De Wolfe in Disguise: De Wolfe Pack Connected World

by Jennifer Siddoway

  With a heavy sigh, Leonidus drew a small pouch of gold from his belt and handed it to the man. “My apologies, sir. What happened here is regrettable, but neither my companions nor I were the aggressors. We merely sought to defend ourselves. I hope this is enough to cover the damages. If not, you know where to find me.”

  The man looked back at him in shock as the gold fell into his hand. His mouth opened and closed as if he wanted to say something, but the words would not come. Just then, a lumbering shadow crept across the doorway, and Leo turned to see a priest. Father Hubert with his regalia and three other men waited patiently in the doorway for them to finish. His steely demeanor was unmoving except for the hint of a smile on his lips.

  Caius groaned as he noticed the man as well. “Good day, Father Hubert.”

  The priest had salt and pepper hair, with streaks of gray running through his beard. “Good day, Caius…Leonidus. I see you’ve been keeping yourselves occupied. I’m glad you’ve returned safely.”

  Leonidus rolled his eyes. “It was a misunderstanding, Hubert.”

  Father Hubert pursed his lips and said, “It always is. I was hoping you’d make it back to the castle without making a scene—your father wishes to have a word.”

  The priest turned to leave, and called back over his shoulder, “Come, your horses are ready, and your parents are expecting us.”

  Leonidus glanced to Caius and Bentley with a shrug, sheathing his blade. They followed them out into the road where Father Hubert climbed into a waiting carriage.

  “That could have gone better,” Caius grumbled.

  “There’s nothing we can do about it now,” Leonidus told him. “Let’s get back to the Wolfe’s Lair and deal with it then.”

  Bentley nodded his agreement, and they collected their horses from the stables. Leonidus stroked the mane of his stallion, Shadow. “Good boy,” he told the animal soothingly. “Let’s hope my father is not too angry, shall we?”

  Chapter Four

  Leonidus swiftly pulled himself up into the saddle and clicked his tongue to edge the stallion forward. Caius and Bentley were right behind him, following Father Hubert’s carriage. The streets of Questing were lined with cottages and shops that led up to Rule Water Castle.

  As they rode through the village, the great keep became visible in the distance. It had been the stronghold of the De Wolfe name for centuries. It was a massive structure and instilled a sense of safety in its inhabitants and wards, and dread to anyone who would dare to try and take it. The castle symbolized the strength, power, and enduring legacy of the De Wolfe family.

  They’d been away from the security of its walls for long enough.

  Leonidus’s back straightened slightly as they passed through the outer gates. Once in the courtyard, a stableman quickly ran up to take their reins as they dismounted. The servants knew to see after their belongings as the returned sons walked to the keep.

  At the sound of their arrival, Morgana came walking from the gardens with a basket of vegetables. She had wide blue eyes and skin the color of milk, which contrasted beautifully with her raven-black hair. The dark curls of her hair hung down almost to her waist, and she moved with such grace it seemed as if her feet did not even touch the ground. Her gentle features brightened instantly when she recognized them.

  “Leo! Caius!”

  Leonidus grinned at the sight of his sister and ran to meet her with a hug. “Morgana, you look positively beautiful.”

  “Oh, hush,” she responded, blushing.

  “You’ve got quite the collection of vegetables, are they for dinner?” he questioned with a grin.

  “Mother sent me to collect some. Halle has caught a fever and needs some help in the kitchen.”

  He nodded approvingly and said, “Its good of you to help.”

  “Hello, Morgana.” Caius greeted her with a smile. “Do I get a hug as well?”

  She grinned at him. “Of course, you do. I’m delighted that both of you have returned. How is Titus?”

  “Almost as tall as me,” Leonidus told her. “The boy is growing like a weed.”

  “He’s gained quite some skill in fighting,” Caius added. “He’s settling in with Uncle Tertius rather nicely.”

  Morgana nodded. “I miss him terribly. First, you both decide to leave me by galivanting all over England, and now Titus is gone. Who am I supposed to talk to?”

  “I’m sure you’ll make some more friends here soon,” Caius offered.

  “Or you could take me on one of your trips,” she added hopefully.

  Leo chuckled. “Not a chance, little sister. Mother would have my head if I let anything happen to you. If you want to travel, then you must take it up with her.”

  She bristled slightly and stuck out her tongue at him. “Maybe I will.”

  Father Hubert cleared his throat and met them on the steps, “Forgive my interruption, Lady De Wolfe, but I’m afraid I must take your brothers once again. Your parents are expecting them in the solar.”

  Leo and Caius turned to her apologetically. “Don’t worry, Morgana. We’ll be right out.”

  She sighed and waved them off dismissively. “Very well. I’ll see you when you are done.”

  “Thank you,” Caius muttered before following Leonidus inside.

  Morgana smiled at the two of them as they walked past. Caius reached out to muss her hair as he went by, which caused the girl to laugh and shoo them away toward the castle.

  “Go!”

  Their footsteps echoed through the hallways until arriving at the solar door. Leonidus knocked and offered his brother a sideways glance.

  “Come in, boys,” the gruff voice of Atticus called.

  Leo opened the door, striding in, Caius close behind.

  Atticus was standing by the opposite wall, his arms crossed over his chest, while their mother, Isobeau, sat statuesque in a chair beside him. Her golden hair was woven back over her shoulder, and she wore a red, silk dress that matched her shoes. She possessed the commanding presence of a queen.

  It was the same grace and charm that had been bestowed upon their sister, and her eyes had wisdom shining in their blue depths. She was also the most gentle and loving woman Leonidus had ever known.

  “Welcome home, my loves. I trust you’ve been staying out of trouble?” Isobeau asked.

  “We endeavor to,” Leonidus assured her. “You’ll be glad to know Titus is doing well and is settled with Uncle Tertius.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’d love to hear all about it soon. Unfortunately, this business cannot wait.”

  Leonidus frowned. “Mother, what is this about?”

  Isobeau glanced toward Atticus, and he gave her a nod. Exhaling, she produced a sheet of parchment. “A message arrived this morning. It seems the uprisings in the marches are getting worse. This feud between the Johnstones and the Maxwells is becoming deadly. To help broker peace, Laird Maxwell had arranged a marriage between his son and the daughter of Laird Gordon. The hope was that by aligning such powerful families, the Johnstones would be less inclined to attack.”

  Leonidus nodded thoughtfully. “It sounds like a well-reasoned plan. Henry Maxwell is a good man. We know him from the battle at Cheviot Hills.”

  “Oh, yes! He was a delightful companion,” Caius added in agreement.

  Isobeau pursed her lips. “I’m so sorry, loves. The letter was to inform us Henry has fallen.”

  Leonidus gasped. “He’s dead?”

  Their mother nodded sadly. “Yes, dear. His marriage to Margret Gordon would have been a perfect solution, but fate had other plans.”

  This time is was their father, Atticus, who spoke. He stood beside his wife, standing almost as tall as the ceiling, with dark brown hair that hung almost to his shoulders. “Laird Maxwell is beside himself with grief and seeks to marry his daughter off to another noble family…one that supports their claim to the marches and will help defend if needed.”

  Caius frowned. “But surely they know I am already engaged…�
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  “She’s talking about me, Caius,” Leo said.

  Isobeau smiled thinly. “Yes, darling. Of course, nothing is set in stone. We wanted to see what you thought before responding.”

  Leonidus’s brow furrowed at the prospect of marrying Henry’s sister. He’d never met the girl and only heard about her through stories, but knew she was fair and an agreeable sort. It just felt odd to be considering her as the future companion of all his life.

  “Well?” Isobeau prodded. “What do you think?”

  Atticus and Caius both looked to him as well, awaiting his response. “I think the Maxwells are grieving and in need of help,” he confessed. “I would like to go and visit Castle Caerlaverock to extend our condolences and get a better understanding of the situation. Henry was my friend, and I owe his family that at least.”

  “So…no to the marriage then,” Atticus said.

  “I’m…not sure. It’s rather sudden, don’t you think? I was not even thinking about marriage until this happened.”

  “It is,” their father agreed. “But that is often the way of things. We don’t always get a choice when duty is thrust upon us. They need your answer soon. If this marriage is to take place, it needs to happen before the Johnstones make a move against them.”

  “I understand.”

  Isobeau stood up from her chair. “Might I make a suggestion?”

  “Of course, Mother. What do you suggest?”

  “Go to the marches. Find comfort in visiting Henry’s family and extend your condolences from all of us. Once you’ve met Lady Maxwell, you can make a decision then.”

  Leonidus nodded. “That sounds agreeable.”

  “It’s a smart match, Leo. I urge you to consider the offer seriously,” Atticus told him. “Clan Maxwell controls the marches, and those are an important foothold on the Scottish border. It’s our duty to protect it. By defending the Maxwell’s claim on that land and easing the tension between the clans, we’re serving our interests as well. By marrying Lady Maxwell, you could provide a solution to the problem.”

  Isobeau nodded. “The Johnstones wouldn’t dare try to unseat Laird Maxwell as Warden of the Marches if his daughter marries into house De Wolfe,” she offered. “Leonidus, your father and I will not force you into anything. However, I do agree with your father, and think you should give it reasonable consideration.”

  He sighed. “I’ll take a retinue of men and head for Castle Caerlaverock in the morning.”

  His mother nodded. “Wonderful.”

  Leo and his brother were about to go when Atticus stopped them. “One other thing. Clan Johnstone sounds like it may be trouble in the future. Take Caius and Bentley with you and see what else you can find out about them while you’re there.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  Caius chuckled humorlessly. “Leo and I just got home, and already you’re sending us out again. If I didn’t know better, I would think you didn’t want us here.”

  Isobeau pouted. “You know that isn’t true.”

  Caius grinned and walked over to kiss her on the forehead, saying, “Of course not. This is about duty and the death of our friend. We have an obligation to help the Maxwells.”

  Atticus sighed and embraced Leo and Caius warmly. “Go and rest while you can. Pack some clean clothes and make ready for your departure. We’ll see you later in the evening.”

  Leo bowed before walking into the hallway.

  Caius sighed heavily and rested his hand on Leo’s shoulder. “Well, that was unexpected.”

  Leonidus nodded and gazed off toward the courtyard. “Yes, it was. I’m going to speak with Morgana, I’ll meet up with you later.”

  Caius waved him off. “You do that. I’m going to go bathe and sleep for as long as possible. My back is killing me from the ride.”

  As his brother disappeared around the corner, Leonidus sighed and went in search of their little sister. She was easy to find, bringing in another load of vegetables to the kitchen.

  “Leo! How did it go with Father?”

  He smiled apologetically toward the cook and said, “Forgive me, but I need to borrow my sister for a moment.”

  The cook nodded in acknowledgment and went back to stirring a pot of stew. As he took Morgana by the arm, her smile faded, and she set the basket down on the kitchen table.

  “Leo? What’s going on?”

  He ushered her toward the garden and patted her gently on the wrist. “Well, I came to let you know that Caius and I will be travelling again tomorrow.”

  “What? But you just got back.”

  “I know, and if it were possible for me to stay, I would. But things have changed, and we are needed elsewhere.”

  She pouted. “Is there a battle?”

  He considered telling her about Henry’s death and about the marriage proposal, but he didn’t want to get her hopes up before deciding that himself.

  “No, we will not be in any danger,” he assured her. “And this trip will not be as long as last time—just a week.”

  She rested her head against his shoulder. “I will miss you terribly.”

  “I know, but sometimes it cannot be helped.”

  “Very well. Thank you for telling me, that way I can make the most of the time we have. Just promise me, you’ll return home safe.”

  Leonidus smiled at her. “I promise.”

  Chapter Five

  Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland

  It had been three days since they had sent the messenger to Rule Water Castle. Three days with no response, and Rebekah was growing increasingly nervous about what the answer would be. She couldn’t decide what frightened her more; the prospect of having Atticus, the Lion of the North, as her father-in-law, or dealing with the Clan Johnstone threat. Neither one was ideal.

  It did bring her comfort knowing that Henry had been friends with the De Wolfes. Marrying into such a respected family would be a great honor, and she was excited at the prospect. Yet, she had a nagging worry at the back of her mind that something could go wrong.

  For the last three days, she’d barely eaten. After they buried Henry, she retreated to her chambers, seeking solitude. She sat at her window doing needlework when the sound of footsteps came rushing down the hall. Rebekah looked up when her door swung open.

  “My lady, ye must come and see!” Rebekah’s maid called to her.

  Setting her needlework down, Lady Maxwell rose to her feet. “Lottie, what is it? Please tell me there hasn’t been another incident.”

  Lottie shook her head. “Nae, mistress. It’s marvelous news! Horses are riding toward the castle as we speak. They wear the colors of House De Wolfe.”

  Rebekah swallowed hard and glanced back toward the window. In the distance, she could see the group of men. They wore the De Wolfe colors, with the brilliant yellow and silver field and a gray wolf’s head on top of it.

  Her stomach fluttered at the sight of visitors approaching. “It is clearly in response to my father’s letter. I should go down and greet them, shouldn’t I?”

  Lottie nodded and offered her an encouraging smile. Lottie had been with their family for as long as she could remember, offering support and counsel just like her mother had before she died.

  Rebekah sighed and smoothed at her hair nervously.

  “Ye look beautiful, ma’am.”

  Rebekah smiled. “Thank ye, Lottie.”

  “May I?”

  Rebekah nodded, moving closer so the woman could assist in making her more presentable. Her wavy brown hair was braided and coiled into an elaborate knot at the back of her head. She pulled her shawl, the tartan of Clan Maxwell, tighter about her shoulders. It was not her most costly garment, but it was at least presentable for the visitors from House De Wolfe.

  Lottie stepped back after smoothing out her dress. “There, ye’re positively radiant.”

  Lady Maxwell smiled. “Come, we will go to them together.”

  “Aye, ma’am.”

  Rebekah set off down the hall with
Lottie following close behind. She clasped her hands gracefully in front of her and moved with the air of confidence, even though she didn’t feel it.

  She didn’t feel anything except fear of the unknown.

  Her heart began to race when they made it to the courtyard, and she paused under the stone archway.

  This was it, the answer to what she and her father had been asking for.

  It was both terrifying and exhilarating to think she would have their response. The anticipation and thought of meeting the man she would soon call husband caused butterflies to flutter within her stomach.

  Beyond her view, Rebekah could hear her father speaking with the men outside. The entrance to Castle Caerlaverock was through a narrow bridge that crossed the moat outside. It was one of the few castles in the region that had a moat and gave them extra protection from the Johnstone invaders.

  “We offer our deepest sympathy,” she heard a man speak from beyond the archway.

  Rebekah heard the voice before its owner came into view. He sounded sincere. The voice was rich and dark, bringing a ghost-of-a-smile to her lips.

  Laird Maxwell nodded at the knight’s sentiment as she stepped out into the sunlight. “I appreciate yer kind words.”

  Rebekah found her father speaking with two men. One had hair so dark it was almost black and he wore the full regalia of House De Wolfe. The other wore a thick, fur-lined cloak and had golden hair. When their eyes met from across the entryway, she found herself staring at the most handsome man she’d ever seen. His eyes widened at the sight of her and offered a gentle bow as she approached.

  “Lord De Wolfe does us great honor by sending such an entourage of warriors,” Rebekah told him. “We thank ye fer yer journey.”

  The dark-haired man and her father both smiled. “Please, allow me to present my daughter, Rebekah.”

  Both of the knights bowed to her, but her eyes were fixed on the blond-haired stranger.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Maxwell,” the knight addressed her.