The Dawson wolves picked up their pace to a trot and came to a halt in front of Link.
Nicole backed away slowly until her shoulder blades hit the back of a tree. She’d been near a wolf fight before, and it was terrifying. The wind whipped the snow this way and that into little tornadoes, as if Mother Nature herself was cheering on this bloodbath. What Nicole had prepared herself for was a long, drawn-out battle to the death, but what she saw was a brief, albeit violent, blurred battle between Link and the black wolf, ending in Dalton pinned…or…no, not pinned, just crouched down and exposing his neck. Link clamped onto it gently, then turned his attention to Chance. There was blood on the snow, sure, but not like with the McCalls. Perhaps her view had been skewed because the only fight she’d seen was with the McCalls, and they were insane, murderous assholes with no off-switch.
This was organized and much gentler than she’d expected. It was a passing of ritual, but respectfully done.
Link fought Chance next, and while it lasted longer and Chance came out of it bloodier on his neck, he ducked down to the ground and submitted just like Dalton had done, his tail wagging low as he licked under Link’s chin. And once again, Link bit the scruff of his neck, then released him.
The Dawsons skittered back and stared at Link, waiting for something she didn’t understand. A triad with their heads high and proud, their ears erect, they were quite beautiful here in the falling snow. Gray, white, and black, no snarling or teeth, just three magnificent animals that inspired a moment of awe in her.
As she approached slowly, Link watched her every step, and when she was close enough to see him clearly through the snowy haze, she wanted to cry with relief. His eyes weren’t gray yet, but they were already darker than the stark white. He didn’t look pained or lost anymore. And as she sank down in the snow and huffed a grateful frozen breath, sending a thank you into the heavens, Link arched his neck back and let off a long howl. It didn’t sound lonely anymore, or haunting, and before it was through, Dalton joined him, and then Chance. On and on it went, their notes rising and falling in the most beautiful melody she’d ever heard.
Gaze expectant, Link looked at her. And with joy in her heart, she tilted her chin to the clouds above and let off a howl that was perhaps less beautiful, but felt just as important as theirs. They were a part of her now, and she was a part of them.
This would help Link gain control again. He had the Silvers working to help him and the Dawson’s under him as steady pillars. Link had her, and she would never give up on him.
And when their song ended and they made their way through the snowfall together, back toward the glow of the lodge and back to the friends who would welcome them and celebrate this union, she could feel it again.
There was no more nausea or dread sitting like heavy cinderblocks on her chest.
There was no more pain or fear at the setbacks Link was enduring.
Her gloves brushed the scruff on her mate’s neck, and she relished in the silence that had replaced Link’s growl.
Now, there was nothing but hope.
Chapter Seventeen
Nicole smiled up at Link in the early morning light as he traced the healed claiming mark on her shoulder blade. She’d woken up to him watching her with an absent grin lingering on his lips as though he’d hit the lottery. Silly wolf. Didn’t he know she was the lucky one?
Leaning forward, she bit his pec playfully, and he let off a soft growl in her ear. “Careful with those teeth, mate, or you’ll get me riled up again.”
“Oh, please. Like you ever get riled down.”
“Me? You were the one who woke me up in the middle of the night for a naked party.”
“Mmm,” she said, giggling as he tickled her ribs. “Naked parties are my favorite.”
His steady gray eyes danced as he rolled on top of her. “I’m going to make you breakfast,” he murmured happily. He laid a kiss on her birthmark, then hopped out of bed.
Fluffing up the pillow under her cheek, she traced the new scars on her forearm and watched him slip into a pair of thin, navy blue pajama pants that hung right under his lowest set of abs. His hair was all dark and messy, his smile breathtaking as he gave her one last glance before he disappeared out the doorway and into the kitchen.