“I was overconfident and haven’t been beaten for so long, I forgot what it was like to be humiliated.” I feel my mouth taking on the beginnings of a pout and stop myself.
“Losing doesn’t have to be humiliating. It can be an excellent tool in training yourself for the unexpected. You have only seen me as an alpha sitting at his desk. You could not know how often and how hard I train, both with my warriors and alone. Did Kynan get to tell you of the challenge I gave him against one of my warriors?”
“No. Unfortunately, I embarrassed myself, once again, as soon as Alpha Falan returned to our packhouse.” I bite my lip before telling him of my reaction to getting his scent and how I ran off.
“I’ve never been one to encourage the females, but I don’t recall having that effect on any in the past, either.” As he speaks, he’s laughing gently, which has me bristling with annoyance.
“I don’t like being laughed at, Alpha Lyle.” How does he think to win me over if he’s going to laugh at me.
“Fenya Stormhowl. If we are to get any further in getting to know each other, you need to get over yourself. I was laughing at myself, not you. The world does not owe you anything, and I certainly don’t. I suggest you lighten up a little or someone from my pack may just do it for you.” Turning, he walks away and I’m left standing like a fish out of water, gasping and mouth flapping.
LYLE
Leaving Fenya to herself at the stand of trees, I walk sedately back to the packhouse. How she can go from being pleasant to a bitch in such a short space of time amazes me. I can only wonder what has happened in her past to cause this almost split personality she displays. Perhaps a chat with Falan will open some avenues for me to explore.
Her wolf, Astra, tells me she has had to fight all her life for everything she has, or has ever wanted. Her battle to become Head Warrior of her pack was particularly brutal.
‘Has she had no one to fight her corner then? No one with whom she could seek help or advice?’
She has but one friend, and they have been close since they were pups. Another warrior female, called Zephyra.
‘Do all the females of the Wolfsong Pack have such fierce names? Do they not have a Blossom or Flick among them?’
Would they be more interesting than our Fenya Stormhowl, do you suppose?
‘Certainly not. It was just a thought-out-loud. And how do you know so much about our mate?’
I have spent some time talking with her wolf, Astra. She is very different in temperament than her human. We get on very well together. I look forward to the time when you have won over your side of the bond.
‘My side of the bond? What is that supposed to mean?’
As wolves, we have already seen that it is fate that we should be together. We liked each other from the start. You have the shitty job of trying to persuade your human that she is welcome, needed, and loved. Something that she has no conception of, apparently.
‘Oh great. Thanks for that tidbit of information.’
Hearing pounding feet behind me, I stop and allow Fenya to catch up. Already recognizing things about her must be part of the lead up to the mating bond. Without saying a word, I turn and begin walking back to the packhouse once more.
“I am not good around new people. I lack some of the social skills.”
“Right now Fenya, I have yet to see a single social skill from you. This behavior while we are alone is one thing, but should you continue like this in front of my pack members, you will force me to reprimand you. I would not disrespect you and I ask, no, I demand, the same courtesy from you.” The fact that I say all this in a normal conversational tone makes it hit home all the more. I can see she is taken aback by my statement.
“I wish I was more like my wolf, Astra, at times.”
“I wish you were too. Hunter, my wolf, is quite taken with Astra and the feeling is mutual, I am told. I am more patient than he is, which could prove necessary if we are to proceed beyond these short narratives we’re currently having.” Stopping once again, I turn and look into her eyes. “I have waited for my fated mate, Fenya. I want no other. If, as you say, you don’t want your fated mate, then say so, and we can both move on. Unless the Goddess granted me a second chance mate, there would never be another for me. Make no mistake. I want you as my mate, my Luna, my partner in everything. I will not force that on you, however. If it is your choice not to accept what the Goddess has ordained, then so be it.”
“Astra said that she had been speaking to your wolf and that they got along very well. I wasn’t sure if she was just saying that, though.”
“I have never known a wolf to lie to their human, or vice versa. Is that what you think of Astra?”
“NO! Not lying. Stretching the truth, perhaps? Not even that. I’m so messed up right now, I don’t even know what my own mind is telling me. Astra is not happy with my behavior either, Alpha Lyle. Perhaps I just need time to process everything.” For once, I sense that she is vulnerable and telling me how she truly feels.
“Well, I suggest you first make peace with Astra. She sounds like a solid wolf and friend. That would be a good place to start.” Entering the packhouse, I head directly to the dining hall. Seeing a worried Falan sitting alone at a table, I grab a plate of Flick’s fine cooking and head over to him.
“Don’t look so worried Falan. We are both still breathing and she hasn’t run for the hills…Yet!”
Chapter 13
LYLE
