Assertion Trials

by Melaina Rayne

  Staring out over the crowd, I realized something. Before the night was over, I would meet my future companion. The only question? Which wild man would he be?

  “Shala.”

  I turned away from the window at the sound of my mother’s gentle voice. Nailana had exited quietly while I’d been deep in thought and my father stood patiently beside the door.

  My mother didn’t ask if I was ready. It didn’t matter. She simply grasped my shoulders and placed a lingering kiss on my forehead. Pulling back, she looked me in the eyes and smiled. “It’s time, sweetheart.”

  Chapter 4

  The feast was a grand affair. Tables lined the circular yard, each of them piled high with various foods, and I could smell the mouthwatering scents the second I’d stepped outside.

  The women of the packs had outdone themselves, but I didn’t know if I could eat. I should have been starving, but despite the drinks my mother had given me while we waited, my stomach churned with unease all over again.

  I hadn’t been around so many people since I was a child, and I wanted nothing more than to get the next few days over with, so I could settle in to my new home. Wherever that may be.

  As I looked around, searching for a familiar face, I spotted several nearby. Mostly elders from my pack or friends who’d left Fastness before me.

  People stood in large groups with drinks in their hands and raucous laughter rising from their midst. Joyous times like these were one of the few reasons all our people came together as a community and enjoyed the camaraderie of other packs.

  Even though they knew how to let loose, wolves weren’t especially known for their even-tempered natures. They were rowdy, hotheaded control freaks who fought just as easily as they partied. They protected their own no matter the consequence and never shied away from a brawl.

  If ever a foul word was spoken to—or about—one’s pack mate, there was always hell to pay. Of course, once things were settled and the wrong set right, all was generally forgiven. Wolfkind may be quick to fight, but the need for peace usually endured in the end.

  The attention slowly turned toward us as I descended the steps behind my parents and the three of us stood before the head table.

  The enthusiastic discussions faded to curious murmurs, but I hoped once my father finished his opening speech, everyone returned to their previous conversations. I didn’t want attention on me any longer than it had to be. Once the introduction was made, I could relax with a fresh drink and chat with old friends. I was eager to discover how pack life had been treating them and get a feel of what I could expect for myself.

  When my father raised a hand, the buzz of conversation quickly died away. Every pair of eyes held an obvious admiration for my father and not simply because of his status. All our people loved and respected him, and I felt proud to be his daughter.

  “Welcome, fellow Alphas and pack mates,” he began. “Thank you all for joining us for yet another coming of age for the Hilderan pack.”

  The crowd gave a shout of approval and my father let them grow quiet again before he continued.

  “Tonight, we celebrate Shala Wilder, my very own daughter. The coming full moon will mark her return to the pack lands and the day one of you will gain her as your companion.”

  Another shout rose from the packs and my gaze drifted over all their faces. Though everyone appeared genuinely excited, it still felt odd to have so many eyes on me.

  I was accustomed to life in Fastness, where we lived as one. It was rarely about the individual. The elders taught us that every wolf is important, but each of us is a small part of something much bigger. Now that I was soon to rejoin the packs, I would finally know my full purpose and the place I truly belonged.

  My father lifted his glass and said proudly, “To Shala.”

  Every wolfkind in the clearing raised their own drinks and echoed my father’s words.

  “Now, let us enjoy the festivities and good company.”

  My old friend Deidre was the first to approach me. Her own celebration had been two years ago, and she hadn’t changed a bit. Well, that wasn’t true. The second she stepped around the trio of women next to me, I could see how wrong I was.

  A wide smile broke across my face when her small, rounded belly came into view. She hadn’t yet sent word of a child, but she was undoubtedly pregnant.

  Deidre greeted me with a hard hug. “You look beautiful.”

  “And you look radiant,” I countered, putting her at arm’s length.

  Her hands dropped to her belly and she beamed. “We are beyond happy, but I believe this little one’s papa is more eager to meet her than I am.”

  “Has it been rough for you?” I asked curiously.

  “Not at all. I feel wonderful. I haven’t been sick once. My mother is jealous. She was ill throughout her entire nine months with each of us. That’s forty-five months of puking. I don’t understand how she did it.”

  Behind Deidre, someone cleared their throat. Glancing over my friend’s shoulder at the sandy-haired man standing close to her, my brows shot up in disbelief.

  It was one thing to know your childhood friends had grown up, but seeing the tall handsome man Sam had become shocked me to the core.

  My surprise must have been plain as day because a small smirk tugged at the corner of his generous mouth. “Hi, Shala. It’s so good to see you.”

  I returned the sentiment, accepting a quick hug from him.

  Deidre leaned into him as he slipped an arm around her. “How are you feeling about your potential prospects?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’ve barely looked. I’d rather join the guard than deal with a bunch of rutting males.”

  Sam laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Why am I not surprised? No matter how much the other girls talked about their future companions, you never really seemed interested in any of that.”

  “Don’t let her fool you,” Deidre chuckled. “She spoke plenty of her companion in Fastness. Not like the others, of course, but we had our fair share of conversations late at night while everyone else slept.”

  Sam’s brows shot up. “Really? Was I the center of those conversations?”

  Deidre smacked his chest with an open palm. “Watch it, mister. You are mine. You won me fair and square, remember?”

  His demeanor instantly shifted, his eyes shining with unmistakable love and heat. Frankly, it made me uncomfortable, but I couldn’t look away. Instead, I watched him pull Deidre close again.

  “How could I ever forget?” Sam growled, his lips pressed against her cheek.

  Deidre laughed breathlessly, her nervous gaze darting toward me. Her face flushed pink as she shoved her companion away. “Calm yourself. The last thing Sha wants to see is you getting all worked up.”

  His glowing silver eyes shifted back my direction. “Sorry. I have trouble controlling myself on an ordinary day, but since she’s been with child, all I can think about is…”

  I covered my ears. I didn’t want to hear any more. “Please, I beg you. Do not finish that sentence.”

  “You’d best get used to it, girl. Your man will be the same with you.”

  Shaking my head, I assured him it wasn’t me I was worried about. “I can handle myself. What I can’t handle is seeing two of my oldest friends drooling all over each other.”

  Deidre smirked. “Well, we can catch up more later. I’m sure you’re dying to socialize with some of these yummy specimens.”

  “Watch it, woman,” Sam warned her. “You’re going to give me a complex and then I’ll have to prove myself to you again. And again. And again.”

  A wide smile lit Deidre’s beautifully tanned face, but she shoved Sam away. “Sorry, Sha. Just ignore him. Go chat up some of these men and find out if you like any of them.”

  I watched my friends meld into the crowd before I turned my focus back to the celebration. As my gaze drifted over the gathering, I caught sight of the men on the periphery. The impassive sentinels stood at attention, the
ir hard bodies motionless, but their sharp eyes constantly scanned the festivities and surrounding forest. All but one.

  His golden, unblinking stare appeared to be fixed on me. For a heartbeat, I couldn’t breathe. Nor could I form clear thoughts. Though I’d been away from the packs for so long, I knew I’d never seen a man like this one.

  He was massive, standing a head taller than most every male at Farkas House. His wide shoulders made him impossible to ignore, but it wasn’t his size that held my attention. The intensity radiating from his eyes, even from such a distance, made me feel incredibly exposed. It was as if he saw into me—into my deepest thoughts—and he could see the inexplicable hunger suddenly rising in me at just the sight of him.

  I never expected to have such attraction toward anyone, but there was no denying the feelings this man stirred in me. Too bad he wouldn’t be competing. Or perhaps it was for the best. A man like him couldn’t be good for me.

  I didn’t have to have experience in interacting with the opposite sex to know the type I preferred, but I learned quickly those I didn’t like. Most who had approached me were kind and respectful, while others were arrogant, aggressive beasts I wanted to kick where it counted.

  While I chatted with several women from my father’s pack, three young males leered at me from across the yard. Each of them was handsome in their own way, but I instantly knew I didn’t like any of them.

  The way they watched me sent a shiver up my spine. Everything in me said to stay away from them, but no matter where I went, their ever-watchful eyes followed. I’d hoped to avoid talking to them, but my luck soon ran out.

  As the sun sank beneath the western tree line, the trio sauntered toward me. The dark-haired male in the center was clearly their leader and I couldn’t stand him even before he opened his gorgeous mouth. He was a cocky bastard. I could see that much just by the way he carried himself. The arrogant little smirk that never left his perfectly chiseled face only drew more attention to his self-assurance. Don’t get me wrong. He was good-looking, possibly one of the most physically attractive men I’d seen all night. Unfortunately, his smug smile was severely off-putting.

  “Hello, beautiful.” He offered a hand. “I am Resno Ulric—eldest son of Aki, Pack Alpha.”

  Reluctantly, I slipped my hand into his but showed no outward sign of my discomfort. I held his gaze steadily and gave him a polite smile. Nothing more. Clearly, he thought to impress me, but his father’s status was of no consequence.

  Resno indicated the lean, dark-haired male to his right. “This is my cousin, Rafe.”

  I could see the resemblance. Both had thick hair the color of coal and eyes that matched. Resno was built much sturdier, but Rafe appeared no less lethal.

  Resno nodded to the stocky, sandy-haired guy to his left. “And this is Lyall.”

  I acknowledged each male with an amiable nod, but my instincts screamed for me to keep a close eye on that one. Something in his obsidian stare told me he was dangerous.

  “Are you excited about the trials?” Lyall shifted closer, his greedy gaze sliding slowly over me. “I, for one, cannot wait.”

  “The barbaric traditions of our people bore me,” I answered frankly, but my lack of interest did nothing whatsoever to deter them.

  Instead, Resno’s grin widened. “I assure you, boredom will be the last thing you’ll be feeling when it all begins.”

  Rafe stepped closer, leaning in to whisper next to my ear. “Especially when I fight for you.”

  I hated the feel of his warm breath against my cheek, but I managed to stifle the shiver threatening to race up my spine. He pulled away, searching my face as if he expected some profound reaction, but I refused to give him one. I simply maintained my indifferent expression.

  “Show some respect.”

  Startled by the deep voice, I turned to find a guard merely three paces to my right. His rather large frame appeared casual leaning against the tree with his arms crossed over his thick chest. Yet, his low tone and steely expression held an obvious warning.

  I wasn’t the only one surprised by his presence. Judging by the expressions on the three friends’ faces, they hadn’t noticed him either.

  Resno shifted his stance minutely as if dismissing the guard’s words. “I hope to speak with you again before the night is over. Save me a dance?”

  I didn’t reply. I simply offered a halfhearted smile. I didn’t want to dance with him. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t see any of them again until the trials began. Unfortunately, I had a nagging feeling they wouldn’t leave me be for long.

  Resno and his friends casually walked away as if they hadn’t been reprimanded, or simply didn’t care. All but Rafe. He threw one last look over his shoulder before disappearing into the crowd behind his cousin and their friend. The look on his face held a promise of things to come, and if I was honest with myself, it frightened me a little.

  No matter what I felt, I didn’t know whether to thank the guard for speaking up or be aggravated with him for making me appear weak in front of those vile males. I turned back to him, unsure what might come out of my mouth, only to find him gone.

  Frowning, I looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen. He’d disappeared as quickly as he’d made himself known. That’s what guards did best. They were only seen when they wanted to be.

  “Shala.”

  The sound of my mother’s concerned voice drew my attention.

  “Everything all right?”

  I offered my best smile. “Fine. I could use a drink, though.”

  With a knowing nod, she slung an arm around my shoulders and led me to a group of women standing near the fire pit on the far side of the yard. Some, I recognized. Others, I didn’t. Fortunately, my mother made the introductions.

  They all offered me a cheerful greeting and I could see the sincerity in each of them.

  Otsanda and her daughter, Amarya, I remembered. Otsanda was my mother’s closest friend outside our pack, and Amarya had left Fastness the same year I’d arrived. She now had three young boys with her companion, Zaine.

  Amarya was one of the rare females to be paired with a male from within her birth pack. And from what I understood, it hadn’t happened in the Lobos pack for nearly eighty years.

  Nekira Lykos—Alpha Tarik’s companion—offered a warm smile. “You look lovely, dear.”

  “Thank you,” I replied politely. “As do you.”

  She really did. She was a gorgeous woman. Her midnight hair was loose around her tanned face, and her tawny, knee-length skirt played up the glowing gold color of her almond-shaped eyes.

  Katalin, Alpha Mikkel’s companion, spoke up. “You look like you need a drink, honey.”

  “Thank you.” I exhaled a relieved breath, accepting the cup she all but shoved in my hands.

  Dalna laughed, her cheeks flushed from too many drinks of her own.

  “I am impressed with how you handled my Resno,” Accalia spoke up. “He can be a bit much at times.”

  “Your Resno?” I asked curiously. That annoyingly arrogant beast was Accalia’s son? The woman was too sweet to have a heathen like him.

  She laughed. “Yes. The boy is too much like his uncle. I’m shocked he and his wild cousin haven’t gone feral. They have been hellions since they were only boys, but they’ve been nearly unbearable since returning from Fort Raysan. Let’s just hope they settle down a little once they get their women.”

  “It’ll take a strong-willed female to tame your boy,” Otsanda laughed.

  Good luck with that, I thought to myself. I wouldn’t bet on anyone taming that male.

  Accalia shook her head and looked back at me. “He just needs to be put in his place, and you’re the first female I’ve seen that might be able to do that.”

  I didn’t know how to respond. Thankfully, Amarya saved me from having to reply. She nudged me with her elbow. “Met anyone you’re hoping to be paired with?”

  I shrugged, not wanting to answer. I’d met several who would
make the perfect companion…for someone else. They were nice enough, each of them attractive in his own way. Still, they all paled in comparison to one male.

  As if summoned by my very thoughts, the big male came into my line of sight. Just as before, those golden eyes were trained on me. He didn’t smile. He never so much as blinked, only remained focused on me as if he thought I might disappear. Or perhaps he’d been assigned to look after me. Surely that wasn’t the case. If he was meant to keep a watch on me, I would imagine such a thing might require him to be much closer to me. Not the opposite side of the celebration.

  Part of me said to ignore him and enjoy as much of the night as possible, but another part of me wanted to go to him. I didn’t want to be rude to the women around me. I should be paying attention to their conversation, but nearly all my focus was set on the big guard.

  I didn’t understand my attraction to him. I felt uncomfortable with other males staring at me, but strangely, his eyes on me only brought comfort with an odd sense of exhilaration.

  Not wanting to take my eyes off his, I offered him a shy smile.

  His expression never changed, but those intense eyes of his appeared to glow brighter.

  “Shala?”

  I turned to see who’d spoken and found six sets of expectant eyes focused on me. I gave myself a mental shake. “Sorry. What?”

  Amarya laughed. “Never you mind. I was only prying.”

  “And we all know where that ends,” Otsanda chuckled quietly.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Amarya asked, her tone suggesting she was offended.

  More laughter bubbled up from our little group. Even I knew Amarya had always been a bit on the inquisitive side. Not necessarily nosy. Simply curious about the happenings within the packs. And with me soon to rejoin their ranks, I could imagine she was interested in what I would be bringing to our people.

  Chapter 5

  For hours, I listened to pack stories and caught up with old friends. I enjoyed myself for a while, but as the night wore on, my anxiety grew. I knew I’d have to slip away to get some fresh air at some point. That was a given. Even in my usual daily life, I needed alone time, preferably surrounded by nothing but nature.