Chapter 23: Deals Made

~

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

I smiled up at Torian, nodding enthusiastically. "I did. Your sister is a very good fighter. I look forward to learning more from her."

"I could teach you too. Once you are more settled, we can do whatever you like. Sometimes I go hunting for days, it would be nice to have my mate by my side next time." He was smiling too and I found myself relaxing into his side.

"In your fur?"

He nodded, noting the uncertainty in my tone. "Like I said, I will teach you. We all had to learn."

I sighed lightly but tried to push away the feeling of unworthiness. Most of the pack probably learnt when they were children, pups. I was glad that the others couldn't hear our conversation. They'd give me their looks of pity that only furthered my doubts.

It had been a good day. I'd felt like I fit in for once as I'd watched men and women alike spar and joke with eachother. They were all more than happy to include me and not one seemed to think less of me for my upbringing or heritage. It was also nice to feel the ache of well used muscle as we walked home. The sun was still bright and warm even as it sank low in the sky. My stomach was rumbling though and I was eager to devour as much food as I could.

If I'd thought I had a hefty appetite before, I was ravenous now. Torian had explained earlier that was to be expected. Wolves ate far more than humans.

I took a deep breath of fresh air, trying to soak in the wilderness before we got back. Owen and Torian's siblings trailed ahead of us, disappearing as they rounded the next bend. Before I could order Torian to walk faster so we wouldn't be left behind, a hand came over my mouth and I was tugged non too gently behind a thick oak tree. Panic flared for just a moment, gaze narrowing on the hazel eyes twinkling in amusement.

"Finally," he whispered, removing his hand from my mouth, leaning in closer. "Privacy."

He fixed my confusion with a kiss that had me melting into the bark pressed against my back. My fingers tangled into Torian's shirt, pulling him impossibly closer as he stole everything I knew about myself with the press of his lips against mine.

He untucked the shirt from my breeches, calloused fingers tracing over the curve of my waist. I shivered, leaning further back against the tree to give him better access. His lips left mine but before I could protest, teeth nipped my mark. I gasped as my teeth lengthened, fangs pressing against my bottom lip. My fingers tangled in dark blond hair and Torian pressed his hard body against the softness of mine.

His neck was bared for me. If I leaned in a little, I could give into instincts that were demanding I sink my teeth into his skin and claim him as mine. Was this how Torian had felt since our wedding? I could understand his need to keep distance between us now. The sensations he was causing were overwhelming me. Another gasp when he boldly cupped the weight of a breast in his hand, a mewl slipping from my lips when his thumb brushed over my nipple.

Too much.

"Torian, I. . ."

"Hush, don't think. Feel," he ordered gently, blurring my thoughts completely as he pinched pebbled flesh.

My back arched and the throbbing between my legs was becoming unbearable. Pressing my thighs together, there wasn't the friction I needed. Torian's lips found mine again and I kissed him, desperate for something unknown to me. With a low, rumbling growl, he pressed his knee between my thighs and a bolt of pleasure shot right through me. I stilled, breathless. Uncertain.

My husband chuckled at my reaction and his hands moved to my hips. He ground me against his leg. Heat spread. Eyes shut. I couldn't think. Only feel.

"Gods!"

I moved my hips of my own accord now, that electric feeling building until my nails were digging into Torian's shoulders. He was murmuring sweet words by my ear, words that my addled mind couldn't process. Fingers replaced the leg between my thighs, rubbing over the fabric of my breeches. My head fell back, my skin flushed. Another shift of my hips brought everything to an exploding finish. A hand over my mouth stifled my scream, my legs becoming jelly. If it weren't for Torian keeping me pinned between his body and the tree, I'd have collapsed.

Breathless and shivering, dazed eyes met hazel gold. Torian was smirking as he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply by my neck. When he removed his hand, I could smell the scent he was relishing in. The air was spiced with something I did know the origin off.

"What did you do to me?" I murmured breathlessly, trembling as my fingers tangled in the sleeves of Torian's shirt.

Strong arms pulled me away from the tree, taking my weight. A kiss to the top of my head and Torian pulled back to stroke my cheek. "What every male should do for his female."

I frowned in confusion then swallowed in embarrassment at my lack of control. How had he stolen all my senses from me? Taking a small step back, I froze. There was a wetness between my thighs, that was what I could smell. What he could smell.

Afraid and still overwhelmed, I shoved my husband away. He hushed me again and now he was frowning too. He pulled me back to him gently, the rumble of his wolf calming me down.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you about the pleasure to be found with your husband in sex?" he asked, so blunt that I blinked once.

"Marital relations," I began nervously, unable to use the word he had, "is something to be done in bed. She told me what happened. This wasn't. . .that. You didn't. . ."

I stumbled, growing more and more panicked. Naive, that's what Torian had called me once. He was being proved ever more right. Would he find me lacking in bed? He could elicit such feeling from me, knowing every place to touch and tease and I knew absolutely nothing.

"Màili, I have so much to teach you." He grinned and I scowled. How did he know such things? Had he taken other women before me? Would it matter if he had? Had someone taught him how to mould a woman with his fingers?

"I would rather not learn," I stated, making my way back to the path on unsteady legs. I didn't like knowing nothing but the prospect of lessons in such thing from my husband did have that throbbing returning.

Torian laughed again, catching up with my furious steps to place my hand on his elbow as if we hadn't just done what we did. "I know you enjoyed it. Do you forget that I can feel all you feel?"

Despite the comment, I could hear the uncertainty in his tone. He was worried he'd crossed over a line. Had I enjoyed it? I didn't understand it but I'd never felt anything so pleasurable before. I didn't get the chance to ease his fears before a howl rang through the air. Torian stopped in his tracks, head tilting toward the sound. His frown deepened, his grip tightening in my hand.

Something was wrong.

Giving me a serious look, he started to run and I was forced to stay by his side. Fear curled around my stomach, eyes scanning the shadows in the trees for an unknown threat. He changed his mind after a few paces, swinging my feet from under me so he could lengthen his stride without leaving me trying to catch up.

"What is it?" I worried, wrapping my arm around his neck in case he'd drop me.

"I don't know, it could be a number of things," he replied vaguely.

Even when we passed through the gates of Tigh Na Faol, he kept me in his arms. Jasper walked toward us, his expression grave.

"Lord Torian, your father is waiting for you both in his study," he relayed.

Finally, my husband set me carefully on my feet but he kept me tucked safely against his side. "What has happened?"

"We have some. . .unexpected guests. That's all I feel comfortable saying." Jasper bowed his head before swiftly moving back to his post.

Torian and I shared an uneasy look. I had the feeling whoever the unexpected guests were, they were also unwelcome. The halls were empty at first glance but the air was heavy with tension. There were new, unknown scent lingering too not belonging to any member of the pack of met.

Torian lead us through the halls and he slowed down at the three men that stood outside the door. A low growl had them all turning towards us. They growled back, eyeing us both. They parted when Torian pushed on, moving me in front of him as we passed by. I could feel them watching us and it sent a shiver up my spine.

Knocking on a door, his eyes never left the three men while we waited for the voice of Lord Lyall asking us to come in. I was relieved when he answered, eagerly stepping in after Torian. my gaze landed on a man who stood in front of Lord Lyall's desk. I closed the door behind me, immediately moving back to Torian's side. I didn't like the way this man was looking at me, eerie yellow eyes trailing over my form. He must have been the leader of the frightening wolves outside the door.

They didn't seem friendly. None of the wolves in Torian's pack made me feel as unsettled as they did.

"This is the half-breed?" the man asked.

Torian stiffened next to me and I found myself bristling at the term he'd used to describe me. I was more than my heritage.

"This is Màili, my son's mate," Lady Lyall answered tightly from where she stood behind her mate, a hand on his shoulder.

Good. She didn't like him either. The man hummed, taking the seat in front of the desk. I didn't mind standing, staying perhaps a little too close to my mate. Something about the stranger made my skin crawl.

"This is Alpha Malcolm," Lord Lyall told me, eyeing the man warily before offering me a friendly smile. "He is the Alpha of the pack your mother was born into."

Finding my senses, I curtsied low which felt strange to do wearing breeches. "It's a pleasure to meet you, alpha."

He grunted, still openly studying me. "I almost had your mother as my own mate before she ran."

I swallowed, oddly glad that she'd run. Perhaps this man had been what made her leave. . .

"Why is he here?" Torian asked bluntly, his arm sliding around my waist.

"It's quite simple really," Alpha Malcolm answered. "This half-breed is the pup of a wolf from my pack. She should have been taken to us the moment she was born. We want her back now."

Torian snorted, earning a warning look from his father. My mouth fell open and I looked over at Lady Lyall for answers. She'd folded her arms across her chest, eyes narrowing at the alpha. Surely he had no true claims to me?

"She was never yours. Her mother left the pack and her father is human. She is now legally married in the eyes of court to my son, who has marked her." Lord Lyall was doing his best to keep his voice light but I saw the anger in his eyes.

"Her mother ran away without permission. She should have been branded a traitor. Yet, her ties were still bound to the pack and as this is her daughter, she is mine."

Torian growled, taking a dangerous step forward. The sound made me flinch and Lady Lyall came to stand by my side. Her hand rested on my shoulder, soft and comforting.

Surely it didn't matter whether or not my mother had belonged to this man's pack. I'd never so much as set foot on his land. I didn't know him or his people and like my Alpha had said, I was married and mated to Torian. I also hated the way he spoke about my mother and when a growl of my own slipped out, Alpha Malcolm smirked.

"With all due respect, Màili never has and never will belong to you. She is my mate, future Alpha Female of this pack, she belongs here by my side," Torian stated, holding himself tall and strong, challenging the man who threatened to take me.

Lord Lyall stood from his chair, motioning for his son to calm down. Torian took one step back, still glaring at the alpha who looked entirely bored of the situation. "You do not wear her mark pup, you're not her mate yet."

Sensing that Torian was going to do something, I reached out for his hand and pulled him back. I didn't care that his hand tightened almost painfully around mine. I felt better with him back by my side.

"But I will overlook your complete lack of respect for Wulver law in return for payment for what you have stolen from me." Alpha Malcolm eyed me before looking over at Lord Lyall. "I could always take this matter up with other Alphas who would certainly see things my way."

Even Torian's mother stiffened at that. I was relieved he wasn't going to press the issue of wanting to take me back to his pack with him though and settled a little.

"And what payment would settle this issue?" Lady Lyall asked, untrusting.

"Females. My pack have many unmated males at an age where they should have pups."

"I do not agree with using females as payment," Lord Lyall disagreed. "I can offer horses, crops, farming equipment-"

"I do not need any of that. I need females so my pack can continue to flourish. Surely there must be she-wolves amongst your pack that are yearning for a mate? Let them come back with me. If they do not find a male, I will send them back here untouched. My offer is fair, I wouldn't brush it off so easily." The hidden threat in his words might not have been as veiled as he believed.

He'd merely been using me as a bargaining chip, I realised. Of course this wolf wouldn't really want to bring a married woman with tainted blood back with him. This man was clever. I wondered if other Alphas really would see things his way. Were females seen as property even amongst wolves?

After a long moment of silence, Lord Lyall nodded slowly. "I suppose what you ask is fair. My mate will talk to the females and see who wish to go with you."

"There is something else," alpha Malcolm continued, looking smugger by the second. "There is promising hunting land on your eastern border-"

"I have agreed to your request for females, I will give you nothing else when your claim for payment is thin at best," Lord Lyall interrupted harshly, his dominance seeping into the air.

My head ducked down instinctively, unused to such a feeling. It was suffocating, bending me to the will of an alpha feeling threatened. Malcolm raised a hand and leaned forward.

"My pack will grow, my territory is small. I need more land. Spreading into your territory will be safer than claiming land settled on by humans. It will benefit both of our packs," he persuaded, but Lord Lyall was not so easily swayed.

"And what are my wolves who are already settled there supposed to do? This land has been in my family for generations. Do not test me, Malcolm, or I will send you away with nothing."

Alpha Malcolm was silent for a while, eyes narrowed at Lord Lyall before he cracked a smile. "Then I guess I will settle for your females. I would like to meet those that decide to come before we leave."

My jaw clicked. He was treating these women like cattle for breeding, wanting to check the herd to make sure the stock was good. I pitied those that went with him. If the wolves he'd brought with him were anything to go by, his pack was not like this one at all.

Both males stood and when Malcolm held out his hand and Lord Lyall gripped his arm. The deal was struck and I could relax. We all could. I really didn't like this man, something about him rubbed me the wrong way. I shivered when he turned to leer at me.

He bowed his head. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Màili. It's a pity the Lyall's found you first, you would have been a valued treasure in my pack."

I didn't say that I was now very pleased they'd found me first too. I'd much rather be treated like a member of the family here than some treasure with him. There was something in his eyes as well, it had appeared when he was denied more land and I had the feeling he wouldn't let it go so easily. Torian tightened his arm around my waist and growled when Malcolm stepped closer but he only lifted my hand to place a kiss on my knuckles. I recoiled and he smirked as I yanked my hand away.

"You're overstepping, Alpha Malcolm," Torian warned, passing me over to his mother so he could back the man to the opposite wall.

My husband was bigger than him, in height and muscle. Though Malcolm was an alpha, I had the feeling Torian was more dominant and stronger. I swallowed nervously, feeling the beast in me lift her head and snarl at the threat to her mate.

"You best let me leave, pup," Malcolm answered calmly, glancing over at Lord Lyall. "Is this how you treat you guests? I'll remember this."

"Torian, take Màili with you and pass my orders on to your uncle. Any female in the pack that wishes to look for a mate in Malcolm's pack is to come here immediately. Make sure they know it is voluntary and they can return at any time. No female will be taken as a mate without her consent." The last part was directed at Malcolm who begrudgingly nodded is approval.

I had no doubt he'd be more than happy to force a woman into a marriage they didn't want. I wondered if he was married himself, my eyes scanning for any sign of a mating mark. Torian was still glaring down at him and when another wave of power more feral and uncontrolled wound its way tomorrow, I wanted nothing more than to run again.

Tentatively, I reached out for Torian's hand and tugged. I was afraid of this new alpha and I didn't like the way his eyes were daring Torian to make a move. Thankfully, my husband allowed me to tug him from the room and I forgot all politeness I'd been taught by my mother when I didn't curtsey or bid farewell. I just wanted out of that room and Malcolm's presence.

Malcolm's wolves were still standing in the hall and I rushed to get past them. We found Owen and Aileen hiding around the corner and Torian gave them disapproving looks.

"Are you eavesdropping?"

Only Aileen looked guilty. Owen puffed up and openly admitted to doing so. "I don't like the smell of them. Nor do I like the way they are looking at your mate."

I was surprised by that. Owen had given me the impression he wouldn't care if I suddenly disappeared. Torian nodded and motioned for us all to move further away and out of earshot.

"I want eyes on Màili at all times until they leave," he ordered firmly, ignoring my concerned look.

Did he think they would try something? I couldn't help but look behind me as my back tingled. I swore I could feel eyes on me but the wolves were around the corner.

"I won't let her out of my sight," Owen promised.