Chapter 44 #2
“Join me?” Evelyne asked aloud, nodding to Heidara as she stepped away. Alaric followed easily behind them.
“Sister,” Aurelia greeted her as they approached, her gaze sweeping over Evelyne with clear delight.
“I must say, I am quite taken with these leather ensembles you insist on wearing for your… combat exercises. Are they handmade? How daring for a lady to dress so… revealingly.” Her lips curved.
“I should very much enjoy frightening Mother with one.”
Evelyne laughed. “I’m sure the Ironwolf pack would be more than willing to provide you with one, if you’d join us for training.”
“Training?” Aurelia echoed, blinking. “Oh… I… No. I do not believe I am suited for such things.”
“I think you’d learn quickly,” Heidara added with a grin. “Evelyne did.”
“Good heavens, I should make a complete spectacle of myself,” Aurelia said lightly, though she rose subtly onto her toes, peering over Heidara’s shoulder.
Evelyne followed where she was looking.
Of course.
The shirtless males.
Evelyne could hardly blame her curiosity.
“What brings you both here?” she asked, turning back.
“Well,” Cillian began, “aside from ensuring our dear sister has not completely abandoned us for the wilderness, we come with… a request. From Mother.”
“Why does that one avoid me?” Aurelia cut in. She lifted a gloved finger, pointing. “The blonde one there.”
“Holden?” Heidara said. “Honestly, I have no idea. My brother usually adores women. I am rather surprised he has not already come over to charm you. Perhaps he is trying his hand at manners.” She and Evelyne both laughed.
Across the clearing, Holden had clearly noticed them—and immediately looked anywhere but in their direction.
“Or perhaps he simply dislikes your dress,” Cillian teased.
Aurelia turned sharply. “You told me I looked lovely this morning.”
“You do,” he said quickly. “But he may prefer leather.”
“Oh, do stop,” Aurelia huffed. “This is becoming absurd.”
Come here, please, Evelyne sent. And bring your companion.
Kaldrek paused mid-training and turned, all but dragging his second along with him.
“What was it Mother wanted?” Evelyne asked.
Aurelia let out a small breath. “It would seem most appropriate that the two gentlemen hear this as well.”
“Gentlemen?” Alaric echoed, amused.
Aurelia waved a dismissive hand. “Gentlemen, wolves, males, whatever designation you prefer.”
“Mother has requested your presence at dinner tomorrow evening,” Cillian said without waiting. “All of you. At our home.”
“All of us?” Evelyne asked.
“Yes,” Aurelia added, pointing delicately between them. “You, your companions, Alaric, and his parents as well.”
Kaldrek snorted, swiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his arm. “Should I clean up before I’m handed another cup of steaming dirt?”
Evelyne nudged him. “It is tea.”
He only grinned wider.
“I will ensure these… gentlemen present themselves appropriately,” Evelyne said, turning back. “But you have no idea what this is about?”
Aurelia did not answer; her attention had returned to Holden. He stood stiffly now, fidgeting with the dagger at his belt, his eyes fixed firmly somewhere beyond them all.
“No,” Cillian answered instead. “She would not say. Only that it was important.”
“That sounds promising,” Heidara said, bumping Holden’s shoulder. “I do hope my brother is able to bite his tongue throughout the evening.”
He blinked, as though startled back into himself. “I know how to behave,” he muttered. Then, pointing at Cillian’s attire: “But I’m not wearing… whatever that is.”
“Just try not to bring mud into the foyer,” Cillian replied.
Holden frowned. “What the hell is a foyer?”
Alaric chuckled. “This will be entertaining. I look forward to it.” His expression eased as he turned to Heidara, his hand brushing gently along her cheek. “My parents will be so pleased to meet you as well.”
She smiled, happiness blooming across her face.
“Well then,” Cillian said, “it is settled. Tomorrow evening.”
Aurelia adjusted her hat and settled her hands one over the other. “Yes. Lovely.” She turned to Evelyne. “Would you mind if I remained to observe the rest of your… training?”
“You want to stay?” Holden blurted.
Aurelia’s gaze slid to him. “I may wear a dress, sir,” she said coolly, “but that does not render me delicate. Would my presence be a burden to you?”
Holden drew a hard breath and stepped back as though struck. “Not… at all,” he said, his voice rough. “Just didn’t think dirt-covered males would be your kind of entertainment.”
“Well, it is not,” Aurelia replied. “But I suppose we must all learn to adapt to the world as it presents itself.” Her chin lifted. “And I assure you, my interest lies not with you, but with my sister. Watching a woman best a man is far more compelling.”
Evelyne’s brows lifted in surprise. Aurelia had grown… quite bold, it seemed.
“Care to join us?” Kaldrek offered.
“No,” Holden answered before anyone else could speak.
Aurelia turned sharply. “I beg your pardon?”
“You’re not joining,” he repeated.
“You do not possess the authority to make such decisions for me,” she snapped.
“Sister,” Cillian said, his voice calm, “perhaps we observe today. We may return another morning.”
Aurelia inhaled, then gave a small nod. “A most reasonable suggestion.” She lowered herself gracefully onto the grass.
Holden clenched his jaw, a low growl escaping him.
“It’s not a game,” Evelyne murmured. “It’s training. For what’s coming.”
“I am aware,” Aurelia replied.
Then, with sudden resolve, she removed her gloves and hat, tossing them aside before settling more firmly into the grass.
“Well then,” she said, waving a hand. “Do carry on.”
Holden stared at her for a long moment before turning away, dragging a hand along his jaw in clear frustration. Evelyne, watching the exchange, had no doubt that whatever was unfolding between them was far from over.