I understood. Artair knew very well what I was attempting and he was warning me that they wouldn't stop searching for me if I ran. Would I be dragged back the disgraced wife?

"How can I trust you, any of you?" I asked, moving closer to the muscled side of Breò-chlach.

He smiled, dropping his hands, "Do my father or brother strike you as bad men, Lady Máili?"

Shaking my head, I relaxed a little bit. I'd known from the start that neither of them were cruel, I knew cruel men. But that didn't mean they weren't still dangerous.

Motioning back in the direction we had come, "They will be serving breakfast soon. You went for a ride, you got lost, I found you."

He didn't move and I knew he was waiting for my decision. If I decided to keep running would he stop me? Something told me he wouldn't, but I knew he'd go back and tell his family, and they'd come for me. I'm sure they would be a lot less friendly if they had to hunt me down and take me back.

For a moment I thought about confronting him about the conversation I had heard last night but it all been said in privacy and I didn't want to be accused of eavesdropping.

"I went for a ride, I got lost, you found me and took me back," I repeated, watching relief take over his features.

Mounting Breò-chlach again, I followed Artair out of the thicket where his own horse was grazing by the side of the road. He kept looking back to make sure I was still following him. I looked longingly towards freedom and Breò-chlach stopped, sensing my indecision.

"My lady?"

My gaze flicked back to Artair and I gave him a stiff nod, "I'm coming."

He didn't urge his horse on until I reached his side and he kept pace with me the whole way back. We rode in silence, my grip tightening on the reins the closer we got to Tigh Na Faol.

I had the feeling Artair wanted to speak, to ask questions but he too stayed quiet. When the bustling courtyard came into view, my heart jolted. Breò-chlach snorted, as if asking me one last time if this was where I wanted to be.

Forcing myself not to look back, I rode towards the stables and quickly dismounted, hoping the feel of the cobbles beneath my feet would solidly my want to be here. Patting the black coat of my only friend, I felt completely alone when a young stable hand lead him away.

"You'll want to hide that," Artair suggested, nodding towards the satchel I clutched to my chest.

I nodded and did my best to hide it within my cloak. There was too much noise here, too many servants and soldiers running around. I wanted to cover my ears and scream, I wished I'd run now. All of this was far from the quiet country manor I was used to.

Gently, Artair took my hand and placed it on his arm, giving it a comforting squeeze as he lead me inside.

"I know it is all quite strange and new to you, and that my family are a little unusual, but believe me when I say we would all protect you with our lives. Nobody here wishes you harm. We want you to feel at home here. Might I ask what startled you? I do hope my brother was...kind to you last night," he said, guiding me through a hall I'd never seen before.

Frowning, my fingers tightened around my satchel, "He has never been anything but kind to me, my lord."

"It was not his snoring that sent you running?" he jested, an easy smile gracing his face.

My cheeks flared a brilliant red and I looked down until black hair shielded me from him. Artair chuckled, pausing just outside a door where the clatter of cutlery on plates could be heard. Inhaling, the smell of bacon filled my nose and my stomach growled hungrily.

"My brother isn't a light sleeper, so I must commend you on being able to sneak out of bed,"

More joking to try and ease my fear but this one made my frown deepen. I stayed silent and the smile fell from his face. He leaned in close, inhaling by my neck and I froze. What did he think he was doing?

"I apologise, Lady Máili. We're quite open about our private lives here, but I must ask, my brother hasn't been sharing your bed?"

I almost choked at such a question, "He has not lain with me if that is what you are asking."

Artair shook his head, a crease forming between his brows, "I am aware he is waiting, but I am asking if he was with you last night."

Feeling uncomfortable, I slipped my hand from his arm and stepped away. Artair watched me closely with strangely predatory eyes.

"He has never been with me at night. He sleeps elsewhere," I answered honestly, wondering why this was important to him.

His hazel eyes looked up and he huffed a breath, mumbling that it was no wonder I was so unsure.

"Forgive me for asking. You're starving, let's get you fed yes?"

Before I could reply, he opened the door and ushered me in. I stopped short at the many eyes that were suddenly focused on me. I recognised my father and mother in law, and one of the soldiers that had accompanied us. Jasper? Apart from that, the table of people were all strangers to me and butterflies were fluttering wildly in my stomach. A chair scraping from the end of the table drew my gaze to my husband.

"Where in the name of the Gods have you been?" he raged, stomping his way towards me.

I flinched, squeezing my eyes shut to wait for the blow that never came. When I found the strength to open my eyes again, it was to see concerned faces. My reaction had given away a lot, and seemed to have shocked Torian enough that he calmed down.

"Your wife was not feeling well when she woke and went out for a ride, brother. I happened to be doing to same so I joined her, isn't that right, lady Máili,"

Torian looked disbelievingly between his younger brother and I, his hands fisting by his sides.

I nodded, swallowing, "Yes. I did not sleep well and the ride cleared my head. I feel much better now. Forgive me, I didn't think it would be a problem."

His eyes fell to the satchel that was barely concealed by my cloak and then to his brother, "Of course. You are welcome to ride when you please. Perhaps now is not the best time to meet the rest of the family. Food will be brought to our chambers, wife."

Rejection filled me but I understood my punishment, even if I felt like a scolded child being sent away. I kept my head down, unable to meet the eyes that watched with interest.

Curtseying low, I mumbled my apologies before turning and fleeing from the room.