Page 75 of Malcolm

The wolf within him was singing for his mate, he shook his head, rejecting its demands. He could not run ; his mate was not ready for him, nor would she be for many nights. Malcolm gave the moon his back and approached the large gathering of guardsmen who seemed to be preparing for some wrestling games. He’d tire himself out and then sleep.

The Fallen

Eliza

Eliza pulled the blanket aside, trying to find relief from the heat that seemed to be burning her up from inside out. Looking out the window, she could see the sky was dark. Slipping from the bed, she walked into the bathroom. Taking a quick shower and getting dressed in a dress Morgan had loaned her, she stepped outside. She’d spent the whole day sleeping, so it was time she got out and enjoyed the festivities.

She could hear the music as people gathered around the bonfire that rose near the lake. She couldn’t shake the feeling of adrenaline rushing through her veins.

“Eliza.” She turned in time to see Lilly running towards her. Her blonde hair was down, and a ring of flowers circled her head. “I didn’t think you’d be feeling better so early,” she said as she hugged her.

“I wasn’t thinking I would come out, but I was getting tired of being so cooped up inside.” She pulled back and looked around. “Everyone’s energy is so high; I couldn’t stay inside when you all look like you’re having so much fun.”

“Great,” Morgan said, coming to her side with a cup. “I’m glad you came; finally, someone else can be the voice of reason.” She handed her the cup, shooting a look at Lilly. “She seems to think the Maitland over there would be perfect mating material.”

Eliza looked from Morgan to Lilly, who sighed, “You’re no fun. That man has muscles that scream for me to touch. He would give me pretty babies.”

“And where is this man?” Eliza asked as she glanced around.

Lilly came to her side and pointed across from them.

Eliza had to give it to the girl. She wasn’t wrong; the man’s muscles fairly breathed. He wasn’t lacking in the looks department either, with high cheekbones, thick lips, and a smile that put a crack in her shell. “Well, Henry Cavill, eat your heart out.”

“Henry? Who’s Henry?” Morgan asked, hearing her muttered words.

Seeing that both Morgan and Lilly were confused, Eliza sighed. “Never mind, I’m just saying he’s a looker. I can’t see why she shouldn’t shoot her shot.”

“He’s a Maitland,” Morgan repeated; Eliza stared at her. Seeing this, Morgan sighed. “Maitland’s tend to mate withhuman women, so their blood is weak. And it’s known that they create children who aren’t able to change.”

Lilly groaned, “Right, and my dad spends more time talking about bloodlines than is healthy. If he even thought I’d contemplate mating with a Maitland wolf, he’d kill me…” she trailed off, looking at the man with despair. “He’s already bent out of shape enough for having to let me go to school and work in Clarksville, but if I married a Maitland, he’d keel over.”

“Right, and her father happens to be Haggis. The man fairly screams ancestor obsessed; he even hunts with a spear still,” Morgan said, shaking her head. “If you bring a Maitland to him, he’ll probably go to your mom and complain.”

Lilly's entire body cringed. “Ugh, don’t curse me like that.”

Eliza looked between the two women. “Okay, I’m completely confused.”

Morgan laughed, shooting Lilly a humorous look. “Well, see, her dad went roaming during his younger days, and he invaded the Northern Packs Ceilidh and mated with a Norse Wolf. And the Norse Wolves are very, very particular about their mates as the power is with the woman. So, her mother is sort of a Pack Alpha herself. Also, note Norse female wolves tend to have multiple partners.”

“Ugh, please stop,” Lilly groaned. “I’ve been avoiding her calls for about a week. I can almost feel the random visit coming any day now.”

Eliza couldn’t help laughing. “Your family sounds more complicated than mine.”

“Well, Pop swears he loves her, and she swears the same thing; I’m the only pup allowed to stay with their father. My other siblings remain with my mom.” Lilly said thoughtfully, still eyeing the male across from them. “Well, I’ll let Nefer have her way this night.”

“Yep, she’s pretty much the best at picking our partners; after all, she is a goddess,” Morgan said, but Eliza noticed the sadness in her eyes before quickly covering it up. “I’m craving another hot meat pie. Let’s eat, drink, and be merry because it’s back to work after tomorrow.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me. I can’t believe Agnes abandoned us to enjoy alone time with Harry,” Lilly groaned as they were dragged away. “Traitor.”

Together, they made their way to a table covered with food of all kinds. An older woman handed out food and drink to those who walked by, and Eliza was eager to try some.

Malcolm

A roar rose from the crowd of drunken men as he tossed another challenger into the packed sand. Breathing hard, Malcolm staggered back only to be caught by Jamie. “You’re crazy; that’s your fifth one. I’ve already bet on you; please tell me you will run through the rest?”

He laughed as he took the cup of ale from his friend. “I don’t have any intention of stopping now.”

“Well, I don’t think Iver would let you off anyway,” Archie said from where he crouched, watching the other clansmen slapping the larger male on the back. “All the other guardsmen are betting on you; last I overheard, two barrels of some whiskey are on the line.”

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