Misguided Wolves

13. Shadows of Duty

Kate was pleasantly surprised to see Ara at the dining hall table, her vibrant presence a welcome sight. She rushed over, enveloping the petite werebird in a hug. “Ara! I’m so glad you’re here! Was the trip okay?”

Ara, short with a delicate frame, had brown hair that transitioned to vibrant yellow, with blue bangs framing her face. Unlike most werebirds who dyed their naturally colorful hair to blend in, Ara embraced her heritage, her hues a bold declaration of pride despite her kind’s weaker abilities compared to other shifters.

“Clear skies made it easy,” Ara said with a grin, her eyes sparkling.

Everyone settled at the table, chatter filling the air. Mahni peppered Kate with questions about her family and Fror, eager to know her son’s mate. After a while, she blurted, “So, any pups in the near future?”

She leaned forward, beaming with anticipation. Elliott nearly choked on his water. “Mom!”

Mahni waved dismissively. “I’m not getting younger, and you boys should be producing heirs.”

Kate giggled at Elliott’s discomfort. “We haven’t discussed it yet, but I’d love to try after the wedding ceremonies.”

Mahni clapped, pointing at Elliott. “She’s a keeper! Take care of her—and give me grandpups!”

Sol rolled his eyes. “Leave the boy be.”

****

Kate woke refreshed, her best sleep yet, nestled in Elliott’s warmth. She bounced out of bed, eager to pick an outfit, her energy buzzing with the thrill of Vargr and her mate. Rummaging through her luggage—Mahni’s doing, no doubt—she chose a pale yellow dress with off-the-shoulder ruffled straps and a long, flowy skirt that danced with her movements. She twirled, admiring the mirror, feeling like a ray of Vargr’s sun.

Elliott, however, groaned from the bed, heavy bags under his eyes. Kate’s closeness all night had kept him awake, his desire to claim her warring with restraint. He pulled the blankets over his head, craving a few more minutes of sleep.

Kate grinned mischievously, tiptoeing closer. “Elliott, if you stay under there, you’ll miss me changing,” she teased, her voice playful but laced with her usual shyness.

He groaned louder, muffled by the furs. “Temptress,” he muttered, peeking out with one eye, his lips twitching.

Undeterred, she switched to plan B. With a giggle, she took a running leap, landing on him with a squeal. “Time to get up, sleepy wolf!”

Elliott laughed, wrapping her in the blankets like a cocoon, trapping her against his chest. “Oh, you’re in trouble now, princess!” He tickled her sides through the furs, making her shriek and squirm, her laughter echoing in the cottage. She kicked playfully, trying to escape, but he held her tight, nuzzling her neck with a mock growl. “Think you can ambush me and win?”

“Let me go, you beast!” she gasped between giggles, swatting his arm. She wriggled free, tossing a pillow at his face, which he caught with a smirk.

“Nice try, minx,” he said, lunging to grab her waist. She dodged, darting to the other side of the bed, her dress swirling. “Come back here!”

Kate stuck out her tongue, bold for a moment. “Catch me first!” She tossed another pillow, which he ducked, his eyes sparkling with delight. He vaulted over the bed, tackling her gently onto the furs, pinning her with a triumphant grin.

“Got you,” he murmured, brushing a curl from her face. Their laughter faded, his gaze softening as he leaned in, kissing her softly. She melted into it, her hands sliding to his shoulders, a soft moan escaping. He pulled back, chuckling. “You’re making it hard to get up, troublemaker.”

She blushed, shoving him lightly. “You started it!” She tossed him a shirt and jeans from his pile, hopping off the bed. “Now get dressed, or I’ll drag you to breakfast in your pajamas.”

Elliott groaned dramatically but complied, dragging himself out of bed. As they headed to the dining hall, he slung an arm around her, stealing a quick kiss on her temple. “You’re gonna pay for that pillow attack later,” he teased, making her giggle.

****

At breakfast, Sumner’s stoic face belied a storm of emotions in his eyes. Mahni’s expression flickered with concern, while Castiel seemed to relish the tension. Elliott furrowed his brows. “What’s going on?”

Sol motioned for them to sit, continuing his meal. Castiel broke the silence. “Years ago, our families planned a marriage between Sumner and my twin sister, Deborah, set for the coming years if neither found their mates. With the war’s toll, my parents believe a wedding now would boost morale.”

Elliott frowned. “Is Sumner okay with that? He’s always wanted his mate.”

Sumner stared at his plate, pushing food around. Castiel’s eyes flashed green with rage for a split second before he masked it with a smile. “He knows his duty,” Castiel said. Sol finished eating and spoke. “As crown prince, Sumner must prioritize the kingdom—something you could learn, Elliott.”

Sol’s tone carried a warning. Elliott averted his eyes, understanding the jab. Sol stood. “Boys, meet me in the study when you’re done.”

The meal ended in silence. Elliott squeezed Kate’s hand. “I’ll find you after.”

“Okay,” she said, kissing his cheek lightly. Elliott and Leo reveled in her growing comfort. “She’s finally accepting us!” Leo celebrated in Elliott’s mind.

Kate wandered to the library, smaller than Logi’s but cozy, with wooden shelves and soft light. She brushed her fingers over the book spines, settling on a tome about Vargr’s history and culture. Sinking into a cushioned chair, she read eagerly, learning of traditions: young men built homes, carved and painted by their mothers or sisters, furnishing them with necessities. Couples decorated together post-marriage. Grooms offered gifts to the bride’s father—crops for farmers, hides for hunters. Weddings, held on Fridays, spanned a week, with the bride bonding at a bathhouse with her mother-in-law, the groom hunting with his father-in-law, and mothers crafting a braided rope for the ceremony, followed by a multi-day feast.

A low, raspy voice interrupted. “A girl who reads is a rare breed.”

Kate jumped, startled. Castiel lounged in a chair across from her, his greasy, slicked-back hair longer than his brother’s, his yellowish-gray eyes glinting. She closed the book, sitting straighter. “As crown princess, I must stay educated to lead my people.”

Her tone was firm, neither friendly nor rude. Castiel smirked. “I see why James couldn’t win you. Too clever for his money and words.”

“Are you here to claim you’re different?” she shot back.

“I don’t care what you think of me,” he said, leaning forward, elbows on his knees. “But I’m not James. I’ll take Vintr’s crown, written in the stars.” He stood, his voice chilling. “The stars show many things to come, princess. Till next time.”

Kate’s stomach knotted, his cryptic tone unsettling. Before she could dwell, Elliott appeared. “Hello, beautiful! How’ve you been?”

“I’m good.” She noticed his face harden briefly. “How’d the meeting with your dad go?”

“It went as expected,” he said, brushing it off. She didn’t press, instead wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him softly. Her nose wrinkled. “Why are you drenched in sweat?”

He rubbed his neck, sheepish. “Trained with the warriors after the meeting. Didn’t bathe yet. Come on, let’s grab a snack.”