Free Wolf by Cara Carnes Page A

father struggled against Fallon’s restraint, but the alpha, even injured, was stronger than my father. “You have no right to interfere between me and my daughter.”
    “I do. More than you realize, I do.” Fallon looked to me. “Are you all right?”
    I nodded. “He speaks of a plan against Stephan, Fallon. We must warn him.”
    “Our pack is too far to warn them now. Stephan is wise and doesn’t trust your father. All will be well.” Fallon’s pained voice offered me strength I couldn’t find alone.
    “He doesn’t trust my father?” Hope filled me.
    “No, because you didn’t.”
    Two men appeared, and my father’s outrage filled the room. “I should kill you for daring to hold me like a prisoner.”
    “Were I my brother, your heart would be flailing on the floor beside your worthless body.”
    “He wouldn’t dare.”
    “I assure you he would, since you dared to harm a female.”
    “She’s not your concern.”
    “I’ll leave Stephan to respond to that.” Fallon nodded and the two men dragged my father out.
    I moved to Fallon. His wound seeped from the excursion from his room. “Let’s get you back where you should be before Nalla hears of this.”
    “There’s no hiding from her.” Tenderness reflected in his voice as I led him across the hall.
    “Thank you.” My gratitude seemed too small compared to what he’d done. “No one’s ever interceded like that for me.”
    “Stephan won’t be happy to learn of his treatment of you.”
    I didn’t think Stephan needed to be troubled with such matters. Fallon’s low laughter made me think it would be otherwise, though. Opting to change the subject, I moved to the hearth and poured some hot water. I sprinkled in the herbs Nalla left and gave the mug to Fallon. The tonic smelled like the one I drank daily now.
    “I know this is bitter, but it does taste better over time.”
    He took the mug and drank. He continued observing me while he set the mug down. “You’ve had this before?”
    I nodded. “Nalla began giving it to me my first day here. I drink it daily.”
    “Really?”
    “I expected it to end after I recovered, but I’m up to two mugs a day.”
    “Interesting.”
    “Of course, it may not be entirely the same. She puts droplets of some kind in mine.”
    “And she’s done this in front of Stephan?”
    “No.” I was curious by his inquisitiveness. “Why does this matter?”
    He shook his head and grinned. “It doesn’t.”
    “What will happen to my father?”
    Fallon reclined on the bed. I moved to his side and removed the soiled dressing. My mind was swept into the consuming concern for Stephan and those he led.
    “He’ll be all right. Stephan’s a mighty warrior.” His lopsided grin made me smile.
    “This alloy they used concerns me. It sounded like it worries Nalla as well.”
    “She worries for naught.” Fallon winced as he repositioned his body to ease the tension from his stomach. “The alphas will return with a sample.”

    A crisp breeze slid through the glade as villagers gathered around the alphas. My heart swelled in a mixture of gratitude and regret when Stephan and his men led the restrained remnants of my village’s fighters into Realto.
    The other leader from Timbria walked beside Xavier. Both men smiled and spoke with easy tones. Timbrian fighters walked amongst the alphas. Their presence was clearly welcome.
    Relief and joy filled me upon seeing Stephan. Nothing beyond him being safe and back home with his alphas mattered. Again I longed for a moment alone with him so my hands could run along his body and offer me first-hand proof he was all right.
    My pulse raced when I saw him. Fiery embers flared in his eyes, visible to me from ten wide paces. My soul soured.
    Fallon escorted my father toward the other men of my village, who clustered farthest from Stephan. Evil glinted from his face, and his mouth turned upwards into the grin that always coiled my stomach for…
    Danger .
    The thought tumbled