Chapter 17

I came downstairs the next morning feeling significantly better. I was still sore, but I felt rested and more prepared for the day. Stopping at the opening to the living area I paused taking in the sight before me.

Rune was at the counter making coffee. He was shirtless, and his sweatpants hung low on his hips. His muscles moved smoothly beneath his skin. Black symbols were tattooed on his skin, and I wondered what they meant.

“Oh boy, you have it bad.” A female voice said from the table.

My gaze snapped to see Beth sitting at the table with a cup of coffee. My face heated at being caught starring at the man before me. Rune grinned and turned handing me a cup of coffee. He leaned down and kissed my cheek.

“I love knowing your eyes are on me, angel.” He whispered in my ear, his breath warm on my ear.

My face heated more, and I moved to the table to sit across from Beth. The men said she had been around before I woke up yesterday, but it was nice to see her for myself. Her face still sported bruises, but they were already in late stages turning green. Her cuts were mostly healed.

The doctor side of me was amazed at her fast healing. I was still learning just what a shifter body could do and handle. I knew I had never gotten sick, and thought it was odd, but just figured it my genes. It wasn’t until my first shift that I realized how right I was.

A sharp pain moved through my chest at the thought of my first shift. It had been terrifying and painful. Then I shifted back only to learn what I had done to my family, what had happened as I shifted in close quarters. Erik had gotten lucky compared to what I’d done to them.

“Hey.” Erik said as he sat down beside me. “You keep brooding like this, and you’ll pull Sten from the office before he’s ready. You don’t want to have to deal with a grumpy Sten.” He said with a smile.

I smiled at his effort to lift my mood. He kissed my forehead and squeezed my thigh, leaving his warm hand on my leg. A scoff pulled my attention back to Beth.

“You all have it bad.” She said with an eyeroll as she drank from her coffee.

“You’ll soon understand.” Frode said as he joined us at the table.

Beth’s face dropped and paled so quick I went on high alert. Her anxiety filled the dining area and she nodded.

“Do you not want to meet them? If you want to wait, we can keep you here longer.” Frode said, setting a large hand on her shoulder.

“No, it’s better to just get it over with. You’ve said they are good men?” She asked, trying to confirm what I assumed was a previous conversation between them.

“They are. They are our best friends. We’ve known them our whole lives. They’ll treat you well. I know that you were exposed to bad packs before, and that’s why you went rogue. On my word as an alpha, I swear they won’t lay a hand on you. If they ever do, or if you ever need a break, our door is always open.” Frode said with a kind smile.

“Are you okay?” I asked, unable to keep the concern from my voice.

“Yea, I want to say thank you. If you hadn’t warned me about your vision, I don’t think I would have made out from the attack alive. You risked your life to save mine, and I won’t forget that. Plus, I think I could like you.” She said with a wink.

“Well, usually we all get together at least once a week, so there will be plenty of time to see.” Rune said with a grin.

A knock at the door pulled our attention to the door that opened as four very large men entered the cabin. Frode got up and greeted the biggest with a one-armed hug. He turned to face me, keeping his hand on the hulk of a man’s shoulder.

“Astrid, this is Joakim Borg. His beta, Veli, gamma, Aron, and delta Elmeri. They are our best friends, and Beth’s pack. Do you want to join us for breakfast?” He asked, turning back Joakim.

“Another time, we unfortunately do not have much time today. But we are long overdue for a visit. A real visit. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Astrid. Thank you for saving our mate and bringing her home safely. We look forward to getting to know the mysterious wolf who captured these hard ass hearts.” Joakim said with a grin.

His smile made him look like a gentle giant.

“That sounds fantastic.” I said with a smile.

“If you are ready, Beth, we should be going.” Joakim said, his voice soft and kind.

Beth nodded and went to stand by them. I watched as a look passed from Frode to Joakim, almost like an unspoken warning. Cocking my head to the side I tried to get a better look, but it happened so fast I wasn’t sure if I saw anything.

“Mind your own, Astrid.” Erik warned under his breath.

My face heated and I turned to face him. He smiled and kissed my forehead, chuckling softly.

“He’s just making sure they know we take responsibility for Beth, as her family isn’t here.” He said into my hair.

I nodded and moved to see Rune had started making breakfast. The door shut and Frode joined us back at the table. My stomach decided to growl loudly, filling the quiet. My face heated at the sound.

“Hungry, little one?” Frode asked, grinning as he took a long drink from his coffee.

I nodded.

“Where’s Sten?” I asked.

“He’s still researching. He’ll joining us when he’s ready.” Frode said as he set his mug down.

I remembered Erik’s warning from earlier, about pulling him away before he was ready.

“Does he usually do this?” I asked.

“Yes. Whenever research is needed, he tends to…go down rabbit holes.” Rune said with a grin.

I nodded, realizing that although it felt like I knew these men for a while it’d only been a short while.

“Did he sleep last night?” My concern for his health became overwhelming.

“He probably grabbed a few hours in the office. He tends to become almost obsessed with his searches.” Erik said with a shrug.

“What about breakfast?”

“He’ll come when he’s hungry or done. Whichever comes first.” Rune said, setting down plates of eggs and sausage before us.

“But-“

“Astrid, he’s an adult and can take care of himself. Let it go.” Frode said, his tone carrying his command.

I looked at the plate in front of me. I’d always felt compelled to care for those around me that I cared about. It bothered me to know that Sten regularly disappeared to do research without taking care of himself.

“I can’t just let that go.” I said, my gaze snapping sharply back to Frode.

Erik’s hand on my thigh tightened in warning. I shot him a glare but focuses back on Frode.

“Let it go, Astrid. Do not bother him. You do not get to come in and demand changes be made. When he’s done, we will sit down and talk about it, but for now it’s over.” Frode said as he set his coffee mug down more controlled that I expected.

“Alright.” I said, frowning at my plate before taking a bite of the food.

A door closing in the back part of the house pulled our attention from breakfast. Sten came striding over a grin on his face.

“I know what you are Astrid, and I was right. It’s old magic. You, princess, are a Vuelva, or some call them Seidras. A Seer.” Sten said as he walked past me to grab a plate and coffee.

He sat down beside me, kissing the back of my head.

“I’m sorry it upset you that I tend to get caught up in my research. I promise I’ll take breaks and take better care of myself. If I don’t you can interrupt me.” He whispered in my ear as he sat down.

I smiled at him and nodded.

“So, is there anything we need to know about this type of magic?” Erik asked, always the protector.

“Actually, yes. It means that we’ll probably be doing a lot more of what we just did. Which comes with its own risks. It can be a dangerous lifestyle if we decide to pursue it.” Sten said quietly, taking in each of our reactions.

“But those risks mean that I could-“

“No.” Frode cut me off.

“You can’t-“

“I can, and I will.” Frode interrupted again.

I sighed and looked at him.

“You’re being unreasonable.” I said.

“You’re untrained, and completely unprepared for this. I’m not saying no forever. I’m saying we train and make you stronger. We learn how to control your magic. Then we can revisit this conversation.” Frode said, his tone even.

“Fine. Then let’s get started.” I said, taking my empty dishes to the sink.

I turned and looked at my mates who were just staring at me.

“What?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

“That’s it? No arguments?” Erik asked, his eyebrows raised.

“He made valid point. I’ll work, train, and learn. Then we’ll revisit the conversation.” I said with a shrug. “You joining me?” I called over my shoulder as I sat on the couch, ready to learn more about my magic and how to use it.