Aidan and I wrapped up our clean-up of the scattered weapons and toppled exercise gear. Then we started down the stone hallway. We chatted about the week’s dinner plans and the latest werewolf pack gossip.
I was only half-listening until I realized Aidan had guided me to the library through the maze-like corridors. The library was my sanctuary in the castle, a place I often retreated to for relaxation. I was fascinated by the history of the supernatural world, which filled in the gaps left by my human high school textbooks.
“You’re a good listener,” I said to Aidan. “Thanks for always having my back.”
He responded with a small smile.
“Most of us found a home here after we lost everyone else,” he said. “This place became our haven after years of losing loved ones who didn’t share our immortality. I can’t even begin to understand how hard it must be for you, with your family still back at Redclaw.”
His words hit me hard. I tried to keep my struggles to myself, but the distance from my family was taking a toll. Despite my love for Ivar and my certainty that I belonged here, I missed them terribly.
Back at Redclaw, Luke was leading the pack as alpha, with Michael, my former beta, by his side. Despite his youth, my son was considered the most powerful alpha in decades, if not longer.
My human sister, Kate, had found her fated mate in Emerick Stone, the pack’s former beta. They were married and expecting their first child, a boy, in a few months. After the trials they’d faced, I was glad they were finally finding peace.
My parents were thrilled to be grandparents again, especially since Kate and Emerick lived nearby. Dad was enjoying his retirement, spending his days working on projects in his garage, while Mom loved her job as a preschool teacher.
Life was moving on without me there to see it. It didn’t help that things with my new mate weren’t exactly perfect.
“I get to visit pretty often,” I told Aidan, trying to convince myself as much as him. “I’m lucky to have a teleporting witch for a sister-in-law.”
Aidan chuckled, but his knowing look told me he understood.
“It’s okay to be happy with the king and still miss Redclaw.”
I nodded, managing a tight smile. “I know, Aidan. Thanks.”
He gave my arm a comforting squeeze before turning to leave. As he walked away, I remembered a question I’d been meaning to ask.
“Hey, Aidan? Why is there a portrait of Ivar riding a unicorn in the library?”
The painting showed the king, his long blonde hair flowing, astride a midnight black horse with a single silver horn. The creature was rearing up on a hill while Ivar was decked out in leather armor.
Aidan laughed. “Trinity spelled it so he can’t take it down. He hates it.”
“Who painted it?” I asked, puzzled. “Is it some kind of joke?”
“I think it was Michaengelo. I’m not entirely sure. It wasn’t meant as a joke, but—”
“Wait,” I interrupted. “You mean the Sistine Chapel Michaengelo? He painted my husband on a unicorn? Why?”
My voice echoed my disbelief.
“He was a pretentious asshole,” came a grumble from around the corner.
As Ivar appeared, I noticed his rapidly healing black eye and his sour mood. He seemed even angrier than when he’d left the training room.
“Ivar, what happened?” I gasped.
He grimaced. “Trinity’s stupid horse headbutted me.”
“Trinity has a horse?”
In the nine months I’d lived here, no one had mentioned Trinity having any pets besides her cat, Mittens, a beautiful Siamese who seemed to love everyone except Ivar.
“Well…” Aidan seemed to struggle for words. “They’re not exactly horses. Trinity raises unicorns out back.”
He gestured to the painting as if to underline his point.
“What!?” I exclaimed. “That’s like every childhood dream I ever had come true. Why has no one mentioned this?”
Ivar flinched. “They’re a bunch of jerks, and they only like Trinity. Don’t get your hopes up.”
“They like some people,” Aidan countered, winking at me. “But they really hate the king.”
“Do all animals dislike you?” I asked Ivar.
The king rolled his eyes. “Only the ones that love Trinity.”
“Ivar, I’m not sure that’s accurate,” Aidan mused. “Remember when you wouldn’t let Logan keep that dog because it growled at you? Maybe Trinity is the only one brave enough to keep the critters, despite their…apprehensions.”
I soon discovered that Aidan was the only one among Ivar’s brothers who dared to rib him. The others would jest and josh with each other, but they never aimed their humor at my formidable partner.
“Listen, I’m not exactly a pet person,” Ivar admitted, clearly irked by the conversation. “The unicorn in that painting was the only creature I ever connected with. Michelangelo saw me riding it one day, and he gave Trinity that damn artwork in return for a favor. Now she won’t let me remove it.”
“Hey,” I said softly, reaching for his arm. “We were just messing with you.”
He rubbed his face with his hand and took a deep breath.
“I get it, Little Wolf,” he conceded. “I apologize. It’s been a tough day.”
I looked into his frosty blue eyes and saw a flame flickering beneath the surface. His battered face was already on the mend, but I had a feeling that wasn’t the source of his real frustrations.
“Do you want to take a break?” I suggested. “We could—”
“I’m sorry, Sam,” he interrupted, shaking his head. “I have a video call with the European packs in ten minutes.”
I let out a sigh. “All right. Will you be joining us for dinner tonight?”
“I’m not sure,” Ivar replied, running a hand through his short hair. He sounded worn out.
The mood instantly shifted as my wolf, Ayisha, prepared for a potential dispute.
