SWNOVELS Chapter 8
Dreams filled my head; of summer hunts and long exploratory treks, of running through thick meadows filled with rainbow-coloured wildflowers that sweeten the air, and the salt of the sea on the breeze. The horrors that had driven my pack from our home were forgotten, and even Mànas was alive and happy as I slept.
But I couldn’t sleep forever.
Groggily, my eyes fluttered open, and I realised it wasn’t my brother calling my name but a blurry female who hovered over my makeshift den.
“Finally.” The female laughed, holding up one of the blankets that must have fallen across my face in the night.
Rubbing my eyes free of sleep, I was greeted by the joyful smile of Astrid. Blonde hair fell like a veil around us and I found myself blushing at how close her face was to mine.
“I was worried I wouldn’t be able to wake you,” she teased. “What were you dreaming about that put a smile on your face?”
Sorrow gripped my heart and my voice was thick with grief as I admitted, “My older brother. He was killed a few months ago.”
The smile fell from Astrid's face, her crystal eyes misting up with sympathy. Moving away so I could sit, I felt a little bad for ruining her good mood as she helped me untangle myself from furs and blankets.
“Do you not like the bed?” she asked, smoothing her hand over the red deer pelt on the floor.
“It’s a fine bed. I’m just not used to all this. Maybe it’ll grow on me if I give it a chance.” Though I doubted I ever would. “How is my pack?”
She studied me for a few seconds, maybe trying to decide if I was telling the truth or if she could move the bed out for someone else to use. “They have settled in well. Everyone has had breakfast and your siblings with the other pups. They've made great friends already. Your older cousin, Fionnlagh, took some persuading, but he too is with wolves his own age after I might have mentioned it was your orders. . .”
I chuckled at that, and felt a measure of relief. Oighrig too would find it easy to mingle amongst strangers, she always did. Though her mind was sometimes lost, she was a sweet female and others often gravitated towards her. Even Fionnlagh would find a place with wolves whom he could play fight and hunt with as he once did with Mànas. There was much to learn in the games we played with others.
“And my father?”
“Is doing much better too. He’s awake-“
“What? When did he wake?” Shoving the blankets away, I clambered to my feet with every intention of going to see him immediately.
Astrid stood and grabbed my arms, reading the panic in my expression. A gentle rumble of her wolf had me calming enough to focus on her.
“I will take you to see him, don’t fret. I took your dress to be washed while you were asleep but a few other females have offered clothing for you,” she soothed, tugging me over to a plain wooden chest that had appeared at the end of my bed.
Too tired to repeat my claim that I didn’t need nor want to wear clothes, I decided things would probably go much smoother if I gave into this pack’s ways for a while. It might help me in my plight of gaining Alpha Hati’s trust if he saw me trying to fit in. I could appreciate a gift when it was given too, I wasn’t completely without manners.
“How do I repay them all?” I asked, trying to hide my curiosity as various fabrics were pulled out.
Some dresses were similar to the ones I saw human females wear when tending to livestock and fields; plain, simple cut garments; still beautifully dyed and made, of course. One however, was made of a fabric of the likes I had never seen before. Dark blue in colour, it seemed to shimmer in shades of deep purple and green akin to the view of the heather covered hills of home. Astrid left that one at the bottom of the chest, and I could tell immediately it wasn’t something to wear everyday.
What sort of occasions could warrant such opulence amongst our kind?
“Think of these as a welcoming present, they expect nothing in return for it. Although, I’m sure you’ll find a way to thank them if you really wish to.” Astrid smiled up at me. “Anything that doesn’t fit properly, you are free to sew or change to your liking, or you can gift them on to someone else and it will not be minded.”
Feeling very much out of place, I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I murmured questioningly, “Sew?”
“Ah, yes. I forget you are not like most of the others here. We have a few packs like yours who have sought us out, but most wolves here have been living amongst the mortals for a few generations. I can sew for you if it’s needed.”
My nose scrunched and Astrid chuckled at my reaction, holding up a maroon dress against me to check the length. “Do not think too lowly of us for living like the humans. It is safer, even if you do not wish to admit it.”
“I do not think lowly of you at all, Astrid,” I said, with all sincerity. “I understand why we have to adapt, but I still hope to return to roaming where I please one day.”
“I hope one day we can all return to where we want to be,” Astrid agreed wistfully, but she shook her head quickly and went about pulling out what I guessed to be soft shoes while I wondered what she meant by that. Had she left her home to come here too? Had Alpha Hati?
The minute he crossed my mind, I remembered how we’d parted ways and a flicker of residual irritation prickled my skin. Sliding the chosen dress on, I sat impatiently on the bed while Astrid took her time to teach me to tie the laces around my ankles.
“I thought you’d like these more. No need for stockings, and the sole is soft so you can still feel the ground beneath you and move your foot as you wish.”
The winding loops she made with deft flicks of her fingers only confused me, and I feared I would never be able to undo the knot she made. I’d barely given her a chance to rise from her knees when she finished before I was darting towards the door with dark loose hair flying out behind me.
Astrid’s hurried steps followed, then paused briefly so she could shut the door behind her. She caught up quickly and grabbed my arm once more. “Slow down before you hurt yourself, the stairs are deathly steep. Let me lead the way.”
If only she understood how hard that was. Every instinct urged me to shift to fur and tear through the halls until I found my father; only fear of ruining the dress I wore stopped me from giving in.
Joining our arms at the elbow, she gave me a playful wink. “Come, I’ll show you what I’ve learned of how to walk like a proper human lady as some of the tamer wolves here so like to imitate.”
I barked a laugh and my hand flew up to cover my mouth. Was my disdain for the way of life here so clear? If it was, Astrid didn’t mind. Her eyes sparkled and I got the feeling she was simply happy to have brought a smile to my face. She chuckled as she led me down the stairs, and dutifully whispered the names of every wolf we passed on the way. I did my best to remember them, but there were so many that I quickly lost track.
It didn’t help that not all greeted us with smiling faces. I quickly noted those who watched me with more reproachful eyes all had a similar, if weaker aura as Alpha Hati. They were built a little taller and broader, their skin holding an enviable golden glow. Even the few females amongst their number boasted muscle and a static energy that made the hair on my arms stand on end. I dropped my gaze quickly; certain my pounding heart was heard by everyone.
Eyeing Astrid next to me, I debated asking her about the strange wolves, but as I inhaled to speak, the heady, earthy scent of herbs and smoke wafted down the hall.
We’d reached the healer’s quarters.
Astrid’s nose scrunched as we walked through the swirling wisps of sweet smoke that settled my fur with every breath. I imagined that was exactly the use for it as injured wolves could have quite the temper needing soothed.
“I don’t get how anyone can stand the smell,” Astrid muttered as she watched me breathe it in.
“Then you’re more than welcome to leave!” an older female rebuffed from a crooked doorway at the end of the hall. While her tone sounded serious, there was a small quirk of lips that betrayed her smile.
“Come now, Mother. You would miss me if I never came to visit.” Astrid threw her head back and laughed as her mother sniffed. “One of your patients has an eager visitor.”
A gentle nudge to my back urged me to stand in front of the older female. Greying blonde hair was mostly hidden by a piece of dark cloth that kept her face clear of any stray wisps. Dark violet eyes were as startling in colour as Alpha Hati’s and I knew immediately she was one of them. So why didn’t Astrid have that same oddness about her?
The wrinkles around the female’s eyes creased as her lips curled into a smile and her gaze became unnervingly knowing.
“Eabha.” She smiled and stepped forward to press her cheek to mine, and took her time to scent me. “My name is Eirny.”
Her own scent left me in no doubt that she was the healer. The lingering floral tones of various plants was so strong, there was little trace of anything else on her skin. She looked me slowly up and down, and my shoulders pulled back as I straightened my head, very aware that she was assessing me. I didn’t want to fall short.
“You need to eat,” she appraised at length.
Astrid huffed and the healer quickly added, “That is not to say that you don’t hold yourself well. I’m glad to be able to see what Alpha Hati was talking about myself.”
“Alpha Hati spoke to you about me?”
Eirny chuckled and took my hand in hers. “He made it very clear that I was to check you over. He has concerns about your leg and I am to tend to that before I allow you to do anything else.”
“My father,” I protested, trying to see past her shoulder to the room she’d been in.
“He will still be there when we are done, and in much better spirits I imagine for my herbs need some time to work. Come.”
With Eirny on one side, and Astrid on the other, I had little other choice than to follow them both into a small room across the hall.
Astrid pulled out a stool for me then made a point of gagging at the heady smell permeating the room and moved to stand next to a small window. Small shafts of pale blue light streamed in and I stared at the bright sky. The sun still sat low in the sky, so I could at least be happy I hadn’t slept the entire morning away.
Sitting awkwardly on the stool, I watched Eirny potter about setting various utensils and aromatic poultices on a tray before pulling a small chair over so she could sit across from me.
“I don’t mean to cause further offence. . .” She eyed Astrid teasingly before bringing her violet gaze back to me. “But are you always so pale?”
I laughed and nodded. “My siblings tan a beautiful gold in the sun, but I take after my mother in that aspect. The shade has always been my friend, even in fur.”
The two females laughed and I began to feel a little more at ease. It was much more enjoyable and easy conversing with them than it was their Alpha.
“Well then, let’s have a look at your leg, shall we?”
Tugging at my dress, I lay the long fabric over my knee. The bruising had faded to an off-putting mix of yellow and green, but the pale pink scar running down the middle had changed little. I imagined there might always be a scar there, not that it bothered me.
“Alpha Hati mentioned he had a gift of healing, he didn’t think it worked but it must have.”
Gentle fingers inspected the damage, then prodded more firmly at the break sight. I cringed and let out a sharp breath at the throbbing it caused and Eirny gave a soothing rumble.
Astrid crept away from the window and peered over her mother to catch a glimpse. “Hati must be losing his touch.”
It was weird to hear her use his name without his title, and perhaps Eirny didn’t approve for she cut her a sharp look that made Astrid bow her head.
“It is healing nicely. Though I was less than pleased to hear you’d been running on it.” She gave me a slightly reproachful glance that didn’t shake me at all, and I resisted the urge to tell her I would do it all again if I had to. “I don’t want to give you anything for it. Your body is handling it well enough and the bruising will disappear by the end of the week, I am sure. My only advice is to eat a little and as often as you can until we see some more meat on your bones. If your leg hurts, rest. I don’t want to see you in here with a rebreak, or worse.”
Her motherly tone filled me with warmth, and I could see the genuine care in her eyes as she brushed her hand affectionately against mine. She stood to put away her tools as I lowered my dress, and when she turned back, I got the feeling I wasn’t free to leave yet.
“I am in charge of the healer’s here, so I feel it is my duty to know every wolf that could be under my care as best as possible so I might better know how to treat them in future,” she began. “I have a few questions if that is alright?”
I shifted on the stool, becoming suddenly wary. In the wild, a wolf’s health was a personal matter, even amongst trusted pack. To know ones weaknesses was to have a way up the hierarchy, and worse in some cases. That was exactly how I ended up leading my pack once Father was injured and that wasn’t intended. Deep down, I knew it would be hard to submit to him, now I’d been the more dominant wolf.
Taking my silence as permission, Eirny took her place on the chair in front of me again, keeping her smile in place. “Have you ever gotten sick?”
“What kind of sick?” I asked slowly.
“Any kind of sick.”
I spluttered helplessly at the question. Did she want a list of every cough and cold I’d caught?
“Of course. Everyone gets sick. Every winter I sniffle for weeks.”
“Have you broken bones before?”
Feeling rather sheepish, I ducked my gaze before admitting. “Mother says when I was a pup, I broke a tail bone after chasing a bee and tripping over myself.”
Both Astrid and Eirny giggled at that, but they sobered quickly, and I got the distinct impression there was more to this questioning than they let on. Eirny’s eyes were sharp, and it was a struggle not to take this as a challenge.
“Did you heal as quickly from that as you did this?”
Head quirking to one side, I chewed that question over before answering, “I don’t remember. But I’ve had cuts, scratches and multiple bruises and have never noticed them healing any faster than anyone elses do.”
Perhaps she noticed the harsh and defensive edge to my voice, for she lifted a placating hand.
“Adrenaline and a safe place to recuperate might explain all,” she said. “Your father’s ancestors come from these lands; do you know much about them?”
“I know they left a few generations ago, I know the stories of their gods, the traditions they passed on, the language; if that is what you mean.”
“You don’t believe in our gods?” Astrid asked, something akin to amusement in glittering blue eyes that turned into full on laughter when I shook my head. She stopped when I peeled back my lips and let out a growl, offended at her reaction.
Swooping forward she grabbed my shoulder. “Oh Eabha, I’m not laughing at your beliefs. When Hati told me that you called him out with your knowledge of Fenrir and his sons, he was somewhat nettled. Now that I know it is because you do not even believe in them, I understand the look on his face.”
I had to admit, knowing I’d nettled the Alpha sent a burst of pleasure through me, and Astrid knew it. Her laughter was forgiven.
“Yes, he’s certainly going to have his hands full with you, isn’t he?” Eriny smirked.
Standing from the stool, I held my hands up. “I don’t mean to be a handful. Whatever the reason he dislikes me, trust I mean no harm. I just want a safe place for me and mine, that’s all.”
Astrid hushed me gently, frowning at my sudden panicked outburst. “Alpha Hati doesn’t dislike you, nor does he think you mean anyone any harm. I’m sorry if my mother’s nosiness has overwhelmed you.”
Nosiness. If only I could be sure that’s all it was. But I believed there was no ill intent towards me and composed myself with a breath, tugging itchy fabric away from too tight skin.
“I answered your questions, can see my father now?”
Rising slowly, Eirny gave me a warm smile and motioned to the door. “Of course. Keep in mind he needs to rest so don’t be too long. I’ve sent your mother to bed, and you should make sure you get an early night as well.”
I bowed my head, accepting the healer’s orders, then rushed out with little dignity, or care.
The other room was much larger, with many windows lining one wall, and many small wooden beds taking up the space. The smell stopped me in my tracks. The smoke couldn’t hide the underlying sour odour of injury and death. It made my heart flutter in my chest, but a low voice, strained and tired, caught my attention.
“Is that you, an nighean agam, Eabha?”
In the far corner, propped up so the sun lit up his face, rested my father. Colour had returned to his skin, and his face appeared less gaunt, the creases of pain all smoothed out. I rushed over and collapsed to my knees by the bed, grasping his outstretched hand. His other cupped the back of my head to draw it to his warm chest, and beneath my cheek I could feel the strong pulse of his heart.
Tears came fast and hard as he nuzzled my hair, fingers massaging the back of my neck as he rumbled gently. “Don’t cry, my female. There’s no need for tears. Everything is alright.”
Trying to breathe through the sobs, I lifted my head to look over him. The wounds on his chest were bandaged up and I could smell some herbal remedy that had been smeared over them. Finally meeting eyes the same warm brown as mine, I lifted my hand to brush my knuckles over his cheek.
“I thought we were going to lose you as well. I thought I hadn’t made it in time.”
Tutting quietly, he slid his hands beneath my arms and hoisted me up onto the bed to tuck me against his side. I rested my head on his chest, being careful of his wounds as I cuddled in like a pup.
“Thanks to you, the pack finally have sanctuary. They have food in their bellies, a warm bed, clothes, a strong pack. You were a better Alpha than I, Eabha,” he said, squeezing my arm.
I shook my head to deny it and he retaliated with a sharp pinch to my ear, chuckling as I yelped. This was what I needed, my father acting as his usual playful self. Rubbing the sore spot, I gave him a wry smile. “You are feeling better then?”
He shifted a little, his movements slow and stiff. “Yes. The pain lessens by the hour. Eirny is a good healer.”
I smiled at that, and decided I’d make sure to find a way to thank the head healer for her care and kindness.
“I have yet to meet our new Alpha but your mother tells me he is very impressed by you.” He chuckled. “Early this morning Niamh had to be persuaded to stop following him around to meet the other pups.”
Impressed by me. Pah!
“Yes, he won Niamh’s heart the moment he let her ride his horse.” The words came out a little harsher than I meant them too and my father didn’t miss that.
Tipping my chin up, I held my ground as he narrowed his eyes. “Has he done something to upset you? If he has, I won’t let it stand.”
It pleased me to see this side of him. My father could have a nasty bite if he felt one of his pups had been hurt, and I doubted any injury would stop him.
“He doesn’t trust me, Athair, and I don’t know why. I’m sure he had Eirny ask me strange questions, and it has something to do with my leg-"
“Your leg?” he asked, peering questioningly down at me.
I shrugged, shifting so I could see his face properly. “I broke it and it healed nearly overnight. They say on its own, but that’s not possible, right?”
“No, that shouldn’t be possible.” There was something guarded about his tone that made me look at him more closely. A crease formed between his brows and his gaze became distant, as if he was deep in thought.
Chewing my lip, I debated whether to confide in what else I suspected, for his knowledge of these things was far vaster than mine. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure the room was still empty and that nobody lingered by the door before whispering, “There’s something off about him and a few of the others here, and it’s like they can sense something off about me. He looks at me like. . .”
“Like what? What do you sense about them?”
When it came to it, I couldn’t put it into words. Seeing the concern etched into Father’s expression, the glimmer of worry, it made me feel guilty. It wasn’t right of me to burden him with such things when he needed peace and quiet. Nobody here had made move to harm us, and until they did, what did it matter who they were? There was no need to seed distrust between my family and the Alpha.
“Pay me no mind,.” I sighed and waved a weary hand. “The last few days have been trying and my mind is weary. Perhaps I’m rattled after the adventure we have had and my instincts are being overly cautious. Will we stay here then, is this what you want for the pack?”
He considered me for a long moment but I did not waver. My gaze held his and I kept my hands folded on my lap so no twitch would give a thing away.
“What do you think we should do, Alpha Eabha?”
With a playful huff, I looked towards the window. The skeletal branches of a small tree swayed gently in the breeze, and I could hear the distant sound of pup’s laughing in some nearby part of the forest. When had I last heard such a joyous, carefree sound?
“Niamh and Anndra have already made friends, and mother said on our way here that she trusts Alpha Hati,” I began, looking around the room and all this place had to offer. Healers, food, friends, shelter, I couldn’t take that away from everyone. “I think we should stay."
Father accepted my decree with a smile and patted my hand, but his touch was fumbled and weak. When I looked up, it was to see his dark eyes hooded and heavy. “As you say, my Eabha. You should make an effort to interact with the pack and find friends too. Maybe you’ll find a nice young male your own age.”
“Father,” I scolded, but he was already falling asleep again.
Slowly, so as not to wake him, I slid from the bed and tucked the blankets around him. I kissed his cheek, taking one last draw or his deep forest scent.
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Eirny spoke from behind me, a bowl of steaming water cupped in her hands. “Astrid has been called away, I trust you know your way back?”
I nodded, tugging nervously at the front of my dress. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”
“It is my duty.” She smiled then jerked her head towards the door. “Off with you now. There’s never a lack of something needing done around here, and offering your help will earn trust quickly.”
She’d heard me. She must have.
Violet eyes tracked my movements as I shuffled across the room towards the door, but there was no malice in her gaze. Curiosity, and something else that made me uneasy, but not in a way that told me she meant me any harm. I bowed my head respectfully and felt her satisfaction with that as I left.
I took my time winding aimlessly through corridor after corroder to come to terms with my decision. We were staying. That was that. I had to deal with my situation gracefully as Mother would expect me to, which meant accepting Alpha Hati’s offer of joining his council. It would please my parents too; they’d see it as me carving out a place for myself when I’d lingered close to them long after the age a female might begin to wander in search of a mate.
Round the next corner, I came face to face with another member of the pack. Her long-sleeved green dress rustled across the stone floor and a belt of looping gold embedded with glittering gems hung low on her hips. Graceful steps took her to where I stopped, ready to step aside for her, but she paused instead.
“Can I help you find where you’re going?” the female asked, a look of amusement in her expression. Leaf green eyes took the measure of me, settling on my face and seemingly surprised to see me look her in the eye. The amusement disappeared. “You must be Eabha. Alpha Hati has told me much about you, in fact, he can’t seem to stop grumbling about you. I wonder why that is?”
Her words were tightly spoken, the slant of her smile becoming ever so slightly strained.
“I’m looking for my younger siblings, or a way I can offer my help today,” I replied lightly, ignoring the rest of what she said.
She hummed and turned to face me properly, taking another step closer. Close in height, she tilted her head up to peer down at me through thick lashes. “Can you mend clothes, dye cloth, or cook?”
I shook my head. These were all such foreign things to me. Human things.
She sighed heavily, and clasped her hands together, as if she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders and I was adding further burden. “Another wolf only suited to the wilds. When I become Alpha Female, I will make sure every wolf is taught these things. At the very least, a female should be able to sew, knit, and use a loom, in order to provide clothing for a future mate and pups.”
I didn’t miss the insult hidden in what she said. Especially as she eyed the borrowed dress that had been given to me. Unflinching at her disapproval, it was her announcement of becoming Alpha Female that caught my attention. I knew why she’d said as much. Already she was trying to let me know my place was far beneath where she believed herself to be.
My lip curled as I studied the female in turn. Her hands were soft and uncalloused, her nails clean; she’d never hunted for survival or built a shelter in her life. In fact, I could see no real muscle anywhere on her form. Even her scent held an odd aroma, as if she’d bathed in scented water or done her best to hide her natural scent. She was a pup in my eyes, less capable than Niamh would be should she find herself alone in the wild.
Tipping my chin up, there was a growl in my voice as I said confidently, “I’m a good tracker, and a decent hunter. Your Alpha must see some use for me here seeing as he invited me to sit on his council.”
It was meant to be a gentle push, enough that she might back off and realise I wasn’t a weak wolf who would simper before her. She held no sway over me. Yet, the way she reacted, it was if I’d told her I was here to take all that was hers.
Green eyes brightened with indignation and she took a deep inhale that puffed out her chest, gaining her a small measure of height over me. Without a word, though from the way plump lips twitched it was clear she had plenty she wished to spew forth, she flicked a strawberry blonde braid over her shoulder and continued on her way.
I watched her go not quite knowing what to think. All the stories of the Alpha in the North, none of them had told of a female at his side. Nor had anyone else mentioned it. I spent nearly a week with Alpha Hati and Farrin on the road, and while conversation had been brief, a mate, or future mate, was something that would come up, wouldn’t it?
That she-wolf was no Alpha Female, not one that I would be willing to follow.
Continuing on my way down the hall, I wondered if Alpha Hati would still want me at his council if I made that opinion known. It was a good thing I managed to hold my tongue.
I chuckled to myself, then smiled in relief when I finally saw the familiar double doors that led to wear wolves shared meals. That was where I caught onto the scent of my siblings, and I followed it until it was lost on the breeze.
A small open door near a part of the castle I’d not been to before opened up into a smaller courtyard. Wooden stables lined one side, a small arching door facing North where the towering mountains blocked the way ahead. Snow covered the highest peaks, but the biting air told me the next time it snowed, white would cover everything until spring came again.
Leaning against the wall, I stared longingly at the path leading to the forest and took a deep breath of the pine scented air. It smelt like home, and at once, it both eased and added to my homesickness. Before I could fall into despair, the unmistakable sound of Niamh’s high-pitched giggle cut through the air. A smile painted my face as I glanced to my right to find she’d managed to get near the horses again.
Three had been lined up, bare of tack but for a halter keeping them tied to a long wooden beam, all in various states of being groomed. The closest snickered contentedly while his brown coat was soaked and scrubbed clean. Niamh stood at the far end, but the hulking black and white blotched horse in the middle blocked my view of whichever she stood by, though she brandished a wooden brush almost amusingly large in her tiny hand. Her dark eyes were focussed on someone, her lips parted as she soaked in every word they said.
Anndra swooped past too, more concerned with chasing around pups in fur and naked skin. They laughed and jested, and I watched on nervously, afraid that any second one would get to close to the back end of a horse. Fortunately, older wolves managed to keep them directed away.
A better sight I couldn’t have asked for.
I approached my sister with a light heart and she grinned when she saw me, her joy contagious and enthralling.
“If I do well, I’m going to be allowed to help with the horses everyday!” she yelled excitedly, only to cringe as someone sharply hushed her and reprimanded gently, “Remember we have to keep our voices down so we don’t give them a fright.”
Alpha Hati stepped into my line of sight, his gaze moving from my sister to me. Immediately the softness around his eyes disappeared, and I took a startled step back.
“Alpha Hati,” I said. “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting it to be you.”
“It is my horse, her keeping falls to me.”
And so it was. I should have recognised the glimmering dappled grey coat.
Alpha Hati tipped his head as I continued to do nothing but stare. “Were you looking for something? Have you seen your father yet?”
“Yes, I’ve seen him,” I replied, hating how forced the interaction felt. “I wanted to check in on everyone else, and offer my help where needed, but I’ve been informed that I’m far too wild to be of any use.”
He frowned, swapping the brush my sister held for the one in his hand. She took it happily, standing on tiptoe to start undoing tangled fairy knots from a long pale mane.
“Who said this to you?” he demanded gruffly, walking to stand before me.
“I didn’t catch her name but she announced she would be Alpha Female soon.”
Looking up at the sky, he closed his eyes and breathed out. “Ingrid.”
My belief that perhaps the strawberry haired female had been overstating her position faltered. Ingrid. I’d heard that name before. Alpha Hati had her find clothes and rooms for me and mine, I just hadn’t questioned who she was. But his exasperation with her actions didn’t seem like a male in love with his future mate. . .
“I know I can’t do what is probably expected of most females here,” I muttered, looking down at the cobbled ground beneath me. “And I know you won’t let me hunt or out to track, but I need something to do around the pack. I need to pull my weight.”
“You have decided you’re definitely staying then,” Alpha Hati cut in.
My lips twitched. “You said yourself that you would only risk offering your help if we agreed to join your pack.”
“And yet I was willing to give you the choice. If you’d come here today to tell me you wished to leave when your father was healed, I would have allowed it.”
My breathing hitched and I found myself staring into eyes that burned like the sun in awe. Did I believe him? Or was he saying that to prove further to me that he was an honourable male despite our. . .clashes. We were very different wolves, with different beliefs and views of the world, some tension was bound to be expected. Now I had to do what was expected of me, for the pack.
I lowered my head, and the male before me stiffened. All he’d wanted from our first meeting was my submission, yet the moment I went to bare my neck to him, he erupted with a mighty growl that silenced the entire courtyard.
“Don’t,” he warned, his words a quiet whisper once everyone went back to what they were doing. “You said once you wouldn’t submit until I earned your respect, your love, and your trust, as you would with any other Alpha. I may have your respect, but don’t think I have the rest as of yet.”
My gaze flew up to his in shock, further so to see him smiling gently down at me, as if I too had just proven something to him.
“As for you request for something to do, joining my council would allow you to help in ways many here wish they could. Take a few more days to think on it, Little Alpha.” Taking a step back, he bobbed his head in farewell. “I must go and speak to Ingrid about manners. Make sure you and your siblings find something to eat before the noon sun.”
I watched him stride off with my mouth hanging open. My interaction with Ingrid hadn’t bothered me much, and I didn’t bring it up with the intention of her being scolded by her Alpha. Mouth snapping shut, my lips pressed tight together. It would be better for us all if he would say nothing to her for I didn’t want bad blood between me and the female who might one day rule over me. After all, it wasn’t as if she had said anything about me that wasn’t true.
Eabha NicTabhin, another wolf only suited to the wilds.
“Where did Alpha Hati go?” Niamh appeared pouting and indignant, pointing her brush at me. “What did you do?”
“He has duties to see to, little wolf. He said you have to show me what he’s taught you about brushing his horse.”
Dark eyes narrowed and she reminded me so much of Father in that moment, but the chance to show off was too good for her to miss. A huge smile brightened her features, showing off the last missing tooth at the front.
Finishing detangling the mane, she explained all she’d learned and I did my best to listen while keeping an eye on Anndra still happily playing too.
“Alpha Hati named her Silfrintoppr, it means silver-topped, like one of the horses the Æsir rode to Yggdrasil!” Her voice rose as her excitement grew, but she calmed again with the horse swung her big head around to see what all the fuss was about.
My nose scrunched. Of course he’d name his horse after such a thing. “A name like Epona, Goddess of horses, would be more fitting for your mount.”
“Then that’s what I will call my horse when I get one. Alpha Hati is going to teach me to ride, but only the small ponies until I’m big enough.”
Jealousy, sharp and numbing all at the same time, hit my gut. Alpha Hati was fast becoming my sister’s favourite wolf.
“That’s great, Niamh. Let me know when your first lesson will be and I will come and watch.”
She nodded enthusiastically before throwing herself back into a run down of her morning. And I felt ever more isolated the more she did.
“Did you know some of the horses come from home? Beta Caldar brought them back from the Highlands with him.”
I hummed quietly, following after her as she dutifully put the brushes in a bucket in one of the barns. My heart near leapt into my mouth as with all the confidence a pup her age had to muster, she untied Silfrintoppr and led her into her stall that was already padded with straw in one corner, and a full bag of hay in the other.
Had Niamh done all this too? Alpha Hati must have been with her most of the morning to teach her so much.
A ruckus broke out by the small archway and a group of naked wolves amongst a few in fur came tumbling into the stable yard. Fionnlagh was with them, scratches and new bruises painting his pale skin; though they all seemed to be in good spirits. He wasn’t the only one sporting fresh injuries, and the group laughed and joked together, shoving each other roughly. As much as protective instincts demanded I growl and send the wolves running, it was how the hierarchy was sorted out.
Fionnlagh grinned when he spotted me and jogged over, the young wolves all trailing after him. They looked to be mostly around his age, a few older and younger, and they all gave me wary smiles but followed Fionnlagh’s lead.
“You’re finally awake!” he called out. “I’ve never known you to still be sleeping until noon.”
“I wasn’t asleep that long,” I rebuffed, shaking my head. “Have you had fun?”
He glanced back at his new friends and nodded. “Yes. They showed me around.”
“I hope you came out on top.” I grinned and nudged his shoulder.
Red brightened his cheeks as he rubbed the back of his neck, but I knew he’d done well in front of them. The first impression I’d made hadn’t been good at all, I wouldn’t be surprised if half of the pack thought I was mad, so at least everyone else was settling.
I eyed each wolf in turn and Fionnlagh whined, stepping in front of me. “Please be friendly, Eabha.”
“I’m always friendly.” Turning my head, I called for Anndra and Niamh before looking back at my cousin. “Come, you all need to eat before anything else-“
“But they were going to show me the jumping pools-“
“And they can, after you eat,” I insisted, gripping his shoulders to turn him towards door. He huffed at the sniggers my mothering gained from his friends until I caught them under my gaze too. “You can all come too. A whole morning spent playing, you need to keep up your strength.”
Fionnlagh rolled his eyes but didn’t argue, and thankfully neither did the other wolves. I watched in amusement as they all pushed through the door, still jostling and shoving to be first. Anndra’s hand slipped into mine but Niamh stood staring longingly at Silfrintoppr’s stall.
“You’ll see her soon.”
“Promise?” she asked, wide eyes looking up at me.
I smiled and clasped her hand in mine. “Promise.”