Crimsonborn

Chapter 2 - The Steep Price

“Alpha, are you alright?” I turned, glaring at Leilan as he finally caught up. A few strands of blond hair had escaped his top knot and stuck to his forehead, so he ran his hand over it to get them out of the way. Sweat beaded at his brow and made his tunic stick to his shoulders despite the deep shade and cool draft moving through the trees so I could only imagine the state I was in after rolling down the slope. “Where… where is she?” he snarled, looking around the quiet forest while his hand tightened on the sword sheath he was squeezing in his hand.

“That’s what I’d like to know,” I murmured, turning my back on him so he couldn’t see my annoyed expression. She had just… vanished! She was fast, I would give her that, but she wasn’t faster than me. She shouldn’t have been able to outrun me!

Even more than that, I should have been able to smell her! I had her scent—a sweet, odd mix of birch, apples and earth—but apart from a faint, hour-old layer of her presence, I had nothing to follow.

Just what in the world was going on here?

We had heard the voices in the forest—the shouting, the laughter, the running. It was clear some younglings were playing a game, but they were higher up the hill and they were too busy with each other to notice our group.

That was, until that boy drew near.

I only sensed her after I raised my head and saw her flying toward me. She wasn’t trying to attack, her surprise was even stronger than mine, but then she bit me. Not to mention, she threw me off like I was nothing and that was not something many could brag about.

She could have gotten away with a little scolding, but after all that… I couldn’t allow it to slide anymore. Not with my position on the line.

“Send a few people to search for her,” I said, and when I heard feet running through the fallen leaves, I knew the order had been relayed. I turned around to face my warriors, only to realize Jakar had caught up and was sitting on top of his mare, looking amused. With his dark skin, white hair and the green southern clothes he had changed into, he was almost blending with his the surroundings. The older man said nothing out loud, but I could tell he was itching to. Thankfully, he could tell I was in no mood for a life lesson. “Let’s go. We’ll find her eventually, we have more important things to do today.”

Leilan climbed onto to his horse while one of my warriors brought me mine. I tugged on the leather armor that I had already loosened too much to be of any use in a fight, but it gave no reprieve from the warm weather. Giving the forest one last, frustrated look, half hoping to see her peeking from behind a tree, I signed for the others to move out. The forest remained eerily quiet, with barely even a world crying out.

It took me several minutes to figure out what was so strange about this unusual silence. It was my wolf. He hadn’t said a single word since he shouted for me to look up, and that was a first for him.

‘I don’t talk that much,’ Jax snarled in annoyance.

‘You do,’ I sighed, pulling the reins of my horse and leading it back to the path. The others followed. ‘What is it?’

‘Find that girl. There is something about her.’ His voice trembled with poorly contained excitement, which made me bristle. It was never a good sign when he was excited, it usually meant trouble for me. ‘I want to confirm something.’

‘She isn’t our mate, is she?’ I asked, my heart dropping. I had spent almost ten years looking for our fated mate to appease my wolf’s longing for the bond, but we were running out of time. We had agreed—if we found her, we’d find some other ways to achieve our plans. But if we didn’t by the time we came to secure the South, the search would end and I would take a choose mate.

No matter how much it hurt both of us.

So finding our fated mate here, now, would complicate my plans too much. ‘I didn’t feel any…’

‘She’s not of age yet,’ Jax informed me impatiently. ‘I don’t know if she’s our mate or not, but there’s something odd about her, something I haven’t felt in a long time.’

‘Odd how?’ I frowned.

‘Dark, dangerous,’ he mumbled, as if talking to himself, then added with a disconcerting hum. ‘And powerful.’

I waited for him to say something more, but he grew quiet again, retreating to the back of my mind. Shaking my head, I let him because I knew that when he got into one of those moods, getting something out of him was as easy as pulling teeth.

‘Alright, hang in there. I have business with her too, so you’ll get your wish,’ I said instead, trying to keep the exasperation out of my mind. A flash of her lying beneath me appeared before my eyes, those big, dark eyes staring into mine while leaves and specks of dust fluttered in the air around us. I still couldn’t understand the look she gave me back then.

Fear? No, it wasn’t that. Caution? Perhaps. I did have her at my mercy, at least for a time. Defiance? Oh, most definitely. Especially when she kicked me with the strength of a damn horse.

I reached to the back of my head and rubbed the sore spot. How did she do any of that? She was half my size, and I had fought almost every Alpha in the land and won. In fact, I got my title doing so. How did a mere girl throw me off like I was nothing?

No, even that wasn’t the biggest problem.

How in the Goddess’ name did she make herself disappear? How did she hide her scent? How did she vanish into thin air? Had that been the Moon Goddess herself walking among us? Ridiculous, I knew but…

My eyes darted to the trees again, searching, questioning. I found no answers.

We didn’t see any sign of her on the way, and by the time we reached the outskirts of the village, the others had returned empty-handed, offering nothing but apologies. Despite their failure, I was relieved to have them back. We were already at a disadvantage, having left most of my warriors on the other side of the hill, but I had no desire to provoke the Alpha of the Crescent Pack. If my presence alone wasn’t enough to ensure respect, well, then I had bigger problems than my numbers.

Still, with most of the village residents being non-combatants, our group was more than capable of fending off any unexpected attack, but the last thing I wanted was unnecessary bloodshed on my first official visit as their king. When I met Alpha Rainer six months ago—right before I claimed my title—he had struck me as a sharp, honorable man, but one could never be too careful when dealing with the other packs. Looks could often be deceiving.

As we moved through the wide streets, my attention remained fixed on the largest building in the village. With its three floors towering over the surrounding one- and two-story homes, it was impossible to miss. Unlike the wooden structures around it, the Packhouse was built mostly of stone, with steep tiled roofs and a watchtower at each corner. A small fortress was what I would call it, although it couldn't even compare with the giant ancient structures I'd seen the other packs lay claim to.

I had to admit, while it wasn't that big, it was well-placed and well-guarded. It didn’t do much to protect the village itself, but the structure looked large enough to shelter every member of the pack if needed. There were no walls around the settlement, only dense trees stretching in every direction—but walls weren’t necessary. Not when the greatest threats they faced were a starving rogue or the occasional attack from another pack.

“We’re here,” Jakar announced on my right, and I locked my attention to the front gate of the Packhouse. A tall, dark-skinned man had appeared through it, smiling politely at us. His size and posture suggested a warrior but the gray in his hair and the barely noticeable limp in his left leg hinted to a wolf past his prime. Not to mention the way the air around him shifted to one of a gentle, doting uncle when a child ran past him, waving excitedly before disappearing inside.

The moment the boy was out of sight, though, his eyes returned to us and the softness vanished from his features, leaving a sharpness that lingered even when he bowed his head.

“Welcome, King Hale, and esteemed warriors,” he greeted us formally. “I am Keeran, Beta of the Crescent Moon Pack. Please follow me. We’ll see to your horses and luggage—Alpha Rainer is eager to meet you.”

I swung down from my mount, dropping the reins as I stepped toward him. The animal snorted into the dirr ground, but stayed where I left it.

There was no shade in the yard and the high walls seemed to stop even the slightest of breeze, so just standing there had me boiling in my own skin. I considered asking Keeran to show us to our rooms so I could get some of the layers off, but decided against it. The faster I finished what I came here for, the better.

“Lead the way.”

Keeran guided us through a small, well-kept yard, then up a short flight of steps. The insides of the Packhouse seemed even warmer, but the Beta showed no signs of discomfort even as we passed through several more long corridors before stopping in front of a large, closed door. Without hesitation, Keeran pushed it open and strode inside, bowing to someone before motioning for us to enter.

My gaze immediately landed on Alpha Rainer as he rose from his seat. He looked just as I remembered—tall, broad-shouldered, and smiling as if he’d just heard some good news. Beside him stood a slender woman with straight, jet-black hair and fair skin. Judging by the intricate bras bracelet on her upper arm, she had to be his Luna. If Jakar’s information was correct, she was his fates mate who also happened to come from our pack—a lucky coincidence Jakar was hoping we could exploit.

A young man with long, black hair tied loosely back flanked the Alpha, and as I gave him a quick once-over, I realized he looked strangely familiar, expecially when he narrowed his eyes at me in assessment. Next to him stood a woman a few years older than him who bore a striking resemblance to the Luna, except for her hair which was the same honey-brown color like Rainer’s.

I stared at her for a moment longer, noting her polite, if a little nervous, smile and how she lowered her eyes to the floor the moment they met mine. She was a delicate thing, and while she did have pleasing features, she looked positively fragile. I wasn’t sure she had what it took to survive in the North, but I didn’t have the luxury to worry about such things.

Lined by the walls were several of their warriors, all armed but trying their best to look casual like they just happened to be there when we arrived. Their heads dipped respectfully but I could feel their eyes following me even as I moved past.

“Welcome, King Hale,” Alpha Rainer greeted, his smile widening as he stepped forward. I shook his hand instead of letting him bow, catching the brief flicker of surprise before he masked it. I already had a good impression of him, and showing a bit of mutual respect in front of his people could only help the negotiations go smoother. I was, after all, going to make an enemy of him in just a few minutes. It didn't hurt to butter him up a little. “How was your journey?”

“It was fine,” I replied. “It’s much hotter than we’re used to.”

‘That’s the understatement of the century. How these people wear any clothes is a mystery to me,’ Jax muttered in annoyance, but I ignored him.

Alpha Rainer chuckled. “Ah, yes. It rarely snows here, and our summers are scorching, while our winters are mild. I hope you’re not too uncomfortable.”

I nodded indulgently even though ‘uncomfortable’ didn’t even begin to describe it. But there was nothing I could do about the damn heat, so I focused on my other problems instead.

He gestured toward his family, introducing them one by one. “This is my mate, Fiona. My daughter, Felicia, and my son, Felix. It’s a pleasure to have you with us. Please, let us be seated so we can talk more comfortably.”

He returned to his seat, and as I followed suit, my eyes flicked to the empty chair beside Felix. I could have sworn Jakar mentioned two daughters and a son. Did I misremember?

‘No, you did not. He said two,’ Jax confirmed.

‘Well, no matter. I only need one.’ I sighed.

I took my seat with Leilan on one side and Jakar on the other. Leilan had little interest in politics, but aside from my Beta, there was no one I trusted more to have my back. Jakar, on the other hand, had been our pack’s Gamma even before I took over. Despite his age—or perhaps because of it—he was as sharp as ever, which was why I had insisted on him making this journey. Having them beside me, even if they rarely spoke during these meetings, was all the reassurance I needed.

The rest of our warriors took point behind us, and the room settled into an expectant hush. I took my time adjusting myself, waiting for Alpha Rainer to speak first.

“How were Alpha Chase and the Grayburn Pack?” he asked, that warm smile lingering on his face like we were old friends, finally catching up. I didn’t know how much his amiability was a farce, but it chipped away at my resolve like a hungry bird.

“Good,” I replied curtly, offering nothing more, even as the silence stretched. Rainer exhaled softly, inclining his head in understanding. He could read the mood, at least, which was a good sign. I had no patience for pointless small talk, especially today.

“We’re honored to have you here, King Hale,” he continued, his tone growing a bit more serious and reserved. “The tribute has been prepared, and we can have it loaded onto the carts right away. How long will you be staying? I want to ensure your comfort while you’re here.”

“That depends,” I said, crossing my arms and leaning back in my chair. “I’ve decided to change the type of tribute I expect from you.”

Rainer’s smile faltered, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. The tension rippled through his family as well, their eyes darting toward one another in silent conversation. I kept my expression neutral, though the stifling heat and the sweat trickling down my back made it easy to look exasperated.

“I don’t understand,” Rainer said, raising an eyebrow. “I wasn’t informed of any changes. If you need an increased amount, I’ll require time to—”

“You can keep the tribute you prepared. I don’t need it,” I said evenly, locking eyes with him. That wasn’t entirely true—we needed every bit of food we could get our hands on—but demanding the agreed-upon tribute and what I had actually come for would have crossed the line from negotiation to insult. I wasn’t that much of a bastard.

“As per the pact we all signed on the day of my coronation, the nature of your tribute is mine to decide. I’m not an unreasonable man, nor do I intend to demand more than what you can offer. However,” I paused, watching as Rainer’s throat bobbed while he waited for me to continue. “As the pack with the largest territory and population, it is only fitting that your contribution reflects your standing.”

I held Rainer’s gaze, keeping my expression calm even as I sensed the tension rising among his warriors. Let them bristle—posturing wouldn’t change the facts and if they drew blades… Well, they better have people strong enough to shift in broad daylight because I could. Rainer knew that. Humans could not match the strength of my wolf form, let alone my Lycan one.

“I’ve considered your circumstances carefully,” I continued, keeping my tone measured. “Asking for soldiers to be sent to the North would only weaken you, and that benefits none of us. You share a border with the humans, so if they break the accords, you’re the first line of defense. I need you strong enough to stop it.” I paused, watching for a flicker of emotion, but Rainer gave nothing away, merely studied me in return. “I have no use for gold or trinkets. What I do need is the grain and medicinal herbs we agreed upon.”

Rainer exhaled slowly. “Then… what do you want, if not soldiers or gold?”

I let a small smile creep in when I caught the slight twitch of his fingers, the way he controlled his breaths. “Your trade with the humans more than any other pack, correct?”

“Yes.” Rainer nodded, his brows drawing together.

“I want exclusive rights to those trade connections with you as the middleman.” Rainer’s pupils widened in surprise, then his features eased with relief. A small part of me hated that I had to trick him like this, to ease his mind before I rob him of his most valuable possession, but going straight for the throat seemed like the wrong move. “Weapons, leather, and fur as well as grain, rice, and other long-lasting goods. What you get, you trade with our pack at the lowest possible price.”

Rainer opened his mouth, but I raised a hand before he could argue.

“We will cover the cost and let you make a small profit as well.” I let that sink in before adding. “I’m sure you can make up for the losses from the rest of your trade—and what you gain from the land.” I tilted my head slightly. “Most of your people aren’t warriors, they have other crafts, no?”

Rainer nodded stiffly. It didn’t escape my notice how his mate slipped her hand into his and squeezed his fingers. Another jab. Oh, she’d probably hate me too. It didn’t matter. I could live with their resentment.

The South had to be secured.

“We live in the North.” I let my arms fall, leaning forward to prop them on my knees. “Half the year, the ground is buried in snow—we can’t farm. Hunting is hard, especially when we have to fight for our food against other predators. And trade?” I scoffed lightly. “There’s little to trade when every man, woman, and child is too busy protecting you and the other packs from the monsters beyond the mountain.”

Rainer’s gaze dropped to the floor as if he were weighing my words. A vein pulsed on his temple while he clenched and unclenched his jaw, going over his options. I waited patiently, taking my time to study his bristling men while they glared at me.

“Very well. It shall be done as you wish,” he said, his voice strained. “I’ll go make—”

“I’m not finished,” I cut in just as Rainer was rising from his chair. Slowly, he lowered himself back down, his dark eyes narrowing with nervous anticipation. I listened to his heart, glad to find it dancing again to a calm, steady rhythm.

Good. Perfect timing.

“I need to trust you, Rainer,” I said. “Especially considering how important this relationship is for my pack... and the discontent it might stir with the others.” I paused, letting him digest that before leaning in just slightly. “And right now, it sounds like this arrangement only benefits me.” I let the silence stretch between us, watching him for any flicker of reaction. Then, with a deliberate, controlled tone, I added, “So, I have a way to fix that, too.”

Rainer tensed in his chair, but his heartbeat remained steady. My gaze shifted away from him, landing on his daughter, who had a confused, uncomfortable look on her face. I had avoided looking at her because it made the twist of guilt in my stomach grow, but I had no choice now. If things went as planned, she’d be my wife, my Luna, my… mate.

Jax growled in disapproval.

“I need a Luna for my pack,” I declared. “So, I’d like your daughter to fill that position. She will become my queen, and in turn, you’ll have my favor.”

The room fell so quiet it felt like I was back in the forest for a moment.

“What?” Rainer shot to his feet, his voice shaking with disbelief. His daughter’s face drained of color, and she stared at me like I had just told her I wanted to cut her to pieces. “King Hale, please reconsider! I don’t care how the other packs do business, but no one in mine is to be traded like an object! I cannot agree to this, even if it means I have to fight you!”

I raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. I’d expected resistance, but to fight me when just months ago I’d proven to be stronger than him, stronger than all the other Alphas? He really did care for his family more than anything, like Jakar's information suggested. His son had risen as well, hands balled into fists as if he was preparing to use them.

I leaned my head against my hand, letting out an exasperated sigh. Honestly, I didn’t want to fight him. It was just too damn hot for that.

“Be reasonable, Rainer,” I scoffed, my tone dismissive despite the growing knot in my stomach. I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but… I wasn’t leaving the South without my reassurance. I couldn’t. “I don’t have the time, or the manpower, to waste on something as insignificant as fighting you.” His eyes flashed golden, but despite Jax’s low growl at the provocation, I kept my expression neutral. “All I need to do is open a small corridor from the border to your lands and wait.” I lowered my gaze to the sword resting between my legs and ran a finger over the engravings. “The outer villages will be hit first. This time of year, there are plenty of creatures still roaming around, hungry for fresh blood.” My finger traced the wolf head on the pommel, and I lifted my eyes to meet his. “Tell me, Rainer. How many of your men have fought trolls? Ghouls? Vampires?”

Rainer’s throat worked as he swallowed, his lips thinning into a tight line. I leaned forward, forcing a knowing smile to my face while I watched him come to a grim realization. Victory felt bittersweet on my tongue.

“I calculate it would take six to ten months before your pack is cut in half. A year, and you won’t even have enough left to call yourselves a pack. So…” I rose to my feet and took a deliberate step toward him, glancing at his daughter as I moved past her chair. With my hands clasped behind my back, I stood over him. “A daughter is a small price to pay for the safety of your people, is it not?”

Rainer didn’t make a move to attack, but I could see the storm brewing beneath his stoic exterior. The smell of birch, apples and earth suddenly wafted into the room and Jax reared his head just as my eyes darted behind the Alpha, searching for the source.