Page 86 of Wolf Alliance

“I bit two of them, but then they got away,” Davina said.

“I’m glad that you injured them,” Accalia said.

Accalia would have loved to be with her husband in her bedchamber alone after all that had happened, but she wanted to ensure the boys felt safe and secure at all costs.

“They were scared but did what we told them to do to keep them safe,” Isobel said.

“Isobel was amazing. When we return home, I’ll be working on my archery skills again,” Bessetta said.

“Aye, me too.” Then Accalia sighed, but she was more than perturbed about it. “I canna believe that Freigard and Dunbar’s men got away.”

“I saw Freigard once,” Isobel said. “But then I had another target and I didna see him after that.”

“I saw men fighting. I didna know Freigard or his men. I didna know all of Baldur’s men, certainly no’ which ones owed allegiance to his brother, Dunbar.” Bessetta arranged a crown of flowers on Accalia’s head and smiled, changing the subject. “Are you ready to marry your husband again?”

“Aye, I sure am.”

“I’m sorry I missed out on that one,” Niamh said.

“I wished you had been there too. Certainly safe from Freigard and his takeover.” Accalia hoped Niamh would feel settled with a whole new pack and wouldn’t get homesick.

Then they left Accalia’s bedchamber and went downstairs to the great hall where everyone was gathered.

Erik waited for his wife to be brought to him, and he vowed that he would keep her forever as his wife. She said she would do the same thing as far as taking him for her husband from now until the end.

Then he kissed her in front of the three gathered packs. Everyone was cheering. They held their hands out to the boys, who ran to join them, and they all hugged each other as a family.

More dancing and celebration followed. Accalia wanted to sit with Erik and relax after all that happened in the last couple of days. She wanted to make sure the boys were all right. They appeared to be, dancing with some of Baldur’s pack members, included in all the fun. They needed that.

“About the alliance with your da, I signed the agreement with him while you were bathing and changing into your beautiful gown. Even though he knows I would be there for him if he needs me, he wanted to have the agreement in writing as soon as possible.”

“Aye.”

“What do you think about the boys this evening?”

She smiled at Erik, glad he was concerned about them like she was. “I was looking forward to us sleeping together alone, but if the boys are scared after what they went through, I’m fine with them staying with us.”

“I thought we could see if they would be all right with staying with others to make them feel safe,” Erik said.

“Aye. I’m all for that also. Whatever works to set them at ease.”

“I agree.”

She realized when they left here to return to Whitehaven, herrealhome now, she would be alone with the boys in a tent, Bessetta and Isobel going home with Alasdair and the others of their pack. She would miss them.

She saw her da join them in dancing. She was proud of him for dealing with his brother the way he had. Their people were satisfied with how things had turned out—except that Freigard, some of his men, and some of Dunbar’s friends had escaped.

The celebration continued late into the night, but then everyone said their goodnights. The boys were asleep at one of the tables. Isobel and Alasdair would stay in Dunbar’s chamber. Baldur’s nephew would be with him, freeing up his chamber for the boys and Bessetta.

“I’ll make sure they’re fine,” Bessetta said, hugging Accalia. “But if I dinna manage?—”

“We might have late-night guests,” Accalia finished for her.

“Aye.”

Davina said, “Bessetta, if you need me to help with my grandnephews, let me know.”

“Aye,” Bessetta said.

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