Page 17 of Spirit Walker Pack (Kingdom of Wolves #5)
LYLE
It was suggested by Flick and Blossom that I take a romantic route to woo Fenya.
Flowers, gestures, picnics and the like.
No matter how hard I try, I cannot visualize her accepting a bouquet of Blossom’s best blooms, or sitting on a blanket in a sunlit clearing enjoying a basket of Flick’s fanciful favorites. It just doesn’t work for me.
Judging a warrior contest or taking part in a competition herself, yes. Those things I see clearly.
Astra cannot help you with this. She doesn’t know how to sway Fenya other than with threats and promises of abandonment.
She even told her that she wished she could turn part wolf and bite her human half!
I think we have all felt that way at one time or another.
Hunter chuckles, which is a deep and gruff sound.
‘I refuse to believe that you have ever wanted to seriously bite me.’
Oh, believe it. As much as you humans like to think you're always right, forty-nine percent of the time we wolves just let you think that. The other fifty percent you are right because we led you to that conclusion.
‘Your math is not correct.’
I grudgingly gave you that one percent for arriving at the correct solution on your own merit. Don’t make me change my mind. Hunter's tone has darkened.
‘I am convinced that Falan will order Fenya to stay at Spirit Walker pack if she hasn’t decided to herself.’
We agree. That could be very counter-productive. We are sure Fenya will dig her heels in even further if that happens.
I roll my eyes. ‘What’s with this ‘we’? Don’t tell me you’re developing schizophrenia now.’
WE are Astra and me, of course. We have accepted each other as mates in our minds, but we cannot bond fully until the pair of you get your act together.
We have agreed on a large family. My parents were both from large families.
You know that I was a twin at birth. It was unfortunate my brother was too small to survive.
‘I see. WE are having a large family, are WE?’ I grumble but with a hint of amusement.
Astra’s lines run to twins. It is not too much to expect that we will have at least one set of twins. It would pay not to discuss this with Fenya at this current moment in time.
‘Well, at least that’s one thing we can agree on.’
I told you we wolves lead you humans to the correct conclusions. Proof if it were needed.
‘You should get some rest. We journey home tomorrow.’ I swear I hear Hunter laugh as he settles down to get some sleep.
Parting from Gabe and Tati was a mixed blessing. It’s always sad to leave them, but thankfully Tati never got the chance to confront Fenya. Gabe has a hand in that, if I don’t miss my guess.
Falan has stayed nearby for the return trip with Fenya in close proximity, and I’m sure that is intentional, too. I may be forced to say something soon as I don’t want all these good intentions to push her away.
Traveling through the Wolfsfoot Pack lands, we have taken a different route to the border. Arric’s knowledge of what we’re all doing should now just be a shadow of its former levels. This should give us a window of opportunity to get our houses in order and be more proactive instead of reactive.
I haven’t discussed the idea that Bronze had with anyone as yet. The fewer involved in that the better, is how I see it. Falan, to his credit, hasn’t mentioned it.
Reaching the border to Spirit Walker Pack, we cross over and then have a meal break. There is a great temptation for me to travel further and delay parting with my mate, but I need to get back to the packhouse and relieve Earl.
Falan is conflicted in his thoughts as to Fenya and I. I can see it every time he looks at one of us. Sensing that he is going to order Fenya to remain at Spirit Walker under some pretense or other, I jump in first. “Alpha Falan, may I speak with Fenya alone, please?”
“Of course you may. For as long as you need.” Falan starts to rise, but I wave him down.
“Fenya, would you take a walk with me?” I stand and wait for her response.
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 in my 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.