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Chapter 37: Grudges
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Soaking in a warm bath while steam billowed around the white tiled bathroom, my head rested against the edge of the tub while Ebbe did his best to clean me as carefully as he could. It didn’t matter how light-handed he proved to be, even the gentle lap of lavender scented water over small cuts sent sharp shooting pains through my limbs.

I did my best not to react, because when I did, he would grumble and curse in the tongue of The Norse Pack with guilt creasing his features. He hadn’t even made an attempt to wash me last night. I’d passed out as soon as he lay me on the bed and woke only briefly to eat and do my best to listen when my Alpha returned to fill me in on what had been said during his meeting with Braden.

How my father had managed to walk around last night was beyond me. Two challenges in one week and somehow he still remained on top. At least he didn’t mock me for my failed challenge; we both knew I wasn’t going to win, but I’d hoped to do a little better than I had. Or at least not be completely useless to the world after losing.

An unhappy rumble passed my lips and Ebbe cringed, removing his touch from me completely.

“It wasn’t you, don’t worry. I’m just thinking,” I assured him, giving him a strained smile.

He chuckled, eyeing the bathwater that was turning an unsavoury pink. “Are you sure?”

I hummed in reply, peeling my eyes open to focus on him. Lines around electric blues betrayed anxiety, so I moved a stiff arm over to place my hand on his, rubbing my thumb over his knuckles.

“Being battered might work to my advantage; maybe Alpha Tomàs will think I’ve been punished already,” I joked.

“Doubtful,” Ebbe drawled, turning his hand to thread his finger through mine. “With your father covered in brand new bruises and cuts as well, it won’t be difficult to figure out what happened.”

But that might work to my advantage too. Maybe the old male would think twice about whatever plans he was concocting after seeing that I’d challenged my father and came out with all my limbs. And I'd left marks of my own.

Relaxing back into the water, Ebbe released my hand to finish cleaning me. He lifted my leg slowly, giving me an apologetic look as I hissed. A dull ache had settled into my bones, one that would hopefully ease off enough with the help of ibuprofen and Paracetamol so I could stand tall in front of my pack and the council. I’d have to stand with Braden too. My nose scrunched. I’d need to hide my dislike of the male as much as possible if the council were to believe the challenge was all a huge misunderstanding, and that Braden was now a guest here to learn from us.

By all the gods, if I caught so much as a whiff of recognition in his eyes when Tomàs arrived, nobody would be able to hold me back from tearing him apart. Guest or not.

“I want you next to me today, is that okay? I know you hate politics so if you’d rather not, I understand. Especially as the council will no doubt have questions about you, Bjarke and Freydis.”

Ebbe paused from rinsing the cloth he held, brow furrowed in a way that had me swallowing a lump of disappointment.

“You’re not pack, it’s fine. You can stay here or go for a run if-“

“Gods, female. Will you give me a chance to answer?” He raised an amused brow and I sunk deeper into the water, not that it did anything to hide the blush reddening my skin.

“I’m simply surprised you asked. Now I’m your potential mate, I assumed it was a given. Where else would I be but at your side?” He grinned, the cheeky look in his eyes giving me warning that he was about to say something that would have me rolling my eyes. “Besides, after you passed out again last night, your mother asked me to be there to make sure you don’t kill Braden. Or Tomàs. Or any of the other arriving, alphas now you’ve proven you’re not afraid to.”

“Ha ha ha, very funny.” Splashing him with water, I gave a small huff. “I don’t have plans to challenge anybody else.”

Ebbe smirked. “You’re a dominant wolf, Raeghan. One with a temper as fiery as your hair.” He fingered a damp dark curl before blue eyes met mine again, pleading and earnest. “But you’re injured. So please do try and stay calm today.”

It was my turn to raise an eyebrow, and although he bowed his head, submitting, I felt he maybe had a point.

“I promise I won’t do anything rash, but I will defend myself, and the pack, against anyone who threatens us.”

***

A face of makeup didn’t even begin to hide the bruises on my face, so I’d taken everything off except for mascara.

My finger trailed over the story my battered body told as I studied myself. Scabbed over bite marks dotted my neck, angry red lines from my Alpha’s claws crisscrossing down my shoulder before disappearing beneath my tank top. Ripped jeans revealed glimpses of more wounds and bruises, enough that nobody would miss them. Every inhale made my chest ache and if I moved too quickly, another injury would make itself known. But despite the pain, I’d never felt more empowered or determined in my life. Every injury was proof I could push forward.

I grinned as I tied Auburn curls into a high ponytail, making sure it was safely out the way just in case.
One way or another, today would be the last day anyone questioned my position in the pack. This would be the last time any alpha would think to try and take what my father had built for their own.

Spinning away from the counter, I stepped out and marched down stairs.

Wolves rushed around the house doing last minute preparations for the arrival of the council. Food was being set out alongside drinks in the back garden where a small number of the pack were gathered. Most had jobs to go to, or pups too young for such a gathering, but enough had come. And they all had the same flicker of determination in their eyes. They could sense the looming threat and they too would fight to defend our home if they had to.

Searching for my parents, my mind turned to Braden. He was still in his room for now, and I still had suspicions about he and Tomàs being involved together in some way, but he had been on his best behaviour since being moved to a proper bedroom with access to a TV.

“Raeghan, there you are,” Dad called from the porch.

I wound my way over to him with a strained smile, my eyes darting to every wound visible. Was it bad I felt satisfaction seeing the injuries I’d left on his skin. It was soured only because Braden’s claws marks were still visible too.

“It’s almost time. Take Braden into the garden with the rest of the pack while your mother and my Beta’s greet the council.” He smirked when I went to protest. “I know you want to be there to greet them too, and it is your right, but the pack need someone to stand with them. When your mother and I aren’t there, that wolf is now you.”

Any argument died on my lips then and there to be replaced with pride that had my shoulders pulling back. “Yes, Alpha.”

“Keep Braden out of the way as much as possible, but not obviously so because it needs to look like there’s no bad blood, but we don’t want any fights breaking out. I'm sure Ebbe will thrive in keeping the peace and tensions low so keep him close too. He might also be able to read Braden and the other Alphas better than we can, he sees things about wolves that others miss.”

I smiled that he remembered to include my potential mate, and give him his trust. And Dad was right, keeping things light and merry wasn’t a challenge for a wolf like Ebbe. It wouldn’t surprise me if I went outside and found him adorned in flower chains, at the heart of conversation. He’d fooled me into believing he was shy, standoffish and grumpy when we first met, but I knew better now.

“What if Tomàs did send Braden?” I dared to ask.

My Alpha’s expression darkened, brow furrowing as he shifted thoughtfully on his feet. “Then I’ll call him out as a coward for using Braden's ignorance to fight his own battles. The council will distance themselves from him if they want to keep a shred of honour. Then he’ll be dealt with.”

“And Braden?”

“Even if he did challenge me on Tomàs' command, I do believe he’s told the truth about his upbringing and lack of knowledge about our ways. We can’t punish him for that without giving him the chance to prove his one mistake doesn’t define him, that he’s willing to learn and make amends.”

A dissatisfied growl came out before I could stop it, and I turned my head away. “I don’t agree. Whether he knew our ways or not, murder is wrong by human standards too. They would see him as a criminal for trying to kill you too.”

Dad growled back, low enough nobody else heard but deep enough the hair on my arms stood on end and my wounds began to burn. I took a step back with a bowed head, a high pitched whine slipping out to placate my Alpha.

His voice was rough as he leaned in close. “He’s innocent until proven otherwise, Raeghan. Remember that. I understand you may not be able to forgive him-“

“Have you forgiven him?” I snapped. “For nearly killing you.”

He sighed and smiled, reaching out to stroke my cheek. “We don’t hold grudges, my pup. That isn’t the way of the wolf. Grudges are poison for the soul, it twists and contorts people until their actions are unrecognisable even to themselves. He challenged me. I won. He submitted. If I don’t find further evidence against him today, then yes, I will press my cheek to his and all will be forgiven.”

Pale greens held my gaze, unwavering, honest, and demanding my submission if not my understanding. Slumping slightly, I tilted my chin just enough to bare my neck. Dad chuckled and leaned in to nip my jaw, his cheek brushing against mine. 

“One day, when you have to make tough decisions about the pack, you’ll understand.”

I nodded glumly. It would take a while to reconcile with the idea that Braden would be staying on our territory for a while. At least there had been no mention of him joining the pack.

“Can you tell Ebbe to come up to Braden’s room when you see him. We’ll bring him down together,” I said.

Dad gave me a look, eyes narrowing slightly. “Why don’t you go find him?”

“Because I want a few seconds alone with Braden,” I answered honestly. “I won’t touch so much as a hair on his head, I know that was part of your agreement... Once I’ve said my peace, in private, I will try and do as you will and put the past behind us.”

He didn’t look completely sure, scouring my expression carefully, so I added, “It would probably mean a lot to Ebbe if you asked him to feel out Braden yourself, as his future Alpha. He’ll be my mate one day, I want you both to be close.”

That had him. He puffed up and smiled to himself, missing my amused expression. “You really are learning. I’ll look for Ebbe and speak to him before sending him up upstairs. The council will be arriving soon so be quick, make sure you’re in the garden before they’re through the front door.”

I bowed my head again. “Yes, Alpha.”

Spinning on my heel, I noticed the halls had started to empty, wolves filtering out the back door. Quillan and Oria were the only ones in the kitchen, and Mum gave me a wink as she swept past me to go to her mate. Rushing to Braden’s room, I slid the key from the back pocket of my jeans and took a deep breathe.

Keep calm, don’t hit him.

“I can hear you out there,” an irritated voice called through the door.

I muttered about him having little patience as I unlocked it. Instincts had me widening my stance and preparing for an attack as I pushed it open but I didn’t have to worry. Leaning against the far wall next to the bright sunlit window, Braden stared stony-faced out at the gathered wolves. Unease lingered in tense shoulders, fingers twitching against heavily tattooed arms. In the light, I could finally make out what they were; nothing like the styles favoured amongst the pack. Brightly coloured cartoons and comicbook characters in between various doodles that held no meaning would be noticed and considered odd.

“Ebbe will be up in a minute and then we can head down,” I explained, shutting the door.

Grey eyes flicked to me then the closed door, and slowly he straightened up. “I saw you take a beating yesterday.”

I snorted and folded my arms. “That wasn’t a beating. That was a true challenge, fought for the right reasons, without nearly killing someone.”

Was that a flash of guilt that crossed his features as he looked away from me?

“Thanks to that challenge, I’m now heir to my pack. Which means my father will have more help in trying to save your tail from being a toy for other alphas to play with. So, before we put our necks on the line for you, there’s something you should know.” 

“And what’s that?” he drawled.

Striding forward until we were toe to toe, I looked up at him with as sweet a smile as I could muster under the circumstances. “With my new position, I could be your greatest ally here. I could help you find a place where you don’t feel lost or like an outcast. You can have answers about your heritage, about packs and Wulvers, our traditions and rituals. But if I find out you lied about who your mother is, or how you were brought up, if you betray us, you won’t have to worry about my father. It’ll be my fangs that tear your throat out before you can so much as blink.”

He barely reacted. No glimmer of fear shone in his eyes, he didn’t tense or back away, and I wanted to roar in his face just to get a reaction. When I didn’t move to give him space, he lowered his chin to look me square in the eye. My lips peeled back in warning, and as if realising he was close to challenging me, he lowered his gaze again.

“I haven’t lied about shit,” he grit out. “I wish I’d-“

“Wish you'd what?” I dared.

Lifting himself up, the beginnings of a growl rumbled from his chest but the sound cut off when the door swung open behind us. My back tingled with awareness but I kept my glare pinned on the heaving male in front of me.
Ebbe whistled, footsteps sounding until an arm wrapped around my waist and a kiss was pressed to my throat.

“I see you’re staying calm,” he whispered against my skin.

My hands fisted, and he didn’t release me until my fingers slowly uncurled again and my power faded from the room. I was letting Braden get to me, I had to be better.

“The first motor machine is coming down the drive,” Ebbe told us, tone light and breezy as if he hadn’t walked in on a brewing fight.

A little of my ire melted at the term he’d used, but Braden beat me to correcting him.

“The first car. We call them cars.”

I’d hoped my potential mate might have been annoyed like he usually was when he got something wrong but he only nodded and repeated the word confidently. He really was friends with this asshole.

Brushing imaginary dust from my jeans, I straightened my shoulders. “We better get downstairs. You’re not to stray from my side for your own safety, so don’t throw it back in my face.”

Braden nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets, a scowl back in place that darkened his features and hardened grey eyes to steel. Ebbe still had a grin on his face as he turned and led the way downstairs.

I chanced a peek out the kitchen window as we passed but couldn’t see any cars coming down the drive yet. We had time to spare. Brushing past Braden, I stopped at the back door and faced the male again.

“Try to keep your gaze down around the pack, especially the other Alphas,” I murmured, watching his expression. When he didn’t tell me he already knew as much, I decided to continue. “Eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge if you look the wrong way or for too long. We don’t need anyone attacking you or questioning your motives.”

“Giving me advice?” He muttered, his eyes staring past me and towards the gathered pack outside. “One might think you care.

Grinding my teeth together, I pulled the door open. “And you almost have me believing you don’t care.”

A small look of amusement untinged by scorn was a surprise but it was gone so quickly, I couldn’t be sure I’d truly seen it.

As soon as I stepped outside, everyone’s heads whipped our way. Or more specifically, Braden's. Perhaps Ebbe was lucky; any attention he might have gotten for being my potential mate from deep within the wilds was overshadowed by the presence of my father’s challenger.

Widening my stance, my arms came up like a barrier between Braden and the pack. My growl sounded out, rumbling through the air, silencing birdsong to make heads bow down. It was the only warning I’d give. Stay away from the male, or face my claws. And as I’d made little attempt to cover up my still bruised and bleeding skin, I must have been a terrifying sight to behold.

A few dared to glare a little longer, looking away as soon as I took a threatening step towards them. Other high ranked made their presence known too; Weylin and Brighid moving forward to help keep the pack back until we arrived at a spot I felt was safe. Towards the back, as my father had requested, but not so far that it would look like we’d made an effort to keep Braden out of the way.

“This is the whole pack?” Braden asked, his eyes darting around.

“No.” I folded my arms, then caught Ebbe giving me a look for my short reply. With a huff, I explained, “Some of the pack live too far away to get here on such short notice. Many have day jobs to go to, or young pups to look after who would cause too much chaos for the arrival of the council. I’m sure most of the teenagers probably have far better things to be doing on a Saturday afternoon as well.”

There. I’d made an effort. So why was Ebbe rolling his eyes at me? Braden hadn’t held up his end of the bargain yet, which meant he wasn’t entitled to the answers he wanted yet.

“You should watch closely. Study how everyone interacts, try and figure out the hierarchy. Who follows who, who eats first, which wolves are dominant and highranked, who are submissive, who lingers in the inbetween.”

Even if I didn’t know the rank of most wolves, it was easy to spot. The most dominant wolves warriors never stayed still for long; prowling protectively around with watchful eyes even as they smiled and laughed in conversation. The submissive wolves were more at ease, comforted by the knowledge that their highranked would keep them safe.

I was surprised when Braden nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the garden with what one could almost mistake for interest. He spotted Weylin easily enough, I noted, their gazes clashing for long enough I grew concerned until Braden remembered my lesson and quickly looked down.

So he was listening.

Ebbe smiled, reaching out to thread his fingers through mine before gently nudging his shoulder against Braden’s.

“I’m still learning too,” he assured him. “I’m going to have to find my place amongst these new wolves right alongside you once I join the pack.”

“How do you join a pack,” Braden asked, shocking me yet again.

Gods. Was there anything about us that he did know? At least it meant we wouldn’t have to completely bullshit the council about his lack of understanding leading to the challenge.

I shrugged a shoulder, fumbling for words because it was never something I’d had to explain before. “It’s different for every pack, but there’s always three things in common. An alpha, blood, and vows. Sometimes it requires the blood of the Alpha to mix with the wolf joining. Other times the blood is dropped onto the land, binding them to the territory. The vows are usually a commitment to love and defend the pack, sometimes to serve the Alpha as well-“

Before I could say more, I heard the rumble of more than one car engine, and took a deep breath.

The council had arrived.