"Cain, please, don't," she whispered at the same time she pressed her fingers against Cain's lips to keep him from speaking further. In her mind there was no need for him to apologize for what happened.
It wasn't his fault that an evil being had conspired against them and taken away ones they loved.
"No, I need to do this," Cain pulled his arm from under Freya's head as he sat up, leaning on his arm with his opposite hand covering his face. He turned his head back to Freya with his entire face drooping low. "I wasn't there for you when you needed me. I wasn't the one who found you and brought you back. I should have been the one to protect you from him. And my mother, I should've-"
Freya once more placed her fingers against Cain's lip to silence him. With a pained groan she sat up, moving her hand away and replacing her fingers with her lips. She gave Cain a tender kiss in an attempt to soothe the wild emotions building inside of him.
When she thought he was beginning to pull away Freya was instead met Cain opening his mouth and falling back on Freya with a hungry kiss. Their lips were meshing together in a passionate kiss that was helping them to release the fears and worries that were starting to weigh them down.
In that moment they needed the reassurance that they could only find in each other.
After several moments they pulled apart out of breath. Cain leaned forward and pressed his forehead against Freya's, keeping their eyes closed as they waited for their breathing to return to normal.
"Don't apologize, please. There were things we all could have done differently, and I don't want what happened weighing on your heart when I'm fine now. I'm here in your arms, aren't I?"
Freya closed her eyes as Cain began to run his hand over her arms and up her face, feeling her as though that touch would confirm what she said was true. She was perfectly fine and alive in his arms. Although as he looked over her small frame, he couldn't stop the grimace taking over his expression to see the bruises and scrapes littering her pale skin. It even appeared as though she was missing some of the small feathers across her shoulders.
"You are in one piece, yes. However, I cannot say you are fine when I see how battered you are. It pains me to think that this happened when I wasn't with you," He snarled out the last part, angrier at himself than anything. Angry at what Ivar had put her through.
"You are the bravest man I know. At the first sign of danger you were ready to go solve the problem and face it head on. When the fire started, we had no way of knowing what would follow," Freya went back to caressing Cain's face. "Vistra wouldn't want you to blame yourself for what happened, and you know that as well as I do. You're the Alpha now, my love."
"I can only stay strong if you are by my side, little bird." Cain squeezed his eyes shut tight and she knew he was trying to hold back the overwhelming emotions that would come with losing a loved one. His mother had been the most amazing woman, and Freya knew they would be mourning her loss for a very long time.
Cain's fist was clenched tight and his body was lightly shaking as he fought with himself to remain in control. Freya just continued to touch his face and run her fingers through his dark hair. She knew that he needed to be comforted in this moment as he was hit with the realization that although Freya was alive and at his side, he had still lost his mother.
The only solace they had was each other, and the knowledge that Ivar was dead.
"I don't plan on ever leaving your side, my Alpha." Cain's crimson eyes shot open and he stared into Freya's soul and she gave him a weak smile. "When I said I love you, I meant it. We are together now, and we need to look forward into what the future holds."
"A big family. I want a big family," Cain was saying as he used his hand to gently push Freya back down, so she was once again laying on the bed. "We never really had the chance to talk about our future, but I know my mother envisioned us taking over the camp with little feathery wolves."
Freya couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. Vistra had often mentioned wanting grandchildren to play with and expected them to come once the visiting pack was had returned to the mountains.
"Yes, I'd love that. In time we can have our own family. All of this darkness will be behind us and we'll be free to raise our own children." Freya spoke and as she did saw the smirk on Cain's face only grow into a wide grin.
"It will be much sooner than you think, little bird. Our family is already on the way," as he spoke, Cain's hand slipped back under the layers of furs covering Freya and gently placed his palm on her lower belly.
Her brows shot up and Cain couldn't take his eyes away as he watched her stare at him with pure confusion written across her face.
"What do you mean? Cain, what are you saying?" she nearly stuttered as she was questioning him.
"When the Healer was examining you, she realized that the first hybrid between our races was already on his way," his eyes searched hers and she couldn't miss the pride behind them as he spoke.
Freya opened and closed her mouth several times like a fish gaping up at Cain. Her eyes frantically searched Cain's face as her brain worked to understand what he was telling her.
Carefully, she brought her own hand to her stomach and placed her hand over his. Cain just nodded at Freya to answer her unspoken question.
"A nestling," her mouth gaped open again as she tried to grasp onto what she was discovering. "Already? Are you sure?" Her blue eyes were glistening now with unshed tears.
"Very sure. There's no mistaking it, little bird," Cain was smiling but Freya could still see the sadness he was trying to hide from her. "I promise that I will protect you Freya, from now on nothing will come between us." His fingers pressed slightly against her belly to let her know he was including the little one on the way in that promise.
Cain was going to do anything in his power to keep his love and this child safe.
Freya threw her arms out and wrapped them around Cain's neck, pulling him down onto her. She ignored the slight ache from her tender body as she only wanted to feel Cain in that moment. All of her strength went into pulling Cain's face for another breathless kiss as they reveled in the knowledge that the worst was now behind them.
Ivar was dead, and unfortunately with him, so was Vistra. his anger and hatred had brought down the Vargar Wolfmother and lead him to his own death. Moons ago his failed rebellion had caused the loss of lives on both sides, including Raga.
Now the threat was Ivar was gone.
They would never be sad at his death, only mourning the loss the ones who deserved to be remembered.
"You saved yourself, little bird. I need you to know that I am so proud of you for surviving and coming back to me. As much as I hate I wasn't there for you, I'm still so amazed by you. My mother would be so proud as well, little Wolfmother."
Tears were beginning to well up in Freya's eyes as she looked up at Cain. Her lower lip was trembling with the struggle of keeping the tears from spilling over. She had believed all of the tears she had to cry had left her during the fight for her life, but that wasn't true. Freya was on the verge of sobbing.
"She knew," Freya whimpered as the first tears spilled over and slipped down her cheeks. Cain rose his eyebrows in question not understanding what Freya meant.
"Vistra knew. When she was telling me to run, she knew," Freya rubbed her belly under Cain's hand and that was when it dawned on him. A feint smile spread across his face.
"Then mother left this world happy, knowing she had a grandchild. I'm sure happy it was with you," Cain lifted his hand to stroke Freya's cheek. She closed her eyes as a silent sob left her body followed by her body trembling as though she was still cold.
"Go back to sleep, please. You need to rest, love." Cain settled down into the bed next to Freya, kissing her temple before pulling her back into his wide chest.
"Cain, I love you so much," Freya whispered quietly as she settled back into his warmth. Her body was still severely exhausted from her ordeal and it was no fight to fall back into the clutches of
sleep.
"I love you, little bird." And with Cain's words Freya had no nightmares as she slept.
Chapter 18
Voices outside the tent woke Cain just moments before they could Freya. Although her body still ached, she knew it was time to rise. With the commotion outside there was no way she was going to be able to sleep peacefully anymore.
"I'll go out there and tell all them to shut their mouths, and you can stay here and rest." Cain rasped. His husky voice whispered across her ear and she shivered at the contact.
"I can't stay in bed much longer, Cain. Although I did need to rest what I need now is to stretch my legs," She looked up into his crimson eyes and gave him a gentle smile. "My stomach also demands I go eat. It's about time I see the others since you've had me held up in here."
Cain's fingers ran through Freya's hair as he caressed and comforted her also serving to assist in waking her up. Her stomach growled, serving as a reminder that she did indeed need to get up for food.
"There is more than just the pack out there. Although they are eager to see you. I'm afraid to say we do have some visitors in the camp," Cain turned his head to the entrance of the large tent where shadows could be seen hovering around outside. "The birds who found you spread word of what happened."
"So, no time to rest then?" Freya asked Cain who was already shaking his head. Freya sighed. "Who was it who found me? I feel like all I've done is sleep," Her voice trailed off.
"The yellow bird that always looks like she wants to fight me," Cain hummed out as he continued to run his fingers through Freya's hair and across her cheeks.
"Alvyna? She found me?" Freya's eyes widened and her mouth gaped open as she stared at Cain leaning over her.
"Indeed. They were sent for as soon as the fire was started and once my mother..." Cain paused with his eyes closed for a moment where he swallowed and grimaced his face before he could continue. Freya waited patiently for him to go on. "Once my mother was found and you were gone, we all knew it was Ivar. We came after you. Their vantage point in the sky helped them spot you in the canyon."
Cain's face wrinkled as he was no doubt thinking back to that night. He still felt himself responsible for what happened, not only to Freya but to his mother as well. That darkness would haunt him, and Freya could only do her part to help relieve the pain of his regrets.
"All the more reason we go out there. Feed me, and then we can talk to the crowd out there waiting for us."
"Or I could have a meal brought to you in here while I go deal with the birds," Cain turned his head to look at the entrance of the tent where the voice outside were still talking persistently. He scowled in their direction.
"No, we will go together and get this over with." She kept her blue eyes trained on Cain and held him there in her sight, standing her ground on the decision she had made. Cain cracked easily under her intense gaze as he let himself fall back into the bed with a groan.
"Fine, but I will not be happy about it. The Aurelian is out there, and I don't look forward to speaking to him," Cain swiped his hand over his face in annoyance.
"I'm sure, but you are the Alpha now and that responsibility falls on you."
"Indeed," Cain scowled at the roof of the tent overhead.
Despite Freya's protests Cain still had someone bring them something to eat inside the tent while giving her time to slowly get ready. A bath had been brought into the tent by a few wolves who were relieved to see Freya was well.
As she took a quick wash in the steaming water Cain sat in the tub behind her. He washed her hair and gently scrubbed her skin, being extra careful with the visible bruises littering her skin. The new Alpha ran his fingers over the silky feathers across Freya's shoulders, always amazed at the sight of them.
But their time was cut short as the voice outside only increased in intensity and grew louder. The Adaryn were growing restless as they waited for the new Alpha to come out and speak to them on what had transpired.
Freya was bundled under a thick fur cloak and Cain had helped her to braid her hair to the side. Although she still looked exhausted, he was glad to see her ready to get up and move around.
However, as they left the tent, the harsh freezing winds that followed the storm were already there to berate them. Freya was almost regretting the decision to leave the tent's warmth as the cold assaulted her. What was worse was seeing not just one but two sets of golden wings standing near the bonfire at the center of the camp.
Freya's heart almost stopped beating when she saw Aurik was there with the king and her father. It would have been easier if they had never seen each other again.
Lonan turned first from the fire to see his daughter as she approached with Cain helping to keep her upright. At first the older Adaryn's eyes squinted at the wolf who had his paws on his daughter, but that was quickly washed away when he saw the state, she was in. Battered and bruised, but alive.
"Freya, my daughter," Lonan took a step towards her to meet his daughter as she neared the group waiting for them. Although he was beat by Hawke Aurelian who turned in an instant to scowl at the couple.
"What in the Sky's good graces happened here?" The Adaryn king was wearing the same simple crown as he had during the ceremony and Freya frowned to see Aurik wearing a matching version. She'd never seen him wear it before and the sight only made her roll her eyes.
But as she was staring Aurik down with a frustrated glare he was giving the same look to Cain who had his arm wrapped protectively around his little bird.
"Ivar happened," Cain spoke calmly despite the waves of frustration almost steaming off of him. "I'm sure your Valkyrie told you what they knew."
"Then it's true that the mutt is dead?" Hawke scoffed as he asked.
"It is true. Freya killed him," Cain nodded his head in her direction and at that moment all the sharp Adaryn eyes turned on her as if they were seeing her for the first time. Lonan gaped like an open-mouthed fish at his daughter.
The Adaryn king however looked vaguely impressed as he glanced down at the petite woman with his golden eyes sparkling. It didn't pass Freya's notice that Aurik was standing at his father's side opening and clenching his fists.
"And the she-wolf?" Hawke asked waving his hand dismissively as he couldn't be bothered to remember Vistra's name.
"My mother?" Cain growled and the sound was more beast than man. It caused the Adaryn's present to flinch and almost take a step back. "She's dead as well." his face was contorted with barely contained rage at Hawke's disrespect.
"Of course, apologies. We are saddened to hear such. But let us rejoice that the one responsible for the rebellion is now taken care of. This is cause to celebrate," Hawke opened his arms and gave an empty smile.
"We will return home to mourn the previous Wolfmother. But do not fret about the reason you are here. We will keep up with our terms of the alliance," Cain's nostrils flared as he attempted to calm himself. Freya squeezed his hand that was in her own and he looked down at her with softened eyes. The little bird soothing the big bad wolf.
"Oh, previous Wolfmother? Is there a new one already?" Aurik finally spoke. His words barely a whisper but they carried loud enough meaning. Freya's heart rate quickened as she felt his gold eyes staring holes right through her. The air around them all was tense, even the wolves in the camp were making sure to stay near after what had happened with Ivar.
"Of course, the mother who carries the Alpha's heir," Cain turned to look down at Freya and the nervous smile that she was forcing onto her face. A bright blush was increasing in color on her cheeks as the Adaryn across them stared openly at her.
"Freya," His tone was pleading as Lonan stepped forward again and held his hand out towards his daughter. Although there was a moment of hesitation and pain flitted briefly through her eyes, she leaned forward to take her father's outstretched hand. They were only able to share a brief moment of silence.
"This is disappointing, Freya," Aurik spat in her direction. He took a step towards her
with a deadly scowl plastered across his face as he took a long step closer. "You could have done so much better than breeding with a beast!"
His words were like a slap to the face for her. Freya's aching body trembling in fear suddenly as she noticed the way his face scrunched up with rage. At the same time Aurik stepped closer so did Cain. The Vargar Alpha was surprisingly taller than the Adaryn prince and he smoothly set himself between the two Aurelian's and where Freya stood with her father.
"You would do well to watch your tongue," Cain snarled down at Aurik who didn't flinch. "I'll have your head if you talk to her like that again."
"Now, now, there's no need for hostility here. My son is just passionate," Hawke reached out his arm and placed it across Aurik's chest with a side glance that was clearly a warning. However, Aurik was still glaring and seething.
"Freya is it true?" Lonan whispered as he squeezed Freya's hand eagerly awaiting the answer. It took her a second to pull her eyes away from Cain and Aurik throwing daggers with their eyes at one another.
"Yes, Father, it is true. We are expecting," Freya nervously smiled and rubbed her still smooth belly under the fur cloaks weighing her down.
"A grandchild," Lonan was staring down at the ground as his brain was still working to wrap around this new development. Lonan squeezed his eyes tight and sighed as though he was holding back tears. The sight caused an ache in Freya's chest.
The Bird and The Wolf Page 20