A Sin of Her Own

Chapter 50

Titania's face conveyed her distaste for the wolves that now trudged off Duskfall land. She hadn't permitted any of the European wolves to stay other than the chosen bondmates and mates of her own wolves, with a few exceptions. Those adapting to their hardened way of life- free from life's materialistic greed and corruption- were welcomed but cherry picked by Eóghan, Brett and Titania herself. And as the soured and bitter faces of the Spaniards finally left her proximity, a sigh of relief was breathed from both Duskfall wolves and the mountains themselves. No burden left to bear.

"Five months of hospitality and all we got in return was a rebellion, challenges for our pack title and them damaging our cabins... good riddance." Eóghan glared hotly at the smirking wolves.

Garth snorted, "Bunch of ungrateful wolves."

"It's been a rough couple of months, but we're still standing... well sorta." Angus grimaced, "The pack's pulled through which is something."

Eóghan's chest heaved a sigh, "We lost six wolves but gained eleven. Which is surprisingly low considering this has been one of the hardest winters we've faced – excluding two years ago."

Titania crossed her arms as she too gave the troupe a cold reception. She was still miffed at the audacity of an uproar over a few wolves lost to the wilderness. Didn't she say Mother Nature would take them down into Hell if they let their stupidity cloud their judgement? Falling down easily spotted ravines was Duskfall survival 101 and yet their packs blamed her. Utter foolishness.

As her wolves discussed the rebellion, her voice picked up, "The so-called revolt was your doing. Luckily, nothing to be worried about." Her Beta's shoulders sunk but her revelation wasn't anything he wasn't already aware of. "There will be no repeat." Titania's voice was final.

"Yada yada, yeah I know. Newsflash, these copper curls aren't a substitute for a brain." Titania's raised brow only made Eóghan pout as he flicked his hair, as a morning run with his younger brother Ramsay had lifted the wolf's mood considerably. "Contrary to belief, ye old potato farmers have the most braincells. Must be all the carbs and potatoey goodness."

"Pah, you were hardly farmers, your family had one plot." She punched his arm as the bickering continued. Angus chuckled alongside the pair as it felt like old times once again. "Ten plants don't magically grow your intelligence."

"Don't take that away from him Alpha, that title is all he has."

Garth couldn't help but smack Angus at the punishing words. "Fucking hell...Straight for the jugular once again. Give the man a break."

Eóghan didn't let the words affect him as his demotion was no secret. The hurt had diminished considerably when Titania asked him to mentor Lucy, a potential candidate, among Colton and Darragh for the Beta position – a decision he couldn't help but stand by. His therapist had helped him come to many conclusions about his PTSD and he knew the leadership position brought the worst out of him.

"I don't have the title, but I can still knock your teeth out Princess." The spark was alight in his eyes as he faced Angus, "Tonight after dinner. Twenty quid sees your ass on the ground before five minutes is up."

The males sealed the deal and threw insults at each other, all while Titania's eyes followed the European Alphas as they disappeared over the horizon. Her dismissal of their alliances had caused a stir and the Alphas didn't appreciate the disrespect. It upset her to see the tolerance she had for the two French Alphas diminish as their disapproving glances and growing distrust for her continued after her return. She had learnt French for them as well as providing them with some food comforts such as speciality wine, cheese and her favourite dish, escargot. Yet, all she received in return was a stab in the back once they saw the new her. The feral. More judgement and discrimination on top of the newfound fear they had for Titania.