Alpha's Fire

Wolverines

There was a moment where neither Henry or Prue moved, both assessing one another. 

Prue chewed her bottom lip, “That’s a nifty little trick you have.”

Henry raised an eyebrow, still assessing, no doubt wondering whether she was digging for information... And if she could be trusted, “It comes in handy.”

Vague, so very vague. 

“You don’t trust me.” It wasn’t a question. 

He went to speak just as Keira burst into the room, abruptly coming to a halt at the sight of them both. Prue was still sat in his lap wearing nothing but her underwear and Henry’s cotton shirt. 

Keira’s eyes went wide, “Oh gosh sorry,” she said, embarrassingly looking anywhere but at them. Keira had a purity about her that was so lovely and so very endearing. 

They exchanged a slight smile each as Prue climbed off the Alpha and then the bed, before casually making her way over to her chest of draws. The hairs in the back of her neck and arms rose and tingled as Henry’s stare, undoubtedly, followed her.

Keira couldn’t wait a moment longer to speak, bursting out in a fast succession, “Are you both okay? What happened? Have you heard from Kelt or Eric yet?”

Henry stood with the fluidity and grace of a deadly warrior his stoic mask now back in place, reminding Prue how dangerous this man could be. 

He greeted his sister while Prue pulled on a loose pair of cotton trousers. She couldn’t help but scrutinise Henry as he moved. His strong muscular torso, that golden brown skin, tanned from working out in the sun. 

Shame he is so broody looking, ruins his face. 

“Keira we are fine,” Henry grasped her shoulders, giving her a gentle squeeze, “Eric and Kelt are on their way back. And the rouges have no idea what the hell happened.”

Keira’s small features wrinkled as she looked her brother up and down, checking for injuries, not quite believing him.

“Honestly Keira, we are fine. Although I don’t think Kelt and Eric are your biggest fans right now. That trick with tying the bed sheets to their tails... Was interesting.” He flicked her nose gently. 

She slapped him away, now smiling. Keira shrugged, not seeming to care, “It worked didn’t it,” she beamed, almost looking proud of herself. 

Henry sighed, “That it did, and it was very creative too. A can hand on heart say that I don’t think anyone ever would have suspected or saw such a clever distraction technique coming,” there was a slight hint of humour to his voice, “My dear sister continues to shock all with her brilliant and unique ideas.” 

“Har, har,” Keira bumped her brother with her hip before turning to Prue. “Prue! You came back.” She pulled Prue into a tight hug, she was surprisingly strong considering her petite frame, “Are you okay?”

Prue exchanged another glance at Henry who was watching her again, as if he wasn’t sure what she’d say either, “I’m fine thanks. A little embarrassed I guess. Not sure what came over me.” 

Keira’s laugh was almost musical, “It happens to the best of us,” she let Prue go and looked her up and down for injuries too, “One day I’ll tell you about my first heat to make you feel better,” Henry pinched the bridge of his nose as if remembering and not wanting too. Prue couldn’t help but grin at Keira’s warmth and sincerity. 

Despite everything she is still so kind and welcoming.

“Please don’t do anything like that again Prue. For no other reason than I don’t think Eric or Gingerbeard will ever talk to me if I make them do that twice,” she winked cheekily.

Henry rolled his eyes, “You’re joining in on the nickname too now, what did poor Kelt do to you?” 

Keira shrugged and laughed again, “I assume the boys will be ravenous when they get back?” Prue stomach growled as if on queue, “Right then, I’ll go prepare a midnight feast for us all. Why don’t you get washed up.” Henry nodded appreciatively not sparing a glance at Prue as he retreated to his room.

Once Kelt and Eric arrived back, the five of them sat and ate in near silence. They uttered a few words hear and there but exhaustion clearly pulled at them all. It wasn’t an awkward silence but a comfortable kind. The kind where friends don’t feel the need to try and entertain, but are just happy to sit. Prue, if she was honest, was grateful, she didn’t suffer small talk well at the best of times.

After she finished, Prue made her way up to her room and looked around, she went straight for the windows and doors, checking the room was secure, inspecting the locks and making sure her weapons were in easy reach next to her bed. She then found a small pack stuffed in a draw under her wardrobe and began putting together an emergency pack that could be grabbed at a moment’s notice. If she ever needed to get away quickly, she wasn’t going to be running off half naked and half mad with heat again. At least she wouldn’t do that again unprepared and without a change of clothes or weapons. 

I’ll make sure to find some dried meat and a water casket tomorrow. Something that will keep in there.  

Elena had been quiet since Henry had found them. No doubt because she’d been communicating with Henry’s wolf and not told Prue. 

“Traitor. Fine if you don’t want to talk that’s fine,” she grumbled, walking to her bed and plonking herself down, as a soft knock tapped on the door. 

Elena didn’t say a word but Prue swore she felt a flicker of excitement at the back of her mind.

“Prue,” a deep voice spoke at the door.  

Henry. 

Her heat skipped a beat... No, no no. I will not be duped. Stop it. He is an Alpha. Alphas always have agendas. You are not a pawn. She scolded herself. 

Despite there being a deep part of her that didn’t feel like Henry would betray her, he would always choose the best path for his pack. He hadn’t made this pack one of the strongest packs to ever live by not making sacrifices, she was sure. And Prue didn’t want to take the chance of being around when Henry finally found out what he could get by sacrificing her. 

Prue opened the door to find Henry leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed over his muscular chest. His light brown hair was mused and clean, his short beard freshly trimmed. 

She hadn’t realised she’d been scowling until he said, “Does the way I look offend you Prue?”

His face was so broody and solemn. She debated telling him that but thought better of it and instead shook her head. 

“I’ve come to offer my assistance before the lack of my presence ends in another moonlight run for us all.” Another almost smile played on his full lips. 

“I feel fine.” She told him dismissively, attempting to close the door as a large hand whipped out stopping it in its tracks. She swore she saw a flash of anger in his eyes , but it was gone before she could be sure. 

Maybe he is like every other Alpha after all. 

“Will you allow me to help you if need it?” He asked very pointedly.

Prue began to open her mouth and closed it again. She wanted to say no but the memory of the pain flashed in her mind’s eye. If the agony of the heat returned she knew she’d do anything to make it stop.

I’d bathe in a tub of slugs if I had to. But then again death by slugs wasn’t likely... Death by the Alpha of Alphas however... 

Henry seemed to sense her internal battle, “If you need me, I’ll come. You only have to tell me to leave and your will, will be done.”

He turned on his heel and strode down the hallway not waiting for her response, she swore she saw his jaw flex with annoyance. 

Probably pissed I don’t trusted him, she smirked for herself, liking the idea that it bothered him.

Before she was able to close the door Keira appeared, “Prue, I um. Well I thought it best to tell you that the Wolverines will be guarding your windows and doors. And well, the whole house for the next couple of days. You’ll probably see them around. They will be here in a minute.” Prue must have had a very blank expression on her face as Keira sighed, “Did Henry explain what happens when unmated wolves are near a female in heat...”

“Oh! Yes but I thought, because Gingerbeard and Eric came back the worst was over.”

Keira gave a sort of half wince, half smile, “In my experience it lasts three nights, the day before the full moon, then the full moon and the day after,” She nodded after each one, as if in emphasis,  “You’ll likely be back in the full swing of things with the symptoms you experienced earlier very soon.”

“But I feel better...” She scrunched her forehead in confusion. 

Prue could tell how bad Keira felt for her, and it was almost unbearable. She hated sympathy. “It’s probably from the skin to skin contact earlier. The pheromones haven’t quite worn off yet.”

“So that means...” The wheels in her head felt tired and slow as she tried to process the information.

“Yeah, it will only be myself, Henry and the wolverines staying here for the next couple of days.” She stuttered over her words.  

That means the others don’t feel comfortable even being in the house. Is it more dangerous for me or them I wonder. 

Prue swallowed at the idea of having to go through the pain of heat again. She left Keira at her bedroom door, going to sit on her bed and grabbing a pillow to hold it to her chest for comfort. Keira held out a purple glass vial, “This is a sleep and pain relief draught I prepared, it should help. Go on drink it,” she urged. 

Prue hesitated and Keira sighed, “Prue you seem like the type of woman that reads people pretty well,” she raised her eyebrows very matter of factly, “Also if we wanted you dead, wouldn’t we have just not bothered coming to find you after you ran off.”

Keira waited patiently for her to concede. So Prue rolled her eyes and took the cork out the delicate glass vial, giving the contents a tentative sniff. It smelled like honey and bananas. Prue shrugged and took a slow but long sip, downing the draught in one.

Four women dressed in fighting leathers, armed to the teeth with swords and knives appeared outside her bedroom door moments later, taking up their guard positions. Their long plaited hair draped down their backs. Keira was saying something but Prue couldn’t hear - she was transfixed. 

They are warriors, women warriors. This was unheard of. They must be the... The Wolverines. Amazing.

Keira placed a warm dainty hand on Prue’s arm, snapping her back to reality, “Prue are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m great. I just... I just didn’t realise you had women fighters.”

Keira looked taken aback, “Oh you mean the Wolverines?”

Prue nodded, amazed, “Are they all women?” She asked, her curiosity making her forget what was soon installed for her.

“Prue, did Henry not tell you? All the women are fighters here.” Keira moved her skirts revealing fighting leathers beneath her dress and Prue’s mouth dropped in shock.

“Wait what! You have... It’s allowed...” Prue was on her knees riffling through Kiera’s skirts looking at the knives holstered to her legs. 

Keira yelped and laughed as Prue’s hands roamed freely, “I don’t know whether this is something that is normal where you come from...”

“I’m sorry Keira, it is just I have never heard of female fighters before. I had no idea. I just assumed... Well I assumed you were like other packs.” Prue sat back on the bed. 

“Well I will tell you all you want to know about our training in the morning, I promise. But for now I need to sleep” She laughed and got up to leave. 

Prue nodded enthusiastically as Keira left through the door. She climbed into her bed and fell asleep almost instantly.