There are no words.
The girl had the alpha mark on her body. Rick had tasted her sister's blood and shared it. God! Willian was going to kill him, before skinning Cassie. The Council will not like the news.
-Hope so.
-What happened to her? -She managed to ask when her breathing stopped coming.
She was almost running after the tall man in the middle of the hall, oblivious to the curious eyes around them. Richard Morgan cared little for the detail when he stopped in front of his apartment door and kicked the door open. The girl had regained consciousness only once. It was definitely the change. Sharing his blood in some way had accelerated the process prematurely. He laid the young woman on her bed sighing. The room was cold and the windows were open. Cursing, he looked at the unlit fireplace before closing the windows and pulling the heavy curtains as Faith lit the candle holders. He turned to her, even more, frowning with the cousin.
-I don't remember you telling me about your friend, my dear. - The censorship was striking in his puzzled look.
Faith just looks at him.
-Do you want to explain to me why I never saw this girl around the castle? I never forget a face. Certainly not a face like that. I want to know where the girl's parents are.
Faith stared at him wordlessly. That was bad.
-She is ... a distant cousin. - The lie was palpable.
Richard raised an eyebrow to show that he was not convinced to make the first embers burn in the fireplace.
-Tell another. - He teased her with mild irritation. - The girl is a wolf! But what a curse! I am the alpha of the pack. Surely the girl should have been handed over to me. I will not accept a human if there is a woman of our kind.
There was frustration in the outburst. Richard was fed up with the Council's intransigences, tired of traditions and customs. Katie had been a hard limit crossed. He would not simply tolerate more decisions by the ancients in his life. He looked at a girl and his gaze softened for a moment; the anger giving in amazingly and gradually.
A wolf?
He imagined the reaction of the brothers when they discovered the novelty. He laughed. And very soon, he would be free. Again.
-I don't know what's so funny. - Faith controlled the bad mood. - She will need dry and covered clothes. Should use your own room.
Rick swore his brows together in disapproval.
-Made the maids bring it here. - He decided very calmly. - I don't want my wife out of my eyes. Not when her father is so irresponsible allowing his daughter to wander the forest alone and unprotected. Do you believe a guardian could have killed the girl?
Faith's eyes widened in horror. The dress that was so beautiful was just wet and torn. She sighed.
-Cassie was in the forest?
"Cassie ?! Was that her name? "
Richard nodded, watching her cousin more closely.
-Rick! - Faith protested while caressing her sister's face. The bite mark on the neck was unquestionable. He had even left his mark on the girl's body. Legally Cassie was his mate.
"Little fool. What did you do? And the Council, Cassie?"
-You should be my friend, girl. We grew up together. -There was hurt in his husky voice when he looked at her. She ducked her head guiltily. It was clear that it should.
Only the Council was not tolerant of Cassie's presence in the castle. She was beginning to worry about the Council's reaction when they discovered the news after the failed ball. The father should tell Richard the whole truth. He was an alpha. He would have the courage and strength to make his will prevail and protect the woman.
-I'm your friend, Rick. - She defended herself. She was going to tell you everything. She was just building up courage.
Richard Morgan looked at her without much interest and looked at the young wife again. Once again Faith admired how her cousin's ever-so-angry temper seemed to soften.
-What hell! Where is a damn healer in this castle? - He complained loudly while sitting on the bed, checking the girl's temperature
.It was still very low. Wolves naturally possessed the ability to heal in their bodies. He was beginning to blame himself terribly. That girl by the dejected state was in the period of awakening skills.
He needed to see those magnificent green eyes again. The girl seemed to awaken all of her most primitive instincts. He still did not believe in the boldness of his attitude, he had not stopped to reflect. It had been spontaneous and compulsory. Just remembering last night made him burn with desire. Never before had he experienced such an intense urgency. He only knew that the girl belonged to him. It was as if an incomprehensible bond had been forged. Couldn't wait for her to take on animal form and be part of the hunts ... beside him.
Slowly and carefully he pulled the girl against him, rubbing her wrists. She might not yet have transformed but Rick could capture the wild essence latent and ready to awaken him. He was anxious as an inexperienced and clumsy boy. How could that girl do that?
He brought his wrist to her cold-lipped mouth with a deep sigh, projecting his mind. Telepathy. Wolves from the same pack shared telepathy. They were together a strong and powerful organism.
"Petite loup, dear. It will help, just drink ... Come on, my lady..."
Faith looked at her cousin in amazement before astonished eyes fell on her sister.
Her heart was threatening to come out of her mouth, so nervous. Cassie, indifferent to her sister's agitation, did not realize the seriousness of the situation. She didn't know the danger was in. Her eyes flew open for a fleeting moment, black and black as he displayed the sharp fangs and closed.
-She ...she. - Faith stopped dead.
The words didn't come to her dry throat.
Richard Morgan breathed a sigh of relief. The wife's system responded to the body's needs at least like any wolf. Slowly he could also feel the attunement to her mind and the heat radiating back through her feet and spreading in a pleasant way giving the feeling of being well.
It shouldn't take long to wake up maybe. Rick mentally imagined the surprise it would be when they heard orders to prepare for the ceremony. He was going to introduce the girl in front of the entire clan as his companion. Then the Coral would raise anchors.
-You shared the blood! - Faith finally found her voice. - Richard Morgan! This is not how you choose a wife. You even look like a barbarian. There are traditions. It will again cause confusion with the Council.
-Yes, yes. - he replied angrily. - The girl is my wife!
A very satisfied smile lit up the male face.
Naturally, he was. It was as if in the whole world there was only the girl in his arms. It was as if she were his gravity holding her to the earth. It was unbelievable indeed. Anyway, his decision was made. The White Order Coven had finally accepted new mercenaries.
-I'm not an animal, not like that! -he looked shocked as he continued. - I need you to help your cousin provide a dress. We will respect the traditions at least a little. I want a priest for tonight. This little nymph before the night is over will be making her vows to me.
Faith lost her voice again. Cassie had always been in love with that man. Nothing or no one could divert her attention after Rick had transformed and saved the child in the midst of the carnage at Glenhouse. She couldn't imagine that it would be a reciprocal feeling. He didn't even know her.
-You're not serious, Rick! - protested again.
-But of course, he isn't! - William entered the room and stopped as if struck by lightning.
Even he would not have believed in his nephew's boldness. The ancients would be irritated. The boy shared the blood with the girl.
- Did you taste her blood? - the question was categorical and demanding.
Richard Morgan stared at the petulant uncle. It was clear that there was. The girl belonged to him. It was a necessity. They would find a war if they wanted to decide otherwise.
- Naturally, yes, Will. The girl is a wolf. It's one of us. It will surely dominate the change of form. Why wasn't I introduced to her as our goddamned traditions demand? The girl is my wife!
"The intransigence of the ancients."
The answer was not spoken aloud, but Morgan still caught the thought. Will felt the skin crawl. Richard Morgan's blood would naturally accelerate the awakening of the girl's abilities.
-A wedding needs to be consummated for it to be ...- Will fell silent with a veiled curse before the challenging look of his nephew.
"Damn it, Rick!"
-I can guarantee that it was consummated. Traditions ?! In my hut in the forest, the girl's virginity is proof. -Richard was adamant.
-I do not believe you had a boldness ... - Will started to ignite
.-I will not subject me to decisions of that Council, Will. Katie was a mistake. Only Cassie ... The girl is a wolf. How is it possible? Where is everyone? I want food and drink in the lounge with plenty for celebrations. - Richard Morgan spoke daydreaming. - I will not be controlled by the Council.
Will's eyes crossed the eldest daughter in silence. The situation was far worse than the Council would have guessed. The boy was not going to accept demands. He noticed his possessive way with the girl.
And when Jackie knew...
Heavens!
-Richard Morgan!
-Not even. - The alpha declared the complaints indifferent.
He needed to find Richard and Michael. The brothers would never believe it. Never before had they seen a woman master the skill. The younger brother had decided to step away from the Corsican ships after rumours were circulating in the court of the Sucessorium. To everyone's amazement, the boy had become involved with a very attractive young woman. There was an excellent impediment that had caused discussions and disagreements in the whole family.
Wolves and sorcerers had always been enemies. The girl may not have mastered magic, but she belonged to the enemy. It seemed like a temptation that witches exerted on them.
-Your presence was requested by the Ancients, boy. Again - Will sighed in resignation. - At least try to stay calm this time. A little diplomacy wouldn't do ...
Richard Morgan's laugh was incredulous. He stood up and for a moment admired the unconscious girl. His hand stroked her face in a soft caress. He would meet the ancients before the girl woke up. He intended to be beside her in case a father came out furious. With a resigned sigh, he took the travel cover and fastened it on his shoulders.
-Faith ...
-Ah, okay. - She agreed, trying to ignore her father's disapproving looks. - I'll call the maids. But where do you think I'm going to find a dress that fast ... and ...
Rick smiled as he lifted Faith around the waist and whirled elated.
-Girl, you know how to do wonders. Have pity on a poor man who arrives from the high seas. - he appealed with forced understanding.
Faith shook her head. Richard was not usually that hasty in his decisions.
-Maybe if I could get to know this young girl better ... - Will tried to argue further.
He didn't know why he wasted his time trying to convince his nephew. Morgan never made it easy when it came to ancients. Richard was perhaps more tolerant. After the unexpected death of the castle's regents and clan leaders, Will had assumed custody of the four nephews. Only Adam, the youngest, still does not cause problems or concerns.
-Come on, my uncle. They just suggested that I provide a chosen one.
William looked at him in a daze. Naturally, he had suggested and advised his nephew. Only it was Cassie who drew his attention to the displeasure of the oldest members of the clan. He watched with little interest as Faith left the room, walking next to Richard.
He was wondering how was going to explain it all. The boy, as usual, paid no attention to any of his arguments. There was little movement in the corridor as they walked to the south tower. Only the girl would be safe beside him.
The ancients would no longer take chances with tear powder or with the aconite after learning that alpha shared his wife's blood.
William could imagine his friends' reproaches when he received the unexpected news. In fact, could hear the censors even before a long discussion started with the alpha. A deafening crash echoed down the hall, followed suddenly by screams and explosions. He turned in shock even before his nephew, with cold blood running through his veins.
The fourth ...
We will wait. But consider yourself warned. If the girl is not removed from the alpha, the ancients will intervene ...
Cassie was alone in the room and without any protection. His own scream got stuck in his throat. Rick reacted by instinct, months of life, and fighting, guiding his instincts by turning on his heels. There was a fire at the end of the hall. His room was exactly ...
-Cassie! he shouted, hallucinating.
Will didn't stop the boy, he was inactive and stunned by the scene. He would not have waited. Good God, the room where your daughter was until recently ...
New screams echoed in alarm and guards appeared in the corridor blocking the entire passage. Richard smelled smoke, ignoring the sudden heat with a racing heart. Cassie was in that room. He had left the girl there alone asleep. What the hell!
They were in the castle. It was to be expected that the place would be well guarded. Armed sentries blocked the passage when he furiously stopped helplessly.
Your room ... A knot went up to your mouth causing your entries to contract. Flames spread throughout the place. The bed where he had been sitting a few minutes earlier with his wife was a type of blackened and burnt wood. He blinked his eyes in disbelief.
- Holy merciful God! - managed babble. Dieu Sacré ... non.- Order the place to be cleaned and searched. It is best to organize sentinel groups for castle security. Any stranger or intruder must be detained for questioning.
The hateful, low voice of one of the amcients commanded sudden chaos. Richard Morgan turned like a furious animal, ready to attack. He hissed as he faced the council representative.
-Where is she? - roared possessed. -I am not so naive as to believe that your vulture mob is not brave enough to murder in cold blood. Not yet. What did you do with the girl? Where's my wife?
Regan kept his expression calm and peaceful. He avoided paying attention to Willian's pale countenance. The warning given would not tolerate the boy's affront.
- No request or communication from my lord was made, informing the Council that you were married. - The elder commented as if everything was quiet and the room was not on fire, while the men ran with the buckets in an attempt to prevent the fire from spreading.
It's good that you do not hurt my wife! - Rick said quietly angry.
-The girl is safe. Unfortunately, not within reach for faster or more agility than you, my boy. It was not considered an appropriate choice, I regret.
Richard reviewed eyes perplexed, distilling hatred in every pore.-Choose appropriate? I do not remember having asked you about it. Where's the girl? - Roared altered. This time, his clawed hands held the old man by the neck without any ceremony to Willian's despair.
- Where? - he repeated softly. His tone seemed only to accentuate his rage.
-If you can calm down ...
Richard took a deep breath. Seizures raged throughout the column, fed by hatred that consumed. It could easily turn into a wolf and show his displeasure. Damn his advice. They were stuck with ancient traditions that would be the downfall of the clan over time. The question was still tolerable before the unfortunate quarrel with the clan of witches started. Only that the disappearance of the heir caused deaths and bloody battles for years. The conductor who led the Order of Light, or clan of witches, blamed the child's loss to wolves.
-Said. Where. She. It is? - The words were pronounced slowly.
Willian stopped beside him and avoided looking at Regan. The destruction in the Richard Morgan room was complete chaos. Years of experience showed what was imperceptible to the boy. There was a magic ending in the air. The girl even forbidden to use magic had been advocated by instinct. He knew from experience that her daughter would not be in the castle. Ancients were never tolerant.
-A young man was fortunately wiser. To understand that the position of an alpha partner presupposes qualities such as obligations to a pack. He agreed to leave willingly, of course. No harm was done to her.
- Does she leave? -Richard's question came low loaded with anguish.
"I do not believe this."
- Of course, you should be satisfied that your hasty decision will not bring representations of an angry family. The situation will be negotiated and those responsible will be compensated. What? His voice sounded different and distant. Was it just a matter of money? His family was rich and powerful. He swallowed hard as he looked at his quiet room.
-How much? - he managed to ask livid. - How much did you offer her to agree to that?
It was impossible! The girl wasn't even conscious before ...William closed his mouth in anger when he was warned to remain calm.
-Enough, Rick! - he said decidedly.
-Is that what she wanted? Well, deliver what the unhappy family asks for. All. - Morgan took a deep breath.
William held his nephew firmly by the arm. He almost told him everything. He was going to put an end to the unfortunate farce. Her daughter was missing. She was little more than a child. There were sorcerer hunters.
Cassie had never before manifested that kind of strength to combine such strong spells. It was Richard's blood in his system that brought out the gifts. He didn't even know where to start looking for the girl. Maybe Thalagar or Jackie would help. Thalagar was a tracker ...
-Rick! - the boy called very seriously. - I want you to listen to...
-Enough, Will. I'm full. - The outburst was calm. Perhaps the anger at that moment could sustain his pride. - Ask Giles to provide ship ammunition and supplies. The Gaia raises anchors with a tide.
Leave?
Did the boy intend to leave? He had barely arrived! The ship had anchored only three days in the cove." My lord, you must remember your obligations ...", Regan tried to argue apprehensively. Perhaps the Council's decision had been a little hasty.
The sentries had tried to apply the aconite again to weaken the girl and had been surprised. She had attacked for the defence before disappearing. It had simply disappeared into midair before the astonished looks. She was getting stronger and stronger. Richard Morgan's scornful laugh echoed down the hall.
Obligations?
He was not just an animal for the council to concern itself with the possibility of procreating heirs. It was a revolt. He couldn't believe that the girl had deceived him so easily with those magnificent eyes. He shook his head decisively.
-To hell my obligations! I raise the anchor as soon as possible. Gaia is also leaving. The clan seems to need more resources if the council intends to indemnify ... - he was unable to finish. As far as I'm concerned, my loyalty to you ends here.
He got rid of his uncle's hand with a sudden, hurt jerk. I shouldn't be surprised. Not after Katie. Women were never to be trusted.
At least on a ship's deck, he was the master of his destiny.