Page 17 of Curses and Casualties (Hunters Hollow #3)

Ryan

T he úlfhéenar settlement looks carved from legend—massive, hollowed trees hollowed into homes, their branches arching into natural walkways that glow softly with hidden light.

The feast is held in the largest of these, a grand hall with walls adorned with banners and pelts that tell stories of the many hunts and battles fought by these fierce warriors.

‘ What do you think? ’ I ask Georgia through our bond, noting the way she looks around the hall with wide eyes.

‘I don’t know what to think. It’s not every day you get invited to a Viking-style werewolf feast.’

I attempt to suppress my chuckle, but it’s no use. ‘Just try not to stare too long at their fangs. It’s considered rude.’

Her eyes widen playfully. ‘Oh, and here I was planning on asking for dental hygiene tips.’

I shake my head, unable to contain my amusement. This woman. Despite being thrust into a world beyond her wildest imaginings, she still manages to find humor in the chaos. If my twin were here, Owen would be pointing out how lucky a broody bastard like me is to have her. And I’d have to agree.

“What’s wrong?” Georgia asks suddenly, bringing me back to the moment. “Your mood just darkened.”

“It’s nothing, love,” I say, lifting her hand and pressing a kiss against the back of her hand. “I’m just worried about Owen. As I’m sure you’re worried for Jason.”

Georgia nods, sighing softly. “Yeah, it’s hard not to worry about them. But let’s keep our focus on getting through tonight. With the look of that spread, the úlfhéenar really know how to put on a party.”

I follow her gaze to the long wooden tables that seem to be groaning under the weight of platters that are piled high with food.

The air smells of meat, rich and smoky, mingling with the earthy aroma of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread.

The úlfhéenar aren’t just celebrating, they’re demonstrating their power through abundance and strength.

Laughter mixes with the growls and low discussions around us. The úlfhéenar are a mix of skin and fur, some more human appearing, others more wolf.

Georgia’s grip tightens on my arm, surveying the scene. Nervous energy skitters through our bond, and I lean in close, my lips brushing against her ear.

“Don’t worry, love,” I murmur. “They’re just big teddy bears with a penchant for raw meat.”

She snorts, a sound that sends warmth through me. “Teddy bears shouldn’t have fangs.”

“Details, details.” I grin, leading her toward the nearest table where Scarlett and Ethan are already seated beside Amara and Darius.

Scarlett waves as we approach, her cheeks flushed and smile wide from the warmth of the hall and perhaps too much mead. “About time you two lovebirds joined the party. I was starting to think you got lost making out in the woods.”

Georgia’s cheeks flush crimson, and I shoot Scarlett a warning glare. “Quit teasing her,” I growl, pulling out a chair for Georgia.

“Oh, relax, Ryan. She can handle a little ribbing.” Scarlett winks at Georgia. “Besides, it’s good to sneak in the occasional bang. You’ve been carrying the weight of the world on those pretty shoulders.”

“It’s hard not to when the world is literally depending on them,” Ethan retorts, but there’s a playful lilt to his voice. “Can’t be much of a picnic being responsible for saving all of supernaturalkind.”

“We try not to think about it too much, but thanks for the reminder, guys,” I say, taking the beer Ethan hands me and knocking back a long swig.

“Be careful with that. It’s far stronger than anything we’re used to. Might actually get us drunk.”

“I think I’d be thinking about it all the time,” Scarlett adds in.

“This whole ‘chosen one’ thing is a lot, sure. But it’s also hella cool.

Just think, Georgia, once you and Ryan complete the bond, you’ll be like…

supernatural royalty. You’ll be so powerful that every wolf with a set of ears will have no choice to bow down to Ryan’s alpha howl.

And as his mate, you’ll have just as much power.

You could literally reshape the world to be whatever you want it to be.

No more of this born wolves are the elite nonsense.

You could create a system that’s much fairer and based more on merit than it is on birth status. ”

“You’re talking down a system that literally places you on top,” Ethan reminds her.

“Yeah. And it puts my friends—especially you, my half-human friend—below me. That’s not fair.”

I catch the flicker in Ethan’s eyes. The one he always tries to hide when someone brings up his bloodline.

He plays it off well, but the sting runs deep.

And Scarlett, whether she realizes it or not, just pressed on the bruise.

He never likes bringing up the fact that his father is human.

It’s been a sore point from the moment the other pups in the pack found out and started calling him a mongrel.

Scarlett senses the shift in Ethan’s mood and nudges him with her shoulder, the movement softer than her words. “Hey. I overstepped. I’m sorry. It’s just that I think you’re super badass and should have been made a general by now.”

“Didn’t want the job anyway,” he says, eyes flicking up to hers and softening. “Not unless you were my second.”

Scarlett lets out a sharp laugh, nearly snorting beer through her nose.

“Keep dreaming, soldier boy,” she says, wiping beer from her chin. “Though I’ll admit, we make a hell of a team.”

“The scariest,” Ethan agrees with a grin.

Scarlett turns back to Georgia, her expression growing more serious. “But really, Georgia, think about it. Once you and Ryan complete the bond, you could literally rewrite the rules. No more of this archaic bullshit. You could build something better for all of us.”

Georgia gives a small, apprehensive smile, her gaze flitting around the boisterous hall. “Reshaping the world sounds great and all, Scarlett, but right now, I’d settle for a long, hot shower and a good night’s sleep.”

Amara, who’s been observing quietly, leans in. “Oh, Georgia, you’re in for a treat then. The úlfhéenar have the most luxurious bathing chambers carved right into the heartwood of these ancient trees. You’ll be soaking in moonlit spring water before you know it.”

Georgia’s eyes widen. “Seriously? That sounds amazing.”

“And as for a good night’s sleep…” Darius adds with a slight chuckle. “I’m not sure that one’s on the cards. Let’s just say the úlfhéenar are known for their...enthusiastic celebrations. You might want to drink until sleep is your only option. Or…invest in some earplugs.”

Scarlett laughs heartily, clinking her glass against Ethan’s.

“Sounds like my kind of night! But seriously, a little partying might be just what the doctor ordered.” She downs the rest of her drink then wipes her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Beer that’s strong enough to get a shifter drunk? Tonight is going to be epic.”

I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. Despite the underlying tension, the camaraderie around the table is a welcome balm. It’s been a long time since I felt this sense of belonging and ease among my own kind.

“Well,” I say, raising my cup. “If we’re going to party like the úlfhéenar, I think we ought to make a toast.”

Georgia raises her glass, and the rest of the table follows suit. “What should we toast to?”

I pause for a moment, considering. Then, with a grin, I say, “To new alliances. To the friends who stand with us. And to whatever the gods have in store.”

We all clink our glasses together then drink, and as we lower our glasses, a hush falls over the hall.

Ragnar has entered, standing at the head of the main table, his mere presence commanding our attention. All chatter grinds to a halt, and his amber eyes scan the room slowly, eventually settling on our group.

“Welcome all.” Ragnar’s booming voice echoes.

“Tonight, we feast in honor of our guests, a small pack that hails from Whisper Valley, led by a pair with an incomplete Soul Bond.” His gaze lingers on Georgia and me as all eyes turn our way.

“A Soul Bond is a rare and sacred thing, lost to us for far too long. The power it produces is both immeasurable and unparalleled. It has the ability to restore balance to our world, to create an environment in which our kind can live in harmony and thrive.” He pauses for effect.

“But it also has the ability to destroy if wielded by the unworthy or the malicious.”

A murmur ripples through the hall, and Ragnar raises his hand for silence. “Tonight, we will hear their tale. We will break bread together, share our mead, and by the ancient laws of hospitality, they’ll be under our protection.”

His eyes seem to glow in the firelight. “Tomorrow, the path forward will reveal itself. But tonight…” He lifts his mug high. “We celebrate. To our guests—may the gods guide your steps, and may your bond prove worthy of the power it holds!”

The hall erupts into cheers, and the tension quickly lifts as the feast resumes with renewed vigor.

As the night unfolds, the úlfhéenar do not disappoint in their revelry.

Food and drink flow freely and music fills the air, a blend of traditional melodies played on instruments I’ve never seen before.

There are rhythmic beats that make it impossible not to tap your feet, and soon enough, Georgia pulls me into the throng of dancers.

Despite everything, we find ourselves laughing, her head thrown back as she matches step after lively step with the fierce yet joyful úlfhéenar. Their movements are wild and unrestrained, and it feels good to just lose ourselves in the moment and dance like there’s no tomorrow.

By the time we return to the table for something more to drink, Ragnar has joined us, his expression relaxed and a hearty laugh booming from his chest as he shares a joke with Amara and Darius.