Page 18 of Spirit Walker Pack (Kingdom of Wolves #5)
FENYA
The trip to Blood Pearl's border seems just that. A trip. My mind has been anywhere but where it should have been. I don’t recall much of the journey and I can’t remember one thought I have had all the way. One moment we were setting off and the next we were here.
I’m not sure how to tell Alpha Falan of my decision to stay at Spirit Walker Pack for the time being. I’m sure he will be happy, but I should have discussed it with him, at the very least. My decision to stay? How or when did I decide that, I wonder?
Your mind made that decision almost immediately Alpha Lyle asked it of you. Your mind just did not send out the memo to the rest of you. You look like a lovesick puppy right now.
“Fenya. A word, if you please.” Hearing Alpha Falan pulls me from my thoughts and back to reality.
“Certainly, Alpha Falan. At your service, as always.” Smiling, I trot over to him, but hesitate when he bursts out laughing.
“Fenya Stormhowl! At my service? You have not been at my service since we left Alpha Lyle. You keep telling yourself that you don’t want a mate, but you are probably the only one that believes that fairytale.
You have not heard a word said to you all the way here.
If we had been attacked by mythical demons riding on the backs of flying hogs, you would not have seen or heard them coming.
” My face must change from a dreamy smile to a scowl as Alpha Falan points at me.
“That look no longer becomes you. When you are not aware, your face takes on a softness that does become you. When you are in your little dream world, you are even more beautiful than you could imagine.”
“I have been aware of everything that has happened.” I spit this out and regret it immediately.
“When we stopped for lunch, how many rabbits did Astra catch? And how many did you share?” He folds his arms and raises his eyebrows. I am caught out, and he knows it.
“I’m sorry Alpha Falan. It won’t happen again.” I am ashamed that I didn’t have my Alpha’s back.
“Sit with me, Fenya. Tell me what is going on in that head of yours. Alpha Lyle is in there somewhere. I can bet on it.”
“When he took me into the woods to talk, he asked me to stay at the Spirit Walker packhouse as his guest. Potentially to get to know him and the pack better.” I feel embarrassed as I say this, without knowing why.
“Potentially? Do you doubt his motives? You think that he may have had a hidden agenda for asking you this?” Alpha Falan watches for my reaction, but I’m shocked that he has read me so well and so quickly.
“Let me give you my thoughts on Alpha Lyle. I don’t believe for one second that he has a hidden agenda.
As his fated mate, he will honor you to his death or yours.
He has waited for this moment and I’m sure this is not how he expected it to play out.
He will, however, allow you all the time you require to make a well-balanced decision.
One thing you are not currently, is well balanced.
You would do well to take him up on his offer.
I have looked on you as a sister all your life.
Had I been your blood brother, I would have encouraged you in this mating.
As your Alpha, I encourage you in this mating.
I will not, however, force it upon you, and neither will Alpha Lyle.
To stay here or not can only be your decision.
Choose wisely, because you will have to reject him if you decide it is not for you.
If you don’t, he will never have a chance for a second mate. ”
“So, no pressure then, Alpha Falan.” I had not thought of having to reject a mate, but he is right. I would have that to do.
“The pressure is not of my making. Only you and Alpha Lyle can decide if the Goddess has made a mistake. I don’t think I speak out of turn when I say Alpha Lyle believes in her choice.
Now. Go prepare for your return trip to your destiny.
You have made your choice. I see it in your eyes, Fenya Stormhowl. Defy the Goddess, if you can!”
Calling his escort, they quickly cross the border and I’m left wondering what the future holds.
The Spirit Walker warriors all look at me to see if I am ready.
Taking a deep breath, I steel myself and letting it out slowly, I nod at the escort leader, Sloane.
She looks me in the eye and nods slightly.
That nod could mean so much, but before I get to ask her, we are running back to their packhouse.
The journey is swift as Sloane keeps up a punishing pace. I don’t know if she is showing her prowess or testing mine, but it is grueling.
Arriving at the packhouse, most of the pack must be present to welcome me.
Alpha Lyle stands proudly amongst his pack officers.
I’ve always seen him wearing a jacket and as I approach, I wrinkle my nose as I remember him in the woods without it.
He looked better showing his physique rather than having it hidden.
“Fenya Stormhowl, honored guest of the Spirit Walker Pack.” Alpha Lyle speaks in a slightly elevated voice, and I understand that he is making the point that I am to be welcomed, by not just himself, but the pack as a whole.
Turning to those assembled, I don’t see any that look displeased or offended by my presence.
I tip my head to the crowd in respect and thank not only Alpha Lyle, but the Spirit Walker Pack as a whole for my invitation. This brings forth a loud cheer and clapping, which stuns me a little. I was not expecting such a rousing welcome.
Hearing someone whispering behind me, Astra notes their quiet words.
The Beta asked his Alpha if he had coached you on the welcome.
Alpha Lyle proudly replied that you are a natural luna, though he won’t tell you that for fear of you thinking him complimenting you, as a false attempt to garner your good will.
‘This is going to be difficult for me. I will be relying on you heavily throughout my decision-making process. Please do not advise me through rose-tinted glasses. I know of your feelings towards Hunter, but guide me well, my friend.’ I send a warm feeling to Astra to let her know I love and trust her.
As much as I want this mating, it would do me no good to advise you falsely. After all, I could never have pups if we were not both happy and willing!
Alpha Lyle guides me through a tour of the packhouse and eventually to my room. I say room, but it is in reality a suite.
“I assure you these are the guest quarters. They have been prepared just as they would for any guest. There is a warrior assigned to the door of the Alpha suite, just down the hall, at all times. He is not there to monitor you, it is merely pack protocol. You are free to come and go as you wish. If you wish to venture away from the immediate grounds, I would ask that you take an escort, as would any guest. I have assigned Sloane to you as a personal guard. She will be able to show you some of the highlights of the pack lands should you wish to see them. Now, I’ll leave you to settle in.
I would be honored if you would join me for our evening meal. I’ll be eating at six pm.”
“Six pm it is then. I will see you in the dining hall. Thank you, Alpha Lyle.”
“Where we are alone, I’d prefer to dispense with formal titles, if you are agreeable. Again, it is a courtesy afforded to all guests.”
“I think I will be able to differentiate between something you do for all guests and something you do to try to impress me, Lyle. Thank you, though, for all the effort to make me feel comfortable.”
“It really is my pleasure, Fenya. I look forward to the evening meal together.” Walking away, I notice how he has kept a reasonable distance between us the whole time.
Taking my time, I place my few personal belongings into a set of drawers and then check out the rest of the suite.
The bedroom is more elegant than anything I have ever seen.
I saw some of the guest rooms at Wolfsong, but they were nothing compared to this.
The old Wolfsong Alpha was not known for his praise, generosity, or even his good humor.
He would hardly spend money on his guests' comfort.
Deciding on a quick shower, I search out the en-suite bathroom, and oh my.
There was no expense spared on the guests' comfort within the Spirit Walker Pack. The en-suite is enormous. The bath is a roll top and the feet are wolf claws. Rather than the common scallop design, it has a wolf’s head pressed into the backrest. Subtle enameling takes it from a pressed design to a 3D artwork. It would easily fit two adults.
The shower enclosure is just as stunning.
There is no door on the enclosure. The end has been left open, but the size of the interior, including an exceptionally large rainfall shower head, means that short of a tsunami, no water is escaping that space.
The enormous glass wall has a scene etched on the glass of wolves on a hilltop surrounded by the forest, and a full moon shining through clouds.
Apart from being a beautiful feature, it also provides a modesty screen for anyone in the shower.
Taking my time in the shower, I come out feeling so refreshed and relaxed. I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t pump some muscle relaxant through the pipes. That was amazing.
Deciding to take a walk, I leave the room. Making a show of checking the door is secure as I leave, I glance at the warrior outside the Alpha Suite and notice him looking away. So much for not being monitored, I think to myself.
Yes, and if he hadn’t looked this way, you’d berate him for not being vigilant in his duties. Stop looking for faults and look for positives.
I hate it when Astra is in one of her ‘always right’ moods, as I call them, because she is inevitably always right. I would have said they weren’t being very protective if they didn’t check who was coming from a suite on the same floor.