“I believe so but I don’t think Kal or his pack want him buried on pack land,” Quillan told me honestly, his voice low and husky.
I wasn’t sure why I’d asked, I doubted I’d ever go visit him. Perhaps it was simply morbid curiosity. I should have let him sleep instead of asking depressing questions that only got him worked up about how I was torturing myself.
I yawned, forcing myself to speak through it. “I want to visit my mother.”
A gentle kiss placed against my hair and I finally let myself close my eyes. I felt guilty for not visiting her. I’d put flowers by her name, tell her that I loved her, and I wished that I’d known her, things I’d never said the one time I’d visited her grave. Maybe she would hear.
“We can arrange that, my love. Once the roads clear, we’ll go visit,” he promised.
Happy with that, I settled down to sleep. Even if I felt a little like a young pup with how excited I was for Yule. The first Yule I wouldn’t be cowering away in a corner. I grinned, another burst of excitement rushing through me.
Quillan chuckled, the sound drowsy and tired. “Sleep, Oria. Or you’ll be too tired to celebrate tomorrow.”
Yet through the bond my mate and I shared, I knew one thing that I wouldn’t tell anyone else so Quillan’s persona as Big Bad wouldn’t be ruined, he was just as excited as me.
Chapter 33
Yule
My eyes flew open at the sound of the bedroom door swinging open and hitting the wall. Quillan almost fell out of bed, ready to defend until a delighted Cathwulf carefully perched on the edge of the bed next to me. If I weren’t injured, I wondered if she might have immediately dragged me out. I laughed, the sound a little sleepy but still excitement buzzed through me as she gripped my hands.
“It’s Christmas!” she yelled happily, ignoring a scowling Quillan.
Roarke appeared at the door, sharing a look with Quillan but neither male told Cathwulf off for her intrusion. Grinning, I threw the covers off and Cathwulf helped me to my feet. Like a pup she was still wearing fluffy reindeer jammies, her golden eyes sparkling.
“Get dressed quickly, I’ll save you some food,” she rushed, urging me towards the wardrobe.
I laughed and batted her hands away, my gaze meeting Roarke’s. He didn’t step past the door. While Cathwulf barging in might not have bothered Quillan, this room was still our den and my mate wouldn’t be okay with his Alpha trespassing.
“Come, my Female. Let them wake up properly,” Roarke ordered gently, holding a hand out for his excitable mate.
She nodded and skipped towards him, humming an old Yule song as she did before pausing to call over her shoulder, “Don’t be too long!”
“We won’t,” I promised with an amused look.
When the pair left us to it, I let out a big yawn, stretching my arms up in an attempt to feel more awake. I’d have loved to sleep in a little more, and without Cathwulf’s bundle of energy, the ache of still healing wounds pushed through the haze of sleep. I closed my eyes, reaching out to steady myself against the wall.
“Are you okay?” Quillan asked, coming round to check on me.
Nodding, I gave him a bright smile. “Nothing is going to ruin this day. I’ll take some painkillers and I’ll be fine.”
He smiled a little uncertainly and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek before heading to the bathroom while I raked through my clothes to find something festive. A smile tugged at my lips as I found the scratchy, red woolly jumper that Cathwulf had gifted me on our first Yule together. Perfect.
Quillan reappeared with a glass of water and the pills Sam had given me, holding them out with a stern expression. “You really should eat before you take them.”
“I’ll eat once I’m dressed, it won’t cause any harm to take them now,” I said, offering another, comforting smile.
“If you’re sure, my mate,” he agreed, his warm hand brushing over mine.
He looked oddly nervous as I took the painkillers and I watched him shuffle to find clothes of his own. Brushing it off as him simply worried over my wellbeing, I looked for some leggings. We’d have to walk to his sister’s later and from the chill in the room, it was a cold day. Peeking out the window, my joy only grew at seeing that it was gently snowing. A snowman stood sentry by the white-covered path that led into the forest, a purple bobble hat drooped over its face. I smiled, my excitement growing again.
The sound of laughter and music drifted through the house and for the first time, I felt a sense of complete ease. The butterflies in my stomach were from anticipation rather than anxiety, there was no spark of fear or wariness. While I was a little nervous about being in such a busy house, I knew none of them would do me harm. These were my friends and family, my pack.
Quillan huffing had me turning back to him and though I did my best not to laugh, I couldn’t help it. I knew straight away it was Cathwulf’s doing and I wondered how in the name of the gods she managed to convince him to do it. My dark wolf still looked intimidating in his blue Christmas jumper, even with the huge snowman depicted on the front. I bit my lip, resisting the urge to flick at the carrot nose that hung from the snowman’s face.
“Not a word,” he muttered darkly when I opened my mouth to tease him.
“What bet did you lose, my wolf?” I teased, slipping my hand into his.
He said nothing but his lips twitched and I knew he wasn’t as grumpy about it as he was pretending to be. Laughing again, I reached up to kiss his cheek. “What will the pack think if they see their Beta in this?”
“That you’re good for me,” he replied, capturing my lips with his own.
I kissed him back, falling against his chest as I got lost in the heat of him for a stolen moment. The low groan that rumbled from his chest had me wishing I could take him to bed, my skin flushing in arousal.
“Later,” he promised in a husky growl against my jaw. When he grumbled, I looked up to see a defeated expression on his face. “It’s going to be difficult to keep myself from you until you’re healed.”
“But think how good it will be when you can finally touch me again,” I teased.
Another growl and the teasing sting of his teeth nipping my throat had heat filling my veins. I was as frustrated as he was now.
“Then I shall have to make it worth the wait.”
Grinning, my hand gripped his tighter. I was already looking forward to it. Without another word, he led me out the bedroom and towards the living room. Even though it was still early, I could smell food being cooked for later. The fridge was almost overflowing with things that could be easily tossed into the microwave so the wolves that would descend on the house later wouldn’t have to wait too long to be fed. Sleepy looking wolves took up the couches and extra chairs that had been dragged into the living room and I would have loved to have taken a picture. Christmas lights were flashing brightly, glinting off the tinsel that hung around the windows and the radio was playing softly in the background. I had the feeling things wouldn’t be this peaceful once everyone was more awake.
Brighid sat on the floor where Raeghan lay on a blanket gurgling happily at the attention she was getting from her packmates. Cathwulf was a little less protective now, allowing the males to finally get close to the pup and they were all as enraptured as I was. Moving to find a seat, our arrival stole the attention away from Raeghan.
“Nollaig Chridheil!”
“Happy Yule!”
“Merry Christmas!”
“Want some champagne?”
I laughed at all the greetings, shaking my head in mock disapproval as Flidais held out a glass of alcohol despite it not even being noon yet. Still, I accepted the glass even as Quillan gave me a disapproving look.
“It’s Christmas,” I said in excuse, taking a defiant sip.
He chuckled, taking the only chair left. “Just make sure to pace yourself.”
I grinned and happily sat next to Brighid on the floor, tickling Raeghan’s belly. She screeched, kicking out wit
h chubby legs, and the whole room seemed to be caught in awe. This female was going to have the pack wrapped around her little finger, I had no doubt about that.
“We’re just waiting on our Alphas and then we can open presents!” Brighid whispered excitedly, her eyes flicking to the Christmas tree that had to have had hundreds of presents spilling out from under it.
Sam rolled her eyes, coming to sit beside us. “You’re as bad as the pups, Bri.”
Brighid merely shrugged, her grin never slipping even as Flidais and Sam continued to tease her for being so childlike. If only they knew about Cathwulf springing into my bedroom like a Christmas elf earlier, they might have left Brighid alone. Quillan’s eyes never left me even as he spoke with the other wolves, nerves still pouring from him through the bond. I was going to ask him what was wrong until Cathwulf skipped in with Roarke in tow. She scooped her daughter into her arms and Roarke took a seat in the last armchair.
“Happy Yule, everyone,” he greeted and the room cheered, making me grin.
“Presents now?” Cathwulf asked hopefully, bouncing Raeghan in her arms.
He nodded, smiling as he looked around at his packmates. “Presents now.”
The whole room seemed to erupt in a flurry of excited voices and wrapping paper, nobody able to contain themselves anymore. I shuffled back then stole the seat next to my mate that Ben vacated to grab his presents to hand out. I made sure to snag the present I’d gotten Quillan first and handed it over to him, biting my lip to shreds with nerves.
“I’ll love it no matter what it is, Mo Lighiche Beag,” he promised, noting my fretting.
It did nothing to settle the nerves that were suddenly twisting at my insides and I didn’t hear as thanks were thrown at me as others opened the gifts I’d gotten them. My eyes were glued to my mate’s face as he carefully unfolded the wrapping and I could have begged him to just tear it open. The half grin that lit up his face as he took out the antler handled dagger melted my heart. He turned it over in his hands, gently taking it out the leather scabbard.
When his dark gaze met mine, my breathing hitched.
“It’s beautiful,” he whispered, his grin growing. “I love it. Thank you.”
The kiss he gave me was soft and tender, and we could have been alone in the room for the way the world drifted away. “I’m glad you like it.”
The rest of the morning went by in much the same way. My gifts were all well received by everyone, our small group was alight with laughter and joy. Even Raeghan seemed to love the small presents and cuddly toys she got.
More wolves filled the house after they’d spent the morning in their own homes. I did my best to try and stay calm, smiling happily and hugging those that came in from the snow. There was so much going on, it wasn’t until Quillan pulled me into a quiet corner of the house that I realised I’d never gotten a present from him.
“I would have given it to you earlier but…” He rubbed the back of his neck, and I was overly pleased that he too felt shy about how the other would react to their present.
Had this been what was making him so anxious all morning, he was worried about what I’d make of his gift? Shaking his head, he handed me a tartan-wrapped parcel. I gave him a comforting smile because I too would love it no matter what it was. Perching on the arm of the couch, I gently peeled away the paper. I stared in wonder at the beautiful leather journal and the Celtic design embossed into its cover. Unwinding the leather cord, I stroked over the thick paper.
Something fluttered in my chest and I hated that I was silly enough to tear up.
“If you don’t like it, I can take it back and—”
“No! No, Quillan, gods. I love it,” I interrupted quickly, grabbing his hand and shaking my head in wonder. “It’s beautiful. It’s…I…”
But there were no words to express how I felt at that moment. Yet, Quillan could feel what I felt through our bond that hummed and sang, pulling us closer until I was standing and tugging him into my arms. He had nothing to worry about, it was like he’d read my mind.
“How did you know?” I asked in wonder, studying the journal again.
I’d long been contemplating buying one for myself, to rewrite what would soon be lost as the older of the healers’ books began to crumble, and to add in what I’d learnt on my own. I already knew I wanted to find out the secret my father had died keeping, the ability to hide scents as he had.
“Every healer should have a journal of their own,” he answered quietly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
I stayed leaning against him, soaking in the scent of him and the comfort of his strength. I didn’t want to get upset, but I wasn’t able to hold back the well of emotions that overwhelmed me. This was my first Yule with the pack, the first Yule I’d been able to enjoy. Quillan didn’t laugh at me as I wept, he didn’t think me silly or weak, and I think he knew I simply needed a few quiet moments with him. Eventually I pulled back and wiped my eyes, placing the book on the coffee table. He cupped my cheek, allowing me to see that grin I loved.
“Happy Yule, Oria,” he murmured, his eyes watching me intensely.
“Happy Yule, Quillan.”
Another heated kiss was shared between, his tongue demanding entrance. I moaned as he nipped my bottom lip playfully and forgot all about how busy the house was until Roarke coughed awkwardly from behind me. Turning to face him, I was sure my skin was flushed, the proof of what Quillan and I had been doing leaving my lips swollen.
“I have something I want to tell you, a present of sorts, but best revealed in private,” he said, not looking at all embarrassed at having caught us making out in the corner. He motioned for Quillan and I to follow him, sending me a wink over his shoulder.
We shared a look of confusion but followed him down the hall to his office. It gave me time to cool down and hope that I would heal soon so my mate and I could do more than kiss. Roarke shut the door behind him before he took his seat behind his desk and Quillan and I sat too. I felt almost awkward as Roarke just stared at me with barely concealed excitement.
“I did a little digging after you told me you could smell magic and after hearing the rumours about your father,” Roarke began, his words making my mate look at me in awe.
“Okay…”
“I know you’ve always felt somewhat alone with no family but I managed to trace your father’s pack. I got in touch with the Alpha there. Your uncle.”
My heart skipped a beat, my mouth falling open in shock. I had an uncle? I had other family?
“My uncle?” I repeated dumbly.
Quillan looked just as shocked as I did as Roarke grinned and nodded. “He didn’t know about you either. I told him a little of your childhood, I hope that’s okay. He was horrified and shocked. He told me if he’d known, they would have come and got you, they would have taken care of you. He and his family really want to meet you so if you would like that too, I can arrange flights for you and Quillan to go see them.”
That was a lot to take in. I slumped back against my chair, my head reeling as my eyes teared up. Quillan took my hand and squeezed, offering me his comfort.
“Do you want to?” he asked me softly.
I looked back at Roarke, shaking my head in amazement. “They want to meet me?”
He nodded again. “I can have your uncle call you if you’d like to speak to him before making a decision but he’s already got a room ready for you both. You can leave as soon as you want and come back whenever you’re ready. Your grandparents live in a small house near your uncle so they could still be at the heart of the pack.”
Grandparents too? I shook my head in wonder then quickly realised that action would be taken for refusal.
“I…yes. Yes, I want to meet them. I honestly don’t know how to thank you,” I gushed. Grandparents, an uncle, probably and aunt and cousins too. Maybe more. A whole pack I had a connection to.
Roarke only bowed his head with a small smile. “There’s no need to thank me, it was the least I co
uld do. Happy Yule, my Betas.”
***
Maya’s house wasn’t far from the heart of pack territory. The small, two story cottage was set close to the edge of the forest and a small, rusty swing set creaked gently in the wind. It looked like it should have been the image in a snow-globe with how picturesque it looked surrounded by white. Quillan didn’t bother knocking but before I could tell him off for entering without an invitation, a blur launched itself at me.
“Auntie Oreo!” Fenna yelled happily in greeting, wrapping her little arms around me.
I tried not to cringe as she pressed against my bandaged stomach, hugging her back just as tight. Quillan placed his hand on her shoulder, pulling her away.
“Careful, Fenna. Oria is still a little sore,” he said gently.
Fenna frowned, looking up at me with those dark eyes and I knew she was upset. “Did I hurt you?”
“Of course not,” I lied, crouching down and pinching her nose to make her smile.
She giggled, her attention on the bag that did little to hide the presents within as she asked, “Will you be better soon?”
“Very soon, and when I am, Quillan and I are going to take you sledging!” I replied, grinning as she squealed in delight.
Maya appeared, smiling as Fenna told her about sledging before coming to greet us. She hugged me gently, her cheek brushing against mine before she hugged her brother.
“Happy Yule!” she said with a smile, leading us further into the cottage. “Get settled in, you must be freezing. I meant to put the fire on but I’ve been busy cooking.”
“I’ll sort the fire,” Quillan offered, pecking my cheek before asking Fenna to lead the way.
She bounced her way to the living room, black hair swinging behind her. Maya was still smiling, her gaze focused on her brother but Quillan didn’t seem to notice as he followed his niece, carrying the presents through.
Way Of The Wolf: Endeavour (The Wulvers Series Book 3) Page 36