Chapter 26

S carlet fumed, caught between a rock and a hard place. What the fuck? They hadn't talked about this at all.

He knew she needed to break her curse and gain revenge on the queen. Didn't he? Had he not been paying attention? She'd thought he was a decent listener for a man, but she had no plan of staying in the Growlers camp, no matter the mate situation.

Although… his talk earlier of living their lives together had melted something in her chest. Did she want that? Would she ever be accepted here?

Her lips pursed in annoyance, but she didn't interrupt. Being the center of attention made her clam up, paralyzing her. Frustration mounted in the crowd, then questions flew at them.

"What in the hells is she?"

"Is the dragon as dangerous as they say? He's real?"

"Where is the druid? What of her? Is she going to attack us again?"

"What about going into Busparia?"

Wulfric held up the hand that wasn't holding hers. "We have to work with the dragons first, gather information on Busparia and the political climate. I'm assuming everyone got their memories back last night, if you hadn't had them before?"

The crowd nodded, and one Elder said, "The time has come, and the memories were finally released by the gods as the prophecy says. When dragons ride once more, Growlers will regain what they've lost. The born Growlers and the turned are truly one people now."

"I lost my people when I was turned," someone yelled as the crowd's voices rose to a crescendo. Elva slammed her staff to the ground, and magic burst out from the center images, scattering and quieting the group.

Wulfric finally turned to address the people. "I know you must be eager to rush back to your families, but it's been years. We can send inquiries and check on them, but we can't go ourselves. Not yet."

Scarlet tugged on his hand, and he leaned over to her. She whispered, "Tell them about the Growlers that killed my mother."

Wulfric nodded, and she sat down, forcing Wulfric and Elva to release her hands. She wiped them on her pants as he shared the still-raw information. Her stomach twisted at being the center of attention.

"The king of Busparia has an elite band of Hunters known as the Dragon Claws. Has anyone heard of them?"

No one spoke up, but several shook their heads, so Wulfric continued. "They are a threat to us because they are Growlers too."

Gasps around the room echoed in the mighty chamber, making her flinch. Wulfric put his hand on her shoulder and brushed his thumb back and forth. It soothed her even as he continued to speak to the crowd.

"They are the Growlers that attacked the druids thirty years ago and killed Scarlet's mother."

Elva said, "We don't know why, but every Growler that has gone into Busparia from various tribes has never returned. We only assume the Dragon Claws either took them or killed them. It would be a fool's errand to go check on your families without ensuring a way to survive."

"How are we supposed to go home, then?" The crowd's murmurs grew louder, but Wulfric didn't give them a moment to gain momentum. He was a good leader, like Knox but more confident. Of course, he'd had several years of leading them whereas Knox had only been officially king for a few months.

She stood and whispered into Wulfric's ear. Then he turned to address the crowd, telling them what she'd said.

"The dragons in the northern half of the forest have a better network because they have the Hunters on their side. Scarlet brought them with her when they left Busparia. They can blend in better with the locals, find information on our families, and see if it's safe for us to come out into the open."

"How can they blend in with the locals? Just look at her." She flinched at the words and sank back into her seat, her shoulders hunching.

Wulfric's eyes flashed golden bright as his hand settled on her shoulder again. She wouldn't have seen it had she not been looking at him. His jaw elongated and his hands shifted into claws as he barked out, "Don't you dare speak of her like that."

Scarlet laid her hand on his where it rested on her shoulder. He looked down, and his claws receded.

He cleared his throat and frowned, taking a deep breath before he said, "The former king of Busparia cursed her twice, which is part of the reason she's here. She seeks to break the curses, which I'm hopeful our Elders can assist with."

"And if they can't be broken?" The jerks in the crowd were really starting to annoy her. Her fingers hovered over her daggers, itching to spin them.

Wulfric looked down into her eyes and smiled softly. "It doesn't matter to me whether they can be broken or not. She's perfect the way she is, and she is my mate regardless. The gods don't make mistakes."

The reminder of the gods' role in fated mates caused the crowd's murmurs to die down. Wulfric squeezed her shoulder gently, pride filling his gaze and making her chest ache. This wouldn't last, but she soaked up his support.

"My mate is one of the best Hunters in the land," he said proudly. His posture dared any of them to argue, but the crowd was silent for once.

"You saw her fight last night, but that's not even the half of it. She will be a great asset to our tribe, trust me." His words were a balm to her soul, making her yearn for acceptance and a home. She wasn't sure she wanted that to be here in the Growlers camp though.

The crowd grumbled once more. "Only if you finish the mate bond."

"Aye, if you don't, you're both dead."

"Then we'll go into Busparia and surely die from these other Growlers."

"Or the Hunters."

"Or the army."

"Or the winter."

Scarlet stiffened, and Wulfric arched a brow, reminding her of their plan from earlier. He'd somehow known it would come to this. She pursed her lips, sniffed, and nodded slightly. His grin widened as his eyes darkened with desire, locking with hers in a promise that made her toes curl.

His chest puffed out as he turned to the crowd. "We had planned to complete the mate bond tonight with the full moon. What could be more romantic?"

The crowd chuckled and seemed to relax at the news.

Elva cleared her throat. "Now that that question's settled, there are two betas from other tribes here today, and the other two will arrive tomorrow, after the full moon tonight. Our alpha will discuss what's to be done with them."

Wulfric nodded, turning to the crowd. "I'll meet with the other tribal emissaries and discuss a possible treaty with the dragons. Once negotiations are over and we're all in agreement, I will go to the dragons with Scarlet and propose the treaty. Scarlet will help organize the Hunters to check on the turned families and see how we can safely find them."

Someone in the crowd interrupted. "What if they kill you? What if they won't work with us?"

Wulfric grinned, and Scarlet's heart pounded at the wolfish, predatory gleam on his face. "Oh, they will work with us, if they know what's good for them. We're Growlers, after all."

Uneasy chuckles rang through the crowd, but she saw several smiles as the tension dissipated. They were a proud people, she was coming to realize. The murmurs around the tables about a treaty made them nervous. They were afraid they'd lose their identity and culture. They were already struggling to reconcile their memories and previous identities.

Barley and Nomani sat down while Elva explained how the Elders would start collecting a list of people to check on in Busparia. They would be in the longhouse tomorrow morning for brunch after the full moon run tonight.

The crowd's temper seemed to lighten at the mention of the full moon, and soon dancing broke out in the center of the sunken floor. A stringed instrument and hide drums added to the noise, and soon there were smiles and ale flowing wherever she looked. Wulfric sat beside her as a berry dessert was laid on the table. She ate and a line formed to the side of the table.

One by one, Growlers approached them. Some simply came to chat and opened up more than when they first entered about what Brody had promised them.

Some shared their experiences as humans, how they were turned, and told Wulfric how much they approved of this plan to restore them to their families.

Then the two Growlers who'd helped Brody—the ones she'd fought—both came forward, flanked by a guard. Each of them swore allegiance to Wulfric, one of them explaining that he'd left a pregnant wife when he'd gone to war and been injured less than a year after leaving.

He accepted their fealty, but assigned them to shit duty for the entire camp for the next month.

Sasha came up to the table and smiled shyly at Scarlet. She waved to the rather round woman behind her in the soft doe-skin dress.

"This is my mam. I wanted to introduce you, and let you know that I dropped your pack inside the alpha's tent." She bobbed a crude curtsy with one fist to her chest, then backed away.

The woman eyed Scarlet, making her spine straighten. Then her pinched lips softened and wobbled slightly. She leaned over the table, and Scarlet leaned forward. Wulfric frowned and tensed beside her, but Scarlet simply took his hand and squeezed.

"I'm grateful to you. My girl should've been at home where she belonged, and it was within your right to—to…" She trailed off, pursing her lips once more.

Now that everyone wasn't staring at her, now that she was one on one, she found her voice.

Scarlet sighed, her own lips softening and she whispered, "It's alright. I'm glad she was the one I met. The goddess must've sent her there for a reason."

"I'm glad too, Luna. Me too." She likewise bobbed a shallow curtsy with fist on chest and stepped aside for the next person in line to speak with them.

Scarlet leaned over to Wulfric to ask, "Luna?"

He grinned and nipped at her neck, just below her ear. "Alpha's mate and queen." She blushed and leaned back as the next person stepped up to talk to him.

Hours later, dusk was falling and the moon rose as Wulfric led her past the central fire pit where they'd fought Brody the night before. He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow like a gentleman. She'd seen lords escort ladies at balls like this, when she'd snuck in for a kill. It sent a thrill through her that he treated her with such reverence. They explored the rest of the camp, and she kept pinching herself in a reminder that this was real. Not just him and how he treated her, but this village.

Instead of the bloodthirsty savages she'd expected, the werewolf camp bustled with... domesticity. On the other side of the tents, fluffy white sheep grazed peacefully in fenced pastures, werewolves in human form using pitchforks to toss hay off a cart.

"What the hell is this?" The surprise in her voice made it higher than normal.

Wulfric chuckled at her shock and patted her hand. "Surprised, bunny? I told you we're not the monsters your grandmother warned you about."

"But... but you eat people," Scarlet muttered.

He rolled his eyes. "More so in the old tales than in modern times. These days, we prefer mutton. Less screaming, more wool sweaters. Besides, we only attack people who step into our territory. Those deaths or turnings are entirely justified."

Now she was the one to roll her eyes, but she didn't argue with him. She'd often used such logic with her own mercenary assassinations.

Scarlet's mind reeled as she tried to reconcile this bizarre reality of Growlers with everything she thought she knew. The fearsome werewolves... were sheep farmers? It was too absurd.

"And you pack all this up to move every few months?"

He nodded, "Everything except the longhouse. We have three primary locations and two secondary ones per each of the five tribes. We move based on seasons, hunting availability, and livestock rotations so we never deplete the land's resources. It's been getting leaner with each year though."

"Because the population is growing so much?" She'd deduced as much from the conversations in the longhouse.

He led her around the perimeter of the sheep pens. "Yes, when the Busparian king withdrew from the war with Glathen, we watched the Southern Road and saved as many of those they left to die as possible. But we were already maxed on our resources by then. The past year, we've spent so much time trying to stretch every last resource."

"But sheep?" Her voice was still high with incredulity.

He chuckled. "We're tied to each camp long enough to cultivate feed, but the livestock is the only way we're able to survive the harsh winters. All the wild animals hole up or hibernate, and it's tough to hunt when we're all freezing our balls off too."

She chuckled as they left the pens, passed the chicken coops, and went back around the tents. The joyous chaos around her increased as the full moon crested the trees, the Growlers nearly vibrating with energy. Wolves and humans alike raced by them, laughing and chasing each other. Even the kids who weren't able to shift yet were awake and giddy, just waiting for the full moon to rise fully.

He rubbed his jaw and said, "Every year, there's a debate about cutting down our seasonal moves and staying in one spot longer. Perhaps now it's time to encourage that. Put down roots. Would you like a house or a home base for your Hunter work?"

She frowned and looked to the ground as the sun set through the trees. Her stomach twisted at his words. She hadn't realized how much his announcement in the longhouse had bothered her.

She blew out a breath slowly. "I don't like how you just said that in front of everyone."

"Is that why you were upset with me in the meeting," he asked softly, tensing under her hand.

She nodded, watching more kids kick a leather ball. "You said I was going to stay here when you know very well I have no intention of it."

He paused, turning to face her and gently lifting her chin so he could meet her gaze. "I did, yes, but I spoke out of hope, not from certainty."

She frowned. "Hope?"

"Yes," he said nodding, taking her hands in his and blowing hot air to warm them. "I want you here with me, Scarlet. I won't lie about that."

"And do what? Sit by the fire, darn your socks, and pop out your babies?"

She frowned and tried to pull her hands away, but he held firm. His grin drew her actions to a halt. Her stomach twisted with that smile. She didn't want to stay here with him. She didn't.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

"I'll darn your socks if you darn mine." His grin was wide and his eyes twinkled, making her stomach flip.

She rolled her eyes and scowled. "You don't even wear socks half the time."

He chuckled, and the sound slithered down her spine and straight to the aching need between her legs.

"I want you to have my pups, yes. I want to see you round with my babe. But I also want to fight by your side, and I'd never ask you to give up the Hunters. Although I'd like you to be my eyes and ears with the people so I never have a surprise like Brody again. I want to be a better leader, Scarlet, and I think you can help with that. Can't we do all of it?"

She frowned and shrugged. She'd been the power behind the throne for the head of the Hunter's Guild for years, and now she juggled that and helping Knox. Was it really any different?

Reluctantly, she said, "I don't know, Wulfric. I don't know if I—I can live here."

She liked feeling useful, but it wasn't the same as being accepted. Whether the Growlers accepted her or not was another matter entirely. She'd gotten some shy smiles from the kids while they'd waited by the fire for the moon to rise, but most stayed away or stared warily.

He grinned and tugged her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist and back. "Give me time to convince you. You were made for me, bunny, and we belong together."

She stared into the fire and swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze. "Were you serious about finishing the mate bond tonight?"

His smile faded, but he didn't release her. "I was, Scarlet. We need to complete the process. If we complete it tonight, we can sort out the treaty details over the next few days, then travel together to see your brother. If after all this is settled and your curses are cured, you still want nothing to do with me or the Growlers… well, we can discuss it when the time comes. But until then, let's work together to survive, and that includes completing the mate bond. Can you do that?"

She felt a knot build in her throat and her eyes burned. It wasn't a declaration of love. It was practical, and something she could definitely understand. It made sense, and she didn't want an emotional entanglement anyway.

Yet her chest was heavy as she nodded and pursed her lips. "Very well. We'll complete the mate bond. I'd hate for you to have lied to your people, after all."

He grinned and dipped his head, his lips meeting hers and sending a zing of awareness. She licked her lips, her tongue flicking against his. He groaned and dove inside, plundering her mouth like a starving man, right there in front of the entire tribe.

Her stomach flipped, and her heart raced. It was more than just the sexual need building within her. He tasted like acceptance and love, even though he'd not said the words. Several Growlers hooted nearby, breaking into the overwhelming feelings this one kiss evoked.

"Alpha, alpha, alpha," the chant built in intensity. Wulfric groaned, and she felt it reverberate through them both. It made her giggle, and he broke the kiss to lean his forehead against hers.

"Gods, I'm sorry," he whispered.

She laughed softly. "For what?"

He leaned back and grinned, that mischievous look sending a shot of pure desire straight to her core. "For this."

Then he leaned over and tucked her stomach against him, throwing her over his shoulder and standing. She squealed, her hands settling on his lower back as he strode toward his tent. A roar went through the crowd, clapping and taunting him.

"There ya go! Get your Luna!"

"We have a Luna! Finally!"

Their words carried on the wind, and Scarlet laughed as Wulfric slapped her ass, saying over his shoulder, "I'll join the run later. First, the mate bond."

A cheer rang through the crowd, and Scarlet's cheeks flushed. She felt lighter than air, and not just because Wulfric carried her so effortlessly. The other Growlers had seemed happy to have her here, even if they were wary and hesitant. Perhaps this was where she'd finally be accepted and welcomed. She wouldn't trust it, but their words gave her hope.

She sighed as he set her on her feet and held the tent flap. It was time to finish this.