Clan Green Bear: Wizards of White Haven

by Frances Howitt

  ‘Was that to convince me?’ Cassy asked coldly. ‘It did. Don’t ever touch me again.’ She felt Drako approaching behind her. Drako punched his brother in the face so hard Darius fell to the floor. ‘No more, love,’ Cassy said, taking Drako’s clenched fist. ‘He deserved that, but he’s still your brother.’ Darius glared up at his brother, but he was the one on the floor. Cassy scrutinised Darius’s body magically as he sat there and finally nodded. ‘No broken bones, good.’

  ‘Why is that good?’ Drako asked.

  ‘Would you want me to have to treat him?’ Cassy asked.

  ‘No,’ Drako admitted and pulled her into his arms burying his face in her hair. ‘You’re bleeding,’ he added anxiously and his gaze turned accusingly to Stewart. ‘You struck her hard enough to risk concussion and left her in only her nightclothes to freeze. I will deal with you later,’ he promised darkly. He wrapped a supportive arm about her and turned for the door. Freddie moved to her other side and the crowd at the door silently parted. He glanced back to see Darius on his feet and standing alone. Blood dripped unheeded from his lip and an eye would blacken. He felt little satisfaction in that.

  ‘Don’t worry about him,’ Cassy urged gently. ‘He was a childish idiot and everyone knows it.’

  ‘What if I’d lost? I’d have lost you.’

  ‘Of course you wouldn’t have lost me. You two fighting was not going to change our relationship. Could he order me to marry him, love him?’

  ‘No, but he’d have tried. He’s not going to let this rest.’

  ‘More fool him then,’ Cassy said and put a hand to her head striving not to be sick.

  ‘But what if he’s right; that father only asked me to bring you here so Darius could meet you? What if he forces me to give you up to him?’

  ‘Drako, you’re a grown man. You can choose for yourself how you want to live. Your brother and father have no authority whatsoever over me. I wouldn’t have your brother if he was the last man alive. Is he a bear like you?’

  ‘He’s a brown bear, a grizzly,’ Drako said.

  ‘Maybe I should make him turn into a bunny whenever he decides to be obnoxious. Fighting and reproducing themselves is all they can think of too.’

  Drako stared at her in shock then chuckled and even Freddie choked by her side. ‘You couldn’t could you?’ Drako whispered.

  ‘Kathy was a rabbit originally but had never settled to that form because it had been imposed on her. Amelie helped her find her true form and she became a wolf instead. They were predator and prey so it is possible. Seriously though, if he doesn’t back off he will have me to deal with in ways he really won’t like. Don’t fear for me. I can easily be more than even a grizzly bear could chew.’

  ‘Not right now though,’ Drako said softly and swept her into his arms to carry her up the stairs to the top floor. ‘You, my little warrior, have battled enough for one day.’

  ‘I won’t argue with that,’ she said in his ear.

  He felt her lay her head on his shoulder, her arms about his neck. He breathed in her scent, her fresh floral fragrance reminded him of spring flowers but he could also smell blood and traces of her fear. He absently wondered if he smelt rank, particularly after his fight. Perhaps she would find him disgusting if he did not bathe too, but first things first.

  ‘Freddie, would you mind getting me water and a clean cloth?’ he asked aware Freddie had followed them upstairs guarding their rear. ‘I need to have a look at her head where she’s been bleeding.’

  ‘No problem,’ Freddie said and ducked into the bathroom while Drako carried on up the corridor.

  He put her down on her bed, helped her off with coat and boots and tucked her into the bed, pulling the blankets up around her. Then he sat beside her on the bed holding her hand. ‘Shall I ask Freddie to stand guard tonight?’

  ‘No need, I’ve just strength enough to seal the door. I’m more concerned about you. Your brother was angry enough to be irrational and might take vengeance on you if you’re alone and vulnerably sleeping.’

  ‘What should we do?’ he asked despondently.

  ‘We sleep together like we were earlier,’ she told him and felt his emotions leap before resigned annoyance crept in.

  ‘But that wouldn’t be allowed.’

  ‘Drako, I’m fed up with these rules that only you are obeying. We need to be together here and especially now we’re both hurt.

  ‘You want us to share a room?’

  ‘Of course, just like we were sharing the tent. We can share space without sharing our bodies. That’s the only taboo thing before we’re married is it not?’

  ‘Well yes, but how will we convince anyone we haven’t done anything wrong?’

  ‘You could always ask Freddie to sleep in here with us as chaperone if it bothers you so much,’ she suggested.

  ‘You want him in here?’

  ‘No of course not, I want you all to myself so we can sleep in peace. Although why anyone would even think we have the strength or were feeling well enough to be considering sexual relations is beyond me. You can’t pretend you’re not in pain too. Will you let me see your injuries?’

  ‘I’m only bruised. A bath will help,’ he assured. ‘Besides, it’s you that should be sleeping.’

  ‘All true. So you’re going shy on me again?’

  ‘Cass, I stink and I’m feeling bruised and battered; I’m hardly looking my best.’

  ‘Do you think I care about cleanliness when you’re hurt?’ she asked him softly. ‘Go and get in the bath then and have a good soak. Freddie can clean up this cut and wait with me until you return,’ Cassy said, noticing Freddie in the doorway. She suspected he’d been listening.

  ‘But I can do that,’ Drako complained, slightly hurt.

  ‘You could also sleep alone tonight if you don’t get a move on,’ she told him pointedly.

  ‘I’ll take care of her,’ Freddie said seriously, aware Drako was still hesitating.

  ‘Thanks Freddie,’ Drako said and left the room.

  Freddie remained at the door and watched Drako go into his room and collect some things before going into the bathroom, the lock sliding across decisively. Assured Drako was safe Freddie closed the bedroom door.

  ‘Let’s get you cleaned up and see how bad it is,’ Freddie told her kindly, helping her sit up so he could see more easily. He parted her hair gently using the cloth to clean away the matted blood. ‘It’s not bad,’ he assured her. ‘Head wounds always seem to bleed a lot. I don’t think it needs stitches.’ He dipped his cloth in the basin of water again rinsing the blood away. The cold water and ministrations were undoubtedly painful for her, but aside from sharp intakes of breath, she said nothing. Finally, with a clean dry cloth, he dabbed the water from her hair frowning at the pink stains remaining in her blonde hair. Short of washing her hair properly, which she was in no shape to contemplate just now, there wasn’t much he could do about it. Therefore, he put the bowl on the side table and sat back.

  ‘All done,’ he told her and was not surprised she lay back down. She was almost as white as the sheets.

  ‘Thank you once again. Freddie did you know Drako and Darius as children?’

  ‘Yes, we all grew up together.’

  ‘Darius made a habit of taking anything of Drako’s he wanted, didn’t he?’ Freddie bit his lip but nodded. ‘Did Drako ever stop him or beat him at anything before?’

  ‘There was a big age gap, so as children he wouldn’t have been able to. As soon as Darius became a man, his father sent him off for further training with one of the other big groups and he remained with them for some years. I think that helped Drako. He was no longer simply the little brother and constantly thrust into the background. He came out of his shell and began to excel. He graduated quickly from leading hunting parties to military campaigns. I think Lord Trent knew to keep them apart. Darius is a very dominant character as you’ve probably noticed. When we were told the clan would have to be split because there were too many
of us to hide in one location, there were more people asking to follow Drako than I think Lord Trent anticipated. Those whose families were split between some wanting to go with Drako, and some with Darius, were all told to go with Darius. I don’t think Darius was very impressed to hear that he was not necessarily first choice. Do you think we’ll be allowed to bring any others back with us to White Haven?’

  ‘The vulnerable certainly; you know many of the families have additional rooms in their homes. It’s possible close family can be accommodated that way. Surely, it’s more a matter of whether Darius will let them go. I’d suggest it might be better for them to wait until spring and the roads improve. That’s when they’ll need to leave here isn’t it?’

  ‘Yes. We’d have a little time to prepare for their arrival then,’ Freddie affirmed, nodding approvingly.

  ‘Feeling better?’ Cassy asked as Drako entered the room.

  ‘A little,’ he admitted although he was moving stiffly. ‘How about you?’

  ‘Sleepy.’

  ‘You haven’t had anything to eat,’ Freddie reminded. ‘Shall I bring something up?’

  ‘No thank you,’ Cassy said. ‘That’s very sweet of you but I’m still feeling sick. I couldn’t eat a thing. Drako are you hungry?’

  ‘Like you, sleep is what I need most,’ Drako admitted.

  ‘You’re going to sleep here?’ Freddie asked him and Drako merely nodded. The pair of them looked pale shadows of their usual selves. He knew they would rest better together. ‘Would you like me to take one of the rooms on this floor so I’m close by?’

  ‘I’d feel better if you were,’ Cassy said.

  ‘Aren’t I enough to protect you?’ Drako asked.

  ‘You two are the only men I truly trust,’ Cassy admitted. ‘You know it’s always good to have backup close-by. Good night and thank you Freddie,’ she added and he immediately took the hint to leave. He nodded to them both and closed the door behind him. ‘Stand clear of the door,’ she said to Drako and activated the door-sealing spell. ‘Did it work?’ she asked him.

  ‘Feels secure to me,’ Drako said having given it a sharp tug. He turned the key in the lock anyway and returned to her. ‘That took more out of you than you had to give, didn’t it?’ he asked realising she looked even whiter than she had before.

  ‘Well hurry up and get in,’ she told him and watched him pull his shirt over his head and step out of his trousers leaving shorts in place.

  He was aware she was looking at him. ‘Should I put something more back on?’

  ‘Turn around for me,’ she whispered. She could see fresh grazes and bruises, and many old scars marring his powerful body. He had suffered much pain in his life. He had released his hair from its customary tail at the nape of his neck to wash it and it flowed sleek and black around his face. She reached a hand out to him and he came forward quickly to take it. ‘You are the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen,’ she said softly and pulled his hand to her mouth. She kissed his knuckles gently easing the abrasions on his fist.

  ‘I’m not beautiful,’ he contradicted but sat on the edge of the bed beside her. ‘You can’t have seen many men,’ he added and an image of Jim flashed in his mind. He knew very well that she had seen Jim naked and stared in appreciation.

  ‘Drako, you are far more attractive to me than he’ll ever be,’ she assured him, easily following the thoughts and insecurities flowing through him. ‘Now get in before you get cold.’

  She shifted up to give him room and he blew out the candle and climbed in. She kissed him then turned her back to him. ‘Hold me?’ He curled around her, an arm keeping her close against his body. Only her nightdress and his shorts were between them. His body-heat thawing her chilled limbs felt wonderful, as did the unaccustomed sensation of his bare arms and legs wrapped around hers. ‘You feel perfect,’ she whispered and he kissed her neck.

  ‘So do you,’ he responded. ‘Sleep, I’ve got you.’ Her hand, resting on his wrist reflexively hugged him closer. He sighed happily and let sleep claim him too.

  10. Repercussions

  Drako woke to someone knocking at the door and loud voices in the corridor. He glanced at the curtains and realised that the bright light of morning was peeping around them.

  ‘Do you want me to release the door?’ Cassy asked sleepily.

  ‘Not really, but I suppose I’d better find out what the ruckus is about,’ Drako muttered and watched her frown at the door. A yellow glow outlined the frame for a moment, before it went dark. He could hear the voices outside excitedly talking now about the glow.

  ‘Who is it and what do you want?’ Drako called through the door whilst pulling on shirt and trousers.

  ‘Drako? Is Cassy in there with you?’ Ebony called as Drako unlocked and opened the door.

  ‘Yes. This is her room,’ Drako affirmed and glanced at Darius behind her and the hunters. ‘So what’s the fuss?’

  ‘Father’s here,’ Darius said tonelessly. ‘You’re required downstairs for breakfast,’ he added and strode off down the corridor.

  ‘Are you both ok?’ Ebony asked as soon as Darius was out of earshot.

  ‘You woke us. I haven’t had a chance to ask Cassy,’ Drako said glancing behind him as the curtains were thrown open. Cassy came to his side; she had managed to dress almost as quickly as him. ‘Are you feeling up to some breakfast?’ he asked gently.

  ‘I’m hoping I’ll feel better for eating something. We did miss dinner last night,’ she added.

  ‘Ah, if I may,’ Ebony said. ‘Do you have a brush?’ she asked her brother, striving for tact.

  ‘We look a pair of scarecrows?’ Cassy asked and met Drako’s eyes. ‘I think he looks rather good with his hair loose,’ Cassy admitted but led him back into her room. ‘Here,’ she said passing him a brush. ‘Would you mind doing mine? My head’s still spinning. I don’t want to catch that cut and have it start bleeding again.’

  In the light from the window and guided by the pink stains in her hair, he found the cut in her scalp.

  Ebony quickly came to look too and frowned in concern at this evidence. Head wounds could look insignificant but be severely debilitating. She watched her brother gently brushing Cassy’s hair; she couldn’t even imagine Darius acting so tenderly. Drako brushed his own hair in just a few moments and tied it back with his customary thong.

  ‘Better?’ Drako asked his sister and she nodded. He abruptly noticed she had been looking around the bedroom and the evidence they had slept in the same bed.

  ‘You slept here too then?’ Ebony asked whilst they remained in private.

  ‘Yes. After our frosty welcome and Darius’s attack on Cassy and then me, we didn’t feel safe here. Obviously if she leaves my sight I can’t be sure she’s safe or protect her,’ Drako said bluntly.

  ‘How have things become so bad between you?’ Ebony asked sadly.

  ‘They’ve never been good. That’s why dad separated us. I thought he might have grown up by now,’ Drako added. ‘Did you know he was going to kidnap Cassy?’ Drako asked her.

  ‘Drako how can you even ask me that? Of course I didn’t know. If I had, I would have warned you. Keeping him in line and pacifying our people seems to be my main role nowadays,’ she added in frustration.

  ‘Let’s go and eat,’ Drako suggested and led them downstairs.

  ‘Hi dad,’ Drako said casually and led Cassy to a chair at one of the tables then he sat beside her. A server came out with cups and a large pot of tea. Shortly she returned with a plateful of cooked breakfast each. Drako tucked in with relish aware his father was further along with his own plateful but silently and hungrily eating.

  Trent eyed both his sons, noting Drako’s abraded knuckles, Darius’ black eye and the general stiffness afflicting both. Darius also kept wincing whenever he caught his split lip but said nothing. He had heard they had fought each other last night over Cassy and that Drako had won. Although why Darius had challenged Drako, he did not know. Ebony sat at Drako’s table
rather than Darius’, which indicated whose side she was on. The wolves had positioned themselves at a table between the brothers but were keeping a wary eye on Darius. Trent put down his fork and pushed his empty plate aside.

  ‘Clearly I’ve been away too long. I’m very disappointed in you boys. Our people have to contend with enough uncertainty in their lives, without infighting between their leaders. I’d hoped you two would have settled your differences by now, but it seems worse if anything.’

  ‘Only because Darius refuses to grow up and remains a vindictive jealous child,’ Drako told his father with calm bluntness.

  ‘Drako,’ Trent chided and glanced at Darius warning him too to remain seated.

  ‘Dad, hear what he did and tell me I’m wrong. There were plenty of witnesses.’

  ‘Tell me what happened,’ Trent ordered, certain he was not going to like what he was about to hear.

  ‘We arrived yesterday afternoon; although this is the first meal we’ve been given. Anyway, after a frosty welcome and interrogation we retired for some rest. Darius summoned me back downstairs so Cassy took a bath and went to bed. You know Cassy and I can call to each other, well she called me. Stewart and another had broken in to her room while she slept, knocked her unconscious and locked her in an animal cage in an empty shed. He hit her so hard her skull is probably cracked. Certainly, her scalp is cut and she’s dizzy and nauseous. Unbeknownst to Stewart, I was linked to her while he was taunting her in the cage and I heard and saw the whole thing. Darius had ordered the abduction and Stewart held a loaded crossbow on her with instructions to kill her if she tried anything. Darius then told me to my face that since I’d failed to bring him a woman from the school I didn’t deserve to have one before him. He’d decided to take Cassy off me just to be spiteful.’