Page 77 of Wolf Trap

I nodded. “Yes. It’s really quite unique!”

He ran to the edge and leapt down. “Now then, some time for us! I think we deserve a break. Come on in, let me show you around. You weren’t bothered about plumbing I hope?”

Oh no! I didn’t answer with words, I just shot him a mean stare, at which he playfully cringed from.

“Just kidding.”

As I walked up the wooden steps, my legs brushed lavender plants that gave off their sweet and peppery aroma. He unlocked the door, stepped aside as I entered.

Similar to Marrock’s home, a large open space, all wood obviously, with a huge wood burning stove at the rear of the room.

Leather and fabric chairs surrounded the stove in a semicircle. The fabric had a woodland print of wolves, ravens, the moon and hares in autumn colours with plump cushions on them.

I was awestruck. “Seriously, this is all yours?”

His smile engulfed his face. Full of energy, “I’m glad you like it. Look, through there, is a small WC, the kitchen’s down the corridor. Let me show you where we’re sleeping!”

Engraved into the oak bannister that climbed the stairway, a howling wolf’s head. I stopped and ran my finger’s over it. “This is beautiful!”

Leaning in, “Thanks. I carved that. It’s only taken me like a hundred years to learn, but eventually I did. I’m a bit like Edison!”

“Who, oh, yeah. It took him a thousand tries to invent the lightbulb! That’s patience. Or dedication!”

He waggled a brow, “Or madness? Come on.”

A gentle hint of wood filled the air as I followed him upstairs. All the floors were obviously solid timbre but each area had thick, long thread rugs. It was like walking on marshmallows.

His bedroom revealed a huge four poster bed, and like the railing outside, each post was a bundle of twisted branches, each polished and gleaming. Crisp white linen and a fluffy duvet covered the bed, he beckoned to me.

“Come and look at this?”

As I joined him at the window, the place overlooked the vast forest, in the distance the sun seemed to be melting like amber and copper liquid on the horizon. Dusk was just approaching. The soothing sounds of birds settling down to roost, and the whole place left a comforting feeling that washed over me.

“I called ahead, I have a stocked fridge. My freezer is always full!” He smiled.

“You have solar panels?”

“You’re right. A lot of the packs have learned how to build, roof and install solar energy. We still use septic tanks, you’ll be glad to know. Though Conor and his partner are currently arguing over compost toilets!”

I nodded. I’m not surprised.

“He hates the idea. So, are you hungry?”

“Famished. I think we should use a bit of time to practise first, I mean you never know when that crazy cult will rock up. And I need to add wards to your home, but you could help?”

“Agreed. We’ll do that, then eat, then, well… sleep at some point?”

Chewing on my nail, I nodded.

“You alright? You make me nervous when you do that?”

I forced my nail away from my mouth, “I’m still in shock, I guess. With everything. You said you lived,” I turned back to his sumptuous room, “Well, not like this?”

“I have cabins, homes all over the place, Elsa. None as nice as this. This is my palace!”

“Well thank you then that I get to stay in it.”

He grabbed me,pulling me into him, “Of course! I get to share my home with you, aside from getting rid of that bloody society, well…” Moving back his eyes met mine. “I’ve never been happier. Maybe it was your blood that forced us together Elsa, but now... Now it’s free will. I never thought I’d find love again. Now I can’t imagine being without you. I know I’m older than the hills, but you make me feel young, alive. So, I’m starving so shall we do the mage warding, then eat?”

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