Chapter Ten

Iris

 

Hours later, and Xander Bane’s words were still rattling through my head.

Claim. Predator’s price. Territory politics.

Mates.

“Iris,” he’d said, hunching forward and looking serious as he sat across from me at breakfast. “There’s something we need to discuss about your stay here in Winfyre.”

I’d had no idea I was about to be blindsided. I’d smiled up at him and the other Alphas. Rett and Luke had introduced themselves moments before. Everyone was polite and cheery, but there was a ripple of expectation in the room that I’d wondered at.

I’d had no idea it involved me.

“Kal is going to claim you.” Xander had gotten right to the point, yet I wasn’t sure I’d heard right. Weren’t claims out of style? Then it got more ludicrous. “We also need you to take on the role of Kal’s mate for a while. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors about Northbane Alphas and claims…”

At that, a laugh escaped me, and I shook my head, going to take another bite. Then I saw the four of them waiting for my response, serious-eyed and still. At the same time, though, I could see Rett and Tristan were fighting pretty damn hard to be serious. Of all things, Luke seemed nostalgic. When I’d looked back at Xander, his eyes had been such a dark blue, they were almost black.

Kal was nowhere in sight, I’d realized. Shouldn’t he be here? Did he know?

“Why?” I’d asked and folded my shaking hands in my lap. “And is Kal okay with this?”

My appetite had vanished, and nerves had swarmed up my esophagus. For a moment, I’d thought I was going to be sick. Images of Kal had swarmed through my mind, and I couldn’t figure out why I was suddenly so panicked. We’d just established the tentative beginnings of a friendship. Now we were supposed to be mates? What did that entail? Plus, I wasn’t sure my heart could handle that kind of subterfuge. What if I started liking him more?

I must have looked stricken because Rett had sunk into the seat next to me and patted my arm. “Maybe you should have explained a little more, first, Xander.” I’d glanced over at him and marveled at how much Rett looked like a dark-haired, younger twin of Kal. But looking more closely, I’d seen that Kal was sharper and harder, while his cousin had a bold, genial way about him. “And Kal would be more than okay. You guys already get along great; you are friends.”

“I guess,” I got out softly. Were we?

“You are,” Rett said.

“Kal is fine. Listen, it’s all going to work out,” the leader of the Northbane had said.

“But…why?” I asked.

In a soothing, low voice, Xander had quickly explained what had happened while Kal and I had made our way north. The Greyclaw were furious at Kal’s presumption at taking matters into his own hands and saw his actions in Delvik Hills as a form of Northbane aggression. Further proof this territory only acted in its own interest. They wanted both me and the book returned immediately.

I’d barked out a laugh at that. “Oh, now they’re suddenly so interested in me? Kallen saved my life, and...” My breath had gotten short. “But, no, they didn’t take that into account, did they?”

“No, they’re on edge because…” Xander had sighed. “Well, that’s a long story. Suffice it to say, the Greyclaw are looking for an excuse to expand into the Tiselk.”

My eyes had gone wide. “No, they can’t. That’s insane. Everyone knows that territories have spiritual demarcations that sprang up organically after the Rift.” Brain buzzing, I went on, “I don’t understand—it’s not like they’re lacking space or anything.”

Rett, Tristan, and Luke had chuckled. "What I tell ya?” Tristan had asked. “Northbane gal and smart as a whip.”

“They’re fools,” I said. “That could cause…” I looked at Xander again, and he nodded, his mouth a grim line. Suddenly, my respect for him increased. I could see why people flocked to him and why his four friends were happy to follow his lead. But the weight on his shoulders… “I see.”

“I thought you would. That’s why I am asking you to do this—to make it look like Kal wasn’t acting like a brutish Northbane thug, but a man trying to save his mate.” Xander had stared into the distance. “Before the Greyclaw set their own tails on fire and the rest of the Wilds with them.”

I had no words for that.

“And I’m guessing you wouldn’t have come to Winfyre if you didn’t feel this was the best place for you and the book,” Xander had added.

To be honest, at first, I hadn’t really thought about it one way or the other. I’d dutifully followed along behind the ice bear who’d snatched me from the auction block. He’d declared this was the right course of action, and who was I to argue with an Alpha? It was only in the last few days or so that I’d been wondering if I’d made the right decision.

I also wasn’t sure I should admit to these Alphas how drawn I was to that book. The way it tugged at my mind and asked to be deciphered. The sense of something trapped within.

For one thing, I’d sound insane, and for another, my gifts had never been anything special. A way with language and codes, a bit of extra intuition. I didn’t want to get hopes up, either.

However, now that I was here and had seen the genuine concern of these Alphas for their people and territory, as well as other territories, I knew it was the right choice. In comparison, the Greyclaw Alphas were distant and aloof. Not unkind, but not like these Northbane. Hamlet Norson, their leader, could be a bit vainglorious at times, too.

The book probably would’ve ended up in Winfyre anyway.

No, I should be here, and so should the book.

Five minutes with them, and I had an undying loyalty to the Northbane. Five years with the Greyclaw had only made me feel small and at loose ends.

I’d agreed and made a comment about priority over pride. Xander’s face had relaxed into a smile that made me realize he wasn’t much older than I. Those blue eyes searched my face, and I thought I saw a flicker of satisfaction. “Wow, you two are alike. Either of you two realize that yet?”

I’d assumed he was talking about Kal and had flushed, looking away. “Oh, don’t let him hear you say that,” I’d murmured.

“Yeah, Xander, don’t give Kal compliments he doesn’t deserve,” Rett had chuckled.

“So, that’s a yes?” Tristan had asked.

With no other recourse, although wishing Kal were present so I could gauge his feelings about this, I’d mutely nodded. I couldn’t have spoken the word aloud if I’d tried.

Xander had let out a huge sigh of relief, while the other Alphas grinned. Tristan had marched to the barracks’ front door, flinging it open and bellowing for Kal.

My face had been bright red as Kal stepped in and gave the room a flat, searching look.

What have I gotten myself into?

“What’s next?” Luke Swiftlore had asked, diverting the conversation neatly and winking at me when I gave him a grateful smile. After that, though, I’d glanced from Alpha to Alpha as they’d talked, not hearing a word. Not only were they brilliant and kind, they were so handsome.

Maybe Norson had a bit of an inferiority complex.

Luke, tall and built for running, every inch the wolf shifter. He had short, messy hair and searing blue-green eyes, his face covered in a dark gold scruff. Tristan, sitting on the edge of a desk and ready to explode into movement at any minute, the gold of his tiger’s eyes bright and beguiling.

Rett, with his dark scruff and gorgeous blue eyes, all patience and warmth. It was no surprise to find out he’d been the first dad among the five of them. Xander, dark and smoldering, a powerful and calculating leader. Yet deeply empathetic under all that reserve. More than one rumor had painted him as unfeeling and borderline cruel. The thought made me furious now.

All of them were intensely attractive men, and any one of them would make any red-blooded woman’s heart lose its rhythm and mouth go dry. But my eyes had a way of only seeing Kal.

Kal, who’d been quiet and stern, his biceps jutting out against his chest as he’d folded his arms and listened intently. His gray eyes piercing and unfathomable. I’d noticed his blond hair had been messy, and his beard had been scruffier than usual. Had he gotten any sleep last night?

When that question had crossed my mind, his gaze had suddenly met mine for the first time all morning. My heart had leaped into my throat, and my cheeks had gone fluorescent. I was certain I looked like a bewildered idiot, and I’d thought I saw a muscle flick in his cheek.

But then Luke had said something, and he’d looked away.

And that had been the most interaction we’d had all day.

After the breakfast conclave, the Alphas had dispersed, and I’d been left at the barracks with a book. I’d already gotten a full night’s rest, a hot shower, and a good meal. What more could I want?

But as I sat there, I felt exquisitely lonely. This was the first time in almost a week I hadn’t been with Kal. Strange to think we’d only met six days ago. And while he might’ve been oddly quiet at times, the world felt too big, too empty, without his broad shoulders and hard-set jaw.

If I’d let myself, I would’ve missed him.

Worse, we hadn’t talked about being fake mates or the book or anything.

Maybe his friends were wrong. Maybe he wasn’t okay with this. Maybe we’d both gotten our marching orders, and he’d been told to be okay with this…

Sighing, I tried to settle back with the book I’d found. To enjoy myself on this little vacation with the Northbane. To tell myself this would be a good story someday—when I’d pretended to be the mate of the Northbane Ice Bear Alpha. Like a shifter fairy tale.

Besides, Orion’s book was already on its way to Veda. The Coven was going to let me know if they needed my help. That had been disappointing, but maybe expected. There was nothing else I could do but wait, be patient and grateful.

“Oh, wow, look who’s coming,” a young and excited voice babbled. I turned and saw two shifters standing at the windows. “Laia looks like she could breathe fire.”

“I think she can,” chuckled the other.

I frowned. Laia. Why did that name ring a bell?

The two shifters looked back at me, and I sat up straighter, getting a little nervous. Wait, was this Laia incensed because of me? As I watched them scatter for cover as sharp steps echoed up the stairs and the door was flung open, I recoiled into my chair and lifted my book, peering over the edge.

A beautiful redhead swept into the room. “I honestly can’t believe how thick they can be.” Her nose was a bit pink, and she dabbed at it with a handkerchief. “I mean, maybe I can.”

“They really just left her?” asked one of the brunettes following her in. She had wavy, thick hair that fell just past her chin, picking up the golden glow of her tan skin and setting off her snapping, coffee-colored eyes. “Unbelievable.”

“After they went to all that trouble, too,” said the other brunette. She was tall, everything about her willowy from her long, straight hair to her delicate face and blue-gray eyes. “I swear...”

These three had an unmistakable bond. Not just from their mutual irritation, but something indefinable. No wonder those shifters had run for cover. As they looked around the room, I wanted to run for it myself. The redhead nodded at the two shifters at their desks, and they flinched as she marched over, staring them down.

“Hey. Have you seen…?” She didn’t finish her question as her hazel eyes landed on me, and she smiled. It lit up her whole face, and I lowered my book, giving her a nervous smile in return. Immediately, she made her way over and extended gloved hands. “Iris, right?” I nodded. “Hi, hon, I’m Laia Llary-Deacon.”

“Oh,” I said and hastily put down my book, holding out my hands. Laia squeezed them, and her hazel eyes swept across my face. “Hello.”

“Oh, thank goodness we found you,” said the shorter brunette with dark eyes. “I’m Sierra, and this is Reagan.” She gestured at the tall brunette. “We are so sorry.” When I gave her a bewildered look, Sierra sighed, then gestured at herself. “Tristan.”

Reagan let out another sigh. “Luke.”

“And Rett,” Laia said. “Kal’s cousin. Didn’t you meet them this morning? Or yesterday?”

“Yesterday, seriously?” Reagan asked, and her eyes flashed with blue fire. “And they couldn’t bother to let us know about it?”

“Yes, I did meet some of them yesterday, and the rest today,” I said, a little dazed. These three were the mates of the Alphas. The real deal, not a pretend one like me with Kal. All lively, intelligent, beautiful, and warm. All of my nerves melted away. “Wait, you’re not upset at them because of me, are you?”

Laia sank down next to me, letting go of my hands and coughing into her elbow. Or maybe laughing. When she turned around, she announced, “To put it mildly, yes.”

“No,” I protested. “Please, they’re busy. It’s fine.”

“No one is that busy,” Laia said coldly.

“It is not! They left you! And they didn’t tell us what was going on until a little while ago,” Reagan said and sat down in a chair across from me. “Just leaving you here, honestly. You must have questions, concerns, and maybe would like someone to talk to.”

“Well,” I said.

“Plus, you have no clothes, no supplies,” Sierra said as she plonked down on my other side. “We’re here to rectify that and apologize.”

“There’s no need for apologies,” I said. “I have food, water, and fresh clothes. I’m fine.”

Laia looked me over. “You’re wearing a sweatshirt that’s too big for you and thin pants in this frigid weather. And we know.” I looked at her, and she leaned in, speaking softly. “We know everything. The plan.” A wave of relief went over me. “We’re the only ones besides the Alphas who do. As Kal’s cousin-in-law, I must say, I admire your bravery.”

“Oh, it will be fine,” I said hastily as I smothered a laugh. “I mean, it’s to help Winfyre and…” Laia rolled her eyes, and I laughed. “Everything will be fine, I’m sure.”

“Hmm,” Reagan said. “Still, I wish there was another way.”

“Kal saved my life and has been very kind,” I said. On occasion.

“Huh, well, an ice bear changing his spots,” Laia said. “Will wonders never cease?”

“Ooh, Laia, you still haven’t let that thievery accusation go?” Reagan teased. “Hm, red?”

“Shut up,” Laia growled.

“Hell, I’d take that as a compliment,” Sierra said, and they all laughed.

My brain had finally caught up. The woman lounging on my right was Sierra the Sphinx. I’d been expecting someone a bit more Amazonian, not a petite firecracker with paint-splattered pants and a quick wit. It was clear she’d put her scouting days behind her.

“Honestly, Kal has been great,” I insisted again, not wanting these women to worry about me or go after poor Kal. “A gentleman through and through.”

“Maybe Xander does know what he’s doing,” Sierra said, but I saw her exchange a look with Reagan. “His track record would say so. Either way, Iris, you’re going to need clothes. We’re going to take you out shopping and for lunch—how does that sound?”

“Wonderful,” I said. “But I’m not—”

“Oh, but you are. You are part of our dubious little club of Alpha mates,” Laia said and squeezed my knee. “Let us spoil you.”

“You’ve been through a lot, too,” Reagan added softly and smiled. “Cassidy is my sister.” In an even lower voice, she whispered, “I had a run-in with Sarrow before, too.”

“Join the club,” Laia added dryly.

“Same,” Sierra said. “Oh, I don’t know that we should make it a club, though.”

“He really is a cockroach, that man,” Laia said. She got up and tugged on my arm, pulling me up with her. “Now, it just so happens that Kal’s sister Corinna is an excellent little seamstress, and she is very excited to meet you.”

“Wait, his sister?” I asked as Laia towed me through the barracks. “She knows?”

Laia tossed me a half-sympathetic, half-amused smile over her shoulder. “Honey, all of Cobalt knows. And by tonight, all of Winfyre will.”

“Yeah, you’ve done the impossible,” Sierra said at my shoulder. “Landed the ice bear.”

Once we were outside and alone, the three ladies converged, chatting amicably and reassuring me that they’d help me get through this.

“I told Luke they should reconsider, but it’s too late now,” Reagan said and shoved her hands in her pockets. “They’ve signed the paperwork and let the information run wild. Everyone is dying to meet you.” She growled under her breath. “And then those five just leave you.”

“I didn’t realize it was such a big deal,” I said, and my trepidation grew.

“The untouchable ice bear bachelor having his heart stolen by a gorgeous, golden-haired beauty he saved?” Sierra asked. “By this time tomorrow, they’ll be gossiping about it in the Tiselk.”

“And of course, none of them even thinks about what happens after the fact—” Laia started to say and stopped. She gave me an alarmed look. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to stress you out, Iris.”

“We’re just concerned,” Reagan said. “It’s a weird plan, even for Xander.”

I shrugged. “I mean, after the jig is up, we’ll just tell everyone it was…” I trailed off, realizing what they meant. “Wait, the Greyclaw would be furious. Pretending to be mates to pacify them.”

“You’ll have to fake a break-up, I assume,” Laia said furiously.

“Well, that’s fine, I guess,” I said and gulped. “Bit embarrassing.”

“And it could be dangerous,” Sierra said. “Being a Northbane Alpha mate doesn’t always guarantee you get the royal treatment. Sometimes it gets you into trouble.”

“Oh, man,” I said and slowed down, my hands pressing on my stomach. “And what about Kal? I mean, his future mate might not be happy about this.”

The other three women stopped and exchanged bemused glances.

“You are way too nice,” Sierra said with a warm smile.

“Kal would be lucky to have you,” Reagan said and squeezed my arm.

“He’s a big boy—he’ll be fine,” Laia summed up dryly.

“Still, this is kind of my fault…” I muttered and was met with three dissenting hisses.

“It is not,” Sierra said and stepped forward, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “It’s stupid pack politics. I warned Xander about this. The Northbane are uniquely positioned right now. Powerful and the only territory to really get along with the Tiselk. Mainly because they let them do what they want. But I knew it could piss off the other packs. Hell, they’re the ones who would pay extra for dirt on each other. It’s gross.”

“I didn’t mean for it to come to this,” I said.

“Iris, you are not to blame,” Sierra said emphatically, and the other two nodded vigorously. “You got saved by Kal in a spectacular and noticeable fashion, which is so not Kal. But now he’s given the Greyclaw an opening at a bad time. That’s all.”

“Xander is trying to prevent you from becoming a political pawn in these shifter games,” Reagan explained. “Only, well, we’re a bit worried he might have made you a Northbane one.”

I nodded and glanced around at them, trying to muster a smile and ignore the tumult in my stomach. “So, shopping?”

Laia smiled. “Let’s go.”

A few hours later, and it was like I’d always known these ladies. They insisted I call them by their first names, told me I could ask them any questions I liked, and made me buy extra of everything. This was further abetted by Corinna, Kal’s cool and effusive little sister.

Corinna, who pronounced me “exactly his type,” and hugged me for almost a minute when we first walked into her shop. “I was always afraid he’d end up alone, and now he’s got the sweetest, prettiest mate,” she gushed. “We’re going to dress you in all his favorite colors.”

By the end of that sentence, I was glad Reagan, Laia, and Sierra were there. I didn't think I could have handled this day by myself. The reality of what I'd signed up for had sunk in. Suddenly, I could see what the three of them meant. This plan might have initially forestalled the other territories, but it could backfire, and badly.

Worse, what about Kal’s family? Was his mom here? Did she want to meet me? Would she hate me when she found out I’d faked the whole thing?

Hour by hour, more and more questions piled up, as did my anxiety. I really needed to talk to Kal. As much as I loved these three women, only he could answer the questions I had.

Shopping and the ladies helped distract me, though. With the treaties and the peace that had settled over the Northern Wilds, there were “creature comforts galore,” as Laia said. And “no more black tanks and camo uniforms,” Reagan pointed out.

When we finally left the last store, laden down with bags, and with some of it being sent over to Kal’s house, I realized it was getting pretty late in the afternoon. We’d had lunch, and I knew the three of them had to be home for dinner. Reagan’s little son Caleb would be waking up soon, and Laia had two small kids who needed to be picked up.

“Thank goodness I was able to get Auntie Lily and Rett’s mom over,” Laia had told me. “But they’ll be coming by at some point, I’m warning you, hon. The Deacons are as tight-knit as the Llarys.”

“What do I do? Tell them the truth?” I’d asked.

“Let me talk to Rett and see what Kal wants to do,” Laia had sighed, and shaken her head. “Honestly, those boneheads. I realize that there’s a certain mythos with Alpha claims and mates, but they didn’t have to say it was that. They could’ve implied it.”

I’d wanted to ask her more about that, but I hadn’t had the chance.

Now, walking with the three of them to Kal’s house, my heart in my throat and my stomach tight, I couldn’t form the words.

“A claim,” Reagan had explained earlier, “is an instant connection. Usually between a shifter and someone important to them. But not always. It’s almost like this person triggers a protective instinct. A code of chivalry among shifters.”

Is the claim fake, too? I’d wanted to also ask.

The path to Kal’s house twisted and turned up a steep hillside. Hills swelled around us, and the golden light had thrown a deep glow through the autumn woods. Everything had a surreal and dreamlike feel. I kept expecting to wake up in my apartment.

We climbed a set of stone stairs set into the hill and finally arrived, catching our breaths and laughing a little. Glancing around, I saw everything here was a little overgrown and wild. I loved it.

“Is Kal home?” Sierra asked as we approached the house.

I didn’t hear the answer. I was drinking everything in. First, Kal’s house, a lovely and rustic place. A blend of sharp-angled eaves, glossy wood siding, and gray stone accents. Wide stairs led up to a set of double doors, their panes reflecting the umber glow of the west.

As the girls went in, I lingered for a moment. Trees clustered behind the house, but to the sides and front, it all fell away and revealed the land around it. To the east, a stream tumbled through the rocks nearby, snaking down to a river, and, in the distance, a thread-like lake. Mountains reared up beyond, snowy peaks tinted crimson, with low purple clouds hanging overhead.

Up here, you were on top of the world. Cobalt was hidden by a line of trees, but you could see the ocean through a break off to the west.

“Wow,” I said. “Not bad, Deacon.”

“What are you doing?” Sierra called, and I turned. She was hopping down the steps. “And what are you smiling at?”

“This whole place, Winfyre. This house. Everything.”

Sierra nodded. “I’ve barely been here over a year, and I still get like that. Now, come on in.”

With a deep breath, I entered Kal’s house.