Misguided Wolves

15. Gifts and Schemes

Kate woke in absolute bliss, her body humming with the warmth of Elliott’s embrace. She didn’t think happiness could reach such heights, her heart full from their night together.

“Just wait till they mark us,” Tove purred in her mind, her voice tinged with excitement. “It’ll heighten everything—bring us closer.”

Kate’s pulse quickened at the thought of the mating mark, a sacred bond sealed during their wedding. But they’d need to wait, with Sumner’s ceremony approaching. Her thoughts drifted to Sumner’s quiet withdrawal, a pang of sadness hitting her. He’d never fully experience the mate bond, bound to a political marriage with Deborah. Determined to lift his spirits, she brainstormed gifts, hoping to ease his burden.

Elliott stirred, his arms tightening around her, his cedarwood-mint scent grounding her. “Good morning, gorgeous,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. He nuzzled her neck, planting a soft kiss that sent shivers down her spine. “Not too sore, I hope?”

Kate giggled, her cheeks flushing as she swatted his chest playfully. “I’m fine, you beast! Better than fine.” She wriggled closer, her apple-cinnamon scent mingling with his, her boldness tempered by a shy smile. “But you’re hogging all the furs.”

“Oh, am I?” he teased, rolling her beneath him with a grin, pinning her gently to the bed. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he nipped her earlobe, drawing a squeal. “Maybe I just want to keep you here all day, princess.”

She laughed, squirming under his weight. “You’re impossible!” She flicked his nose lightly, making him chuckle, then tugged his hair, pulling him down for a quick, heated kiss. Her lips lingered, her breath hitching as his hands slid to her waist, fingers grazing her bare skin under the furs. “Elliott, behave,” she whispered, half-laughing, her voice betraying a spark of desire.

“Behave?” he growled softly, his lips brushing her collarbone, teasing the spot where her mating mark would go. “You’re the one starting trouble, minx.” He blew a playful raspberry against her neck, making her shriek and swat him again, their laughter filling the cottage. His fingers tickled her sides, and she writhed, gasping between giggles. “Surrender yet?”

“Never!” she retorted, her eyes gleaming. She pushed against his chest, rolling him off with surprising strength, straddling him triumphantly. Her hair fell in a curtain around them, and she leaned down, kissing him deeply, her tongue tentatively exploring his. His hands roamed her back, pulling her closer, a low growl rumbling in his chest as their kiss deepened, heat building between them.

He pulled back, breathless, his eyes dark with want. “You’re making it hard to get up, troublemaker.” He nipped her lower lip, his hands sliding to her hips, teasing the edge of her curves. “What’s got you so curious this morning?”

Kate blushed, sliding off him to sit on the bed, her heart racing. “I was wondering what Sumner likes,” she said, her voice softening. “I want to cheer him up.”

Elliott sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair, his expression thoughtful. “Sumner loves books—any kind. Mead, too, and fine weapons.”

Kate hopped out of bed, grabbing a quill and parchment from her luggage. She scribbled a letter to her father, requesting a cask of Fror’s finest mead and a masterfully crafted sword as wedding gifts for Sumner. She added a note about finding her mate in Elliott, hoping their bond might help end the Fror-Vintr war. Satisfied, she set the letter aside for Ara to deliver.

“Is there a market nearby?” she asked, turning to Elliott, her eyes bright with purpose.

“We can get anything you need here at the castle in a few days,” he said, pulling on a shirt, his muscles flexing in the morning light.

“I’m sure, but I need to see it myself to know it’s right.”

He grinned at her determination. “There’s a market in town. We can go today if you’d like.”

She bounced with joy, wrapping her arms around his neck, her dress swirling. Elliott chuckled, charmed by her enthusiasm for the little things. They dressed casually—Kate in a flowing green dress, Elliott in a simple tunic and trousers—and she grabbed a basket for her purchases.

Skipping breakfast, despite Elliott’s grumbling, Kate insisted on saving her appetite for the market’s delights. The walk to town was pleasant, the warm Vargr sun filtering through the trees. The market bustled with eager shoppers, its stalls and wagons brimming with fresh fish, morning-hunted meats, jewelry, baskets, and clothing. Stone shops lined the square, their carved facades glowing faintly, a hallmark of Vargr’s magic.

A sweet scent drew Kate to a bakery, its shelves laden with breads and pastries. Her mouth watered, overwhelmed by the array of sweet rolls and cookies. Elliott, noticing her indecision, took charge.

“Excuse me, sir,” he called to the baker.

“We’ll take a few loaves of sourdough, one of each flavored sweet roll, a dozen cookies, and whatever doesn’t sell by day’s end. Deliver it to the castle.”

The baker, flustered, scribbled the order. “Of course, Your Majesty! An honor!”

They wandered to a fish vendor, where Elliott bought the day’s entire catch for the castle. Kate’s eyes scanned the stalls, searching for a gift for Sumner. Elliott watched her closely, noting her interest in Vargr-designed jewelry and trinkets. When she wasn’t looking, he quietly purchased a carved pendant and a woven scarf, arranging for their delivery to surprise her later.

Kate paused at a book stall, her fingers brushing a worn, untitled tome with intricate carvings on its cover. Something about it felt right, as if it called to her. She bought it, the shopkeeper wrapping it carefully. Wanting a gift for Elliott, she feigned hunger. “Can you find us something to eat? I’ll keep looking.”

He hesitated, reluctant to leave her, but nodded. At a food stall, he bought meat-filled breads, their savory aroma tempting. Following Kate’s apple-cinnamon scent, he found her with more wrapped packages. “Find something else, beautiful?”

She grinned, hiding her basket. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

They savored the warm meat rolls, strolling through the market, their hands brushing as they laughed under Vargr’s glowing sun.

****

In Vintr, Princess Deborah sipped her tea, lips pursed, her patience thinning. Since the wedding announcement, her younger half-sister, Jodie, had prattled endlessly about Elliott, Vargr’s second prince.

Deborah rolled her eyes, dreading Jodie’s stay after the wedding. Still, it could serve her plan to drive a wedge between Elliott and that Fror princess, Kate. Castiel had mentioned their growing closeness, and Deborah intended to exploit it.

“Deb, are you listening?” Jody chirped. “Aren’t you excited to get married? You’ll be a queen one day!”

Deborah’s smile was thin. “The queen part’s true, but not as you imagine, little one. Keep dreaming.” She leaned forward, her tone syrupy. “I hear Elliott’s thrilled about a beautiful flower like you joining him. Pack your best dresses and jewels!”

Jodie clapped, skipping out to prepare, her head filled with fantasies of Elliott, whom she’d glimpsed once from afar and adored instantly. Deborah sighed in relief at the solitude. She thanked the moon goddess that Jody, her father’s daughter by a concubine, only half-shared her blood. Her mother’s disgrace still stung—a concubine’s child was an insult to her lineage.

Her peace was short-lived. A young woman with waist-length dark blonde hair and deep blue eyes sauntered in, plopping down without invitation. “Debbb,” Cassie whined, her voice grating. “Why can’t I go too?”

Deborah pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperated. “We’ve been over this, Cassie. Kate can’t meet you yet if our plan’s to work. Enjoy your alone time. Castiel will be back soon, and you can fight for his attention.”

Cassie’s face fell, shock and hurt flashing in her eyes. “I don’t fight for attention! He loves me—we’re mates!”

Deborah scoffed. “No title, no mark, no marriage. He keeps his harem, Cassie. You’re just his favorite stress relief for now. Being mates means nothing. Don’t ruin this plan.”

Tears streamed down Cassie’s face. “Just because you don’t have a mate doesn’t mean you have to ruin mine!” She stormed off, sobbing.

Deborah smirked, unfazed. She’d hear about this from Castiel, but keeping him busy breaking Kate and Elliott’s bond would shield her. Her marriage to Sumner, at least, meant escaping her brother’s women. The thought brought a rare, genuine smile.