The North

Sometimes it's better to take small steps than to throw yourself into the deep end

Seumas scowled as his mother, Oighrig, scrubbed his hair clean in the river. The poor pup’s skin was red from the cold, but he was in desperate need of a good wash. And a lesson taught. All the pups were. Of course, it had been Niamh’s idea to hide in one of the food cellars during their game, and probably her fault she, Anndra and Seumas were covered in flour when they re-emerged. They’d traipsed a trail of white footprints all through the castle until we’d found them, leaving quite a state to clean up.

There was no getting out of what they claimed was an innocent accident. And nobody wanted risk one of them escaping punishment while waiting for water to heat up for a bath.

Mother wrestled with Niamh on the pebbled shore, trying and failing to drag her to the water, my sister adamantly refusing after hearing Seumas’ squeal when he’d been plunged in. Anndra, however, was something else entirely. Fionnlagh and I had to hold each other up as the small male of four summers charged into the deepest part of the river, forcing Father to run in after him. The splashing caused reminded me of a flailing bear after fish, and my stomach ached with laughter.

“It’s not funny,” Father muttered, glaring at Fionnlagh and I who only found his drenched clothes an dripping hair all the funnier. He dragged a giggling Anndra back to the rocky shore and set about scrubbing him clean.

I smiled and breathed in the crisp air, closing my eyes as I caught the homely mix of pine and earth beneath it. The day was unusually warm, but not anymore pleasant for it. Melted snow left the ground soft and muddy, and the castle floors now boasted as much dirt as the outside to add to the flour trail. The pups weren’t going to stay clean for long. In the wild, we weren’t averse to washing - time after meals was always taken to groom and clean each other - but even the smallest speck of dust on a dress was looked down upon here.

“Do you think they’ll drag us in next?” Fionnlagh murmured, shivering as he eyed the icy water.

“I don’t think we should risk it,” I whispered back. “Maybe we should run. Maybe Ulli will let us hide in her den.”

He shoved me so hard I nearly ended up in the small stream flowing next to us. “Maybe Hati will let us hide in his.”

I threw myself back at him and was surprised by his strength as he fought me off. My little cousin was growing up quickly and I feared I needed to make the most of still being able to come out on top. Slipping my arm around his neck, he choked as I dropped my weight back so we fell into the grassy hill behind us.

“Eabha, stop trying to kill your cousin.”

Mother didn’t even look over her shoulder to see what we were up to, but I released him anyway and grinned as he huffed in frustration. He stood and brushed himself off, scowling down at me as he grumbled to himself. I stayed where I was, wriggling in the soft damp grass and sighing out a breath of contentment. Moments like this made me sure keeping the truth of my blood quiet was the best way forward. For look how happy we all we were, how easy things had become again. Eventually, I would tell them - something would force me to - but for now, while we had the promise of safety through winter, I wanted to relish in this normalcy we’d found.

“Forgive my intrusion.”

My eyes flew open, my body going rigid, more so when Fionnlagh’s scowl suddenly turned into a smug smirk.

I didn’t need to turn my head to know who it was.

Crunching pebbles brought the Alpha closer, amusement thick and warm in his tone as he continued, “I heard what I thought was a fight and wanted to make sure nobody was hurt or in trouble.”

“That will be the oldest two giving the younger ones a run for their money.” Mother cast Fionnlagh a look while Oighrig laughed and hoisted Seumas back to shore to dry him off. Niamh too suddenly stopped struggling, seemingly straining to control herself as a massive grin lit up her face at the sight of her current favourite wolf.

I felt the moment he found me still sprawled out on the ground, my fingers curled into the icy mud. Was he going to tell me Gerlac had refused? That he was still going to be mated to Ingrid? Or he himself had changed his mind? But instead of addressing me, he turned to greet my cousin instead, the pair grasping arms and touching cheek to cheek in a way that told of a growing bond between the two.

My gaze flicked between them with curiosity as Fionnlagh straightened up and puffed out his chest as if he had muscles to brag of. I’d seen Hati training him once, had they been doing so more often than I thought?

“Do you think if I asked your cousin to eat with me tonight that she would do so, or do you think she will attack me to?” Hati asked.

Fionnlagh blinked at the question, then quickly grinned. “If you want to eat privately together, I think she could be persuaded. If you want her to eat at your table in front of everyone, she will come up with a million reasons why she shouldn’t. You will have to make sure she is in the best of moods first.”

“Which I won’t be if you continue to speak like I am not right here.” Sitting up, I narrowed my eyes and considered the male who’d all but ignored me since he’d told me he was going to speak to Gerlac and Ingrid two days before.

“Will you take a walk with me?” he asked, offering a hand to help me up. “I want to speak to you, and then I want your answer about eating with me tonight.”

I stared at his hand with mouth opened by no sound came out. My family all stared at me, waiting to hear my answer, which I couldn’t seem to keep a coherent thought long enough to answer.

“Of course she will, Alpha.” Mother hurried back to shore and tried to tame stray strands of dark hair that had escaped it’s braid, her other hand clutching Niamh. “Won’t you, Eabha?”

What other answer could I give with my whole family watching me like hawks who’d spotted a mouse in a field. “Yes.”

“Can I come?” Niamh asked, tugging at the hand still holding her in place. Mother hushed her with a sharp look that left my sister pouting and fisting a hand in her dress.

Hati chuckled, forgetting all about helping me up to walked over and kneel in front of my sister, his finger catching her chin. “I will take you riding in the stable yard tomorrow if you leave me with a smile?”

I stood slowly by myself and folded my arms, hating that I felt my own lips pursing with jealousy at the ease with which he could get Niamh out of a strop. She looked up at Mother for permission, and squealed in delight when she nodded. Father smiled as he came to his mate’s side, having given up on making Anndra dress again. His dark eyes met mine and I tried not to react, to ignore the questions in his expression as he glanced between the Alpha and I. He quirked his head, and all I could do was cast my gaze away with a meagre shrug.

Father and I hadn’t spoken about anything of substance since the night he told me about my blood, and I think he understood my need to keep it quiet. I hated knowing I was forcing him to keep a secret from his mate, his family, but pleased he respected me enough to do so. I owed him answers now. Depending on how my walk with Hati went, I would have much to tell my parents tonight. . .

Rising now that Niamh was happy again, Hati cast me a smug look. I rolled my eyes. As if it was his charm that pleased her so; if I had horses, she would be just as happy. My lips twitched. Then again, perhaps not. I feared my sister had a place in her heart for Hati despite their age difference and would be upset if she found out he and I had so much as kissed. Mother thought so too if the twinkle in her eye was anything to go by as she fussed with Niamh’s unruly curls.

Ignoring Fionnlagh sniggering beside me, and the knowing glances my aunt and mother we’re sharing, I stalked over to the male who’d ruined my moment of peace. Gripping Hati’s arm, I yanked him away from my fawning family and dragged him back the way he’d come.

“Thank you for your help washing the pups, a ghraidh!” Father called after me, bellowing a laugh after I groaned with creeping embarrassment.

“Yes, it looked like you were being of great help from what I could see.” Hati smirked and freed himself from my grip, rounding on me to stop my fast march. His eyes glowed a brilliant gold, and my breath caught as he added huskily, “I don’t condone laziness amongst the pack.”

My body rocked forward, the thick trees around us giving the appearance of privacy but I knew my parents could probably still hear every word we said.

“Did you wish to speak with me or scold me?”

“Maybe both. I quite like the way you look at me when I scold you. . .ah yes, that’s almost it. Just a little more irritation around the eyes. . .perfect.” He chuckled as I cracked a grin, unable to help laugh. Taking my hand, he tucked it in the crook of his elbow. “Walk a little further with me, we’re too close to listening ears for my liking yet.”

I felt ungainly trying to keep up with his longer stride, trying not to knock into him while walking so close together. It was nice too though. His scent filled my every breath, and I could feel the warmth of his skin through the light woollen sleeve rough beneath my fingers.

“I take it you have spoken with Gerlac and Ingrid?”

“I have,” he confirmed, peering down at me with an expression that gave nothing away. “You would have liked to have been at that meeting, I think. Ingrid stood quite well for herself. When Gerlac tried to argue that our agreement to be wed and mated should still be upheld, despite Ingrid and I both refusing, he threatened to take back his offer of supporting the pack with his connections. Ingrid told him he could try what he liked but he would have the council on his heels if he went against the pack that way. Then he tried to argue that he had nothing against you but you simply weren’t a fit match. Ingrid told him if that was his only concern, she herself would teach you to be so.”

“A fit match?” I repeated, then stopped short when it finally clicked. A fit match not as Hati’s mate but as Alpha Female. I’d been so focussed on the fact I couldn’t have Hati, I hadn’t spent a single moment to think about what would happen if I could. What the obvious steps would be. To mate. To an Alpha’s mate. How had I not thought of that? Of the responsibilities that would come with a position I had no business in, a sentiment Gerlac agreed with.

“There is no pressure-“

“No pressure? It sounds like there’s a lot of pressure, a lot of expectations,” I choked, slipping my hand free to distance myself.

“Is that not what you want?” He frowned, taking one step after me before perhaps deciding giving me space was best.

“All the time we’ve been together I have been fearing that you would be forced to accept the deal you made with Gerlac, or worried about what Skoll and others might want or take from me because of what I am, so I haven’t had the chance to think about what would happen otherwise.”

“You have the chance now. Skoll can not reach us here or he would have done so long ago, he still hiding and biding his time just as we will with the winter snows to keep us safe. Allow yourself to live your life. What you speak of are problems a season away.”

“A season away,” I repeated breathily, shaking my head as I wondered if parroting him was all I was capable of now.

“There is no pressure,” he repeated. “No expectation. I’m not asking you to be my mate right now, Little Alpha, I’m asking if you’ll let me. . .court you.”

That settled me a little.

Court me.

As Father had courted mother for years. He'd had spent months with my mother’s pack, gotten to know every aspect of her culture and beliefs, made sure they were well suited by hunting and playing together. The idea of doing that with Hati made warmth bloom in my chest. . .the idea of him spending time with my family made me want to groan and curl up on the ground.

“It is too soon for us to be mates, I am certain if that. Nor am I ready to be Alpha Female. We hardly know each other really.” I sighed. “Your brother knows more about me than I do.”

A low rumble uttered from Hati’s lips, and the scowl on his face was almost adorable. “Is this you telling me you prefer Skoll? You’ve mentioned him too many times now for my liking.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be silly.”

Maybe he was right. Maybe until the snow melted and the flowers bloomed, we could hide away here. I could have as close to a normal life as it was possible to have for a few dark and cold months.

“That’s why you want me to eat with you tonight?” I guessed, trying not to blush or act like a smitten female. “This is part of what you call courting?”

He nodded slowly, as if terrified any word he spoke or sudden movement might push me the opposite way. I escaped his grip to pace a few more steps, letting him stew as I feigned indecision; chewing my lip and smoothing out my dress.

“In my culture, the introducing male eats with the female’s pack. Male’s seeking a mate are mostly lone wolves looking to start their own packs, so don’t have pack for a female to visit.”

“Are you asking me to eat with you, Eabha?” His voice was low and rough, closer than it ought to have been.

I could feel him at my back and it was exhilarating to have him stalking me in such silence. One night, we would have to try a game of hunt in fur, and I would enjoy being his prey.

I turned to face him again slowly, my cheeks hurting with the grin that spread across my face. “Yes. I’m asking.”

He pounced with the grace of a forest cat, knocking me back against a tree as his lips claimed mine to muffle my yelp of surprise. The growl that rolled from his chest made me shudder and arch to press closer, my fingers sliding beneath his tunic to smooth over warm skin. I kissed him back with equal fever, giddy with the knowledge it didn’t matter who came across us now.

“I would take you back to my rooms, but I do have a reason for coming out this way. There’s business to attend to.” His arm hooked around my waist to press me flush against him, and he nipped below my ear as he urged, “Come with me. I’m not ready to let you go quite yet.”

“I shouldn’t. I’m not your mate, courting or not, I shouldn’t be at your side while you’re doing your duties as Alpha,” I replied, surprised by how much I wanted to say yes, to be seen doing his rounds with him, to have him touch me for all to see.

“I am Alpha, I’m saying it’s alright,” he insisted. “Besides, others will be there too, and Magne requested a word with you before he leaves.”

“You chose him to lead the Vargr going with Brokkr to the port?” It was an obvious choice; I’d seen myself how well regarded Magne was amongst the Vargr. “We shouldn’t keep them waiting then. Linnea might be there to see them off too.”

“Why would she want to see them off?” Hati frowned as he captured my hand in his and urged us back down the path around the wall towards the main gates.

Gods. Did nobody notice the poor female at all? The fact she was infatuated with Bruadar was painfully obvious.

I chuckled as he continued to look at me questioningly, and I nudged him with my hip. “If she’s there, watch her with Brokkr’s male. If you still don’t understand after that, you don’t even deserve my help.”

A grin swept away his frown, his hand leaving mine so he could slide his arm around my waist as he seemed to prefer “I think I am going to look forward to our time together. I was unaware you could be so playful; fighting with your cousin, wriggling around in the grass, teasing me for being blind to the fancies of females.”

“Really?” I scoffed. “What about us running around as if we couldn’t be seen? What about. . .what about what we did after that?” My confidence wavered as his grin grew, his hand on my hip suddenly scorching through the layers of my dress to brand the skin beneath.

“What did we do after?” he asked innocently.

Breathless, I looked away and forged on ahead as my mind replayed images of exactly what we’d done. Unfortunately, Hati wasn’t pleased with my running away.

“Is there a word for it in your language?” he called after me, taking too much joy in my embarrassment. “There are many in mine. Shall I teach them to you?”

“Wheesht!” I hissed, very aware of the voices I could hear around the corner of the wall standing tall on our right. Snickering horses and creaking wood could be heard to, and I would die if anyone heard how their Alpha was talking to me.

He didn’t care of course. The entire walk to where the group waited at the gates, he whispered words in his language in my ear, and while I didn’t know what they meant, I knew they were carnal, intimate. And I knew he’d probably take great pleasure in showing me the meaning of each one.

By the time we came to a stop in front of the large cart piled with furs and game the pack had caught to sell at the port in return for the tools we needed, my legs felt like jelly. I swore I could see my dress tremble with how fast and hard my heart beat, my skin flushed with arousal that the cold air helped excuse.

My thoughts quickly shifted at the sight of Linnea listening earnestly to whatever Bruadar whispered to her. She stretched up on her toes to get closer to the male sat high on the bench behind two sturdy horses, her hand resting lightly by his leg.

I smirked and glanced at Hati from the corner of my eye but the damn male hadn’t even taken note of the two probable lovebirds. He watched the three Vargr wolves pile into the cart, two males and a female who would stay with Magne at the port to watch for Blood Drinkers throughout winter. Hopefully they would come across none.

Brokkr and Magne stood at the gates, talking in low voices to Farrin. Each were grim faced and thoughtful, whatever they discussed out of earshot.

“What’s wrong?” Hati demanded, grabbing my arm to keep me at his side when I intended to linger behind.

The three males stared at me as if surprised, but only Brokkr’s lingered curiously while Magne answered, “Someone was near our south-eastern border today. Two scents were at the spot, one of them possibly Vargr. It’s possible a couple of the pack strayed too far; I don’t know everyone’s scent and there were hints of something sweet that I’ve smelled before from wolves working in the kitchens. Those damn rolls the pups are always trying to steal.”

My immediate thought was Ingrid, but those were old reactions. I knew better now. And Magne was right; Mother fended off pups in search of treats from stealing all day long.

“I’ll run by once I’m done here,” Hati said, his hand falling to his hip where his sword usually hung, but today he’d forgone it. “Everything’s ready for your departure?”

“We’re ready to set off at your word,” Brokkr confirmed, reaching out to grip Farrin’s arm in farewell. “I’d like to get going before dark.”

Hati gave me a glance and nodded towards Magne before following the other Brokkr to the cart. Farrin winked, an act that was suspiciously Astrid-like, before he too left.

Motioning towards the back of the cart, Magne urged me to walk with him. “When I return, I am going to teach you to fight like one of the Vargr as you wished. I think you will have need of it.”

“I doubt I will ever be strong enough for that, but I am grateful you’ve decided to agree.”

“I think you will surprise yourself,” he argued, resting one hand on the railing of the cart. “While I am away, you need to make sure you continue to recover. Eat well, run often, hunt even through the storms. You will be strong enough when I get back for what comes after.”

My nose scrunched at what he made clear but wouldn’t say. I was out of shape. Still recovering from weeks of going hungry and putting my body through extremes. Apparently my powers of healing didn’t extend to beyond broken bones and scratches.

“Thank you.” I leaned forward, but the male was too tall to reach and his eyes crinkled as he chuckled and stooped down to press his cheek to mine. “How can I repay you?”

“Persevering through my lessons and using what you learn wisely is all I need from you in return.”

I nearly burst with excitement, another sense of purpose filling up the empty spaces inside. Stepping back as he turned to climb up, I straightened when he paused and beckoned me to come closer. He leaned down so his lips were at my ear, and whispered so quietly no other would catch what he said, “Look after Hati. He isn’t used to having someone to lean on, don’t let him forget you’re there.”

My gaze immediately went to the Alpha still talking to Brokkr, one of his hands absentmindedly rubbing the side of the brown horse waiting impatiently to get moving. The cart creaked as Magne finally climbed up and slapped the wood to let Brokkr know they were ready. He winked as he sat back, stretching out his legs in front of him.

“Take your cousin Fionnlagh running with you. He is too old now to be practising with the pups.”

“I will,” I called out as the clip of hooves began and the cart shuddered off down the road.

It would be good for Fionnlagh and I to have something to do together, and Magne was right. My cousin was maturing. He’d grown so much since we’d come here and it was time I stopped treating him like a juvenile and more like the grown male he was becoming. Hati had seen that before I had.

The male himself stood a few paces away, watching until the cart disappeared round the bend and into the trees. I approached slowly, taking in his stiff shoulders and straight back. Magne’s words rang through my head, and without another thought, I reached out for him. My fingers slid under his tunic to brush against his muscles back, and I smiled as he shuddered and melted, soft orange eyes turning to me.

“I didn’t see many supplies for the Vargr staying behind.”

He chuckled and turned away from the road, guiding me back towards the gates. “They will take to fur when the arrive. For once, being in skin will draw too much attention, but wolves often stray near villages for scraps in the winter.”

I was almost envious. The weather at the coast was bound to be a test of endurance for them, but the threat of Blood Drinkers wasn’t one I wished to face.

Sliding my hand back to his elbow, I met his smile with one of my own. I could sense his anxiety once we were inside, it matched my own though he seemed more determined to push on.

Wolves openly gaped, and my hand tightened on his arm as I listened to their shocked chatter. Ingrid’s name was mentioned amongst the disbelief that we so openly courted. While it sent a thrill of delight through me, especially as most didn’t seem displeased at the sight, I also wondered who amongst them I’d made an enemy of.

“They will tire of the talk. Something else will happen to set their tongues wagging and we will be old news,” Hati assured me.

I arched a brow and scoffed. “I think you underestimate the survival of a good story.”

He smirked. “You think we are a good story?”

“As good as any other, I’m sure. Who will be left to tell it at the end remains to be seen.”

“You are very pessimistic for one so determined to survive,” he stated, seemingly unhappy with that fact.

His assessment made me frown, and the male rumbled gently, pushing me up against the stone walls not far from the hallways that housed most of the pack’s dens. He didn’t care how public the spot was, dipping his head to scent my throat, the sound he let out when he exhaled so possessive, it would be clear to any that heard what we were doing anyway.

“Don’t take that as an insult,” he said, tipping my chin up. “You are young and have faced great hardship, it is understandable that you might wish to see only the worst so it doesn’t surprise you should such things happen again, but it is not the end of the world, Little Alpha. You will be left to tell our story whichever way you wish.”

Nuzzling into his touch, his eyes flashed as I nipped the tip of his finger before rebuffing, “You may not want to make statements about my youth around my father. If he comes to comprehend our difference in age, he may well make a fuss.”

Teeth scraped across my jaw in retaliation, and Hati pressed his body more firmly against my own, one muscled thigh sliding between my own. “You are avoiding my point. If you are with me, Eabha, it is to fight for a future; not to give in when death tries to stake a claim.” He nipped again, hard enough I gasped at the sting. “Before you argue, or get defensive, I know you would fight for the pack with all you had to your last breath. But I would like you to have as much fire when it came to your own fight to survive, and not this defeated resignation you seem to have acquired.”

Refusing to meet his gaze, I fisted my hands against the wall. Was that what I’d done? I couldn’t find it in me to argue his claim, so it must have been.

“It is hard to imagine my future; one without Mànas or Aonghas,” I admitted. “Especially when there seems to be much in the way of having anything I might have wanted before.”

“What did you want before?” he asked, his thumb rubbing soothing circles into the fuller flesh of my hip.

I sighed and tilted my head into the hand lingering by my head, tilting my chin up to scent his skin. “Whatever came my way. My decisions changed as swiftly as the breeze and everyone thought one day, I would strike out on my own to wander. I wanted pups, perhaps, in the future. . .” I frowned, closing my eyes as another realisation broke through to hit my heart. “But now I would worry I would pass along to them whatever cursed me. That they too would know suffering and loss because of it.”

The moment he stiffened, I knew the thought hadn’t occurred to him either. Another thing to be left to worry about in the future, I supposed.

“Well,” he said after a moment of silence. “This is what has come your way, it’s up to you whether you accept it or not.”

Is that how easy it would be? Acceptance? I deflated at the thought. I could accept the sacrifices of my family were not lessened by any plans made by gods. I could accept that whatever they created me to be, I still nearly died to make sure the rest of my pack made it to safety. I could even accept that it wasn’t my turn for peace yet, that I had more to do and more to give; and not to fulfil any prophecy, but to do so for myself.

For my new pack.

For the male who wanted to have me as his and lead a pack. A male who had also experienced manipulations, grief, loss, betrayal. . .he too wouldn’t find peace until all had been played out. But at least we might do so together.

“I accept it. I accept you. But I will still need time to adjust.”

He smiled, one without any hint of charm or seduction, a simple acknowledgement that he expected nothing I wouldn’t offer freely. Nothing I wasn’t ready for.

We wandered aimlessly around the castle after that, talking about mundane things that kept our voices light and movements easy. I told him about my first solo hunt that went so horribly wrong, I’d avoided the pack for weeks in humiliation before Mànas found me and dragged me back by the scruff. He sent me back out the week after, and I brought down my first boar; a small runt of a thing with only one small and misshapen tusk. Yet, I’d returned to my family celebrating as if I’d taken on one fully grown.

“I have had hunts to be ashamed of too,” Hati chuckled, stopping beside a flickering torch that made his eyes burn as if they themselves held the flame. “A lynx and I had our eye on the same young stag, and I at all of twenty-five summers old decided the lynx would make a far better trophy to brag about.” He grabbed my hand and tugged up his tunic, pressing my fingers to a jagged line of scars curling around his side just below his ribs. “I did not come out on top and faced the jokes of the Vargr for many months. Magne brings it up still as a warning for pups to be aware of taking on unnecessary risks for ego.”

Brushing my fingers over the puckered flesh, slightly pinker than the warm brown around it, I had a vague memory of noticing them before. Most wolves carried scars. They were a sign of strength, of battles and hunts won and lost, and all respected none the less. Hati might have failed, but he was no less proud of showing them off.

“You couldn’t have healed them?” I asked, studying the other old wounds that showed beneath the black ink on his skin.

Tension strained around his darkening eyes as he slowly lowered his tunic again. “Vargr heal quickly but even we can have wounds that will never disappear completely. My magic can heal fatal injuries when a wolf’s own abilities need a helping hand, but I can’t use it on myself. That is the restriction either nature or the Norns placed in return for what I can do.”

“Is that why you can’t heal me?”

He hummed, looking into the flickering torch as if he might find the answer there. “I fear that has more to do with your own powers and limitations placed on you than mine.”

Heaving a breath, my head fell back against the wall. Yes, there was much left indeed to learn. “This turned serious very quickly.”

“We can’t avoid everything at all times, Little Alpha.” He leaned down to brush his nose against mine, garnering a small smile from me. “I have enjoyed our time together today. Darker topics will not mar it any.”

He was right. Today would remain one of my favourites since I’d arrived, filled with laughter and stories, glimmers of hope.

“Speaking of darker topics, have you told anyone there might be a wolf, or wolves, from the pack working for your brother? Do you think it could have something to do with those wolves at the border?

I hated to see the corners of his lips turn down he’d said he would go and check himself once Brokkr left, and instead he’s spent the afternoon with me.

“Only Eirny, Caldar and Magne; they’re the only ones I trust implicitly.” He looked over his shoulder but the hall was empty, and thick woven tapestries quietened our voices against the stone. “I imagine Eirny will have told Astrid, and she Farrin in turn, but it won’t go beyond that. For now.” His expression hardened further and a growl roughened his voice as he stared off into the distance. “It has to be one of the Vargr, which makes the betrayal sting all the more. Only someone with magic could have possibly remained hidden enough to hear all that they heard.”

I frowned, unconvinced by his reasoning, but I feared he would take my saying so as an insult to his skill, his ability to be aware of everything and everyone around him. It would be a betrayal indeed, but somehow I knew he would see at as another failure on his part. A wry smile twisted my lips. Who else did I know that took on burdens that weren’t theirs to bear?

“Why are you smiling?”

Lifting my hand, I brushed my fingers over the lines furrowing his brow. “I did not think you and I had much in common beyond our shared knowledge of pain, of being something other.”

“What else do we have in common then,” he asked, a blonde eyebrow arching.

Instead of answering, I decided to risk his ire and advised, “Don’t narrow your suspects down to only the Vargr. I think doing that might make you miss something.”

Golden eyes searched mine then lowered as he considered it. I hated the hurt etched in lines on his face, the doubt the whole pack would be cast under. I wished I could say I believed Skoll had lied simply to cause unease, to have his brother look inwards for trouble instead of outwith where we might really find it, but I couldn’t. All I could do was squeeze Hati’s arm and offer him a tentative smile when he lifted his head again.

“I should go and check the border, hopefully it was just the pups. They’ll need another talking to if so.”

I chuckled. Didn’t he know that a talking to would do little to keep pups in line? Their youth allowed them to get away with much, but eventually teeth would be needed to teach them to respect the hierarchy.

Sensing my amusement, he looked almost sheepish as he admitted, “Astrid was the only pup I’d been around until we came here. Even then, I left her discipline up to Eirny and her mate.”

“You’re good with them,” I argued. “I’ve seen it. Niamh adores you.”

Taking my hand in his, he chuckled and led us once more back through the castle towards the main doors.

“Niamh needs little in the way of reprimanding when she’s with me. The pups sense the difference between skin shifters and Vargr, they feel our magic. I do not wish for them to fear me anymore than they already so, so I make sure they never have need cause to.”

“And that is why they continue to steal those disgusting rolls from the kitchens,” I pointed out, pausing as he did at the doors.

“I’ll take that under advisement. Perhaps you will be able to help me with them, show me how to deal with them. They certainly seem to keep following you around even though I’ve seen you snap your teeth at them more than once.” He grinned, the teasing joy on his face taking years from him to leave a youthful gleam. Hati was happy. I was happy.

“We can discuss it tonight after we eat. Then we can spend time finishing our conversation about language earlier.”

His attempt at seduction flew over my head as I caught onto what he meant. I frowned, stepping back as he began to disrobe and place his layers of clothes on the barrel by the door.

“If you’re going to the border, I’m coming with you. You shouldn’t go alone if we’re not sure who it was,” I said.

He stopped undoing his belt to level me with a look, orange eyes brightening for a second. Not a word was uttered but his answer was clear.

“Why not?” I asked, folding my arms. “Magne decreed I needed to start running everyday, this can be today’s run.”

The belt hit the barrel with a resounding thunk that made me flinch. He kept his silence as he stripped off the rest of his clothes and shook himself out, readying his body for the change.

“You may run free on the paths around the castle, and stray to the North, but my word was that no wolf, apart from patrols, go South.” His tone softened slightly as he approached, a low rumble enticing me to look his way instead of staring stubbornly at the wall. “When Magne deems you ready, you may join the patrols, but until then, you must follow the same rules as the rest of the pack. Go and see your mother, or find Astrid, I will see you at tonight’s meal. I promise. I will sit and eat with you and your family, and enjoy watching how uncomfortable it makes you.”

Lips pursed, I dared meet his gaze with a bristle of irritation that turned into me fighting a grin. He was right. I would be uncomfortable. Mother was bound to ask inappropriate questions, Father would posture and test Hati in a way he’d only get away with as the father of the female being courted. And Fionnlagh. . .gods, he would tell every embarrassing story he could think of.

But I wanted to run with him.

“We have spent little time together in fur,” I mumbled.

“Do not worry, I will make sure you keep to Magne’s instruction by joining you from time to time. I would very much like to get to know you in fur. . . I won’t be long,” he promised again, cupping my cheek and leaning in to press his lips to mine.

My arms slid around his neck as I kissed him back, moaning softly as his tongue sought entrance. His hands slid from my ribs down the curve of my waist to my hips, as if trying to memorise the shape. A nip of teeth promised more later, and I sighed in protest when he pulled away.

“I won’t save you food so make sure you return in time,” I warned.

He laughed as he backed out the door. “Already giving me orders, female?”

I had no reply except to blush. My eyes raking in every inch of naked flesh as he wakes put into the snow without a care for the cold. My teeth sunk into my lip, entranced by the bunch and ripple of muscle that caused ones eyes to stray, quite innocently, to a toned rear. He glanced back to catch me staring, and I was surprised to see pride in his expression as he did.

Once he was done peacocking for me, he shifted to fur quickly. Even though I’d seen his wolf before, his size and stature still caused a flicker of fear. His aura was formidable, as was the almighty howl he let loose to announce that he was leaving. The sound echoed between the three sides of mountains enclosing us, and it made the hair on my arms stand on end. It was a hard call to inform as instincts urged me to join him, my body rocking forward when he darted towards the gates.

Perhaps when he returned, we would have a scent to put to Skoll’s spies. Or the pups would be dragged to the Alpha’s office to properly learn why they shouldn’t disobey the rules about where to roam. Caldar might be the better wolf to do so, he didn’t care about frightening pups. In fact, I believed he might enjoy the task. Sadistic male. All in good fun. . .for him.