Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

" G ood to see you on your feet again, cousin." Li's wide smile is infectious as we walk through the town.

"Happy to be recovered." I take in the trees lining the area and the quaint buildings that remind me of an English village. Made of stone with flower boxers, and brightly colored shutters and trim it has a lot of charm.

"The new look is interesting." She trails a finger down the white streaks in my hair.

"Battle scars." My answer is brisk and closed off. I'm not sure how much to share, or if my family is truly trustworthy. I feel the weight of the broach pinned on the inside of my shirt, pressed against my bare skin.

Li nods. "You and I have a lot in common." She guides us through the crowd, greeting others who keep their distance.

"Are they afraid of me?" I keep my voice low enough for only her to hear.

Li throws her head back and laughs. "No. Dad told them to keep their distance until the pack celebration tonight."

Her answer relaxes me. "Makes sense."

"Your men are just as protective as mine."

Mine? "Wait." I stop mid-step.

She nods exuberantly. "Guess multi-mates run in the family."

"Tell me everything."

"It's nowhere near as dramatic as your story. Isak, Aage, and I grew up together. We always had a strong connection. As we grew, so did our bonds. It was a confusing situation to wade through in our teen years." She cringes.

"How do you manage it?"

"We've slotted into our roles after ten years together. It's all about letting each person shine and leaning into what feels right for each of you. Isak is the level-headed grounding force that keeps Aage and I on the straight and narrow." Her eyes twinkle with mirth and mischief.

"I feel that's a full-time job with you."

Li winks. "Not sure if I'm offended or feeling seen."

"Go with seen."

She bumps my shoulder with hers. "We keep Isak young and interesting. Aage is a good mix of us both. Serious when he needs to be, but easygoing, and funny." Love shines in the depths of her eyes. Unable to hide the silly smile, I can see how smitten she truly is. I long for the joy she radiates.

Will I ever get there with my mates? What does it feel like to choose your bonded? Coming from a place of respect, love, and desire to create a life together sounds beautiful.

"Ugh. I'm sorry." She presses a hand to her flushed cheek. "I ramble when I'm passionate about something."

"Don't be. It's nice to see the other side. A bonded trip that's chosen their path."

Her expression collapses. "I'm sorry. What your Alpha did is barbaric and inexcusable. Mating is sacred. It shouldn't be forced or dictated."

I love the anger she holds on my behalf. Having someone at my back ready to defend my position is refreshing and new. I glance across the space and meet Fell's inquiring gaze.

I'm fine. I use our link. His body relaxes. He continues his chat with the others.

"Hey. None of this is on you." She rests a hand on my forearm. "You know that, right?"

"Understanding the facts and dealing with the feelings it invokes are two different things, sadly. I've come to care deeply for all of my mates. Our bond strengthens daily. I'm seeing parts of them I never knew existed. There's beauty in that kind of vulnerability. But I can't forget we were forced into the situation. The Alpha took away our right to choose. I'll never forgive him for that."

"I get that. I know what you need. Come on." She quickens her steps. We stop at a small building that smells like heaven on earth. Powdered sugar, freshly baked bread, and tart fruit blend to create an irresistible aroma. A wooden sign hanging from an iron pole reads "Bakery" in blocky black lettering.

"They bake the best pastries you've ever tasted." She opens the door, and we walk inside.

Glass display cases offer a variety of sweet treats. Eyes drawn to the massive cinnamon rolls with thick cream cheese frosting, I lick my lips. My stomach rumbles. Li laughs.

"I can pay?—"

"No, you're our guest."

"Okay." Yielding to avoid gaining more attention, I study the quaint building. Three women work behind the counter using a modern wireless computer system.

"This is a pack staple. It was one of the original businesses founded when the town was first created."

"How long has this town been here?"

"About one hundred years in various stages. Mom and Dad weren't the original founders. They wanted a different way of life. They took their time gathering like-minded people. When they had a decent amount, they put down roots and broke ground, growing it from the small grassroots operation it was originally." Her words are infused with pride.

"You love it here, don't you?"

She shrugs. "It's home. I've spent enough time out in the world to know they have nothing to offer me."

The door opens and Li turns. Her eyes widen and the sultry jasmine scent of arousal blossoms. "Aage." She breathes his name like a prayer.

"Got off patrol and felt you here." The russet-haired man with a square jaw and large brown eyes pulls her into his arms. He kisses her softly, and she melts into him. My spit-fire cousin is a different person with her mate. The frantic energy she exudes calms in his presence.

He steps back, and his cupid's bow lips curve, revealing dimples. "You must be Ylva. I'm Aage. It's nice to meet you." He nods.

"Likewise." A pang of longing runs through me at their easy connection.

"I'm headed home to crash. Isak shouldn't be far behind me."

Li nods. "I'll join you both soon.

Heat creeps into my cheeks. I look away from the intense stare they share. Their attraction clouds the space with pheromones.

"Save it for home," a male calls good-naturedly.

Li and Aage laugh. "Yeah. Yeah. I'm going." Aage waves at them, moving from Li. "I'll see you later, I'm sure, Yvla."

Li watches him leave with hungry eyes.

I burst into laughter. "Wow."

"Our bond is intense."

I fan my face. "Understatement, cousin."

She beams. It's the first time I've claimed my new family.

"You're not far off with your harem."

"Pot meet kettle?" I nudge her with my elbow.

"I'm just a throuple. You went above and beyond."

"I did, didn't I?" Giggling, I lean into her. For a moment, I'm just a girl enjoying time with her cousin. We keep our conversation light as we move forward in line. Grabbing a seat at a table outside, I observe the people in the town.

My men are with Had at the hardware store. I locate them through the glass window talking about Fenrir knows what with hand gestures.

"Look. They're becoming friends." Li speaks around a mouthful of a Bearclaw.

I snicker. "Seems like it."

Finishing our treats, we enjoy the sun. I appreciate her lack of pressure. With Aunt Liv, there's a strange desperation. She's trying to catch glimpses of my mother in me and win me over.

The cords vibrate. I look over and find my mates approaching. Regardless of how we started; they've had my back when I needed them. It's more than I've had in ages. But I'm afraid to trust it. Counting on others leaves you wide open for decimation.

Ignoring the warm fuzzies trying to form in my heart, I study their purchases. "Starting a project?"

Had pats the lumber resting on his shoulder. "They're going to help me get the fires going for the cookout tonight."

"We were voluntold," Kirk explains.

"It's customary to thank a host for their hospitality." Cadoc pats Bo's shoulder.

Bo scowls.

I cough to hide my laughter. "You might get your first callous on this trip, Your Highness."

He grunts, refusing to respond. I grin.

"While you do that, Ylva and I are going to pamper ourselves. My cousin could use some rest."

Kirk's brow wrinkles. "Are you feeling ill?"

"No. A lot has happened, though."

Kirk nods solemnly.

"Besides, you're being presented to the pack tonight. It's good to look your best," Li says.

Her casual reminder tightens my chest. No more hiding. It's time to face the rest of the wolves who hold a secret. Perhaps if we prove our sincerity, they'll find us trustworthy and bring us into their confidence.

Even with their powerful magic, their scent is odd to me.

I agree. Cadoc's deep voice reaches me through our bond.

You were projecting. Fell's voice is apologetic.

Add it to the list of things I need to improve. I sigh.

Be careful. I don't trust this pack. Kirks shares his concerns.

I'll be alert. If anything is wrong, you'll know.

"Done flirting in your head?" Li grabs my arm, pulling me to my feet.

"I think so."

"Good. We're off, boys." Wiggling her fingers at them, she leads me away, cackling. My cousin is an elfin menace.

Curious eyes pin me to the spot. My mouth dries out. I struggle to keep the anxiety from showing on my face as Sten and Liv address their people. They all surround us in the wooded area. The large clearing has wooden benches made out of tree trunks.

The people are dressed in simply made clothing with natural fibers. Majority appear to be in their mid-forties to fifties. With a sprinkling of younger kids, and middle-aged men and women mixed in.

Cadoc holds my hand. Kirk steps closer, pressing his body to mine. The welcome weight calms my nerves. Mind racing, I'm able to keep track of their words. Their support could tip the tide in the impending clash of power coming. We need to gain their approval.

"We hope you welcome them as family like my wife and I are." Sten slowly sweeps his gaze over the group crowded around us. His power is formidable. Heads bow, and the feelings of animosity lift.

"They are from the Thostenson pack. But so were some of you. We won't judge them for where they come from." Aunt Liv's tone is strict and motherly.

Pack members turn away from her and squirm under her censure.

"For the time being, they're our guests. We will welcome them as such. This day has been a long time coming."

What is she talking about? I send the question to the others as the crowd becomes restless.

"They are the chosen. To gain the freedom of others in bondage, we will lend them our support."

"Wait. What?" Stunned, my voice is paper thin.

"Skadi told us you would come." Liv faces us. "Well, someone would come. I knew the minute you could breech our wards; it was you."

"You've lost me."

"Start talking, ‘cause this is feeling like a trap," Cadoc's voice is accompanied by a low rumble in his throat.

Sten holds up his hand. "Peace, brothers. We had to be sure you were the ones."

"More riddles." Bo snarls.

"We placed our hope in a prophecy about one of Fenrir's children returning to lose the shackles of oppression," Liv explains hurriedly.

"Skadi led us to this land. She offered us safety in return for protecting this land."

Thinking of the goddess of skiing and the arrangement makes sense.

"We've arranged this time for you to meet Ylva and her clan. Feel her power and get to know them."

Sten's words strike a wrong chord. Once more, I'm relegated to abilities I have no control over. He sees me as a tool.

Liv and Sten step to the side. People approach. It's just another political meet and greet.

You know what to do, princess. Bo's calm slips into me.

Standing tall, I shake hands and make small talk.

"Ylva, you've grown into a beautiful young woman."

Captured by a cornflower blue gaze, I gasp. "Mrs. H." I rush to hug my former BFF's mom. Inhaling her sweet, violet scent, I soak in the joy and comfort she brings with her. I pull back. "How are you?"

Her face is no longer shrunken in, and her eyes have lost a portion of her sadness.

"Better. I couldn't stay there. Not after what happened to my baby girl."

I grab her hand. "We don't have to talk about it. I know how painful it must be."

Her lower lip trembles. "You misunderstand me." Grief twists her features into a mask of pain. "I should've talked. I- I should've warned others."

"I don't understand, Mrs. H."

Wide-eyed and haunted, the blood drains from her face. "My baby was just fine until they started poking and prodding."

"Who?" I recall Hulda's words from my trials.

"The Alpha and his death bringers." Voice shrill, she looks at Kirk and points a bony finger. "You knew."

"I suspected."

She clutches her throat. "You tried to warn me, and I didn't listen." She shakes her head. "I always wondered." Words trailing off she breathes heavily.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do more." Kirk bows at her.

Shame and regret explode through the bond. Eyes stinging, and chest aching, I twine my fingers with his.

"He made us think you were the enemy. Told us not to listen. That losing your position made you bitter and unstable."

"I knew he had a smear campaign going." Kirk's soft acceptance spikes my fire.

"He'll pay." I ball my hands into fists.

Mrs. H looks at me, eyes dilated and glossy. "Promise me."

"He will be exposed for who he truly is and judged."

She pats my hand. "You're a good girl, Ylva. I have faith in the new Ekildson clan."

Her words clog my throat. "Thank you," I croak.

"We may survive this yet." She moves away, taking a sizeable chunk of my compassion with her.

Numb, I shift into autopilot, answering questions and turning up the false charm. I'm taken for a loop when another familiar face appears.

"Frode," I whisper. "But you died." I look at the Enforcer I'd known as a child.

"Get away from my mate." Cadoc inserts his body between us. Energy crackles as the two wolves face off.

"How is this possible?" Fell shakes his head.

"I planned a long time to fake my death, and I never looked back." Frode lifts his head, completely unashamed. His neatly trimmed beard is threaded with gray, and his body is still the fit frame of an enforcer. "The entire core system is rotten. Trying to bring change when the issues run that deep would've been a fool's errand. The elite pulls the strings."

Bo's silence speaks volumes.

"So you didn't even think to try?" Cadoc asks.

"Me alone? No. But there are more of us than you imagine." Frode frowns. "Think of what could happen if you were to combine forces."

"Did you plan a coup with another pack?" Cadoc asks, body tense and eyes narrowed. His hands are balled into fists.

The enforcer laughs. "Small picture, Cadoc. You know better than that. Every empire falls. Alpha's been dabbling in the darkness for a long time. I made sure I was on the right side of things."

"I never took you for a man who'd walk away," Kirk says.

Frode snarls. "If I could've proved my suspicions, I would have brought it to the counsel. I helped in the best way I could, careful how you talk to me, healer. Stones shatter glass houses."

Kirk's mouth snaps shut, and his link shuts down. I wince at the abrupt disconnection.

"That's why you all smell off. You're in league with bloodsuckers." Bo wrinkles his nose.

"We have friends from all species. There's no place for hate here," Sten joins our conversation.

"Here, now?" I search the crowd.

"You won't find us that way, Ms. Ekildson. That's the strength of joining forces." A pale man with blond hair, bright blue eyes, and dark pink lips steps forward. His face is angelic. High cheekbones and symmetrical features are striking.

"Who are you?" Cadoc's voice draws the stranger's attention away from me.

"Miloslav Miein at your service." He gives a mock bow. "Call me Milo."

"What are you?" I cover my mouth, embarrassed by the rude outburst.

He laughs. "I'm something special. A bit like you." He winks.

The shielding around him lowers, and I sense his power swelling around me. Cold and ancient, it slithers over me. He pulls it back.

"We've worked with Milo for years. You can trust him," Sten assures us.

"Forgive me if I don't take your word for it." Bo frowns.

Milo's grin widens. "I find action to be much more convincing than words."

Unsure if it's a threat or a conversation, I nod. This being isn't one to be trifled with. The less contact we have with him, the better.

"Who have you forged alliances with that grants you virtual invisibility to others?" Fell's curiosity brings the mood down.

"It's a complicated blend of magic and blood oaths," Sten answers, keeping things vague.

"Now you know our true secret. We live here in harmony. Are you ready to meet some of our allies?" Liv sounds hopeful.

Bo winces. "We'll have to postpone the meet and greet." He holds up the glowing sundial. The magical piece has attached to his spirit, sinking into his skin and resurfacing when needed. The grimace on his face speaks to the painful process of pulling it forth.

"We have to go," Cadoc says.

"Another time, Aunt Liv. Fenrir calls, and we must answer."

Her eyes brighten with joy at the address. "Of course." She reaches out and clasps my wrist. "The broach will provide extra protection from our ancestors. Keep it pinned into your clothing."

"I will." I place a hand over the hidden gift pinned to the inside of my shirt, convinced it's meant to help us on our journey.

I want more time here with these people. Our time spent together here helped us grow. I'm reluctant to leave behind the safety this space provided, but we have no choice.