Chapter Forty-Three
Freya had a concussion, but since she refused to be at a hospital, the pack’s doctor camped at Alpha’s house for the night, bringing several portable instruments.
“She would be better at a hospital,” she stated warily, even knowing she was speaking in vain.
“We know. But it’s here that she wants to be, so it’s here that she’ll be,” they stated simply.
They slept by her side, taking turns in taking care of her, waking her every hour and trying to sense where her mind was at.
She hadn’t been sexually assaulted, and they were grateful for at least that. It had been difficult to bring her back once, they didn’t know if she could return a second time.
They talked in whispers but were relieved that at least her mind seemed to be with them. They didn’t have any doubts that there would be flashbacks, and somewhere in the future her mind would play tricks on her, but they’d cross that road when they reached it.
On the second day, Freya wanted to take a bath, and they took her to the shower, fearing she may fall on her ass and hit her head.
They wanted to talk to her, but when she tilted her head, receiving the jet of water with evident pleasure, they decided to postpone the conversation until later.
She was still dizzy when they took her to bed again, and they noticed she was frowning as if confused, but at least her headaches were manageable.
On the third day, her eyes were clearer, but there was still an air of dizziness around her that made her blink several times and repeat the same questions over and over again.
Later in the week, she was feeling fine and was getting frustrated that her mates didn’t allow her to get up.
“You still need to rest.”
“I can rest outside, I’m sick and tired of this bed.” Her grumbling made them smile. She was definitely better.
A soft knock on the door made Declan get up and see who it was. He whispered something in the hall that she didn’t understand, and when he returned, he looked at his brother and they both nodded in agreement.
“You know what, little one? I do believe you need a bit of fresh air.”
“Thank you!” she said sarcastically.
They took her to the garden, near the pool. From the deck chairs, she could get some fresh air without being exposed to the direct sun and enjoy the beautiful day without getting too tired.
A man was already there; a beer placed on the side table beside him.
Freya eyed him curiously, but there was no recognition in her eyes.
The man looked at her and got up as soon as she approached.
He was tall and broad-shouldered, like every other shifter she seemed to know, with short gray hair, and piercing eyes that seemed to see through her.
“Hello Freya. You’re looking good.”
She seemed confused.
“Do I know you?”
“Yes. At least my name should ring a bell. I’m Mace Ravenclaw.”
Mace Ravenclaw ... her eyes widened. The man from the letter. The same one that had bought her the house, and ... he’d done so much for her.
Now that she thought about it, his face was familiar ... had he visited her ... before? No, not with Lewis, but ... at the hospital. After her rescue ... but she’d panicked then, and he left before they could speak.
She blinked and frowned when the headache appeared again.
“Thank you,” she whispered, and his eyes widened in surprise.
She felt Declan’s hand tighten on hers, and Ciaran’s on the small of her back.
Their presence gave her the strength to say, slowly but in a clear voice, “You helped me when no one else would. You took me here and I ... I found happiness.”
The man’s face relaxed into a smile.
“I’m glad, Freya. Despite the way these two conducted your mating...” he added harshly, glaring at the twins, “Everything ended up going more or less smoothly.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“You were a ward of the High King. They should have asked permission to mate you before marking you.”
“You said I could live my life freely; it was my choice,” she said, her voice steady, looking him straight in the eye. He smiled, and this time, his smile reached his eyes, wrinkling at the corners.
“You say that while looking me in the eye, so all that is left is wishing you all the best. Had you been forced in some way, the blood of these two young wolves would be painting the walls red.”
“It was all my choice,” she added hastily, squeezing their hands tightly, as if someone was trying to kidnap them.
“Then all that is left for me is to wish you all the best,” he said simply. “You have friends in the High King’s city. We’re just a letter away.”
“Do you want it back?” she asked suddenly, and he frowned.
“Want what back?”
“The house.”
He laughed.
“It’s yours, Freya. My mating gift to you, if you prefer. All the terrain is yours as well, should you feel the need in the future to add more rooms to your house.”
She seemed confused, why would she ... then it dawned on her and she blushed violently.
****
Mace was still smiling when he mind linked the twins.
“Make her happy or you’ll answer to me,” The twins’ eyes widened. How could he mind-link them if they weren’t from the same pack?
“I’m the High King’s Beta. I can mind-link every one of every pack under the High King’s command. It’s part of their oath. Of all Alpha’s oath.”
Mace smiled at Freya once again. He said goodbye with a kiss on the forehead, and there was something so paternal about the gesture that her eyes filled with tears.
Declan kissed her lips gently, then allowed her to turn to Ciaran, who deepened the kiss.
She didn’t know it, but the presence of her mates calmed her heart and accelerated her healing.
“I love you,” she whispered, closing her eyes. She was up for a quick nap.