Aubreigne Read online

  Making it to his front porch, Enthrall made it a point to stop at the small table Felicity and Aubreigne were enjoying their tea and pie at, and after letting Rune sniff him, he reached out to pet the animal. “Where did he come from?” Enthrall asked as he scratched Rune between the ears.

  “I don’t know. I told him that I wasn’t interested and he needed to go back to where he came from. Well, in so many words.”

  Enthrall chuckled. “I meant the wolf,” Enthrall said, allowing Ezekiel to come closer to pet him as well.

  “Oh, I found him crying on my doorstep. He’d been injured, so I treated his injuries and fed him. He’s been with me since. I find I like his companionship,” Aubreigne said.

  “He seems to be a calm beastie,” Enthrall said, patting Rune again.

  “He’s been gentle with everyone he’s met, except for Ata’halne,” Aubreigne said.

  “He’s smart, too,” Enthrall added, patting Rune. Then he looked out toward Ata’halne. “There is something I don’t like about Ata’s manner, Aubreigne. Far too much time has passed for him to show up and proclaim he’s made a terrible mistake. He’s got ulterior motives, I’m sure,” Enthrall warned.

  “It doesn’t matter. I don’t plan to give him attention of any type. After several days of being ignored, he’ll wander away,” Aubreigne said.

  “I’ve given him temporary residence here. He found us far too easily for me to be comfortable with, and I wasn’t completely sure your intent where he was concerned. I decided to allow him to stay for a while so that I could keep an eye on him.”

  “I understand. It doesn’t concern me either way. Whether he’s here or not does not matter. I will not be with him,” Aubreigne said decisively.

  “Just beware. I’m not sure what he’s up to,” Enthrall said. “Let me know if there is any problem.”

  “I will,” Aubreigne said.

  Enthrall looked down at the wolf, who lay perfectly still, yet completely relaxed while Ezekiel petted him. “You might consider getting a brightly colored collar for your beast, just so that anyone who sees him about will know he belongs to someone.”

  “That’s not a bad idea. I have some silk cord at home. I’ll weave him something tonight.”

  Destroy’s front door opened and Destroy stood aside as Saige ran past him and out into the yard in front of his house to play. Destroy noticed everyone on Enthrall’s front porch and lifted a hand in greeting, then went back inside to call to Rowan that Aubreigne was at Enthrall’s home, which was clearly heard all the way over to Enthrall’s porch.

  Enthrall shook his head. “That male is so loud,” he complained, while shaking his head.

  Aubreigne laughed. “He is. But he is a good male.”

  “And quite entertaining,” Felicity added.

  “I’m going to play with Zeke!” Saige announced at the top of her lungs before setting out at a full run toward them.

  “Hello!” Ezekiel said, walking down the stairs but not stepping into the yard as he watched Saige running toward him.

  “Puuuppppyyy!” Saige screeched happily when she got close enough to see Rune.

  By that time Destroy was outside, calling her back, but it was hopeless. There was not a chance of Saige returning to them. Destroy turned back toward the house and yelled. “Tell Marauder that everybody’s outside if he wants to come out!” he shouted toward the house in general.

  Minutes later Marauder was running to catch up with his father as Destroy made his way to Enthrall’s. Not long after, Rowan came out and pulled her front door closed behind her. She waved as she began her walk across the conjoined yards toward Enthrall, Felicity, Aubreigne and her own family. Only she didn’t make it twenty feet before a familiar male stepped out to get her attention. “Hello, Rowan,” Ata’halne said warmly.

  “Ata! Oh my goodness!” she said, hurrying to hug him. “I’m so happy to see you. What are you doing back?” Rowan asked.

  “I came back for Aubreigne, but it appears she doesn't share your enthusiasm at seeing me,” Ata’halne explained.

  “Oh, well, she was hurt when you left. I’m sure that if you just give her time, she’ll come around,” Rowan said.

  “I hope so. I don’t plan on leaving any time soon if I can help it,” Ata said.

  “What do you mean, ‘if you can help it?’” Rowan asked.

  “Enthrall is equally unimpressed at my presence. He seems suspicious of me,” Ata confessed.

  “He’s very protective of us all. You know that. He and Aubreigne are family now, and he knows you hurt her as well. Just give it time,” Rowan said.

  Over at Enthrall’s, Destroy turned to see what Enthrall watched, and found Rowan hugging Ata’halne. “What’s he doing back?” Destroy asked.

  “Not sure yet. Claims to want Aubreigne. Maybe he does, but I think there’s more to it,” Enthrall said.

  “Why’s that?” Destroy asked.

  “Call it instinct,” Enthrall answered.

  Destroy nodded. “Never liked him,” Destroy muttered, before he started toward where Rowan and Ata chatted like old friends. “Hey!” Destroy shouted. “Stop hugging my woman!” he demanded.

  Enthrall chuckled, while everyone else grinned at Destroy’s antics.

  “Destroy! How are you?” Ata’halne called out.

  “Much better than you’ll be if you don’t take your hands off my woman,” Destroy answered.

  “Destroy! You know we’re friends,” Rowan said, rolling her eyes at him.

  “I do. Does he know you’re only friends?” Destroy asked.

  Ata smiled at Rowan. “Perhaps you should go join your family. I’ll just wait here,” he said.

  “For what?” she asked.

  “For Aubreigne. Once she’s done with her visit, I’ll accompany her home to be sure she’ll get there safely,” Ata said.

  “Chivalrous of you,” Destroy said, striding up. “But she’s been getting there safely without you all these years. Imagine that…”

  “Destroy…” Rowan warned.

  “Rowan…” Destroy countered. “Come, our friends are waiting for a visit and if you want to get anything from Aubreigne, she’s almost ready to go.”

  Rowan smiled at Ata. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Of course,” Ata answered.

  Destroy took Rowan by the hand and led her over to Enthrall’s. “I just don’t understand why you have to be so welcoming to him all the time,” Destroy complained.

  “Destroy, you know I saved him. I freed him from his curse. How could I not be kind to him?” Rowan asked.

  “Just because you freed someone from a curse doesn’t make them a good person,” Destroy said.

  “I’m afraid Destroy’s right,” Enthrall said. “In this circumstance, anyway,” Enthrall said when they got close enough to hear him without raising his voice.

  “Why do you say that?” Rowan asked, genuinely curious.

  “I just think he’s got ulterior motives. He’s been gone all this time, now suddenly he’s back professing his love like he’s only been gone months. There’s something else going on. I just don’t see it yet,” Enthrall explained.

  “I can understand your suspicions. But maybe it just took him that long to travel home, and then to find his way back. You do keep us cloaked,” Rowan said.

  “I do, but it still feels off,” Enthrall said, watching the kids petting Rune where he rested quite happily beside Aubreigne.

  “Time will tell,” Felicity said.

  “It will indeed,” Aubreigne said. “But one thing I know already, he won’t be with me when whatever he hopes for comes to light. I’m done with him.”

  Chapter 12

  Aubreigne pulled her loaded down wagon behind her as she moved along the main path that led from Enthrall’s home to hers. She rolled her eyes when Rune emitted a growl behind her. He was bringing up the rear just behind her wagon. She’d tried to get him to walk beside her, but he’d insisted on remaining between her and Ata. The grow
l he’d issued had let her know Ata was still there.

  “I do not need you to follow me, Ata. Just go away,” Aubreigne said for the tenth time.

  “You may. You do not know what lives in these wetlands. You may need my protection.”

  Aubreigne shook her head. “I’ve been protecting myself for a lot of years since you left. I’m fairly sure I’ll be just fine without you.”

  “I’ve seen it, Aubreigne. You just don’t know what’s here. I vow I will not allow it to harm you,” Ata’halne said passionately.

  “There is more living here than even you can imagine. We’ve formed an uneasy balance. Please, go. I do not wish to have you shadow my every step,” Aubreigne insisted.

  “I thought we were friends,” Ata said, sounding genuinely wounded.

  “So did I, once upon a time. But no longer.”

  “I have apologized for being away for so long,” Ata said.

  “No, you have not. You offered an explanation, not an apology. But it matters not, I don’t want one, nor would I accept one,” Aubreigne said, picking up her step so she’d get home more quickly.

  “Aubreigne…” Ata said, trying to slow her progression.

  Aubreigne held up her hand. “Stop speaking, please. I wish to enjoy the quiet of the woods.”

  Ata pursed his lips and his eyes went even colder than they’d been at her dismissal of him, but still he followed along in her footsteps, scowling at Rune every time the wolf turned to glare at him.

  By the time Aubreigne stepped off the path and walked through the tall grasses and cattails screening her home from view, it was almost dark outside. She’d spent too long visiting with her friends at Enthrall’s home. She raised her gaze to the rapidly darkening sky just as the last bit of sunlight began to disappear beyond the horizon. Aubreigne pulled her wagon right up to her door in preparation of unloading all the supplies she’d traded for and bought, and all the while did her best to ignore Ata who loitered about twenty feet from her, since Rune wouldn’t let him get any closer.

  “Shall we share dinner together like old times?” Ata finally ventured since she was obviously not going to invite him without him prodding her into it.

  Aubreigne had originally planned to take her food and supplies into the house an armload at a time, but had decided to just pull the wagon inside and take her time unloading it. She paused right at her front door as she was struggling to lift the wheels of the wagon over the threshold and into the living room of her home. Aubreigne looked up at him. “What?” she asked, her irritation clear.

  “We should share dinner,” Ata repeated.

  Aubreigne straightened her back from her previous position of leaning over to try to lift the wheels of her wagon so she could pull it inside. She placed one hand on the small of her back and regarded Ata. “Why would you think we should share dinner?” she asked.

  “It will be like old times.”

  Aubreigne couldn’t believe the nerve of the man standing before her. She shook her head while she just gaped at him. He was a beautiful man, yes. But, his lack of integrity, and the audacity of him thinking he could just show up and expect her to take him back after walking away from her all those years ago was unbelievable. By his own words, he couldn’t stay with her because he wasn’t sure what awaited him at home. So, as far as she could see, whatever had awaited him, had refused him, and having nothing else work out for him, he’d found his way back here for his consolation prize - her. She looked at him again, and in the light of his treatment of her, didn’t find him quite so beautiful any longer. Any hint of kindness she’d felt toward him was quickly evaporating in the face of his constant pressure to be allowed back into her life. “There are no old times worth remembering, Ata’halne. You need to go. We will not be sharing dinner, visits, conversations, or anything else. That time has passed.”

  “You just need to be reminded of how sweet our time was,” he said, moving closer to her.

  Rune went off like an alarm, barking and snarling while almost foaming at the mouth he was so angry.

  Aubreigne glanced at Rune, then at Ata’halne. “Please leave my home and my land. I’m not interested in anything you have to say.”

  “You just need to learn to trust me again,” he said; this time, his voice held a tone of defiance, almost angry.

  “Our time has long passed, Ata. Please, just go, now!” Aubreigne said, raising her voice as Rune’s barks grew louder when it became apparent that Ata intended to approach her despite her asking him to leave.

  Movement from the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she glanced in that direction.

  Brannaugh stood at the corner of her home, watching.

  Ata’halne had noticed him as well. “This is none of your business. You should go,” he spat at Brannaugh.

  Brannaugh grinned and pushed off the corner of Aubreigne’s cottage as he strolled closer to her. “Funny he thinks I’m the one that needs to leave,” he said, patting Rune on the head on the way by. “Are you well, Aubreigne?” Brannaugh asked.

  “I will be,” she replied.

  “Your wolf let me know there was a problem. Heard him barking and snarling all the way to the edge of the swamp,” Brannaugh said.

  “He’s protective,” Aubreigne said, not taking her eyes from Ata’s.

  “He’s a good wolf,” Brannaugh commented. Then he turned his eyes on Ata’halne. “You, however, are not a good male. This is your warning. Your only warning. You will leave here, or you will wish that it was only the wolf you had to deal with.”

  “You do not even know me. How can you think me not a good male? I only wish to take care of Aubreigne, to watch over her,” Ata’halne said. “Tell him, Aubreigne, he is wrong about me.”

  “There is nothing left to tell. I’m asking you to leave before one of us gets hurt,” Aubreigne said tiredly.

  Ata looked over at Brannaugh, then back to Aubreigne. “Very well. I will take your concern for me to heart. I will honor your wishes and take my leave. I’ll return at another time so you’ll not have to worry about the safety of all involved here tonight. And so that you know my conscience, I wish no one harm. Not even this fairy.”

  Brannaugh chuckled. “Fairy? Very well, you wish to play. Perhaps you’re not aware that I know who you once were… Windigo. Perhaps you’re not aware that I know you are a little less than human now. I say less, because here you are forcing yourself into a female’s company as though you had something to offer. And perhaps you’re not aware that I’m a bit more than a fairy. I’m fey, a dark fey. And I can command the elements and creatures to do my bidding. So, would you still like to play?”

  Ata’halne’s smirk fell. He’d known the male was fey, but not guessed that he was dark fey.

  Brannaugh lifted a hand palm up and imitated the motion of throwing a handful of sand at Ata, only instead of sand, a swarm of hungry mosquitoes were suddenly buzzing about Ata’s face and hands.

  “This is but a minor irritation!” Ata’halne insisted, trying to maintain a calm facade in light of the inconvenience Brannaugh threw at him.

  “I hope you can see which of us is the better male by the parlor tricks displayed by this dark fey, Aubreigne,” Ata said.

  “I see a friend trying to help me convince you to leave. Yet, you still taunt him. Go, Ata, please,” Aubreigne said.

  “As you wish, sweet Aubreigne,” Ata said, slapping furiously at his face, arms and hands as he turned and hurried toward the edge of her property. The mosquitoes were biting anywhere they could find exposed flesh. Once ensconced in the tall grasses and cattails, he paused long enough to chance a glance back at the cottage, which he could just make out the top of from where he stood. “You’d best be nicer to me, Aubreigne. I’m almost out of patience,” he said warningly, before turning back to his original path and making his way irritatedly all the way to the far side of Whispers, where he knew Gaston lived. Gaston would surely invite him to spend the night. He’d have to listen to Gaston’s tall tales
of his youth, but anything was better than another night in a tree in the middle of this godforsaken swamp.

  Aubreigne waited until she was sure that Ata’halne was gone, then she began trying to move her wagon inside her home again.

  “Here, allow me,” Brannaugh said. Before she could even refuse, Brannaugh had taken hold of her wagon, lifted it from the ground and followed her into her home with it securely in his arms. He placed it on the floor in the middle of her kitchen, while she called Rune inside and closed the door.

  “Thank you, Brannaugh. I appreciate your help,” Aubreigne said.

  “For the wagon… you’re very welcome. For the male… I know you didn’t need me, but I hate it so when males think to force themselves on females. I just couldn’t not interfere,” he admitted with a smile, a real one this time.

  “He refuses to understand I’m not interested,” Aubreigne said, taking cool water from her kitchen and filling Rune’s bowl.

  “I am right, he was the Windigo was he not?” Brannaugh asked.

  “He was. Rowan freed him, I took him in and nursed him back to health.”

  “And?” Brannaugh asked.

  “And then he left. It was a long, long time ago. I was disappointed, but as it turns out, not so much so that I was unable to move on. It’s done now,” Aubreigne said.

  “Chances are he will come back,” Brannaugh said.

  “It’s fine. I don’t fear him,” Aubreigne said.

  “I will listen for your wolf. If I hear him, I’ll return just in case,” Brannaugh said.

  “Thank you. I appreciate you watching over me,” Aubreigne said. “Now, I am about to prepare a dinner of smoked meats and roasted vegetables. You are welcome to stay if you’d like.”

  Brannaugh cocked his head to the side and regarded her for a moment. “I should like that. It has been a long while since I was invited to a dinner. Well, other than the wedding the other day, I mean. Thank you.”

  “Have a seat. It won’t be long,” Aubreigne said.

  Brannaugh sat down at the table and watched the big, black and grey wolf licking his lips after having had a long drink of water from his bowl.