The Steele Wolf

CHAPTER 7



My heart dropped. I grabbed Faraway’s mane and pulled myself up. Faraway felt my agitation and danced back and forth.

“Thalia, don’t run away again,” Fenri spoke firmly, beginning to show some of his warrior spirit.

Turning Faraway back I spoke out. “What do you mean run again?”

“The night you disappeared was the night I had planned to ask your father to consider me for your lifemate,” he spoke roughly. “You disappeared before I asked him.”

Looking Fenri over, I thought about the bravery that he had shown at the pass. He would make a good clan leader.

“Fenri, I can’t say what I thought back then. But today—right now, I have to decline.”

“Why?” he said stubbornly.

“Because I already lost my past, and I can’t let my future slip through my hands without a fight.”

His mouth pressed into a firm line of understanding and he nodded his head in acceptance.

I rode hard for home, letting Fenri chase after his horse, which according to Faraway, was stopped by a stream a quarter mile away. Riding up to the door, I left Faraway and strode into the house yelling for my father.

“What?” the great voice rumbled back as he was sitting barely four feet from me in his favorite chair.

“You chose my lifemate without consulting me? How could you?” I yelled at him.

“I had to. Rayneld was acting too pleased this morning and I heard rumors of him going before the council.” Even though Bearen ran the clan, the council of elders was used to decide on any discrepancy of the laws for someone had to make sure the clan leader didn’t betray them.

“Well, I refuse,” I firmly stated. A feral gleam of challenge rose up in Bearen’s eye and I knew that I looked just as menacing. After all, this was the man I got my famous temper from.

“You choose to willingly disobey your father?” he growled.

“Yes—a thousand times, yes!”

Bearen threw his hands up in the air in disgust. “What in heaven’s name girl, do you want me to do?”

“Why do I have to have to be married? Why now? I’m to young to have my future decided.”

“It’s not your future I’m worried about. It’s the clan’s future. If you don’t have a man by your side soon, then Rayneld may try to press the ongoing witchcraft rumors and have you banished. I may even be banished and he’ll take over the clan. And you know that he won’t stop trying until I’m in the grave. I can’t imagine what will happen if he takes over.”

His words hit me like a slap in the face. It wasn’t about me, it was about our clan and the struggles they would endure under my ruthless uncle.

“Well, if you don’t want me to choose a husband for you, than I have one option left. It’s one that even Rayneld and the elders can’t argue against. I’ll call a Kragh Aru.”

My mind struggled to recall the words but finally an old memory started to surface. It was Odin telling me stories of warriors competing in an elimination contest for money, land, and even a bride. For some reason, this idea didn’t bother me as much as the idea of an arranged marriage, because I saw a chance to get the upper hand. I wasn’t the best idea, but I could enter. I could win the prize and buy myself time, because I wasn’t ready to get married. It was a gamble and I knew my father was hoping I would say no and wed Fenri. Instead, I did the opposite.

“Yes, I you’re right. We need to have a Kragh Aru.”

Bearen stuttered in surprise at my announcement, proof that I had caught him off guard. “Was there something wrong with Fenri?” he asked.

“No, I actually hope he wins.” I lied, knowing full well, I wanted to win, but if I didn’t then I hoped Fenri would. I knew Joss would never be allowed to be my lifemate since he was a Denai, and the reason I myself could face banishment.

“Are you willing to live with the outcome?” he asked slowly.

Lifting my chin in defiance, I felt my knees go slightly weak, before answering. “Yes, Father.”

My father’s dark eyes squinted in thought. “I will go and make the announcement. We will have a Kragh Aru and the prize will be you, Thalia, as the winner’s lifemate.” Bearen’s huge form rumbled as he walked across the wood floor. When he disappeared out the door, I waited until he turned the corner and ran to Odin’s home. I could barely contain myself, when he opened the door and I rushed into a house very similar to ours.

“Odin, you have to help me,” I blurted as soon as the door was closed behind us.

“Ah, little wolf. What did you do now?” His wrinkled forehead became more wrinkled in worry as he looked at me. He was sitting in front of his warm fire whittling a piece of wood.

“I’ve agreed to a Kragh Aru and I’m the prize!” I stated, my hands itching in excitement.

“Why would you do that? I heard your father planned to announce that you would be bonded to Fenri! You are going to make people think you’ve gone mad.”

“Papa Odin, I may be when you hear what I have to say.”