House of Wolf (A Wulvers Prequel)

I was surprised to see Breò-chlach tacked up and snorting impatiently as we stepped outside. A few other horses were also waiting and I recognised Jasper among the men. Swords rested at their hips and they all looked a little tense. It set me on edge as well.

"It won't take us long to ride to the stones," Lady Lyall told me as she squeezed my shoulder. "All important events happen there. Matings, name giving ceremonies and-"

"Executions," I finished for her.

She gave me a tight smile and nodded. This wasn't the introduction into the pack's way of life I'd been expecting, nor was it what I imagined Torian wanted me to see. Steeling myself, I headed towards my black stallion, stroking along his neck to settle him. He nudged my shoulder and I laughed. I didn't have any treats to give him today. I'd make sure to find something to give him when we returned.

In the next few days, I'd take him on the gallop he and I both deserved. Perhaps Torian would agree to show me the land like he'd promised. It was time I knew exactly where the borders of his father's land were. Maybe one day, I'd be running through the forests and glens in fur instead of on horseback. A strange thrill washed over me at that thought, the image of a light brown and grey wolf chasing me springing up too. I frowned and shook my head.

"Ready for a ride, boy?" I murmured against my horses neck, my fingers running through his tangled mane. A treat, gallop, and a good brush, I amended.

"M'lady," Jasper greeted from slightly behind me, bowing his auburn head.

I gave him an uncertain smile. Knowing what he was now seemed to have given him a feral edge I hadn't noticed on our first meeting. He looked almost hurt as I stared at him. Of course he could probably smell the nerves on me. Even I found that sometimes I caught the scent of emotions on someone's skin.

"Are you frightened of me, m'lady?" he asked gently, backing away a little.

I shook my head but he didn't seem to believe me and I myself was unsure whether he scared me or not. It wasn't fear I felt exactly, more like wariness. I reminded myself that this was the man who had saved me from a grisly fate at the Inn. The Lyall's had proven to me that their kind were not monsters but it was a hard instinct to shake.

"Forgive me. I'm still finding my feet here," I apologised, hoping he wouldn't feel slighted. He was a good man, I could sense that.

"There is nothing to forgive, m'lady. You have every right to be nervous around us." With a comforting smile, he crouched to help me up and the act made me sure of my feelings. No. I wasn't frightened of him.

Gripping the reins in one hand and tugging my skirts up with the other, I placed my boot on his clasped hands. He lifted me up easily and I swung my leg over the saddle. It made me wonder exactly how much stronger than humans these Wulvers were.

"Thank you, Jasper," I said, giving him a proper smile as I fixed my dress. If I'd known we'd be riding today, I'd have worn different clothes but there was no time to change now.

Jasper's grin was bright and he bowed again before striding off for his own mount. Gently nudging Breò-chlach with my heels, he ambled slowly towards where Lady Lyall and her daughter sat astride their horses. Aileen didn't look as comfortable riding as her mother did, her hands awkwardly holding the reins, and I could see that her brown mare could sense that.

I practically towered over both women thanks to the size of Breò-chlach. Aileen shifted on her saddle, looking over her shoulder as the men got ready.

"I don't know why father insists we travel with guards on this road," she muttered.

"Bandits have been spotted in that area a few times," Lady Lyall informed her gently.

My stomach twisted. Would I have run into them if I'd decided to run away? Suddenly, I wished I had my sword on me, or at least my sgian dubh. I didn't want to be helpless, nor rely on men to save me. Proving I was good with a blade might help the pack realise I was no meak human woman. My expression must have belied my feeling because my sister-in-law looked concerned.

"Mother," she scolded. "You've frightened Màili."

Lady Lyall looked over at me, guilt in her eyes. "Nothing will happen to us, I swear. It's simply precaution."

If only they knew I wasn't in the least bit worried about running into any attacker with them all around me. Especially Jasper, he'd already saved me once after all. I looked once more at the five men that now waited behind us. They were all of them, Jasper included, warriors. Beneath their light armour was muscle and strength. I didn't doubt they'd easily beat any human that dared attack them.

On Lady Lyall's command, we began to move out. Jasper rode out to ride by my side but nobody seemed to dare ride in front of their Alpha Female. Aileen chatted more about my mating ceremony, focussing on styles of dresses, and I nodded along absentmindedly. I was too caught up in thinking about the man we were to see executed and his crime. How many wolves here agreed with him? That Wulvers should only marry. . .mate with Wulvers. I hoped not a lot.

We rode further north on a rocky path with thick brush on either side. I could see why bandits might hide out here, though travellers would be few and far between. There were no houses nearby and the land was far too rugged to farm, but it was still beautiful. I could see exactly how tall the mountains were now, the tops reaching far into the clouds. There was little green on their steep slopes, mostly greys and blacks of rock and boulder. I wanted to get a closer look but I didn't dare stray from the tracks.

"How can you enjoy this, Màili," Aileen groaned, lifting herself up from the saddle yet again.

I laughed, completely at ease in my own saddle. "I suppose I'm simply used to it. There was hardly a day I didn't spend riding at home. It's exhilarating to have the wind in my hair, to speed over hills and through fields."

"I much prefer having the wind in my fur," she sniffed and her mother gave me an amused look. Perhaps that was what I'd been compensating for without even realising.

I was about to say just that when we made it to the top of the small hill. My words were lost as I took in the view. I forgot what I'd learned about Lady Lyall being the one to lead us and nudged Breò-chlach into a trot in my need to get closer.

Swinging down from my saddle, knowing Breò-chlach would be too distracted by fresh grass to wander too far while the others caught up, I took everything in. The standing stones were like nothing I'd ever seen with my own eyes. Some of them were almost twice my height and craved with intricate patterns. One was snakelike, winding up the tallest of the stones with a long flicking tongue. I reached out to touch it but something had me hesitating. Even Breò-chlach seemed nervous where Jasper now held him, the whites of his eyes showing as he shifted on his hooves.

I'd read about standing stones many times, I'd even seen drawings, but it wasn't anything like being before them. It was almost as if I could feel a thrum of drumming energy beneath my feet. This place held great power that prickled over my skin.

"This place is very sacred to us," Lady Lyall spoke from behind me. "We do our best to keep humans away. This is for our people only. Even the witches and Laoch need our permission to come here."

"Laoch," I whispered in wonder, looking back up at the stone. Of course I'd heard the legend of the Laoch; the beings that had helped us defeat the Romans. But to hear that they were more than just a legend. . .

Lady Lyall continued to watch me with that small smile. I must have looked like an excited child. "The Laoch don't meddle much in our affairs. They visit from time to time. It's rumoured a pack out East have a Laoch that never strays far."

I nodded and turned away from the intimidating stone. It was then I realised that in the middle of the circle, my husband, his father and a few others were already waiting. I noted Artair wasn't amongst them but Owen stood next to his father, arms folded. He couldn't have gotten here too long before we did and as my gaze moved over him, I noted his wounds were healing quickly. Lady Lyall took my hand and gently lead me over to them and I swallowed nervously.

The kneeling man was bloodied and bruised, his left eye swollen shut. His wounds turned my stomach and as if sensing my unease, he sneered at me. This must have been Brian. I began to back away, not liking the twisted smile he gave me, until a strong hand on my back forced me to stop.

"Don't back down," Torian growled at my ear.

His voice was so full of power that I froze immediately as he bid me. My instinct screamed at me to run and Brian's smirk only widened. My legs would have been trembling if it weren't for my husband standing next to me. I felt weak amongst everyone else. Neither Lady Lyall nor Aileen looked frightened as I did. I forced myself to still and took a steadying breath.

"You show submission by retreating from him," Torian whispered gruffly. "You are my mate. Future Alpha Female. You submit only to my parents, and our Beta's. Do you understand?"

I nodded numbly and my acceptance of his words had Torian straightening up. When Brian dared to lift his head and chuckle darkly, Torian let out a thunderous growl. "You dare meet my eyes, Brian?"

Lord Lyall stepped a little closer, his eyes on his son. Everyone seemed to tense up and the urge to back away took hold again. But Torian's hand was still at my back, from and sure.

"You have weakened yourself, Torian," Brian announced, his gaze flicking to me.

Torian snorted, looking down at the man on his knees, hands bound behind his back. I almost had the same reaction to Brian's words. My husband was not the one awaiting execution.

Lord Lyall stepped forward and stopped whatever Torian had been going to say. Brian's gaze never wavered, his smirk still in place as he looked between my husband and I. Finlay, Torian's uncle passed his Alpha a huge claymore with a small crest at the hilt. The blade caught the light of the sun as he raised it, making it look as if it was on fire.

"You've spoken enough and brought this pack close to danger. You've been found guilty of murder. Before my high ranked, your packages, have you any final words?" Lord Lyall asked gravely, weilding the claymore close to his neck.

At the question, Brian straightened up, looking dead ahead. "I did what I had to do to ensure the safety of the pack, not put it in danger. Humans can not be trusted with out secret. I go happily to Tir Na Nog this day."

I had to have respect for him then. Though he was facing death, his voice never wavered. I held my breath, clutching my hands together to stop them from shaking as Lord Lyall prepared to strike. My stomach twisted and turned at the thought that I was about to witness my first execution, my first dead body.

"Don't look away," Torian mumbled, keeping his gaze locked on Brian as if he would try to run.

Despite my fear, there was something that kept me from even thinking of not watching. There was a small bloodthirsty streak that had me almost excited, exhilarated. I couldn't tear my gaze away. The whoosh of air as Lord Lyall swung his sword, a sickening, wet crunch and Brian's head fell to the ground. There was a lump in my throat as I watched his body shudder once before it slumped to the ground, blood pouring out to soak the grass.

In a matter of seconds, it was all over. I wasn't sure why I had expected more. Why had I insisted on coming when I was sure the moment his head fell from his body would repeat in my nightmares?

Lord Lyall passed his bloody sword over to his brother. His Beta, I reminded myself. Nobody looked pleased that justice had been served. There was a sense of relief but the expressions of those around us were tense, sad. They'd been betrayed by one of their own and had to take his life. That could be no easy task. Did he leave family behind that would grieve over him?

"Was he right?" I asked shakily, looking up at Torian. I could feel the others eyes on me at my having been the one to break the silence, no doubt they'd heard my odd question. I felt so out of place here.

Torian frowned down at me, confusion in his eyes. "Right about what?"

I swallowed, sensing that my question would anger him. Glancing briefly at his parents, and the others that awaited to hear, I hesitated.

"Was he right about what, Màili?" Torian repeated, turning so his body faced mine.

"He said you'd weakened yourself. He meant because I'm your wife, didn't he?"

Anger did indeed flicker over his features. A low growl rumbled up from his chest, low and terrifying, causing me to stumble back. My gasp and the sight of my fear as my head ducked instinctually made his expression soften. He reached out for me, gently taking my hands in his. I was uncertain as I tried to read his expression.

"No. He was not right, my wife. If anything, I have strengthened myself," he answered.

Lord Lyall made an approving sound and I twisted to see him smiling. He was happy with his son's answer. And so was I, if it were to be believed. Lady Lyall's words repeated in my head; my son is no liar.

My gaze flicked back to the decapitated body and my stomach rolled. Torian gently turned me away, nudging me towards the horses. "Let's go home. You did well, today."

Aileen walked past, her fingers brushing over the back of my hand with a comforting smile. She looked the same way I felt, queasy. I wished I had Lady Lyall's constituation. She was confident, calm and collected as she stood next to her mate with no sign of disgust on her face. She and her husband were speaking quietly, low enough that I couldn't hear. Owen stood by his father but his gaze was on the body laying in the centre of the circle.

"Màili," Torian urged.

I jumped at his voice and quickly made my way towards him. His tone was clear, our business here was over. Jasper helped Aileen onto her horse while Torian lifted me up. I held my breath, trying to escape the heavy scent of blood that lingered in the air. I didn't understand why many enjoyed watching an execution. I wanted to get as far away from it all as possible.

I frowned when Torian stayed by my side, his head no higher than my hip where he stood next to Breò-chlach. "Are you not riding?"

"I walked here. I will walk back with you," he said, stroking along Breò-chlach's neck before giving his rump a gentle tap to get him moving.

Aileen stuck close to me and I didn't miss the teasing look Torian gave her as she struggled to get comfy in her saddle. The sibling rivalry made me smile as Aileen poked her tongue out at him before lifting her chin. I perhaps would have joined in the teasing if my mind wasn't still occupied by other things.

"What's on your mind, my wife?" Torian asked, tilting his head up to look at me, his hazel eyes squinted against the sun.

I'd already angered him with a question, I didn't want to cause further tension. As he continued to look up at me, I knew he wouldn't allow me to sidestep or avoid it. I looked around to make sure we were out of earshot of the others. The Lord and Lady, Alpha and Alpha Female, were still at the standing stones with most of the men.

"He didn't look like he felt any remorse," I whispered, remembering the proud way Brian had held himself in his final moments.

"He believes what he did was right, even if it broke our laws. He felt hed done his duty in protecting the pack despite it meaning his own death," he replied carefully.

I hummed. "He thinks he died for honourable reasons."

"But he didn't Màili. We don't hold with murderers, there's no honour in that," Torian growled, his eyes flashing a bright gold.

I fixed him with a small glare at the way he spoke to me. "Yet there's honour in killing during a challenge."

"You've been speaking with my mother," he grumbled, looking away. "Challenges are different. They're part of our culture, our instincts. Challenges do not always end in a death, most of the time it ends with one wolf submitting."

I nodded, shifting the reins in my hands. We went on in silence for a while and I half listened to Aileen and Jasper's conversation. When the gates of Tigh Na Faol came into view once more, I tugged on the reins to slow Breò-chlach down. I wasn't ready to go home yet.

Looking down at my husband, I called his name. He glanced up and I smiled shyly down at him.

"Thank you" I murmured, hopefully quiet enough that the Wulvers around us couldn't hear.

"For what?" he asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

I found myself too embarrassed to look at him as I replied quietly, "For not being weakened by me."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him smiling. He patted my thigh, chuckling softly and I found myself smiling too. Maybe Lady Lyall was right after all. Torian and I might never find love in each other, but we could find friendship at least. Yet as I thought that, I found myself remembering how I'd reacted to his touch as he'd undressed me. My skin flushed and I quickly urged Breò-chlach on again. There would be time to think on that later.