Destiny: A Fantasy Collection

by Rachelle Mills

  “I can’t go down there,” I protested, shaking my head in a panic. “What about the other Alphas? If you’ve come to the conclusion that I like Quillan, maybe they did too. I couldn’t bear that, the whispers, the rumours. Please don’t make me go down there.”

  Roarke rolled his eyes, reaching out for me. “The other Alphas are dining elsewhere for breakfast, and Quillan will be licking his wounds somewhere. There is no reason for you to hide away too. Move your ass, my female,” he ordered teasingly, tugging me towards him.

  “But the pack know,” I replied, cringing at how whiny my voice sounded as I tried to convince my mate that breakfast in bed would be preferable. “They know Quillan lost control because of me. They must think the same as you, that I lust after your Third.”

  “Cathwulf,” he began with a sigh. “Please come down for breakfast of your own free will or I will take you down for breakfast. I can assure you that our pack has nothing but respect for you.”

  I sighed, knowing no amount of arguing would make Roarke relent, so I followed him down the stairs. Using his body to hide behind, I managed to avoid eye contact with any pack members who lingered around the house and my pace was agonisingly slow as I attempted to prolong the inevitable.

  A familiar laugh from the dining room had my mood lifting, and suddenly I was hurrying to go for breakfast, much to my mate’s amusement. I barrelled into the room, grinning at the Laoch who was about to take his seat.

  “Ámhra!” I squealed in delight, running towards and then launching myself into his arms.

  He grinned too and spun me around. “Little Cat, it’s good to see you. It’s not yet noon. It’s nice to see you wake with the rest of the world now.”

  I elbowed his side and he released me, the cheeky grin not leaving his face, eyes sparkling with mischief. I hugged him again, glad to have his strong arms wrapped around me. One of the few people I felt comfortable with was Ámhra. Roarke’s cough had me stepping away, not wanting to test my mate’s jealousy further.

  I took my seat at the head of the table, my mood now glowing.

  “I invited him here at your father’s suggestion,” Roarke explained, making me a plate of food.

  Ámhra watched in amusement, and I poked my tongue out at him only to be admonished for the childish gesture by my unimpressed mate, which only made Ámhra’s grin widen. I was practically bouncing in my seat.

  Saba walked in, Zale behind her, and she gave me a smile that I happily returned.

  “It’s nice to see you in a good mood after all the shouting last night,” she teased. “I was worried Roarke would have you locked up in your room today because of it.”

  I rolled my eyes, suddenly remembering why I had woken up in such a foul mood and wanted away from the male sat next to me. My shoulders hunched and I stabbed at the bacon on my plate with less enthusiasm than I had started eating with.

  “Yes, well, I guess we were both as bad as each other last night,” I said shortly, looking at Roarke from the corner of my eye.

  A smile twitched at the corner of his lips which, frustratingly, had my own smile curling my own lips.

  The adoring look Saba cast in our direction had the smile slipping from my face again. I would make it through breakfast without giving Roarke the idea that I had forgiven him, I insisted to myself.

  Ámhra gave me a curious look that I waved off after mouthing, Later.

  My mother stomped into the room, one hand on her belly and my father trailing behind like a scolded puppy.

  “Morning, Ámhra, everyone,” she greeted, sitting down and filling her plate with food.

  My father sat with a sigh, a frown etched onto his features, and I tried not to laugh, which became harder at the silent, shoulder shaking laugh Roarke was doing. We weren’t the only couple that was having problems, it seemed.

  “Is everything all right, Mum?” I asked, trying to keep the amusement from my tone.

  She gave my father a glare before looking at me.

  “Your father suggested I stay in bed today because last night I apparently overexerted myself by being at my own daughter’s initiation, and when I refused, he tried to order me. Can you believe that?” she snapped, her glare directed at my father once more.

  “It was just a suggestion, my love. I know you will do what you want to do,” he tried to soothe.

  The laugh bubbled up as my mother started muttering under her breath while chowing down on food.

  “Still no sign of the baby arriving?” Ámhra asked with a grin. “You’re so big, I’m beginning to wonder if you’ll eventually just pop.”

  I snorted as Saba and my mother gaped at the laughing Laoch.

  “You’ve still not learned how to speak to a woman at your age. It is a wonder I haven’t popped you with my fangs yet,” she growled out, making me laugh harder. “Is there a reason you are here other than to anger pregnant females?”

  “Indeed. I arrived when I did to snoop around the other packs while they’re on this territory. I would have shown myself last night, but I didn’t want to grab all the attention away from the beautiful Cathwulf on her big night,” he joked, picking up a bit of toast and cramming as much as possible into his mouth.

  “Don’t worry,” I replied. “Quillan and Roarke managed that all by themselves.”

  Tension strained the once light atmosphere, and I regretted my words immediately. They had slipped out without thought. Roarke’s hand stilled from lifting bacon to his mouth, and Zale coughed awkwardly, quickly excusing himself and his mate from the room, sensing a fight brewing.

  “I have a meeting with your father and the visiting Alphas to discuss treaties and borders. You can help the others clear up the mess from last night outside,” Roarke ordered, standing from his seat. “I trust that you don’t need me to send someone to watch over you and make sure you behave without offending anyone. Take this time to get to know your pack members.”

  I nodded, ignoring his insult, watching him leave with my father behind him. Sighing when he finally disappeared from sight, I slumped back in my chair. Why did I have to say that? We had almost managed to get over the events of last night, but I just had to ruin it with my big mouth.

  “Well, that went well.” Ámhra whistled. “He’s intense.”

  I snorted. “Intense is not a strong enough word. Every time we take a step forward, we seem to take two steps back.”

  Ámhra gave me a sympathetic look. “You’re in a new relationship. You’re both still finding your footing in life. Progress will come with time, Cat. Trust me. And if he still doesn’t come to heel, show him that you’re a cat with claws.”

  The smile that tugged at my lips made it difficult to try and admonish him. He had always teased me about my name, shortening it to Cat as my nickname. I pointed out it could also be shortened to Wulf, which would be far more suiting.

  “No matter. I should do what he says before I end up testing his patience,” I grumbled.

  I should have been in that meeting with him, standing by his side as he made the other Alphas bow to his will and join his growing list of allies. I should have been the calming hand on his shoulder, the voice of reason in his ear. Instead I was sent outside to work like a scolded pup all because my mouth ran away with me.

  “I better get to the meeting. I’ll see you later, Cat.” He grinned, standing up, his hulking frame blocking the light from the window. “Meow.”

  I rolled my eyes as he all but slipped from the room. Ámhra may have been a huge male, but he moved with the grace and silence of…well, a cat. He was a scout for his chief, managing to slip easily into the shadows to spy for his people. My eyes fell on my dozing mother, who still held a forkful of food. Standing, I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

  “Let’s get you to bed, Mother,” I whispered.

  She gave me a nod, getting out of the chair slowly with one hand on her back and one on her bump. I supported her as we walked up the stairs and into her room, getting her tucked into the bed.
I placed a soft kiss on her forehead and told her I’d check on her, but she was already fast asleep, gently snoring. My little brother was really draining her energy of late, and I worried for her, wishing I could stay to watch over her.

  I left her to sleep and made my way outside, where pack members were picking up rubbish from the grass, packing away tables and lights. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself until Oria waved me over with a bin bag and a grin.

  “You can help me. The amount of plastic cups and plates around here is ridiculous,” she griped, wiping sweat from her forehead.

  I nodded my agreement, taking one of the bags to fill with litter. The sun was glaring, beating against uncovered skin, and I paused to tie long hair up and off my sweaty neck before getting to work.

  Oria was right; in the few minutes I had been helping, my bag was already half full with cups and napkins, even bits of food that had been dropped around the tables.

  “Have you seen Quillan today?” I asked, standing up to stretch my back that had started to ache from the constant bending over.

  Oria shook her head, strands of white blonde hair covering her face but not quite hiding the blush I saw.

  “I don’t believe you.” I grinned, hands on hips. “Do tell.”

  “He came by during breakfast to apologise for last night and for scaring me, then he walked me out here before going to do whatever it is he does,” she explained softly, her voice shaky.

  Now that was an interesting tidbit. Perhaps Oria had captured his attention more than I had assumed last night. Oria may outwardly appear meek and submissive, but there was an inner steel to her being that would give her the ability to be a high ranked female if only she had more faith in herself. I’d long since given up trying to pull that part of her out.

  “Before you get any ideas, he’s not interested in me. He asked about you,” she added, picking up a new bin bag.

  “But it was you he went to,” I countered, getting back to work. “He could have come and found me but he didn’t.”

  There was only a slight edge to my voice, a slight annoyance that Quillan had avoided me even though I knew it shouldn’t have mattered.

  “Alpha Female!” A young voice called my name, and I turned to see the bouncing blond curls of Kailum.

  I grinned, his joy and excitement contagious.

  “Hello,” I greeted.

  His bright blue eyes were alive with light, his cheeks red from either running around or from being in the sun.

  “Alpha Roarke sent me!” he beamed, his chest puffing up with the pride of being given orders from the Alpha himself.

  I smiled, putting down the bag. “Oh? And what did our Alpha send you for?”

  He grabbed my hand, tugging me down so I was crouched at the same height as him. He tucked my hair behind my ear, and I giggled at how serious he was taking his task.

  “Alpha Roarke asks that you go to his office. The meeting is over and he would like to discuss things with you so you can give your opinion. He also said to get a drink of cold water after being out in the sun for so long,” he whispered before stepping back, nodding to himself in satisfaction.

  “Thank you for delivering the message, Kailum. I will make sure to tell the Alpha how reliable you’ve been.” I winked, standing straight.

  A woman caught my eye. She was watching Kailum with a proud smile, and I guessed she was his mother. As I left Oria, I paused by Kailum’s mother, squeezing her arm.

  “He’s a good pup. He’s good for the pack,” I complimented.

  The woman smiled gratefully and placed her hand over mine. “He is. He’s much loved here. I’m his mother, Nennie. We didn’t get the chance to meet last night before…” She trailed off, looking flustered. “Thank you for how you were with him. He’s only an omega, he’s used to being looked over by most of the high ranked in the pack, but Alpha Roarke has been making sure to include him.”

  My cheek brushed hers, allowing me to commit her scent to memory before we both pulled back.

  “Then these wolves forget how important Omegas are to a pack. My mate does well reminding everyone. I will remind them too,” I said with conviction, looking back at Oria.

  And I would start by bringing my friend to this pack and showing them just how vital Omegas were. Before I could say more, Nennie was yelling something at Kailum, who had wandered too close to a knife that had been left on the table. I watched her run off, making sure she’d pulled the young pup back before wandering inside to the kitchen for a drink, realising too late that I was following Roarke’s orders without thought or question. It had been really hot outside, of course I was going to get a drink to cool down, I told myself.

  I was stopped at the door by Alpha Robert. Immediately, my wolf reared her head, watching his every movement as he stalked towards me.

  “I must say, I am surprised your mate allowed you to leave the bedroom after the mess that your ceremony was. That wolf he calls his Third should be put down. He’s dangerous, and you put us in danger. If you were my mate, I’d have had you flogged for your obvious continuing insubordination,” he mused, stepping into my space.

  I met his gaze, holding it, refusing to bow down to this snake of a male. The need to defend Quillan as well made it to difficult not to talk back and bite my tongue.

  “My role is to challenge my mate when it needs doing, and last night does not reflect on me nor my relationship with Alpha Roarke. Quillan lost control and needed help, that is all,” I explained, forcing my tone to remain soft as I went to step around him, but I couldn’t help but add, “And let me just say how glad I am that I am not your female.”

  He growled and gripped my arm, bruising the skin as he yanked me close, his hot breath fanning over my skin, making me cringe. His grip tightened to keep me still, and a whimper of pain left me before I could think not to show fear.

  “Listen here, pup, I may not be your Alpha, but I am still due respect. Talk to me like that and I will demand your punishment whether you are my female or not. Know your place, she-wolf, beneath me,” he hissed, releasing me and stalking out of the room.

  His threat hung in the air, my throat constricting with fear. I had stepped over the line and wished yet again that I had kept my mouth shut. Roarke would rage if he found out the words Alpha Robert and I had just shared.

  He was definitely no friend. I only felt safe because I was on Roarke’s territory with a Laoch watching over us. The thought of how overbearing Ámhra would be if he’d heard the threat made me glad that he wasn’t all seeing.

  Shaking my head and trying to gather my strength, I went back to the task at hand.

  With a cold glass of water, I made my way to my mate’s office, not bothering to knock before walking in. Instead of the pale green eyes of Roarke, it was the black eyes of Quillan that bored into me when I entered.

  His eyes glowed for a moment before dulling again, his head bowing to me as he mumbled, “Alpha Female.”

  I nodded back, floundering for a moment before stepping around him to see Roarke watching us with careful eyes.

  “Quillan?” he called, a question in his tone.

  Quillan’s back straightened and he allowed me more room. Taking the seat in front of Roarke’s desk, he muttered, “I’m good.”

  I watched with more than a little curiosity but remained still, my heart pounding with adrenaline, my wolf demanding that I bare teeth and warn this male off despite knowing Roarke would be on him before Quillan could even take a step towards me. I seemed to be going from one stressful situation to another.

  “You wanted to see me?” I prompted, wanting to get rid of the tension in the air.

  Roarke was frowning, inhaling deeply, his eyes locked on me and beginning to glow. Quillan was out of his seat in front of me, crouching protectively with his body in front of me as my mate reined back his control. I rolled my eyes and gently touched his shoulder. “Like he would even dream of hurting me, Quillan.”

  He seemed to relax a little at t
hat but stayed in front of me, a shield to whatever had Roarke’s wolf pushing at the skin side and making my own wolf feel unsettled, whining in my head, wanting to know what was wrong.

  “You smell like Alpha Robert,” he gritted out, making Quillan turn to look at me with curious eyes.

  He leaned in, breathing in so close by my neck that his lips brushed against my skin. I pushed him roughly away with strength I didn’t know I even had. Roarke let out a low warning growl at the male trying to scent what he had claimed, his instincts clouding his judgment.

  “You have no right,” I snapped, taking a step back with teeth bared and eyes glowing. I wasn’t afraid to show my claws if he dared to try and get closer again.

  Gods, this was not going well at all. I took a deep, steadying breath, calming the anger that had rushed to the surface at Quillan’s invasion of my personal space.

  “Alpha Robert and I bumped into each other in the kitchen, that’s all,” I explained, the reminder of the unsettling encounter almost making me nauseous.

  Roarke nodded and sat back in his seat, motioning for me to sit also, but Quillan remained where he was, and I hoped he wouldn’t push for more information. I swallowed at the way I could feel the heat of Quillan standing behind my chair, a low rumble leaving him.

  “What did he say to you that has your heart pounding so fast, female?”

  I closed my eyes, silently cursing that I had let my body betray me so, but my heart only fluttered faster at the realisation that Quillan was paying such close attention to me. Roarke was glaring in Quillan’s direction, but his eyes turned to me after they seemed to share some unspoken words. His gaze was questioning and so full of something innately Alpha that it had me shifting where I sat, my instincts trying to force me to answer truthfully. Yet I couldn’t because I knew Roarke’s anger would get the best of him and he would do something that would jeopardise all the alliances he had worked to make. Alpha Robert would use it to prove that Roarke was too young, too impulsive to be a good Alpha and our bonds with the other packs would crumble.

  “He was just congratulating me on joining the pack and then he left,” I lied, keeping my voice as strong as possible.