Chapter 11

11

W hile Erik finished a slice of boar, he needed to tell Accalia about the guests visiting them.

“We are having guests on the morrow. Alasdair, his mate, Isobel, and some of his clansmen, including his sister, Bessetta, will stay with us for a few days. His mate is an Icelander, but now one of us. She’s a wolf,” Erik said to Accalia, again hoping that Alasdair wouldn’t bring either of his bachelor brothers with him if one might sway Accalia to look upon him more favorably.

Erik had considered telling Alasdair to leave them behind, but he knew Alasdair would be highly amused and be sure to bring them then.

“Oh, oh, Alasdair? I know him and his clan.”

Erik stared at Accalia for a minute. He hadn’t thought her da had gotten along with Alasdair’s clan or he might have already mated her off to one of Alasdair’s brothers.

“Bessetta played with me when they visited my clan.” Accalia smiled, appearing pleased with the memory. “Alasdair and his brothers teased us mercilessly, but we always had the last laugh.” She chuckled. “Once Alasdair took over his clan, he was all businesslike, much like you. But when he was younger, he was full of mischief.”

Was that why Accalia was so good at besting Erik? She’d had the experience of doing so with Bessetta against her brothers?

“They willna give you trouble here,” Erik said. He would see to it.

Accalia laughed. “They would never win.”

He smiled, loving that she was confident in her abilities. “I thought that mayhap Bessetta could stay in your bedchamber and then you could join me in mine to free up the room while they visit for the next few days.”

“Oh, aye, I can give up my room to Bessetta and then stay with the boys.”

That wasn’t what Erik had in mind! And with Alasdair’s brothers there, if they came with him, Erik wanted to ensure she was not alone with them at any time, in case they were more in the mood of courting the she-wolf than giving her grief now that they were all older.

“I’ll be glad to see Bessetta. I havena visited with her in a couple of years. And I havena met Isobel yet so it will be nice to see her. Was this a planned visit?” Accalia asked.

“When they learned I was bringing you here, they wanted to visit and see you. I didna realize they already knew you. Alasdair made no mention of it. Mayhap they want to see how well we suit.”

Accalia laughed. “Oh, Bessetta would want the best for me. I thought you would have already sought her hand in marriage since she was a known quantity. She’s good with wee ones, sweet-natured, and beautiful. Taking care of the children of my pack wasna my primary duty back home because my da needed me to supervise the household staff and the castle and its grounds in its entirety when he was away at battle. But Bessetta often works with the children of her pack.”

“You are beautiful and manage the boys brilliantly. You are the one who intrigues me. Besides, I already have an alliance with Alasdair. Bessetta is a lovely lass, as willful as you, I realize. She and I are friends, but neither of us is drawn to each other in the way of the wolf.”

She nodded.

“And I wanted to make another alliance that would benefit all—your da, Alasdair, us. So you were the perfect choice—unmated, a she-wolf, love bairns—so your da said—and were perfectly agreeable to meet me and learn how we would get along.”

“It seems to me, my da exaggerated about my strengths a wee bit when he agreed to this arrangement.”

“He knew you would be happy to be here with me.” He cast her a hint of a smile.

“You were hopeful.”

“I am lucky.” Because his wolf craved her like he knew she was interested in him. He couldn’t understand her reluctance though to take their relationship deeper. She would manage the staff and be a mother to his boys. He would protect her from Freigard and his men, and her da wouldn’t have any further say in who he might pawn her off on.

Erik believed he was likable, except when he encountered a devil wolf like Freigard who brought out the worst in him. Then, yes, he could become easily angered, but it was justified. He trusted his ability to be a fantastic partner, to bring pleasure to his mate, and to demonstrate his love for her. So why wasn't he succeeding?

“What about the men who came from your homeland? Are they going to cause trouble for you?”

“Nay. They chose Leifson over us, and they’ll have to deal with him.”

“Good. I would say the same.”

He was glad to hear it because if they thought alike, they could lead the pack more successfully.

“After the meal, how about I gather a guard detail while you put the lads to bed so we can run as wolves?” Erik asked.

Her eyes widened a bit, and he wondered why, then he thought maybe it was because he didn’t order her to do it but asked.

Then she smiled. “Of course. But you should say good night to your sons.”

She was right.

“I will the next time. I must ensure Ragnoff and his cousins leave the castle after we eat.”

She smiled and looked relieved.

Suddenly, there was a flurry of panic from the servers for the meal and some people sitting at the lower tables. They rushed out of the great hall and Accalia got up from her chair, but Erik grabbed her hand and said, “They’re shifting.”

Her eyes widened and she sat down at the table. “Oh…oh, because you and your pack members turned them.”

“Aye, and they canna control the shift during the full moon phase,” Erik said. “Likewise, they canna shift into their wolves during the new moon phase. They know to stay here at the castle during the full moon and if the need to shift comes over them, they take care of it.”

“But all of your people were born lupus garous ?”

“Aye.”

“Do the others regret having been turned?”

“Nay. They like that they can run as wolves, have longer lives, and their injuries heal in half the time that it takes humans. And they like being part of the pack and members of the clan.”

“That is good. Did anyone object to being turned?”

“Cook.”

She laughed. “It seems to me that she is happy enough now.”

“Aye. She is a good cook, and except for her trouble with shifting during the meal sometimes, she is happy here with us.”

He and Accalia finished the meal, and he planned to hug and kiss her before she left. But she jumped out of her chair. “See you.” She hurried off to gather the boys and head them out of the hall. They hugged her, and she hugged them back and kissed each of their heads.

He and his kin watched her, and he could tell they approved of her actions as much as he did. Even the original staff turned by his people seemed to love her.

“Well,” Logan said, joining him. “It appeared you were going to kiss her but missed the opportunity. I swear no one left the great hall expecting to witness it. Several were disappointed that they didna see you kissing in the bailey. What happened?”

Finlay was right there, overhearing the conversation.

Erik wished he wasn’t the center of attention and that no one would know what he had in mind to do—especially when it didn’t go the way he had wanted it to. If it had, that would have been another story.

“She was so eager to send the boys off to bed and join me on a wolf run, she hurried off.”

Logan smiled. “I assumed that. All right, I’ll gather a guard detail then.”

“I’ll join you in the inner bailey shortly.” Erik looked forward to running with her and enjoying the beauty of his lands at night.

“You want me to send Ragnoff and his cousins on their way?” Finlay asked.

“Aye. If Leifson had forced them to remain with him, that would be one thing. But they rallied to his cause and it’s up to them to deal with it.”

“I agree.”

Erik was glad both his brothers were such a help in running the pack. He knew if anything should happen to him and Accalia was his mate, they would take care of her and the boys. He hoped they wouldn’t have to deal with more brigands on the run.

Accalia hurried the boys to bed, eager to join Erik on their wolf run across the land. She wanted to find the perfect fishing spot to take the boys and teach them to fish in their wolf coats in a few days.

She thought Erik had looked like he would kiss her after they finished the meal, but when they kissed the next time—she wanted it to be in a more private setting. That way no one would have any expectations about them if it didn’t work out between them.

The nannies soon entered the chamber, looking less stressed now that the boys were much better behaved. She was so glad she could help them.

“What did Da say about what had happened with the brigands?” Thorfinn asked.

“Nine of the villains were killed and two escaped. The goal is to capture one alive, learn who oversees the men, and send them to fight us. So we dinna want to kill all of them.”

“After he told you who he worked for, then you kill him?” Thorfinn asked.

“Aye. His loyalty remains with his lord. If we let him go, he would return straight to him and tell him what had happened and then we would face the enemy in another battle.” After she spoke, she realized it wasn’t the best bedtime story to share with the lads.

Then again, after dealing with what they had, they would probably still have nightmares about it no matter what.

The boys climbed onto their beds, and she kissed each of them on the forehead. “Now sleep tight. Your da and I are running as wolves tonight and then we’ll be off to bed after that like all good wolves.”

“What if the brigands attack again?” Frowning, Thorfinn sounded worried about them.

“Whoever sent the men will have even fewer. And maybe we can capture one of them this time. But I suspect they will be too scared to return for another engagement.”

“Will you let us know when you return?” Johnne asked.

“Aye, I will. I will kiss each of you, but I willna wake you. Dinna wait up for me to do so.” She didn’t think they would. They looked drifty-eyed, Johnne rubbing his eyes and Thorfinn yawning, Hendrie following suit. She was glad they had several exciting adventures—though battling brigands was another story. “Get your rest.” She hoped they would be all right sleeping with their nannies for tonight after what they’d been through.

“What did you do to Beathag?” Thorfinn asked.

She hesitated to answer. Then she figured they might as well know. “I told her she wouldna cause me grief any longer.”

“You didna push her on the floor because she ran into you in a mean way?” Hendrie asked.

“Nay. I didna need to.”

“You told her you would send her to the dungeon,” Johnne said.

She smiled. “Why, I should have thought of that.”

“She only tells us she’s sending us to the dungeon,” Thorfinn said, sounding a little cross.

“If she bothers me any further, that might be the next thing I say,” Accalia said, amused that the boys wanted to know how she’d handled the woman.

“What are we going to do on the morrow?” Thorfinn asked, trying to get her to stay a while longer.

She had used that tactic when she was a young lass and hadn’t wanted to sleep yet, no matter how tired she’d been. “We’ll see when the sun comes up.” Then she glanced at the nannies waiting to take over.

They inclined their heads to her. She was glad that the boys were behaving better now for their sake. She gave each of the boys a hug and then left the room.

In her bedchamber, she removed her shawl, belt, gown, and shoes, and then shifted into her wolf. She dashed out the door but ran into a wolf she didn’t recognize in her wolf form, but she knew her scent—Beathag. She never visited this part of the tower that Accalia had seen.

Accalia suspected Beathag planned to give her issue. Maybe Beathag had thought to attack when Accalia was still in her human form, but she’d stripped and shifted too fast and now Beathag was facing a wolf. A wolf bite could cause serious damage. But Accalia knew how to fight as a wolf, which gave her the advantage.

For a moment, she eyed Beathag, waiting for the wolf to make her play. Accalia wasn’t going to attack her without provocation. That wasn’t a good way to take charge of the staff. The wolf jumped at Accalia, snarling and growling. Accalia immediately attacked, taking the wolf by the throat and pinning her to the floor. Every time Beathag tried to fight Accalia to free herself, Accalia tightened her grip and growled.

The boys and nannies raced out of the bedchamber. They gasped, but no one tried to stop Accalia. She had no plan to hurt the she-wolf, only to make a point.

Accalia finally eased up on Beathag, intending to release her, but if Beathag bit at her, she would bite her back to prove a point—like she would if Beathag was an unruly pup.

Accalia released her. Their hearts beating hard, Beathag stood. Her fierce gaze was on Accalia. Likewise, Accalia waited for the she-wolf’s attack. She could predict with certainty it was coming. The woman didn’t know when to take her losses and leave.

Beathag lunged at her, going for Accalia’s throat this time as if she thought she could manage the same move that Accalia had made against her.

Accalia swiftly tackled Beathag’s leg, bringing her down, not breaking it, though she could have easily done so. It would have healed in about three weeks, but Accalia didn’t want to take it that far. Beathag fell on her side and yelped in pain. As soon as she swung her head around and tried to bite back, Accalia tightened her hold on her leg. Beathag yelped again and dropped her head on the floor.

Then Accalia saw a wolf running to join her—Erik. She hoped he didn’t think she was being mean to Beathag. She released Beathag’s leg.

Erik licked Accalia’s face in greeting, which delighted her.

He barked at Beathag to leave.

The woman feigned she had been terribly injured. Erik growled at her to move along. She finally got up and walked on three legs. Accalia had not injured her. Maybe she’d hurt Beathag’s pride, but Accalia hadn’t even drawn blood.

He nudged her to let her know he was saying good night to his sons, and she smiled at him, loving that he had taken her words to heart. He herded them into the bedchamber and licked each of the boys’ faces, who were fending him off with scrunched-up expressions and laughter. She loved it. Then she and he left the room, descended the stairs, and loped to the inner bailey where men on horseback and wolves loitered, waiting on them.

The whole party moved into the outer bailey and outside through the gates. The gate guards shut and locked the portcullis after the party was outside.

She was glad she and Erik could run together as wolves without the boys. She wanted to see if he would play with her in a courtship wolf-shifter way, or if he would be all solemn—for fear the brigands would return. She would understand if he treated the run furtively, considering what had happened to her and the boys earlier. But she still wondered what would happen with the issue of Beathag and how Erik viewed it.

They smelled the woods for signs of other wolves, but all they caught were whiffs of the scent of pine, rabbits, red deer, and a wild cat. They loped to a loch that she hadn’t seen before and she enjoyed the vision of it, the full moon reflected in the still, dark waters, the trees surrounding it, likewise appearing as though they were part of the water.

With Erik again in the lead, he took her to a cliff. They climbed the path up through the rocks and stopped on a ledge to look over a glen filled with heather and green grass. The view was amazing. Way off in the distance, clouds were forming, and she was mesmerized by the forks of lightning spearing the forests far away. Was it coming in this direction? Or moving another way?

She loved exploring the area with Erik by her side. She had envisioned doing this with him back at her castle. Then she started moving in case the storm overtook them. She wanted to see all the pack’s lands with Erik, but she figured they would have to stop early because of the coming storm. When he took her to a burbling stream, she stopped on the bank while he started to cross the water.

When he saw she hadn’t followed him, he returned to her. She was looking for fish—somewhere the boys would have more success catching in a shallower creek bed. Then she saw good-sized trout moving downstream, and she smiled. This would be perfect for a future fishing trip.

Then she moved across the stream with Erik, and he nuzzled her face, and she nuzzled his. He almost seemed afraid to be too intimate or playful with her as a wolf. He was a big wolf, and she realized he might never have had the opportunity to play with a female.

She was a big gray wolf, smaller than him. But she could tackle a male. She’d done it so many times with Bessetta’s brothers. Yet she wasn’t sure that Erik would appreciate it, she realized. He seemed to want to rub his cheek against hers in a wolf way that said he was loving this with her.

But she had to know that he could play with her like he could with his boys. So she licked his face, but that got a lick back on her nose, kissing, not playing, more serious-minded, intrigued in a mating relationship. She sighed and her wolf’s breath was frosty on the air, though she hadn’t felt it was chilly because of her heavy wolf coat.

She bit the ruff of his neck. He had a thick neck and dense fur, so it was like she’d mouthed him rather than had bitten him. He glanced at her, his smile wickedly fun, like he attempted to figure her out. Poor old wolf. Her da had given up long ago on trying to do so.

She whipped around and went for Erik’s tail and nipped it. He glanced back at her as if she had barely tickled him and he was trying to guess what she was doing. A couple of his men on horseback nearby, watching their surroundings for them, chuckled.

She was about to give up on Erik when she realized he was twitching his tail ever so slightly, covertly watching her over his shoulder, and she smiled. Aye! He was waiting for her to initiate the play again—making sure that was what she was up to.

They stood motionless—all except his tail—him watching her, while she was pretending innocence slightly behind him, observing his swishing tail with her peripheral vision, hopefully not indicating she was going for it again. Then she boldly leaped for his tail so he couldn’t mistake her intent. He likewise whipped around to grab her, she yelped in joyful surprise and fun and tore off, and the chase was on.

The wolves with them were running full out, keeping up with them, protecting them, while Accalia and Erik were having the time of their lives. She hoped this would never end, yet the old fear of having a potential mate leave her for another woman at the last moment did come to mind.

Why did she even have to think about that at a time like this?