The Alpha's Sacrifice

Picnic

Killian’s POV

I was waiting on the porch of the little cottage for Nuala. I was supposed to be getting my new wheelchair from the craftsman today. I would be able to get around by myself with it, which was a little disappointing because I was getting used to having Nuala push my chair for me. Her company was something I always looked forward to. The sun was bright today and there was barely a cloud in the sky. It shouldn’t be long before Nuala got here, she was never late.

There was no school today, so I hoped that Nuala wouldn’t mind accompanying me down to the river for a picnic. The last few days she seemed really distracted. Not that I blamed her. The way her brother and his friends treated her was atrocious. Being as I had only been here for a little while, their treatment of me didn’t get to me, but for Nuala she must have been dealing with it for some time. The picnic was my idea to take her mind off things. It would be nice to get to know her better and if I could convince her to go to the river with me, I think we would have a great time.

It wasn’t long before I noticed Nuala coming from the direction of the castle. A smile crossed my face the moment I saw her. She was walking with her head down as usual, but she was still beautiful. Her long brown hair hanging over her face. I wish she would look up more. She had such pretty eyes and her features were so delicate that anyone would feel blessed to be graced with her presence.

Her hips swayed perfectly with every step she took and I couldn’t help myself from watching. I found myself attracted to every curve of her body, but I couldn’t be stupid. I couldn’t allow myself to act on those feelings. She was the Alphas' daughter and I am sure I didn’t meet the Alpha’s high standards. It was possible he already had Nuala’s life planned out for her. There would be no place for me in that plan.

“Hello, Killian,” Nuala greeted me when she finally reached me. It took me out of the daze I was in after admiring her beauty.

“Hey, Nuala,”

“I guess you are excited about getting your new chair. You will be happy that you don’t need me to push you around anymore, I suppose,” Nuala said softly to me.

“I always enjoy your company, Nuala. Besides, I would be lonely without you to talk to. You are the only one who really speaks to me. All that the others do is tease me and even though it’s attention, it isn’t really welcome attention.”

She smiled at me, still averting her gaze. I still haven’t figured it out. Whether she was shy or had just been mistreated. My goal was to make her more comfortable with me. I wasn’t going to be mad if she looked me in the eye. I wasn’t her brother or an Alpha.

“I’ll take you to Lorcan. He has been excited to get this new chair to you,” Nuala told me.

“I am interested in seeing it,” I replied to Nuala. “I was also hoping that maybe after we could go to the river for a picnic. I have a basket packed for it over there. If you don’t mind grabbing it for us.”

“Oh, I really like that idea. I could use a break. I won’t be able to stay out long though,” she sighed.

She pushed my chair for me all the way to Lorcan’s cottage and workshop. Peeking into the woodshop, Nuala knocked lightly on the door.

“Yes, come in. Come in.” Lorcan called out.

Nuala walked in hesitantly while pushing my chair forward. Lorcan seemed to be a nice enough man, but Nuala was careful around him anyway. She seemed that way with a lot of other pack members. Not just the men either.

“I’ve been expecting you. I think your chair came together quite well. I am certain it will be to your satisfaction,” Lorcan explained, while ushering them to the newly put-together chair.

When we finally reached the chair, I was pleasantly surprised to find the chair was actually quite genius. With the two larger wheels at the sides, I could easily reach them to propel the chair forward myself and the third wheel at the back offered stability I hadn’t seen before in any wheelchair Sinead had ever had designed for me. Lorcan was truly an innovator.

“Go on, have a seat and try it out. Let me know if it works for you.” Lorcan encouraged.

I admired the workmanship and couldn’t wait to get into the new chair. Nuala pushed me closer so I could shift over to the new chair. I handed the picnic basket to Nuala off my lap before pulling myself into the new chair and instantly felt comfortable. I could get used to this. It was a bit worrisome that I would be more independent. What excuse would I have to get Nuala to spend time with me now?

“How do you like it?” Lorcan asked.

“This is amazing, Lorcan!” I exclaimed while running my hands over the high wheels and then tried to push them. The chair rolled forward with my attempt. I felt the big smile that crept onto my face at the joy of this new independence.

“I am glad you like it,” Lorcan smiled with relief at my obvious approval of the chair.

“Yes, thank you, Lorcan.” I said to the craftsman.

“If you need any maintenance at any time don’t hesitate to come by.” Lorcan made sure I knew I could come back if anything needed fixing.

“I will be sure to,” I assured him. “Ready for that picnic now, Nuala?”

“Yes, let’s go,” Nuala said to me.

‘Bye, Lorcan. Thanks again.” I said, as Nuala followed my awkward attempt at wheeling myself out of the shop. I am sure I will get used to it eventually.

It didn’t take me long to figure out a way to smoothly move the chair forward and we headed down to the river. Nuala carried the basket carefully with both hands gripping the rounded handle. When we reached a nice spot on the side of the river beneath a big willow tree, Nuala spread a blanket for us to sit on.

“I know you have been busy for the last little while. I thought this might be a nice way for you to relax and for us to talk for a while.” I said to Nuala.

“Yes, I have been busy working on preparations for the pairing ceremony coming up.” Nuala said.

“That’s not too far away now, is it?” I asked.

“No, not long now.”

“Are you excited about getting your wolf when you turn eighteen?”

“I am, but a little worried too,” Nuala answered.

I took some of the stuff out of the basket for us to eat. Berries and cheese and bread. Muireann helped me make the bread. She was a mystery to me. I rarely saw her around the cottage, but she was there whenever I needed anything.

“This is really nice, Killian. Thank you.”

“I know I have a chair that I can get around with on my own now, but will you still have time for me?” I asked, hoping that she would.

“Of course I will, Killian.”

I moved a little closer to her on the picnic blanket. Looking at her hand so close to mine, I so desperately wanted to take her hand in mine and tell her my feelings for her. For us it was up to the moon goddess though.

“I will be eighteen tomorrow,” I told her.

“So, are you excited about meeting your wolf?” she asked back.

“I am, but I am worried about my wolf.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t walk, because of the curse. I worry that my wolf won’t be able to walk either. I know we aren’t allowed to change into our wolves unless we have proper supervision. It’s just something that bothers me.”

“I can understand that,” Nuala said. “I hope he will be fine.”

Nuala reached to pat my hand for comfort. When, suddenly, we were interrupted by a loud yell.

“What do you think you are doing?”

It was Conner. This wasn’t good.