I'm so sorry it took so long to finish this book but thank you all for being so patient. Here's the final chapter, and an epilogue at the end.

Chapter 29: Claimed
~

"Màili, you're alright!"

I flung myself into Lady Lyall's arms without much thought, relishing in the comfort of her arms wrapped around me. Her normally neatly done hair was in disarray and she had the beginnings of a bruise blooming on her cheek, but otherwise, she looked to be okay.

Torian went to his father and I felt myself pout as he began to lead him and Owen away. Lady Lyall stopped my attempt at following. "What they're going to do is not something I think you want to see. Let them deal with the traitors. You've been through enough today. Where is Aileen?"

"Still inside. She was a little shaken up," I replied, looking towards the house. I was still a little shaken up too, but not just because of Malcolm.

So maybe I was glad that instead of witnessing more violence, I was taken inside and back to the room that Lord Lyall had gifted his mate. Aileen appeared as if she sensed us and sat close to her mother who hugged her as she had me. It was a private moment with Lady Lyall whispering to her pale and trembling daughter and I had to look away. As if that made them feel like they had any privacy.

While they spoke, I listened instead to the thumping of footsteps and mumble of voices filling the house. The bodies would need to be removed, blood scrubbed from the floorboards of Torian's chambers. My stomach twisted and I fought the urge to gag. I did not envy whatever servant was brave enough to tackle such a task. What else would have to be done? When Lord Lyall travelled to the Eastern pack he would have to tell mate's their male was dead. Pups that their Fathers were dead.

But hopefully out of these horrors, something good could come. Malcolm wasn't a good Alpha, I knew that. Lord Lyall would make sure someone worthy took over and lives would benefit from that, surely. Would they be told that it was I who killed their Alpha? Would I be hated for it?

"Take a drink of water, Màili. You're shaking."

Was I?

My hands were fisted together but the moment I managed to unfurl my fingers, I could see they were indeed trembling. Perhaps I wasn't as composed as I'd tricked myself into believing. In fact, now there was little to occupy my thoughts, my mind was replaying the scene of my killing Malcolm every time I blinked.

I took the offered cup of water and sipped, relaxing back into the chair but I couldn't stop my thoughts. I feared that wolves would come to exact revenge on me, that our lives would only consist of brief moments of peace. But these were childish fears. I had to have faith things would be better. I hoped Torian would teach me more about the new world I found myself in, more about our bond, and himself. Maybe one day we could be as close as Lord and Lady Lyall. I found I wanted that with a hunger unmatched by anything I'd ever felt.

I wanted Torian. In every way. His touch, his voice, his smile, eyes that dragged me in and down until I was spinning with only him to hold on to. The way he made me feel safe and loved. . . Was that what it was to be in love? Was it this craving to have him here beside me right now?

"He'll be back soon," Lady Lyall said and I blushed, wondering just how much my facial expressions gave away. Even Aileen had a wavery smile on her lips as she watched me.

"Lady Màili Lyall, warrior, mate, sister, future Alpha Female. You've definitely earned your place in the pack now." Aileen's smile became a little more confident as she spoke.

A deep swell of pride filled me up and I smiled back, oddly joyous after all we'd been through. I was glad I'd earned my place and proven myself to so many who thought me too weak to be truly Wulver. I felt at home amongst these women now too. I felt their love and respect for me. There was no doubt in my mind this was where I was meant to be and I hoped my mother, though she'd tried to keep me hidden from packs, could see that too.

"I could never find the words to explain how grateful I am that you found me, and that you took me in. I'm only sorry I made things so difficult for you all in the beginning," I admitted, looking down at the cup of water.

Lady Lyall moved, crouching in front of me to take my hand in hers. "You made nothing more difficult, my darling daughter. Nobody expected this transition to be easy for you but you took accepted it with strength and grace. You're one of my pups now."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, blinking back tears that suddenly threatened to fall. She smiled and stroked my cheek before pressing her own to mine. A soft purr left me, and for once the wolf felt calm inside, that feeling of family warming me.

The crash of the door as it burst open sent me back on edge with a growl until I saw it was Torian's Aunt Elizabeth who had run in. Relief was in her expression and she smiled briefly at me before announcing, "They're back." 

I was on my feet and following her immediately, desperate to see that my husband had returned unharmed. More Than a few times, I almost collided with members of the pack still clearing up the mess. They smirked at me as I rushed an apology before running again. Slipping out the door, I spotted Torian and the males of the family walking through the courtyard. Without care, I ran again until Torian was wrapping me in his arms.

It was silly to feel so relieved but the beast was clawing inside me, demanding me to take something I didn't understand. Lips against mine settled the wolf a little and my hands flattened against Torian's chest as I sank into him. I knew what I needed after all. Fangs pressed against my lip and I flung myself back with a hand over my mouth, even as my eyes trained onto my husband's shoulder.

Without looking away from me, Torian addressed his father. "Do you have need of me for the rest of the day?"

"No," Lord Lyall chuckled and I blushed furiously at the knowing glances thrown my way. "But I will have need of you tomorrow so we can travel East and finish dealing with what Malcolm has left for us."

With a smirk, my mate nodded. I squealed when he suddenly gripped my hips and lifted me up. With no choice but to wrap my legs around his waist, made more awkward by my heavy skirt. I buried my face into the crook of his neck to hide from the wolves who knew exactly what was going to happen. Yet at the same time, I didn't care. The beast, the feral and primal part of myself, was growling her need for this.

When they began to follow us into the house, my embarrassment won out. "Torian!" I gasped, wriggling in his arms. "We can't, not now. Not after everything that's happened."

Not with his family there watching us disappear up the stairs, even if they were smiling.

"On the contrary, now is a good time. I almost lost you, now I can show you how glad I am that I didn't," he argued, turning at the top of the stairs to make his way down the hall.

"What about doing things by the traditions of the pack?" I asked, even as his lips skimmed down my throat, teeth nipping sensitive flesh.

He growled against me and I suddenly found myself being dropped onto a bed. My mate loomed above me with a smirk. "I don't care. You are my mate, my wife, mine. I need to prove this to you as well as the pack. You're a unique female, Màili, things were never going to be done traditionally, and I don't want it any other way."

Who could argue with that? He wanted me for me, not another female from the pack who wouldn't need to learn so much. Besides, who could so much as think when this handsome man was pushing my dress up so he could skin his fingers up my thighs. His touch sent sparks over my skin and my fingers tangled in the furs beneath me. He watched as if entranced, his touch meant to be teasing. Having had enough, and needing more, I sat up to grip his hair and pulled his head down, initiating the kiss this time. I nipped at his lip, my body arching into his instinctually.

His fingers struggled with the laces of my dress and though I tried not to, I laughed when he growled in frustration. "How do I get this blasted thing off?"

Pushing him back, I accepted as he helped me stand then quickly spun me around to finish untying the laces. He practically tore the dress and corset from me, chucking them both into the conrer of the room. I felt suddenly shy left standing in my light shift, feeling a blush rise to my cheek. Torian's front pressed against my back, his fingers trailing down my arm as he kissed my shoulder.

"I won't hurt you, Màili, and I won't continue if you want to stop," he murmured, keeping his touch gentle and voice soft.

I forgot that he could feel my emotions, of course he could tell I was nervous. A shaky breath left my lips but my body relaxed until I was resting against his chest, eyes closing as every nerve ending became aware of how he felt against me. Including a hardness that pressed against the top of my rear.

"I don't want you to stop. But I. . ." I bit my lip, feeling like the naive child Torian had once accused me of being. Hands gripped my waist to turn me around, then cupped my face so I had to look into warm hazel eyes. He wouldn't judge me for what I was about to say, I trusted that.

"I don't know what to do," I admitted, my gaze darting to the wall so I wouldn't have to see the amusement on my mate's face.

He chuckled and kissed me softly, a feather brush of lips against mine. "We will learn together, my mate. This isn't only your first time."

My eyes darted back to him, wide and surprised, and he grinned. "You truly assumed I'd taken a female to my bed? Didn't I tell you that I'd never betray my mate that way?"

I shook my head then shrugged, fiddling nervously with the edge of Torian's shirt. He kissed me again, more firmy this time and I was left with no room in my mind for thoughts. The bed hit my back again and I watched with hungry eyes as my mate stripped in front of me. My eyes roved over him, down a muscular chest to strong thighs. A few scars left paler marks on tanned skin but he was still beautiful, a vision of strength and confidence.

His body covered mine, pinning me in place. My breathing caught in anticipation and my hands moved over his back, as if I was trying to memorise every inch of him. Maybe I was. Kisses were being pressed across my jaw and down my neck and a tearing ripped through the air as what was left of my shift was tossed to the floor, forgotten. My thighs parted on instinct and Torian wasted no time in resting his weight against me, nestled between my legs. I gasped as his length pressed against my core, sending sparks over my skin.

He chuckled again but the sound was deeper, more a growl, and he smirked as he pressed his fingers against the bundle of nerves at my core to draw a moan from me. I clung onto his shoulders, anchoring myself, but he wasn't giving me time to. His fingers worked over that spot until I was writhing beneath him, biting my lip to try and stop from crying out.

"You're exquisite, my wife," Torian purred before nipping at pebbled flesh, adding to the pleasure heating my skin. My back bowed off the bed with a strangled cry as I came undone, lost to sensation and the strangeness of having a male pressed flush against my naked body.

I went limp, panting heavily, struggling to so much as keep my eyes open. That had been so much more than what he'd shown me in the forest not too long ago. Could he feel how I felt in that moment? When I marked him, would I feel his pleasure too? The beast urged me to find out and I was wrapping my arms around Torian's shoulders before he could ask if I was certain this was what I wanted.

Our lips met in a rough kiss that told me Torian was feeling this urge too. His eyes were glowing with the presence of his wolf, and I knew mine would look the same. His tongue stroked mine, urgent and demanding. I gave him everything, lifting my hips in an attempt to stop him from further teasing but I wasn't in control here anymore.

Threading his fingers through mine, he nipped at my shoulder, my jaw, then my bottom lip. He shifted his hips to press himself against my entrance then thrust forward to fill me. It stung. A burning pain that had me gripping the hands that held mine tight. Torian stilled, breathing hard, hazel eyes now a brilliant green and gold. He was holding himself back and I could feel his restraint slipping along with mine.

I didn't want him to stop. Not now. I squeezed his hands again, trying to voice what I wanted when my thoughts were too blurred for me to speak. I wriggled a little, trying to get used to the sensation of having him fill me. Bond or not, he took my groan for one of pain and made no move to continue.

"Are you alright?" he asked huskily, his brow creasing slightly.

I nodded, lifting my hips, needing him to move. "Yes. Please."

The crease disappeared, his eyes heating again and he withdrew slowly only to rock back into me gently just to watch me moan and whimper my frustration beneath him. My nails dug into the backs of his hands and the sting drew a growl from his lips. This time he gave me what I wanted and the world flew away again as he moved above me. My eyes fluttered shut, submitting to the waves of pleasure that rocked my body, followed by a trail of heat left by the kisses my mate peppered slowly down my body until his teeth raked across pebbled flesh, the pain soothed by a swipe of his tongue.

At first all I could do was lie there, unable to think straight, gasping and moaning as he took me. An instinctual knowledge to lift my hips had him sinking impossibly deeper and we groaned together this time. Torian muttered something against my chest, words to a deity I was too lost to comprehend.

It was too much and not enough all at the same time. And the moment I was certain that I could take no more, he released my hands. One gripped my hip, the other first cupping a breaths before sliding down between my thighs. He pushed himself up slightly and my gaze wandered over him only for my head to fly back once he found my nub again.

I vaguely heard my mate's command for me to scream. Fire scorched my veins, my core clenching around his length as I cried out Torian's name.  Instinct took over. My fangs lowered and I grabbed Torian's hair, but his head fell to the side willingly as my fangs struck their mark, claiming this man as mine. He groaned, his grip of my hips becoming bruising and he slammed harder into me, finally losing his restraint. When I moaned at his throat, he fell over the edge too, spilling into my heat with one last, hard thrust as he growled my name and shuddered in pleasure.

It was then the matebond tugged a bit of his soul into mine and I tensed as his emotions flooded into my thoughts. Desire, love, satisfaction, and a flicker of something wild and dangerous underneath it all.

I released his shoulder, uncaring that his blood painted my lips and chin red. Panting, I slumped against the bed. My fingers stroked over Torian's shoulders, unable to get enough of touching him. I'd never get enough.

"Mine," my mate murmured, kissing my jaw before rolling onto his side.

I couldn't speak. Gods, I could barely breathe. Everything was overwhelming, from the way my skin twitched as Torian stroked my side, to the way the bond flickered and tugged in my chest. I had to close my eyes again, and vaguely heard as Torian stood up. There was no worry he was going anywhere, I could feel his need to stay close to me. The clink of metal and then the sound of water and I smiled at how he wanted to take care of me.

Only slightly embarrassed by the state I found myself in, I managed to move enough to lie against the pillow. My fingers twitched but I refused to reach for the blanket to cover myself. I wanted to be confident like this. My actions paid out in a grin that stretched across Torian's face when he came towards the bed.

"Beautiful," he declared, passing me the cup of water that I took gratefully, even as the burning need for him to have me again rose.

"Thank you," I replied quietly, trying to focus on drinking to cool myself down.

Inhaling deeply, I knew he caught the scent of my desire. That smirk was back on his face again. "Have I created a vixen?"

"Vixen?" I scoffed, but before I could utter my dismay at such a comment, the cup was being taken from my hands and I was being guided to straddle him. I forgot my slight offence as soon as he looked at me with such need. He could call me what he liked, I knew he wanted me just as much.

***

In the dim orange light of the fire, my mate looked glorious. His hair was tousled, his skin glowing, and he had a smile that I could only describe as content. My fingers stroked across his chest and I pressed a kiss against his jaw before resting against him again. The room was warm and the blankets had been shoved to the bottom of the bed. It was the first time I could remember ever feeling so at peace.

Sated. That was how I felt. Sprawled across my mate, his arm around my waist and hand curved over my hip, I couldn't think of a single place in the world that I wanted to be more. We'd missed dinner but at one point during our...activities, I was sure I'd heard someone enter the sitting area of our chambers and caught the scent of beef. Someone had thought to bring us up food. They knew we weren't leaving the bed.

It would be hard to let him leave tomorrow, but perhaps I could convince him that it was important for me to come with him to the Eastern pack, to lear how things were done. Maybe that way we could do more of we'd done tonight.

Gods maybe he was right, I'd turned into a vixen. I blushed despite myself. I'd finally marked my mate. A complete bond. Why had I ever been afraid?

"What happens now?" I asked, looking up to see Torian's face.

He hummed as if thinking and squeezed my hip before answering, "Now we have many pups to fill our home."

I laughed and rolled onto my back but couldn't deny that his words had appealed to me. "Many pups?"

"Yes. And anything else you desire. I want you to be happy here, with me."

The smirk was gone now, only honesty and worry left. He was afraid of what I would say and I couldn't have that. Leaning in, I kissed him and pressed my body flush against his so there was no doubt about how I felt. I pushed my feelings through the bond and moaned when he kissed me back. His hands found my rear, his tongue stroking against mine until we were both breathless. I couldn't believe I'd ever doubted him.

"I love you, and I'm happy here. With you," I promised, settling back against him. "It's not what I thought my future would be, and I know I fought against everything. Against you. But I'm done fighting now."

"I love you too, Màili." He sounded tired and I smiled a little.

His love was an accomplishment in itself when I'd thought I'd have to settle for friendship.

I still had to meet the pack, to truly become a part of them, and perhaps there would be other dangers on the horizon; but I could cope with that all.
Because I had finally accepted it all. Every part of me, Wulver and human. And I hoped this man, my male, knew that he'd saved me from a life I'd always feared, and given me a brand new one, with family. Future children. That, I'd always be grateful for. 

***

1564

The fire crackled in the hall, and lit with more candles and sconces that chased away shadows. The beams across the roof were decorated in holly and sprigs from the evergreen trees that retained their leaves through the harsh winter. I could see snow was still falling heavily outside, making the night seem brighter as it reflected the light of the full moon.

I smiled as another chorus of songs broke out amongst the pack that celebrated Yule. Dancers spun around the space made between tables while others gorged themselves on food and drink. Pups ran amuck, sneaking treats from plates and hiding under tables and skirts.

Trying to make my way back to my table, I barely made it a few steps at a time without being stopped and dragged into conversation by wolves who had become such close friends. I laughed at their drunken jokes and blushed as they complimented the holly crown I wore in my hair.

"Come, sister!" Aileen said, grabbing my arm to drag me away to safety.

I laughed and thanked her. "I thought it would take me all night to get back."

"You and Torian visited your friend at court for so long, we are all simply pleased you arrived back in time for the celebrations," she explained, yanking me to a stop to avoid an overly enthusiastic dancing couple. I couldn't help but chuckle when I realised it was Artair with Asa. I had the feeling they would be announcing their mating soon.

Climbing the few steps up the raised platform where the Alpha and his family sat. My heart clenched in my chest and I stopped to take in the sight of my mate sat bouncing our son on his knee. His second Yule already. The double of his father in every way except his hair was a few shades darker.

"Hello, my males," I greeted, crouching in front of them both.

Torian smiled and cupped my cheek. "Our Alpha Female is going to take Hamish to bed soon so that I may steal a dance from you."

My son pouted but he couldn't hide the tired slope to his shoulders and the way his eyes were barely open. I scooped him into my arms, propping him on my hip.

"Is my little wolf tired?" I asked him, laughing when he shook his head.

"Not tired," he protested through a yawn before resting his head on my shoulder.

Torian chuckled and stood, his arm sliding around my waist. "Stubborn. Like his mother."

"Then at least he is handsome like his father," I teased, pressing a kiss to my son's head. He was already asleep, arms limp by his side, mouth parted as he snored gently.

Lady Lyall swooped over, pressing her cheek to mine before carefully taking Hamish without waking him up. She touched my arm and nodded towards the dancers. "Go. Enjoy yourselves."

"Thank you," I said, grinning as Torian took my hand and immediately led me over to the dancers twirling around the hall.

Spinning me under his arm, I laughed in delight as I was then crushed against his chest. One hand in mine, this was no dance you'd find often at court. Fast paced and wild, I let my mate lead until partners were swapped but Torian never let another male keep me for long. All through the night we feasted and danced and I lost track of my mate as I was suddenly pulled into one of the games.

When Torian managed to steal me back, he tugged me into a quiet corner and the heat in his eyes told me we would be sneaking away to our chambers very soon. I'd once thought what happened in the marital bed was only done to secure an heir, but pregnant again and Torian still wanted me just as much.

He was going to get his wish, at least that is what Owen often grumbled; that we would have this place filled with pups. One day he'd find a mate and he'd understand. If he could ever find a mate that could put up with the constant scowl on his face. I shook my head of the those thoughts and focussed on the male in front of me.

"If we go for a run, we don't have to be quiet for Hamish." I grinned, knowing that Torian could never resist the chase.

He grinned and stepped back, allowing me the ability to escape through the door. "Let's see how far you can get this time."

Giving him a long and lingering kiss just to make sure he was suitably motivated, excitement bubbled up. Then I ran for the door, already tugging myself free of my dress so I could shift, with absolutely no care in the world that the pack could see. Magic rippled over my skin as it gave way to fur. Paws thudded behind me. I knew he would catch me, he always did, but I wouldn't make it easy for him. There was no fun in that.