Ivory Snow

Andrew walked alongside the dark purple wolf, guiding him. As they passed the lines of soldiers, they heard murmurs breaking out. Small gasps sounded, then more.

Adam stopped and turned to face them.

Each and every male was in awe. They were frozen in shock. It was one male, standing two rows in, who came to his senses first. He dropped to his knees and lowered himself. The rest quickly followed, their eyes widening with shame for forgetting their manners.

The soldiers, who hadn’t seen Adam yet, turned to see what was going on. Confused as to why their comrades were bowing, they looked around. At first, they thought it was because of the Duke, then their wolves alerted them to the Dark Purple wolf standing next to the Duke.

Adam and Andrew began walking again, the soldiers fell to their knees as they passed. More than once, Adam had to remind his wolf not to strut.

Once they reached the front, Adam stopped and looked around. The soldiers weren’t the only ones bowing in the city center anymore.

The vendors had come to set up for the daily market.

Adam blew a small huff and Andrew, who understood his cue, spoke.

“Today, we leave the confines of our city. Today, we begin our trek to take back our kingdom.” He paused, letting that sink in. “We no longer have to fear the rule of an unjust and unworthy monarchy. Four years ago, Ava stole the crown. She murdered her own family to get it.”

The people in the center looked at them, astonishment crossing many faces. The Duke had never spoken publicly about his suspicions before.

“As you all can see, before your very own eyes. Mother Nature has seen to call forth one who is worthy, one who has the strength and the power to rid our lands of the darkness. He,” Andrew stretched out his hand to Adam, indicating the purple wolf, “was chosen to lead us. To rule us. To bring us back into the light and raise our great country out of the pits of despair. Today, we will follow him, and we will take back what was stolen from us! Arise my faithful wolves. Arise, and help us seal the witch’s fate!”

By the end, everyone was on their feet, clapping, and hollering.

Adam wanted to say something but wasn’t sure it was possible. He focused hard, harder than he ever had before, to project his thoughts.

My people, my wolves, my pack. I am no more than a servant. A male who wishes to make things right. You honor us with your loyalty, this day.

The city square went quiet as they all felt his words deep inside their hearts. They had never heard of something like that before.

How could it be?

This male had to be special if he could connect to each of them.

To emphasize his words, Adam’s wolf did something he never thought he would do. He lowered his front legs and brought his head nearly all the way to the ground.

He bowed to them all.

He did this because he wanted to show them that he knew what they were sacrificing by coming with them. He knew, as they all did, that there was a high chance that they would not return from this journey.

But they were going anyway. They deserved his respect as much as he deserved theirs.

He stood back up and looked at all the numb faces. Adam’s wolf shook with small laughter.

He looked at Andrew, who was just as shocked as the others. Andrew had been around a few Kings in his time, and not one of them had ever managed to speak to anyone but his royal guards and his mate.

And not once did they ever bow before others.

Alexander had not been prideful, nor had their father. But then, neither of them had ever lived a humble life before either. They had always lived above the others.

Not Adam.

He was a common male and came from common wolves. He understood things that the past King’s never had. He wasn’t’ constantly raising the bar on what a strong wolf truly was.

It is time, the others are ready now. I can feel them.

Adam’s wolf could sense the hundred wolves that followed Richard, all shifted and waiting for them on both sides of Ava’s forces. They had surrounded them in the night.

Andrew bowed. “Yes, my King.”

Andrew turned to his officers and gave the orders. Faster than ever before, his wolves were in formation. Most shifted, but there were a few of the weaker ones stationed throughout.

It was their job to drive the wagons, pulled by horses that were trained not to fear these wolves. Andrew had explained to Adam, in great detail about the positioning of each soldier. He remembered about half of that.

Adam stood waiting, while the unit of wolves split up and walked around them.

The next group paused, the officers lowering their heads respectfully. Adam turned, understanding that this was where he would walk, safely surrounded by the others. Both he and his wolf would have preferred to be in the front, but he had been out voted… again

Just for this journey, he promised his wolf, we need to stay hidden until our secret is out. Then, we will lead, we will protect.

They made it about a mile outside of the city before the first cries of the enemy were heard. The hope had been that the draftees would float to the back and the loyalists would strike first.

The wolves at the front and on the sides of their troop defended the rest. Furry bodies were piling up on all sides. From the increase in volume of snarls and shouts, Adam knew that Richard’s small army had joined the fight.

Adam’s wolf struggled to break free, but the numbers around him had tripled, and refused to budge. These wolves were not risking their new King.

Growling, completely frustrated, Adam was ready to pounce. His wolf hated how many wolves, on both sides, would be losing their lives. He was grateful that the Duke was hidden further back, keeping him safe. The male was not a fighter, that much had been obvious from the first moment they met.

The bloodshed had begun rapidly but was not subsiding that way. After nearly half an hour of watching his brethren trying to kill each other, Adam and his wolf finally had enough.

ENOUGH! Adam and his wolf shouted through the minds of all those around them. This time, their voices had pulled together, pushing more power into it. So much in fact, that everyone froze, no matter which side they were on.

Adam used the moment of confusion to his advantage and pushed through his fierce protectors.

Both Ava’s forces and Richard’s looked around, trying to find the source of the power. Richard had not yet confided in his people who they were harboring and backing.

You are brothers, cousins. Why do you fight? Why do you kill each other? All because one female decided that she was above everyone else? All because she decided that she deserved to be the Queen?

He continued walking forward, circling them all, gathering their attention.

Soon it was only the loyalists and a few confused pups who were the only ones standing. The rest dropped respectfully to the power above their own.

Look at us. Look at the color we have taken on. Trust me, it was more of a surprise to us than it is to you. He huffed with a small bit of amusement. They had no idea how surprising this all was.

The female you serve lied to you! She is not the rightful Queen. If she is, then how do you explain our fur? Mother Nature preserved her Queen, she raised us to our status. She changed the color of our fur so we could serve by her side.

Adam slowly took in those around him. The pups shook until they fell to the ground, unable to withstand the Alpha power rolling through the area.

Unfortunately, there were still many wolves standing.

One shifted back to his human form and stepped forward. He was dirty and had the look of a male who enjoyed living a rough life. Who enjoyed partaking in a good fight.

“We know not who you are. We know our Queen. We don’t care about Mother Nature and her myths. We know who is in charge and we follow her. Queen Ava holds the throne. We don’t care how she got there, just that she is there. We serve her, we take orders from her. You are nothing to us. Stop with your parlor tricks, they won’t help you get by us.” With that he shifted with a flourish and landed on all four paws.

Adam’s wolf shook his head.

Not all of you are here by choice. You were not given that before. I am giving it to you now. Fight or stay out of our way. As for the rest of you, this is your final warning. Step aside, or we will step over you. He growled deeply and lowered his head, preparing for battle.

His protectors created a half circle behind him. He noticed a few others came over as well. The one who had spoken stepped directly in front of him. The threat was clear, he was coming for Adam.

A good portion of the wolves Ava had placed there had been drafted from their homes under the threat of killing family members. They felt the power of this unknown wolf. They saw the color of his fur. Even though they were still afraid, they had faith that Mother Nature knew what she was doing. Many of them slowly walked backward, their heads low to the ground, watching those around them warily.

Richard’s forces, knowing who these pups were, split apart and let them through. Once the first few reached the forest, they stopped dead in their tracks. A dozen females were lined up, in human form. The pups shook, fearing that they had fallen into a trap.

An older female, with red hair beginning to turn gray, stepped forward, smiling with her arms out wide.

“It is a long journey home. Why don’t you shift back and come eat? I bet you are all tired and hungry.”

Another set of those that had stayed, moved to stand with the King. The soldiers graciously made room for them.

Some ran back inside their tents, hiding from the coming onslaught.

And the last group stayed where they were, lying on the ground, afraid to move, afraid to turn their eyes. They didn’t know which side to take, they just knew they didn’t want to fight anymore.

When all the sides had been picked, Adam growled deeply and took a step forward, accepting the challenge. The stubborn wolf charged forward, jaws open, aiming for Adam’s front legs. Adam dropped and rolled to the side.

The wolf growled and nearly tripped trying to stop suddenly, falling over another wolf.

He was up in a matter of seconds and charging again. Those nearby tried to bite his legs or his back, but he pushed them away, swinging his head back and forth.

Adam gave a loud bark, and they backed off. No one could interfere with a challenge against an Alpha.

Adam and the wolf paced back and forth, both looking for an opening. The protectors created a circle, keeping any others from jumping in and attacking Adam from behind.

All around them, the fighting picked up again, the two sides clashing. The wolf charged Adam again, his head down like a bull. Adam dropped to his stomach this time, and rolled forward, right into his opponent.

As Adam popped up, he bit down on one of his opponent’s hind legs.

The wolf growled out a whimper before checking himself. He limped and stepped away, beginning to rethink his decisions.

He had never lost a fight before. That was why he had risen to the ranks of Captain in this crew.

His Queen preferred the bloodthirsty and violent leaders to the weaker ones. The favors she granted in secret weren’t half bad either. He had been tempted a time or two to challenge that advisor of hers. But his wolf recognized the hidden threat in that male.

The wolf pretended to be nursing his wound, giving the pup King time to lower his defenses. What he didn’t understand was that the King was only faking. He hadn’t lowered his defenses in five years.

Adam sat on his haunches, looking like he was giving the other wolf a chance. He could practically see the plan forming in his challenger’s mind.

Adam laid down on his stomach, like he was resting. He wanted to get this over with, so he created the opening the other male needed. Within seconds the other wolf was in the air, flying towards him, jaws wide open. He really should have learned by now.

Adam swiftly jumped, going from laying to flying, meeting him halfway.

Adam had his jaw stretched, catching the wolf in surprise.

Instead of a leg this time, he went for the neck. They fell together.

The other wolf tried to land on top, but he hadn’t been prepared enough when he jumped. He landed on his side, with Adam standing over him.

Adam’s wolf bit down, letting his teeth sink deeper in, effectively ending the fight. He released him and stepped back. He was immediately hit by a wave of remorse and grief.

Adam jumped when a black wolf stepped forward, taking him by surprise. He stopped a few feet out and shifted. Richard stood before him, his arms out to his side.

“The first kill is always the hardest to accept. I imagine, for a King like you, it feels even worse. Remember, you gave them a chance to surrender.” He chuckled and smiled. “I’d love to know how you did that too. I’ve never felt such power before.” The smile faded quickly. “Alex would have liked you.”

Richard turned and surveyed the mess surrounding them before looking at Adam again. “We need to spend time cleaning up. We will burn the bodies of the enemy, and send those we lost back to their homes, or bury them. I know you are anxious to get on the road, but now more than ever, we need to show mercy and kindness. We may have lost many, but you saved even more. All of the draftees, and some of the loyalists listened to you. We will have your tent set up so you can clean up.”

Thank you, Richard. And thank you for not interfering. I know that wasn’t easy for you. Now that he knew which one was the black wolf, he knew who had been trying to stop the enemy from attacking him again.

“You two are going to make me work to do my job, I can see it now.” Richard’s mumble was barely loud enough for Adam to hear as he turned and started issuing orders.

Adam sat down where he was, his protection group shrunk down to the original two. They stayed standing sentinel next to him.

Adam searched with his eyes anxiously, until they rested upon Andrew, who was still dressed perfectly, not a hair out of place. He was helping with some of the wounded.

Andrew felt eyes on his back and looked around. He smiled when he saw Adam watching him. He nodded once, letting him know that he was fine.

To Adam and those in the front, the battle had felt long and fierce.

To those in the back, it was short and sweet.

Andrew had always been under the impression that Ava had more people there than that. Due to his fear, and those of the other officials in the city, they had never tried to fight them off. Now he felt ashamed for his cowardice. Jack tried to convince him to send spies out to report on the numbers, but Andrew waved it off. He did not think they could leave the city without being noticed. Andrew should have listened to his son.

Ava had no more than a hundred wolves, total. Andrew had had three hundred, plus the extra hundred with Richard. Once the draftees had abandoned the fight, more than half of Andrew’s forces were deemed unnecessary.

Adam was relieved to see that the Duke was uninjured. He had become fond of the male. And he didn’t want to hurt Ivory, nor Jack.

Roughly another half hour later, a female he’d seen before came up to where he still sat uselessly, his protectors not having allowed him to go help with anything. She bent her knees and curtsied to him.

“Your majesty. Your tent has been set up and a bath filled.” She smiled nervously. “The Captain said to tell you to buck up and deal with it. If you were to fight him, it would make this take longer. He…” She licked her lips and twisted her hands the way Ivory did when she was anxious. It pulled at Adam’s heart. He missed his mate. “He said to remind you that if you don’t do as he says and bathe, he was instructed to tell a source higher than you.” The female made a face as though she didn’t understand the message she was tasked with delivering.

Adam’s wolf howled with laughter, dropping its head onto their paws. It brought a wave of relief to the female. The statues next to him found it very amusing.

Adam stood back up, still chuckling, and nodded.

Thank you, female. We appreciate your loyalty to your friends and family. We have watched how hard you have worked. Both here and in the camp. You care for those around you, whether you know them well or not. That you would do so for us is humbling.

“Y… you’ve been to our camp before m… my Lord?”

Oops. Oh well.

Once. I did not make my identity known. Actually, I’m still adjusting to the idea of it.

The female was the only one who could hear his thoughts, although she may not have known that. She giggled at his irritated tone and bowed again.

“This way, my Lord.” The female moved to the side and pointed the direction they were to go.

Adam and his obedient shadows followed her to a small encampment on the side of the road.

“We are taking care of the wounded there. We believe that most will be fully healed by morning.” She pointed to the largest tent across the way. “We only lost a few. Two from our camp, and three from the Duke’s wolves.”

We lost five males. There is no more division. We have fought together. We will travel together. We will sleep and eat together. We are all wolves. We were all created by Mother Nature. We should not be divided. We are all one.

The female nodded, a small blush on her cheeks.

She wasn’t sure what to make of his words. Was he reprimanding her or correcting her? Whichever it was, it left a warm feeling in her soul.

The female stopped at another large tent, smaller than the makeshift hospital. Thankfully. Adam would have hated that, not that he liked this one much better. Two human guards held the flaps back and Adam walked in.

He was surprised when his wolf guards followed him.

Why? He asked them both.

Adam nearly laughed as both of them squeezed their wolf eyes together. It was obvious to Adam they were trying to somehow force their thoughts out to him.

When they gave up, one faster than the other, they shifted back.

“Well, can’t say we didn’t try.”

Adam barked out a laugh. The male was a few years older than Adam. He was nearly as tall as him, almost to the point of having to duck when entering a room. That was one thing Adam preferred about the manor over the farmhouse, he didn’t have to duck as often.

The male had blonde hair and blue eyes. Adam was seeing more than he cared to with the male, but it did let him know that he cared for his human form as much as his wolf form.

The other male finally heaved with disappointment as he shifted. This one was shorter, younger too. Closer in age to the twins. He had black hair, brown eyes, and a soft chocolatey hue to his skin.

“It was only the first time I’ve tried. I will get it though.” There was a strong determination in the male, giving Adam the feeling that he would get it too.

Of course, Richard had already explained that the royal guards could in fact speak to one another, when in wolf form. When they took their oath, they were given the power. It only worked within their own ranks though. Richard said he had never been able to communicate with the King in that way.

Adam and his wolf studied the males carefully, getting a feel for them.

Can we trust them? Adam asked him.

They feel like pure souls.

Throughout Adam’s whole life he had always been a good judge of character. He hadn’t given it much thought until this last year. As he grew stronger, so did his ability to read people.

He knew that the wolf he killed today would have never given up, but he could see many of the others did not want to fight.

How long have you two been detailed to stay with me?

“The Duke said we are to stay with you until we are sure you are safe.” The black-haired pup answered. An embarrassed blush began to creep up his neck. “We could have left after the battle was over. But... well...”

“We feel a strong pull to stay by your side, my King. At first, I thought you might still be in danger. It’s hard to explain.” The blonde one’s face creased in confusion. A look Adam knew well.

I have felt that feeling before. I am grateful every day that I listened. If I allow you to stay by my side, as my personal guards, do you swear to hold what you see and hear sacred? Not to share it with anyone until the time is right? Not even your mates?

They both dropped to their knee, their right arms crossing to their left shoulder with a fist and bowed their heads. “We promise, my Lord.” They promised somberly in unison.

“We don’t have mates anyway.” The younger one added with a shrug.

Adam’s wolf barked in laughter, which soon changed to his human laugh as he shifted. He looked toward a table and found a robe. He quickly put it on, still laughing.

“You help me miss my brothers a little less. I will enjoy having you by my side. Oh, you can get up now.” Adam shook his head. “I don’t know that I will ever like having people bow to me all the time. When Ivory is around, it doesn’t bother me so much. Without her though…” He sighed sadly.

Needing to derail his mind from going back to what was missing, he turned back to the males. His eyebrows creased as he noticed the dumbstruck look of the now standing males.

“What?”

“P... P... Princess Ivory?”

“We thought you were Jack!”

Adam pursed his lips. He was getting tired of all the constant explanations as well. He couldn’t wait until this was all over.

“All right, I hate telling stories, that’s what my brothers are for, so listen carefully. I have a reputation for being grumpy for a reason. Four years ago, Ivory washed up where my six brothers and I were fishing. I was 16, the oldest, and the only parent they had. From the moment I met her, I knew it was my job to protect her. Not anyone else’s. My brothers felt a smaller version of the same thing. Jump forward a few years, turns out, she is my mate. Which is how I ended up turning purple of all things. Her wolf is as white as her hair. Keeping her hidden from the aunt who tried to kill her was proving difficult, so we finally sucked it up and came to her uncle. Ivory was young, scared, and injured. Right now, she is traveling with Jack, my brothers, and a few guards. They will meet us in the village we are going to. I am the bait, with Andrew, to bring the witch out. We are hoping Ava will also assume that I am Jack. As I have previously turned down an offer for my brothers and I to be her personal toys.” He clapped his hands, rubbing them together as he took a breath. Adam had said it all kind of fast. Probably too fast, judging by the jaws on the floor.

“You catch all that?”

They nodded their heads up and down slowly, their jaws still struggling to come back up.

“So, the Princess is alive?” The black haired one asked. The blonde slugged him in the stomach, helping him to see sense.

“Sorry, my Lord. Just trying to wrap my head around it all. That was... a lot.”

Adam smirked. “Try living it. Two months ago, I was happy running my farm with my brothers and my beautiful mate. Now I’m here, fighting battles and somehow turned into a King. Alright, enough of that. My name is Adam. Please call me that.” They shook their heads. “At least in private?” He begged.

The blonde chuckled. “Maybe, it will take some getting used to. My name is Kyle. And the quiet one over there is Leo. Out of curiosity… the female earlier mentioned telling on you to a higher power?”

Adam gave a loud “Ha! Yes, she was referring to Ivory, she just didn’t know it.” Adam scratched his jaw. “I guess I should warn you. We don’t have small arguments.”

“Or quiet ones.” Andrew added as he entered the tent. “I see you have decided to trust your guards?” He nodded approvingly. “I had a feeling you would get along well. You should probably go wash that blood off. This will be your last chance to do so before we reach the village. My niece will not welcome you so warmly with old, dried, blood on you. I suspect she will have a thing or two to say about you fighting.”

Adam grimaced. “Good point. I won’t be long.”

“Only because you’re alone.” Andrew mumbled with a smile.

Adam dramatically sighed. “Certainly, won’t be as much fun alone.”

Andrew hissed. “I don’t want to hear that about Ivory. She is my niece after all.”

Adam shrugged as he walked toward a small area with a small divider separating it from the rest of the tent. “You started it. You do know where pups come from don’t you?”

“Pups?” Leo asked, feeling lost, confused, and overwhelmed.

Adam paused before getting into the water. He looked around the divider.

“Ivory carries my pup. Something you will need to know, as you will protect her as much as me. Just remember your oaths.”

They both bowed and turned, giving him privacy.

Kyle and Leo were grateful for the few quiet moments they would have now to let their minds absorb all this new information.