Page 74 of Wolf Alliance

“Aye.” She hurried from her hiding place, throwing her arms around him and hugging him to pieces.

Erik shook his hand and said, “I’ve mated and wed your daughter. We have an alliance. We will do everything to free your people and eliminate Freigard and his men.”

The other men with Erik and Accalia showed themselves and Baldur’s eyes filled with tears.

“Uncle Dunbar was involved in this?” Accalia asked.

“Aye,” her da said. “He let Freigard and his men in.”

Accalia shook her head. “Does he have our people’s backing?”

“Only a few because Dunbar has promised his friends elevated positions in the pack. If we eliminate Freigard and his men, Dunbar willna have any sway over the rest of our people.”

“Where is Aunt Davina and my cousin, Cameron?”

“They sleep in their chambers so that when you arrived with Erik to tell me your decision about mating him or no’, everything would look normal.”

“Except Freigard and his men are here.”

“Aye. They hoped to stop you before you entered the castle, but Freigard has grown impatient and is sending a group of men to Whitehaven to learn when you’ll be coming here,” Baldur said.

“We heard. He’s sending some of our men also.”

“Aye, so that you believe everything is all right when they reach Whitehaven.”

“Would our men no’ turn on Freigard’s men when they are away from our castle?” Accalia asked.

“They have families here and Freigard told them if they give anything away, their families will be the first to die.”

“Och,” Accalia said. “We have men in each of the chambers. Mayhap they can take Uncle Dunbar and Freigard into custody.”

“Freigard isna staying in any of the chambers. He’ll go back downstairs to speak with his men and stay below. He wants to be there if you and Erik show up.” Baldur gave each of them a hug. “I’m pleased you have mated and married.”

“We hoped to have a celebration here also. We didna expect this,” Accalia said.

“Neither did we,” her da said. “But I welcome the alliance, and I hope you are happy with each other.”

“Aye, we love each other,” Accalia said.

“Do you have only one guard outside your room?” Erik asked.

“Aye. They’ve taken all my weapons.” Baldur smiled at Erik. “But you have enough for yourself and me, it appears.”

Erik smiled at him. He didn’t want her da fighting, but he knew he needed to prove to his people that he could lead the pack.

Since Baldur knew his pack members best, Erik asked, “What do you suggest we do?”

“If we kill my guard, that will be the only one up here and he willna be relieved until early in the morn. My sister and nephew dinna have guards. Neither would be brave enough to leave their bedchambers for the night. But you say you have men in each of the bedchambers?” Baldur asked.

“Aye.”

“We must do this before anyone is aware of the deception. What about my brother?” Baldur asked.

“He will be held hostage until you decide what will become of him.” Erik felt it was best if Baldur, as pack leader, and because Dunbar was his brother, made the decision.

Baldur nodded. “I will go to the door and ask for ale. Then?—”

“We will take care of the guard.” Erik moved into place next to the door.

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