The North

Early evening light cast our forested surroundings in a dim grey. Nearing three days travel instead of two, everyone was beginning to feel the strain. The pups were grumpy being stuck in the cart, tired from lack of sleep, and hungry too. Mother spent her time lying next to Father who was still unconscious although his breathing had eased somewhat; that was a relief to us all. Despite small mercies, even I was beginning to lag behind.

Fionnlagh never left my side and we kept each other moving. A few travellers had passed us, and each time, Alpha Hati sent us both to hide in the trees until they were a good distance away so the sight of two wolves on the road wouldn’t have fearful rumours spreading amongst the gossip loving humans.

The mountains ahead drew ever closer, towering so high that the tops were hidden by thick white clouds that threatened snow. It must have signalled we were close because without communicating, Alpha Hati and Farrin both urged their horses on, forcing Fionnlagh and I to abandon our loping trot for a faster run.

Only Niamh was enjoying herself, and was the soul reason I found the strength to keep close to the Alpha astride his mare. He’d kept his promise of letting my sister ride with him, but it had taken much pestering and tears from her before I caved. I wished I hadn’t; for now, he’d managed to win her over too. Niamh adored Alpha Hati, chattering happily in an excitable mix of our native tongue and his own, though he seemed to understand well enough.

Just because he was careful, his arms either side and his gaze flicking ever downward to make sure she was alright, my hackles didn’t soften.

Fionnlagh nudged his head against my shoulder, chuffing a puff of white air to stop my brooding. I nipped at his ear in retaliation. Maybe exhaustion had left me more than a little irritable. He bumped his whole body against mine this time, and I stumbled in the snow, tripped over my tail, and landed in a pile of cold and wet leaves. I growled furiously but he only gave me a wolfish grin, eyeing the limp brown leaves that clung to my fur. Noting my fury however, he turned tail and quickened his pace to catch up to the cart where he’d be in the perceived safety of his mother’s view.

Getting back to my paws, I shook off melting snow, mud, and leaves from frozen fur while low grumbles shook from my chest. When I raised my head and prepared to teach my younger cousin a lessen, I found Alpha Hati had stopped to wait on me, eyes a bright gold as they shimmered in amusement. Thoughts of revenge fled and my fur softened despite his laughter at seeing Fionnlagh best me because I appreciated the act. For all my bravery, I didn’t want to be left behind for the blood drinkers.

The huge dappled grey mare shifted on her hooves as I got close, snickering with flaring nostrils, but calmed as a sleepy Niamh patted her thick neck. Alpha Hati opened his mouth as if to say something but was cut off by a loud howl that echoed all around us, bouncing off the trees and rocky steep cliffs of the mountains. Whatever was on his mind to say was forgotten at the sound, a small smile curling his lips. His head tilted towards the answering chorus, more wolves catching onto their Alpha’s return and happily welcoming him back.

What was a sound of comfort to him only had my protective instincts kicking in. I walked past the Alpha to stay close to all of my family.

Would they be welcomed as coldly as I felt I was? Would they settle in? I’d be there to make sure they were or my teeth would find flesh.

Around the bend and only a few paces ahead loomed the old gateway. Work had been done while we were gone so now the gates stood straight and tall instead of hanging from their hinges. Only one wolf waited under the archway, arms folded and dark eyes watchful of our approach.

Beta Caldar.

He bowed his head towards his Alpha when he caught up, greeting him with a gruff, “You should have been back yesterday.”

“Forgive me, Beta. I thought we made quite good time considering.” The slight warning in his tone, and Caldar grunted, a wave of his hand all he gave in apology for the way he spoke.

I didn’t think any other wolf would get away with it.

Shifting to skin brought to life every ache and pain but I managed to grit my teeth and not make a sound. I quickly snatched my slightly wet dress from the cart and pulled it on, even though the biting winds had decided to give us a reprieve.

Alpha Hati dismounted and smiled up at my sister whose brown eyes were nearly hidden by drooping lids. Raising his arms to help her down, the action rattled me to my core for some reason and I quickly inserted in front of him to help her down myself, fighting back a protective growl. Niamh fell into me easily, winding her arms around my neck with her head resting on my shoulder.

All the while, darkening orange eyes clashed with mine. The Alpha's jaw clenched so tight that a muscle in his cheek twitched. I readied myself for harsh words, my chin jutting out defiantly, but instead of anger, it was respect that flashed across his features. He understood me well enough now perhaps, to know not to take offence.

Turning away from me to face his Beta again, he immediately began to list off orders, “Farrin is to take Tabhin to a healer, help him, and have Astrid or Ingrid ask around the pack for clothes that can be spared for Eabha's family.”

Caldar bared his neck and headed for the cart to carry out his orders. The sound of Mother whimpering as her mate was lifted down tore at my heart. Father looked no better than how we’d found him but thankfully, no worse either.

“I should go with him,” she said, her hands trembling as she uncurled Anndra's fingers from hers and urged him towards Oighrig.

“Mother, you need to eat and rest. The pups need you too,” I insisted.

“It is alright,” Alpha Hati interrupted. “I will have food brought for them both and the healers will have a place for your mother to sleep close to her mate. The rest of you can follow me to the kitchens for food while I make sure rooms are made available for you. Everyone will be well taken care of under my eyes.”

Mother hesitated, her gaze flicking from my siblings and I, to her mate being carried carefully inside. I could understand how torn she must have felt about leaving her pups in unknown territory with strangers, or leaving her injured mate alone. I supposed it would be better for her to go with Father. At least with the pups with me, she would be less worried than leaving Father all alone.

I shifted Niamh on my hip to press my cheek to hers. “I’m sorry. You’re right, you should go with him. We’ll be okay.”

She squeezed my arm, kissed Niamh's cheek and told her to be good, then eyed the Alpha in a way that had pride swelling. Plump lips pulled back to bare her teeth at him and she didn’t need to say a word to get her point across. I’d never seen Mother stand up to a more dominant wolf before, but shock at that was overpowered by Alpha Hati’s reaction to being threatened.

“If anything happens to any one of them, I will willingly give you my throat,” he vowed.

My eyes narrowed as I wondered just what game he was playing, but Mother seemed happy with that answer and quickly rushed after Caldar and Farrin.

Alpha Hati smirked when he caught me glaring, but nobody noticed our altercation. Opening his arms to my pack, he raised his voice for Fionnlagh and Oighrig to hear too. “You must all be starving. Let me see if I can find something warm for you to eat before I leave you to rest.”

Aunt Oighrig grinned and patted Seumas’ back, her other hand reaching out to hold Anndra's as she followed the Alpha inside. Fionnlagh stayed next to me, staring up at the castle in distaste, and then at the dress I wore with equal displeasure. Grabbing his arm, I forced him, and myself, to step inside.

“I don’t like him,” Fionnlagh muttered as we traipsed through gloomy grey halls, passing busy wolves who watched us as we did them.

I hushed my cousin quickly with a sharp pinch to his arm

“Like him or not, this is his territory and he’s looking after us. Watch your tongue.”

He huffed, rubbing his arm. “Why? You don’t like him either, don’t think none of us can tell.”

There was nothing I could say in reply to that, and what Alpha Hati had said about Fionnlagh following my lead briefly passed through my thoughts.

“We have to at least be grateful and respectful.” Rubbing Niamh's back, I attempted to release the tension that kept my shoulders tight and hunched, going so far as to put on a smile. “It is better here than those musty caves we’ve been using isn’t it? There is new land to explore that I’m assured is safe to the North, and wolves your own age you can prove your worth to.”

That my cousin puffed up at, and I wondered if he would ever grow too old for such tricks to work on him.

As soon as we entered the huge and bustling kitchens, the last of the chill was chased away. It was warm down here with only small windows, and many fires for cooking and baking. Food that required such effort - bread for instance - had always been a rare luxury to us, one I could get used to.

Niamh woke up with renewed energy as the aroma of food filled her nose. She scrambled from my hold to run over to Anndra and take a seat beside our Aunt.

Alpha Hati was speaking to an older female, his voice a low mumble beneath the cacophony of sounds. Clanking pots, water bubbling, my siblings’ clamouring to be fed. It was overwhelming in top of seeing my family sitting there with smiles on their faces, knowing I’d accomplished what my uncle had asked me to. Sensing my wavering stoicism, Fionnlagh placed a warm hand on my shoulder but made no move to sit until I did.

I surveyed the Alpha closely, trying to decide if it was worth giving in and accepting what was in front of me. The elder female with wisps of greying black hair and rosy cheeks gushed over the youngest of my pack, answering whatever Alpha Hati had asked of her with a kind voice. “Don’t worry, Alpha, I’ll take good care of them. Maybe there’s even some sweet treats left over they could have, though that might be best left until they have slept or they will be up the rest of the night!”

He chuckled at that, looking upon the female with affection. I wished I knew what exactly a sweet treat was, but she’d won the pups over with the promise of future food.

Nothing seemed amiss, and I finally stepped forward.

“Remember your manners,” I urged the pups gently, taking a seat across from them.

Anndra and Niamh were quick to thank both her and the Alpha, and when broth and bread were brought out, Fionnlagh too immediately forgot all about his apparent dislike and mistrust. His hand darted as wildly for the wooden bowls as the pups did. Oighrig tried to keep them in line and I did my best to help, but now I was sitting, my body had decided enough was enough. After a few minutes, I couldn’t so much as offer a stern look.

My thoughts became slow and muddled, and I had no appetite for anything on offer though I knew I should eat. I settled for picking at crumbs of bread, not really tasting anything I put in my mouth. My leg was achy from hours of walking and running too though I didn’t dare complain. Other things took precedent. Like had a healer been to see Father yet? Had they checked on my mother too? She hadn’t been herself lately but I hoped she would return to us as Father got better.

Alpha Hati stood at the end of the table, keeping us under his eye just as he’d promised, but it was only when Astrid hurried in that I let my gaze stray towards him. Tall as she was, she still had to go on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. News of my father perhaps? Good news, I surmised, for her expression was bright and at ease. With graceful steps, she approached me and touched her cheek to mine.

“I’m glad you found your loved ones,” she said.

I smiled my thanks, glad that there was at least one wolf here I trusted.

After she left, it was a struggle to so much as keep my eyes open. More than once, the sensation of my head lolling as sleep called made me jerk awake again.

The Alpha must have had enough of watching me nearly fall face first into my plate. Rounding the table, I only became aware he was behind me when a hand suddenly came down on my back. I nearly jumped out of my skin, whipping round to stare up accusingly up him. Heat spread where his touch lingered, so I stood quickly to rid myself of it.

His hand fell to his side with a sharp exhale that hardened his features until he appeared as harsh as the first time I’d seen him lounging upon his throne.

“Come with me.”

“Why?” I asked. “You heard me tell my mother I wouldn’t leave them.”

Orange eyes flicked upwards and he shook his head as if someone watched from above. When he spoke again, his tone was thick and defensive. “I have no ulterior motive. You’re seconds from collapsing where you stand so I thought you’d like to see where you and your family’s rooms will be so you can sleep.”

He wasn’t wrong. I did feel like my legs were about to buckle and my eyelids were fluttering in an attempt to stay open.

It was tiredness making me paranoid, I decided. Alpha Hati had kept his word. He’d saved my family, fed them, had his healer working on Father, what more did I want from this male?

“Go and sleep, Eabha,” Oighrig spoke from behind me. “These pups won’t be done eating for a while, and I assure you I am as fearsome as Laoghaire when I need to be.”

She ruffled Anndra's hair but he barely noticed through a mouthful of food. Everyone looked content, and the cooks who flitted about the kitchen had nothing but affection for them.

Smoothing out my dress, I nodded, then hesitated yet again when Alpha Hati held out his hand to help me step over the bench. Another challenge, it glittered in his fiery eyes, daring me to take it.

I tilted my chin up, and knew I’d won when his eyebrow arched slightly as I placed my hand in his. Rough and calloused, the feel of his skin sent a shiver up my spine and I felt his strength as he helped me. The moment I was steady, his hand slid from mine. He turned on his heel and marched out the door, expecting me to follow like an obedient pup.

Grumbling to myself, I picked up the skirt of my dress and hurried after him. He didn’t look back to make sure I caught up, leading me with determined steps to a part of the castle I hadn’t been to before. Better maintained, the heat from the flickering orange torches on the wall warmed my skin, but the enclosed space still made me nervous.

“Your aunt and her pups can have this room.” Alpha Hati paused by a heavy door, glancing briefly over his shoulder at me before moving on. “The one next to it is for you parents and your siblings. . .” Walking to the end of the hall, he finally turned to face me, motioning towards the last door. “This one is for you.”

Before I could protest or ask why I needed a room all to myself, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. I went after him, ready to argue but my words were cut short as a wall of warmth hit my skin and I breathed out a gentle sigh with fluttering lashes. A fire crackled away in the hearth and thick woven tapestries hung over the shuttered windows to keep the heat in.

While it wasn’t a big room, it was more than anything I’d ever had to call my own. The small bed was piled high with furs and blankets that I longed to burrow into, to sleep as long as I needed with nothing to wake up for. Though I might not use the bed. The deer pelt before the fire appealed to me far more.

“If it’s not to your liking-”

“It’s beautiful,” I rushed, brushing my fingers along the stone wall while shaking my head in confusion. “I don’t need my own room. We’ve always slept together as pack.”

Alpha Hati wandered over to one of the tapestries, moving it aside so I could see the magnificence the view had to offer. I was caught in awe at the blue toned mountains and snow-covered treetops sprawling out for miles.

“When Fionnlagh is old enough, he will be allowed his own room too. Or he’s free to build his own home on the territory. Your Mother and Father will be given the same option once they are well enough.” Blazing eyes trailed slowly up the length of me before settling on my face. “As an unmated female of age, it is your right to have a room in the castle. It’s safer.”

I studied him from the corner of my eye while a gentle breeze ruffled my hair. “You intend to forsake the wilderness and live this way for a while then.”

The male bristled at the sound of my disapproval.

“You aren’t being forced to forsake your roots. Our people must evolve with the times, that doesn’t mean when the blood drinkers have been dealt with that my wolves will not be free to live as they will,” he explained, a sharp edge to his tone. He looked out the window once more before dropping the tapestry to block the view. “For now, all must stay close, and nobody is allowed to leave the walls alone. I must ask that you remain within the confines of the castle until I give you permission otherwise.”

Taken aback, I gaped up at him. “You promised my siblings freedom to roam-“

“And they shall have it. It is only you I require to stay. I dislike asking it as much as I’m sure you will dislike obeying, but you will obey, Eabha, without question. Or I will have reason to distrust you.”

The unfamiliar use of my name in his rumbling timbre, and the thinly veiled threat, silenced me. My blood boiled none the less at the infuriating demand. Why would he ask such a thing of me? It didn’t make sense. Especially as I’d all but admitted that I found the idea of being confined to a castle and single territory quite claustrophobic.

His expression remained impassive as he waited for me to submit or bare my teeth. As if I had much of a choice.

“I thank you for the room, Alpha Hati,” I grit out. “If you require me to prove I’m trustworthy by remaining here for a while, then I will.”

He nodded in acceptance and rocked on his heels, making no move to leave. Silence strained between us. My fingers wound together as I fretted over being alone with this male. The power I normally felt from him was still there but less intense than normal, unless I was just getting used to it. My gaze began to roam too, admiring the intricacy of the braids in his hair and the strong lines of his face while he focussed on the fire.

The flames were reflected in his eyes, flickering and bright. Dangerous.

A smirk touched his lips and somehow, I knew I’d been caught. Not that I felt any embarrassment. In fact, with his tunic covering his torso, and the loose trousers he wore, it was impossible for me to interpret much more about him.

“Shall I strip and you can finish your inspection so you can make a final judgement of me?” His head tilted towards me with a quirked brow. “Farrin tells me it is an important part of getting to know strangers amongst packs like yours.”

“It is,” I replied, completely unabashed. “But I can respect that is not your way.”

He smiled, and I hated that I smiled back. Especially when he straightened like he’d won some prized catch. “I would not be against it as long as you gave me the same courtesy in return. Perhaps I would figure out what it is that makes you hold your head up so high.”

My cheeks burned as the image of us doing just that popped into my head. I was glad he changed the subject quickly, his expression turning serious once more.

“To compensate for your lack of freedom on the grounds, I have a proposition for you. No pack has ever been this big before; there are many wolves with different cultures and heritage, so unfortunately issues arise and rifts form between factions. To aid the bringing together of everyone, I choose some wolves from different families to join a council. . .” He paused at my blank look at the unfamiliar term. Chuckling and licking his lips thoughtfully, he offered the word in my native tongue. “Comhairle. A group of advisors, most of whom used to be Alpha’s of their own packs before coming here. I hope you will take that place so you can speak on behalf of your kin, especially as we don’t currently have a council member to represent the views of the South.”

It felt off to be referred to as Southern when most of my life, wolves from Sasainn and even the lowlands of Alba called us the Northerners. As for his offer, it wasn’t something that appealed to me. A wolf who craved prestige or a chance to further test themselves might have done, but this was another human concept that meant little to me.

“I was never meant to be a leader, an Alpha. That’s not who I am,” I said.

His thundering growl of frustration cut me off and he levelled me with a look as if daring me to deny the title again. “Alpha or not, you are who I choose. Your father is too sick, your mother will not leave his side, you cousin is too young, and your aunt. . .I do not think I need to say why she would not be fit for the role.”

I sighed, feeling his frustration as if it was my own. Maybe it was. Maybe I was irritated by this male’s highhandedness.

My hesitation was met with further annoyance. Alpha Hati swooped forward and captured my chin between his fingers to force me to meet eyes that flickered like living flames. His touch burned into my skin and I became aware of everything all at once. How close he stood, the sweet aroma of his scent, the small pucker of paler skin at the bow of his lip where a fang or claw had once caught him.

“Most would consider this an honour,” he growled lowly. “You are from the south are you not, do you not wish for your ways and traditions to be remembered here?”

Something about the way his eyes scanned my face, as if looking for the slightest twitch or falter, made me think there was more to the question he asked than simply to get a rise out of me. He was searching for something in my words, and because I wasn’t sure what, it made me terrified to say a thing.

“It is an honour, and I do wish for our ways to be taken into consideration, but you ask much of me at a time when I have many other concerns to take up my thoughts; my father for instance.” Lowering my gaze to placate him, I let my shoulders slump and the truth of my exhaustion be seen. “Please, I'd like to rest. I will give you my answer when I am in a state of mind to think it through.”

Although, if his reaction was anything to go by, in this too, I had little choice. He wanted me close. Why? To keep an eye on me?

“Very well, I will have your answer soon. Think on it well.” I could feel his gaze linger as he gently released my chin, satisfied with a small show submission. “Astrid has grown fond of you; she will wake you in the morning so she can take you to visit your father in the healer’s wing.”

Fortunately, I was quite fond of Astrid too, and was glad she would continue to be my guide here. I smiled in acknowledgement but he had already turned his back to me, making a quick exit. The fire billowed violently when he swung the door open, and he paused with a deep breath to collect himself.

“Sleep well, Little Alpha.”

I was unsure if he’d really spoken. The quiet murmur was drowned out but the chilling screech of the door’s hinges. I cringed as it slammed shut, then sighed and ran my fingers through my hair.

What a draining male he was to converse with, accompanied by a temper to match the colour of his eyes.

I went over and over our every interaction for some clue that would spark such sudden distrust between us, and why this wouldn’t extent to my family. He’d been so kind to them, friendly and inviting, almost happy to see them settling in so well as he watched them eat their weight in his food. Yet I get commanded not to leave the castle?

The bigger question was, if he didn’t trust me, why was he risking having me here at all? Why offer to have me join his council?

Gods, why was I agreeing to stay here against all my better instincts. I knew he was keeping many secrets himself for one demanding so much honesty. Maybe that was the truth of why I was so mad. For all my stubbornness, and even my dislike of him, I respected him. Begrudgingly, after all he’d done over the last few days, I trusted him. I wanted him to trust me too.

Why did I care so much?

My head began to pound. No amount of rubbing my temples and over my brow as Mother had shown me eased it.

Sleep would be the only thing to cure me now.

I eyed the bed again, wondering if my refusal to use it would only ruffle the Alpha’s fur even more. With a grin, I decided that might not be an entirely bad thing. I began to gather up the furs and blankets to create a den I’d be happier with on the pelt by the fire. My sodden dress was flung to an abandoned corner and I burrowed under the warm mass with a small space so I could feel the warm hearth on my face.

Within seconds, and for the first time since Mànas had died, I fell into a deep and restful sleep.