The Winter

Chapter 11

Does everyone deserve a second chance?

Chapter 11

Mother looked as frantic as Oighrig did when she got herself into a state, after I announced I was going back out to wait for my mate’s return.
“You’re safe inside,” I promised. “And I will be with Astrid.”

Astrid herself blanched as I snatched up her arm before she could pass me by. She’d been busy making sure everyone was accounted for, and now she’d confirmed it, I needed her. Much to my surprise, mother looked at Eirny for guidance. The older female clasped my mother’s hand in hers and patted it, her odd lavender eyes filled with sympathy.

“It’s hard to let them go, but with Hati out with the scouts, she is Alpha here.” She smiled and leaned in to whisper something only my mother heard, and she let out a gentle sigh in turn.

“Don’t do anything foolish, Eabha.”

“As if Astrid would let me.”

Eirny’s brow lifted, but she said nothing. Astrid and I together would be incapable of avoiding trouble.

“Caldar will be at the gates waiting on Hati’s return. He’ll keep an eye on them both too,” Eirny added, and that seemed to settle my parents worries enough. She glanced up at my father and motioned for him to lead the way. “I wish to get to know and your family, we are all one now, are we not? Introduce me to your other pups.”

“Indeed,” Father agreed, though he cast one last glance my way before leaning in to press his cheek to mine. A nip to my jaw told me without words that I was to look after myself.

Astrid shifted nervously by my side as we watched them all trail down the empty corridor. “Do you think it’s Sköll out there? Or a distraction maybe? Farrin isn’t completely recovered, I don’t like the idea of him out there.”

“I don’t know. Hati didn’t take enough warriors to worry about it being a distraction, if the castle is the real target. He’ll watch over Farrin too. I want to be at the gates when they get back. An extra set of eyes watching our walls can’t be bad either.”

“I should really stay. I’m meant to make sure everyone remains calm. Why don’t you come with me and wait in the warmth rather than out there in the ice?”

Because I wanted to make sure Hati didn’t get the chance to hide anything from me.

“The council members are capable of looking after everyone for a bit,” I replied. “But I won’t make you abandon your duties. You should stay if you feel you must.”

She sighed as if she has the weight of the world on her shoulders, looking longingly towards the hall where some of the pack were gathered with warmth and food, and then back at me.

“I would like to know my own mate gets back safely. . .is joining you an order, my new Alpha?”

“What?” I frowned. “No, of course not.”

She rolled her eyes and gripped my shoulders, repeating what she said slowly with a mischievous look on her face. “No, Eabha, is it an order?”

“Why do you keep. . .oh. . .” I grinned. “Yes, that would be an order, whelp!”

“Whelp?” Astrid lifted a brow.