Assertion Trials

by Melaina Rayne

  Part of me wanted to follow, but running from my destined future was impossible. Even if I managed to escape my fate, far worse things would become of me than the traditions of my people. The ferals would eventually find me, and I hadn’t heard a single pleasant story of those wayward wolves.

  Surely, I was making too much of the Assertion’s outcome. The males of my kind were honorable, fiercely loyal creatures. Whether we liked one another in the beginning or not, I had to believe we would learn to live with one another. If not, I could always provide my pack with a child, and then return to Fastness as an elderwoman when the child reached ten years of age.

  At the far end of the wide-open space a steep, rocky wall jutted toward the heavens, blocking our view of what lay ahead. Though I wanted to stop and enjoy the scenery before making our way into the narrow opening, the others didn’t slow in the slightest.

  We followed the winding path through craggy trenches for more than two hours before we saw the sky again. Above us, the trees along the top of the gorge thinned now and then, allowing sunshine to pour down on the high earthen walls. It never reached the bottom where we followed the trail, but it warmed the narrow passage and lit our way with a yellow-orange glow from above.

  The atmosphere and the company soothed me, but whatever comfort I’d begun to feel melted away when the path widened again.

  The closer we drew to our rendezvous point, the harder my heart pounded. Not from exertion, but from anticipation. Not only would I see men for the first time in ten years, but I would also be leaving the comfort of the mountain and be one step closer to my fate.

  The broadening gap revealed more of the pale blue sky above us and as the trail sloped downward, the lush green of the Raysan Forest slowly came into view. I could see for miles over the treetops, the canopy so tightly knit it appeared you could run over the top and not fall to the forest floor.

  To the east, a vast prairie stretched as far as the eye could see, only the occasional tree dotting the landscape.

  The sun had reached the highest point by the time we arrived at our meeting place. A big part of me rejoiced that the first portion of the journey was over, yet another part dreaded the two hours still to come.

  As expected, the guards were there to intercept us at the entrance to the forest and my heart skipped a beat when I saw them. Three rather large males lounged casually against the wide tree trunks, while the others stood at attention, all their eyes focused on our approach.

  A man with a stern, weathered face stepped forward, addressing the woman at the front of our little troop. “It is good to see you again, Nailana.”

  The elderwoman offered a bright smile. “It has been too long, Kene.”

  The big male’s hard expression never faltered, but he dragged Nailana close. Their lingering embrace suggested an intimacy I didn’t expect. And as they exchanged quiet words, I couldn’t help wondering how the two of them knew each other.

  I had no personal memories of Kene, yet stories of his fierceness had been a part of my life for the last ten years. Seeing him for myself, I understood why everyone spoke of him with such respect. Even standing still, his strength was evident. He possessed an air of authority that made everyone take notice and he was clearly in charge wherever he went.

  Kene stepped around Nailana, regarding me as he approached. I fought the urge to avert my stare. Doing so would only show weakness and submission. Respect was one thing, but only two would have my submission. My alpha and my companion. Not necessarily in that order.

  Though Kene’s sheer size overwhelmed me, I managed to keep my feet planted firmly in place and my eyes locked with his as he stepped forward.

  I could see the approval in the tilt of his chin when I held my ground. “I see your mother’s strength in you. She and your father will be proud of the woman you have become.”

  “Thank you,” I replied, still holding his gaze.

  “They arrived at Farkas House just before we left, and they are eager to see you.”

  I understood the feeling. I couldn’t wait to see my parents. It had been far too long since I last hugged them both, and even with the packs gathered for the celebration, I knew that would be the first thing I did when I arrived.

  “Would you like to continue on or stop for a quick break?”

  To my surprise, I realized Kene was speaking to me, not my travel companions. All eyes were on me, expectant expressions on all their faces.

  I turned to Kene once again. “I need no rest.”

  The corner of his mouth twitched minutely, and he inclined his head as if he approved. “Let us go, then.”

  ***

  Though I expected a gathering upon our arrival to Farkas House, nothing could have prepared me for the numbers assembled in the nine-acre clearing.

  “I have never seen so many wolfkind,” I murmured to myself.

  Beside me, Zusi laughed softly, her eyes crinkling at their corners. “These are exciting times, child. Listen to those wild men howling for you. Already, they cannot wait to compete for your hand.”

  Great. All I needed. A bunch of drooling wannabe alphas ready to prove themselves by beating each other until only one stood at the end of the trials. I hoped the next couple days flew by and the victor would be someone I could tolerate, at least.

  I’d been warned of the eager young wolves and their…enthusiasm. According to the elderwomen, it was inevitable that one or more would grow brave in their attempt to impress the intended female. And when that happened, the guards wouldn’t hesitate to put them back in their place.

  I hoped this lot would be smarter than to overstep their bounds and no violence beyond that of the Assertion would arise. Still, the elderwomen were right. They were wild young men and their competitive, aggressive natures reigned when it came to the possibility of claiming a woman of their own.

  Kene and his men led my travel party toward the cabin where my parents awaited my arrival. As the crowd parted, my curious gaze drifted over their faces, hoping to recognize someone. Perhaps a childhood friend or pack member. Unfortunately, all that registered was the eagerness and curiosity of the packs.

  The sheer numbers overwhelmed me, and the more I focused on them, the more tension grew within my every muscle. Refusing to show my unease, I held my head high and forced my gaze toward the cabin’s wide porch.

  A man and woman stepped forward, and though it had been ten years, I recognized them instantly. My father was wider through the shoulders than I remembered, and he appeared to have acquired a few gray hairs. Looking at my mother was much the same as seeing my own reflection. She wore her hair longer and the color a shade lighter than my own chestnut waves, but I couldn’t deny her if I wanted.

  It took every ounce of strength I possessed not to run to them. Thankfully, I didn’t have to fight it for long. My mother broke tradition and descended the three shallow steps, all but shoving Kene aside to embrace me.

  My mother’s familiar jasmine scent enveloped me, and tears of joy threatened to spill from my suddenly burning eyes. Miraculously, I managed to hold my composure. That is until she released me, and my father pushed her aside to wrap his strong arms around me. I basked in his warmth, reminded of all the times he’d hugged me the very same way when I was a child.

  I didn’t want him to let go, but I knew if he didn’t soon, I would likely break down in front of all the packs. And how embarrassing would that be?

  With tears in his own eyes, my father put me at arm’s length and smiled down at me. “You have grown into a beautiful woman.”

  My voice and my thoughts failed me. All I could manage was a smile and a slight bow of my head.

  Saving my dignity, Kene spoke up. “Perhaps you should continue your reunion in private.”

  Releasing a shaky breath, I agreed and followed my mother up the steps and into the cabin, leaving the shouts and cheers of the packs behind me. For the time being.

  Chapter 3

  Twisting my fingers together, I made y
et another circuit across the den.

  Nailana didn’t look up from her carving. “Sit down, child. You’ll wear a path in the floor with all that pacing.”

  Flinging my thick braid over my shoulder, I blew out a frustrated breath. “I can’t help it. There are so many people and I feel like I can’t breathe just thinking about going back out there.”

  “I know it is overwhelming, but that is only the anticipation. Once the introduction is over, you will enjoy yourself.”

  “Yeah, right,” I muttered under my breath.

  Nailana sighed. “Relax. Enjoy tonight’s festivities.”

  “Easy for you to say. You’re not going to be the center of attention for a bunch of wild men.”

  “No, but I was once in your place, child,” she reminded me. “My own day may have been many moons past, but I remember the anxiety as if it were yesterday. So, believe me, I understand what you are feeling.”

  That much was true. I wasn’t alone in how I felt. Every woman who came before me had been through the very same thing. Still, I couldn’t shake my nervousness over the coming events.

  I really wished my brother had been able to come. He always knew what to say to calm me. Too bad he was on mission elsewhere.

  “All will be well,” Nailana assured me. Or tried to.

  Deep down, I knew it would all work out, but I still couldn’t force myself to take Nailana’s advice. The life I’d known for the last ten years was over and a new beginning quickly approached. No way could I relax.

  My childhood was a distant, vague memory. I didn’t recall much of what life was like for companions. Even if I did, my child’s mind wouldn’t likely have a true sense of what I could expect for myself. Sure, the elderwomen prepared me for this transition, but I couldn’t envision what my future would look like.

  As far back as I could remember, the same questions plagued me. Who would my champion be? Would I like him? Could I be happy with a stranger? What if I hated him? Would I be forced to live a miserable life with a man who wasn’t right for me or would I eventually run away and join the ferals?

  Nailana sighed heavily, interrupting my thoughts. “Do not worry so much, child. The fates will be kind to you.”

  I studied her bright eyes. “How can you be sure?”

  “Because your man will cherish you as he should,” Nailana stated confidently.

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  A soft laugh escaped Nailana. “Then you will send him to the great beyond and volunteer to join the ranks of the guard. With either outcome, you will be happy.”

  I gaped at her. “Nailana! Did you just give me permission to kill my companion if he mistreats me?”

  Cupping a hand to her ear, the woman frowned. “I’m sorry, dear. Did you say something?”

  I couldn’t help laughing. Everyone knew the woman had excellent hearing. The girls often joked that Nailana could hear a whispered conversation clear across Fastness Valley. I had borne witness to the inexplicable talent more than once and suffered the consequences every time.

  A soft knock on the door drew my attention. My mother peeked into the room. “How is everything in here?”

  “Waiting impatiently,” Nailana answered, throwing an amused glance my way.

  My mother took one look at me and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. “You appear nervous, sweetheart.”

  “Understatement of the decade,” I muttered.

  Smiling, she crossed the room and withdrew a square amber bottle from the satchel at the foot of the bed. “Not only is it family tradition to have a drink with your mother, but I think you might need this more than I do.”

  She grabbed three squat glasses from the old mahogany cabinet in the corner and sat them on the low table in front of Nailana. After filling each one halfway, my mother settled into the chair across from the elderwoman and beckoned me to join them.

  I reluctantly lowered myself into a free chair and with trembling hands, took the glass Nailana pushed toward me.

  “It’s your uncle’s famous brew,” my mother explained, a hint of warning in her soft voice. “It may be strong, but judging by how tense you are, I’ll say it’s just what you need.”

  She was right, but tense didn’t cover it. The celebration would begin in half an hour and I could feel my gut churning. If I didn’t do something soon to get my mind off it all, I just might lose what little contents I had in my nervous stomach the second I exited the cabin.

  Both women watched me as I took a small whiff of the dark liquid, my mother chuckling softly when the spicy, pungent aroma sent a shiver through me. “I know. It is a bit rough, but it’ll be worth it. Your nervousness will melt away a little with every sip.”

  I lifted my glass and said hopefully, “To a quick and thorough exit of my anxiety.”

  Before either woman could respond, I tossed back the contents of my glass with a quick flick of my wrist. I swallowed hard, instantly regretting the action. Though I expected the drink to be strong, the burn that accompanied the rich taste nearly choked me, making me cough until my eyes watered.

  Nailana grinned. “She warned you, child.”

  My mother patted my back, her deep blue eyes dancing with amusement. “Your uncle doesn’t believe in doing anything halfway. His brew included.”

  Still feeling the burn, I cleared my throat and wiped beneath my eyes. “I’ll be more cautious next time.”

  My mother laughed in earnest. “Would you like another?”

  I thought to tell her no, but the faint fuzzy feeling already growing in my head gave me hope that it just might work to ease my tension.

  “Maybe one more,” I rasped, holding my empty glass out to her.

  My mother poured another and sat back in her chair. “Take that one a little slower, will you. I’d hate to have you passing out before the feast ever begins.”

  I snorted. That would be lovely. The guest of honor not showing up to her own party.

  “You can have all you like once you get some food in you.” My mother took a sip from her glass before adding, “You’ll probably need it. Every available young man from the Red Forest to the Kalligan Flats will be vying for your attention, trying to impress you with their winning personalities.”

  I didn’t miss her sarcasm on the last two words. Clearly, she felt about as enthusiastic over the whole thing as I did. The only difference was, she’d been through it before and knew exactly what was coming. It was one thing to simply be aware of the details, but something else entirely to experience it firsthand.

  I dreaded the next couple days. Not so much the event, but the waiting itself. That would be my undoing—the anticipation of who would be the last man standing. I couldn’t wait for it to all be over, and it had yet to even begin.

  “You are going to see some heavenly specimens,” my mother admitted, “but some of them will be utterly infuriating. Trust me. There is always at least one you will want to slap stupid. By the end of the night, you’ll have a decent idea on which ones will be compatible with you.”

  Nailana smirked. “And which ones you will want to neuter.”

  My mother shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth and I found myself grinning in return.

  “Men are heathens,” Nailana professed. “The only thing they’re good for is reproducing.”

  I paused with my drink halfway to my lips, unsure if I’d heard her correctly, but my mother laughed softly.

  “What?” Nailana asked, pretending innocence.

  My mother met my gaze over the rim of her glass, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

  “Oh, fine,” Nailana admitted. “Maybe they are good for other things. But unless a man is gifted in the nether regions, he isn’t worth the trouble.”

  My mother and I both lost it, laughing like a couple of little girls.

  Nailana finished her drink in perfect silence, but she struggled to maintain composure. I’d always known her to be easygoing, maybe even sassy at times, but I’
d never witnessed this side of the elderwoman. I couldn’t be sure if her playfulness was simply because she enjoyed her time away from Fastness or if my uncle’s brew was to blame.

  Twenty minutes later, our girlie banter was interrupted by a firm knock on the door.

  “Come in,” my mother called out before taking another sip of her drink.

  The door swung open and my father strode into the room. He took one look at the three of us and tried to feign disapproval. He nodded toward the bottle on the table, barely holding his stern expression. “Numbing your mind with my brother’s poison, I see.”

  My mother simply grinned up at him.

  “Everyone is gathered and waiting,” he informed us, “but Kene received word of two more parties traveling in from the south. They should be here just after sundown.”

  My mother sat her glass on the table, a myriad of emotions flickering across her features. “Novak?”

  “Possibly.”

  Every ounce of my earlier anxiety came flooding back. The Novak rarely attended Assertion trials. They preferred not to bring outsiders into their pack unless necessary. They still lived by the old laws and were rumored to be the most brutal of our kind. Even ferals avoided the pack’s land.

  If the Novak were coming, so was the chance for me to become one of them. I wanted that even less than I wanted to end up with a companion I couldn’t stand. Unfortunately, I had no control over who won in the end. I could only hope they took one look at me and left because they knew I wasn’t Novak material.

  Feeling restless, I stood and made my way to the window. Drawing back the curtain a few inches, I peered out at the crowd. It looked as if the numbers had grown since my arrival at Farkas house, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility fell over me as I searched all their faces.

  So many wolfkind had come, all of them gathered in celebration. It wasn’t about me, per se. Only their joy over the next female rejoining the packs.

  Above all else, family and pack were the most important to my people. It felt surreal knowing I wasn’t only returning to the pack lands. Soon, my own children would expand our community. Thus beginning yet another cycle of life.