Page 65 of Father of the Wolf

“That might not be so bad. If it were, he would tell you, right?” Dàn’s powers were awesome, even compared to the ones he’d just told her about. Having Dàn on their side felt like having an edge.

“Maybe, if we can change the outcome.” So, Dàn held back information about the bad things to come if he could not change them. That was considerate to those who might be hurt but must be hard for him to deal with. Hope felt another surge of sympathy for Dàn.

Athair had said he was bothered by two things. “What else was bothering you?” She felt his concern even before he spoke.

“Us.” Athair said.

“I didn’t realize we were a problem.” She pulled away from him so she could see his face. His eyes were serious. He really saw some problem for their relationship.

“You will be Keeper. Ella says the others may object to us being together. There has never been a mating between a Keeper and one of the Valàfrn. The ramifications could be drastic and might force many traditions to change. Ella’s fear and my own is how our people will react to those changes.”

“What changes? What could be so different about us that would cause others to object?”

“What about our children? They will have the long life spans of the Valàfrn, effectively ending the lifetime position of Keeper. The idea of one Keeper remaining and possibly holding grudges against an individual or a clan for thousands of years could be reason enough. Not to mention that being bound to one clan will eliminate any chance of neutrality. Many problems will arise and be cause for concern.”

“Then I won’t be Keeper.” Now that she’d found him, she had no plans to give him up to be a glorified librarian.

“That is not your choice. Your position is extremely important.”

“So let them object. What can they do about it? If they want a Keeper, I’m the only option.” She challenged him to stand up for whatever possible future they might have together. “To get me, they get you. It’s a package deal.” She pressed close to him and gave him a deep and thorough kiss.

“Hmm, I like that answer.”

“Athair, I don’t really know what the future holds for us.” She wanted him to understand that if they both wanted their relationship, they would have it, and nothing would keep them apart. As long as they stood together, not even the ruling council of the Valàfrn. “But I would very much like the chance to find out.”

“I know what we have. I’ve waited my whole life to find you. I’ll make sure we get that chance.”

Athair was content to relax and hold Hope in his arms all day. He felt much more secure knowing she would fight for their relationship as much as he. The thought that the council might object to their bond was intimidating, but not so overwhelming now that he knew her mind. The council had a valid reason for not allowing Keepers to bond with Valàfrn, but that made little difference to Athair. She was his and he wouldn’t give her up.

A light rap on the doorframe signaled Rath and Dàn’s return.

Rath poked his head around the corner. “We passed Sgrios on our way back.”

“Did he find Sandulfr?”

“Yes. He said Sandulfr agreed and will be here this evening, probably in about an hour.” Rath disappeared again.

Athair laughed at the thought of Sgrios acting as a diplomat, but his brother had obviously come through. Now that he thought about it, Sgrios had always done whatever needed to be done for the clan. Not once in all their long years together had he failed to act responsibly. During their hardest time, he had made sure the young had food available even when game was scarce. And when times changed, he tried to bring his knowledge of the world back to them even when Acair and Athair hadn’t wanted to hear the news. Despite what they all thought, Sgrios had managed to be a productive member of the clan even when not with the clan.

An hour later, Sandulfr drove up the driveway in a van. With him were Maura, Sundair, and three other men from the Bear Clan.

“Welcome. I’m glad you chose to come.” Unsure how much the Alpha would blame him for the problems at the ceremony, Athair greeted Sandulfr cautiously.

“It’s in our favor to work together to get this matter settled.” Athair relaxed as Sandulfr seemed willing to accept his innocence, despite his violent actions.

“Indeed, it is. Have you been here before? If not, perhaps I can show you around.” It was a risky offer because by making it, he was declaring his right over the territory. Yet he wanted to have the time to speak with Sandulfr, a chance for them to come to some understanding about what had happened.

“I have been here to speak with Ella, but not for many years. I see they have added onto the house. Perhaps you could show me the new portions after I pay my respects to the Keeper.”

“It would be my pleasure.” Athair was pleasantly surprised by how easily he could speak with Sandulfr. Perhaps they would be able to discuss the situation after all and find a solution.

Chapter Twenty-One

Pizza

Death and Rebirth

Dàn felt a hot, soothing wave of joyful emotion rush into him, and he smiled. He looked up and met Maura’s intense gaze as she hurried toward him. She wore a long, flowing dress and a worried look. As she drew closer to the porch, Sgrios stepped between them, bringing her to a sudden halt.

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