“It was my love for Alexina that caused my father to chase after you; to send Maelogan.”
“Maelogan has always been my nemesis. He was a shapeshifter in your father’s confidence even before you were born. He watched me claim my mate and used it against me. He was exiled because of a threat to your mother before you were born and came back after her death. He watched my mate and befriended my son as lads to gain his trust and ultimately get his revenge on me.”
“Why?”
“Because I discovered who and what he was. I threatened to kill him if he did nae leave.”
“Why do I nae remember him?”
“You were a lad,” he explained. “And he came back after Mabh died, your father did nae share who he was with anyone. After my punishment, being slashed for my love of a human, I left his guards, as you ken I could nae fight any longer and you came to live with me.”
“Aye,” Tristan answered.
“So you are no’ to blame for my mate’s death. In fact, I should thank you. Had you no’ taken Alexina as your mate I would no’ have taken her to protect and I would nae have ever kenned Brietta was alive and that I had a son.”
“Then prove to me my father did nae break a man as strong as you,” Tristan said. “Prove to me you will love again.”
“I do love again, but ’tis too soon, Tristan,” Weylyn admitted. “I see her in the face of my son every day.”
“Aye, but when your mourning has passed,” Tristan started. “When you are free again, donnae ignore your love.”
“You sound like your mother,” Weylyn sighed.
Tristan smiled slightly. “I would hope so,” he said. “She was the greatest woman. I miss her dearly. She taught me so much.”
“Aye,” Weylyn replied. “Mabh was a true Queen. When she passed, we all mourned.”
“I remember,” Tristan answered. “I hope they are together now.
Tristan did not say anymore and soon the baying of two mountain goats drew their attention.
Chapter
Thirteen
“’Tis a cold night,” Aedan said after they had eaten their fill. He held his wife to him and wrapped his plaid around her.
“Aye,” Tristan answered holding Giorsal closer to him. “’Twould be better to build the fire even higher and have our women stay close to us this eve.”
“I will get more wood for the fire,” Aedan offered. Isla groaned when he removed the plaid.
“Stay, Aedan,” Weylyn said. “Protect your mate, she carries your pup. I will get it.”
Standing he caught Eithne’s eye and smiled but half-phased and bounded into the woods. Once far enough away from the pack, he phased back to his human form to cut any link he had to the others. He needed to think and he did not want any of them to know what he needed to say. Walking slowly through the woods he reveled in the forbidden feeling that churned his belly. The woods at night, alone, in the heart of winter always intrigued Weylyn. But that eve he had more important things on his mind than just the treasured feeling of his favorite time of year.
The moon shone down on his back and he paused a moment. Turning around to gaze into the milky whiteness of the orb, he took a deep breath.
“Brietta,” he whispered softly. “My love, are you there?”
I will always be with you.
“I need to move on now,” he said. “I cannae keep pining for you. Wishing you were here. ’Tis no’ fair. ’Tis worse than when I suffered at the hands of Marrock for our love. I ken we mated under the Hunter’s Moon and therefore our bond is unbreakable, but you are free now. The moon was icy in the sky on the day you died in my arms. It gave no comfort, no hope. I need to let you go now. I never had my proper time as your husband. I am cursed to wander this earth forever and I will nae have you at my side. That alone should destroy me, but I see another’s face in my mind’s eye and it is no’ you. I feel like I betray you.”
I give you my blessing, my love, he knew in his heart those were her words.
“Aye, but is it too soon?” he asked.
Love kens nae time, Weylyn. Live. That is all I have ever wanted. And take care of Aedan.
“Uncle?” Eion’s voice startled him out of his thoughts. Turning quickly, he saw his nephew half-phased. “Is everything all right?”
“Aye,” Weylyn answered. “Aye, Eion, ’tis well. I was merely gathering more wood for the fire.”
“Perhaps I can help?” he asked.
“Nay you are to keep watch,” Weylyn replied. “I donnae wish to distract you from that.”
“You donnae,” he answered but watched Weylyn pick up some wood. “Uncle,” he began.
“Aye?” Weylyn coaxed.
“How do you ken if you have found someone to your liking?” he asked. Weylyn paused a moment then continued picking up wood.
“Do you mean your mate?” Weylyn asked.
“I donnae ken,” he answered. “Perhaps no’, just someone who has caught your eye.”
“You are but fifty winters, Eion,” Weylyn said. “You would nae physically be able to love another until your seventieth year.”
“I ken that,” he snapped. “I just… nay donnae mind me, I… I was curious.”
“I donnae mean to stop you, Eion,” Weylyn continued. “You can always speak to me. It is merely I am questioning that very thing myself. Tell me, have you a female in mind when you ask this of me?”
Eion looked down almost like a surly child and kicked a pebble.
“Aye,” he answered.
“How does it feel?” he asked.
“Like I am staring into the sun,” he replied. “I feel warm all over, and I am certain my cheeks redden. She does nae say anything, but I ken she sees.”
“Anything else?” Weylyn pressed.
Eion thought a moment. “I dream about her,” he said.
“What dreams do you have of her?” he asked.
“That we were alone together,” he answered. “I am no’ ignorant of the physical act of love. I saw father with mother once.”
“That is something you should no’ have witnessed, Eion,” Weylyn disciplined. “That is no’ something a lad of your age should ken.”
“But I do,” he answered. “And I think of it when I think of her.”
“You must be cautious,” Weylyn warned. “To think of another other than your true mate in that way could lead to destruction.”
“How so?” Eion asked.
“When you have found your mate, you will ken why,” Weylyn explained. “If you are uncertain of the lass’s response to you, try doing something for her and see how she responds. Something like… picking a flower that only blooms at night,” Weylyn reached beside him and plucked the white moon rose from a bush and handed it to his nephew. “When you see her, compliment her. If it is raining offer your blanket so she would nae be ill. Is she part of our pack?”
“Nay,” Eion answered.
“How long have you kenned her?” Weylyn asked.
“No’ long, but I felt a connection with her when I first laid eyes on her,” he explained.
“You donnae need to justify how you feel, Eion,” Weylyn assured him. “I too have felt the strong pull of affection.” After a moment, Weylyn touched his nephew’s shoulder. “Is it no’ time for another to take watch?”
“I have been here only since we stopped,” Eion said.
“Long enough,” Weylyn replied. “We have a long journey ahead of us, lad. You need your sleep. Come with me.”
They walked back to the encampment together hearing laughter. Aedan was standing and speaking loudly causing Tristan to laugh to the point tears rolled down his cheeks and he held his sides.
“What is all this then?” Weylyn asked.
“Och, da’, you returned too soon,” Aedan grinned.
“You were nae impersonating me, where you?” Weylyn lovingly smacked his arm.
“Nae no’ at all,” Aedan teased.
Weylyn took a deep sniff. “Lying,” he said. Trista
n finally calmed down and wiped his eyes.
“It was so very accurate,” Tristan defended. “He has your mannerisms and voice, Weylyn.”
“But the real thing is always better,” Weylyn winked as he set the wood down.
“True,” Alexina answered. “Though I did find his impersonation of you quite hilarious.”
“Of all, I thought you would defend me,” Weylyn pulled her into a side hug.
“If it had become slanderous then I would have,” she answered kissing his cheek. “But it was all in respectful fun.”
“I am sure,” Weylyn laughed. “But I will remember this, lad. I may return it in kind.”
“I look forward to it,” Aedan winked.
“How was the watch, Eion?” Tristan called when he saw his brother.
“All quiet,” Eion answered.
“Good, I take the next one,” Tristan replied. “We rise with the dawn, do try and sleep. Weylyn, if Alexina and Giorsal are cold would you—”
“You need to ask?” Weylyn interrupted rubbing his hand up and down Alexina’s arm.
“I did nae wish to assume,” Tristan said.
“’Tis never an assumption,” Weylyn replied.
“Our women will need our warmth tonight,” Tristan leaned down to kiss his daughter and looked over at his wife. “I return when the moon reaches high in the midnight sky.”
“Be careful,” Alexina called.
“Donnae forget I am immortal now, love,” he replied kissing her. “Weylyn, watch the camp.”
“Aye,” Weylyn answered as Tristan half-phased and disappeared into the woods.
The camp began to ready for the night and it was then Aedan spoke up.
“Eithne,” he addressed the druid. She turned to him with wide eyes. “You will be far too cold alone.” His tone was playful. “Perhaps you could sleep closer to the fire… but that would nae be a good thing if a spark were to catch you… what do you say, Father? Are we to let Eithne freeze this eve?”
“I would be happy to help her,” Eion said from near the fire. Her eyes flew to the young wolf and she smiled.
“I appreciate that, but I will be perfectly fine,” she answered.
“Nay, you will nae. Aedan is correct,” Weylyn’s voice came next. She shyly looked over at him then looked down. “Come here. Share this blanket with me.”
“I truly donnae wish to cause a fuss,” she said.
“’Tis nay a fuss,” Weylyn lifted the blanket so she could slide in with him. She hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed. Kneeling beside him, she looked him in the eyes searching for any hesitation. When she found none, she slid in beside him and allowed him to wrap his arms around her. She shivered. Wrapping his arms tighter thinking she was chilled, Weylyn felt her trembling.
“Are you that cold, lass?” he asked.
“Nay,” she replied. “Nay, I thank you. You warm me quickly.”
“Then ’tis my proximity that causes you to tremble so?” he asked.
“Aye, but no’ in the way you think. ’Tis I fear my reaction to you,” she finally answered.
“What reaction would that be?” he asked.
“Donnae make me say it in front of everyone,” she whispered. He grinned and kissed her nose.
“I will nae ask you to wait for eternity,” he said. “But I will also no’ ask you to say it in front of everyone.”
Chapter
Fourteen
Eithne woke seeing Weylyn’s peaceful face in front of her, his eyes gently closed and his lips pressed together softly. She felt his exhale on the fine hairs of her face. Hearing someone approach, she looked over Weylyn’s shoulder to see Aedan return from his watch and go to Tristan. Shaking his Alpha awake, Aedan indicated the sun just cresting the horizon. Dawn had come and they had to continue their journey.
“Weylyn,” she whispered stroking his face to wake him. Weylyn moaned softly and opened his eyes. She could not resist; she placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
“Good morn,” she whispered. His lazy eyes and smile melted her insides.
“Good morn, lass,” he replied, his voice still rough with sleep. “Did ye sleep well?”
“Aye,” she answered. “I was nae cold all through the night.”
“’Tis glad I am,” he said. Then, his eyes turned to the camp to see everyone packing their belongings. “Are we leaving?”
“Aye, ’tis dawn,” she replied.
“I should help them,” Weylyn said though he did not pull away from her just yet. Looking back at her he kissed her gently and moved her hair out of her face. “Stay close to me?”
“As close as you desire.”
After smiling and kissing her nose once more, he stood and helped his Alpha pack up camp.
Isla raced past them and around a tree; the sound of her retching and Aedan’s gentle comfort soon reached them. Sickness in the morning was common even for druids when they carried a child, but the look on Aedan’s face as he held his wife struck Eithne’s heart. Nodding an encouragement to him, she went to help her sister.
“Allow me, Aedan,” she offered rubbing Isla’s arms. “You help the pack.” Hesitant to leave her, he finally walked back to the camp after Isla released him. “You are sick most mornings recently, Isla,” Eithne said.
“Aye,” she answered her hand on her stomach. “’Tis my first child and ’tis early stages.” She gratefully accepted the water skin from her sister.
“Here, some mint to calm your stomach,” Eithne crouched down to pluck some leaves from the forest floor and washed them with some water from the skin.
“I thank you,” Isla said and chewed. “Aedan is so worried for me. I try to tell him this is normal but he does nae believe me.”
“He loves you,” Eithne replied simply.
“And you?” Isla asked. “Has our Weylyn come to his senses yet? You two seemed rather comfortable with each other this morn.”
Blushing, Eithne looked down. “Aye, he has asked me to give him a period for mourning his mate and then he will make me his,” she answered.
“I am so pleased,” Isla replied. “I ken you will give him the time he needs. But kenning he wants you as his own? That will help to stay your desires for a time.”
“Aye,” she answered. “I am thankful the gods have given us a second chance.”
“Aye, my dear,” she replied. “Not only is he honorable, but handsome as well.”
They both turned to look at Weylyn as he packed up a sleeping pallet. His tall, lean figure was very pleasing. His broad shoulders and strong arms made Eithne ache to be folded in them again.
“He will make you a handsome and loving mate,” Isla stated. “Though not as handsome as my Aedan,” she winked.
“Nay, but my mate is his father…” she grinned. “The first is always the best.”
Isla laughed. “I like this fire you possess when defending your mate.”
“He is no’ mine yet,” she answered. “But I have never felt this sort of…”
“Love?” Isla offered.
“Do you think?” Eithne asked.
“Och aye, I do,” Isla replied. “And I am so very happy for you. But we will speak more of this later. And my dear,” Isla waited until she looked at her. “If you have any questions… You ken you can come to me, aye?”
Eithne looked at her confused. “Of course, Isla, I always do.”
“Of course, but what I mean is…” Isla cleared her throat and stood straighter. “When he is to claim you, if you have any questions on what to do or what to expect, I am here.”
Eithne blushed to the tips of her ears. “I thank you.”
“There is nae shame is loving your mate,” Isla said. “But if you desire to speak with another female without hesitancy, I will always be here.”
Eithne said no more as Aedan called to them. The camp was packed and they were anxious to move on. Eithne headed back to where her pallet used to lay. Taking her bag, something caught her eye. A white night rose lay in th
e crook of the strap. Taking it gently, as if it was the greatest gift imaginable, she smelled the sweet fragrance, and looked around the camp catching Weylyn’s eye. Thank you, she mouthed. Tilting his head slightly, confusion marred his features but he smiled and nodded.
Chapter
Fifteen
Yuletide approached as they entered the northernmost tip of Alba. Tristan begged an audience with the Sutherland Chief, a man known throughout the land for his sympathies to wolves and druids.
“Chief,” a man announced them. The large man stood tall and turned slowly from the fireplace. His dark hair shown in the sun beams that snaked their way through the crack in the wall. “Tristan, son of Marrock begs an audience with you.”
“Marrock?” he demanded.
“Aye, chief,” Tristan said. “He may have sired me but he was nae a father to me.”
“I ken of him,” he replied. “A tyrant.”
“And a torturer,” Tristan said. “I am Alpha of the wandering wolf pack. My family and I seek refuge and sanctuary with you. This is my Beta; Weylyn and his son, my War Chief; Aedan. Our mates and siblings request your sanctuary. Will you provide for us, chief?”
It took the Scotsman a moment to respond. His eyes drifted from Tristan to Weylyn and then to Aedan.
“You have a fortnight to stay with us,” he finally replied. “If during that time, I find you are like your sire, I hold the right to banish you from my clan.”
“We thank you for your hospitality,” Tristan said.
“Chief,” Aedan stepped forward, then turned to Tristan. “With your permission, my Alpha,” he clarified. Tristan gave him leave to speak. “I was the war chief of my clan before I kenned of my birthright. I could perhaps be of use to yours. I have trained men for battle.”
“Asking what in return, wolf?” the chief asked.
“Only that my mate, who is expecting our first child, be given comforts,” he stated. “She is newly with child and due when the summer sun warms the land.”
The chief thought a moment but nodded slowly. “What clan did you serve?” he asked.
Midnight Sky (The Wolf's Bane Saga Book 3) Page 7
