My Strength

Harlyn

I can’t help but smile at Wayne’s presence. He lightened up all the darkness as soon as I saw him. I’ve missed him too much, and I can see he missed me. I just don’t understand why he showed up when I’m leaving tomorrow.

“You haven’t explained your wounds, my love.” Wayne’s words have me nodding.

“It is sorted now,” I say, knowing that Wayne will cause a fuss.

“How can you say that?” he asks, looking around the room. “Your training didn’t help, did it?”

“Wayne, I knew my training wouldn’t help against anyone with a wolf. I can fight and block, but my strength is nothing compared to werewolves.” I honestly thought he had realised that. I would do great if it were someone without a wolf. I hit hard for a wolfless girl, but nothing compared to a wolf.

“So, who attacked you?” Wayne asks again.

“The Princess,” Thorin states, glaring across to Diandra.

“I thought you two were friends?” Wayne looks at me, shocked. He knows Lucy is my friend. I didn’t mention Stefan and him rejecting me or being mates.

“Different princess. She is Princess Diandra, and she is set to marry the king,” I explain, and he nods.

“Well, something needs to be done.” Wayne goes to stand, but my hand stops him.

“I hurt her in the places she hurt Mummy.” Thorin looks at him. “Mummy has no wolf; she knew that was why she hurt her.”

I sigh, hearing Thorin. He’s good at reading people.

“Well done for fighting back for your Mum Thorin.” Wayne smiles and shakes his hand.

“I helped.” Isaac jumps up, and Wayne nods, laughing.

“Well done to you as well.” Wayne hugs him. “Did you keep calm?” He glances at Thorin.

“He did very well considering he wasn’t even in the room with me at the time,” I explain, pulling Thorin to me.

“Almost.” Thorin’s head drops.

“It’s fine, you did great.” I smile at him.

“But emotion is weakness,” Wayne’s words shock me, and I turn to stare at him. “It’s a fact, love; the less emotion he shows, the better.”

My head shakes. “No, emotion isn’t a weakness.” I can’t believe he said that.

“Weaknesses are bad; your enemies use them, Mummy.” Thorin smiles, and Isaac rolls his eyes.

“Weakness and emotions are different, and it’s not bad to have a weakness,” I argue, unsure why I found it so bad, but I do.

“Lotta and Isaac can have them, Mummy, just not me.” Thorin smiles. Standing, I pull Wayne away from them.

“What is going on? Why is Thorin saying that?” I don’t like how he thinks emotions are a weakness.

“It’s part of the training.” Wayne smiles at me.

“If it was, why is it only put on Thorin?” I glance from him to the pups.

“Thorin is different,” Wayne states.

“No, they are all different, which we knew,” I argue.

“Yes, but Thorin is different from Lotta and Isaac. He’s stronger, faster, and you can’t deny he is wiser.”

“I’m not denying that, but since when did training become making him think emotions are bad and a weakness?” I ask, glance between him and the pups.

“Harlyn.” I turn and see Samuel. “You’ve not really been celebrating with us.” He looks from me to Wayne.

“Sorry, I got distracted. This is Wayne.” I was meant to introduce him to everyone, but I wanted to spend time with him alone with the pups before everyone got involved.

“Wayne, it’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Samuel, her brother.” He shakes his hand and looks at him.

“Something wrong?” I look at Samuel, and his head shakes.

“Nothing, just that he looks like an old guard from before you left, that’s all. Unusual.” Samuel shrugs and laughs slightly. “Have you introduced him to mother?”

Sighing, my head shakes. “No, we were catching up,” I say, not wanting to get lost in introductions until I know everything.

“Well, come on, let’s get him introduced.” Samuel walks forward, and I grab the pups and follow with Wayne. I watch as Samuel begins to introduce Wayne to everyone.

He’s standing like the proud brother, constantly explaining I’m engaged to an alpha. Anyone would think it’s something huge, and I guess the fact I don’t have a wolf makes it a big thing.

“So, seen as Wayne is here, are you staying a little longer?” Mother smiles at me, and I go to shake my head, but Wayne speaks.

“Why not?” he says, turning to smile at me. “We can stay a few extra days; it gives you more time with your family.” He smiles at me, but I don’t want to stay longer.

Although, if Wayne is here, I know I’m safe. Sighing, I nod. It will be good. I have yet to speak to my mother and catch up with her.

With the wedding and everything else, we’ve not had much time to do. It’s nice, though. I don’t know where my father is, but unlike him, he leaves a celebration just to avoid seeing me.

The pups are dancing with my family, and I stay in Wayne’s arms.

“I’m sorry,” Wayne says, and I look up at him. “I didn’t want anyone to take advantage of them and use their emotions against them.” His arms wrap around me, and he pulls me closer.

“Maybe I went too far. I won’t do it again. It’s just far easier for someone to manipulate you, and you do not see it happening if you’re drowning in emotions.”

I nod at his words, understanding him. “Drowning in emotions is one thing, Wayne; having emotions is different. Thorin is already cold and distant from everyone, and I don’t want that to get worse.”

He nods, kissing my cheek. “I’m sorry, I just didn’t want them hurt. No more, I promise. The fact they managed to defend you and not kill the person says they are able to control their emotions.”

“Thank you.” I smile at him. Without him, I would have been alone for the past eight years. I would have had to raise the pups without a home, and I wouldn’t even know where to start with training them as I was never allowed to attend due to my lack of a wolf.

“You don’t need to thank me, just marry me,” he smiles, and I laugh.

“I already agreed, Wayne; I’m not changing my mind.” Reaching up, I kiss him.

“Lotta is having fun.” He looks across at where she is dancing with Lucy, and again, she has on the tiara.

“This is the world she dreams of. Yes, she enjoys training, fighting and such, but she’s more into princess dresses and stuff. I’m glad she got to come here.” I am, as it’s something many wouldn’t get to do.

“I’m glad the pups are getting to know everyone. It’s a good thing they learn about your family, which apparently includes the royal family.” His head tilts. “Lucy is now your sister-in-law.”

He nods wrong. “That she is.” I smile at the thought. I hadn’t even realised it, but we are.