Looking defiant for a moment, I think she is going to respond negatively, but then she surprises me by saying, “Certainly, Alpha Lyle. It would be a pleasure.”
Walking into the woods, I instruct my guards to stay with Alpha Falan. I tell them I will call if I need rescuing. Surprisingly, this causes a ripple of laughter, and when I see a scowl on Fenya’s brow, I realize how that must have sounded.
“From rogues, I meant.”
Walking amongst the shady trees, I find myself at a loss for words. That, however, could be a good place to start.
“I find myself at a loss for words, Fenya Stormhowl. You create quite a turbulent mix of emotions within me.” Watching for her reaction, I don’t get much of an indication as to how she feels. “I have no intention of forcing you to become my mate, if that is even available to me. On the other hand, I have no wish to sit back and watch you walk away. Your Alpha, I think, is considering ordering you to stay here on some pretense or other, but I don’t want you to stay because you have been ordered to do so.”
“What do you propose to do, Alpha Lyle?” Fenya stops and looks me squarely in the eye.
“I am asking you to stay here, at the packhouse, as my guest. Not as a warrior, guard or any type of escort for my safety. Just that you, Fenya Stormhowl, stay at Spirit Walker Pack and see me inmy home environment. No tricks, no frills. Just me as I am, and the type of alpha I am.”
“I have been very honest with you, Alpha Lyle. I have no desire to be mated to anyone, and there is still no desire within me to become a luna, to this pack or any other. If I say yes to staying, that may not change. What if I wake up one morning and decide I want to go home? Then what?” I feel her defiance building and I don’t understand it.
“You would be free to leave at any time, day or night. I would provide an escort for you, back to the Wolfsong Pack, just as I would any guest. I would not be happy about it, but I would honor your decision.”
“Very well, I’ll tell you what. I will accompany Alpha Falan to the border with Blood Pearl. At that time, and only then, I will make my decision. If I decide to stay, I will travel to your packhouse with your returning escort. If I decide to go home, I will let one of your guards know so that they can mind link with you and you won’t be waiting around for nothing. How’s that?” She stands tall before me and I don’t want to agree to any of this, but I see no other option.
“It is more than I was expecting. Truthfully, I was expecting a resounding no. I will await your decision, and I thank you.”
“Thank me for what?”
“For considering my request. Also, Hunter thanks you. He enjoys talking with Astra, and looks forward to taking runs together.” Nodding my head, I turn and gesture for us to return to the others.
All eyes are on us as we rejoin the group, and although I find myself a little self-conscious, Fenya looks magnificently defiant.
You like her,Hunter pipes up.
‘That has never been in doubt. I never expected that I would have such a fight on my hands to convince my fated mate that I am the one for her.’
You have made a good impression with your suggestion. Astra is very happy right now. As am I.
The journey back to the packhouse seems to take forever and I feel a physical ache as I’m further away from my mate.I feel it, too. It is not pleasant.
Once back at the packhouse, I run through everything with Earl. Nothing has changed and no drama. Excellent. Earl raises his eyebrows when I fill him in on the latest Lavender update. To his credit, he says nothing.
Surprisingly the rest of the day passes quickly and although I can’t say I slept well, I slept like the dead.
The morning doesn’t bring anything exciting and I feel like I’m on hot coals waiting to hear of Fenya’s decision. It isn’t until the afternoon that I receive a mind link from one of my warriors in Alpha Falan’s escort. They have left the border and are on their way home. They are escorting my guest to the packhouse.
She is coming here. Ha! All is not as bad as I believed. This doesn’t mean she wants to become my mate, but it does mean that she is at least giving it some thought. Rushing out of the office, I begin making plans for my guest’s comfort, and perhaps a picnic or two.
Chapter 16
FENYA
The trip to Blood Pearl's border seems just that. A trip. My mind has been anywhere but where it should have been. I don’t recall much of the journey and I can’t remember one thought I have had all the way. One moment we were setting off and the next we were here.
I’m not sure how to tell Alpha Falan of my decision to stay at Spirit Walker Pack for the time being. I’m sure he will be happy, but I should have discussed it with him, at the very least. My decision to stay? How or when did I decide that, I wonder?
Your mind made that decision almost immediately Alpha Lyle asked it of you. Your mind just did not send out the memo to the rest of you. You look like a lovesick puppy right now.
“Fenya. A word, if you please.” Hearing Alpha Falan pulls me from my thoughts and back to reality.
“Certainly, Alpha Falan. At your service, as always.” Smiling, I trot over to him, but hesitate when he bursts out laughing.
“Fenya Stormhowl! At my service? You have not been at my service since we left Alpha Lyle. You keep telling yourself that you don’t want a mate, but you are probably the only one that believes that fairytale. You have not heard a word said to you all the way here. If we had been attacked by mythical demons riding on the backs of flying hogs, you would not have seen or heard them coming.” My face must change from a dreamy smile to a scowl as Alpha Falan points at me. “That look no longer becomes you. When you are not aware, your face takes on a softness that does become you. When you are in your little dream world, you are even more beautiful than you could imagine.”
