Chapter 40
Laughter filled the living area of the cabin, and I couldn’t help the smile that was on my face. I’d never had friends who did the girl nights, or really hung out outside of work. I hadn’t realized just what I’d been missing out on. So far whenever us girls had hung out it’d been fun and full laughter.
Hilda, Beth, and I were sipping wine on the couch, enjoying each other’s company in the warm house while our packs were outside training. Hilda and Beth played a more traditional role in their packs. They stayed back and cared for the house, and when they had pups would care for them.
“So, when are you going to key us into whatever is going on between you and Sten?” Hilda asked, looking over her glass of wine at me.
“I wasn’t planning on it.” I winced when I noticed the tone of my voice.
“Well, just so you know, we’re here to help, or listen and support however we can. We know this is an adjustment for you and having four moody and overprotective mates doesn’t help a normal wolf adjust…” Beth shot Hilda a glare.
“Let alone one who is supposed to save the world. No stress, right?” I cut off Beth.
Beth and Hilda’s eyes found mine, and their expressions softened.
“That’s not what we’re saying, Astrid and you know it. We just don’t want you to feel like you’re alone. I can’t imagine having to carry the weight you do, let alone trying to adjust to being mated and pack life on top of it. We were raised to do this. You were basically kidnapped and forced into compliance. Which I’m still mad about-I’m team Astrid.” Hilda smirked.
“Me too, but we’re here. Just because we don’t go out and fight like our mates doesn’t mean that we are completely clueless.” Beth raised an eyebrow, daring me to challenge her.
She of all people knew the struggle. Beth had been a rogue for about six years before we’d found her, so she had to readjust to not being as independent. Something that apparently had caused many punishments for her from her mates. An experience she’d shared with me afterwards where I learned she’d apparently enjoyed it. The memory still brought heat to my face. Although I wasn’t sure if I was embarrassed or the hint of arousal that bloomed deep in my belly at the thought that created the redness in my cheeks.
Beth and Hilda laughed at something, a sight and sound I’d never had the chance to enjoy while I was growing up, or even after I’d moved out into the world on my own. I’d never realized how lonely I’d been until I’d settled in here with my mates and their families.
Each time we visited I was remined just how glad I was that her mates were here, and such good friends with mine. We all got together once a week when we could, and Beth and I had gotten quite close. She’d been quiet about her past, but what she’d shared was full of abuse and horrid tales of her previous territory. I’d learned quickly that the Asketill’s while tough on their rules and protocols, led a fair and happy territory compared to others.
Hilda joined us a few times a month, and we’d grown close too. But there were some topics we never discussed-like her brothers. That was a line we’d agreed not to cross for everyone’s sake.
A clearing of a throat pulled my attention back to the conversation that was happening around me. I took in Beth and Hilda’s expression. They were clearly waiting for a response, which I didn’t have because I’d been lost in my own mind.
“I’m sorry. What?” I asked.
“You’re distracted tonight. We asked if you were alright.” Beth said, setting down her wine.
“Of course. Just tired and a lot on my mind.” I smiled at them both.
“Like Sten?” Hilda grumbled.
I glared at her but didn’t say anything. She held her hands up in the air, signaling that she was backing down. She wasn’t wrong. Maybe if I spoke about it I’d feel better, or they could give me some advice. I sighed in defeat.
“They are so frustrating.” I mumbled, dropping my face into my hands.
“Preaching to the choir, Astrid.” Beth soothed from her perch on the coffee table.
“Sten went behind my back and told Frode that I wasn’t ready to go with them. He told me after I went and used my magic in a way that he’s against. Honestly, I don’t even think he meant to tell me. I think it slipped out. Now I’m hurt because he went behind my back, because he doesn’t trust me. He didn’t even regret doing it. Or apologize for the betrayal.” I blurted out.
“Men are stupid.” Beth muttered.
“Sten is stubborn. He won’t apologize, because in his mind he’s done nothing wrong. He went to Frode to protect you, was overruled, and had to live with that. Then he felt like you proved him right. He’s fiercely loyal, and protective despite his quiet demeanor. He won’t apologize for doing what he thinks is his job-even if it hurt you.” Hilda explained calmly.
“You agree with him?” I asked.
“I didn’t say that, but I think it’s helpful to see things from his point of view. Try walking in shoes. Sten is rarely impulsive. If he blurted out this confession, than it’s been weighing on him. Knowing him, it’s not for the reason you’d want to hear though.” She added quietly.
“What reason would that be?” I asked, I had to know even if I would regret it.
“That he was right. You were put in a spot that you were forced to use magic, that you probably should have stayed home by his standards.” Hilda shrugged.
Anger rose in my chest, but it was followed quickly by hurt. Had he been right? His words from the other night echoed in my mind.
You didn’t even give us or him a chance to regain control of the situation.
Was he right? If I had been more prepared, more patient and trusting of their skills would I have given them time to regain the control of the fight? Would they have been able to?
The door opened the laughter of the males carried to my ears. I took a steadying breath as I tried to calm the emotions and thoughts that were overwhelming me before my mates picked up on them. It was too late. Frode was behind me, with a warm hand on my shoulder second later.
“I think it’s time we had some time alone with Astrid.” His deep voice commanded.
Beth and Hilda nodded and stood up.
“Thank you for coming over and the talk.” I said with a small smile.
They both nodded and said their goodbyes before leaving with their mates. Silence filled the air as the door closed, leaving just my mates and I in the house. Tension built in the room, and I shifted in the discomfort. I realized that we’d been heading towards this conversation, and now we were here. This was getting settled tonight.