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

by Rebecca Anne Stewart

  Cathwulf hummed, tapping her chin. I don’t think anyone really knew what to get Quillan. His bedroom was bare of any knick-knacks and keepsakes, he didn’t seem to care much for anything he didn’t need. I wondered if Quillan had already gotten me something or if he was having the same trouble I was.

  “Surely you should know what to get your own mate,” Tala snarked from where she lounged on the couch with a glass of champagne.

  “Maybe you should worry about that when you have a mate, Tala,” Ealasaid rebuffed.

  She scowled, tapping long nails off the glass. “All I mean is, if you’ve chosen to become mates then surely you should know them well enough.”

  I rolled my eyes, letting her words wash off me because I didn’t care about her thoughts. The others ignored her too and I felt ever so slightly smug about that.

  “What about a hunting knife or something? He likes to help skin and gut the deer when he comes back from hunts too, so maybe something there?” Brighid suggested.

  I nodded with a smile. A hunting knife seemed like a good idea, perhaps with an antler handle, that seemed suited to my mate. A symbol of the stag he had tried to hunt for me, even if it had nearly gutted him. It had forced us to talk. My gaze flicked to Tala as she stood and wandered towards me, her fingers trailing over the box of tinsel. From her demeanour, I readied myself for some insult to slip from her lips.

  “Maybe Quillan could get you your father’s head on a platter for Yule, Oria.”

  I froze. Of all the horrible things she could have said, I thought that too cruel for even her. My heart lurched until it felt like it was in my throat, stopping me from being able to breathe. Cathwulf growled, the sound vibrating so harshly through the air that the ground felt like it shook. Tala only smirked and chuckled, watching me for my reaction and the lack of respect had something in my wolf snapping. My hand stilled from tying the ribbons while my vision blurred with tears. But they weren’t tears of sadness, but of rage. In one swift movement, my wolf burst forth and my skin rippled with the shift. I felt bigger than usual in my fur, towering over the boxes and table in the room. I’d never shifted inside before, nor so quickly. My head was low, ears pinned back against white fur as I snapped sharp fangs in Tala’s direction.

  I knew I should have reined back control, that I’d most definitely get into trouble if I started a fight in the house, but I couldn’t hold back any longer. I wouldn’t make the same mistake Cathwulf had made with Brenna; too many words and not enough action. My wolf demanded I take Tala’s life but I would take something far more important from her. Tala stood still and I loved the fear I could see in her eyes. I was a big wolf, tall, powerful, and for the first time I felt all of that. Weylin’s words echoed in my head, telling me to keep my head up and posture. I was about to take a step closer when fingers gripped the fur near my neck and Cathwulf leaned down.

  “Don’t get yourself into trouble over her, Oria. Be better,” she whispered before stepping back, allowing me to make the decision as was my right now as a Beta Female.

  Letting another growl tumble from my chest just to watch Tala flinch back, I shifted again, bones cracking and muscles straining at having changed between forms so quickly. I stood tall. Even in my skin I still felt that thrum of power and I knew now what to do.

  “I strip you of any rank you hold, and until you’ve proven to me that you’re worthy of gaining it back, and believe me you have much to prove, you’re no longer welcome in my home,” I stated fiercely.

  Tala gaped, her eyes flicking to the wolves around me for help that never came. Cathwulf moved to stand by my side, showing Tala that I had her approval. Brighid came to stand on my left and then the others all came too. The pack’s high-ranked females stood shoulder to shoulder with me, a wall of solidarity and strength.

  For the first time ever in my life I felt like I was standing in the place meant for me, next to the females of my pack who trusted my judgement. And I’d given my judgement.

  Tala slumped, her body curling in on itself as the whimper of her wolf’s pain echoed out. Part of me hoped that she’d take this lesson to heart and realise her wrongs, that she’d strive to make herself better. She wasn’t Brenna, she was no warrior, she wouldn’t fight this decision.

  I was amazed when the two females who were her shadow bowed their heads when Tala looked to them for help next and it was then I could see it really hit home for her. She was alone. Slowly she moved away, never showing her back to me, and I was amazed yet again at the respect she was showing to my orders. She was all bark and no bite. Why had I ever been intimidated by her?

  Brighid whistled, watching Tala slink towards the front door. “That was badass.”

  I tried to keep my face stern, I really did. “That’s inappropriate and I’m going to go put clothes on because it’s freezing in here.”

  Cathwulf chuckled, tossing me a blanket which I wrapped around myself before picking up the shreds of my clothes. I sighed unhappily but at least the skirt seemed mainly intact. The top would need to be binned, it was shredded.

  “What’s Yule without a little fighting anyway?” Ealasaid joked, pouring herself another glass of champagne.

  The female next to her laughed. “It could have been worse, really. You do remember the year the old house burnt down right?”

  My eyes widened as I looked the blonde over. I knew the old house had burnt down, though from pictures it looked more like a castle, but I had been under the impression it had been during the reign of Alpha Roarke’s grandparents, or great-grandparents, and this female didn’t look any older than thirty. While Wulvers aged a lot slower than humans, she must have been a small child when it happened.

  The unknown female grinned at me and held out her hand for me to shake, an odd gesture for a wolf that had me frowning as I took her hand in mine. “I haven’t introduced myself, have I? I’m Fiona.”

  “Oria,” I replied, and I couldn’t help but tug her closer so I could inhale her scent. While wolf was overpowering, I could smell magic on her as well and my intrigue grew. She grinned at my expression.

  “My father is Ailill,” she explained and I stared at her then in awe. I’d never met one of the elven before. Her grin widened, her eyes flicking to where I still gripped her hand and then to the blanket I held around me.

  I jumped back, embarrassed. “Sorry.”

  She laughed and waved a hand. “I’m used to your reaction. I’m not here often, I normally stay with my father’s people but I always come back for Yule. I still have family here too that I like to see and my cousin, Arianna, recently had her first pup.”

  It was then that I saw the resemblance between her and Arianna. They had the same sloping nose and big brown eyes. Hopefully this was me beginning to make friends, I thought. Ealasaid asked her how Arianna was doing and I stepped back to let them talk. Brighid motioned to the tattered clothes I held and raised an eyebrow.

  “Yes, I suppose I should get dressed. If Cathwulf drops anything else, I’d feel safer with shoes on,” I teased, laughing at the middle finger she flipped me.

  “Is that any way for a soon-to-be mother to be acting, my female?” Roarke asked from the door, an eyebrow raised.

  I jumped in surprise, hoping he hadn’t seen the altercation with Tala. Peering over his shoulder, I slumped a little when there was no sign of Quillan with him. I wanted to tell him what happened, to prove to him I was worthy of being by his side, of being a leader of the pack.

  Cathwulf’s whole demeanour seemed to light up at her mate’s presence. “When the pup’s soon-to-be aunt is implying I’m clumsy, I believe it’s okay.”

  He chuckled, eyeing the room of females, my state of undress, and then the tray of alcohol. I tugged the blanket a little tighter around me, trying to keep my confidence when the power of an Alpha was rolling through the room. I never ducked my head though, keeping my chin up.

  “What am I missing?” he asked, staying on his side of the door, not wanting to impose on what we fem
ales had made our territory for now. We’d let the males join in and help later.

  “Oria was just proving that she’s our Beta through and through.” Cathwulf grinned, walking over to give her mate a peck on the cheek. “We aren’t done here. I don’t want you to see the room until we’re finished.”

  He chuckled again, crouching to press a soft kiss against the swell of her belly. I couldn’t help but smile and I think every other female in the room gushed at the tender act as well. His eyes closed and he seemed to be listening or waiting for any sign of movement from his pup. I’d never seen him this at ease before. I knew he’d make a good father. When he stood, his expression was more guarded and he motioned for me to come closer. Something twisted in my gut and my legs felt heavier as I forced them to carry me towards him.

  Everyone suddenly busied themselves with decorating again, sensing that we needed our privacy. Cathwulf’s hand slipped into mine. Why did I get the feeling I wouldn’t like what he was about to say?

  “We’ve caught a scent, I believe it’s your father’s. I just wanted you to be ready in case you caught sight of him with us, Oria. We’re going to bring him back here if we catch him,” Roarke explained. “Quillan’s with Ruiraidh now, they’re just waiting on me.”

  My grip tightened on Cat’s hand as I nodded stiffly, not quite knowing what to say. I was grateful for the warning; if I saw him without knowing, it might have caused a panic attack. I did wish my mate would have come and told me himself when I hadn’t seen him in a while but I understood his need to work point on this.

  “Thank you for telling me, Alpha,” I mumbled, stepping closer into Cathwulf’s side, seeking comfort from her.

  He nodded and gave me a gentle smile, his voice growing louder so the rest could hear. “Enjoy yourselves, females. I’d say help yourself to the booze but it looks like you already have.”

  They laughed, shouting back their gratefulness. When his pale green eyes met mine again, I forced a tight smile. I pushed any worry away. They weren’t going to execute my father on sight, I could be grateful for that at least. Yet I knew at some point I’d have to confront him and the thought of standing face to face with him again sent a shiver of fear through me.

  “Look after my mate for me, healer. She’s getting close to her time,” Roarke grinned, his hand curving around Cathwulf’s bump.

  Smiling in earnest this time, I bowed my head. “Of course I will.”

  Unable to help themselves, the couple shared another kiss that had me turning away, releasing Cathwulf’s hand. Brighid held out another glass of champagne for me, understanding in her eyes. I took it gratefully, taking a big gulp, and Ealasaid chuckled.

  “I’ll go see if I can find something stronger. I think Ben keeps Jack Daniels in one of the cupboards.” She winked, giving my arm a squeeze as she passed.

  I felt better already. Even the two she-wolves that had come in with Tala gave me comforting smiles and I knew I would be okay.

  Chapter 21

  Half-breed

  Sam and I stood side by side, cleaning the various medical instruments she used in her work. I’d already managed to slice my thumb with a knife, one that I didn’t want to think about the use for. Cathwulf’s time was getting ever closer and Sam had insisted on getting everything ready for when it did. She and Roarke wanted her to have the baby in the clinic just in case any complications arose but Cathwulf wouldn’t hear of it. She wouldn’t feel comfortable here and I’d stood by her side in agreement when she demanded to have the pup at home, in her own bed.

  “How long now do you think?” I asked, drying my hands after eyeing the healing cut.

  “I placed her due date tomorrow but we can never be 100% sure. All we can do now is be ready,” Sam replied, smiling up at me. “The pup is strong and healthy and Cathwulf is doing well too, so it should be an easy birth…as easy as labour gets, at least.”

  I did my best to smile back but it almost hurt to do so. I’d been ecstatic this morning when Cathwulf had asked me to be Guardian but it had been soured when I’d watched the scouts head out yet again on their hunt. The thought of my father running from snapping jaws had followed me all day to the point I believed I could hear their growls.

  Sam sensed my still low mood and dried her hands too before motioning towards the door to her home. “Why don’t we sit and have a cup of tea before you go home? We’ve done more than enough work for today and I’m fucking exhausted.”

  Relieved, I followed behind her into her home. She wasn’t the only one who felt drained. My eyes flicked to the window as usual since hearing that Roarke and his hunters had caught my father’s scent, as if somehow I’d be lucky enough to see the exact moment they caught him. There was no sign of anything though, just a snow-draped landscape. I wrapped my arms around myself and took a seat in the big armchair closest to the fire that was crackling away.

  Sam puttered around her small kitchen, muttering about the lack of clean mugs and needing to do the dishes. My attention was still solely focussed on the flames, my thoughts a scattered mess.

  “Sugar? Milk?” Sam called over, her brow creasing in concern as I looked up.

  I nodded and she gave me another one of her half smiles like she’d been doing all day, like everyone had been doing the last few days. I didn’t realised I’d zoned out again until steam was stroking along my face and a mug of tea came into my vision. The sweet smell helped stop the burn of smoke from the fire irritating my nose.

  “Thank you,” I mumbled, cupping it in my cold hands.

  “You’re welcome, Oria. There’s meant to be a snowstorm tonight, did you hear?” Sam smiled, taking a seat on her old creaky couch.

  I shook my head. I’d never really paid attention to the news but I did notice that the sky had been heavy with white clouds today when I’d walked over. I’d never really needed the news to tell me what the weather would be like. My father had taught me when I was a very small pup how to guess the weather for the week by the smell and feel of the air, the cloud patterns and behaviours of certain birds and animals.

  Sam sighed, slumping back on her couch and I felt guilty for not being up for a proper conversation. When had I started to become such a bad friend? Frowning at the fire, I hated how short I was being but still couldn’t bring myself to look up and be more friendly. I was scared of and for my father. I hadn’t seen my mate in days and was worried about his safety. I was a ball of worry and stress.

  “They haven’t caught him yet then?”

  My head flew up at her blunt tactic, my entire being tensing. “No. They’re getting closer, they think. Whatever he was using to hide his scent has worn off or he can’t find what he needs to keep it going. He won’t stay hidden for long.”

  She nodded, her gaze turning towards the window. “Do you know what they’ll do when they bring him back?”

  The heat of the mug burned into my hands as my grip tightened around it. “They’ll execute him, probably. Despite me pleading on behalf of his life. He’s still my father, he’s the only blood family I have. I know he deserves it but I just…” I sighed, dropping my head. “Maybe I’m being too childish. Maybe Quillan was right, I am too soft.”

  Sam looked a little shocked at that but of course she would be. She was human, what did she really know of the violence our world? We fought all the time, it was our way, and we killed those who threatened our existence and peace.

  “I’m sure they won’t do that,” she said quietly, her brown eyes resting on me again.

  My jaw clenched in irritation. “It’s the law. It’s the only way to protect the pack and even the humans nearby. We aren’t human though, we don’t have the same rules. He’ll only become more feral if Roarke keeps him locked up for the rest of his days. If the pack found out it was because of me we were keeping a feral Wulver in the basement, they would think less of me. I’d be seen as weak. I’d lose respect, and I must have their respect if I’m to hold onto being Beta Female.”

  “Nobody thinks yo
u’re weak, Oria. They’d understand why you want to spare your father—”

  “You have no idea what it’s like, Sam! You’re not a wolf, you don’t face the same struggles with power and submission. You don’t understand how hard it is for an Omega to have climbed up to the position I’m in now and how precarious that position is for me,” I interrupted, a bite to my tone.

  Sam laughed but the sound was hollow and the offence shone in her eyes. “You don’t think I know what it’s like? I’m basically a human in a pack of wolves, Oria. If anything, I have to fight far harder than anyone else to gain respect. You as a species are stronger, faster, you live longer, you can see and hear better. You have no clue as to what I’ve been through or what I am. Believe me, I do understand.”

  I frowned at her and immediately I wished I hadn’t said what I had. It was unfair. My tongue felt thick with guilt in my mouth but I couldn’t seem to get the apology out. Her head dropped and she stared at the fire as she took a long sip of her tea. I replayed her words over in my head and each time I felt worse…until something she said seemed to scream out at me.

  “What do you mean by ‘basically a human’? What are you, Sam?” I asked, tipping my head with growing curiosity.

  She took a deep breath, chewing her bottom lip before nodding to herself. I leaned forward to show that she had my full attention. I could see the wheels turning in her head and knew she was choosing where to start before she said simply, “My mother was human and my father was Wulver.”

  I nearly choked at that revelation, staring at her in shock before she continued.

  “Against all odds they mated and this pack took them in, accepted them when so many others shunned them. I was born more like my mother than my father. I’m technically a member of the pack with a dormant wolf. It’s not completely unheard of, in fact it’s been told that in the 1500s Roarke’s ancestor married a woman that had a dormant wolf.

  “So you see, I understand, Oria. I really do, but you have a better chance than I ever did. If I can gain a pack’s respect as a human, you can keep your position at the top of the pack. You can call yourself Healer and Beta Female because of the strength you’ve shown us all, it won’t disappear because you want to show mercy to the one who gave life to you,” she ranted, indignation in her eyes, the slight thrum of something wolf in the air around her, her eyes brightening ever so slightly. How had I not sensed that before?