House of Wolf (A Wulvers Prequel)

I was too hot as I woke. Sweat beaded on my skin and I kicked away the blankets only to freeze at the sight of the arm thrown over my waist. My brow furrowed in confusion until I looked over at the man who lay next to me. Torian was still sleeping soundly, his breaths deep and even. He looked less stern in his sleep, I noted, rolling over to study him.

I'd never been this close to a sleeping man before. I took in the softeness off his features, daring to lift a hand to tuck a stray strand of dark blond hair away but let my hand fall back to the bed before I could. Instead, I closed my eyes again to steal as much sleep as I could.

After dozing for another couple of minutes, it was a cough had me jerking awake again. My gaze flew to the door. Artair stood with a smirk stretching his lips as his eyes flicked between his brother and me. I scrambled to pick up the blankets in an effort to keep my modesty, aware of how little the thin shift I wore hid.

My movement woke up Torian and he blinked a few times before he sat up quickly, his eyes narrowing at his brother. His voice came out rough with sleep, "You shouldn't be in here, brother "

"Mother sent me. You both missed breakfast and you know how important it is to her that we all share the morning meal together," Artair replied calmly, leaning against the doorframe.

My skin felt like it was burning from embarrassment at having been caught in bed with Torian, especially with so little on. Artair didn't look embarrassed in the slightest.

"Good morning to you as well, Màili. You look. . .well flushed. But it doesn't smell like I interrupted anything," he teased, incurring another growl from my husband.

I stared at him in shock at such crass words then ducked my head, unable to look at him. He was a Wulver, my thoughts reminded me. What was he capable of? Was his light heartedness and teasing just a facade to hide the wolf?

Torian shoved himself out of bed and stalked towards his brother who quickly darted for the door. He didn't make it in time though and Torian grabbed Artair's shirt before marching him out of our bedchambers. They shared some hushed words, more growls filling the adjoining room and then Artair's laugh boomed through.

"Give my apologies to your lady wife then, brother," he announced loud enough for me to hear. "I didn't mean to make her uncomfortable."

They muttered between themselves a bit more before Artair left and Torian reappeared at the bedroom door.

"I have to go deal with something. Stay here," he ordered as he picked up clothes and got dressed like I wasn't even in the room.

For a moment I was distracted by his nakedness, my mouth falling open as I got a good look at him. Muscles bunched with his every movement and my eyes trailed down the length of his back, pausing at the sight of a taught rear. I knew that had been his plan, to shock me into silence.

Regaining my sense, I slipped out the bed, my irritation flaring. "We said no more secrets."

He paused and turned to look at me, his eyes searching my face. I could see him debating with himself before he inclined his head. "You might not like what you find."

The warning had butterflies fluttering around my stomach but I refused to be scared off.

"I don't care. We made an agreement. If I'm to stay here, I have to live here, not be hidden from things like a child. Will your mother be there?" I asked, holding myself tall.

He nodded.

Nodding back, I turned to my chest and pulled out a wine coloured dress. "Then I will be there too."

"Very well, then, wife." I could hear the smile in his voice and a small glimmer of pride welled. I'd impressed him.

There was no servant to help me get dressed today and while I was used to dressing myself, this one had so many fiddly laces that I found myself struggling. The sleeves tied on at the shoulder and I huffed when I yet again dropped the ribbon.

"Are you going to remain stubborn or will you ask for help?" my husband asked in amusement from behind me.

Gritting my teeth, I begrudgingly allowed him to take over. He gently tied both sleeves in place then he turned me slowly to get the back. I reached out for the wall, gasping as he tightened the laces then glared at him over my shoulder. He was smirking during his attempt to look apologetic. This man, who had seemed so stern and cold as long as I'd known him, had a childlike glimmer in his eyes.

"I'll never understand why a woman wears such complicated things," he muttered as he finished.

I smoothed down the heavy skirts and laughed, shrugging a shoulder before admitting, "I'm happy enough in my riding leathers."

The smile fell from Torian's face and I stiffened when his hands fell softly to my hips. I allowed him to pull me close and the feelings from last night returned. His hands brined my skin even through the fabric of my dress.

"You wouldn't have been happy living at court," he stated firmly.

I frowned up at him, utterly confused. But the more I repeated his words in my head, the more I knew them to be true. I'd been miserable at home. If my father had married me to anyone else and I'd ended up staying at court, I would have slowly become miserable there as well. There were too many rules and restrictions. I wouldn't have been able to live freely, as my true self, not with any other man or family. Was Torian saying this to convince me he was right to take me, or himself?

His gaze was to intense and I looked away, tugging at a star d of my dark hair. "I'll tie my hair up and then I'll be ready."

Torian stopped me from moving though. He lifted a hand, his fingers following the length of a loose curl.

"No, leave it down. I like it down," he said.

I found myself leaning into Hsi touch without even realising it as I nodded. Most of the time, my hair was braided away from my face and pinned to my head so tightly it hurt. I was more than happy to leave it down. Especially if he liked it that way.

Placing a gentle kiss on the back of my hand, he then placed my hand on the crook of his elbow and guided me down the stairs. I kept close to his side, feeling jittery. It was the first time I'd left our chambers after finding out his whole family, his whole clan, were the creatures from the legends of the land.

We went to a part of the manor I hadn't been to before. It was dimly lit and only a small window at the far end of the hall let any sunlight in. I nearly jumped when Torian knocked on a door that quickly swung open.

Torian's cousin eyed me with distaste but I was too busy staring at him in horror. There was an open cut next to eye that was slowly bleeding and I was shocked to see he wasn't wearing a shirt.

"You brought her," he snapped as he looked up at my husband.

Torian stiffened beside me, baring his teeth as he growled at his cousin. "She will be your Alpha Female one day, Owen. Let us in."

"We'll see," he muttered, stepping back so he could open the door wider for us.

When Torian stepped inside, he immediately backed Owen against the wall. He gripped the man by his shoulders, his growl growing louder until I could feel it shake the floor. Owen did his best to keep tall but I saw him shrink, his head bowing down. Still my husband didn't release him and I feared what he'd do.

Lord Lyall standing caught my attention and I realised we weren't alone. Torian's mother watched her son with a worried expression and she stepped forward as her husband did.

"Torian. . ." Lord Lyall spoke slowly but their was a strength in his words. A warning. "He's learned his lesson. We have important things to discuss."

I stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, frozen with fear as the tension crushed me. Torian's head tipped at his father's words and with one last growl, he pushed himself away from his trembling cousin.

Owen stayed flat against the wall, eyes staying low in the same way a scolded puppy tucks tail. I was curious to watch how everyone interacted now they didn't have to hide their true nature. Already I'd caught a glimpse of the hierarchy Torian had spoken about.

My husband moved to stand in front of the desk his father sat behind. His fingers brushed the back of my hand, a small act that comforted me. With everyone calm now, it was easier to breathe.

"Màili, it is good to see you," Lady Lyall said happily.

I gave her a stiff smile, my breath catching in my throat when she pulled me close and pressed her cheek against mine. Despite the uncertainty that still lingered, I found myself instinctively leaning into her, inhaling her own earthy scent of heather.

"I knew you would stay," she whispered before pulling back.

My cheeks burned, my gaze dropping to the floor. Did everyone know what had happened between Torian and I last night? Lady Lyall chuckled as he guided me to take a seat beside her. Lord Lyall took his seat again too but Torian remained standing and I didn't miss the glimmer of defiance in his eyes. He and his father locked gazes and the the air fizzled with the power that exuded from them both.

"Artair said Owen finally tracked down Brian," Torian relayed.

Lord Lyall nodded, clasping his hands together. Owen was still against the wall but he was standing straight now, his chest puffed up as he announced, "Artair and I dragged him back here ourselves."

"And yet Artair doesn't have a scratch on him. Did Brian prove too much for the son of a Beta?" Torian smirked

"Enough, Torian!" his mother chided harshly.

I'd never heard her voice like that before, full of bite and power, so unlike the softness of her I was used to. She was definitely the matriarch here. Torian at least looked a little guilty.

"Forgive me, mother. I had a long night," he apologised.

I felt everyone's eyes shift to me and I squirmed on my seat, knowing my cheeks would be red yet again. Torian's mother lifted her hand and comforting fingers stroked across my cheek in a caress that had me stilling. My mother used to do that and as I looked at Lady Lyall, I could see a mother's love in her eyes. I managed a genuine smile this time.

"Artair thought we should have left you to your own devices today but I knew well that you'd want to be here," Lord Lyall continued. "I'm happy you saw the importance in your presence as well. An Alpha must always put the pack first."

Torian soaked in his father's words, I could see the pride in his face at his father's praise. At least I knew one thing about these Wulvers, a child still craved their parents approval.

"What do you think I should do with Brian, my male?" Lord Lyall asked even though I was sure he had already made up his mind. He was testing his son, I realised. In the same way my mother would ask me about what herbs to use; to make sure I was learning.

"He should be executed," Torian answered simply.

I gasped, feeling the blood drain from my face. Executed? It wasn't something I didn't know happened. My father had executed poachers, murderers, uprisers and the like but I had never been in the room when a man's fate had been decided. It unsettled me. And how casually my husband had given his opinion as if he hadn't spoken of taking anothers life. Part of me knew I was being far too naive but I couldn't help it.

"Why?" I blurted out before I could stop myself.

Owen glared at me, making me feel like I had no business asking. "He killed a human and the Wulver who had taken her as his mate. There are still those, though much fewer now, who don't agree with humans being taken as mates."

Icy fingers stroked down my spine. My jaw clenched. I knew very well what he meant by that. I'd heard him admit as much himself in my first night here. He didn't think I should have been married to Torian, future Alpha, because to him I was too human. Someone in the room growled and I glared openly at him, confused when his lips parted and eyes widened slightly. That growl had come from me. The sound vibrated up as if it was the most natural thing.

His surprise hadn't sated the beast in me yet though. I wanted more from him, I just didn't know what. It was a bloodthirsty instinct, something deep seeded and primal. Was this the wolf Torian spoke of sensing in me?

Lady Lyall laughed from beside me and the feeling faded as we all looked at her.

"She's stronger than you think, nephew. I would watch your back." Though said in a teasing tone, there was nothing light about the way Torian's mother smiled with her fangs on show.

The sight of them didn't terrify me. In fact, I was intrigued by the way her body allowed the wolf through. Still, I had the feeling I'd missed something in what had just happened. I settled back in my seat, frowning slightly at the pins and needles pricking all over my skin.

"You have questions, Màili. Ask them," Lord Lyall urged with a gentle smile.

"Your laws, are they the same as the laws laid out by the Queen and her government?" I began, feeling the press of many more question needing to be asked.

I'd leave most till later and for now ask those only pertaining to what I was learning now. Surely I would pick up on the answers to the rest as I tied my lives to the lives of those here.

"We follow human law with a few exceptions but we have our own laws that govern the pack. When it comes to our criminals we deal with them our way. It is up to clan law, pack law. Our ways keep us safe not only from within the pack but from mortals as well. Disobeying the Alpha means punishment. Other Alphas might have simply exiled Brian for killing the human had he not killed a wolf as well," Lord Lyall explained.

His last words didn't sit well with me at all. "You agree that he should be executed then? Even if he'd only killed a human and not the Wulver as well?"

"He's a killer, Màili," Torian cut in. "Whether it was a human, Wulver, witch. . .murder is not acceptable in this pack. If we set him free, he could harm others or expose us all. My father's law allows a wolf to kill only if a formal challenge has been made. That is pack law. Do you understand?"

"I think so." I didn't appreciate being spoken down to like a child, but in many ways I supposed I was very much a child in their world. One completely oblivious of their ways and cultures. A pup.

"Why don't we leave my males to talk further. Owen, come with us. Let Màili tend to your wounds," Lady Lyall ordered, her hand clasping mine to keep me with her.

I looked to Torian and it was only when he nodded that I realised I'd been searching for his approval, his encouragement. Leaving with his mother and cousin without him made the nerves creep back. He reached out for me, tugging me from his mother and almost crushing me against his chest.

"What are you doing?" I whispered as he rubbed his cheek against mine, his hands stroking my sides.

"Marking you in the only way I can for now. My scent will, I believe, give you some peace and it will keep you safe," he murmured back before nudging me back into the care of his mother.

I wasn't sure exactly what he meant but from the look his father gave him, it was something significant. With a tug of my sleeve, I followed Lady Lyall out and she lead Owen and I down a dark corroder. Excitement bubbled up when I could smell thick herbs.

"This room belonged to the pack healer but he practices from his own home now. It has a few herbs and such left but it will need restocked soon. You're free to use it as you please, Màili. As long as you keep things in their place, use it for your herbs. Perhaps you could even learn under the healer's eye for a while, you like," Lady Lyall offered as she pushed the door open.

I grinned that. As soon as what I'd planted had grown, I would make sure the room was always full. I was also very eager to learn more.

Owen stepped in first with me following behind. I didn't miss the look he shared with his aunt as she pointed at a stool. I felt suddenly nervous with both sets of eyes watching me closely as I gathered what I'd need to clean the wound beside Owen's eye.

He looked highly uncomfortable as I stood in front of him and I did my best to touch him as little as possible. A gentle nudge of my finger against his cheek had him turning his head so I could properly inspect his eye.

I dabbed at the wound gently, my lips twitching as he inhaled sharply. "It's not deep. Head wounds tend to bleed a lot."

Owen grunted in answer while Lady Lyall slowly circled around, watching closely. Water washed the blood away and I pressed some honey into it as well. He hissed like an angry cat and halted when he caught me trying to stop smiling.

"As if you would know the pain of wounds like this, little human," he huffed.

All amusement left me and I hated to admit I pressed my finger a little harder against the wound than necessary the next time.

"As a matter of fact, I have. I've fallen off horses, been sliced by swords when I was learning to wield a blade and I've been beaten by a man's fist a few times," I told him sharply.

My gaze held his until he looked away first and I went back to work.

"Your mother taught you some of our ways after all it seems," she mused quietly.

I hesitated from wiping the last of the blood from Owens face, neck and shoulder before asking, "Did she?"

Lady Lyall nodded, giving me a gentle smile. I pondered over that while I finished up. I couldn't ever remember her teaching me their ways but perhaps that had been a subtle task. She'd taught me about herbs of course. Did that mean her family had been pack healers?

"I'm all done. You should rest and come find me if you get dizzy or feel sick," I suggested. As much as I didn't want it to come off as an order, I could still see Owen bristle. I had the feeling only the presence of my mother-in-law kept him from being rude.

He bared his neck to her and me, muttering a thank you before stalking out of the room. I watched him leave with a frown. He really didn't like me. I hoped that would change, we were family now.

Washing my hands of blood and honey in a basin of water, I chewed my bottom lip. Lady Lyall was walking around the room and looking at various jars and books. Now that it was just the two of us alone, questions I'd pushed away began to rise again.

"There is one thing I have been wondering, my lady," I began.

She spun towards me, still smiling but there was a tension behind her hazel eyes. "You know you can call me mother or Eilidh."

But I didn't care about any of that right now. I stepped around the table until I was stood in front of her, my gaze holding hers. A battle of wills took place. She wasn't naive enough to think I was unaware of what I was doing. The brown in her eyes took on a golden hue and her back straightened but I held just as much height as she did.

"How did you know about me, how did you know I was out there and my mother was one of your kind?" I asked.

To her credit, she barely flinched at my question. The power of her crept towards me and I could feel the need to give in. I should have bowed my head, submitted, but I needed to know. It was difficult to ignore those instincts that screamed at me to stop challenging her.

"You should remember your place, mate of my son," Lady Lyall warned, her voice gruff as she gripped my chin. I almost got a fright when she smiled, just a curl of her lip that showed me those sharp fangs. "You will do well by his side but I am still Alpha Female here."

She released my chin and I felt my resolve crumble. I was still only human, weak with no power of my own. I copied what I'd seen Owen do, tipping my head to bare my throat to her. She stepped around me, leaving me trembling where I stood but I hadn't given up quite yet.

"You look at me like you know me," I called after her, stopping her in her tracks. Her shoulders tensed.

Her hand slid to the wall, almost as if using it to hold herself up. She didn't turn to face me but I knew she was listening.

"I'm beginning to wonder if it was my mother you knew and that you see her in my face."

She sighed and looked over her shoulder then admitted, "You are wrong about one thing. I do know you, Màili. I pulled you from your mother on your day of birth."

I stared wide eyed at her, lips parted in shock. She'd been my mother's midwife? Our small challenge from earlier was forgotten and she held her hand out to me, urging me to go with her.

"Come, we shall talk more."