Erik rummaged through the wardrobes of the McAlister Alpha’s home in search of a clean shirt. He ended up having to tear the sleeves off one in order to make it fit. It was times like these when Erik missed his homeland; the soft furs and thick wools made to fit his towering frame like a glove. Tying back his hair, he took a seat on the bed and waited for his soon-to-be mate to arrive.

This was not how Erik envisioned his mating night. He had no delusions of ever finding love, but he had hoped for some kind of companionship and loyalty. Instead, Erik would be bound to the blood of his enemy, and all so he could protect his people. This was a prison for him as much as it was for Ariyan. Infidelity among mates was frowned upon in his culture. So much so, that the mated males in his war party had remained celibate during the entire campaign. Erik might not want Ariyan, but he would remain faithful to him. At least until death did them part…

When the door opened, Erik climbed to his feet. Ariyan stepped into the room, refusing to meet the Alpha’s gaze. In his arms he held a stack of paper, an ink well and pen.

“Sit,” Erik commanded, gesturing to the desk.

Ariyan nodded, laying out the items in his hands before taking a seat at the small wooden desk.

“I trust you were taught to write?” the Alpha said, his question more of a statement.

Once again, Ariyan nodded, his hand trembling as he gripped the pen tightly. Erik had never learned to read or write. His father hadn’t considered such skills necessary for a warrior, so when it came to the business of trading and selling, Erik had relied upon his little sister. Now, he would have to rely upon Ariyan.

“You are going to write a letter to your Wolf King. You will tell him that your father is dead by my hands, along with his eldest son. You will tell him that I have claimed McAlister’s lands, his titles, and you.”

This was the reason why Erik had spared Ariyan and his family. He needed the boy, who, as it stood, was the only surviving heir of Aaron McAlister. By default, Ariyan owned all that had once belonged to his father. And now, Erik owned Ariyan…

Duncan was fighting this war so that he could rule the entire continent. In his service were four Alphas; all of whom had pledged their fealty. Aaron McAlister was one of them, which was why Duncan had done nothing to punish the man for his countless crimes. If Erik had murdered McAlister’s mate and remaining children, it would have invalidated his claim. It would have been nothing more than a slaughter, and Duncan would’ve been well within his right to retaliate.

But then Ariyan had appeared out of nowhere, offering himself in exchange for his family’s lives. It had given Erik an idea; a way to circumvent Duncan’s wrath. Or at least delay it. This plan would depend on whether or not the Wolf King would formally recognize Erik’s claim. It was a risk he was willing to take, even if it meant tying himself to this scrap of an Omega. And, if it failed, it might buy him enough time to get his men back to the Winter Islands to prepare for war.

“You will tell Duncan that you witnessed the challenge,” Erik continued. “That it was fair and within law. My claim is legitimate, as is our mating.” He stared down at the boy, reading the hesitation written all over the other’s face. “You will do as your Alpha commands. When you are done, I will take it to your mother to read aloud. If it says anything other than what I told you to write, I will slit her throat.”

Erik took a seat on the bed once more, watching Ariyan’s hand move across the paper. The Alpha put little stock in physical beauty. It was all too fleeting, and an unnecessary quality when selecting a suitable mate. But Erik would be lying if he said he wouldn’t enjoy fucking the Omega… Ariyan was as lovely as any female, perhaps even more so. Every now and then the boy would pause in his writing, brushing his white blonde hair out of his face. Even the simple flick of his wrist was graceful and elegant, which Erik found utterly ridiculous.

Ariyan was like a flower too delicate to be plucked; accustomed to fields of green, clear skies, and deliciously warm days. As lovely as he was, he served no purpose other than to look at. Erik had serious doubts about the boy surviving the arduous journey back to the Winter Islands. And even if Ariyan lived through it, the likelihood of such a fragile creature enduring the harsh winters was slim to none. With any luck, Erik would be relieved his burden before setting foot on his land once more.

                                                                   ***

When he was finished, true to his word, Erik took the boy his mother who was placed in the room on the other end of the hall. She and McAlister's daughter's were seated together, eating whatever provisions they were given. 

"Read it," Erik commanded, shoving the parchment toward her. Ariyan didn't move or make a sound.

“It says," the woman began.

King Duncan,

I am writing to you on behalf of Aaron William McAllister, Lord of the Gatling Wood. On this day, among many witnesses, myself included, Erik of the Black Water legally challenged, fought and conquered, my father, Aaron McAllister and my eldest brother….”

Erik watched Ariyan’s mother carefully, looking for any signs of deception on her pale face, but the woman hadn’t even made it through the first few sentences before she broke into tears. ‘Weak,’ Erik thought, his gaze shifting to Ariyan’s sister as she took over reading the letter. 

“Finish the letter, please, Aja," Ariyan whispered calmly. "So that Lord Erik may verify its contents.” 

"On this day, among many witnesses, myself included," the girl continued. "Erik of the Black Water legally challenged, fought and conquered, my father, Aaron McAllister, and my eldest brother, and heir to the my father, Austin McAllister. As a result of their demise, Lord Erik has rightfully taken control of the Gatling Wood, all of his inheritance, and of me, only son and rightful heir to my father's line. In order to ensure my family's continued prosperity, and my father's illustrious line, I have agreed, of my own free will, in sound mind and body, to mate with the alpha and Lord of the Winter Islands, Erik of the Black Water. I hope that you will bless this union, Your Grace, and send us your well wishes.

Signed,

Ariyan McAllister

Son of Aaron McAllister III

Erik took the paper from the young girl, looking it over despite his inability to read. He brushed his thumb over what appeared to be Ariyan’s signature. Erik had never seen such immaculate handwriting, not even from his sister. And the way the letter read… Clearly the boy was well-educated. Tucking away that piece of information in the back of his mind, Erik refolded thick parchment.

“I trust the letter meets your approval,” Ariyan said lowly. “I wrote everything you told me.”

Erik made no reply to the boy, instead signaling for Utgar to come forward. The burly red-head looked pleased with his Alpha as he took the letter.

“Send a rider,” Erik commanded. “I want this put directly into Duncan’s hand.”

Utgar nodded in reply. “I’ll send Sven. He’s our fastest rider. Where shall I have him meet us?”

“The Port of Thira. We won’t be able to delay for long, so he needs to move quickly.”

“He’ll make it,” Utgar said. “I’ll have him leave tonight and get a head start. I, uh… I shouldn’t have doubted you. This,” he added, holding up the letter, “is why you’re the Alpha. I’m not one for politics, but if you believe war is on the horizon, we might be able to avoid it now.”

“That remains to be seen,” Erik replied. “He might not recognize the claim. Our presence here has not gone unnoticed. I doubt a letter will be enough.”

“True, but we’ve only recently crossed into Lord Duncan’s territory,” Utgar countered. “Most of the damage we’ve done has been against his enemies.”

“I killed one of his Alphas,” Erik said matter-of-factly. “All else is irrelevant.”

Utgar sighed heavily, tucking the letter into his furs. “If this marks the end of our alliance, then we need to get home before the war reaches our shores.”

Erik glanced over at Ariyan who was regarding the conversation with some modicum of interest. The Alpha shook his head, turning back to Utgar. “I fear war is already upon us. Aaron brought it with him the day he set foot in my territory. We can no longer remain at arm’s length from this conflict. If Duncan denies my claim, he will bring his armies to the Winter Islands.”

“Then let him,” Utgar said, his chin lifting proudly. “The land will kill them before they ever reach the mountains.”

Erik nodded, slapping Utgar on the shoulder before leaving the man to his orders. It was difficult to be optimistic. The alliance with the Callaghan clan was one made decades before Erik and Duncan were born. They tolerated each other at best, both refusing to trust the other. In Erik’s eyes, the alliance was a means of survival for his pack. So long as he and his men provided weapons and the occasional soldiers to Callaghan’s kingdom, the Winter Islands remained “free.” Aaron’s death, however, changed everything, and though war might be the consequence of his revenge, Erik regretted nothing.

“You,” Erik called out, pointing to Ariyan’s mother. “Have the boy’s things gathered. Pack only what he needs, and make sure the clothing is thick and warm.”

Expecting his orders to be followed, Erik made his way back to the main house, Ariyan on his heels. There was no point in delaying the inevitable, so, the moment the door closed, Erik commanded the boy to undress. The Alpha was mildly amused by Ariyan’s modesty, removing his own shirt and undoing his pants as he watch the young male strip. Ariyan was trembling from head to toe, and as the robe slid down the length of his slender frame, every inch of his pale skin flush a bright red. Erik sniggered softly, wondering if this would be his life from now on. If the gods were merciful, the boy would at least ride well.

“Turn around,” Erik commanded.

Ariyan hesitated at first, but did as he was told. He covered his privates with his delicate hands, refusing to meet Erik’s gaze.

“Where is your courage now, little wolf?”