Way Of The Wolf: Endeavour (The Wulvers Series Book 3)

by Rebecca Anne Stewart

  As we reached the clinic and I took the keys out of my pocket, Athena spoke again, “Maybe that dark wolf will take you under his wing and teach you a few things, he looks like he knows his way around a fight, and I insist you begin some basic training. Your alpha spoke of how some treated you. That stops now, Oria. You show this pack that you’re a healer with teeth, you stand up for yourself and use your claws, or my teaching you will be over already.”

  I took in her words, my hand resting on the doorknob. Cathwulf believed that learning to defend myself would make me feel more confident. I’d come too far to give up now, I told myself. Though training with Quillan might be a bad idea, despite the flare of excitement that had risen at the thought. Athena was still watching me with careful eyes, probably able to see the indecision in my face. She took one slow step back and my breathing hitched, terrified she was going to refuse to teach me.

  “Will you learn?” she asked me.

  Determination filled my veins, my back straightening. It was time to try and truly move forward, to stop being stuck in the past. “Yes.”

  Chapter 9

  Learning

  I watched intently as Athena prepared the thyme. She crushed the leaves, making the room fill with its heady smell. Turning to drop the crushed leaves in the boiling pot, she began to lecture me on its various properties. For days now, my routine had been to get up early, meet Athena, and she would spend hours passing her knowledge on to me. Occasionally we would have patients to treat and she would always let me take the lead, only speaking up if I did something wrong.

  “Thyme is a good herb. It grows in all kinds of weather, make sure you keep a good supply of it. When made into an infusion, it can heal mouth sores. When it’s crushed and rubbed on the neck it can help with throat infections and pain. You’ve studied the books, is there anything else you can tell me about it?” Athena asked, wiping her hands on a cloth.

  The knowledge came easily to me. I had a true passion for this that meant information stuck. I never forgot a thing Athena taught me.

  “I know that inhaling the vapours can help with anxiety, and I know an extract can be made that relieves chest infections and asthma. It’s safe for pups to take and can be mixed with honey to get rid of infections. It’s good for newborn pups that develop coughs and are fussy with modern medicine,” I recited, confident with my answer.

  Athena smiled and nodded. “You mentioned honey, what else is it good for?”

  She’d gone over this with me the day before. While we had access to many different pharmaceutical medicines, Athena said it was always important to learn to use natural remedies first, some medicines didn’t work well on Wulvers because our bodies burnt it off too quickly.

  “It can be mixed with tea to soothe coughs and sore throats, and when applied to open wounds, it can stop infections, reduce pain, swelling, and quicken the healing process.”

  Another approving smile from my teacher had me swelling with pride. My head was never lowered in the herb room anymore, Athena had put a stop to that. This was my territory now, she had told me, you never backed down while on your own territory. I could feel my growing confidence, even if it waivered when I left this safe space. I dreaded running into Tala again, especially as my wolf had made it a point to push me to flash fangs at anyone deemed lower than us in rank. My behaviour was going to get me challenged, and while I knew it was exactly what Athena pushed me to do, I still cowered away. But it was time for me to carve out my place in the pack. While my growing dominance was partially thanks to feeling more confident, it was also another reminder that my hormones were going wild. It really wouldn’t be too long until my heat arrived now and I dreaded that too.

  “Are you with me, Oria?” Athena asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

  I blushed, realising I’d gotten lost in my own thoughts. When she was sure she’d gotten my attention again, she showed me how much honey to mix with the now boiled thyme. The water from the pot was poured into small bottles that the cat liked to knock off the counter. Athena didn’t like having Mirren in the room but she never did more than chew her cheek in irritation when she came in. It wasn’t so odd. A lot of Wulvers weren’t a fan of cats, just like a lot of cats weren’t too fond of Wulvers. It was like they could smell we weren’t entirely human, that we were predators. Mirren, however, didn’t seem to mind as long as she was fed on time. I shook my head, refocussing on Athena.

  “Try and keep everything labelled if you can, it makes things easier for when you’re in a rush. Always keep your stocks up too, never let yourself run low on anything because you never know when you might need to use things in bulk,” she taught, her eyes flicking to me for a moment as I nodded. “The boiled leaves can be turned into a paste that can be used to put on bruises or around swelling. It won’t keep for too long though, make sure you throw it out before it begins to rot.”

  Another round of nodding from me before Athena placed a box of labels in my hands and winked.

  “Get to work then. We’ve made a lot today, don’t lose track of what’s what. Once you’re done you can clean up and we’ll call that it for today. Tomorrow we can go over more of the books and I’ll translate some more. You’re doing well, Oria.” She smiled, patting my arm.

  “Thank you,” I murmured.

  Compliments always had me wanting to duck away and it was a struggle not to give in and do so. My fingers gripped the box tighter as I forced myself to keep her gaze and Athena’s lips curled into another smile. “Good. I’ve been asked to go and check on Nennie’s pup today, so I’ll leave you to finish off.”

  Just as I was about to ask if she needed directions, a car horn blared from outside. Moving over to the window, Liam’s jeep was parked outside with a blushing Ben in the passenger seat. Athena chuckled and shook her head, picking her jacket up from the chair.

  “I fear when my son and I leave, we will be taking your Alpha’s third with us,” she joked, making her way from the room.

  I laughed along with her as she left and then looked back out the window. It felt a little rude to be spying when the two males were obviously having a private moment as their lips touched in a heated kiss. I blushed and moved away, leaning against the counter with a sigh. While Wulvers didn’t have soul mates, sometimes wolves just knew when they’d found the right one for them. Liam and Ben were like that, they’d clicked straight away and I was sure I’d see a mate’s mark on Ben’s skin in no time. Some were lucky. I had my eyes on a wolf that growled at me more than he spoke. I was too lost to ever be strong enough to be by his side anyway, and I wondered if he was maybe too broken and uncontrollable to be with someone like me. He needed someone strong, like Cathwulf, the female he actually wanted. My heart lurched, my grip tightening painfully on the box of labels.

  He watched her the way I watched him, full of a longing for the one we could never have.

  A tight band squeezed around my chest and I almost let a whimper slip past my lips. Gritting my teeth, I looked up and took a deep breath to calm the storm that was suddenly raging inside me. Quillan wasn’t mine and I couldn’t be upset about something I’d never had to begin with. With that in mind, I pulled up a stool and began writing out the labels in my messy cursive writing and stuck them on the various bottles before putting them away.

  I’d learnt a lot today, and though I was sure I wouldn’t forget any of it, and that some of the things were already written in the old books, I felt the need to start a book of my own anyway. Maybe I would have a look online for something sturdy that would last even after I was gone. It made me smile to think that maybe in the future, a young wolf would learn to be a healer from things I had written down. Maybe that would be all the legacy I’d leave behind in this world.

  The sound the bell jingling alongside crying reached my ears and I frowned. Dropping the pen, I made my way through the clinic just in time to see a female carrying in the pup I’d seen Quillan with. The little wolf had tears streaming down her red cheeks and when she saw me
, she hid her face against the female’s neck. My eyes flicked from her to the panic-stricken female, who looked like she might start crying any second as well.

  “I’m really sorry, I know Sam’s not here but I’m worried she’s broken something. I shouldn’t have let her run about the woods when it’s so icy but I was watching her from the window so I thought she’d be okay and then…” The female’s voice quivered and I took a few steps forward, pushing through the anxiety of being alone with this stranger to comfort her.

  “Pups get into all sorts of trouble even when we’re watching. She’ll heal quickly, even if something is broken, which I doubt it is because this looks like a strong she-wolf,” I said playfully, giving the little pup a smile.

  Dark eyes peeked at me and I almost laughed at the bottom lip that jutted out. It made me certain she hadn’t done any proper damage. That was the face of a pup more upset about the fall than a pup in any great pain.

  “Come with me and I’ll take a look at her, unless you’d like me to fetch Athena instead—”

  “No, your help is much appreciated. Quillan speaks very highly of you. I trust you to do a good job,” she said.

  Bristling at the mention of Quillan, I was reminded that the pup in her arms could very well be his. Who was this female to Quillan and why would he be talking to her about me? My jealousy spiked a little at the thought that she might have had the only male my wolf had ever wanted close. Forcing a tight smile, I led them both into the herb room, hating the way my instincts went on high alert with them at my back.

  She placed her daughter on the stool and it was then I took in the muddy clothes of the pup. It must have been some fall. Her hands were crusted with blood and dirt, and from the dark stains on her leggings, I guessed her knees were in the same state. Grabbing a clean cloth and running it under warm water, I tried to give the little pup a confident smile. She was sniffing and hiccupping, wiping her eyes and smearing dirt over her face. Crouching in front of her, I gently took one of her hands and began to clean it. She whimpered, trying to pull it back.

  “I know it probably really stings, but we have to get it all clean so it can heal. You’re going to show me how brave you are, right? Show me those teeth,” I urged, trying not to laugh when she bared little fangs in a snarl.

  “Very good,” I complimented, before taking her other hand to clean. “Why don’t you tell me your name?”

  “I’m Fenna,” she said, her voice strong, chin lifting just a little.

  Quillan had taught her well. I hadn’t realised that I was noting every similar feature she had with him until she cocked her head, startling me back to work. Movement from behind me reminded me of the mother-wolf’s presence and her voice was a little steadier now.

  “I’m sorry, I should have introduced myself first. Quillan warned me you might be a little unsure around strangers, it’s the only reason I haven’t introduced myself yet. I wanted to wait till you were settled in. I’m Maya, Fenna is my daughter,” she introduced, giving me a friendly smile that I couldn’t return.

  Nodding, I rolled up Fenna’s leggings to get a look at her knees that were just as battered as her hands were. Quillan had talked to Maya not just about my work here, but my skittishness too. Why would he do that? It felt a little like a betrayal. While it was pretty common knowledge that I was shy, I didn’t like the thought of Quillan telling my secrets to this female.

  “What’s your name?” Fenna asked, sniffing again.

  “I’m Oria,” I replied quietly.

  Fenna’s face scrunched up and I couldn’t help but find it adorable. “Like an Oreo?”

  I laughed, a proper happy sound. Maya seemed much less amused and gave her daughter a warning look. “You shouldn’t make fun of people’s names, Fenna. It’s not polite.”

  “It’s okay,” I protested, my voice turning to a stage whisper. “You can call me Oreo if you like, but that’s a nickname only you can use, promise?”

  Fenna grinned, nodding quickly, and Maya relaxed. Now the wounds were clean I could see they would heal but I was a little worried about how swollen one of her wrists were. I held it gently and frowned when Fenna began to tear up again, a small whine slipping past her lips.

  “Can you wiggle your fingers?” I asked, showing her how to do it with my own fingers.

  She nodded and copied me, showing me that none of her fingers appeared to be stiff.

  “What about your wrist, can you move it up and down?”

  Again she copied my movements and I turned to Maya, whose face was creased in concern.

  “I don’t think it’s broken but I’d recommend putting an ice pack on it when you get home to ease the swelling. The cuts should heal quickly,” I explained.

  Maya gave me a weak smile and I could tell she still felt guilty about her pup getting hurt. “Thank you, Oria.”

  “I’m glad I could help. You’ve been very brave, Fenna,” I announced, standing straight.

  She grinned wide, looking proud of herself, and I chuckled, helping her off the high stool and onto her feet. There were no more tears now. As I’d suspected, she wasn’t in that much pain, she’d just gotten a fright.

  “We best get you home then, Fenna. Thank you again, Oria. Quillan is due to come over for dinner sometime this week, perhaps you would like to join us? It’s the least I could do,” Maya offered, looking hopeful.

  The words of refusal were on the tip of my tongue but Fenna’s big pleading eyes and pouting lip had me hesitating. I didn’t want to see her tears again, but at the same time I didn’t want to be at the table with Quillan’s bed mate. Maya must have noticed my hesitancy because she looked a little disappointed and I felt bad.

  “I understand that it may be difficult for you, but I swear I really want to get to know you better. I’ve never heard my brother talk about a female the way he talks about you. I think he’d like if you joined us,” she pressed. “Just don’t tell him I said so.”

  My mouth fell open, my mind whirring. I repeated what she’d said in my head, trying to make sure I’d definitely heard her right.

  “I um…your brother?” I asked, suddenly seeing small similarities between Maya and Quillan too. They had the same hair colour, the same dark eyes, and I felt so much like the fool.

  Before Maya could speak again, Fenna was clutching my skirts to get my attention. “Mum says Uncle Quillan has a crush on you.” She giggled with a cheeky smile.

  I must have looked like I’d lost my senses as I stood there gaping and blinking. Uncle.

  “I…sorry, I thought…” I stuttered, still staring between them both before saying lamely, “She just looks so much like him.”

  “Ah,” Maya mouthed, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “He didn’t tell you about us. I understand your hesitancy now. I can promise I’ve never shared my brother’s bed and Fenna is most definitely not his child.”

  My skin flushed a bright red from embarrassment, my hands covering my face. I was once again reminded why I should never jump to my own conclusions. I’d immediately disliked this female because of something I had no true knowledge of and the guilt swallowed me up. Maya seemed to find the whole situation highly amusing, her laughter ringing through the room. At least she wasn’t offended, that would have been worse.

  “Forgive me—”

  “Don’t be silly. I know Quillan is a bit of a tightly shut book, it’s hard to talk to him and he’s private about his family. For some reason, I just assumed he might have told you,” she interrupted.

  I looked down at a still grinning Fenna and blushed all over again when I remembered what she had said; Quillan had a crush on me. That was silly. Adults didn’t have crushes, and while I was sure he perhaps cared for me, I’d never forget that he’d told me he’d never take a mate. He’d never even told me he had family here. I was under the impression he was alone in the world, like me.

  “He never did,” I murmured, studying Maya.

  She looked older than Quillan by a good few years but I
didn’t have the courage to ask how she had ended up here. I knew Quillan had become a lone wolf when he was barely a teenager after the disappearance of his parents but I’d never heard of him appearing on pack land with a sister. I opened my mouth to ask but before I could say anything, my mouth snapped shut. I was sure I’d find out one way or another but it felt too rude to delve into their past. Quillan would tell me if he wanted me to know and I’d respect that.

  “I’ll have Quillan let you know when we arrange a night for dinner. I’ll expect you there, I won’t take no as an answer,” she declared, taking Fenna’s hand.

  Fenna was still watching me with those big dark brown eyes and I smiled, crouching down to press my cheek against hers. “I’ll see you soon then.”

  Watching them leave, a weight lifted from my chest. I felt the warmth of hope flood my chest, instincts telling me that Quillan was free to claim now I knew the pup wasn’t his, not that I’d have wanted him any less even if Fenna had been his. I could only hope that spending time with his sister and niece would bring me closer to him, would let me get a peek behind the armour he wore. If that was all I could have from him, that would be enough. I sighed, leaning against the counter and rubbing my face. That was a lie, it wouldn’t be enough. I’d forever wish he would look at me the way he looked at Cat and I didn’t know if I could handle that.

  Condemning myself for again getting lost in such thoughts, I pushed myself from the counter and put away the now labelled bottles. The sun was beginning to set and the wind was howling loudly by the time I’d cleaned up. I peered out the window, flinching as a low rumble of thunder was followed by the white strike of lightning. I’d never liked storms, the pressure and static in the air was overwhelming, but for some reason this one brought with it a sense of exhilaration.

  The soft patter of rain joined the chorus of noise, quiet and soft at first before another drumroll of thunder had it pelting down. I grumbled, already dreading the walk home. For a moment I considered staying in Sam’s cottage but I didn’t want to worry anyone about my whereabouts when I didn’t return. Wrapping my scarf around my neck and tugging the hood of my jacket up, I jumped out the door, quickly locking it before bolting for home.