Chapter 4 4

CHAPTER FOUR

NANCY

“Because all I’ve ever been able to do about my father is make things up,” I said softly, staring down at the rushing river water. “I don’t know who he was. I never even met him.”

It surprised me when the hardness in his face melted away. “That sucks.”

“It kind of does sometimes. And then again, maybe it doesn’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m just saying, what if he was a terrible wolf? Between you and me, my mother doesn’t have the best taste in males. I’d probably fall over dead from shock if she actually picked a good one for once.”

He let out a low snort. “Yeah. I know that feeling.”

“Does your mother date bad wolves, too?”

His sharp jaw twitched again. The faint light in his eyes died instantly, replaced by a dark, chilling shadow. He looked down at his dangling legs.

“In my case, it’s my father,” he growled.

He heaved a deep sigh that sounded like it came from the very bottom of his lungs. Something was deeply wrong here. Something painful and heavy was torturing him. How could I feel that so clearly when we had only just met? I didn't even know his name.

“Are your parents separated?”

“Why are we talking about this?” His head snapped up fast. Now his piercing eyes were hard and flashing with raw danger. His lip curled back, exposing a hint of sharp canine teeth. “It’s none of your fucking business.”

I held my hands up. “Okay. That’s all you have to say.”

“Fine.”

“I’m just sorry you’re going through that,” I added, keeping my voice gentle. “I know how hard it is when you see a parent making stupid, dangerous decisions, and you can’t do anything to stop them.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“That’s fine. But if you ever do, I can listen.”

He took a slow breath. For a second, I thought he was going to open up. A weird, uneasy feeling twisted in my gut. Why did I care so much about a complete stranger?

“Why did you pick tracking fish?” he asked suddenly.

“What?”

“Tracking river fish. Why did you decide to lie about that instead of something you actually know how to do?”

I let out a breathless, small laugh. “I don’t know. I guess I never wanted to imagine my father as a lazy wolf sitting around eating raw meat and doing nothing. And I don’t like the violent combat trials at the academy. Too bloodthirsty.”

“Makes sense.” He sounded exhausted now, but at least the violent rage in his eyes had faded. “Listen. You really should go. I need to get back to my territory.”

“You’re leaving, too?”

“As soon as you move, since you’re sitting in my way.” He nodded toward the end of the rotting wooden bridge where I had come from.

“Okay. Thanks for talking with me.”

I stood up slowly and carefully, making sure my boots didn't slip on the decayed planks. For a brief second, his hand twitched as if he were going to reach out and steady me, but he stopped himself.

“See you around,” I said.

“Yeah. See you.” He gave a small nod.

Something felt strange between us. Whatever dark thought had been pushing him over the edge when I first found him seemed to have passed. But as I walked away, my inner wolf felt a sudden prickle of anxiety—like someone was watching us from the tree line.

I was almost off the bridge before his voice cut through the cold morning mist.

“Hey!”

The chilly wind blew my hair across my face as I turned around. I brushed it out of my eyes. “What?”

“What’s your name?” he called out.

“Nancy!” I called back, giving a brief wave before turning quickly toward the central lodge.

I had been out here far too long. With my luck, this would be the one morning my twin sisters woke up earlier than expected. Even if Mother was angry with me when I got back, it would be worth it if I had stopped that dangerous boy from doing something awful on the border.

 I only wished I had asked for his name, too.

My heart was pounding in my chest by the time I hurried back through the gates of the lodge and ran up the steps to our room. Time had completely gotten away from me. I just hoped Mother hadn't woken up in a dark mood and taken her misery out on five-year-old Lucy and Lily.

As it turned out, something far stranger was happening.

When I pushed the heavy door open, I stepped right into a complete storm.

“Good, you’re back!”

My mother—who less than two hours ago had stumbled in completely broken, reeking of grief and dark spirits—was now frantically racing around the room. Lucy and Lily were sitting side-by-side on the corner fur rug, their wide, fearful eyes watching her every move.

“What is going on?” I asked, stepping in front of my little sisters to protect them.

“He just called!” Mother gasped. She was wildly digging through her storage trunk, tossing furs and tunics onto the floor. She didn't even bother explaining who he was. “Where are my silver-trimmed boots?”

“Which male warrior?” I asked, my voice laced with suspicion. “Is some rogue taking you to the morning feast?”

“Far better than a feast!” She pulled out her finest boots and slipped them on.

For a brief second, anyone who didn't know her might think she was a powerful, noble wolf. She looked stunning in a fitted cream-colored tunic, and the boots made her tall frame look imposing. But I knew the truth. Ever since my father died—her one true mate—her soul had been shattered. 

She was completely hollow inside, chasing anything to fill the void.

“Are you going away for days again?” I asked, winking at the twins to comfort them. Lily gave a tiny, nervous giggle.

Mother clasped her trembling hands in front of her chest. Her eyes were wide, nearly unhinged with excitement. “He is sending a royal carriage for me! He is having the high artisans open the private market early just for me. This is a dream come true, Nancy. I feel like I'm dreaming!”

Meanwhile, my little sisters didn't even have proper warm coats for the coming winter, but she was going on a private shopping spree with a stranger.

“That’s great, Mother. Have fun.” Honestly, it was always safer for us when she wasn't around.

“You don’t understand!” She was glowing with a strange, frantic energy, and tears were welling in her blue eyes. “He called because he couldn’t wait another second. We spent the last two days together, and he wanted to make a grand announcement at the next full moon gathering, but… he is so impulsive!” Her chin trembled violently.

A terrible, cold knot formed in my stomach.

The air in the room felt suddenly suffocating.

“Make an announcement about what?” I demanded, stepping forward.

Mother looked from me to the twins, her face twisting into a terrifying, manic smile.

“Girls,” she whispered, her voice trembling with hysteria. “He is buying me an Alpha's mark of union. We are moving into the central fortress. I am marrying the Great Alpha Ashthorn.”