‘They’re putting out the tea for the student’s afternoon break. This is where they have it. Do you want some to wash down lunch? It’s good.’
‘Please,’ she agreed, noticing stacks of mugs and plates of biscuits had also been put out. She followed him and accepted the hot mug he poured and handed her. This time he sat on one of the large window seats on the side wall. She joined him there, leaning back against the upholstery in a patch of sunshine and sipping her tea. It all felt surreal, too relaxed and safe. Three tall men came in, glanced Freddie’s way and headed for the tea urn.
‘Guess they got bored waiting outside to meet you,’ Freddie told her.
‘They are your wolves?’ Natalya asked eyeing the athletically muscular young men. All were dark haired, tall and lean. They also kept glancing curiously her way.
‘Yes; looks like they’ve brought their own clothes, though.’
‘Sensible, given what we had to rummage through,’ she told him with a grimace of distaste.
‘True,’ Freddie acknowledged and wondering if he stank offensively to her. The clothes they wore had been put into the laundry for a reason.
Natalya rose to her feet and took the hand of the first wolf man, learning his name was Rupert. Rupert quickly sat down, allowing Johnny and Dustin to come forward to shake her hand and introduce themselves. She liked what she saw of these men and smiled in response to their various words of welcome. Strangely, they made her feel protected and at ease. Then she noticed the deputy head enter the room and she hastily sat down nervously sliding right up against Freddie. But the owl had seen her and was coming over.
‘Welcome to White Haven. I’m Max the deputy head here,’ Max said.
‘Pleased to meet you, Deputy Max. I am Natalya,’ she responded politely but didn’t get up. Instead, she pressed closer to Freddie, and Dustin the beta, sat closely on her other side, the males closing ranks around her. Were her nerves so obvious? She certainly wasn’t going to get up and shake his hand. He seemed to get the hint and moved off to get his own tea. She finished her mug quickly and set it down.
‘I can’t meet any more people. Please excuse me,’ she added and almost ran from the room, escaping out the back. She hurried into the laundry room, closing the door behind her. Alone at last, she stood with her eyes closed, fighting tears. The door opened and she scented Freddie.
‘What just happened?’ Freddie asked, and turned her around to face him.
She wrapped her arms about him and pressed her face against his warm neck. ‘I’m sorry, but I have to leave. My presence here puts you all in danger. I am being hunted.’
‘We’ve all been hunted. Here you can be safe.’
‘You don’t understand,’ she said miserably. ‘The wizards in town were there specifically to capture me. Because of me all the animus hiding in town were driven out and exposed to danger. You have such a rare and wonderful place here. I must draw them away from you.’
‘But we got you clean away,’ he objected. ‘You didn’t leave any tracks or scent on the ground leading here. Stay,’ he urged.
‘I’d never forgive myself if you got hurt or captured because of me,’ she whispered into his neck. She felt his arms tighten around her hugging her close. It felt wonderfully comforting. She backed off from him, suddenly wondering why someone she’d only met that day had become so important to her. ‘I’m sorry. I seem to be clinging to you today. It’s most unlike me.’
‘I’m happy to hear it,’ Freddie told her with a quick grin.
‘But I don’t understand it. I don’t even know you,’ she said.
‘Your wolf recognises mine. Wolves need other wolves; they don’t like being alone. That’s probably what you’re feeling. It’s natural to seek help and it’s also natural for us to extend it to those in our pack.’
‘I’m not a member of your pack. I’m a stranger.’
‘We have unanimously accepted you into our pack,’ he told her gently.
‘You have? When? I mean, I don’t remember asking to join.’
‘You howled with us,’ he said simply, although her attitude towards him personally and vice versa was what had swung it so decisively and quickly. He couldn’t tell her his wolf had chosen her as his mate at first sight of her wolf. Jim said that was her true alternate form and he believed it.
‘Freddie, you know I didn’t know what I was doing. I’m not going to hold you to that. It’s not safe for me to stay in one place. I’ll draw trouble to everyone here.’
‘You instinctively knew you could seek my protection today and also to howl with me. You are more in tune with your wolf instincts than you know. Come, let’s get out of these stinky clothes and run in the sunshine.’ He shrugged out of the shirt throwing it back in the laundry basket. He knew she was looking at him and was pleased. He let his fur bristle over his human body reminding her of this magic before ridding himself of the cumbersome trousers.
Natalya copied him, grinning at managing to cover her bare skin with fur. The clothes returned to the baskets, she changed fully to wolf form and followed him out into the sunshine.
As they passed the dining room windows, she glanced in and growled quietly to see both the lion man and the owl man standing together watching her.
‘Why don’t you like Max?’ Freddie asked. She ran silently for a few moments before answering.
‘I am being hunted by an owl man under the wizard’s orders. I know this Max is someone else, but I can’t help being nervous,’ she admitted. ‘It’s not easy to escape a bird, especially when he has wizard backup on the ground able to flush me out of hiding. It was difficult to hunt too; he deliberately messed up so many hunts I got weak. I was starving by the time I got to town, but there at least I could give them the slip for a time and eat.’
‘I can see why you dislike owls,’ Freddie said. ‘He never approached you on the ground?’
‘No. I was travelling in tiger form; he didn’t dare. That’s a good form when you’re alone.’
‘I suppose it would be. Your wolf would have been faster though. Where is this owl now?’ he asked sharply.
‘I lost him two days ago when I entered Briarton. I think he directed the wizard to my location but then left it to him. Or maybe he left because the catchers joined the wizard there. Actually, I don’t think he’d have been able to track me so easily amongst so many people, and an owl would be conspicuously out of place in a town. Since I managed to hide in your coat on the way here I hope he hasn’t any clue where I am. But my main worry is the people Jim invited back here. The guards arrested two blond women. He may have heard about that and assumed one to be me. They came here rather directly I should think.’
‘You have a point. Was it just one animus traitor tracking you?’ Freddie asked his tone hardening.
‘I only know of one owl. The wizards might have someone else under their control though,’ she added anxiously.
‘We need to warn the others,’ Freddie said decisively and glanced back towards the house where Jim was. ‘We’ll see Drako first,’ he said knowing she didn’t really want to see Jim, particularly with Max present.
They trotted quickly across the grass and the rest of their pack rose from the grass to join them. The other three male wolves bounded together nipping at each other playfully and preening before the new young female in their midst.
Natalya watched them and her mood lightened before their playful high spirits. She stayed close by Freddie’s side but watched the others too. The knowledge they wanted her to join them, to run like this every day was very tempting. Suddenly Freddie bowled her over. She stared up at him in surprise. His paw held her down lightly on her back then he licked her face. She could see the playful interest on his face; he was testing her. She suspected he didn’t really like her watching the other males. Something touched her back foot and she flinched; one of the others had brushed her. She drew her foot away but Freddie was suddenly growling; his gaze fixed on the other male warningly. She rose between the
m and prodded Freddie with a paw diverting his attention. His lips slowly covered his fangs but he kept glaring at the other male. She licked his muzzle once, quelling his overreaction, and trotted off forcing them to hurry after her.
She could see two people sitting on the swing seat on the leader’s house’s veranda. The bear man and the wizard sat together so peacefully and looked so romantic that she faltered. Freddie came alongside.
‘Are you sure we should disturb them?’ she asked.
‘They will want to know. Besides, it’s not as though they’re otherwise occupied. We could ask Cassy to tell Jim for us,’ he suggested.
‘You must think me such a coward,’ she whispered unhappily.
‘No, but something has scared you. Let me help,’ he coaxed gently, but said nothing more. He’d travelled with and been the protector for hunted families. He knew people did not always act predictably or sanely under unrelenting stress. She looked into his eyes and again licked his muzzle. He was very tempted to return to human form and kiss her but that was not her intention; she was merely thanking him in wolf fashion. ‘I could get used to that,’ he said softly and she ducked away. He trotted on again, Natalya automatically matching his pace. The rest of their pack followed closely behind not wishing to be left out.
The pack sat back beside Natalya at the foot of the steps while Freddie went up to speak with Drako. She listened to Freddie, aware the pack was also listening to her story, with intent interest. She slowly climbed the stairs and moved up behind Freddie miserably, her head hanging.
‘Freddie, I will leave tonight,’ she told him. She glanced round at the chorus of “no’s”, not only from Freddie but his pack and their leader Drako too. ‘But I endanger everyone. I must lead them away,’ she told them.
‘Come inside Natalya,’ Cassy said, rising to her feet. ‘You’ve told the men what they face; let them worry about it.’ She calmly led the wolf inside the house, closing the door behind them.
Natalya was momentarily surprised she should so readily obey and follow the little woman away from Freddie’s side, but she sensed no animosity from Cassy. She noticed her bag left abandoned here earlier and now she had her own clothes changed back into human form. Cassy waved her into an armchair and sat opposite.
‘I’m so sorry to be causing so much trouble and worry. If I’d known where Freddie was taking me I might not have agreed to come,’ Natalya said miserably wringing her hands.
‘Why did you trust him so quickly?’ Cassy asked curiously.
‘I don’t know. I was desperate I suppose and he seemed to genuinely wish to help. The other man I wasn’t so sure of. But there was something about Freddie I responded to. He thinks it’s because we are both wolves and instinctively recognised one another despite me being in cat form. Does that make sense?’
‘Actually it does. I’ve certainly called on Freddie’s help too,’ Cassy admitted. ‘He seems so calm and assured on the outside but he has a sparkling active mind. He is a deeply caring and compassionate person too,’ Cassy added.
‘You mean he’s protecting me because I’ve been looking helpless?’
‘A hunted cornered woman would trigger that in him yes,’ Cassy admitted easily. ‘But from what I’ve seen, he is very keen on you. He isn’t married and there appears to be real attraction between you. Am I wrong?’
‘No, you’re not wrong. But it seems to have happened astonishingly fast. I don’t know him and shouldn’t let myself be distracted by a gorgeous man, no matter how tempting his wolf is. Besides, he doesn’t know me either. How can he know I’m not a spy or working for one of the catchers?’
‘Because Jim would have looked into your mind just enough to answer exactly those questions,’ Cassy told her. ‘Jim was hunted by an animus wolf man and he’s had a few scares since he came here. He checks everyone. That’s one of the reasons we trust you and know you’ll be safer here. Bear in mind we have good old fashioned walls to keep the un-friendly out. We have wizards who can defend us against other wizards and strength in numbers. Don’t try and go it alone. Too many animus people have been picked off one by one because they were alone and had no one to aid them. You’re here now and the pack clearly wants you to stay.’
‘I would be a burden and have no place here. I didn’t see any inn; not that I have any money left,’ she added despondently.
‘Don’t worry about any of that. Freddie will make a place for you and ensure you are taken care of. Most of them have been homeless and dependent on other people’s hospitality. We understand your situation and no one is going to look down on you,’ she added gently. She was aware Freddie was at the door, awaiting permission to come in. She sent Drako this further part of her conversation on their private link, knowing he was telling Freddie of Natalya’s main concerns.
‘Come in Freddie,’ Cassy called raising her voice and the wolf entered. ‘Natalya’s exhausted and could use some sleep. You’ve got a spare room at your place haven’t you?’
‘Of course,’ Freddie acknowledged quickly, rather surprised Cassy should suggest it. But if she thought Natalya wouldn’t object, or anyone else for that matter, he would gladly take her guidance on how to proceed.
‘Is that alright by you?’ Freddie asked Natalya, making sure she had a chance to speak up. She was watching him rather directly and he found himself digging his claws into the rug and shuffling a foot nervously.
‘Sounds good to me, but are you certain I would not be inconveniencing you?’ Natalya asked.
‘Not at all; I live alone. But you haven’t seen the place yet. Come on over and see for yourself if you’d like to stay,’ Freddie suggested. ‘It isn’t a big house like this; well I don’t need much inside space.’
Natalya found she was amused that he was rambling nervously at the thought of her staying in his home. She rose from her chair unsteadily and went to the door. ‘Are you going to show me anytime soon?’ she couldn’t resist asking, seeing his wolf frozen. He trotted quickly over and she opened the door for him. ‘Thank you Cassy,’ she said and followed the red wolf outside.
‘Come on, you’re too tired to talk further,’ he said gently, aware she’d wilted and urged her down the steps.
She knew he was right, so she simply nodded to Drako rather than stopping to speak with him. She followed Freddie slowly, her energy suddenly almost nonexistent. She found she had difficulty putting one foot before the other. The wolf shimmered into a fur coated man and Freddie wrapped an arm about her waist supporting her. She let him. ‘Sorry. I don’t know why I’m so weak all of a sudden,’ she apologised.
‘That’s what happens when you’ve pushed yourself too hard for too long,’ he told her, leading her up the steps to his house. He let her stand for a moment in the living area while he closed the door behind them, then he swept her up into his arms and carried her up the stairs.
‘What are you doing?’ she squeaked in alarm.
He set her down on his bed gently. ‘You need to sleep and I doubt you’d have managed the stairs.’
‘This is your bed,’ she whispered aware of his scent on it and that they were quite alone. ‘You don’t have a second bed then?’
‘Not yet. Don’t worry about that. Just sleep, I will go downstairs so you can relax.’
‘I will smell of you,’ she commented, watching him closely.
‘You already do,’ he said and grinned, happy she should know and appreciate what that meant between male and female wolves. Everyone already thought of her as his.
She suddenly realised that in lying inside his coat she’d been wrapped completely in things that scented of him. She hadn’t thought of that at the time, only of feeling safe and secure.
‘You seem very pleased your rescue has rubbed off on me. We have just met remember. I hope you’re not helping me just because I smell of you and it’s simply an instinctive wolf thing?’ He looked hurt by that suggestion and she dropped her gaze.
‘I am not just a wolf. If I were I would have already
claimed you,’ he told her and noticed her eyes widen in surprise. ‘Sleep, Natalya. You are safe.’
‘Am I safe from you?’ she murmured as he began to leave. He turned back and she saw a man’s hunger in the gaze he swept over her, here, lying in his own bed. He was right, he wasn’t only a wolf; he was clearly a passionate man, too. His beautiful thick red white and grey marbled fur covered a lean, athletically muscled body, but it was his honest, intelligent and expressive eyes that drew her most. She thought him very attractive. He smiled at her reassuringly then closed the door firmly behind him. She listened to him go back downstairs and relaxed. She tugged the covers up to her chin, snug and warm and surrounded by his scent. Before she knew it, she was asleep.
5. On Alert
Freddie was mortified that he’d told her he wanted to claim her! What was he thinking admitting that to her face! He hoped he hadn’t scared her off being so forward, but carrying her in his arms and tucking her into his own bed had added a very possessive element to his attraction.
He returned to wolf form and curled up in a patch of sunshine outside his open front door where he could both keep watch and be close enough to hear her should she call. He rested his chin on his front paws aware the pack had settled at the foot of his stairs. They were keeping each other company but he also felt they were standing guard. He was surprised they didn’t come up and join him on the wide veranda as they normally would, but with Natalya just upstairs, things had changed. They were respecting his territory as though she was already his mate. He remembered Cassy complaining that Drako had moved too fast when they first started seeing each other. This was even faster he ruefully knew. But he couldn’t help how strongly he felt already.
Freddie glanced up the hill; Drako and Cassy sat together on their swing seat. Everything seemed peaceful and serene yet he couldn’t relax. His mind seethed with images and thoughts of her. The last thing he wanted was for her to stay in someone else’s house, but he’d just admitted to her he only had one bed. She would be wondering if he was going to insist she share his bed with him tonight. Oh, how he wished it, but that would be unacceptable. As Cassy had said, he did have an empty second bedroom; he just needed to locate a bed. That would help take the pressure off.
Natalya: Wizards of White Haven Page 5