Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

" Y ou're a hot topic in town, Princess," Bo's lazy tone speaks to his amusement. He walks into the kitchen with a wicked smile.

"Why?" I frown.

"They're all wondering how you managed to dupe the Alpha." His cheerful delivery earns my scowl.

"As if I have that kind of power." I scoff and sip my cocoa.

"True, but he still needs to address the rumors," Bo adds.

"Are you telling me this for a reason?" I arch an eyebrow and try to figure out where he's headed with this. He's constantly hot and cold.

"You and I should have an outing together at the family estate."

"No."

"Cute, you think you get a choice. You represent my family now." Bo straightens to his full height.

I face Cadoc. "Didn't you say I was in danger and should lie low?"

"We're all going, Brat. They want to show us off." Cadoc takes a bite of a green apple.

Juice trickles along his chin. I want to walk over and lick it off. I look away, recalling the Alpha's angry face before we left.

"What am I supposed to do?" I'm already outnumbered.

"Try to be pleasant for the first time in your life," Bo suggests. I flip him off.

"Wine and dine. Show them how pleased you are to be with us." Cadoc answers.

"But I'm not." I hate pretending for those who saw me as nothing weeks prior.

Fell's laughter sounds like a low bark.

"They shouldn't know that," Kirk comments.

"I'm over this bullshit where you all gang up on me." I grit my teeth.

"Taking her among them is dangerous."

Fell growls.

"Keeping her here and allowing her to become a perceived threat to the Alpha would be worse,"

Cadoc replies.

"It's also a good time to test the waters, and pump people for information." Bo drapes himself over the couch. He's devastating in his charcoal gray slacks and black button down.

"We'll need a good plan to keep her safe while appearing smitten," Cadoc mumbles, more to himself.

His bright blue eyes are unfocused as his brain works overtime to whip up a plan.

"You can pretend for a night, can't you Princess?"

I want to wipe the smirk off Bo's face.

"If you stop antagonizing me, yes." I bare my teeth, growling in the back of my throat. He grins. His love of chaos and irritating me is getting under my skin.

"I have to keep myself entertained somehow. All of my other extracurricular activities have been cut off." Bo's eyes smolder. The asshole gets off on our back and forth.

"Poor spoiled Bo has to make do with his hand." I run a finger down my cheek, miming a tear.

He gives me a black look.

I ignore him. "Is the Alpha worried?—"

"It's the last thing he needs right now. You'll have to hide the contempt you feel for him. I can smell it spilling from your pores right now." Cadoc shifts his weight.

"After everything he's done to you?—"

"To us," Bo corrects. "None of us volunteered for this."

Before I can to eviscerate him, Kirk clears his throat.

"Dinner's ready. We have a lot to discuss and lasagna is best served hot."

"You heard the man. Thanks for taking care of the food tonight," Cadoc says as he clasps Kirk's shoulder.

"I enjoy cooking. It's a nice change of pace to do it for others." Kirk shrugs.

"We should form a schedule and trade-off," I say as we make our way into the room.

Stomach growling at the rich scent of baked cheesy pasta layers, and garlic bread, I walk toward the formal dining area.

A spread of Caesar salad, golden brown garlic bread, and trays of lasagna is set up on the counter.

Bo laughs, "No one wants to eat anything I've prepared."

"We'll find something else for you to do then," I assure him, patting his shoulder.

"It'll get sorted soon enough, Brat," Cadoc promises.

The conversation stalls out as we take our seats and the food is passed around. Silverware clinks on plates and the crunch of garlic bread being consumed fills the room as we sate our hunger.

Trying to talk on an empty stomach would only end in a blood bath.

Refreshed, I go in for a kill. "I saw your sister, Fell" I study his face for his response.

"What?" Fell's muscles tense and his eyes widen.

"I called her name, and she looked right at me before she ran away."

"Where were you?" Fell whispers.

"On the mountain with Kirk." He doesn't seem shocked by her presence or her response.

"Did anyone else see you?" his tone drops.

"We weren't hiding, so probably." I shake my head.

"Did anyone else say anything to you?" His shoulders tense.

"Maggie. We stopped by her apothecary."

He seems to relax. "Good, stay away from my family. If you see them again, walk the other way."

Stunned, I look down at my empty plate. "Happily." I don't need to tread where I'm not wanted.

"Why were you up there?" Bo asks.

"I read up on the initiation ritual from the book for the children of Fenrir. It'll allow Ylva to step into her power. I needed herbs I didn't have immediate access to down here," Kirk says.

"When are we doing it?" Cadoc asks.

"Tonight." I'm sick of being at a disadvantage.

Kirk chokes on his glass of water. "That's too quick. I haven't had time to analyze?—"

"I think we all know that's one thing we don't have much of." I can feel the restlessness and fever looming over me. Denying my attraction to them is annoying my she-wolf, and putting me on edge.

Every breath brings their scents into my lungs. The combined aroma of musk, juniper, citrus, and rosemary is going straight to my head. My mouth waters and my cheeks flush. I curse my natural response.

I've been taking the pills religiously, but the bonds we're forming are testing them. I'll double my next dose to keep a level head. The vision of the powerful men surrounding me jump starts my libido. I want to crawl into their laps and mark their flesh with my teeth.

"Reckless and stupid," Fell grumbles.

"Thank you for making your feelings on the topic known. It doesn't change what needs to be done." I stick to the facts, containing my emotions. Adding fuel to a fire never helped put it out.

"She's right," Bo says. "They were downright antsy in the office today. All eyes are on us and I can feel the rats scurrying in the background, waiting to make a move. We need to bring our A game at the Alvablot this week."

The celebration was once used as a way to thank the Elves and ensure a good harvest.

"What is this spell supposed to do?" Of course, Cadoc reserves his opinions for last.

"We're still not sure." Kirk's fierce stare sends sparks along my spine.

"It has the same magic that sealed the room beneath my old house. I know it's meant for me. You're going to have to take my word on that."

"I don't like –"

"Not having control, Cadoc? We get it, alpha." I groan.

His eyes darken with an emotion that fascinated me. The dark depths he reveals continue to pull me closer daily. He's a puzzle I want to solve.

"Watch your mouth, Brat."

"What do you need to get this thing off the ground?" I meet Kirk's gaze.

The whine of an approaching car engine ends our conversation.

"Are you expecting anyone?" Cadoc asks.

"No." I shake my head and look around to see others befuddled expressions.

Cadoc heads to the door with the others in tow. Trailing behind him, I sniff, trying to catch a hint of the visitor's scent.

Who would be coming out here at this time of night? A black sedan with tinted windows pulls into the driveway. It parks and an enforcer steps out with a large white box. He walks to the door and knocks.

Cadoc waits nearly a minute before pulling it open. "Everything alright, Alphonse? "His tone is deceptively casual.

"Alpha wanted to extend a personal invitation. Because it was last minute, he wanted to provide Ylva with an outfit to wear." He shoves the box toward Cadoc.

"Kind of him to think about us." Cadoc flashes a smile that shows more teeth than necessary.

"You're the unofficial guests of honor." Alphonse stares at me. The arousal in the depths of his eyes has me stepping back. Bo moves in front of me. Kirk and Fell press me between their big bodies.

It's a veiled threat. We're being ordered to attend.

Cadoc gives a slight bow. "And we'll act accordingly."

"I'll relay that message. Alpha will be pleased." Alphonse smirks.

There's something about the enforcer that makes me edgy. Was he sent here to spy on us?

"Are you hiding her now?" Alphonse snorts. "Makes people believe there's something strange occurring."

"Is that what you think, Alphonse?" Cadoc's voice holds a blatant challenge. "Cause I know you wouldn't start rumors about my mate. That'd be grounds for a fight."

"No." He takes a step back. "I was pointing out the obvious. I'll be going now."

We remain in the doorway watching him back out of the driveway and onto the road.

The second he disappears from sight, Cadoc slams the door. "Gather your things. We need to perform the ritual now."

Twenty minutes later, I'm standing in the center of a salt ring surrounded by white candles. My shift trails along the ground. I wait patiently for the concoction Kirk has in the anointing oil.

I clear my mind of thoughts as heat and steam form a haze in the spa. In inhale deeply, my muscles relaxing.

The flames on the candles jump high. Potent energy enters the room. A cool wind sweeps in coming from all directions.

I clutch my dress as pressure pushes against the barrier. The door bangs open. My clan calls for me.

"Ylva," Fell's voice cuts through the worry clouding my mind.

"I'm here. Something's trying to get into the circle."

"Bring the anointment oil now," Fell commands.

I kneel to make myself a smaller target. Wrapping my arms around my waist. Dark apparitions approach me. They ram against the circle's barrier. I scream.

"We're under attack," Fell yells.

I sing an old Norse song to ward away evil spirits. Someone sent these here to us. The forms flicker and return.

Long nails claw at the wall between us trying to gain entrance. The door bursts open. Bo runs in swinging an iron fire poker.

It slices through the figures. Fell swings heavy cast iron skillets, and Cadoc wields an ash shovel like an axe.

They lend their voices to the song as the shadowy beings shriek and dissipate. Kirk stumbles through the door holding up a bottle of blessed oil.

"Douse me." Rushing over, Kirk cuts a path into the circle with an athame, closing it back quickly.

The warm oil pours over my head as he pulls out a piece of paper from his pocket. His hands shake as he recites the words carefully. White fog rolls into the room, obscuring my feet. My body tingles.

Kirk pauses. "Keep going. I'm fine." The reading begins and I fall to my knees as my body gives. Pain rips through my body as bones crack. Fur forces itself out of my skin as the shift is perverted. My she-wolf battles against the unexpected shift before we both surrender. It only hurts if you resist. Kirk's brown eyes are round and spellbound. He remains still as a statue, until I yip.

Kirk kneels before me. "I can feel your power, Ylva." I wag my tail.

He runs his hands through the fur on my back, and I rub against him. I bark playfully.

"You were marked." He lifts my paw. A white valknut is etched into my fur.

I lick his hand.

He laughs. "I get it. I'll finish now." Releasing my paw, he stands.

I sit on my haunches listening while he carefully recites a chant. Sleep forces my eyes shut and I lay on my belly resting my snout on my paws.

Fighting the exhaustion, I and watch the men transform. Spent, I succumb to the encroaching darkness.

Coming to, I find myself back on Lyngvi Island. The strange plane of existence where Fenrir resides is growing on me.

The rest of my pack surrounds me. Silver cords join us. Energy flows between us, running in a continuous loop.

A lonely howl rings out. The metallic connections glows, pulsing brightly. I avert my gaze to avoid its intensity. The cords snap. Electricity spills over into each of us, issuing smalls shocks.

Every muscle in my body aches. I open my eyes and find the boys laid out around the spa room.

"What happened?" Kirk slowly rolls onto his side.

"I'm not sure," I whisper.

"Power backlash." Cadoc groans. "I have felt nothing like that since I transformed with the enforcers for the first time."

Bo grunts. "Seems unfair to have a hangover when I didn't drink a drop."

"Fell." My voice shakes.

"Here, I think." His gruff voice echoes in the air.

"When we peel ourselves off the floor, we'll have to talk about what happened," Cadoc's voice rumbles.

"You had a mark." Kirk moistens his lips with his tongue and crawls over to lift my sleeve.

"I got that before." I bite my lower lip. "When I first received a vision."

"And you didn't think to share that, Brat?" Cadoc snaps.

"A lot was going on."

"That's not the same one in the dream." Kirk scans my body.

I flip my arm over and we find the valknut on my inner arm.

"I think this is a response to the attack," Kirk trails his thumb over the sensitive skin.

I relish his gentle touch.

"The triangle is a sign of Fenrir's blessing."

"No more secrets." Cadoc forces himself into a sitting position and fixes his icy stare on me.

"Yeah, I hear you." I clear my throat. "Is everyone still in one piece?"

My knees weaken with relief at the affirmative answers

"Wait there's something." Kirk moves closer and places a hand on my head.

"What?"

"It's a hair stick." He eases it out and hands it to me. The metal has been twisted into beautiful

spirals with the head of a wolf on the end.

"Have you ever seen this before?" Kirk asks.

"Never, but it's beautiful." I study the piece, seeing the valknut etched into the side of the wolf. There's latent power in its smooth surface.

"I think it's a gift." I trace the intricate details.

"For what?" Fell asks.

"I guess we'll find out." I tie my hair in a knot, using my new hairpin to hold it in place.

Fell narrows his eyes. "Were you on a weird island?"

"You saw that too?" This is the first time anyone else has seen beyond the veils with me.

"Yeah, it was strange," Bo chimes in.

"Start from the beginning and don't leave anything out, Brat."

They all stare and I know I'm in for a lengthy night full of questions and judgment. It's strange being the center of attention from these men who've all played different roles in my life at one time or another.

The ritual shifted something in our group, I'm not sure I was ready for.

"She wasn't the only one marked," Bo holds up his wrist.

Uruz , the symbol for the wild ox makes me laugh.

Fitting.

"What does this mean?"

"Why do I have the thorn?" Cadoc adds, holding up his arm. Etched into Cadoc's skin is Thurisaz . A powerful force that could cause destruction and change, matches him. His connection to Thor's rune as a warrior also tracks.

"Maybe it's a blessing. You are a warrior who keeps us safe," I trail my finger down my heated sternum.

"What's yours Fell?" I'm not sure I want to know.

"Perdhro ."

"Mystery." I force the words out on a wavering voice.

I pull down the bodice of my dress to reveal the new bind rune made up of all the runes they now wear on their wrists.

"In my vision, we were all connected by a silver cord?—"

"True mates?" Fell tilts his head. "Historically that's the sign of a true mate match."

"It is?" I soak up the new information. Knowledge lets me feel more in control.

Maybe his history pursuit will come in handy after all.

"Surely not," Bo scoffs.

Cadoc grunts. "It would explain why the Volva placed us all together."

"I refuse to believe my fate's always been entwined with yours." Bo stands. The link between us closes abruptly, shattering the strange sense of harmony.

His denial hurts. A whimper dies in my throat. He stalks away, and for a moment I miss him. Cadoc presses against me and inhale his scent to ground myself. This wasn't how I planned to handle any of this. I can't need them. It'll only lead to pain.

"He needs time. Let it go for tonight." Kirk presses a kiss to my temple.

"Don't forget we're in this together."

Are we?