Misguided Wolves

12. Welcome to Vargr

Kate marveled at Vargr’s distinct charm. Homes of sturdy wood bore intricate carvings and splashes of paint, each radiating unique personality. Villagers waved with warm smiles, and Kate, her initial nerves fading, returned their greetings, eager to explore. The warm climate and vibrant community felt worlds away from Fror’s icy battles.

They approached a grand wooden structure, larger than the rest, its carvings glowing faintly under the sun—Vargr’s castle, Kate presumed. Kyle stretched, grinning. “Home sweet home.”

Elliott helped Kate dismount, his hands lingering on her waist. “How about a tou—”

A group burst from the castle doors, led by a couple in their sixties. The woman, with silver-streaked hair, pounced on Elliott, showering him with kisses. “My boy!”

“Mom, stop,” Elliott groaned, cheeks reddening like a flustered teenager. The man beside her chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Mahni, you’re embarrassing him in front of his guest.”

Mahni’s eyes locked onto Kate, and before Kate could blink, she was enveloped in a warm hug. “Oh, you’re a doll!”

“Mom, don’t scare her off,” Elliott said, half-laughing.

Mahni stepped back, smoothing her dress. The man smiled. “Welcome. I’m King Sol, this is Queen Mahni. This is our oldest son, Crown Prince Sumner and this is Prince Castiel of Vintr.”

Kate’s stomach tightened at Castiel’s name, his presence an unexpected sting. Why hadn’t Elliott mentioned Vintr’s prince? She curtsied, masking her unease with charm. “A pleasure to meet you. I’m Crown Princess Kate of Fror.”

The men’s eyes widened, darting to Elliott. Mahni gushed, “Sweeter than our moon cakes!”

Elliott slid a possessive arm around Kate. “She’s my mate.”

Mahni’s jaw dropped, then she squealed, pulling them into a hug. “Wonderful news! So much to plan!”

“Mom, slow down,” Elliott said, rolling his eyes. “We’re taking things slow.”

Mahni pouted, arms crossed. “Fine, but don’t dawdle forever.”

Sol’s gaze hardened. “We need to talk. To the study, where no ears can overhear.”

****

The study was cozy, its wooden walls and floors polished to a warm sheen. A dormant fireplace sat unused in Vargr’s heat, while a large window opposite revealed sprawling lands. Books and hunting trophies lined the walls, and chairs circled a sturdy desk. Sol stood at the window, silent, as Elliott, Sumner, and Castiel sat. Finally, he spoke. “We’re Vintr’s allies. If the war with Fror escalates, we side with them—against your mate.”

Elliott gripped his chair, eyes flashing. “We won’t. Our bond could end the war.”

Sol turned, leaning on the desk. “A marriage won’t stop it, son. It complicates things—fighting your wife’s family instead of strangers. Castiel’s father won’t yield.”

Elliott looked to Castiel, desperate. “You can help.”

Castiel frowned. “I doubt it. My father and brother despise Fror’s royals. And Kate offered to marry James weeks ago. Who knows what she’s like?”

Elliott growled, standing. “Don’t you dare. Send word to your family. We’ll handle it.”

He stormed out, following Kate’s apple-cinnamon scent to the kitchen. Giggles greeted him as Kate, Mahni, and chefs surrounded a table dusted with flour. Kate waved him over, eyes bright. “Your mom’s teaching me to make moon cakes! Try one!”

Elliott smiled, relieved she felt at home. He picked up a custard-filled cake, its intricate designs shimmering faintly, and took a bite. The creamy sweetness melted on his tongue. Kate watched, hopeful. “Delicious,” he said.

“Really?” She bounced with glee. “I can’t wait to learn more!”

Mahni beamed. “Oh, I’m thrilled!” Elliott mind-linked her, “Dad’s against us because she’s Fror’s princess.”

Her brows furrowed, but she hid it from Kate. “Leave that old wolf to me. Just take care of her.”

Elliott whispered his thanks, hugging her. Mahni shooed them out. “Go show her your room—where she’ll stay.”

Before they could protest, the kitchen doors shut. Elliott rubbed his neck. “You don’t have to share my room. We can set up a guest room.”

Kate bit her lip, glancing at Castiel’s looming presence. “No, I’d rather stay with you.”

She took his hand, smiling shyly, and he led her to his garden cottage, its simple carvings matching Vargr’s charm. Inside, a large bed dominated the back wall, flanked by a small fireplace for cooking and a table with two chairs. Kate’s luggage sat in a corner—Mahni’s meddling, no doubt. Elliott braced for her reaction; it was no palace.

Kate trailed her fingers over the surfaces, pausing at the fireplace. “You cook?”

“Sometimes,” he said, grinning. “I’m not half bad.”

Her gaze landed on the bed, its furs invitingly soft. Her cheeks flushed, a mix of shyness and curiosity flickering as she imagined past and future nights. Elliott caught her look, stepping closer. “Don’t worry, princess. I’ll sleep on the floor if you want.”

“No!” Kate blurted, appalled. “You’d never sleep well down there!”

He smirked, closing the distance as she backed into the bed, tumbling onto it with a soft yelp. “If I didn’t know better,” he teased, climbing over her, caging her with his arms, “I’d say you’re luring me into bed.”

Kate’s face turned cherry red. “I-I just meant the floor’s too hard!” she stammered, swatting his chest lightly.

“Oh, sure,” he drawled, eyes darkening with playful mischief. He dipped down, nipping her neck lightly, sending shivers through her. “No ulterior motives, troublemaker?”

She giggled, squirming beneath him.

“You’re impossible!” She flicked his ear, a bold move that made him laugh, and he retaliated by tickling her side, drawing a squeal. “Elliott, stop it!”

“Make me, princess,” he challenged, nipping her earlobe, his breath warm against her skin. She wriggled, her laughter mingling with a soft gasp as he trailed featherlight kisses along her collarbone. To up the ante, he blew a playful raspberry against her neck, making her shriek and swat him again, her giggles echoing in the small cottage.

“Okay, truce!” she panted, grabbing his face with both hands, her eyes sparkling with newfound boldness. She tugged him down, planting a quick, teasing kiss on his lips before pulling back, blushing furiously. “Your turn.”

Elliott’s eyes widened, delighted by her daring. “Oh, you’re playing dirty now,” he growled, claiming her mouth in a hungry kiss. His tongue glided over her lips, seeking entrance, and she parted them, letting him explore. A moan escaped her, spurring a soft growl from him. One hand pinned her wrists above her head, the other slid to her waist, brushing ticklishly before cupping her chest, making her squirm with a mix of laughter and desire.

She broke the kiss, giggling breathlessly. “You’re cheating!” she accused, wriggling a hand free to poke his ribs, catching him off guard. He yelped, rolling to the side, and she seized the chance to straddle him, pinning his wrists with a triumphant grin. “Got you!”

“Not for long,” he teased, easily flipping her back beneath him, their laughter filling the cottage. His eyes softened, and he kissed her again, slower this time, savoring her taste as their playful tussle melted into tender heat.

A nervous knock interrupted. “Your Highness, supper’s ready,” a maid squeaked from beyond the door.

Elliott sighed, resting his forehead against Kate’s, their breaths mingling. “We’ll finish this later, you little minx.”