@DragonSong ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
People owning other people...
The world was a sick, cruel place.
Not that the slavers counted Tobias as a real
person. Then again, they didn't act as if any of the slaves they peddled were real people. Objects to be bought, sold, and traded. Just like with anything, some were more desirable then others, for various reasons.
He lost count of the number of pretty, frightened young women he watched be taken away. Some screamed, cried, and begged to be let go. Many sobbed and wept as they were dragged away by their leering masters - no doubt what their intended purpose would be. There were a few that shed a few silent tears, and some that seemed completely devoid of feeling.
What would a person have to have seen or gone through to become completely indifferent and numb to their situation?
There were very unremarkable and plain men and women, people sold as domestic slaves. He imagined they would ended up doing various tasks like cooking, cleaning, and so forth. There were some educated men and women - mostly bought to tutor the children of rich merchants and nobles.
Then you had those like Tobias. He was labelled to be
exotic. After all, he wasn't even human. Who would buy a werewolf? Who thought they could control a werewolf? Collectors, mostly. Rich people with too much money on their hands that liked to show off rare and strange people and animals.
Tobias was considered both.
At least he was kept in a holding cell by himself. He was hardly in the mood for company, and the cries of the desperate and terrified were more than he could really take. His cell was remarkably clean, and he even had a pile of straw for a bed. Actually, he was rather clean as well - for a slave. They fed him well, mostly because he was pretty sure they were afraid he'd eat
them if they didn't keep his belly full enough.
Idiots. He wasn't an animal.
Though Tobias sure felt like one sitting in his cell, just waiting for someone to come along and buy him like a new exotic pet.
"Really, Father," Tessa said, taking quick steps to keep up with Erik Varrys's long strides while simultaneously avoiding tripping on the hem of her own skirt. "I've told you, I don't need a bodyguard! It's not as though I'm in any real danger."
Her father didn't even glare at her over his shoulder as he normally would have at such a blatant lie. "There was a knife on your pillow this morning with a note telling me to drop my deal with the Connlaothian trader." Anger seethed under his tone and she swallowed; he really was worried.
"Grandstanding," she tried, "they'd never actually get away with anything."
"You don't know that!" He whirled on her suddenly, gripping her shoulders tight. Eyes flaring with a mad desperation, he ground out, "You and your mother are all I have. My business, the money, all of it means nothing is something happened to you." He let out a breath, releasing her to start walking again.
For a moment, she was frozen, still in shock. She pulled herself together quickly though, half running after him to catch up. They were in the slaver's quarters now, a rather seedy section of the city's market district. She clenched her eyes shut. Perhaps a bodyguard she could learn to live with- but one that had been bought like a new set of daggers made her feel physically ill. Her father had never purchased a slave before; all his employees were fairly paid servants or business partners. He'd always claimed a distaste for the institution, but now he said he needed someone whose loyalty went beyond a paycheck or even a sense of honor.
She hated being the reason he changed his convictions.
"Pardon me, sir." Erik flagged down one of the rather unsavory looking characters who seemed to be running the establishment. "I'm in need of...something in particular. Strong, smart, loyal. Am I in the right place?"
The particularly unsavory fellow happened to be known as Wilkes, and he was a roguish brute, to be sure. His eyes were dark, almost black as he turned them onto the pair. A smile that was more smirk crossed his lips as he raked his eyes over Tessa rather inappropriately before focusing on Erik - who obviously had the money.
"Are you looking for a slave or a dog? Because it sounds to me like what you really want is a dog. We've got strong, and we've got smart, but loyal is a rare commodity 'round here. I 'spose there's a well-broken in slave that could be considered loyal, or at least too afraid to do nothing about how much he hates your guts, but he'd be broken, which means he ain't going to be strong or smart anymore." Wilkes was all but sneering at this point - obviously he thought Erik was wasting his time.
"Wilkes, shush you. You're going to scare off the customers." A smaller, weaselly man appeared suddenly from nearby, smiling at Erik reassuringly. "You'll have to excuse him, we have to keep a rough sort around to keep the more unruly slaves in line, you understand? Now, you're wanting strong, smart, and loyal? Wilkes is right, it sounds like you want a dog! Which, fortunately for you, I have something that might suit just right. This way!"
He led them through the cells, some of which were rather crowded, until they reached a quiet cell on the end of the block. Tobias was sitting inside with his back to the cage, more or less ignoring them all and hoping they'd go away.
"Now here's a real treat, if you're willing to splurge just a little. Normally I would save such a fine specimen for a collector, but you wanted strong, smart, and loyal. I have the perfect solution, what you need is a werewolf. Stronger than an ox, make no mistake. Now, I'm afraid he's not educated, but smart is a relative term - he can follow orders, which is what's important. Right? Of course it is!" The man had barely paused to breath during his sales pitch.
"Now, loyal is a rather tricky request when it comes to slaves. Some can be a bit flighty or unpleasant, but they're also the ones most mistreated. You know? But if loyalty is what you want, well a werewolf is a man who's also part wolf and a wolf is just a wilder version of a dog, am I right? Of course I am. I do have to caution that this one here isn't exactly what we'd call broken. He's not trained yet. So you're going to have to handle all that yourself, but that's also the beauty of it at the same time - you've got a clean slate. I think he's just what you need. I'm sure a fine gentleman such as yourself will be able to win the loyalty of a slave with just a little effort."
The weaselly man glanced into the cage with a slight frown, but quickly went back to all smiles. Tobias hadn't moved or acknowledged them once during all that fast-talking. "So what do you say?"
Tessa zoned out for much of the sales pitch, eyes both drawn to and desperately trying to avoid the sad, terrified, or sometimes horrifically empty faces that stared at them as they were led through to the end of the block.
This is barbaric. She shuddered visibly, closing her eyes as though that would shut out the reality of what was happening around them. She only tuned back in when she heard the slaver's eager, "-what do you say?"
Her father took a deep breath. She groaned internally; she knew where this was going. "That seems...acceptable." He cleared his throat and began fiddling with his cuff links. Oh here we go... "I will of course need a detailed history provided. Now, about price-"
She rolled her eyes skyward. Even in business transactions far less objectionable than this, her father was shrewd and calculating with his coin. If this slaver tried to milk him, they were going to be here for hours.
Slowly, almost reluctantly but quite unable to stop herself, Tessa turned her attention to the figure in the cell. She swallowed, throat suddenly dry, and took a step closer. "Hello?" Her voice had a hesitant quality that was quite uncharacteristic of her. She coughed gently and tried again, a little more firmly: "Hello. What's your name?"
"A detailed...history?" The slaver cleared his throat uneasily. "Sir you have to appreciate how difficult it would be to acquire such information on a slave like this one..." And so the negotiations would begin.
Tobias really didn't care about the proceedings. What did he care if he was about to be bought? Well, he cared, because obviously he didn't want to be a slave, but since he was a slave it hardly seemed to matter to him if he was a slave in this cell or a slave somewhere else. That's all the transaction really meant to him - a change of scenery.
He hadn't attempted to even sneak a glance of his potential master, and the men's voices were ignored, but they were only talking about him, not to him. The feminine voice that tried to address him was much more difficult to ignore. At least to completely ignore.
It was very rude to ignore a lady. Especially one that was speaking to him.
"Does it matter? The man buys me and he can name me whatever he likes. The slavers are fond of calling me Dog, Mutt, Rover, and some others best left unsaid." He sighed heavily, nobody cared what a slave's name was. At least not from what he knew.
He still hadn't moved, not even to look at the person talking to him. Even sitting with his knees pulled up to his chest and his arms wrapped around his legs, Tobias was obviously a large man - both tall and muscular, though in a slightly lean sort of way.
Tessa bit her bottom lip, frowning. She couldn't blame him for it, but his apathy made her...sad. She took another step closer, wrapping slim fingers around the bars of the cell. Behind her, she heard her father's voice raise slightly, then even out again. Negotiations were proceeding fairly smoothly then.
"It matters to me," she said quietly. "Father may be the one buying you, but it's me you'll be...protecting, I suppose. And I'd like to know your name- not the one the slavers call you, but your real name. If you don't mind." She knelt to be closer to his level, heedless of the grime staining her dress. Mother would probably be furious, but she could worry about that later.
Her eyes flicked up and down his form; he was obviously big enough to be a guard, he could probably scare people away with bulk alone. But his curled stature, almost childlike, spoke of something gentle that she hoped hadn't been beaten out of him, could still be reached.
She tried an offer of faith, small as it was: "My name is Tessa."
Protecting.
So that was it, then? They hadn't seemed like collectors, certainly not with the way Saul had been talking, but he hadn't really decided what they had actually wanted him for. Not that it mattered. One job was much like another - except what they had made him do before.
Thank the gods he couldn't remember that very well. Mable had told him bits and pieces, but he hadn't wanted to know more. Just hearing the tidbits had turned his stomach.
Part of him wanted to ask her what made her even assume he had a real name. What if he'd been born a slave and the only names he'd known were those given to him trivially by his masters? Some of those here were like that, and he felt sorry for them. Or maybe in a way he envied them. They had always been slaves and so knew nothing else. Tobias knew what it was like to be free - and even more than that his wolf did not like the idea of being caged or owned.
No wolf would.
"Tobias." The name came out quietly, and somewhat grudgingly. Why should he bother saying more? Why bother volunteering even that much? These people were not his friends. They were not good people - the girl could offer him honey but he knew to anticipate the sting.
"Tobias," she repeated. Then she sighed, glancing back at her father and the slaver. "I wish I could say it's nice to meet you, but I think that would be a disservice to us both. You more than me, admittedly." She looked back to the werewolf, pursing her lips and frowning. "Look, I know you have no reason to believe me, but I just- I want you to know if this was my choice-"
Before she could finish her rather fumbling and pointless excuses her father's voice cut across with, "Tessa. Come on, we're going to look elsewhere."
She stood quickly, surprised. It had sounded like a done deal, from the snippets she'd actually paid attention to. "Really? Why?" She didn't want to be here at all- the idea of being trundled cell to cell while trying not to feel the pain of this place did not appeal to her.
Erik Varrys let out a sharp breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look," he said, turning slightly to not-quite-address the man in the cell, "I'm sure you're a very capable young man, but I don't think I can trust a wolf to protect my daughter. Even with the best of intentions and under the best circumstances, you-" here he turned to address the slaver again- "cannot guarantee he won't lose control."
Irritation, guilt, helplessness, and a sudden and irrational urge to hit something swamped her. "You know, seeing as I'm the one he'll be spending the most time with, I feel I should have some say in the matter." In her best business voice, she turned to face the slaver, arms folded firmly across her chest. She didn't know why this was suddenly so important to her- maybe because she'd talked to him, maybe because she saw something indefinable in those brown-gold eyes that refused to break- but she knew she had to do something.
"How much?"
It was hard not to find her words irritating. Tobias would rather she not try to pretend to be nice when she might own him shortly. Maybe he was just being bitter and wanted them to be mean to him to prove his point.
Tobias was actually surprised when the man seemed to decide against purchasing him and tried to collect his daughter to leave. His head tilted and turned so that he could look up at Erik from where he huddled, brown-gold eyes weary as he listened to Tessa's father explain why he felt that a werewolf was a bad choice for protecting his daughter.
The man had valid concerns.
It felt strange to him that the girl that didn't even know him would suddenly push to buy him after her father had already decided not to.
Saul opened his mouth to reply but Tobias quickly cut the slaver off.
"I am not a fucking animal, so stop acting like I'm some dog that could go rabid at any moment. I have never in my life ever wanted to hurt anyone. And if we're being perfectly honest a wolf is far more trustworthy than a human. Humans lie, cheat, steal, and murder. Wolves are simple - they kill for two reasons - food and defense. So either get me out of this cage or stop insulting me and leave."
The slaver was staring at him wide-eyed and slack-jawed by now in shock. Admittedly, Tobias had said very little since being stuck in his cell, but if there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was being treated like some mindless, dangerous beast.
He wasn't the beast. He wasn't.
There was a moment of pure silence, mostly from the shock of his outburst. But Tessa was her father's daughter, and nothing if not adaptable.
"He makes a good point," she said airily, trying her damnedest to pretend this was some normal trader she was dealing with and she wasn't buying a person. "And I think it really should be my decision, when it comes down to it." She tossed a sheet of shining black hair over her shoulder, suddenly thankfully she'd managed to convince her mother to let her wear it down for once- as Erik always said, sometimes what could make or break a good deal was the impression you made.
And she could be quite impressive if she put her mind to it. She was quite tall, she knew she was pretty, and she'd been told she had "piercing" eyes (whatever that meant); with a firm mouth and an arched brow those factors could be turned easily in her favor. "I believe this should cover it," she said, reaching into the purse at her hip to extract some coins.
"Celestia Rose-" her father began hotly.
"I am not a child," she snapped, not even bothering to face him. Then she winced internally. Oh damn, she was going to pay for that later. But she couldn't seem to help herself. "Here- Saul, was it?" She tipped some coins into the slaver's hand. "A pleasure doing business with you." She gave him the winning smile her Manners and Decorum tutor had drilled into her. "Now if you'd be so kind..." She gestured toward the cell, maintaining the facade of disinterested businesswoman as best she could.
And desperately ignoring the holes her father was glaring into her back.
Tobias wasn't sure if he had been trying to really help or hurt his case. After all, he didn't want to be bought by anyone. Then again, he didn't want to stay in the cell either. His wolf was going stir crazy with the inability to run.
The slaver miraculously recovered from the shock as soon as coins appeared. Though he glared into the cell at Tobias angrily. Slaves weren't supposed to speak out of turn, let alone speak harshly to the customers. If Tessa hadn't dumped the gold into his palm, Saul probably would have punished him once the pair had left.
So maybe thankful he was leaving.
Saul made the money disappear into his pockets quickly before Erik could cancel the whole deal, then he nodded his head to Tessa with a rather unsettling grin. "A fine young lady that knows what she wants. You won't be disappointed with your purchase. Like I told your father, he just needs a bit of training, maybe some breaking to clean up that tone he gave you, mm?"
Either way, the weasel unlocked the cell and Tobias uncurled himself, which was a task, since he was stiff from remaining like that so long.
It was hard to contain the wolf inside him as he stepped out of the cell.
The animal was practically ready to burst from excitement and a desire to take off at the first opportunity. Erik need worry less about him mauling Tessa and more about the wolf simply running away.
Tobias suppressed that urge for now. There were far too many guards in the market. With so many slave traders to get in his way to freedom someone would undoubtedly end up hurt. Which was the last thing he really wanted, so instead he stretched a little and looked down at the woman that bought him curiously.
"So why do you need protection, anyway?" Probably not the submissive demeanor and tone expected of a slave.
Holy... Tessa was not a small woman, but her new guard positively towered over her. She looked up to meet his eyes, unaccustomed to having to crane her neck to do so.
No wonder royalty and the like preferred high thrones. Something about the act of tilting her head back just to see him properly made her feel smaller than she really was.
"Father has been having some...issues with rival businesses lately," she answered his question. Her eyes flickered toward the slaver meaningfully and she added, "I'd rather not discuss the details here, if you don't mind." She reached up to fiddle with the silver teardrop that dangled from her left ear, a nervous habit. "Well, um...we left the carriage back on Market Street. Ah, this way..." She turned, intending to head off.
And nearly ran smack into her father's chest. She stifled a gulp and smiled slightly, the tiny, little-girl smile that used to get her extra sweets after dinner.
He wasn't having it. But she knew he wouldn't want to cause a scene- that would be bad for his reputation- so he simply settled with a glare and a curt, "Come along then, Celestia," before turning on his heel and heading back toward the market district.
"Shit," she swore softly under her breath. He'd used her full name. "I am in so much trouble..."
Tobias was used to looking down at people, since he was usually the tallest person in a room or crowd, but having to look down to meet people's eyes was far different from looking down on them. His new owner was actually fairly tall for a woman.
Nine years ago he'd have been surprised to hear that a young woman might need protection from business rivals - her own or her father's - but that was before he'd left his little village, before he'd seen how dark and cruel the world and people could be. Man, he really had been an ignorant little country bumpkin, hadn't he?
"Sure..." Tobias was really kind of looking at Erik now, the man looked less than thrilled, to be sure. Would he put his foot down and send him back into that cell? He'd much rather go home with these people, he could escape from a house a lot easier than the cell.
With not much else that he could do, Tobias followed along behind his new young mistress, actually laughing softly at her words, which he was pretty sure she didn't mean for anyone to hear, but wolves had very good hearing.
Tessa glanced back at the soft chuckle, feeling her cheeks color slightly. Oops. That hadn't been very ladylike. In an effort to make up for her slip she straightened her spine and walked with quick, mincing steps, once again exerting an effort to keep up with her father's longer strides.
They reached the carriage fairly quickly; she wasn't sure whether she should thank all things holy that they were out of the slaves' market or curse her luck that soon enough she'd have to really face Erik's wrath.
"Hello, Sir, Miss Tessa," their driver, Jacobi, said as they approached. His eyes flicked over them to their new companion and the lines on his face tightened slightly. "I see you got what you came for."
"Yes," her father said curtly, climbing into the carriage without another word. Tessa swallowed, hard. She hated the fact that he could make her feel like a little girl caught stealing biscuits from the kitchen.
"You gettin' in, Miss?" Jacobi's voice prompted her from her reverie. His eyes, outlines by years of laugh lines, glimmered with a spark of mischief. He may not no the details, but he knew she was in trouble.
She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him with difficulty. "Your glee at my misfortune is unbecoming, Jake," she informed him primly, taking the first step up into the carriage- then glancing back at Tobias to say, "Oh, you can ride where ever you want. There's room in here, but if you'd rather sit up front with Jake I'm sure he won't mind."
Why the look? Tobias could only duck his head and stare at the ground after receiving what he assumed was a disapproving look from the carriage driver. Perhaps he wasn't going to be a popular addition to the household.
Eh, what did he care? He was bailing at the first good opportunity.
It only took a glance at Tessa's father for him to make up his mind where he'd rather sit. He definitely did not want to be stuck in any confined space with those two just then. "Yeah, only a fool jumps into a boiling pot, lass. I think I'll take my chances up front."
Without further prompting he climbed up to the driver's seat, making sure to sit near the edge to give this Jake fellow as much room as possible. Hopefully the man would get over whatever dislike he had for him. Else this was going to be an unbearable ride no matter where he sat.
Tess couldn't blame him for his choice- she didn't exactly want to be around her father right now either. With a nod and a mockingly stern, "Jake, you be nice," she stepped fully into the carriage. She thought she heard Jake grumbling something about never expected Master Varrys to buy slaves in his day, no sir, but then her attention was more focused on her father.
He was glaring. She sat across from him as the carriage lurched into motion, fixing her skirts and fiddling with her earring. "Alright," she sighed after she could take the seething silence no longer, "let me have it."
"You are a foolish child."
She sighed again, closing her eyes.
"You disobey simply for the thrill of doing so," her father continued angrily. She winced slightly- there was no way Jake and Tobias couldn't hear his tirade. In fact, she wouldn't be surprised if innocent passerby could hear him. "Your juvenile spite for this outing will have further repercussions than you realize, Celestia! And your actions do not only affect yourself, they-"
"Affect the Varrys name and household," she recited with him. "Yes, Father, I know. But I didn't buy him to spite you, or as some childish act of disobedience, despite what you may believe."
"Really?" Erik arched an eyebrow dangerously. "Then why?"
Tessa opened her mouth, fully intending to answer...and realized she didn't know why. she shook her head, settling back in her seat and looking at her hands clasped in her lap. "I don't know," she said softly after a moment. "I just...I couldn't not do it. I couldn't just leave him there..."
Her father sighed heavily. "Rosie..." he said quietly. "I understand. I do. I know you would have bought them all if you could just to get them out of there. But despite our personal objections to the institution, the fact remains that slavery is a part of our lives here. You cannot let a feeling heart override good sense."
She looked away from him, out the window, as he continued his lecture. His voice was softer now, cajoling rather than abrasive. She tuned him out, closing her eyes and letting her forehead rest against the wall of the carriage. You cannot let a feeling heart override good sense.
It was practically the Varrys motto.
It was hard not to wince as the poor girl was berated by her father over him. Maybe he didn't like the idea of being someone's property, but he still felt bad for her. People that bought slaves were generally lumped into a certain category in his mind of not being good people, and he'd held suspicion of her attempts to be nice to him, but she didn't seem like a bad person. Neither of them really did.
Even his wolf seemed to feel they weren't bad, and the animal had a nose for that sort of thing.
He sighed heavily, wondering how unpleasant things were going to be for him later. Tobias still anticipated being sent back to the cell. Well he'd definitely run before that could happen. He wasn't going back in a cage.
"If everyone likes me this much this is going to be just great." There werewolf grumbled softly. Well, it wasn't as if he wanted them to like him.
The remainder of the carriage ride passed in stony silence. Tessa couldn't stop the sigh of relief that escaped her as she they rattled through the manor gates and Jake halted the horses with a deep, "Whoa there, boys," in front of the steps that led to the front door.
Erik exited without a word to her. She wasn't sure if that was a good sign or a bad one, so she waited a moment before following him out. She wandered to the head of the massive grey draft tethered to the left side of the carriage. "Thanks, Sugar," she told the gelding, patting his neck and fishing a mint candy out of her purse to feed him.
The other gelding- also a grey, though not quite as big- shoved his head against her shoulder. She chuckled and fed him a candy as well, saying, "Yes, yes, I know. I didn't forget you, Pip."
"You spoil them," Jake told her as he jumped down from the driver's seat and joined her at the horses' heads, starting to unharness them.
She gave him a small smile. "Can't help it. Look at those big, brown eyes." She planted a soft kiss on each animals' muzzle, then turned to see if Tobias had joined them on the ground. "I suppose we'd better go in," she said with a smile that she convinced herself was only half forced.
Silence was no stranger to him, more often than not Tobias enjoyed silence. Though it wasn't really silent. The noises of the city grated on his nerves. How he longed for the gentle rush of river water, the water wheel creaking as the current turned it at the mill to grind grain for flour. Given how long it had been, he marveled that he could still even recall the sounds and smells of home.
How he wished he could go back there, but that was impossible. There was nothing left of the tiny fishing village he'd grown up in. Tobias couldn't help but feel that was at least partially his fault.
All of that was momentarily forgotten as they passed through the gates to the "house" his new "mistress" lived in. It was bigger than all the little shacks and cabins from his village combined. He bet a bedroom here was bigger than the house he was born in.
When they came to a stop he jumped down, brown-gold eyes darting around to memorize the layout of the front grounds. The gate could easily be scaled, but what he needed was a good place to run to, if he could make it to the forest without making much contact with people then he'd be in the clear. Surely they'd never find him then.
...of course they'd managed to capture him to begin with. Something he was quite loathe to admit had been entirely his own stupidity.
Tessa drew his attention back to her as he calmly leveled his eyes at her. He could practically feel the tension coming off her, and her smile seemed fake, but he supposed if he was in trouble with his father he'd have been tense too.
"Lead the way, lass. I'm apparently at your disposal now. That's how this works, right?" Tobias would follow her for now. He had to formulate an escape plan before he tried to get away.
Tessa's heart gave a guilty sort of lurch. "Yes, I suppose that is how it works," she said softly. Then she physically shook herself and said, "Alright then." She turned and walked up the stairs, hoisting her heavily embroidered skirts up into the air to avoid tripping and falling on her face. What an impression that would make.
"Father's not angry at you, you know," she said, feeling like she should say something. "He's just irritated I made a decision based on emotion rather than business sense." She pushed the door open before the steward could get there, which made the short old man exclaim, "Miss Tessa, please-!"
"Oh, hush, Lionel," she said with a smile. "You let Father in, didn't you?"
Lionel scowled. "Yes, but-"
Before he could get anything else out her attention- and probably the attention of just about everyone on the street- was drawn by Erik Varrys bellowing, "I've had a long day and I need some womanly comfort!"
Tessa rolled her eyes. "Oh gods..."
"Keep your hair on, I'm coming." That voice, smooth and melodious, belonged to Nateri Varrys, who came gliding down the center stairs that led into the foyer of the manor. Her cocoa skin was smooth and unlined despite her age, coal black hair swept up into a fantastic confection of a bun at the top of her head. She smiled when she saw her husband and daughter, moving toward them with the easy grace of reeds bowing in the wind. "Hello, darlings," she said, stepping into Erik's embrace. "I trust your outing was successful?"
Erik made a grunting sound of annoyance and- without further ado- dipped her back into a prolonged, theatrical kiss.
Tessa groaned dramatically, raising a hand to "shield her eyes". The maid that had followed her mother down the stairs giggled, and Lionel and another footman who had entered to see what the commotion was whistled and clapped.
She turned to the werewolf with a slightly embarrassed smile. "Welcome to the Varrys household, Tobias."
Tobias trailed behind Tessa rather like a lost puppy might, for lack of any other idea of what to actually do. Until he escaped all he really could do was do as he was told and apparently his main job was supposed to be to protect the young woman that had insisted on buying him.
The werewolf gave a gentle shrug of his shoulders at the notion that the master of the house wasn't angry at him. Honestly it probably didn't matter. Either way, he wasn't sure the man liked him, and was pretty sure that the girl's father didn't really trust him with Tessa. Too many people hearing stories of the big bad wolf, that's what that really was.
Not that there wasn't some risk. Tobias had been a mindless killing machine for five years, but since he'd been taught to control it there hadn't been a single incident of him truly losing control.
Sighing softly he ducked his head as they passed through the doors, trying very much to just blend as a shadow behind the young woman in front of him, doing his best not to draw a lot of attention to himself. So far he only knew he had one very irritated master, a somewhat naive girl pulling the strings, and a carriage driver that seemed to disapprove of the entire situation of bringing a slave along.
He really didn't need anymore people disliking his presence.
Though he had to suppress a chuckle as he heard the call for "womanly comfort". The werewolf settled for ducking his head down even more and grinning with amusement. That was one way to call for your wife.
Brown-gold eyes raised long enough to assess the woman that came gliding down the stairs, undoubtedly the lady of the house. She was a pretty woman, and definitely of Essyrni blood. That didn't surprise him, he could see some Essyrni in Tessa, and she was a pretty young woman as well. Not that it mattered to him.
They just seemed like a nice family. Pretty as a picture, the three of them.
Tobias grinned and shrugged his shoulder with a quiet chuckle when his mistress turned to him and "welcomed" him to the household. "At least they look happy."
Tessa found her own face breaking out into a bright smile in response to his. She hadn't expected him to do much more than stare, and she wouldn't have blamed him if he had. But he had a nice smile. Surely her father's worries were unfounded; he couldn't possibly be dangerous.
Well, he could certainly be dangerous, she amended mentally. But for some reason she couldn't bring herself to believe that he would hurt her, even by accident. "They certainly are, at that," she said, looking back to her parents and trying to imagine how they would look through his eyes.
"What, no hug for your old mother?"
Nateri's pout made her laugh and she crossed the foyer to step into her embrace. She smelled of lavender and Essyrni spices, a strange and comforting combination that instantly made Tessa relax. "Welcome home, dear heart," her mother murmured, kissing her forehead.
She laughed, returning the gesture with a kiss to the cheek. "We were only gone for a few hours, Mama."
"Yes." Her mother looked over her shoulder and quirked an eyebrow. The expression was so similar to the one Erik usually made that Tessa had decided as a child one must have taught it to the other. She just wasn't sure which was which. "And I see you found what you were looking for."
"Oh, yes." Tessa stepped away from her, back toward Tobias. "I'm being rude, forgive me. Mother, this is Tobias. Tobias, this is Nateri Varrys." She gestured back and forth between the two with a well practiced gesture. All those decorum lessons weren't for nothing.
Her mother nodded regally. "Welcome to our home," she said graciously.
Erik, suddenly sour, gripped his wife's arm. "Sweet, could I talk to you alone for a moment?" His eyes flickered meaningfully over his daughter and her new bodyguard.
Nateri gave both her husband and daughter a questioning look, then nodded. "Tessie dear, why don't you show Tobias where he'll be staying? Mia cleaned out the room next to yours." She followed her husband into the parlor.
Tessa let out a heavy breath, then faced Tobias. "I suppose I should show you where you'll be sleeping." She nodded toward the stairs. "Ah...follow me, then?"
Maybe the easy grin Tobias was able to slip into was a little surprising - it was certainly a rather large change from the sullen man huddled miserably in the slave cell that Tessa had initially spoken to. The wolf hated being caged, it was truly psychologically damaging for a wild animal to be kept locked up and isolated as he'd been.
Now that he was free - relatively speaking - and sensed no real threat, the beast was much more relaxed, which in turn made the man feel more relaxed. While the wolf wasn't about to settle into a life of domesticity, the animal was content to simply stretch his legs and regroup, so to speak.
The more rational man part of his brain was still feeling a little strange about how nice everyone was being to him. Especially as he was introduced and greeted rather unlike what he figured a slave should expect. The beautiful Nateri Varrys welcomed him into her home rather eloquently, as if he were a guest and not someone there because he didn't have any other choice.
Of course he wondered how long that welcoming attitude would last as he watched the master lead his wife away. That look wasn't lost on him either.
Though there was the matter of where he'd be staying. Did she say the room next to hers? That didn't seem right. If the room was next to Tessa's it was bound to be fairly nice, right? Even if the place was designed to have a small, simple room next to the major rooms for personal servants, that was still probably nicer than he was figuring a slave should be expecting.
"Uh...after you, lass." Now he felt wary and uneasy again. If he were a free man then he'd rather enjoy nice people, but being a slave just made him feel like it was a trap or trick.
He was on edge again. Tessa wished she knew how to make him feel more at ease, but she expected that it was just something they were both going to have to learn to live with. After all, had their positions been reversed she probably would have acted much the same way.
"Right. Ok then." She scaled the stairs two at a time with the ease of long practice; not even her cumbersome skirts proved to be too much of a problem. At the top of the staircase she turned left, leading him to the second door in this section of the hallway. Pushing it open she said, "This'll be your room. I'm afraid it's not much. It's meant to be used by a hand maiden or some such nonsense, but Mia prefers to room on the first floor with Della- that's her mother, she works as our cook- so it really doesn't have much in the way of furnishings..."
She glanced around the room. It was't entirely bare; there was a bed and a bureau, a window that took up half of the far wall, a few small area rugs. She bit her lip. "Well, if you need anything it shouldn't be too hard to track it down." Flitting across the room to the door set into the right hand wall she added, "I think the big reason this room was chosen is because it connects to mine- Mother and Father insisted that if I was going to have a bodyguard he should be able to actually guard me."
She pushed the smaller door open to show that it led to her- rather more lavish- bedchamber. Then she hovered awkwardly, not quite sure what to do with herself. "So, um...make yourself at home. Oh!" A thought suddenly struck her and she could have kicked herself for not thinking of it sooner. "Would you like something to eat? You must be hungry."
It was easy enough to keep up, and Tobias continued to try to be as unassuming as possible. He didn't want people staring at him. Especially his eyes. So far the werewolf had tried to avoid eye contact with everyone but Tessa, really. Not that it would probably help. The man and Tessa knew he was a werewolf, everyone in the house would know soon enough.
Hopefully he wouldn't they wouldn't all be afraid of him. All the slaves at market had been frightened by him even when he'd done nothing to incite fear.
Tobias couldn't help but whistle softly as his eyes roamed over what was supposed to be his bedroom. It might not have been considered "much" to someone like her, but to him it seemed pretty big. Especially considering there was a bed and he'd spent the weeks in his cell sleeping on a pile of straw on a stone floor.
Need anything? He didn't own anything but the clothes on his back, and not even those. Those belong to her too. The slavers had taken everything else he'd owned, including his bow and hunting knife. He paced the room slowly, getting a feel for it, then made his way over to the door that joined his room to hers to have a look and whistled again.
The werewolf was trying to work it all out in his head. The girl's father thought she needed protected. His idea of protecting her was to buy a male slave he knew nothing about and put him in a room not only right next to his daughters, but that had a door that led directly to where the lass slept?
Her father was right. She did need a guard.
What if he was a criminal delinquent? Those often got sold into slavery as punishment for their crimes. The whole thing was just asking for trouble. Not that he voiced any of those concerns, but his face was screwed up in a pensive frown as he looked back over his room before shutting the door that connected the rooms together.
"If you don't learn anything else about me, lass, you'll learn that I never turn down food." He cracked a lopsided smile at her and wondered how they would react when they realized just how much he could eat. Werewolves had large metabolisms. "Plus it'll be good to get a better idea of the layout so I don't get lost."
And so he could map escape routes in his head.
Tessa beamed. "Alright, I'll show you to the kitchens then," she said, slipping back out into the hallway. This time, instead of using the main stairway, she walked to the end of the hall and took the smaller set of stairs that led directly to the kitchens, pantry, and servants' quarters at the back of the manor.
They were at the door to the kitchen quickly enough, and Tessa knocked even as she pushed it open. "Della? Could you spare something?"
"TESSIE!!"
She blanched. "Oh gods." She'd forgotten Mia's siblings were at the manor today. She'd barely taken a step into the room when she was attacked from two directions at once by whirlwinds of small child. Jenny and Seth, the seven year old twins, hung onto her skirts with their little hands, giggling and tugging, pulling her further into the kitchen. Micheal, being twelve and far too mature for such nonsense, merely gave her an exuberant hug around the waist before skipping back, grinning.
The boy's eyes immediately snapped to her companion and he asked bluntly, "Who's that?"
"You could ask him yourself," Tessa said, trying to extricate herself from his younger siblings. "He's standing right there." She gave up with being gentle and simply scooped the twins up into her arms, balancing one on either hip. Seth immediately set about playing with her hair and she gave Tobias a slightly exasperated smile. "Come on in, it's only me they attack like that."
Micheal stuck his tongue out at her and she wrinkled her nose at him. Which was about the time Della came storming in from the door that led to the pantry, graying hair falling haphazardly around her face, growling, "You three get back here or I'll-" She stopped short. "Oh, Miss Tessa! And..." she trailed off, eyes wandering over Tobias's frame. "And you are?"
Knowing there was a back staircase was a good start to his recon. There would be multiple ways to get to the first floor in a hurry. Although Tobias could probably manage a drop from a window.
Probably.
The delighted squeals of children as they entered the kitchen had the werewolf both grinning and wincing. Having sensitive ears did have it's downfalls as well as its benefits. Tobias didn't know who the children really were, but thy didn't look like Tessa, so he was assuming they were related to the help.
Interesting how they practically mauled the girl the moment she'd stepped through the door.
Well, good to know his owner wasn't too good to mingle with the lowly common folk. Tobias almost snorted at his own inner thoughts, but somehow managed to restrain himself.
After a moment an older woman stormed into the kitchen, stopping short mid-yell when she saw his mistress, and then her eyes were moving over him and he felt a little like he was being appraised.
Tobias put on his most disarming grin and gave a little bow. "Tobias Slate, at your service, Ma'am."
"Oh." Della seemed slightly taken aback, then smiled. "Name's Della, and you don't have to be at nobody's service in my kitchen young man," she said with a wink, bustling over to the counter.
Tessa eyed the werewolf, unsure if he was being charming on purpose or if that was his natural personality finally starting to surface. Putting the thought from her mind, she managed to get the twins seated at stools by the island table in the center of the room and pulled up one herself, indicating with a hand that Tobias should do the same. "We came to beg some food, Dell," she said. Her eyes lit on a tray of biscuits that had been left on the table she she reached for it surreptitiously.
Della slapped her hand and she withdrew it quickly, mock pouting. "You'll spoil your supper," the older woman told her shortly. Then she looked to Tobias. "You, on the other hand, look like you haven't been properly fed in weeks. What would you like? I've got some bread and cheese lying around, and Micheal picked a bushel of apples this morning. Run and fetch that, Micheal." she hardly took a breath, only pausing to pull Seth and his sister off their stools when they started reaching for the biscuits and told them, "Run along and be useful, fetch me the cutting board."
She turned to Tobias and Tessa again, leaning against the table. "So I suppose you're Miss Tessa's new bodyguard, then?" Now she did pause, making it clear she actually expected an answer to this question.
Tobias positively beamed at Della when the older woman winked at him. It wasn't an act or ploy at all. The woman simply immediately reminded him of wholesome things, and his wolf felt at ease in her presence. Not to mention it was just good manners to be polite and kind to his elders.
He pulled up a stool when he was invited to and took a seat at the island, seemingly quite comfortable and at home in Della's kitchen. In fact, the werewolf even laughed softly when Tessa got her hand swatted for trying to sneak a biscuit. Not that he could blame her, they did look and smell pretty delicious.
A broad smile was on his face the entire time Della was talking as he gazed at her attentively, hoping his slightly golden eyes wouldn't bother her.
"I suppose I am, Ma'am. Not that I've ever been a bodyguard before, but there's a first time for everything, I guess. More than anything I think anyone wanting to hurt someone in this house might think twice if they get a look at me. I've been told I'm a little big." Tobias smiled innocently before glancing at the woman beside him. "Am I intimidating enough for you, lass?"
"Hmm..." Tessa tapped her chin, pretending to think about it. Then she shrugged. "Well, I suppose you'll do," she said airily, but she was unable to keep the teasing smile from her lips.
If she was being honest though, he was rather intimidating. She decided she'd much rather have him protecting her than sent after her.
The thought made her shudder slightly. As much as she tried not to think about it, she couldn't forget waking up to the silver glint on her pillow, the knowledge that someone who quite obviously meant her harm had come so close and she hadn't even realized it.
Suddenly Della was leaning between them, sliding a plate with freshly baked bread, cheese, and two apples in front of Tobias. "So long as you keep our girl safe, you'll be welcome here," she told him, patting Tessa's head.
For what felt like the umpteenth time that day, she muttered, "I'm not a child," but there was no bite to her words.
The werewolf laughed softly, still not sure what to make of his very unusual day. He'd gone from sitting in a cell, to owned by this kindly family in a matter of hours and Tobias honestly wasn't sure how to take it. The slaver hadn't been lying that he wasn't broken or trained, he had no idea how to be a slave, and so he was simply trying to react to how he was being treated - which was pretty nice, he'd admit that.
"Don't you worry about a thing, Ma'am. Your lass will be safe as a babe in a bassinet. Whoever's been giving her troubles will change their minds after bumping into me." Or more like after bumping into the wolf. Not many people wouldn't turn tail at the sight of a snarling wolf the size of a pony.
Although he didn't comment on how welcomed he might be. Tessa seemed sold on him sticking around, but Tobias still wasn't sure her parents weren't going to decide he was too dangerous to keep around.
Worries about if he would or wouldn't be allowed to stay vanished in an instant, because Tobias couldn't resist the smells coming from his plate. He torn a piece off his bread and popped it into his mouth with a happy hum. They said the way to a man's heart was through his stomach, and in the werewolf's case that was probably especially true since he loved to eat.
Wolves could be ravenous, after all.
Tessa smiled, looking from the woman who had helped raise her to this strange new member of their household. Who certainly was hungry, judging by how much food he was putting away. Although she guessed he probably hadn't been fed very well back at the markets.
Her smiled widened when Della brought another plate before he was quite done with the first. Typical. "You don't seem worried about spoiling his supper," she noted, pretending to be offended.
Della swatted the back of her head lightly, saying, "It ain't ladylike to be as sarcastic as you are." Before Tessa could protest- the slap or the claim- she added, "Speakin' of supper, why don't you tell your folks I'll have something ready soon. You lot should get yourselves seated."
"Alright, alright." She rose, rubbing her neck and yawning. She hadn't realized how late it was getting. Looking to Tobias, she asked, "Are you alright here, or would you like to come with me? I could show you more of the manor, but I understand if you're still hungry."
"I thought this was my supper." Tobias said with a low laugh between bites, though he didn't speak with his mouth full. He did have some manners. Which didn't at all stop him from happily helping himself to the second plate of food, though maybe he ate a little slower.
The werewolf wasn't sure how to feel about the invitation to go with her. He was still wary of Erik Varrys, because he was still convinced the man didn't want him around. After all, he'd turned away and was ready to go find another slave. Something not quite as dangerous as a werewolf could be. Of course by now the lady of the house could want him gone too. Undoubtedly her husband had told her the nonsense the slaver had cautioned him with.
"I'm good here. I like it in here." Not at all a lie, Tobias did like the kitchen, and not just because the delightful Della was feeding him. The kitchen was calm and quiet.
Sort of.
"I thought you might," Tessa said with a soft laugh. "Fair warning, those little urchins attach themselves to anything that holds still long enough," she said with a wink and a nod to the twins, who had just reentered the kitchen to give their mother the cutting board and were eyeing the werewolf curiously.
She laughed as Della pulled a face and slipped back out into the hallway. Making her way toward the parlor, she realized that she felt much lighter than she had upon entering the manor earlier. Something about Della could just put a body in a good mood. In fact, she was feeling so lighthearted she almost forgot why her parents were busy in secret conference.
Almost.
As she raised her hand to knock at the parlor door, she heard her father's voice: "It's not just the wolf I'm worried about, Nateri!"
Then her mother: "Calm down, Erik. You'll bring the house down. What are you worried about?"
A noise of frustration. "He's- you saw him! He's not subservient the way a slave should be, not "broken" as they said. And he'll be sleeping right next to her. What if he decides guarding her isn't enough? What if he decides to kill her and run off? What if he decides killing her isn't the best way to hurt her?!"
Tessa's throat went dry. His implication was clear, but she hadn't even considered that possibility before. Surely he wouldn't- what appeal could the woman who'd paid for him, like he was no more than a tool, possibly hold? Still, the thought sent an uneasy chill down her spine. She was relying on Tobias for protection now. If he became what she needed protection from...
Her mother's voice snapped her from her thoughts. "What do you propose we do then, Erik? Send him back? You are not a cruel man, love, you couldn't do that." A brief pause, then she added, "I think you should trust in your daughter's judgement."
Erik scoffed. "Believe me, dearest, there was no judgement used in that decision. It was all heart and no head."
"Perhaps it was simply not the "business sense" you are used to seeing," Nateri replied calmly. "Tessa is a better judge of character than you give her credit for. Perhaps she saw something in that young man that the years have made you blind to."
"So you want to just ignore the risks?"
"I'm not saying that-"
She couldn't listen to this anymore. Rapping sharply on the door she called, "Della says dinner will be ready soon," then turned and practically fled back in the direction of the kitchen.
It was probably for the best that Tobias had stayed behind in the kitchen and missed that conversation. After all, Erik Varrys had offended him quite enough earlier at the market without him having to hear more assumptions about even more ways he could be dangerous.
Instead, the werewolf finished his second plate and immediately got caught up with the children, by asking them if they'd heard the story about the rainbow fish of Deep Water - which was a lake town just a couple days from the river town where he'd grown up. Which of course they hadn't, and of course that meant they needed to hear it.
"The rainbow fish is this huge fish that lives in the lake, whose scales sparkle all the colors when the sun hits them just right, and who can't be caught. According to local legend fishermen came from miles around trying to catch the rainbow fish, and in over a hundred years the thing still hasn't been caught. Now, this is just a rumor, but they say if you can actually catch it you'll have good luck for the rest of your life. Then again, other people say it will grant a wish if you catch it and agree to let it go."
Tessa paused in the doorway to the kitchen, a smile creeping across her face. Even Della was listening to Tobias's story, though she pretended she wasn't. Seth and Jenny stared up at him with wide eyes and opens mouths, drinking in the tale.
No matter what her father may think, she just couldn't believe this man had bad intentions.
"So what would you do?" she asked, stepping into the room and leaning against the table. "Catch it for the luck, or let it go for the wish?"
The looks on the children's faces as Tobias told them the story really made his brown-gold eyes light up. It was obvious he was genuinely enjoying the story-telling. Maybe even more than Della and her motherly food, the children made him feel relaxed. He liked children, had always liked them. The wolf liked them too. Children were innocent. They didn't have malice in them.
Of course the wolf liked puppies, but children were just human pups. So same difference.
"Neither. Either one would take all the magic out of the story." Tobias said looking up with a grin before turning back to the twins with a wink. "Stories are magic, don't ever let someone tell you otherwise."
The werewolf leaned back a little on his stool, stretching slightly before scratching lightly at the back of his neck. "So what now? You're going to have dinner with your parents, I'm guessing. Not really sure I want to be there to have your father glaring at me, lass."
Tobias frowned softly. "He really doesn't want me here."
"He..." Tessa trailed off, biting her lip. She couldn't deny it. "He worries too much," she finished lamely.
She shrugged, trying for a smile. "Well, I should be getting to the dining room. Most of the time the servants eat in there with us, if we don't have guests. There's a table closer to the back of the room, I'm sure Della wouldn't mind if you sat with them, if you'd be more comfortable that way," she said, looking at the woman questioningly as she did so.
"Course we don't mind. In fact the twins would be thrilled," Della chuckled, ruffling Seth's hair. "You go on and get settled, Miss. We'll take care of Tobias here and Micheal and Mia will be out with the first course in a few minutes."
Tessa nodded, giving the cook and the werewolf a quick smile before moving toward the door that led directly from the kitchen to the dining room instead of back into the hall. She paused, glancing back over her shoulder. "What is dinner, Dell?"
"Shepherd's pie," she replied. Tessa beamed- that had been her favorite dish since she was a little girl. Della caught her look and smiled kindly, lowering her voice to say, "After the shock you had this morning, I figured a good, comforting meal may be in order."
A sudden rush of affection for the older woman put a lump in her throat. She nodded and mouthed, Thank you, then slipped out of the warmth of the kitchen to face her parents.
Tobias didn't looked at all reassured or soothed. Not that he wanted to stay here for longer than strictly necessary. He wasn't a slave, and he wasn't some dangerous, uncontrollable monster either. It had taken two years of hard work, self-discipline, and pain for him to learn how to control the most primal and baser parts of his new self.
Knowing all the effort he'd put forth meant nothing really bothered him. No matter how hard he tried, people were going to look at him like some dangerous freak.
The werewolf sighed softly before smiling warmly at Della and the children. At least they seemed to like him. Of course they didn't know he was a werewolf, he was pretty sure. It made him sad to think how they might recoil once they found out.
He had to push the image of Della fearfully pulling her children away from him out of his mind.
"Can I help at all? I don't like feeling useless." Plus it would take his mind off of things. As long as he didn't think of this as him being a slave, Tobias really was able to enjoy the company he was in. Feeling a bit directionless he'd certainly follow Della's instruction.
"You could help the twins set the table," Della told him, busying herself with last minute preparations. "Seth, Jenny, get the plates out and then show him where we'll be sitting."
The children jumped to obey, anxious to be fed. Seth dumped a stack of plates into Tobias's arms and started chattering away as he led him out into the dining hall, toward the table situated against the back wall. "There's usually about a dozen of us, all told," he said. "Me, Mama, Jenny, Micheal, and Mia-" he pointed to where the places should be set as he talked- "then Isaac, Lionel, Jacobi, Anna, Marion, Selena, and Andrew. You can sit wherever you like..."
From across the room at the "main" table, Tessa watched, smiling slightly. She was distracted when her parents entered the room, her mother bending to kiss her cheek before she took her place beside her, her father simply giving her a curt nod as he sat at the head of the table.
"Don't look so forlorn," Nateri said softly, laying her napkin delicately on her lap. "I talked to him. I think-"
Before she could finish what she'd meant to say, Mia and Micheal came bursting out of the kitchen, arms laden with divinely scented plates. "Dinner, Sir, Madam, Miss Tessa," Mia, Tessa's personal maid, said with a bright smile as she slid the plates onto the table.
"Thanks, Mimi," Tessa replied with a smile of her own. She was suddenly starving.
"I see we've got the new muscle," the girl, three years Tessa's junior, said softly as Micheal came around with wine and water. She raised her eyebrows questioningly.
"I'll talk to you about it later," Tessa whispered, flicking her eyes toward her still sullen father. Mia nodded and skipped away, collecting her brother as she moved toward the servant's table.
To be honest it was probably a rather comical sight to watch such a large man plaintively following a little boy about as they set the table together. Tobias was quite absorbed with listening to Seth list off who would be seated at the servant's table, well, that and carefully setting the dishes in their proper places.
He knew his mother would have switched him with her long wooden spoon if he broke one of her dishes and he honestly did not want to see if Della was like his own mother in that regard.
Once all the dishes were laid out the werewolf was quick to claim the place next to the twins, because honestly he was most comfortable around the little children - and their mother. Indeed, now outside the kitchen Tobias didn't look at all at ease as he'd been. Once more he was hunching down slightly and keeping his eyes off of the people around him as if trying to avoid attention.
Those bright, golden eyes.
Tessa was distracted through much of the meal. She kept glancing across at the servants' table, trying to glean how Tobias was getting along with the other members of the household help.
He seemed to be trying to shrink down into his chair, from what she could see. She saw Isaac, the gardener, and Mia try to draw him into conversation once or twice. Most everyone else seemed content with curious glances over their food. The Varryses had never had a slave in the house before, and no one seemed quite sure how to handle it.
"Tessa, are you listening?"
"Hm?" She jerked her attention back to her own table and realized her mother had been speaking to her. "Oh, uh, sorry. What was it?"
Nateri tutted and shook her head. "I was saying that I scheduled your dancing instructor to be here at noon tomorrow."
Tessa bit back a groan and forced a polite smile, nodding. "Alright." She took another bite of her meal and realized it had gone cold. How long had she been distracted? Nateri continued talking, but she really wasn't paying attention.
She was snapped back into the present when her father stood suddenly, his chair grating across the floor. Immediately everyone's attention was on him. He nodded toward the servants, saying, "Excellent as always, Della." The cook smiled, nodding to the people around her to indicate they should start clearing up. As they did, Erik added in a voice that was somehow both quiet and carrying. "You, Tobias was it? A word please."
Tessa froze. "Father-" she started.
Her mother touched her arm gently, shaking her head. "Come along, sweetheart," she said quietly, pulling her to her feet and leading her toward the door. To the servants she said, "Go on about your business please."
Tessa resisted, though not very forcefully. She ignored the servants trickling out of the room, muttering conspiratorially among themselves, eyes locked on Erik. "Father," she tried again.
He ignored her. Beckoning Tobias with a hand he said imperiously, "Come here, please."
As soon as dinner had started the werewolf had clammed up. Tobias kept his eyes on his plate and gave short, softly spoken replies to the attempts to engage him in conversation. He never once even glanced in the direction of the other table. Mostly because he didn't want to know if Erik and Nateri Varrys were glaring at him in disapproval throughout the meal.
Even if he didn't want to be a slave or be there, it still bothered him to have such unpleasantness directed at him. After all, Tobias hadn't volunteered to come along, Tessa had made the call and he hadn't really had much choice but to do as he was told.
The werewolf visibly winced as the chair grated across the floor, shoulders hunching further as he tried to sink down in his chair, as if it could shield him from whatever attack was about to come. Tobias wasn't going back into a cage, his wolf would never allow it. The man could dismiss him, but if Erik thought he was selling the wolf to someone else to act as property, then he was going to be sorely disappointed.
He was already on the verge of simply bolting when the master of the house asked for "a word" with him. It was hard to block out the servant's whispers as they left, but Tobias dragged his eyes reluctantly to Erik before getting out of his chair slowly and shuffling towards him.
"Yes sir?" The werewolf was almost behaving like a cowering dog might, creeping towards an angry master with its tail tucked between its legs.
The wolf wouldn't cower before anyone or anything, but the man sure did.
Erik crossed his arms over his chest, planting his feet and trying to be as imposing as possible. Tessa recognized the body language; he wasn't used to being smaller than someone, and was trying to make up for it with authority.
"I believe it's pretty clear that I don't entirely trust you," he said without preamble. Tessa opened her mouth, not sure what she was planning to say exactly, but her mother's grip on her arm tightened and she closed it again, seething.
"However," Erik continued, looking Tobias up and down, calculating. Brown eyes sharpened the way they always did when he was making a business deal. "I have a proposition for you. One that I believe may put both our minds at ease, a little." He glanced quickly at his wife, and Tessa started to have in inkling of what she'd meant when she said she'd "talked to him". Nateri was a persuasive woman. "Serve and protect my daughter to the best of your ability for a year, and you will be a free man."
Tessa drew in a sharp breath, eyes widening. She had not expected that.
"I understand that you don't want to be here," Erik continued, "but you are marked as a slave. If you run, you will be caught, and just taken back to the slavers. But if you take the deal, you'll have my word backing you, no one in the city will question your freedom. I could even arrange to have you unmarked." He stared at him levelly. He'd made the sales pitch, now it was the werewolf's move.
"Do you agree?"
No, really?
Tobias bit his tongue, not needing to start a fight with the man that could make his life easy or difficult for the unforeseeable future. Not to mention he didn't think Tessa's father was a bad man, just a man that didn't know him and was currently biased against him.
For no reason.
Brown-gold eyes glanced towards the two women still lingering in the room, listening to their conversation, when he heard the gasp. Tessa wasn't the only one that hadn't really been expecting that kind of offer. Although he didn't know what he was expected to do with such an offer. He had to internally battle with his wolf over the proposition.
"I think your offer was made under false pretenses, is what I think." Tobias said slowly, raising his eyes to look at Erik steadily. "I don't have any slave mark on me. They were too afraid to try to brand me, and even if they tried it wouldn't work. If I decided to run away this second, nobody in this house could stop me, and if I made it to the woods, nobody would be able to find me, and even if they did - they'd wish they hadn't."
He wasn't hunching over anymore, and his eyes were becoming more golden than brown. "I won't go back in a cage, my wolf won't do it. I'm not a liar, I have never wanted to hurt anyone, but don't think for a moment I won't protect myself. A month ago I was a free man. So don't be so naive as to think "your word" will mean a damn thing to slavers. Trust me, I should know, since I was given my freedom three years ago, fat lot of good it did me, eh?"
The werewolf cast his eyes back over to Tessa. "You're worried about her, or I wouldn't be here. All I want is to live in peace. You let me be, don't act like I'm some sort of lesser being or vicious monster, and I give you my word that nobody under your roof is going to be hurt by anyone while I'm around. How long that is...guess that depends on how long you feel like your family's not safe."
Erik Varrys pursed his lips. He was not used to being spoken to like that.
Tessa, for her part, found she was feeling a strange combination of relief and pity. She'd assumed Tobias hadn't been born a slave- his personality would have reflected it if he had- but to learn he'd had his freedom taken from him not once but twice made her feel wrong, dirty, as though if she scrubbed hard enough she could wash away the stain of buying him.
"I believe him."
Both Tessa and her father started and looked to Nateri. The Essyrni woman was watching Tobias with dark, calculating eyes. "I believe him," she repeated, looking at her husband.
"So do I," Tessa piped up softly, though she knew her opinion didn't really matter in this particular instance.
Erik looked between the two of them, eyes narrowed. Then, slowly, his shoulders started to relax and he let out a heavy breath. "I believe...we have an accord," he said, looking at Tobias and nodding once, rather officially. He turned away, saying tiredly, "Tessa, why don't you show your guard the rest of the manor? He'll need to know the layout if he's going to be at all useful." He took her mother by the arm and they left the dining hall, heads bowed together, talking softly.
Tessa let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and looked at Tobias. His eyes still had that gold sheen to them- it was almost hypnotic, and the words she'd meant to say flew out of her head, leaving her with, "So, ah...would you like a tour?"
Golden eyes darted to the darkly beautiful Nateri as well. Her speaking up in his favor was a little surprising to the werewolf as well. After a moment he turned his eyes back to Erik as the man began to relax. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips when the man nodded quiet seriously and he bowed his head slightly in return.
As soon as the pair left his shoulders slumped slightly, as if simply exhausted by the exchange. It had been rather intense for him. He was half surprised that he hadn't gotten himself in trouble and caused a big mess of the whole thing.
Tobias wasn't used to talking to people like that.
Of course Erik hadn't only been talking to Tobias, the wolf had propped him up, given him the extra bite to his words. Although now his plans had to change a bit. Escaping as soon as possible was no longer an option. The werewolf had given his word, and he wasn't a liar. For now he would just have to get used to this place and the people here. As long as he didn't feel trapped it wouldn't be so bad, now that staying felt at least a little more like his choice.
Plus Tessa seemed like a sweet young woman, and her life was in danger. Even the wolf agreed that it would be good to put a stop to whatever threats were plaguing this family.
"Sure, lass. Might as well get familiar with the place if I'm really staying. If we run into more of your people you should give me some formal introductions. I was too nervous at dinner to talk to them much." Tobias still had to introduce the wolf to them all - what a meeting that was sure to be.
Tessa smiled, relieved and somewhat surprised he was being so easy going about the whole ordeal. "Follow me, then," she said brightly, pushing open the doors to lead him into the main hall. "The manor is basically a big box, divided into front and back on the first floor, then the second floor is mostly bedrooms and the library, then there's the attic," she explained. She pointed to the other end of the main room at the rather imposing set of double oak doors. "Those lead through to the foyer, and the parlor is just off of that."
She walked closer to the center of the large room, gesturing around. "This is sort of the main room of the back of the manor; you already know where the kitchen is, and the servants' quarters are just off of that." The glint of the setting sun through the large, elegant windows set into the back wall prompted her to say, "And you can get right out to the gardens and stables from here, if you want."
"And they really are quite something, if I do say so meself." Tessa turned to give Isaac a smile as he leaned against the now open doorway that led outside.
Remembering Tobias's request, she beckoned the young man over, saying, "This is Isaac, he works miracles with those plants."
"I'm blushing, Miss," Isaac said, grinning cheekily as he approached. "So you're the new guard." He looked Tobias up and down, smile still in place but clearly evaluating. She knew that look.
"This is Tobias," Tessa introduced him. She gave the gardener a mock stern frown "And if you'd be so kind as to wait a day or two before you start flirting to avoid scaring him off, it'd be much appreciated."
Isaac laughed. "Doesn't look like there's much that'd scare you off," he said teasingly, giving the much taller man a meaningful look.
It was a nice house, much too big for someone like him, but still very nice. Tobias remained quiet, eyes moving around at Tessa's direction and attempting to commit things to memory. Being a guard he might actually have to move through the house very quickly at some point. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, but better prepared than ignorant.
They made it to a lard window that looked out over the garden and suddenly they had company. The werewolf remembered him from dinner, perhaps more clearly than some of the others, because he was one of the people that had actually tried to speak with him.
He felt embarrassed that he couldn't remember a single thing they young man had said or that he'd said over the tense meal.
Of course there was something else. The way Isaac was looking at him made Tobias squirm a little, and then there was the flirting comment and then the laughter and teasing, which had the werewolf blush and shuffle to kind of put Tessa between him and Isaac, as if a huge man like him could hide behind a wispy girl like her.
"You'd be surprised." Tobias's voice had gotten raspy, his face still quite red as he ducked his head down. "I guess I'd be flattered if you thought I was good-looking enough to flirt with and all, but, uh...not that there's anything wrong with it...but..."
He flailed his hands a little in a helpless gesture as he was quite unsure what to say or do. "I'm not...you know. Let's just be friends?"
Isaac laughed outright now, not in a mean way, simply very amused. "Hey, I get it, no worries." He quirked an eyebrow, still chuckling, and added, "You don't have to hide, you know. I don't bite."
Tessa tried and failed to stifle a chuckle, glancing back over her shoulder at Tobias. "You'll get used to him," she promised, grinning. "Gods know the rest of us had to."
Isaac put a hand to his chest. "You wound me, fair lady," he said, pouting. Then his easy grin was back in place and he asked, "Do you happen to know where Anna went? I lost her after that oh-so-awkward dinner."
Tessa blushed. "Yeah, sorry about father," she mumbled. "I think she went with Della to clean up the kitchen."
"Thanks." He leaned in closer to her and whispered, "You know, he really is cute. If he's not playing for my side, you should take a crack at it before someone else does." Tessa went very red, praying that the werewolf hadn't heard him, and shooed the gardener away.
"Go bother your sister," she snipped, frowning. With a wink and another laugh he strolled off. Hoping her blush had died down, she turned to Tobias and explained, "Anna is his sister. She's the...housekeeper, I guess you'd call it." Indicating the still open door with a nod she asked, "Want to see the gardens?"
Some fresh air seemed like a good idea right about now.
Tobias only blushed harder when Isaac said that he didn't bite. That might be the case for Isaac, but as a werewolf the potential for biting was certainly there for him. Not that he'd ever bitten anyone accidentally since he'd learned to control himself. Had bitten a few people on purpose, but those were very bad people and they didn't survive the encounter.
His thoughts had spiraled way out of control and off topic. The werewolf barely noticed Isaac leaving, and just looking at him made Tobias blush again and cover his face with a groan.
Flirting wasn't his strong suit, for sure. Especially when it was intentional. Apparently he'd accidentally flirted with some girls before, but when he actually tried to think about it all that came of it was embarrassment.
This was a first for him - having a guy giving him those looks.
Not that he was much better when women looked at him like that. The wolf found the entire thing amusing and offered no help whatsoever when Tobias ran into such issues.
"Yeah, gardens sound good lass." Anywhere outside would be nice. Or just anywhere that wasn't going to have people seeing how red his face was. Maybe the evening air would cool his warm face. Maybe.
Tessa tried to hide a smile when she noticed the young man's blush. "He really got to you, didn't he?" she said, leading them outside. The sun was setting now, casting a rosy sort of glow over the winding paths through the gardens. She followed one to a bench and sat, fiddling with her skirts in an attempt to avoid wrinkling them. Her mother would kill her if she ruined another gown.
"I know Isaac can be...a lot, but he means well," she said. Now that there was cool air on her skin, she was feeling much better, the gardener's teasing comment fading from her mind. "Most everyone here means well, come to think of it. The only person you should really avoid is Andrew, the butler- fair hair, kinda tan, always scowling. Honestly, if that man ever smiles I'll die of shock."
She looked around, breathing in the scent of roses and lilies and a dozen other flowers she couldn't even begin to name. "I'm, uh, sorry about my father. Really, he's not a bad guy, he's just very protective of me..." She trailed off, feeling like if she kept making excuses it would only make matters worse.
Out among the flowers the werewolf started to slowly relax again. The fresh air was welcome, and the flowers smelled kind of nice. Plus it was slightly cooler which helped his blush start to fade away as he took a seat on the bench next to her.
What could he even say to that? Tobias looked at her with an expression that was almost contrite. He knew his reaction had been ridiculous, but he still couldn't help it. It wasn't as if he thought Isaac was going to pounce upon him, but he still acted as if he wanted nothing more than to hide from the flirtatious looks.
"I'll keep all that in mind." Well, not everyone could be pleasant. There was bound to be at least one Grumpy Gus among the staff. He understood about her father, he really did. Understanding the man was protective didn't make it stop bothering him.
"You know, if I had a daughter I'd be super protective too. I just don't like...I'm not a monster. I was perfectly normal, and then..." He rubbed the old scars on his hand, the last scars he ever received, since becoming a werewolf changed the way his body healed, and how quickly. Wounds never scarred now. "It's hard when people are afraid of you."
Tessa tilted her head, watching his movements. "So...you weren't born this way then?" It was phrased as a question but she knew the answer. Slowly, she ventured, "If- if you don't mind me asking...what happened?"
She realized how forward she was being and blushed, dropping her gaze. "Sorry, that was too personal. If I were in your place I wouldn't want to tell the person who bought me anything, let alone something like that." She looked away toward one of the experimental rose bushes Isaac was working on, covered in yellow blooms. She found it was suddenly difficult to meet his eyes.
"I don't suppose slaves get to have anything personal, lass." That was how this worked, right? Tessa owned every aspect of Tobias, the only things private were those allowed to remain so. Although he knew that she didn't expect him to pour out any of his life stories, let alone think she'd demand he do so.
"Little over eight years ago I was as human as anyone else - probably boringly so. I was only just eighteen years, still lived with ma and pa, helping him fish and bringing home rabbits for her to roast. We were what you'd call poor, but I never saw it that way. We didn't go hungry and didn't need or care for luxuries." He paused contemplatively, staring out at the garden but not seeing it. His mind was focused inward on his memories.
"Late one night the things came. We didn't know what they were at the time, but one managed to maul me real good while we were barricading ourselves in." Tobias lifted his scarred hand to show her the bite marks that never completely faded. "Most everything after that gets pretty hazy. Turning wasn't at all a pleasant experience for me, but I hear it isn't usually as bad as mine was. It's pretty crazy I even survived the night, to be honest."
Tobias looked down at his hands quietly, staring at them intently as he tried not to think about the realities of that night he couldn't remember. "They weren't like other werewolves. These...things...they were feral - mad. It happens sometimes, to werewolves that just can't cope with the change. It happened to me, for the first five years. I was caught and turned into a gladiator slave. My particular ferocity made me appealing, apparently. Three years ago I was bought by a woman that helped me remember that I wasn't a feral beast. She made me whole again, and gave me my freedom back."
Mable had been a very good friend to him. He missed her now. Maybe he should never have left. "My parents didn't make it. Most of the village didn't. Though when I went back sane, there wasn't only bad news. A girl I was sweet on survived, found out she married a man from Deep Water and had two little ones. I was...happy for her."
It wasn't as if he could have married her - not after what he'd become.
As Tessa listened, her eyes became wider and wider and she placed a hand over her mouth. "Gods," she breathed. "I- I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..."
The words weren't nearly adequate, but they were all she could come up with. "Gods..." she repeated shaking her head. There were a million questions circling her around in her head; how had he become a slave again, who had given him his freedom the first time, what were his parents like- but she couldn't say any of that, couldn't ask him to relive that.
She wanted to drop the subject, to leave him be, she really did, but somehow she found herself asking, "What's her name? The girl you loved?" She snapped her mouth closed quickly, cursing herself for opening it at all.
It wasn't as if Tobias was fishing for pity - pity was something he neither needed nor wanted. Eight years was a long time. The past was buried and all he could do was keep surviving.
"Miranda Marsh. She was a year younger than me. I always called her Minnie, she hated it when we were kids, but when we got older she got mad if I didn't call her Minnie. I used to dance with her at the holiday festivals. We'd have probably gotten married that year if the beasts never came." That all seemed a lifetime ago. Tobias wasn't even upset anymore over losing her. From what he'd heard she was happy now, with a normal family.
The werewolf tilted his head and smiled at her. "Not the first question I expected. I was kinda figuring on some reaction to that whole revelation about me being a feral werewolf for a while."
"Well...I am curious about that," she admitted. "But it just- it didn't seem right to ask." She offered a soft smile. "Besides, that's over now. You don't seem like a feral beast to me." She frowned slightly. "Though I guess that does explain why those awful men didn't want to give Father any background on you..."
Shaking her head, she stood, brushing at her skirts to smooth the wrinkles. Still looking down, she said quietly, "If...if you want to talk about it though, I've been told I'm a pretty good listener."
"Yeah, I'm not. Mable Sinclair rescued me. The man that owned me liked me feral. It's not something I like talking about, but I'm sure you know what fighting slaves do, lass." Tobias shuddered softly. Even without remembering the time, he still knew the things that he'd done - what he'd been forced to do.
"If you want to know about that time I'm afraid you're going to have to remain in the dark, lass. I can't remember anything from that time. I wasn't in my right mind." The werewolf frowned before shaking his head. "Maybe we don't mention all this to your father, lass. Not sure he'd take it as calmly as you. He doesn't need any more reasons to worry about my stability. I think Saul did enough to make him uneasy with me."
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea," Tessa agreed. The very idea made her physically cringe. He'd only just calmed down, they didn't need him worked up over this.
She couldn't deny that she wanted to know more about his past now, but she didn't want to pry. Besides, it seemed he'd told her all he could. "Thank you for telling me all this," she said, dipping into an automatic half curtsy before she remembered she didn't have to and straightened quickly.
"Do- do you want to go back in?" she asked, nodding toward the manor. It was a rather abrupt change of topic, but she wasn't sure what else to say. "I mean, technically I haven't finished giving you the tour, so..." She coughed lightly, feeling awkward.
At least they were in agreement on that issue. Erik Varrys could still make his life a pain. If his daughter was willing to omit certain information, then all the better. Maybe they'd mention it after the man warmed up to him more...if he ever did.
"Mhm." It was the only real acknowledgement she was going to get to her thanks as brown-gold eyes watched her curtsy to him before trying to recover quickly - probably after realizing she had just curtsied to a slave. Bet her father wouldn't have liked that. For a man that apparently didn't have any slaves until now, he still seemed to think that Tobias should act like one. Probably thought he should be treated like one too, but he very much doubted the man even knew what most slaves were treated like.
"Do I want to go back in? Lass, you really don't know how this works, do you?" The werewolf laughed softly. "You're the boss, so when you want to go back in, we go back in. I'm just like a shadow, I go where you go."
Tessa scrunched her nose at him, frowning. "I know how it's supposed to work, I'm just not very fond of the concept." She shook her head. "Alright, in we go then, I guess." She headed for the door, glancing over her shoulder to make sure her new "shadow" stayed with her.
"I'll show you the library," she decided, making for the stairs. It was getting late, and she knew her parents would expect her to retire to her room soon, but she could usually avoid them if she hid out in the library until the went to bed themselves.
As soon as Tessa started moving, Tobias was off the bench and back on his feet as he followed along, grinning slightly when she looked back to check on him. As if he had anywhere else to or anything else to do.
The werewolf didn't comment on her choice in destination - after all he'd told her he would go where she went. Still, inwardly he groaned at the idea of going to a library. It was just going to be awkward and his new mistress was going to realize that he wasn't all that smart. Big, gentle, and laid-back weren't bad ways to be described, but dumb was a word he'd heard far too often.
"So I've been meaning to ask you something, lass. Why did you and your father decide to buy a slave? I know I'm supposed to protect you, from some business rival or something, but why not just hire a personal bodyguard instead of buying one?" He thought it was a pretty good question.
Tessa, who had been reaching for the door that led to the library, hesitated. "Actually...I'm not really sure. He said something about slaves...being less trouble, more- docile, I guess." She flushed, not meeting his eyes. Shame formed a pit in her stomach. "Honestly though, I think he figured the one time cost of buying a slave would be smarter from a business standpoint than paying a bodyguard's salary."
She practically spit the words out, hands starting to shake. She clenched them into fists in an effort to hide it. "He's never bought a slave before though," she continued softly, shaking her head. "I don't understand...and I hate being the reason he's doing it now." She shoved the door open with more force than was strictly necessary and walked into the library.
It was a large room that took up about half of the second floor of the east wing, rows of shelves lined up along the walls. "So, here it is," she said with a smile that was rather forced, desperately trying to change the subject. She winced internally. Yeah, he's so not going to buy that...
Well, Tobias supposed that some slaves were more docile, but those slaves would be useless for guarding someone. They'd be too docile, too timid, too afraid. Although he had to question the idea of it being about cost effectiveness too. If that was the case why didn't he simply only have slaves? He could save the salaries of every servant he had buy paying a one-time cost to buy slaves to replace them.
The topic was obviously upsetting the young woman he was supposed to be protecting, though he guessed protecting her emotions fell a little outside of his responsibility.
They stepped into the library and he let his eyes roam over the room, learning the layout and not much else. Shelf upon shelf was lined with books - more books than he could ever recall even seeing. Not that it mattered to him about books - Tobias couldn't read or write. In a poor, rural village like his those weren't exactly considered essential skills to know.
"You sound really upset about having a slave here, but if it helps at all, lass, there's no hard feelings over the whole buying me thing. Somebody was going to eventually, and you don't treat me like a thing to be used and discarded on a whim. That's more than most people in my position could have asked for." It was true, and he was grateful at least in part.
"Oh, no, I didn't mean- I mean it's not like people here will dislike you because you're a slave- but you know that, I mean you met Della. I just-" She stopped, flushing, and cleared her throat. "I'm glad there are no...hard feelings," she said finally, with a small smile. As silly and childish as it seemed, she was starting to hope they may actually get along pretty well. He was easy to talk to, and she found she was growing increasingly fonder of the way he called her "lass" instead of "Miss Tessa".
Mentally shaking herself, she turned to the shelves, eyes skating over the titles. "This is all Father's ledgers and such," she said, indicating the first few shelves on the left with a wave of her hand. "Nothing really worth reading there, unless you're dying to know how he runs his business." She walked further into the room, fingers drifting softly over the wood of the shelves.
She loved it in here. It was her escape, her sanctuary, a place she could be completely safe and wildly adventurous all at once. She began to drift out of the present, eyes searching, searching. "Ah, here!" Her gaze caught on the title she'd been looking for, on the top shelf. "I haven't read this in forever," she said quietly with a fond smile, reaching for it.
Tall as she was, she couldn't quite grab it. She sighed and looked around. "I know there's a step ladder around here somewhere..." She bit her lip, frowning, then laughed at herself, "Honestly, I'd hoped I'd outgrown needing it by now."
Not disliking someone because they were a slave was different than not treating them differently because they were a slave. A person could like him and still not treat him as an equal - not that he really figured Erik, Nateri, or Tessa would ever treat him as an equal. So far Tobias was fairly sure Della wouldn't treat him like he was lesser than her, and the kids, of course would just be kids.
Just thinking of how Isaac treated him made him blush softly and duck his head to hide it - yeah, no lesser treatment there. The werewolf had reservations about Jacobi, who'd seemed quite displeased with him at first sight, and he wondered about the grumpy Andrew the young lady had mentioned.
Trying to push thoughts about how he'd fit into the household, he laughed softly at his mistress as he stepped up beside her, probably the closest he'd actually been to her, so he could reach above her and pull the book she'd been after from the shelf and offering it to her with a grin. "Who needs a step ladder when you've got a giant like me around?"
Tessa grinned in response as she took the book from him. "Yeah, I guess you've got a point. Thanks." She tilted her head back to better see his face. Gods, he really is big. "You know, I'm not used to looking up at people," she joked, silver eyes glinting.
She began to realize how close they were standing and felt her face start to heat. Growing up the way she did, she hadn't had much exposure to men her own age, at least not without supervision. It wasn't considered "proper". There had been no childhood sweethearts for her, no dancing at holiday festivals. And now- well he'd never stood so close before, and she couldn't deny that there was an almost magnetic attraction about him. Isaac had certainly thought so.
She was starting to understand that maybe her upper class education had been lacking something. She was twenty-one years old for gods' sakes, and here she was as flustered as a school girl!
She stepped away sharply, ducking her head to hide the blush. "So, uh- did you want to grab something to read?" She started moving toward one of the large, comfortable chairs that were scattered in different nooks around the library.
"Least you don't have as far up to look as some do, lass. Not a whole lot of women I meet as tall as you." Tobias was still grinning, even as he felt a sudden shift in the tension between them. There was always tension between two people - sometimes good, sometimes not.
This wasn't really good or bad tension - maybe slightly confusing tension.
Either way, as Tessa ducked her head and stepped away quickly the werewolf appeared completely oblivious to the affect his proximity had on her. For the same reason as he'd been so taken aback and shocked at Isaac's earlier flirtation - he had no idea he was attractive. Although he was somewhat aware of the wolf's ability to draw people in - or repel them.
It was a human recognition of something primal in the wolf, something that could only be abstractly defined and felt. Some were drawn to that primalness, others were instinctively wary or outright fearful of it.
"Oh, uh...no thanks, lass. I'll just...pass on that offer." Tobias was obviously flustered as he followed Tessa, eyes trying to find a chair near the one she was heading for.
"Well...alright," she said, looking at him with a curious frown. Now that there was some distance between them she was feeling calmer. "Won't you be bored, though?" She settled herself into the chair with a soft sigh, mindful of her skirts, and placed the book in her lap. "I mean, it can't be very interesting to just sit there while I read-" she started.
She might have said something else, but just then Mia's voice floated into the room. "Miss Tessa? You in here?"
Her eyes went wide and she bolted up out of the chair to scramble around and hide behind it, swearing colorfully under her breath. Urgently she beckoned for Tobias to get down out of sight, hissing, "We are not here."
A mild panic immediately began to set in as Tobias racked his brain for some excuse to give other than the simple truth that he couldn't read. He bet the servants here knew how to read. What would they all think of him if he was the only one in the house that couldn't?
He was saved from having to come up with something by the sudden voice coming through the door, and the subsequent scramble of his mistress to hide behind her chair. Warm brown-gold eyes stared at her with puzzlement before looking around skeptically. Where did she think he was going to hide? The werewolf wouldn't fit as neatly behind a chair as her.
With a slight scowl he dropped quietly down to the floor and crawled into a nook, trying to conceal himself between a chair, small table, and a bookshelf. "Why aren't we here?" He asked in a soft voice, obviously confused by their hiding.
"Because there is a very long and complicated process involved in proper young ladies preparing for bed," Tess responded in a whisper that was barely more than a breath, "and Mia and I have a deal that if she can't find me within an hour of sunset then she'll make some excuse to both our mothers and I don't have to go through it."
The realization of how childish that sounded washed over her and she blushed scarlet. How many times today had she professed that she was a grown woman, not a child, and now here she was crouched behind her chair, hiding from her maid in an effort to avoid taking a bath.
Well, there was quite a bit more to it than taking a bath, but still.
"We've been doing it since we were kids," she muttered by way of excuse. Then she closed her eyes, sighing. "You must think I'm mental."
Tobias peeked from around the corner of his hiding spot to look at Tessa incredulously. They were hiding because she didn't want to get ready for bed? That was the big thing that had him crawling into a little nook and hiding like a moron?
Was he her bodyguard or her babysitter?
It was impossible for him not to snicker softly at her reasoning, especially with her face all red like that. The irony was not at all lost on the werewolf."I think you're a very funny young lady, lass."
She resisted the urge to stick her tongue out at him with difficulty. That was all she needed to help her case. Still, she found herself smiling slightly, pleased that even after he knew the silly reasoning behind her actions he went along with them.
"Found you!"
Tessa groaned, looking up to see Mia peering over the back of the chair. "Damnit..."
"Well, that's not very ladylike," her maid said as she hopped down from the chair and reached behind it to pull her up. Then she glanced over at Tobias and shook her head, giggling. "I can't believe she got you to go along with her," she said, eyes dancing merrily. Then she added, "Oh, I'm Mia by the way. We haven't been properly introduced, but Mum told me a bit about you."
This time the werewolf didn't bother with quiet snickering. Tobias laughed outright at Tessa's clear displeasure at being found in the little game of hide and seek with her maid. How bad could whatever this "complicated process" really be? The woman probably got pampered every night before bed and like a spoiled child complained about it.
His laughter faded into a grin as Mia giggled at him in his own hiding spot, it took a little wiggling for him to get himself unwedged from his little nook. Trying to hide when you were such a large man wasn't all that easy.
"I remember you tried to talk to me at dinner, lass. Sorry if I was rude, was feeling about as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, what with Mister Varrys looking like he'd bitten a lemon the whole time." He stood up and stretched, still grinning. "As for your mother telling you about me, I deny everything...unless it was good, then it's probably true."
Both Tessa and Mia laughed, the elder bringing her hand to her mouth out of habit. "She said the twins love you, which means you'll probably have them following you around like ducklings," Mia told him, smiling. Then she smirked. "She also said you can eat enough for three people- though seeing you standing up all tall-like, I think I understand why."
"Mia!" Tessa scolded, laughing.
"What?" Her maid looked at her, raising her eyebrows. "It's not as if him being tall would be news to him." She flashed Tobias a friendly grin, then grabbed Tessa's arm, saying, "Now if you'll excuse us, Miss Tessa and me got an evening ritual to perform. Pleasure meeting you, officially." She started pulling Tessa away.
"Would you hold on a moment?" she demanded, reaching back for the book left abandoned on the arm of the chair. Mia glanced at it, then rolled her eyes.
"You and your books," she muttered. "Well, come on, then. I won, fair and square, let's get you all prettified for bed." She scooted around behind her and began prodding at her back, herding her toward the door.
"This is a pointless endeavor," Tessa groaned, as she had a thousand times before. Glancing back at Tobias as she was shooed toward the hall she said, "Feel free to explore on your own. This...may take awhile."
"Better you than me," Mia said cheerfully.
This time Tessa failed to suppress the urge to stick her tongue out.
An extra warmth came to those brown-gold eyes as Tobias laughed softly at the idea of the twins loving him and following him around like ducklings. Well he certainly wasn't opposed to the young ones' company.
He laughed a little harder when she mentioned his appetite.
"Aye, lass. Been hearing it all my life, and it's been nice meeting you too." The werewolf was still rather amused by the rather childish dynamic between the two young women. Funny to know that the maid could boss around the little miss a bit! At least when it came to this mysterious bedtime ritual they spoke of. He was actually a bit curious as to what all was involved now.
"Well if I am free to explore, then if it's all the same to you I think I'll head back to my room. It's been a long, stressful day, lass. Are you going to need me for anything else before morning?"
"Probably not," Tessa said with a smile. "I'll see you in the morning then. Pleasant dreams-" The words were barely out of her mouth before Mia practically shoved her into the hallway and she staggered, demanding, "Was that entirely necessary?"
"No, it's just fun," the younger woman said with an impish grin. Tessa swatted at her playfully and she ducked away, laughing. "Come on, we really do have to get you ready for bed or Madam will have both our hides."
Tessa sighed and trailed after her to her bedroom, tossing the book onto her bed, then through the small door- set into the opposite wall from the door that led to Tobias's room- that led into her private bath.
"Let's get this off," Mia said cheerfully and set about freeing Tessa of her corset. She winced with every lace pulled free, ribs protesting the jarring.
"I can undress myself you know," she muttered. She usually preferred to, it made her feel very young to have Mia do it.
"Not with this monstrosity you can't," her maid replied, and Tessa had to admit she was right. It was a newer gown, and current fashion seemed to scoff at the idea of a lady being able to dress and undress without help. Finally the multiple layers of the damned thing were off and Tessa was shooed into a scalding hot bath. She flinched as the water touched her bare skin, the bruises left on her ribs by the corset. Mia tutted when she saw them, frowning. "Those don't look good."
Tessa nodded. "Always happens the first few times I wear a new dress," she muttered, reaching for a bar of soap. Mia perched on the edge of the tub, humming softly and slightly off-key as she retrieved a comb from somewhere and set about freeing Tessa's hair from the pins that had kept it off her face all day.
"Tobias seems nice," she commented as she worked. Tessa nodded again, splashing the now only moderately boiling water over her skin. Mia upended a bottle of some sort of scented oil- lily, she thought- over her head and combed it through her hair. "He's quite...imposing, I think is the word."
Tessa smiled. "Until you talk to him, then he seems more like a teddy bare." She giggled. "Gods, Mia, you should have seen him and Isaac!"
Her maid laughed with her. "Oh, I would have paid to watch that," she chuckled. She reached for a tin of white powder and Tessa stiffened. Mia gave her a sympathetic look. "It's easier if we just do it fast," she said. Tessa nodded, and she upended the tin over the water. As the powder dissolved, her skin began to itch, then burn. She clenched her eyes shut and gritted her teeth, cursing her mother and her "miracle products". It was supposed to keep the skin's "youthful glow", but privately Tessa thought it might just be some diluted acid. She'd actually cried the first time Nateri made her use it when she was twelve, but now she just waited it out.
After several minutes she could take no more and vaulted from the tub, reaching for the towel that Mia was already holding out to her. "Alright," she said with a smile, wrapping it around herself. "Part One, finished."
Her maid winked. "On to Part Two."
Tobias watched the two women leave with a smile, then let the expression fade as his eyes began turning to a shade closer to polished amber than brown. The first thing he did was poke his head out of the library to make sure the hall was empty after the two women disappeared, then gave the air a tentative sniff to be extra sure he was alone.
For such a large individual he moved quietly through the halls, avoiding the other individuals of the house stealthily as he inspected and sniffed his way through the house. The scents of the residents easily familiarized themselves with his nose.
By the time he stepped into his room and silently shut the door behind him he was quite sure that he could recognize every person that lived or worked in the home by scent and sight.
The werewolf put his ear to the door connecting his room to Tessa's, listening for the young women. He could hear them faintly, but they were not in her room, so he opened the door quietly and did a very quick check of the room. There was the scent of someone who didn't belong there, but it was faint - old, from the previous night, or older.
Satisfied the room was empty and relatively secure, he hurried back to his room and shut the door silently. With the wolf feeling confident that there was no current threat present, Tobias was able to relax just a little.
He pulled his boots off and set them neatly beside his bed before laying down on top of his covers and closing his eyes lightly, ears still alert for sounds in the room adjacent to his.
After what felt like several dozen creams and powders to be smoothed onto various areas of her skin- all purchased from the same alchemist who continually came up with new products to sell her mother, damn him- Tessa sat on the edge of her bed wearing a nightgown with Mia perched on the mattress behind her, running a brush through her hair.
"I really can do this myself," she said, as she always did.
"Shush." Mia thumped her head lightly with the brush, then set about gathering her hair into a long, thick braid over her left shoulder.
This was where Tessa was allowed to take over. Her hair was simply too long. "So did anything of interest happen while Father and I were out?" she asked, shifting back onto the bed so she switched positions with the maid. She tied off her hair and picked up the brush.
"Of course not," Mia said, taking her own auburn hair out of its bun to allow her to run the brush through it. It was a strange little ritual they'd been doing since Tessa was fourteen and Mia eleven. "Well, Madam was running about planning something, but Marion won't tell me what." She pouted.
"Oh dear." That may be worrisome... She put the thought from her mind, smoothing a hand over the younger woman's hair as she reached for a ribbon to tie it back. "I know she has me meeting with a dance instructor at noon, I wonder if that has anything to do with it."
Mia chuckled. "I'll have to tell Isaac, he'll want to watch that." Tessa scowled and swatted at her. Of all the decorum lessons her mother put her through, dancing was her least favorite- she'd never been particularly graceful, and while her mother made tall look stately, she just felt like a galumphing giant.
Her maid leaped away, laughing, and said, "Alright then, I'm off to bed. See you in the morning, Miss Tessa."
"Good night," she replied with a wave and a smile as Mia left. Then she simply sat on the bed, eyes roaming around the room. It had always felt safe before, but now that she was alone... She wrapped her arms around herself and stood, moving toward the window to check the latch. Locked of course. Still feeling uneasy, she paced the length of the room a few times, finally ending up outside the door that led to Tobias's. She almost raised her hand to knock, to assure herself that he was indeed there, but then told herself how childish that was and hurried to her own bed.
You're fine, she told herself firmly. Everything's fine. Just go to sleep...
The werewolf rolled over, listening as he heard the girls enter the room next to him. If he'd really wanted Tobias probably could have heard their conversation, but instead he was content to simply listen to the tones of their voices, which were a bit soothing.
Noises and voices in the slave market had never been soothing.
He heard Mia laugh and leave, then the soft sounds of Tessa pacing her room. Golden eyes opened and he raised his head to stare at the door that linked their rooms as he heard her come to the door, but nothing came of that and when her footsteps retreated to her bed he laid his head back down and closed his eyes again.
Years ago he'd have been tossing and turning his first night in a new place, but the year he spent wandering, never sleeping in the same place twice, had seen an end to that. His new bed was the most comfortable thing he'd laid on for probably...well ever. The bed in his own room growing up hadn't been this nice, and the few beds at inns weren't, and the ground or straw definitely weren't.
Even laying still Tobias couldn't fall asleep. His mind was still going over the day. He'd gone from sitting in a cell, to owned by the enigmatic Tessa who was far too kind-hearted to be dealing with slaves or slavers. More surprising had been him going from determined to escape at the earliest opportunity to agreeing to stay of his own volition.
Not just his, but the wolf even seemed content to stay for now.
Speaking of the wolf...
Tobias rose from the bed and undressed quietly before his body twisted and changed in the span of a few heartbeats. Transforming had been lengthy and painful once, but the more often he did it, the easier and easier it became. Golden eyes glowed softly in the dark as his senses immediately burst into life. It still amazed him how dull his human senses were in comparison to the wolf's - even when he knew that his human senses were far stronger than a human.
The shaggy brown and grey beast was huge - easily as large as a bear, easily as large as a pony - but he moved silently on paws the size of dinner plates as he paced his room once more, nose twitching as he took in the scents more thoroughly, passing the keen instrument by the bottom of both doors.
He'd have liked to have introduced the residents to the animal before letting him out, but there hadn't seemed like a truly opportune moment to bring it up. Hopefully there would be no cause to leave his room tonight.
Once the wolf was content and familiar with the room he climbed into his bed and curled up with a yawn, resting his large head on his pillow as he drifted easily to sleep even as large pointed ears swiveled alertly. The wolf was able to remain on guard and relatively aware of his surroundings even as he slept.
Tessa woke with a sharp gasp, bolting upright, hand flying to her throat where she was sure a shadowy figure had his fingers wrapped around her neck. It took a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart and assure herself it had only been a dream. She collapsed back onto her pillows with a sigh, clenching her eyes shut.
Well there was no way she was getting back to sleep now.
She sat up again, more calmly this time, and looked to the window. The grayish sort of light of a false dawn filtered into her room. Isaac and Della would just be waking up about now, most of the others would probably sleep another hour or so. Gods only knew when her parents would get out of bed, that varied day by day.
Tessa swung her legs out of bed, tapping her feet on the floor. Well. Now that she was awake, she found she wanted someone to talk to. Her nightmare still flitted behind her eyelids, mocking her, and she shuddered. If she could talk with someone, assure herself it really was all a dream...
But Isaac and Della would be going about their chores now, and she didn't want to bother them. And she didn't want to wake anyone else, not for something as childish as this. So she rummaged about in the table beside her bed- sending nervous glances toward Tobias's door every time she made a loud noise- until she found a candle and lit it, then retrieved the book from where it had fallen near the foot of her bed the previous night.
Books were nearly as good as people, she found. Sometimes better.
The night passed without incident, Tobias slept deeply, peacefully, and without interruption, until near dawn. In an instant the beast's shaggy head had shot up from the pillow, ears facing forward and alert at the disturbance. Keen ears flickered and swiveled as they locked onto the source of the sounds, the sharp gasp had woken him, but now he heard the soft tapping of Tessa's bare feet on the floor.
With a soft huff he rose from the bed and moved to the door that separated his room from hers, still listening intently before he sniffed at the small crack at the bottom of the door. The wolf only smelled and heard the girl, his bristling fur relaxed as he decided there was no intruder or danger.
He could hear her rummaging through a drawer, then there was a small flicker of light and the smell of smoke. Tobias realized she'd lit a candle, but of course his eyes could see just fine in the pre-dawn light, but she probably thought it still fairly dark. The werewolf knew that everything was fine, but he still felt like he should probably check on the young lass. That gasp hadn't been from a sweet dream - that was for sure.
For a moment he considered giving a light scratch to the door and a whimper, but he wasn't sure how jumpy she was and didn't want her to scream and draw the entire house. Backing away from the door he shifted and pulled back on his clothing.
He should really see about getting a couple extra sets, before he needed them. When he transformed his clothes didn't change with him. Tobias had accidentally destroyed more than one set of clothes that way, and the last thing he needed was to be stuck in his wolf form in an emergency and not have any clothes for when he changed back. That would be an awkward situation for everyone and was sure to not win him any brownie points with Erik Varrys.
Once again dressed and human, Tobias knocked softly on the door. "You alright, lass?"
Tessa's head snapped up and she looked at the door. "Oh..." She put the book aside and got out of bed, crossing the room. "Yes, I'm fine." She opened the door to find Tobias standing on the other side. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," she murmured, giving him a sheepish smile.
Now that it was clear he was up however, she found it much harder to resist the urge to interact with someone. "So, ah...did you sleep well? Other than me waking you up I mean?" Her gaze dropped awkwardly and she shifted where she stood.
"Don't feel bad for waking me, it's what I'm here for,lass." Tobias' eyes were still burnished gold when she opened the door as he looked down at her with an only slightly disheveled and sleepy expression. "Besides, I slept like a rock. Nicest room I think I've ever had, bed's nice and comfy too."
The werewolf's eyes lifted from her to look past her, eyes roaming over what he could see of her room with a slight frown before he covered his mouth in a yawn. Maybe he could take a nap later. Night was probably the time he had to worry about the most. He doubted that whoever these people were that they'd make a move in broad daylight.
"Can I come in? I know you said you're fine, but I'd like to just check everything anyway." Tobias had checked the room before she'd come in the night before, but it would make him feel better to re-check everything.
Maybe it would make her feel better too. Sounded like she'd had a bad dream.
She couldn't stop the breath of relief that escaped her and said much to quickly, "Please, come in." She stepped aside to let him enter. "I, um..." She bit her lip and admitted, "I know I'm being silly, but- well I had this dream and..."
Tessa trailed off and shook her head, rubbing at her eyes with the heel of her hand. "I'm being childish," she muttered, more to herself than to him. "There's no way someone could have gotten in here..." She crossed the room to sit on the bed, fiddling with the end of her waist-long braid, a nervous habit.
The werewolf didn't hesitate to step into the room as soon as he'd been given permission and Tessa had moved aside. Tobias figured it was probably improper for a man to be in a young woman's room like this, but it was his job to protect her and they'd put him in a room that connected for a reason, so he figured under the circumstances even her father couldn't get too annoyed with it.
"Anyone can get bad dreams when they're scared, lass. Doesn't make them silly or childish. I think given the circumstances you can go a little easy on yourself on this one." His first destination had been the window, and he tested the latch to ensure it was still firmly locked.
It was.
"Back when I first started regaining myself, when I was with Mable and she was teaching me how to control myself and manage what I'd become, I woke up screaming more nights than not." The werewolf was slowly walking around the room, sniffing here and there.
Perhaps it shouldn't have, but strangely that made her feel better. If someone like him could be plagued by nightmares, perhaps it wasn't so odd that she was after all. Shaking her head, she murmured distractedly, "I have a difficult time imagining you being scared of anything."
She suddenly flushed, realizing what she'd said, and she hurriedly added, "Not that- I mean you're perfectly justified to- I didn't-"
She gave up and dropped her head into her hands with a groan. "I'm just going to stop talking now," she mumbled, cheeks feeling very hot.
It wasn't as if it was the first time Tobias had heard that sentiment. He'd looked over the room enough to put himself at ease, and hopefully her too. Finished checking the room, he moved over to lean against the door frame, smiling in amusement at Tessa's fumbling.
"I know, lass. What could scare a big guy like me? Even more - what could possibly scare the big, bad wolf, eh?" His grin was good-natured, and he was poking fun at himself. He knew he was a large man and most made a lot of assumptions about him, but the werewolf hoped that most of those assumptions were quickly dispelled as people got to know him and looked past his size - or what he was.
"It's okay. Lots of people assume that someone like me can't possibly be scared of much. It's not true, but they think it. Truth is a lot of things scare me. Some of them even the same types of things that scare a lot of people." Although some of them weren't at all the same fears normal people had.
Most people didn't have to be afraid of losing control and accidentally hurting someone. Worse, accidentally hurting someone they cared about. It was why he'd wandered so much. Harder to care about people you didn't spend very long with.
Tessa began to relax, uncurling to sit more comfortably on the bed. He didn't seem to have found anything worth worrying about, and though she'd known that- logically- he wouldn't, there was something very comforting about how at ease he seemed.
She smiled, bringing her legs up to curl next to her body and leaning on her arm. "Things that scare a lot of people?" she repeated curiously. "Like what? It was always spiders for me." She closed her eyes and shuddered dramatically. "All those legs." She wiggled her fingers, scrunching up her face.
"Most people assume little ladies are scared of snakes and such, but honestly- no legs I can handle. More than four, not so much." She smiled in a self-deprecating sort of way, looking up at him. "You?"
A soft chuckle rumbled in Tobias' chest as she made a show of telling him that she was afraid of spiders. He supposed a lot of people were, but it was interesting to know she wasn't afraid of snakes. From his experience a good number of girls were.
All humor left the werewolf as he gave a grimace as she asked what he was afraid of. Well, it was only fair he tell her one since she'd shared one of hers. "You're gonna laugh, but alright. Geese. Hate them. When I was six Old Man Tinder's gander chased and pecked me for half a mile. Ma said I cried for three hours."
Tobias made a face. It was an embarrassing story, but he'd been a little kid at the time, and it was a big goose! Of course now that he was a werewolf geese weren't much of a threat, but he still didn't like them.
Unless they were dead. And roasted. Then they were pretty good.
Although, come to think of it, there probably weren't a great deal of people that were afraid of geese, so maybe it was a poor example. Or maybe it was a perfect example that he could be afraid of something so very...mundane.
A laugh exploded out of her before she help it and she clapped her hands over her mouth. "Oh! I'm sorry, it's not that funny, really-" She giggled again though she tried to hold it in. "Gods, I'm sorry, it's just-" She couldn't seem to stop chuckling. It was such a relief to laugh after being so tense.
And the image of a goose chasing Tobias just wouldn't leave her head.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she said through fits of giggles. Trying to sober her face she said, "Really, it's not that odd. Della used to keep a goose to guard the entrance to the servants' quarters, and it was a vicious thing. It's just..." Her lips twitched up in a smile again and she raised a hand to hide it. "I just keep imagining it and- well, I didn't know you as a child, so I just have this mental image of all six feet of you running away from a goose and-"
She was off again, desperately trying to stifle the laughter by pressing her hands over her mouth, eyes sparkling merrily.
"Go ahead, laugh at my pain." Tobias said, unable to stop a soft laugh of his own. He could admit that the image of a man of his stature running from a bird was pretty funny. If he saw that he would laugh. Of course if he ran into a goose she might just get to really see it. Even knowing that as a wolf he could easily kill and eat a goose, he still couldn't help but be afraid when one came at him.
It wasn't logical, but a lot of time fear responses had nothing to do with logic.
"Feeling better?" The werewolf finally asked, a soft smile enhancing his warm brown-gold eyes. He'd known she'd been on edge when he came into the room, what with her nightmare. With all her giggling he was pretty sure he'd put her fears to rest for the time being.
Tessa nodded, still smiling. "Yes, actually." Had he told her that just to put her at ease? She wasn't sure, but her smile softened gratefully. "Thank you." She stretched her arms over her head and arched her back, yawning.
"I should probably start getting ready," she muttered, glancing out the window. The sun was really starting to rise now, and she knew Mia would be at her door soon enough. She glanced at Tobias and bit her lip; she realized he must have slept in his clothes and that they must be his only set.
She stood and moved toward her bureau, wondering how to say this while still being tactful. "Ah- would you like me to ask Andrew or Isaac if you could borrow a change of clothes? I mean, they'd be a little small, but Anna's handy with a needle, I'm sure she could them work. Until we can get you something at fits properly I mean." She smiled at him, pulling a shift out of the top drawer.
If she was going to get ready that was his cue to leave. Tobias blinked when she asked about clothes, something he'd thought of before coming in here, but hadn't thought about since. "Are you sure they'd only be a little small on me, lass? I know a needle can do wonders for clothes that's too big, but I'm not sure there's much wiggle room on clothes that's too small."
The werewolf grimaced slightly at the idea of wearing other people's clothes, or asking for more clothes to be purchased for him. Tobias had always worked for everything he had, being left more or less at the mercy of other's kindness put him off a little.
"If you could arrange to get me a couple extra sets of the essentials that should do it, if that's not asking too much. If it won't take more than a couple days I can probably go without borrowing from anyone." Tobias paused and tilted his head to sniff himself and scowl. "Where and when can I get a bath, lass? They don't exactly keep us fresh at the markets."
It wasn't that he smelled particularly foul, but he certainlly didn't feel clean, either.
Tessa chuckled, nodding agreement. "I'll talk to mother, I'm sure we can get you something." Then she tilted her head, thinking. "You could use the servants' bath- it's on the other side of the house from the kitchen, there's separate rooms for men and women. Or you could just use mine." She gestured toward the door. "Mia does all the time, so it's not as though I mind. It may be a little, ah, feminine for you, though."
A smirk played at her lips and she couldn't resist teasing, "Of course, Isaac uses the servants' bath, so..."
The servant's bath would make a lot of sense for a slave to be using. Especially if there were separate baths for the men and women. At least until Tessa mentioned Isaac, which immediately had Tobias turning crimson.
Gods, that was going to haunt him as long as he stayed here. The werewolf was sure Isaac was a nice fellow, but he couldn't stop the overwhelming embarrassment that seized him just thinking about the gardener. Not that he was good at handling women flirting with him, but at least Tobias was actually attracted to women.
"He...he wouldn't actually come in, would he? Nobody would come in while I was bathing, right?" Yeah, the werewolf would rather bathe in peace and very much alone.
Tessa laughed and shook her head, taking pity on him. "No, they'll leave you be," she said with a smile. "I was just teasing." Still chuckling, she walked to the closet and pulled out one of the simpler gowns she owned. Then she turned to face Tobias and said cheerfully, "Not that I don't enjoy your company but..." She trailed off and raised an eyebrow meaningfully.
At almost the same moment, then was a sharp knock at the door and Mia's voice calling, "Miss Tessa, you up yet?"
Well that was a relief. Of course she was teasing. Not even the flirty Isaac would just waltz in while someone was bathing. Tobias started when Mia knocked on the door, blinking and blushing again.
"Oh right." The werewolf couldn't get back through the door to his own room fast enough, practically stumbling over his own feet in his haste to get out of Tessa's room so she could change out of her nightgown, which she'd been wearing the whole time they'd been so very casually chatting.
With more than a little embarrassment he went through the main door of his room into the hall and tried to find his way to the servant's bath, which he was pretty sure she said was on the other side of the house from the kitchen, but within a few moments he found himself standing in a hall, rather perplexed and very much lost.
"No," Mia said the instant she entered the room. Tessa stared at her confused.
"No?"
"Madam wants you in the blue and silver one today," the maid said, crossing to her closet and pulling out a different gown.
"Why?" Tessa asked, frowning, but she let the younger women put the other gown away and began the lengthy process of donning the many layers of silver embroidered fabric. It was a very pretty dress, true, but not at all practical for day to day wear.
Mia shrugged. "Search me. I'm not here to argue with her." She began lacing up the corset, making Tessa gasp slightly. "Sorry," she said, not sounding sorry at all. Then she asked, "Did I see Tobias sneaking out of here?" Her tone was carefully casual.
Tessa flushed at the implication but said evenly, "Yes. He was just checking on me."
"Mhm." Mia didn't sound convinced, but to her relief she dropped the subject, chatting away easily as she helped Tessa finish dressing then moved on to her hair. "There," she said finally, sounding rather pleased with herself. "I'm not sure what Madam has planned for today, but you will look gorgeous doing it."
Tessa laughed and rolled her eyes. "Well thank you." She glanced in the mirror as she made her way toward the door, and had to admit her maid had done an excellent job. Her simple braid had been transformed into an elaborate collection of plaits and loops piled atop her head and trailing down her back. And the gown really was a work of art, deep blue silks with patterns like starlight picked across it in silver.
It made her nervous. Nateri only wanted her dressed this nicely for very distinct occasions. She put the thought from her mind and said, "I'm going down to breakfast. Have you eaten?" When the younger girl nodded she asked, "Would you mind checking on Tobias, then? He was going to use the baths, but it's a big house and he's barely been here a day..."
"Got it," Mia said with a smile, slipping past her out into the hall and toward the back stairs.
"And be nice!" Tessa called after her, heading for the other staircase. "He's a bit- shy."
Tobias didn't know whether he should keep searching for the baths or simply freeze and wait for someone to rescue him. Maybe he was being silly, but he really didn't want to stumble into a room that he wasn't supposed to be in.
Just as he was beginning to panic over what to do, he caught a familiar scent and relaxed slightly. Turning, he fixed his brown-gold eyes on Mia. She seemed like a nice girl, and her mother was Della, so she had to be alright. "Hey lass, you're a sight for sore eyes. The little miss told me that the servant's baths were on the other side of the house from the kitchens, but I've gone and got myself all lost. Think you could help a poor man out?"
"Sure thing," Mia said with a smile. "You actually got pretty close, it's just down this hall here..." She continued chattering as she led him along down one hall and turning into another, until they wound up in between two rather modest doors. "Gents on the left, ladies on the right," she told him cheerfully. "Now, I don't wanna be rude, but I should be getting back to Miss Tessa. If you get lost again, just holler for me." With another smiled and a wink she skipped back down the hall, taking the quicker route that would bring her to the dining hall.
Tessa looked up questioningly when she entered. Neither of her parents seemed to be awake, so she was eating with Anna and Isaac at the servants' table.
"He got a little turned around, but I got him there," she said, pulling out a chair and plopping herself into it. Tessa smiled and nodded her thanks.
"I really should have done a better job of showing him around yesterday," she muttered, taking a bite of bread.
"Well, the only person who may point him in the wrong direction is Andrew," Anna commented, "and you said you already warned him about that. I'm sure he'll be fine."
"Yes, I know. You're right." She finished her food and stood, moving toward the kitchen.
"Seconds?" Mia asked, snatching a bite off of Isaac's plate and sticking her tongue out when he protested.
Tessa shook her head. "I'm not sure what Mother has planned for today, so I thought I'd grab something to make sure he eats," she said, slipping through the doors.
She heard Isaac chuckle and say, "She really is worried about him, like he's a new puppy or something." Tessa smirked behind her hand, though she knew they couldn't see her. They had no idea.
"Thanks, lass." Tobias quietly mumbled as Mia skipped away. As soon as she was gone he stepped into the men's bath and took a few minutes to figure out where everything he needed was, but soon he was in the tub and scrubbing away the lingering unpleasant scents of the market - smells the others probably couldn't even detect, but which bothered him.
Still unsure of what he could and couldn't get away with, the werewolf cleaned himself quickly, dried, and re-dressed. Using his fingers he combed his long brown hair and retied it back into a short ponytail with the little leather strip he always used.
Maybe he'd ask about getting a razor too, his face was a little scruffy. Tobias figured they'd probably prefer if he kept a little cleaner shave. It didn't bother him much either way.
Honestly the werewolf wasn't really sure just how long he'd been with the bath, but his stomach sure knew where they should go next. Finding the kitchen would be much easier, all Tobias had to do was follow his nose and before too long he was pushing open the kitchen door and peeking in tentatively, sniffing the air and being rewarded with the smells of breakfast.
"Oh!" Tessa turned around and saw Tobias in the doorway. She put her hand to her heart and laughed at herself. "You startled me," she said, smiling. "I was just asking Della if she wouldn't mind giving me something to bring you, but it looks like you can take care of yourself."
"I should hope so," Della said, suddenly appearing with a plate of food. She gave Tobias a welcoming smile. "Come on in, boy, don't linger like you're begging for scraps." To Tessa she said, "If he can't look after himself how in the world is he supposed to keep track of his Little Terror of a mistress?"
Tessa scrunched her nose at her. "I haven't been Little Terror since I was ten years old!" she protested, laughing. She'd almost forgotten the nickname the staff had given her as a child.
Tobias started when he first saw Tessa in the kitchen. It wasn't that he was really surprised to see her there, he could smell her as he was opening the door, but the way she was all done up nearly had his heart leap into this throat.
The werewolf had known she was a pretty little thing the moment he'd actually looked at her, but this wasn't pretty. His mistress was gorgeous. Indeed, lovely enough that he stood there flabbergasted for several moments, able to do little but stare at her in shock and maybe even a bit of awe. That was until Della appeared with food and chastised him for standing in the doorway.
Embarrassed, Tobias blushed slightly before he stepped into the kitchen almost shyly. "You're looking mighty fancy there, lass. Special occasion?"
Tessa flushed slightly at the praise, though she wasn't sure why. "You know, I'm not entirely sure," she said with a nervous laugh. "Mother apparently decided I should be all done up. She probably has something planned, though I don't know what it is." She ducked her head and smoothed a hand across her skirts awkwardly. He'd never looked at her quite like that before- and was he blushing?
"You know, the Endarsens are back from Connlaoth," Della said meaningfully, arching an eyebrow. To Tobias she explained, "Some minor gentry-like folk. Cousins to cousins of some duke or another. They do a lot of business with Mister Erik." She went back to washing dishes and added, too casually, "They've got a son about Miss Tessa's age."
Tessa scrunched up her nose. "Gods, don't remind me," she muttered, sinking onto a stool. She'd forgotten the Endarsens would be back in the city by now. Burying her face in her hands with a groan she mumbled, "I hope you're wrong, Dell."
Tobias frowned softly as he slid onto a stool, pulling the plate of food Della had brought in front of him. Suddenly he wasn't quite as eager for breakfast as he'd been a moment ago. Instead he watched Tessa with an uneasy feeling. She didn't seem happy today. More like worried.
Listening to Della while he ate had the uneasiness increase. Sounded to him like Tessa's mother was trying to set her up. Not that it was any of his business. Upper class people did things differently than commoners like him. From what he understood it wasn't all that weird for parents to interfere heavily with their children's lives even once they were grown, including having a large say in who their children married - if they didn't outright choose for them.
That really didn't sit right with him, but it really wasn't any of his concern, and the werewolf knew his opinion didn't matter in the slightest. Still, he hated to see Tessa looking so gloomy over it.
"Why the long face, lass? This Endarsen boy that bad? Maybe you're just dolled up for company because they're business people with your father and your mother wants to make a good impression." Now he wondered why her father would buy him, or try to make a year-long deal with him to protect Tessa if they were just about to marry her off.
Tobias didn't even realize that he was only picking at his breakfast.
Tessa gave him a small smile, grateful that he seemed to be trying to cheer her up. "He's...not terrible. Better than some, I suppose." She shook herself. Moping about wasn't ladylike. "And you might be right. Mother does like to make a spectacle when guests are over." She said it with such conviction that she almost believed it herself.
"He's not good enough for you," Della said bluntly, not even bothering to look up from her dish washing.
Tessa gave a short, unamused laugh. "You say that about ever suitor that trot out in front of me." They'd been having this conversation- or some similar version of it- since she'd turned sixteen and her parents had started talking about marriage. Not wanting to think about it, she turned to Tobias. She frowned slightly when she saw his barely-touched food. "Not hungry?" That didn't seem like him.
Tobias was hardly comforted by Tessa's descriptions of her potential suitor as "not terrible" and "better than some". He wondered how it might have felt to be pressured by his parents to get married to someone that he might feel lukewarm about at best.
The werewolf really couldn't imagine it. Sure, his mother had always encouraged him to be nice to Minnie Marsh, to not let the boys exclude her all the time just because she was a girl, but that wasn't the same. At least as they'd gotten older and his understanding of girls went from "yuck cooties" to "now I get it" he'd actually cared about Minnie.
Della's blunt declaration that this Endarsen man wasn't good enough for Tessa had Tobias nodding his head idly even though he had no idea who the man actually was. Then he had the good sense to blush when he realized what he'd done.
As if he'd know who was or wasn't good enough for anybody. With him being what he was, well, Tobias certainly wasn't good enough for anyone himself. He knew that. Would be irresponsible and selfish for him to ask any woman to shackle herself to a wolf. It was why he'd been able to let Minnie go, at least that's what he told himself.
"Oh, no, it's not that. Just thinking." The werewolf frowned down at his plate, curious about his sudden lack of appetite and wondering why he didn't feel as hungry as he should. Tobias had been famished when he came into the kitchen and now he didn't feel much like eating at all. Shaking his head he redoubled his efforts to clear his plate, whether he felt like food or not.
"Hm." Tessa let it drop when he started eating again. She let her elbows rest on the table and propped her chin in her hands; not the most ladylike of postures, but no one was around who really cared. "Well, even if that is what Mother's planning, she won't be expecting them until later, and I for one am not going to dwell on it."
She snatched a biscuit off Tobias's plate, grinning at him and wrinkling her nose before she took a bite. "I don't have my dance lesson until noon- was there anything you needed or wanted to do?"
"Mhm." Tobias hummed with a mouthful of biscuit when it was decided it was best not to dwell on what her mother was planning. It would probably drive them both nuts if they did. Besides, the topic had turned him off his appetite and he would need to eat if he was to keep up his strength for guarding his charge.
Which he really did view her more like someone placed in his care than someone placed in authority over him.
The werewolf gave a soft growl as a biscuit was snatched off his plate, eyeing Tessa as she took a bite of her prize with slight disgruntlement. It didn't last as he looked at her thoughtfully before tilting his head in Della's direction subtly. "Yeah, there's something that needs done, but I want to save the surprises and we should speak to your parents to arrange it."
It would be easier to gather the entire household at once for Tobias to show off his wolf to everyone. After all, if there was danger the wolf was going to come forth to do the defending. Best the residents know that the animal was there to protect them not hurt them.
A bit of Tessa's playfulness drained at his serious tone. She thought she had an inkling of what he meant, but she wasn't sure. "Alright. They should be up by now." She stood, dusting off her dress. That was the trouble with such fancy clothing- other than the fact that it was uncomfortable- she always had to be hyper aware of any dirt or dust she might have collected.
She looked to Tobias, tilting her head. "If you haven't finished your breakfast, I could just go fetch them." A smile spread across her face as Della wordlessly dropped another biscuit onto the werewolf's plate to replace the one she'd nabbed, giving her a mock-stern look.
Not that he thought anyone should be fetching anyone or anything for him, but Tobias nodded anyway as the biscuit dropped to his plate, prompting an immediate charming grin for Della. His appetite was slowly returning.
"I wouldn't mind if you let them know that I wanted to speak with them, lass." The werewolf was still wary of Tessa's parents. No matter what tentative truce he'd managed to strike with Erik, he still felt nervous of drawing the man's ire, and Nateri was beautiful and he felt probably also dangerous, in her own way. Erik might have been the master of the house, but he felt that he would likely find himself gone much quicker if he displeased Nateri than Erik.
"Will do," Tessa chirped, slipping out of the kitchen and taking the back steps up to the second floor. The master bedroom was on the other end of the hall from hers and she knocked on the door.
"Mother, Father? Are you awake?"
"Come in, sweetheart." She pushed the door open a crack to see her mother sitting at her vanity while Selena worked on her hair. Nateri smiled, beckoning her into the room. "You look beautiful. that is such a nice color on you."
"Mhm." Tessa forced a smile as she walked toward her. "I was just wondering when you two are planning on coming downstairs? Tobias actually has something he wants to discuss with you." She gave the maid a truer smile and mouthed, Morning.
"Oh?" Nateri looked up at her with an arched eyebrow. "Very well then. Your father and I will be down for breakfast in another minute." She gestured toward the door that led to the second room of their shared suite. "You know how he is, already going over numbers. I'll make sure we're down soon."
"Alright." Tessa smiled again and bent to kiss her cheek before leaving.
"Oh, and darling?"
She closed her eyes. Damnit... "Yes, Mother?"
"I've invited the Endarsens to have dinner with us. Your father will be talking business, so it'll be up to you to play hostess for Jarrett."
Of course. "Yes, Mother." She left and closed the door.
Tobias remained seated, pulling apart his biscuit and eating it slowly as his mind began working methodically through some of what he'd learned so far. His mistress was gorgeous, make no mistake about that, Tessa seemed to have a gentle, playful spirit, and she was very kind. The werewolf huffed softly over his breakfast at his reaction to the woman as he came into the kitchen, it had been a stupid way to act.
It wasn't as if he'd not been attracted to a woman since Minnie. He found plenty of women attractive. Hell, Mia was an attractive girl. Mia was also far more in his league. Tessa owned him for gods' sake. She was a fancy rich girl. Probably not at all practical outside of a business household.
Not to mention someone like her wouldn't have anything to do with something like him. Even ignoring the fact that he was considered a slave at the moment and that he was a werewolf. If he was free and human, what would he be? A hunter, a fisherman, maybe even a farmer. Which was to say, in the eyes of people like Tessa and her parents - a nobody.
Why did it still bother him?
Tobias had crumbled his biscuit in frustration and he looked up to Della with a sigh. "Could you do me a favor and tell me I'm an idiot? Don't need to know the reason I'm an idiot, just could use hearing it right now."
"You're an idiot," Della replied easily. Then she dried her hands on a towel and took a seat across the table from him, arms crossed and eyes kind. "Now, you gonna cough up what's got you feeling so down, or should I just bake a pie or sommat and hope that gets your spirits up?"
Tobias couldn't stop a soft laugh from escaping as his request was so very easily fulfilled by the ever helpful Della. From the moment he'd seen her the werewolf had been drawn to the older woman. She had this motherly aura around her that made him ache softly, in a way that wasn't all bad. Della reminded him a bit of his own mother.
He sighed heavily as she sat across from him, trying to pry out what was bothering him. Gods, but he wished he really knew that himself.
"I don't know. Everything feels so strange and confusing. When I became a slave again I thought things would be a lot different than this when I was sold." Tobias let out a breath, his head was so wound up he thought it might burst, and for a change it wasn't all jumbled because of the wolf.
He'd been so determined in that cage to hate whoever bought him, but everyone was so nice here. If it weren't for the label of slave hanging heavily on his heart he even thought he could have even been happy here. Being a servant was honest enough work. "Maybe I'm homesick. I miss my family."
But he didn't have a family anymore, and even the wolf felt a great pain at just how alone he felt.
"Oh, child." Della reached out to touch him arm, smiling gently. "I wish I could just tell you to buck up, but yours is a hard lot. What I can offer you is a hot meal and a listening ear, whenever you need it."
Tessa, who had taken her time meandering back to the kitchen, paused in the doorway when she saw them. They seemed to be having a relatively deep discussion, and she didn't want to interrupt, so she just hovered awkwardly, trying to decide if she should slip away or- if Tobias already knew she was there- just enter.
Sure, Della said that now. Tobias wondered if any of them would even talk to him after he showed them what he really was. The thought of the woman in front of him, looking at him so kindly now, recoiling from him in horror made his stomach churn unpleasantly.
He pushed his plate away.
"Thank you, Della. For...everything." As much as he wanted to be comforted by the cook, he just felt heavier. Plus he could smell that Tessa had returned.
"So will your parents spare a few minutes for a slave?" The werewolf asked quietly before turning to look at his mistress. He didn't think she'd really heard much. Not that it mattered. He'd been fairly open with her so far, but maybe that was part of the problem. Tobias wasn't acting like she was his owner, or even as if she was an employer. He had been treating her far too familiarly, as if she was just another girl from the village, maybe even one he was friendly with.
Gods, but he needed a friend. He needed Mable. She would have known how to help him.
Well, that made her decision for her.
"Yes, Mother says they'll be down in a few minutes for breakfast, they'll then hear whatever you need to say." She looked back and forth between him and the cook, who had stood to start putting dishes away, and stepped hesitantly into the room. "Everything alright?" she asked quietly as she approached Tobias. He seemed a little upset.
She realized her concern may not be exactly welcome- after all, they'd really only known each other a day- but she couldn't seem to help it. And it wasn't as though she could take it back now.
"Nothing you need worry yourself over, lass." Tobias sighed quietly, but he forced a half-hearted smile for her. After all, it wasn't as if she could simply let him go home. Even if he went back to his quiet little village, it wasn't his home anymore. It hadn't been since the moment he turned into what he was now.
Tessa couldn't do anything about him missing a family he didn't have either.
Perhaps she could have tried to ease his loneliness, but the werewolf didn't want her to. As much as he longed for companionship, he knew it really wasn't right for him to seek it with her.
A slave, property, wasn't your friend. Even if you were nice to it.
If any of the servants would even come near him after today, maybe he could find a hollow solace with one of them. Even a friend that didn't understand you was better than no friend at all. The wolf in him knew what he really needed, but they both knew it wasn't something within their reach.
What Tobias really needed was another wolf.
"Anywhere specific we should be or will we just chat in the dining room after they're done?" He thought it might be best to hold the actual introduction to his wolf out in the garden. There was plenty of room and screams would echo inside the house and hurt his ears. Outside it would be a little better.
Tessa shrugged. "I don't think they'll mind either way. As far as I know Father's just doing bookkeeping today before his meeting with Sir Endarsen, so it's not as though he'll need to rush off to work." She wanted to take a seat but found she had a sudden bolt of nervous energy that kept her on her feet.
There was some tension in the air she couldn't identify, and it put her on edge.
Before she could say anything, Anna suddenly stuck her head into the kitchen, saying, "Della, did you make any extra sausage? Madam and Sir just sat down and you know how he is." She glanced over at Tobias and Tessa, nodding a greeting as Della set about loading a plate for her to take back out to the dining hall.
"Anna, I don't think you've been officially introduced," Tessa said, snapping into the role of hostess. What the hell, she may as well practice now. "This is Tobias. Tobias- Anna, Isaac's older sister." She gestured between the two of them with a smile.
The mention of Endarsen prompted a reflexive, low growl. Tobias blushed and cleared his throat. This was going to be a long day with his wolf riled up like it was. Especially since the beast's unhappiness with a potential suitor coming to call on Tessa made no sense at all.
The arrival of Anna was a welcome distraction as his mistress introduced them formally. It felt strange to be introduced all formal like she did it.
"Nice to meet you, lass. Meet your brother last night...was...interesting. To say the least." The werewolf blushed again as he thought about his fumbling meeting with the gardener. He still couldn't believe the man had seemed interested in flirting with him.
Anna rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sorry about him. He means well, but he's always been a flirt." Then her smiled turned teasing. "Though I have to say...I see the appeal." She threw him a wink and ducked back out.
Tessa hid her chuckle behind her hand. "Before you get all flustered, she's only teasing you. She's married."
Tobias immediately flushed scarlet and ducked his head down when Anna implied he might be appealing and winked at him. Being told she was married and only teasing him didn't help at all. The werewolf still felt that familiar panic and helplessness as he buried his face in his hands.
"Please tell me that's the last of it. I don't know how much teasing I can take." The shy wolf mumbled into his hands.
Still chuckling quietly, Tessa managed to say reassuringly, "Mia might be a bit of a pain, but I'll tell her to lay off." Without thinking, she laid her hand on his shoulder and squeezed lightly, as she would have with any other member of the household.
Then she froze, not sure if she'd made the right move. It had been a casual gesture to her, but she'd seen what the slave markets were like- he may not be all that comfortable with physical contact.
Tobias groaned softly at the mention of Mia. Yeah, he could see the chipper young lass truly tormenting him if she had a mind to. His face heated more and he started slightly when he felt the light squeeze on his shoulder. The touch was gentle and unexpected, not like the light touch to his arm that Della had given a few minutes prior - that he had at least seen coming.
"Thank you." The werewolf said quietly as he lifted his eyes to look up at Tessa gratefully, his blush fading slowly. "Although, I mean, I think Mia's a nice lass, but I didn't think she'd tease or flirt with me like Isaac."
"She probably wouldn't, honestly," Tessa mused, glad she didn't seem to have offended him. "But she'd sure as hell tease you about Isaac."
Della snorted and nodded in affirmation, muttering, "She gets it from her father, I swear."
Tessa laughed and moved toward the door. "Mother and Father are probably just about done," she said, tilting her head at Tobias questioningly. "If you're ready..."
A soft whine came from Tobias when she said that Mia would probably tease him about Isaac. His own reactions were probably the biggest lure for anyone teasing him. The werewolf knew that he was rather pitiful in his absolute crippling awkwardness, and his blushes would only encourage his teasers, but he truly couldn't help it.
"Yeah, let's get this over with as soon as possible..." Tobias rose from the table and followed Tessa out of the kitchen. Mentally he was steeling himself for having to deal with her parents. Hopefully there wouldn't be too much protesting to his request.
Erik and Nateri did seem to be done eating, or at least finishing. They both looked up when Tessa and Tobias entered, her mother smiling, her father at least giving them a nod.
Well, that was better than yesterday.
She crossed to the main table, smiling in return and giving a shallow curtsy as she murmured, "Good morning, Papa." Her mother caught the childish pet name and quirked an eyebrow. Tessa shrugged. Well, it was worth a shot anyway.
Erik's lips twitched but he didn't quite smile. Instead, he glanced over her shoulder and said evenly, "So I hear there's something you'd like to discuss, young man?"
Young man.
Tobias squirmed slightly, feeling decidedly uncomfortable under Erik Varrys' gaze. He was not that young, although for a werewolf he probably was considered little more than a child. The werewolf had thought this all out, but now that the moment had come to actually present what he wanted to do he almost clammed up.
"Ah, yes..." Brown-gold eyes looked at Tessa nervously, trying to reassure himself that he was doing the right thing. They all needed to know and see, right? "It's about the wolf. If I'm going to be here, going to be protecting your daughter, I think everyone in the house should know...what I am. I'd appreciate if you could ask everyone to gather in the garden, and I could show you all my other side - so that in case I do need to protect them from an intruder they know the wolf is there to defend them, not hurt them."
By the time he was finished speaking he'd lowered he gaze to the floor, and even his head. Tobias looked nervous and vulnerable.
Tessa blinked. More than surprised, she found she suddenly had a great amount of respect for his courage. From the little they'd talked about what he was, she got the feeling it was not something he was necessarily proud of. She'd assumed he'd want to hide it.
But here he was offering to reveal that secret- not to put himself at ease, but out of respect for the other members of the household. She took a small step closer to him, bumping his shoulder lightly with her own as she might have done with Mia or Isaac, a quiet sign of encouragement.
Erik's eyes widened slightly, but that was the only emotion he showed. He was quiet for several long moments, evidently thinking it over. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"That seems reasonable," he said carefully. "Very well. I encourage an honest discourse among my staff." Then he arched an eyebrow. "Though I hope you realize the repercussions of this will be yours alone to deal with."
No they won't. The thought took Tessa rather by surprise. Though she rather doubted that the staff would suddenly turn on him- sure they may be a little wary, but she had faith most of them would warm back up to him soon enough- a sudden surge of protectiveness hit her. It was a rather silly reflex, seeing as he was not only quite clearly capable of taking care of himself, but the whole reason he'd been brought to the manor was to protect her.
"I understand, sir, but this needs to be done. They deserve to know what is living in this house with them. I would rather be honest with them from the start, than they find out later and think I was being deceitful by hiding it." Even if it meant they all hated him. Tobias sighed heavily, obviously still very uneasy with the situation, even if he was volunteering it.
"Sir, if they...don't want me here. I understand." After all, if they all got in an uproar over having a wolf in the house his life would be more than merely uncomfortable. The werewolf hadn't wanted to be here to begin with, but now he didn't really want to leave.
Where would he go? Tobias had no home, and the wolf would not go back to a cage. Even if Erik sold him directly into another house, who was to say he wouldn't be treated just as he feared he would? The wolf would go mad if he were forced into submission by a cruel master. That fear crushed him. He didn't want to go mad, he didn't want to become feral again.
"We can do it whenever you're ready. Just let me know. I will need to change alone, and then come out for everyone to see. My, ah, clothes don't change with me." It was a short explanation, but certainly he hoped an sufficient one for why he needed to be alone.
"I see." Erik nodded once, then stood. "Andrew!"
The sharp call startled Tessa enough that she jumped slightly, then moved quickly out of the way as the butler came hurrying to her father's side. "Yes, sir?"
"Would you be so kind as to tell everyone to meet in the garden in ten minutes. Thank you."
Sullen as always, Andrew nodded silently and turned to go, casting a semi-curious, semi-annoyed look at Tobias as he went. "Grouch," Tessa muttered under her breath.
"We should lead by example," Nateri said, rising and taking her husband's arm. As they moved toward the doors she said, "Why don't you come with us, Tessa? Allow him to...prepare."
She flushed slightly, realizing she'd been sticking rather close to the werewolf. "Oh, right." She gave him a quick smile and mouthed, It'll be fine, before walking over to join her parents.
"And Tobias?"
Tessa looked to her father, rather startled that he'd used the man's name; usually he tried to keep people off balance by refusing to refer to them by their given names. "I by no means make guarantees, but I feel it is worth mentioning that my staff come from many different walks of life. They are more open minded than you may think." And with that he and Nateri whisked out of the room.
Tessa followed with one last glance back, offering the brightest smile she could, despite feeling a little thrown for a loop. Had he just tried to be...comforting? That was a little out of character, even in a more usual situation. She put the thought from her mind and made her way out to the garden.
Well, the lass had warned him that Andrew was a bit of a grump. The werewolf returned the annoyed look the man gave him with one of utter placidity. He didn't care if the man was put out by having to gather everyone up.
It was Tessa that made everything more bearable. The way she smiled at him gave him a temporary boost to his morale. If the little lady of the house was able to embrace him as he was, then surely at least some of the servants could as well. Though her father's little words of reassurance came as quite a surprise. Erik Varrys was the last person he thought would offer any comfort to him, considering everything.
Tobias made no comment, merely watched them leave with lowered eyes.
As soon as they were gone he made his way up to his room. Removing his clothes and folding them neatly on his bed, Tobias shifted into the wolf and began anxiously pacing from one wall to the other. Several minutes lapsed as he gave everyone time to reach the garden, he didn't need anyone seeing him prematurely.
Finally giving a huff when he thought the ten minute mark was approaching, he used a paw to awkwardly open the door. Before long he was padding through the halls quietly, becoming more nervous the closer he came to the door where he'd met Isaac the night before.
Tobias had no idea what the Varrys had told the servants, if they had told them anything at all. Taking a moment to steel his courage, he finally nudged the door open with a paw and stepped out into the gathering with his head held high and looking far more regal and confident than he felt. The wolf was to thank for that. The animal had no reason to feel shame or fear, and it carried the man through the bundle of anxiety that was purely human.
The wolf felt no nervousness, burnished gold eyes gleaming in the light, to him he was nothing short of magnificent. Young, large, healthy, with his brown and grey coat thick and smooth. He was in his prime and knew it.
Inwardly his human self shrank back and away, still fearful of how everyone would react as the wolf stared at them levelly.
Tessa wasn't sure what she'd been expecting exactly, but the sheer size of him caught her off guard. Her voice joined the collective gasp that ran through the gathering of people in the garden as the wolf entered, though she stifled the noise quickly. Gods above...
Erik had said little to his staff to prepare them, only that Tessa's new guard had something he wanted them to know about him. So it wasn't entirely surprising that most of them took a step back or simply stood frozen, eyes wide with shock.
Isaac swore softly under his breath, though his tone was more of amazement than fear (though there was some of that too). Della just stared, wide-eyed, a hand on each of the twins' shoulders. The others clustered together, looking back and forth between the massive wolf and their employer.
Someone needed to make a move. Say something, say anything. Hesitantly, Tessa took a step toward him. Part of her was afraid, she had to admit it; a very primal part that saw a predator and wanted to run. Another part saw Tobias, simply trying to be honest with people he knew he'd have to live with.
And...well, he was rather beautiful. Awe-inspiring, slightly terrifying, yes. But the wolf was a beautiful creature.
She took another step forward, smiling softly. "Hello, Tobias."
From behind her, she heard Jenny's childish voice ring out clearly: "Big doggie!"
She laughed.
The gasps were better than screams, even as the air was filled with the acidic scent of fear. It bothered his nose, but the smell of fear wasn't as strong as he was expecting. Golden eyes moved over each person gathered, before moving to Tessa as she stepped forward and lingering on the young woman that had brought him into this home despite knowing what he was.
He could sense and smell Tessa's fear. The werewolf wanted so badly for her not to be afraid of him at all. Everyone was always afraid of him. Knowing she felt afraid of him stung, but her fear was less than anyone else.
Except maybe Jenny, who childishly called him a "big doggie". The wolf let out a low whine, his tail wagging a few times.
When his mistress took another step forward, Tobias took a step towards her, then lowered his head, inviting her to reach out and touch him. Maybe if the others saw her fingers in his fur the others would feel less afraid of him.
Tessa reached out automatically, the way she would have with any dog who approached her in such a way. Then she hesitated, not wanting to offend him. But...his fur looked invitingly soft, and she had a strong urge to bury her fingers in it and see if it was a smooth as it looked.
She couldn't help herself. Taking a determined step forward she reached out and carefully stroked his head, saying quietly, "This is...really ok?" Despite his size, he was seeming more and more like...well, like a wolf. His fur had a smooth undercoat she was dying to dig her fingers into, but she resisted the impulse. She couldn't quite stop herself from scratching at his ears however, a smile spreading slowly across her face.
"Doggie?" Jenny has crept closer when she wasn't paying attention, and now she tugged on Tessa's skirt, looking up at her. "Tobias is the doggie?"
"That's right sweetheart." Tessa bent down and, grinning, scooped Jenny up so she was closer to his head and could reach out to touch him. She heard Della suck in a sharp breath, but no one protested. The little girl reached out to pat the wolf's nose, giggling happily.
Tessa chuckled too, gently stroking his head again. "Well, if you had any chance of losing the twins before, it's certainly gone now."
Was it okay?
The wolf didn't wag his tail usually, associating the gesture more with a dog, but as his head was lightly stroked and his ears were scratched he let it swish happily. Positive attention was rarely given to the wolf, and he rather relished Tessa's gentle hand moving over his fur.
His tail began moving faster as Jenny approached him, and he gave a soft whine as the child was picked up. Tobias nuzzled his nose into the child's hand, loving the sound of her giggles. The wolf couldn't resist snaking his tongue out and licking her fingers once much like a friendly dog might have.
Well, if nothing else, Tessa and Jenny were not put off by his animal half. That was something. He'd worried that once Erik saw him in this form he might change his mind again about letting him remain in the house. After all, it was one thing to know he was a werewolf and quite another to actually see him as a wolf. So far both Erik and Nateri had remained relatively silent on the matter and golden eyes moved over to them nervously even as he tilted his head into Tessa's hand, silently asking for more petting.
Once he was back in his human form he was probably going to be a little embarrassed about his canine behavior. After all, he protested frequently that he was not an animal.
The petting was becoming almost habitual, a steady rhythm she fell into easily. She let Jenny wriggle to the ground and run to her brothers, tugging on their hands to pull them closer to the wolf. Seth came easily enough, and after a moment of hesitation Michael followed, a bit more sedately.
The others seeemed to be getting over their initial shock and fear, coming warily closer. No one but the children was quite willing to try petting him, though she thought that was probably because they couldn't quite forget that the wolf was actually the young man they'd met before.
She didn't forget it either, but she couldn't seem to help the impulse to continue petting him, twisting slightly to face her parents and see their reactions.
Her mother was simply watching, not coming closer but not backing away either. But it was her father she was worried about. She met his gaze evenly, silently challenging. See? He's not dangerous. He's not what you thought.
Very, very slowly, Erik Varrys nodded.
Tessa beamed, inordinately pleased. Without thinking she wrapped her arms around the wolf's neck, saying quietly, "Told you it'd be fine."
The wolf greeted Seth and Michael with enthusiastic tail wagging and practically buried his nose in Seth's hair, sniffing the boy because he liked the way he smelled. Children had a particular scent about them that appealed to the animal. It had always been a relief to Tobias that the wolf viewed puppies and children almost interchangeably.
It would have killed him to hurt a child.
Tobias made the wolf sit, it didn't do a great deal to really make him look smaller and less imposing, but he figured every little bit helped as the adults began inching closer. He could still smell fear, but it wasn't as strong now.
Then Tessa's arms were around his neck in a hug, and those soothing words in his ear. It was probably a good thing he wasn't in his human form, because he'd have probably cried at the level of acceptance he was receiving from these kind, gentle people. Della had let her children come over and pet him.
The werewolf rested his large head lightly on Tessa's shoulder and closed his golden eyes, tail still wagging slowly as he simply basked in the relief of not being rejected.
She closed her eyes and allowed herself to lean into the hug for a moment. It was so rare she got to be close to someone like this- either it wasn't proper, or she'd muss her dress, or bla bla bla. But somehow this felt different, as though because he wasn't currently in human form she was allowed to let her guard down.
Then Seth laughed delightedly and ducked around to the wolf's side, his sister chasing him. They began racing around Tobias, using his bulk to duck and hide from each other.
Tessa chuckled, giving the wolf a quick squeeze and a last pat on the head before she stepped away to let them have their fun. She found she was actually quite disappointed to do so.
"Oi, don't be pests," Mia said, moving forward to try to grab her siblings. They avoided her easily, goading her into joining their game of chase.
Tessa and Della laughed, and the older woman came up to her side, saying, "If the bodyguard thing doesn't work out, you could always be a nanny."
A low chuckle ran through the gathered crowd- except for Andrew, of course, and Marion. Tessa was sad but not entirely surprised that her mother's maid still seemed a little uncomfortable.
"Well, I should be getting back to work," Isaac said cheerfully. She got the feeling he was trying a bit to hard to treat the whole situation as if it was normal, but at least he was trying. He glanced back at Tobias and added playfully, "No digging up my flowerbeds or anything, alright?"
Nateri, who had come up on Tessa's other side, laughed softly. "I hate to be the bad guy here, but we all have tasks we should be getting back to," she said meaningfully. Then she looked to the wolf and nodded regally. "Thank you for sharing this, Tobias."
Slowly the servants began to peel off, wandering away to get back to their jobs. Della and her children stayed- Michael, Seth, and Jenny weren't going anywhere while the "big doggie" was around.
"And don't you have a dance lesson you should be preparing for?" Nateri said with an eyebrow quirk.
Tessa sighed, shifting closer to the wolf almost reflexively. "Not for another hour or so yet," she said with a charming smile. "Besides, I really think I should make sure these urchins don't exhaust my guard," she teased, crouching to intercept Seth as he came tearing around in pursuit of his sister.
Her mother sighed, closing her eyes, then conceded, "Half an hour Tessa. Then I want you presentable." She collected her husband and moved toward the door."
"You do have a bit of...ah, fur on your dress," Mia commented, brushing at her bodice.
Tessa smiled. "It doesn't matter," she said, glancing at Tobias and the children and feeling her heart jump happily.
Yes, the wolf could be happy here. Or at least happier than he'd been anywhere else so far since he'd been turned. Except maybe with Mable, those had been happy days. For a human the woman had understood him remarkably well. In fact, she'd taught him what he knew about being a werewolf, but there hadn't been children or puppies there.
The wolf's head began attempting to follow the movements of the children as they ran merrily around him. A dizzying task to be sure.
Della's nanny comment earned her a wolfish grin as his tongue lolled out of his mouth, the expression softened the suddenly visible ivory teeth. The wolf wouldn't complain about watching, protecting, and playing with pups all day. That seemed like a rather fun task to him.
Isaac's comment brought forth a cuffing noise from the wolf, it was the closest he could come to laughing in this form. Though when Nateri approached him his mouth closed again as he looked up at the lady quite seriously before bowing his head to her as she thanked him for sharing his wolf with them. If she was accepting of him, then he knew that he was probably relatively safe from being banished.
Tobias groaned when the dance lesson was brought up. He wasn't particularly interested in sitting through that, but thankfully Nateri left without taking Tessa with her yet. Now that he was in this form, the wolf was reluctant to let go. It wasn't let out nearly enough.
Another wolfish grin came to the animal's face when Mia mentioned that Tessa had fur on her dress. She had more than that. His scent, something the humans couldn't detect easily, now clung to his mistress's clothing and skin. Any other wolf that smelled her would know immediately about Tobias's presence and would know that she was being guarded by him.
Not that he thought another wolf would be an issue, but it made his wolf happy even if the man didn't fully understand it.
Feeling a little impish, Tobias jumped up and rubbed his head against Mia's arm, leaving a few strands of fur on the fabric before prancing away and barking playfully at the children.
"Hey!" Mia protested, but she was smiling a bit. The twins squealed with delight and chased after him, Tessa laughing at them all.
"I didn't think wolves could even be that big," Della muttered, shaking her head slightly as she watched them.
Tessa shrugged. "I don't think they are. But he's hardly a normal wolf."
"Tessie, Tessie!" Jenny ran back toward her, grabbing her hand and tugging. "Come on, come play!"
"Oh..." She hesitated. It was actually a very tempting idea- but she really wasn't a child anymore, and her mother would be furious if she got her dress dirty...
"Tessie?" She looked down into wide, pleading eyes and felt her heart melt. "Please?"
She looked back at Della and Mia, saying, "Don't tell my mother?"
Her maid winked and the cook laughed. Grinning, Tessa turned back to the girl and warned, "If you don't start running I'm gonna get you."
Jenny clapped delightedly and spun on her heel to run and hide behind Tobias. Seth and Michael beamed when Tessa chased after her, for once not mindful of her skirts.
Della was certainly right about normal wolves, even a very large normal would was probably a fifth the size of Tobias in his wolf form. Truthfully most werewolves weren't even quite as big as Tobias was. Not that he knew that his size was unusual. After all, how many werewolves did he really know?
None.
All the werewolf knew was that he was being embraced by these people, and having fun watching the children laugh and play. When Jenny ran off to try to drag Tessa into the game he began jogging circles around Seth, occasionally reaching out to poke the boy with his nose playfully before darting just out of the child's reach.
Tobias could have easily played with the children all day, but Jenny ran to hide behind him as Tessa chased her and suddenly the wolf wasn't playing anymore. He took a few menacing steps towards the fence, placing himself between it and the children as his hackles raised, fur puffing out to make him appear even larger as his lips pulled back from his teeth in a vicious snarl, and a low, rumbling, growl of warning emitted from his chest.
A very well-dressed man was on the other side of the fence, watching them. Well, his blue-grey eyes were actually intently focused on Tobias, rather than anyone else. Probably understandable given the beast's obviously threatening behavior, except he didn't appear at all phased by the wolf's show of aggression.
"I think I have found the right address. Does an Erik Varrys live here? You'll forgive me for not knocking on the front door. I was going to, but I heard your furry friend there barking and simply couldn't resist getting a look at him, and to think, seeing you allowing it to play with the children! I think the slavers have deceived me, proclaiming the beast untamed." Tobias did not stop growling, golden eyes looking at the man with a cold fury.
It. The man had called him an it.
Tessa stiffened, ushering the children back toward their mother and moving up to stand next to Tobias. "Master Varrys lives here," she confirmed coolly. She didn't like this stranger, the feeling only magnified by Tobias's reaction to him. If the wolf was on guard, she figured she should be as well.
And he'd mentioned the slavers, which raised her hackles a bit- metaphorically. Drawing herself up to be every inch the imposing young lady she said, "Erik isn't available at the moment. Do you have business here?"
Lips pulled back into a white smirk as the man let his attention fall to Tessa as she stepped up to stand beside the snarling object of his interest. He tsked her lightly. "Such a cold reception. My business is with the owner of that," He paused here to point at the werewolf, "Magnificent specimen. I've only just returned from Serendipity last night. My servants informed me there was a werewolf at the market and I had thought it could wait until this morning, but I was sadly mistaken.'
Tobias growled lower, ears pinning back against his head. The man ignored him and went on.
"Imagine my surprise when I arrived there to find he had been sold already. I quite thoroughly questioned a reluctant, weaselly man named Saul until he divulged the name of the man whom had acquired the beast, a Mister Erik Varrys. It took me over an hour to find this address. Truly, I was quite alarmed when the slaver told me that Mister Varrys had never seemed to have owned a slave before, let alone a werewolf. It is quite a relief to me to find everyone unharmed. They are quite fickle beasts in need of specialized care and handling. Not creatures for the inexperienced handlers, for sure!"
Tessa almost growled herself.
"He doesn't need any handling," she practically spat. "So thank you for your concern, but you may leave." That wasn't going to be enough to get rid of him, but at least she had established some ground. This was her house, and he was unwelcome.
She took a deep breath and laid a hand on Tobia's back, between his shoulders. "Besides," she said loftily, "Erik isn't his owner." She burried her fingers in his fur, a silent apology. "I am."
"Don't be naive, girl." The man's voice hadn't changed, he didn't seem particularly ruffled by her quite obvious distaste in his presence, but his eyes had narrowed slightly. "You have no idea what you have there, and you're foolish if you think a creature like that doesn't need handling. When I was told about this beast, I was expecting to find a fine beta male, which was delightful, to be sure, because those are rare, but imagine my surprise to find an alpha male standing right there. Do you realize that is like winning the lottery? So very few of them are to be found, especially on the market!"
His voice had picked up in excitement slightly. "An alpha, girl! This creature is far too rare and special to be in the hands of someone that can't appreciate it's true value. It is upsetting to even think that this marvelous beast isn't getting the proper care it needs. You've got it playing with children like a dog. A dog! Have you even seen what a werewolf can do to a person? They'd never be able to pick up all your pieces if it decided to turn on you. To say if it didn't outright eat you. Or what if it decides that it doesn't like being alone anymore? Do you have any idea how painful it is for a human to be turned into a werewolf?"
Tobias was enraged, and his angry only built the more the man spoke. He wasn't a wild, mindless beast. Not to say the stranger wasn't voicing concerns that the werewolf had contemplated over and over again.
Tessa was incensed. She fisted her hand in Tobias's fur, realizing that she was actually shaking with rage. Vaguely, she heard Mia and Della talking quickly and quietly, mentioning her parents, but she didn't pay it any attention.
Perhaps the man was right. Perhaps she didn't know enough about the werewolf. She wasn't even entirely sure what "alpha" meant, at least not in Tobias's case. But it didn't matter.
"He is a person," she hissed with quiet menace. "He is not for sale, and so help me gods if you don't leave my property I will call the city guards." She raised her head higher, trying to imitate her mother's regal posture and added, "And should we ever meet again, you will address me as Miss Varrys and nothing else."
The way he called her "girl" was very different from Tobias's "lass", and she did not like it at all.
"We shall see about this creature being for sale or not once it has killed someone. Do give my regards to your father. Tell him Lord Henry Striker called asking after the beast, and do mention I'm willing to pay several times what he spent on the thing. Let us hope that the next time we meet you've come to your senses, girl." The man turned suddenly and walked away as casually as if it had been his own choice to leave empty-handed.
For several moments Tobias could only stare at where the stranger had been, still growling with barely contained fury. Slowly the rumbling in his chest stopped as his fur flattened and smoothed back out. The encounter had chilled him, and now that the man was gone the wolf trembled and leaned against Tessa lightly.
Her hand in his fur had probably been the only thing that had kept him from charging the fence to actually attempt to sink his teeth into the man that had been insulting him and his mistress.
Not to mention all the upsetting things that had been said. Like Tessa, Tobias didn't really know what the man had meant by calling him an "alpha" or what significance being an "alpha" might hold except that apparently it was a rare thing. If the wolf knew what the man was talking about, it didn't share it's secrets.
Tessa's anger and courage drained out of her all at once. Her trembling was from something closer to fear now, and she sank to her knees, leaning heavily against Tobias with her arm still around him. "It's alright, it's alright," she said, more to herself than the werewolf. He was gone now.
But she knew they hadn't seen the last of Lord Henry Striker.
"Tessa!"
She turned her head to see her parents hurrying toward them across the garden, Mia in their wake. "What happened?" Her father demanded, eyes flashing. He looked them over, slowing as he realized she wasn't on the ground because was hurt, but because her legs seemed to have simply given out. "Are you two alright?"
Tessa took a shaky breath and stood, using Tobias as a sort of crutch. "There was a man. He said his name was Henry Striker..." she started to explain.
All the cold anger faded from golden eyes as they turned to look down at his collapsed mistress in concern. Her fear was potent and caused Tobias to ache. He wanted to soothe the poor shaken lass. It was his fault that man had come here. The werewolf felt his anger reigniting as he thought about how the man had purposely been trying to frighten Tessa.
His head snapped up at as Erik and Nateri appeared, rushing to them with Mia following close behind. Bless the lass for fetching them.
Although he was surprised when Tessa's father asked if they were both alright. He'd thought the man would only be concerned about his daughter. Tobias gave a soft whine, leaning against Tessa more, offering his support and trying to reassure her just by being available to her.
In this form he didn't know how to communicate with them, and it was frustrating.
Tobias should probably go back to his room so he could change and dress, but he didn't want to leave Tessa's side until she was calmed down.
The werewolf had no idea who the man had been, but Lord Henry Striker was a known collector, breeder, and dealer of exotic animals. Including dragons that were raised to become mounts for Adela's famous dragon-riders. He certainly wasn't the only breeder of such creatures, but he was definitely one of the more known ones - at least in the right circles. Tobias, being a commoner as he was, wasn't in such a circle.
"Lord Henry Striker..." Erik repeated the name slowly when Tessa had finished relaying what had happened. Nateri looked at him sharply.
"Do you know him?" she asked, stepping forward to put her arm around her daughter's shoulders. While grateful for the comforting touch, Tessa found she wasn't quite able to move away from Tobias yet.
Her father frowned. "I know the name. I'll ask around, see what I can find out." He shook his head, sighing. "I'm sorry this happened," he said to the young woman and the wolf. "Go inside now. Perhaps it's better if you stay out of sight for the moment."
Her mother nodded, pulling her toward the manor. Tessa resisted slightly, looking at Tobias, as though assuring herself that he was coming with them.
Tobias gave Erik a side-long look as he said the man's name. The way he said it made the wolf shiver slightly. So the stranger wasn't totally unknown. If he was important enough that his name was known then did that mean more trouble?
It didn't matter in the moment. The man was gone and they were being shooed inside. For once the werewolf had no objection to being forced indoors. He hadn't liked the way the man looked at him.
There was no reason for Tessa to hesitate, as soon as Nateri tried to draw her daughter inside the wolf moved with them. Tobias stayed close to his mistress's side. He could have easily run up to his room, but he wasn't leaving her side until he knew she was alright with him doing so.
Nateri ushered her daughter and Tobias into the parlor, muttering in Essyrni under her breath all the while. Tessa didn't know much of her mother's native tongue, but she could tell that what she was saying now wasn't very polite. She smiled wanly, beginning to feel a bit more like herself.
"I'm going to find Lionel and Andrew, tell them if they see that man again to send him on his way and let your father and I know immediately," Nateri said firmly, once she had Tessa settled onto a comfortable chaise. She felt a little embarrassed to be fussed over so much and tried to protest, but her mother was hearing none of it. "You just sit there, I'll ask Della for some hot tea."
"I'm not an invalid," Tessa grumbled. She felt much better now that she was away from those cold, staring eyes.
"Sit. And. Stay." Her mother's voice was firm and brooked no argument. She turned to leave, then paused, saying softly to the huge wolf, "Thank you for being there for my daughter." Then she whisked out of the room.
Tessa shook her head as she watched her leave. Turning to Tobias, she said with a small smile, "I'm really alright, honest. Besides, it's you everyone should be worried about. Are you okay?" Then she grimaced, realizing the rather poor timing of her question. "Right. You can't really talk right now. Sorry."
The huge wolf settled beside the chaise as soon as Tessa was seated by her mother. Tobias was obviously still behaving quite protectively. He felt highly protective. That man may have wanted him, but he'd seemed eager to frighten Tessa in his quest for the werewolf. Something told him that the man could be dangerous.
He laid on the floor, tilting his head and perking his ears as he looked up at Nateri as she thanked him for being there for Tessa. The werewolf gave a soft whine in response. That was what he was here for. It was the reason they had bought him.
Tobias turned his attention to Tessa as she expressed her concern for him. His large head rested on the edge of the chaise as he gave a slow flick of his tail, chuffing softly as she apologized for asking a question when he couldn't answer. It wasn't himself he was worried about. Tobias could handle anything thrown at him.
Being unable to communicate effectively had reached a breaking point on frustration, so he rose from the floor and nuzzled her hand gently before gesturing with his head towards the general direction of his room.
Since she was alright, he figured it would be okay for him to leave long enough to change and dress again. Without waiting for permission he padded from the room quickly and made his way through the halls to his room. The door was still slightly ajar, which helped tremendously as paws truly were not the best tools for opening knobs, even if it was possible it was still a pain.
Tobias was transformed, dressed, and back in the parlor in less than three minutes. The danger might be considered passed, but he didn't want to be too far from Tessa just in case. If anything happened to her...well it wouldn't be pleasant for him. That was for sure.
"I think I've had enough excitement for a week. Can we keep it low key for a bit, lass?" The werewolf asked before sinking into a chair dramatically.
Tessa actually laughed, and gods did it feel good. "That's fine with me," she said with feeling. Then she sobered again, leaning toward him and asking, "Really though, are you alright? I can't even imagine what that must have been like for you." She gritted her teeth, eyes flashing- though she didn't know it- in a way that was very reminiscent to her father. "Gods, I wanted to bite him. Prick." She grumbled the insult under her breath.
Then she bit her lip, wanting to ask a question but not entirely wanting to broach the subject. After a moment she got up the courage to say softly, "Do you...know what he meant? About you being an alpha?"
Tobias looked relieved as she laughed, and he couldn't help but smile faintly. Though he had to sigh when Tessa got all serious again. The werewolf really didn't want to sit and think about the things that Lord Striker had said. He'd had enough self-doubting himself for a lifetime. Worrying about hurting others was a constant stress on his mind as it was.
"The things he said upset me, lass. You'd think a werewolf would have a thicker hide than all that, but..." His face clouded with worry. Tobias knew all too well what a werewolf could do to a person, and of how painful and traumatizing being turned could be.
Pinching the bridge of his nose and squeezing his eyes shut to try to lessen the throbbing in his skull the werewolf sighed at her question. He'd figured it was coming.
"Mable taught me everything that I know about werewolves, which is probably fractured and incomplete knowledge. I know what an alpha wolf is, sort of, but she didn't tell me anything about what an alpha werewolf was, and she never mentioned that I was, or might be, one. Being an alpha wolf probably isn't the same as being an alpha werewolf." Which wasn't helpful to know at all.
Tessa winced. She shouldn't have said anything, she was only going to upset him. "You're probably right," she said softly, wanting to drop the topic. Perhaps she could look in the library later, if she really wanted some answers. Surely there must be something in there that could shed some light on the subject.
She shook herself slightly, trying to focus on something else. "Thank you," she murmured after a moment, "for...helping me back there." She laughed at herself a little bitterly. "It seems you just keep pulling me out of nightmares," she said with a rather self-deprecating half smile. She felt guilty that he'd had to worry about her when it was him people should be worrying for.
"No one in this house would let him near you," she said suddenly, and with a conviction that surprised even herself a little. "And I don't believe a word of what he said. I just- I want you to know that."
Tobias sank further into his chair when she said he was probably right, the werewolf was looking quite exhausted. Dealing with that man had left him feeling drained, mentally and emotionally. Indeed, the past couple days had seemed to be a mess of emotional ups and downs. That would exhaust anyone.
"I didn't do anything, lass." He said with a dismissive wave of his hand, brushing off the thanks. It was true, he felt like he'd done very little since arriving here. Then again, being around Tessa hardly felt like work. Guarding the entire house came naturally to him, as the wolf was beginning to view it as his territory, which meant he had to protect everything and everyone that resided in that territory.
He bet Erik Varrys would just love to hear that the wolf felt that way.
Well, thankfully the wolf's idea of territorial possession could mesh well with the actual possession of the property. It was only other wolves the werewolf felt threatened by.
Tobias sighed softly before giving his mistress a tired smile. "I appreciate the sentiment, lass, but it's not me I'm worried about. What physical harm do you think he could really do to me? He's human, I could smell it. I'd toss him about like a rag doll if he tried anything, lass. No, what worries me is I could see the wheels turning in his head. If anything, he'll be trying to convince your folks to be rid of me."
Tessa glowered. "He can try all he likes. He'll learn just how stubborn this family can be." And she would really stand her ground next time.
There was a soft knock at the door to the parlor and Della poked her head into the room. "I've brought tea," she said softly as she entered, handing a steaming cup first to Tessa, then to Tobias, patting the man's hand in an absent-minded, motherly sort of way.
Tessa smiled at her gratefully, murmuring, "Thank you."
The cook smiled back, laying a hand on her shoulder for a moment, then bustled about placing the tea tray on the small table in front of the chaise. "Madam wanted me to let you know that she's cancelled your lesson," she said.
Tessa gave a short clipped laugh and toasted- to no one in particular- with her tea. "Ah, there's the silver lining I've been waiting for."
There was no question in the werewolf's mind that Tessa was a stubborn young woman. After all, he was only there because she had gone against her father's wishes to purchase him after the man had said no.
Tobias only worried what methods this Striker might use, and who might be hurt in the process. He had no doubt the man had no actual concern for the safety of anyone in this house and if it served the man's purpose he had no doubt he'd hurt anyone if he thought it would help him get what he wanted.
Thankfully Della coming in with tea was a much needed distraction from his dark and gloomy thoughts. He smiled ruefully at the way she patted his hand as she handed him tea.
"You're a saint, Ma'am." Tobias was looking at the cook with a high degree of gratitude. Not only had she allowed her children near him after learning of what he was, she was still being so kind to him after those horrible things that man had said about him. To think, the man had implied that he was a danger to sweet little Jenny and Seth.
The werewolf felt his heart tightening painfully at that thought, so washed it away with a mouthful of hot tea before chuckling softly at Tessa's toast. "That still leaves dinner, lass. Mia was right you've got fur on your dress. Dirt too from where you dropped on your knees."
"Oh-!" She'd forgotten about that. "Fuck me," she muttered, completely forgetting herself for a moment.
Della straightened with a sharp gasp. "Miss Celestia!" Her eyes were positively flaming, and Tessa was suddenly reminded very strongly that this woman had practically raised her and was not opposed to a good smack upside the head when she felt she was being disrespectful.
She went very red and said quickly, "Sorry, sorry," raising her hands placatingly. Telling herself she wasn't running away, she rose quickly and placed her half-drunk tea on the tray, saying, "I'll just, um, grab Mia and see if we can't fix this." She gestured at her own rather disheveled appearance. "Be back in a moment."
She practically fled out the door.
Della shook her head, muttering under her breath about how good manners should be remembered no matter the circumstance.
Tobias's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Tessa's cursing. It wasn't the first time he'd heard her say unladylike things, but that was some pretty harsh language to be coming from such a dainty little woman.
Surprise quickly gave way to amusement as warm brown eyes sparkled as he laughed softly at Della's very quick admonishment, and his mistress's subsequent fleeing from the room.
"For a prim and proper lass, she uses some pretty colorful language. Makes me wonder where she even learned to talk like that." Somehow he didn't see either Erik or Nateri Varrys speaking in such a way very often. Maybe it was from the books. He recalled the previous evening in the library, so knew that Tessa was at least somewhat fond of reading.
Della shook her head. "Probably from Jacobi, mostly- she used to follow him around the stables when she was a mite. Though gods know what she's been reading lately." Then her demeanor changed slightly and she gave him a concerned look, saying, "You doing alright then?"
For her part, Tessa found Mia easily enough. Without her even having to explain, the younger woman ushered her into smallish nook and began brushing her off, slapping her hands away every time she tried to help.
"You are a violent young woman," Tessa informed her primly.
Mia smirked, straightening to fiddle with her hair. "Don't question my methods." She took a step back to look her over and nodded, evidently satisfied. "There, much more presentable." Her lips twitched into almost a smile and she added, "You still smell a bit like dog- well, wolf- but I doubt anyone would notice unless they're up against you like I just was."
Tessa blinked. She did? "I didn't even notice." She shrugged. Ah well, nothing to be done for it now. She turned to head back to the parlor, asking, "You coming?"
The maid shook her head. "No, I've got to look after the twins. They're a bit...confused about what happened."
Tessa winced, nodding. "Right. Give them extra hugs from me."
Mia smiled and chirped, "Will do," before they turned in opposite directions and set off.
Tobias tried to imagine a child version of Tessa following about a younger Jacobi. He almost wished he could have seen his mistress as a child. The werewolf had to wonder if she'd always been an elegant lass. Maybe not, even now she was quite the little pixie from what he'd seen.
A slight sigh was given when Della asked if he was alright. He honestly didn't know why they were so concerned about him. Did the encounter upset him? Yes, of course. That didn't mean he wasn't fine.
"Everyone is safe, that's all that matters, Ma'am. Those things he said? Just words. All I care about is nobody was hurt. Not that I think he'd have tried to hurt anyone." Not yet. Tobias was worried what the man might do now that he'd been shooed off. Just because Striker wanted him didn't mean he wouldn't try something nasty to someone else to get his way.
"What I'm worried about now is this dinner. I'm guessing these folks are considered important company and I don't know if I'm going to make a fool of myself or cause somebody some offense without meaning to." That would definitely be a bit of a problem. Especially if his young mistress was supposed to consider marrying this young Endarsen man. He wondered if he could get through the whole night without talking to any of them - couldn't offend them then.
Della chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, you'll do fine. Honestly, the Endarsens are right proper folks. Long as you stand there and look official they can't fault you. They don't expect the servants to speak to them, really." She shrugged. "Not the most flattering opinion, but if it keeps them out of my kitchen I'm happy," she said with a quick smile.
Tessa entered the parlor hesitantly, not wanting to interrupt if Tobias and Della were talking. It seemed safe enough. She slipped in and took her place on the chaise, catching the end of the cook's sentence and asking, "Keeps who out of the kitchen?"
"Your father's dinner guests," she answered promptly. Then she looked over at her to see if she'd been cleaned up. Judging by her sharp nod, Tessa figured she looked acceptable.
"Well, I'll get out of your hair then," the cook said cheerfully. "Go to get started on dinner. Madam wants the full five courses." She bustled out of the room.
Tessa bit back a groan. Great. Five courses of "playing hostess" for Jarrett Endarsen.
Well at least he wouldn't be expected to talk. Tobias was a bit skeptical about how official he might look. The werewolf was guessing not very. At least the comment about them staying out of Della's kitchen made him chuckle though.
"Five courses?" Tobias blinked as Della disappeared and he turned his eyes to Tessa with a shake of his head. "Who needs five courses of anything?"
Then again, maybe he shouldn't be the one talking given how much food he could eat. The werewolf had simple tastes though, or exotic ones, depending on the way you looked at it. After all, he was happy to eat anything Della put in front of him, but since he was turned Tobias had developed a taste for meat left rare.
Or raw.
"So is there any chance I can skip this dinner, lass? Maybe eat in my room?" For one he didn't want to be looked down on by the company, and for another he really didn't want to sit there and listen and watch as this Endarsen boy tried to schmooze on his mistress.
Tessa smiled. "I'll work something out. Mother and Father usually prefer if the servants eat in a separate room when we have guests anyway." She looked at him apologetically. "You may, ah, have to play chaperone though, at least for a little bit."
She sighed and went to run a hand through her hair, then remembered Mia would kill her if she destroyed the maid's handy work. "Normally that'd be Mia's job, but... Jarrett is a bit handsy, and thinks he's the gods' gift to women. I'd rather not make her go through that, if you don't mind..."
Tobias stared at Tessa for a long moment, one of his brown-gold eyes actually twitched. The lad's name was Jarrett, and he was handsy. He couldn't stop the words that flowed out of his mouth. "Why in the bloody hell would your mother try to set you up with a skeevy nutter?"
The werewolf would never get through an evening of chaperoning Tessa. Indeed, without realizing he was doing it, Tobias was growling lowly and all the brown had bled out of his eyes, leaving them bright gold as the wolf expressed his displeasure. "He doesn't get handsy with you does he? So help me if he lays a finger on you..."
Tessa stared at him, wide eyed. Whatever reaction she'd been expecting, it certainly wasn't this. Without thinking, she blurted out an honest answer. "He- he doesn't grab me or anything, but he touches me a lot." Her face went red and she hurried to add, "Just my hand, or he'll keep his arm around my waist or something. It's not a big deal," she tried to soothe him.
She tried for a smile, meeting golden eyes. Why on earth was he so angry about this? "It's just the way people like him are. He's used to getting what he wants, and not really having to ask for it. But he wouldn't do anything too improper, he can't afford to."
The reaction was quite strong and unexpected, even Tobias was surprised at just how angry and upset he suddenly was. He didn't like the idea of a man laying his hands on a woman when she didn't want him to - even if it was just touching her hand or putting his arm around her. Even still, hearing it shouldn't have put him that on edge.
One thing was for sure, Tobias did not like Jarrett Endarsen, meeting the man wasn't required for him to know this.
Realizing he was probably frightening the poor lass, the werewolf tried to reign in his temper. The growling stopped, but his eyes remained a luminescent gold. "He has no right, and you didn't answer the question. Why would your mother try to set you up with a skeevy nutter?"
Tobias wasn't to be soothed so easily, apparently.
It wasn't his business, he was just a slave, whom Tessa associated with, or whom Nateri attempted to marry her daughter to, was not his concern. Tobias didn't care. If Tessa didn't want that man touching her then he'd better learn to keep his hands to himself quickly, because the werewolf wasn't about to make excuses for him, which Tessa was doing in abundance as far as he was concerned.
Tessa let out a quick, relieved breath when the growling stopped. It was slightly unnerving to hear a sound that was so distinctly animal coming from a human body. She hadn't be afraid, exactly; just a little nervous that Tobias might suddenly become a massive wolf again and accidentally break something.
Or maybe he'd do it on purpose. He seemed irritated enough.
She shrugged again, sighing at his question. "Because he comes from a good family, and he has plenty of money," she answered, resigned. "Honestly, I meant what I said this morning- he's better than some. I'm under no illusions that if we married I would be the only one sharing his bed, but at least he isn't aggressive." Not according the the few servant girls Mia had talked to anyway. She smiled bitterly. "It's really not that uncommon; love matches are a rare thing, so most noble marriages have at least two or three paramours on the side."
She didn't realize until the words were out of her mouth how sad she sounded. Since her parents had begun to talk about marriage, she'd resigned herself to the life of a nobleman's or merchant's wife. She knew her parents were an exception, not the rule. But still...as a little girl she'd read romances and fairytales that spoke of undying love, love strong enough to conquer any obstacle.
Childish as it may be, she couldn't deny that a small part of her still wished she could have that.
Money.
The word slid across Tobias's mind like something slimy and foul. How could he forget the end-all-be-all of this world he'd been shoved into? It actually made him feel a little sick to think that these people cared more about money than their own daughter's happiness and well-being.
At least that's how it looked to him.
And he could scoff at this idea that the man or his family was good if this was acceptable to them. Which also made him question how good he thought the Varrys family even was.
"No offense to your parents, lass, but that's sick." Two or three paramours? What the hell was that even? Probably something like a mistress. If there were two or three of them then there wasn't any love anywhere for any of them.
Just some rich scumbag that felt entitled to dally with any woman that caught his fancy. No love or respect for his wife at all. Did the women do the same? Take other men into their bed, using them when their husbands were preoccupied elsewhere? Somehow he doubted it. Men could probably betray their wives as much as they liked, but would get upset if the table was turned.
Tobias had never been so glad that he was just a commoner.
The words hit her like a shock of cold water. She wanted to be angry on principle, but somehow it just made her sadder.
He was right.
She looked down at her hands in her lap, somehow unable to meet his eyes. "Yes. Well. We play the hands we're dealt I suppose," she murmured. Her eyes began to itch. Oh gods, was she tearing up? No no no, that was not acceptable. She sniffed and straightened her spine, though she kept her gaze down turned.
"I never had a childhood sweetheart, Tobias," she said quietly. "I never expected anything more from my life." That wasn't exactly true, but if she said it enough then maybe she'd believe it eventually.
"Yeah, well the game is rigged." Tobias murmured sourly. It wasn't as if he had a reason to care. These people owned him like he was nothing more than an inanimate object, or not much better, like he really was just a stupid dog. Why should it matter to him if his owner got married to a guy she didn't love and that didn't love her? It wasn't like her happiness had anything to do with anything that concerned him.
Gods, he was so frustrated. The wolf was severely agitated. Maybe it was just the principle of the matter. How could people be expected to live like this? The girl's parents were essentially trying to sell her to a husband. She seemed as helpless to control her life as he was.
It was more than that, though, and he knew it. Tessa's sadness tugged at him, and when her eyes started watering he felt miserable, knowing that they were his fault.
"Not that it matters what I think, lass, but maybe you should expect more. You're the one that has to live with it, not your folks." He kept his eyes down, no longer angry, but more just deeply troubled and unhappy.
She looked up, surprised. No one had ever said something like that to her before. Even Mia, who she considered her closest confidant and felt she could share anything with, had only commiserated with her.
No one had ever told her that maybe this wasn't all she should expect.
"I...thank you," she said, finally raising her eyes. She smiled softly; obviously neither of them was very happy with this topic of conversation. "You're a sweet man, Tobias," she told him, standing. She suddenly raised her hand without making the conscious decision to do so, as though she was going to pet his head the way she had when he was a wolf.
She dropped it quickly when she realized what she was doing, cheeks heating slightly. "Are- are you finished with your tea? I can take the cups back to the kitchen..."
"Am I?" The werewolf was hardly convinced of his sweetness. Sure, Tobias liked to think he was a decent person, and he tried even harder now that he wasn't a "person" anymore. Funny, now he had two things that made him less of a person - being a slave and being a werewolf both seemed to de-humanize him in the eyes of society at large.
Tired, sad, soulful brown-gold eyes raised to her face as she stood, and her raised hand was met with a confused frown. The sudden way she dropped her hand and blush had him tilting his head to study her curiously as she offered to take his teacup.
"Think your folks might have something to say about you waiting on a slave. Honestly I've been treated so good you'd think I was a guest or on vacation or something." Tobias really hadn't expected to be shown such a high level of care, concern, consideration, empathy, or kindness from anyone who bought him.
Standing with his cup he offered it to her with a shrug. "If you don't have anything you need me to do for now, I think I'd like to go lay down for a bit. That whole mess earlier has left me feeling worn out."
Well, that and everything else.
She smiled. "Of course. I know where to find you if you're needed." She took the cup and gave him a smile as she left the room, making her way slowly to the kitchen.
She still felt...off. First the altercation with Striker, now this worrying conversation... She made a small sound of frustration as she slipped into the kitchen and placed the cups gently on one of the tables. Della wasn't there, so she assumed the cook was fetching something from the pantry.
Well. The library it was then. She didn't want to return to her room and bother Tobias, not after just having told him he could get some rest.
Maybe she could find a book about werewolves.
"Thanks." Tobias mumbled softly as he watched her leave with the cups. It still felt odd to have a vision of elegance like her even spare a moment for some rough around the edges commoner like him. She didn't even seem put off by the fact that he called her lass all the time like he would some village girl.
It didn't feel right to call her 'Miss Tessa' like he'd heard all the servants do.
After standing there in confusion for a few moments, the werewolf sighed and headed up to his room where he immediately collapsed onto his bed and curled around his pillow. Tobias was tired and wanted to sleep, but rather than nod off, his brain just wanted to torment him.
He found himself restlessly tossing and turning as something he couldn't really even explain bothered him. More than once golden eyes closed only to be teased with the flashing image of a smile, or the memory of soft words would coo in his ear. Then his thoughts turned to wondering what it meant that he was an alpha, only to think of how Tessa had stood up for him, or gently reassured him.
Finally he managed to drift to sleep
Tessa snapped the third book closed with a frustrated growl. She couldn't find any useful information on werewolves, alpha or otherwise. Standing to replace the book, she let her head roll from side to side, trying to work the kinks out of her neck.
She wasn't quite sure how long she'd been in the library; long enough to read through several dozen pages of useless information. She scowled. One would think scholarly texts would rely less on such obscure evidence- all she had found were things like "tales say" or "it has been reported".
She returned to her room, slipping in quietly in an effort not to disturb Tobias. Gathering her book from that morning, she hiked her skirts up around her waist (rather indecent, but then who was there to judge?) and curled herself into the window seat.
"I am going to relax," she said firmly, and opened the book to the ribbon she had used as a marker.
She couldn't focus on the words; her mind was whirring, refusing to let her rest. She pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled. "Just relax," she repeated to herself, trying to even out her breathing.
It was unbearably hot. Tobias's skin felt as if it was on fire as the fever burned him alive. His throat was agonizingly dry, he couldn't even swallow. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the wall. That benign darkness morphed into hideous and frightful figures, taunting him as they skipped and laughed at his fading peripheral vision.
Someone was taking care of him, laying a cool cloth soothingly across his brow. For some reason the face kept changing. His vision was going in and out, each time things cleared just a little the woman seemed to be different. One moment it was his mother caring for him so tenderly, another moment it was Minnie, then confusingly a woman he didn't know.
The pain exploded inside him, pain intolerable, unbearable. He was screaming as the fire consumed him. Then there was only darkness and blood.
Tobias had been moving restlessly in his sleep, agonized whimpers escaping the werewolf as familiar dreams haunted him.
He was holding a broken, bloody body in his hands.
No...not hands. Paws.
Everything was overwhelming and confusing. The walls were familiar, but not. They had never been splattered in crimson before.
Everything was wrong.
The brutalized corpse in his arms couldn't be his mother...
Tobias jerked upright with a start, gasping for air and looking around the room wildly with confusion before remembering where he was. The werewolf groaned and put his face in his hands, he was trembling all over and there was actually sweat beaded on his brow from the intensity of the nightmare.
Tessa heard a sound, a sharp intake of breath, and she looked up from her book toward Tobias's door. Brow furrowed, she rose slowly, laying the book back on the window seat. She began to move toward the door, then hesitated.
That had been a gasp, she was sure. The sound was very similar to her panicked awakening that morning. She remembered him saying something then about waking up screaming more than once after he'd been turned. She wanted to go to him, to help him the way he had helped her.
But still she hesitated; she was unsure how he would react to her. Sometimes men were funny that way, unwilling to show their vulnerabilities, no matter how justified. And he'd brushed off her worrying for him about Striker earlier...
She didn't realize she'd been moving across the room as her thoughts turned, didn't realize she'd raised her hand to knock until her knuckles met wood.
Well. No going back now, however he decided to receive her concern. She knocked again, softly, and murmured, "Tobias? Are you alright?"
How long had it been since this old nightmare had last plagued him? Tobias couldn't actually remember. The werewolf had thought it was over. At least he had not been screaming in his sleep this time. That would have caused a huge fuss, no doubt.
A soft knock and a softer voice had him looking up to the door that separated their rooms. Tobias didn't know when Tessa had gone to her room, or how long he'd been asleep, for that matter.
Was he alright?
The werewolf liked to think he was, but obviously something had triggered his mind to delve back into that familiar terror. Perhaps the earlier encounter with Striker had bothered him more than Tobias had wanted to admit. Or maybe it was all the stress of being enslaved and sold catching up with him.
Either way...
"Yeah, lass. I'm fine." The werewolf called softly as he rose from bed and opened the door. "Just had a bit of a bad dream, is all. Nothing to get upset over, yeah? I wouldn't have gotten lucky enough to have slept through dinner, by any chance?"
He was teasing, mostly, but there was an earnest, hopeful undercurrent to the joke.
Tessa smiled slightly. "No luck on that front, I'm afraid," she said jokingly. Her smile faded as she looked at him though.
He didn't look fine, regardless of what he said. He looked tired, and- maybe sad? She couldn't quite name what she saw in his face, but it made her heart clench in instinctive sympathy. His brow was still beaded in sweat. Without thinking she reached into the front of her bodice and fished out a handkerchief, rising onto her toes to dab gently at his forehead.
"Must have been a hell of a dream," she murmured. It didn't strike her until several moments later that her actions may not exactly fit with propriety, and when it did she flushed slightly and lowered her eyes, pulling her hand back. "Oh, um- sorry."
Well, it wasn't really surprising that dinner was still looming over his head. Maybe a little disappointing, but not surprising. Tobias sighed and forced a wane smile. It was just one little dinner. Surely he could manage that much, and if he couldn't, well, what good was he?
His mind was abruptly torn from thoughts of dinner to attentive observation as Tessa pulled a handkerchief from her dress and used it to gently wipe at his brow.
The action had nearly caused the werewolf's heart to leap into his throat. Her gentle touch was without a doubt pleasant to feel, but at the same time it caused such a surge of confusing emotions. How many times did he have to remind himself that this girl was not his friend.
Too many times, and not one of them mattered. The wolf in him stirred faintly, causing his eyes to turn more golden again as he watched her face in mild fascination. The way her skin flushed and her eyes lowered made his wolf pleased for some reason, although the beast inside him wished her hand would have stayed.
Tobias had to clear his throat - and his head - before he could manage to even croak out a response to that. "You need to stop apologizing to me so much, lass."
He shook his head and took a step back before trying to pull off one of those easy grins he had given to Della before. The werewolf couldn't quite manage it, his expression looking more nervous than relaxed. "I know what's appropriate or not appropriate can be kinda strict with you upper class people, but the rules are a lot more relaxed for us common folk, lass. I...don't mind. Really. Just don't go sending everyone else into fits by doing stuff like that, yeah?"
Tessa looked up with a small smile that matched his own in hidden tension. "Yeah, you're right." She wasn't sure why, but admitting that made her a little sad. She liked being close to him, propriety be damned. She knew her family loved her, and she was happy with Mia and Della and the children for her friends, but even they kept a certain distance; she was always "Miss Tessa".
Tobias didn't do that, he treated her like she was just a girl, just a person, just like him. And the more it happened, the more she craved it. She was starved for simple human interaction.
Why had she never realized that until now?
She cleared her throat a little awkwardly, stepping away and twisting the handkerchief in her hands. "I was looking through the library for information about werewolves," she said abruptly, trying to change the subject. "I couldn't find anything solid, but some of the books cited authors or other works I think we should check out. Although I'm not quite sure where to look..."
She smoothed her skirts and looked back at him, a tiny, crooked smile creeping its way across her face. "Though I suppose if the wolf just waltzed into a bookshop they'd be more than willing to accommodate us," she mused. She was joking, of course, the image of Tobias's massive wolf form sitting patiently in one of the small bookshops in the city making her bite back a chuckle.
Most people craved such simple human interaction. Even the werewolf. Tobias was probably as starved for it as Tessa was. Which was why he felt a pang of sadness when she agreed with him. Of course it was for the best that they maintain as professional and appropriate a distance apart as possible, but that didn't mean it was easy.
It was far from easy. He almost opened his mouth to suggest that as long as they were alone that she was welcome to make such gestures - after all, everything that had been exchanged was perfectly innocent, what harm could it do?
Quite a lot, Tobias thought sourly.
Somehow the werewolf doubted either of Tessa's parents would be pleased if he grew too friendly with their daughter. He wasn't there to be her friend.
Even worse...how could he allow her to become familiar with him? He was a werewolf. No matter how often he spouted that he wasn't an animal, and no matter how much he didn't like to hurt anyone, deep down Tobias knew he was dangerous. That's why he had preferred to remain alone and distant from others.
That distance was what protected them. It would protect her.
"I don't think I've ever been in a bookstore in my life, lass. Don't think any shopkeeper would appreciate the wolf walking into their store, either." Tobias scowled and tilted his head. "Why were you looking for more information about werewolves? I know I don't know everything, but Mable wouldn't have sent me off on my own if I didn't know the important bits."
Tessa bit her lip. "Well, really I was just trying to find out more about that "alpha" bit," she admitted. She shook her head and added with a lopsided smile, "Honestly I have selfish motives. I don't like not knowing things." Particularly if they may be important.
Though she was loathe to admit it, she had a feeling at least some of what Striker had said was important.
Before she could say anything else, there was a sharp knock at the door. "Miss Tessa?" That was Selena's voice, not Mia's. Strange. "Your mother wants you in the parlor. The Endarsens will be here soon.
The things that Henry Striker had said were probably true, vague as they'd been, but Tobias didn't want to think about it. Whatever it meant to be an alpha, it couldn't be that important or he'd have figured it out by now, right? He hoped so. Still made him nervous to think about.
In fact, the werewolf's frayed nerves were pretty obvious when Tobias started at the knock on the door. Of course a moment later he groaned softly. Great, the guests were going to be here soon.
"Guess it's time to go act like I'm civilized. You're sure I shouldn't have to talk to these people, right?" He really, truly hoped that was true, because talking to upper crust people without making himself look like an ignorant commoner fool would be next to impossible.
Tessa chuckled. "Not if you don't want to," she promised. Then she sighed, closing her eyes and resisting the urge to run her hands through her hair. "Guess we'd better go down there," she muttered, eying the door to her bedroom with distaste.
But she was the Varrys heir, and for the rest of the evening at least she would have to act like it. Straightening her back she marched purposefully toward the door, giving Tobias a smile that she told herself was only slightly forced. "Come on then. Time to face the music."
Tobias sighed heavily and gestured towards the door. "After you lass."
Taking only a moment to straighten his clothes, he followed her dutifully. If he stuck with the servants and avoided the Endarsens as much as possible it shouldn't be too painful to make it through the evening.
He hoped.
Her parents were waiting when they arrived in the parlor, along with Marion, who stood dutifully at Nateri's side as always. She gave Tobias a quick, wary look when he came in but otherwise didn't react much to their presence.
"Come here, Rosie," her mother beckoned her forward and she obeyed, swallowing a noise of exasperation as the older woman fussed with her dress and hair. When she was finished, Nateri cupped her face in her hand and said firmly, "Remember: smile, laugh, and blush. Three easiest ways to have them falling head over heels."
Tessa forced a smile as she was told. "Yes, Mother," she responded dutifully.
Erik muttered something about his daughter not needing any of those flirty tricks, shifting from foot to foot. Nateri shot him a look but before she could say anything Andrew appeared in the doorway.
"Lord and Lady Endarsen, and their son, Sir Jarret," he said in a very bored tone, ushering their guests into the room.
Lady Endarsen- a confection of a woman in miles of frilly yellow skirts with her reddish blond hair piled atop her head- immediately crossed to her mother, exclaiming, "Nateri, darling, it's been too long."
"Indeed, Annabelle," Nateri replied, taking the other woman's hands as they exchanged cheek kisses.
"Erik, old boy, good to see you." Her husband- rather shorter and rounder than his wife- took her father's hand and shook it jovially. Erik smiled, nodding and asking how their trip had been.
"Hello, Miss Varrys."
Tessa turned to face a man several years older than herself with his mother's red gold hair and his father's gray-green eyes. She gave him a polite, distant smile and extended her hand. "A pleasure, Sir Endarsen. As always."
He took her hand and kissed it, eyes roving up and down her frame as he did so. She flushed slightly when his gaze lingered on her chest and hips. Damn Nateri for making her wear a low cut dress.
He caught her blush and smirked slightly, lips linger on her hand perhaps a moment longer than could be deemed proper. "Please, Celestia. Just Jarrett is fine." Then his gaze moved to Tobias and his eyes widened fractionally. "I don't believe I've seen you here before." His tone clearly indicated he expected an introduction.
Remembering what the werewolf had said about not wanting to talk to the Endarsens, Tessa said in a rush, "This is Tobias, my um- my new bodyguard."
Tobias ignored the look he received from Marion, keeping his focus on Tessa as she went to her mother and was fussed over. The werewolf had to clench his teeth to keep from grinding them when he heard the instructions Nateri gave to her daughter. However, no amount of self-control could have stopped him from rolling his eyes.
What did it matter for falling head over heels? It didn't. Love meant nothing to these people. Money and status were the bread and butter.
The werewolf sighed heavily before standing straighter to look the part of guard as the Endarsens were announced. All he had to do tonight was be seen and not heard. That was the role he had to play and manage for the next few hours.
He could do this.
Tobias tried to have little reaction as the family swept into the parlor. Although it was difficult given the entrance they made. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen a more gaudy, ugly dress. The man was short and round, rather unimpressive overall. It was the younger man, closer in age to himself, that immediately caught his attention.
He couldn't do this.
The werewolf's eyes were already polished amber, and he had a sinking feeling they would remain that intense color the rest of the evening. His lips immediately were drawn into a thin line as he gave Jarrett Endarsen a hard, disapproving glare.
Not that Tobias really knew much about such things, but he supposed Tessa's suitor could be considered good-looking, and he could practically feel the arrogance coming off of him. Golden eyes narrowed dangerously as he watched the exchange between his mistress and the young gentleman. Tobias didn't like the way, or where, the man's eyes lingered on Tessa.
It took a great deal of effort for him to suppress a deep, throaty growl as Jarrett's eyes finally noticed him. His jaw clenched slightly at the introduction, but he forced himself to bow his head slightly in a silent greeting.
Although it was really more of a mere acknowledgement of the man's existence.
Jarrett seemed a little put off by Tobias's stoic silence. For her part, Tessa was biting her lip to keep from chuckling at the way he awkwardly took a step back from her, dropping her hand. Perhaps something about the werewolf- and probably the word "bodyguard"- put him on edge.
"I, ah, see," he said smoothly, recovering. "Well met, Tobias." He gave a regal nod and Tessa resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
Then he took her hand again and her smile went brittle as his thumb rubbed circular patterns on her skin. "I must say, I'm curious as to why such a sweet young woman would have need of a personal guard." He gave her what he probably thought was a charming smile but came across as more of a condescending smirk.
Let go of me you slimy little-. "Father had a...disagreement with one of his competitors," she said, forcing her smile to stay in place, no matter how fake it was. "He thought it would be better if I had some more protection."
"Jarrett, Tessa? Dinner should be on the table soon, will you join us in the dining room?"
Oh thank gods. "Coming," she said with a smile as her parents and the Endarsens filed out. Jarrett lingered, offering her his arm. Breathing deeply through her nose, she took it, allowing him to escort her out into the hall.
As he began to chatter away about...something she wasn't paying attention to, she glanced back over her shoulder at Tobias, giving him an encouraging smile.
If he could make it through this evening, so could she.
There was something rather satisfying about the way that the young man stepped back from him. Normally Tobias hated when people were afraid or intimidated by him, but right now he really wanted to make this Jarrett Endarsen think twice about doing anything to provoke his ire.
Not that the man seemed phased for long. Jarrett's greeting was met with stony silence, golden eyes never wavering in the amount of intense displeasure as they fixated on the young man.
His body tensed as Tessa's hand was once again seized by this unwelcome suitor. Had he been in his wolf from Tobias would have been snarling and his hackles would have been raised - as it was, he could barely contain his grimace. It was good that looks could not kill, because Jarrett would be dead with the way the werewolf glared at his questioning of Tessa having a personal guard.
Thank the gods there was a distraction as they were called into the dining room. Tobias did grimace at Tessa's smile, as soon as everyone else's back was turned and it was safe to do so without being seen by any but her.
He was fairly sure she would understand.
Tessa gave him a sympathetic look, but before she had the time- or opportunity- to do much else they were being ushered to their seats by a bustling Della and a much less enthusiastic Andrew.
"Well, this just looks delightful," Lady Endarsen exclaimed, clapping her hands together as she took her seat. "Nateri, I really don't know how you manage to host such wonderful evenings."
Nateri smiled graciously. "Wait until the evening is over before you make such claims," she said lightly, adding, "And all credit really does go to our wonderful cook." She gestured in Della's direction.
The older woman dipped into a brief curtsy and murmured, "Thank you, Madam." As she leaned over Tessa's shoulder to fill her goblet with something that the girl dearly hoped was wine- she was going to need a lot of alcohol to get through this dinner- she said quietly to Tobias, "We're all eating in the kitchen, if you'd like to come in and get yourself something. Or you can stay out here and do guard-type things. Up to you."
She bustled away again and Tessa twisted to subtly look up at the werewolf, "You don't have to stay if you're uncomfortable," she murmured, quiet enough that she knew Jarrett- across the table from her- wouldn't hear.
A little part of her hoped he would stay, though she knew it was silly and selfish. He must be feeling uncomfortable, and if the gold that had yet to bleed from his eyes was any indication being around Jarrett was clearly irritating him. Still, she found that the daunting idea of facing this dinner seemed more bearable if she knew he'd be with her.
Tobias felt completely lost amid the hustle and bustle of seating. Ultimately he ended up next to Tessa, which was where he wanted to be anyway. Well, it would be where he wanted to be if the circumstances were different. In the setting of a formal dinner he sorely wished he was almost anywhere else.
A tight, strained smile was offered to Della when she gave him an escape to the kitchen. It was more than a tempting offer to retreat, it was almost too good to refuse. Especially when Tessa also quietly gave him permission to leave.
To say that the werewolf was uncomfortable was probably an understatement. He was like a fish out of water in present company.
Not to mention his already clear disdain for Jarrett. Tobias agreed with Della's earlier assessment - the man wasn't good enough for her. Perhaps Tessa was his owner, but she seemed a nice girl and she deserved better than to be leered at like a slice of meat that the man wanted to sink his teeth into.
As much as he'd have loved to take any way out of sitting through this dinner, he hated to leave Tessa alone with Jarrett. It was like throwing a lamb to the wolves, so to speak.
Expect he was the wolf here, and as slimy as Jarrett might be, Tobias had to ask himself if he could keep his cool around the man. So far he would say no, especially with the girl beside him in clear discomfort with her suitor and Jarrett's insistence on touching her.
The werewolf gave her a very small, wane smile before his expression slipped back into mild disgruntlement as he maintained his place near her.
When he made no move to leave, Tessa actually let out a sharp breath of relief. Under the table, she reached out to touch his hand and looked up at him, mouthing Thank you. Then she returned to being a proper young lady, hands clasped delicately over the napkin in her lap, back straight and smile in place.
For the most part she could avoid really talking to Jarrett; he mostly talked at her, evidently not really knowing or caring if she was actually listening. She picked at her dinner and smiled and "Mhm"ed in all the appropriate places, reaching far too often for her goblet (which was in fact filled with wine, she was relieved to discover).
"-and so of course we had to let him go, couldn't stand for that kind of behavior in a servant."
"Oh, yes," Tessa agreed, with what she had absolutely no idea. When Mia came around with the wine jug again she gave her maid a desperate look and the younger girl refilled her goblet first.
She faintly heard her whisper to Tobias, "Watch her, would you? She never drinks, I don't know what she'll do if she goes overboard." Before she could react that statement, a comment from the head of the table caught her attention.
"Striker? Yes. Yes I know him," Lord Endarsen was saying to her father. "Yes... Pretty upright fellow, a collector, I suppose you'd call him. Does quite a bit of trading and breeding in the market of exotic animals as well."
Her spine stiffened and she slowly looked over at Tobias out of the corner of her eye. Collector?
Tobias's fingers twitched when Tessa gently touched his hand beneath the table, but he managed not to make any major gesture or sound of surprise.
Everything after that was a bit of a blur for a while. Aside from being terribly boring, the dinner seemed to be going smoothly. Jarrett seemed to like to hear himself talk. The werewolf would occasionally glance at the man, or rather glare at him, but for the most part ignored him entirely. He mostly watched Tessa out of the corner of his eye.
She was drinking quite a lot, and it worried him. Even more when Mia came around to refill the drinks and asked him to keep an eye on the lass. Tobias nodded his head slightly and tried to smile at the young maid.
That changed immediately when the name Striker was mentioned. The werewolf whipped his head towards the front of the table, not bothering to hide his surprise or the scowl that came across his face. Golden eyes narrowed as he listened to the conversation, taking an interest for the first time in that end of the table.
Tobias had to bite his tongue to keep from interrupting by asking questions.
Perhaps she'd had one too many glasses of wine, but the reservations that would normally have kept Tessa from speaking up fell away. "You know him?" she asked Lord Endarsen, leaning toward him. "That is to say, you've met him in person?"
The tubby man looked at her, a little surprised. No great shock there, they normally only barely acknowledged each other's existence. To him she was just "Erik's girl" a possible match for his spoiled son. "Why, yes I have, once or twice. Arranged for a wyvern to be sent to a friend of mine in Serendipity."
Tessa opened her mouth to ask another question but her mother caught across her, giving her a firm look. "Tessa, sweetheart, if you and Jarrett have finished your meal why don't you take him out to the gardens. It seems Lord Endarsen and your father are about to start talking business, and I don't think he's seen them yet." She turned to the young man with a smile. "They're quite lovely this time of year, I assure you."
"But..." Tessa trailed of as her gaze met her father's and he shook his head subtly. She reined her frustration in; she would have to live with getting information second hand, for she was sure Erik was not about to let the subject drop. "Yes, of course," she said demurely, standing gracefully and smoothing her skirts. She fixed a smile on her face and said politely, "If you'll come with me, then."
Across from her Jarrett stood, nodding to their parents before walking around the table to once again offer his arm. "Will that charming maid of yours act as chaperone?" he asked quietly, a smirk beginning to steal across his face.
For the first time that night, she gave him a genuine smile. "No. Tobias will."
Tobias found himself leaning forward eager, fully expecting to receive some useful information on the creepy man from earlier. What he got was rather pitiful. So Endarsen had met the man - once or twice. He didn't exactly divulge anything else.
At least not before Nateri was attempting to shoo them from the room. The werewolf felt a rather large swell of annoyance and the look he gave the lady of the house certainly didn't hide his displeasure. It wasn't only being sent off as if he were an annoyance, the woman was doing it to her own daughter. As if Tessa were some child that couldn't handle hearing it or shouldn't be poking her nose in grown up affairs.
Why shouldn't the girl stay for business talk? She was the only child, did they expect her to ever actually manage the family's business? Probably not - just a woman to be married off, let her husband handle all that while she did her job of looking pretty and having babies.
Tobias made a soft sound of disgust as he rose from the table, golden eyes giving Jarrett a hard look when he asked about Mia. A moment later the werewolf was giving the man a smirk as Tessa happily informed him that he was their chaperon. He was more than happy to disappoint the young man. Of course, Jarrett wasn't ever going to harass any young woman in this house again - whether he knew it now or not.
Catching Tobias's smirk out of the corner of her eye, Tessa threw him a subtle wink before she steered Jarrett out into the gardens.
For a moment she tensed. She almost expected that awful man to just pop up and start spouting his poisonous words again, though she knew it was illogical. Forcing herself to relax, she let Jarrett lead her toward one of the benches scattered around the grounds.
He was talking to her. Damn, she probably should have been paying a little bit of attention. "-quite lovely, indeed."
Assuming he was talking about the gardens, she gave him a polite smile and nodded.
Jarrett chuckled, sitting beside her and taking her hand. Apparently his discomfort around Tobias was wearing off. "You know, usually a lady accepts a compliment with a bit more grace."
She blinked at him. Oh? Oh- he'd been talking about her, not the flowers. She flushed and tried to pull her hand back, mumbling some sort of apology.
Jarrett laughed again, a sound that grated against her nerves and made her wine-fuzzy head start to ache. He lightly brushed the back of his hand across her cheek and she went rigid, staring at him. "What an odd bird you are," he chuckled, leaning toward her.
She jerked her face away, trying to pull her hand free as well but he refused to let it go. "This isn't very proper," she said quietly, hoping that could mask the rage and disgust boiling in her tone.
"Oh, I'm sure your...bodyguard won't mind one little kiss." His voice sort of oozed over her skin, making her shudder. "After all, it's not like I'm hurting you." He laid his hand on her cheek to force her to face him and leaned forward again.
Tobias might not enjoy the idea of gritting his teeth and ignoring Jarrett's attempts at fliration with Tessa, but he did like the idea of being there to put the fool boy in his place when he got too bold. Which didn't take long at all.
The werewolf had followed the pair silently and kept himself separate from them, but his golden eyes had been watching them carefully. Tension had rippled through him the moment that the arrogant brat had grabbed the lass's hand as they sat down, but that tension was mild compared to the explosion of anger that gripped him as Jarrett attempted to lean in for a kiss.
When Tessa tried to fend off the unwanted attention and Jarrett refused to release her, when the man dared force her face towards him and tried to kiss her after she'd told him no...
A savage snarl ripped through the garden as Tobias seized Jarrett by his collar and jerked him backwards away from Tessa, golden eyes burning as they burrowed into him. "I think the lass told you no, boy. Touch her again without her permission and I'll remove you from this property faster than you can blink, and I don't give one rat's ass who your parents are. Do I make myself clear?"
For all the ferocity and threat in the werewolf's tone, Tobias was showing quite a good deal of restraint.
Jarrett was hanging limp and gaping in the larger man's grip, apparently too shocked to do anything else.
For her part, Tessa was mildly stunned. But she pulled herself together quickly, standing and lightly laying her hand on Tobias's forearm. "I believe you've made yourself clear," she said calmly, trying to scrub the feeling of Jarrett Endarsen's breath on her cheek from her mind.
Quieter, so the little lordling wouldn't hear, she murmured, "You may not care who his parents are, but Mother and Father do. I don't want you to get in trouble, not over this. It's not worth it. Let him go."
She turned her attention back to Jarrett, gaze flinty. "I do hope you won't hold this against us, Sir Endarsen," she said coolly. The threat was clear- if he tattled to Mummy and Daddy, neither she nor Tobias would be very happy.
Tobias didn't care if Tessa's parents cared who this little rat's parents were either. The threat of getting in trouble with them didn't really phase him either. What could they really do to him? Dismiss him? It wasn't as if the werewolf had wanted to be here to begin with.
Still, he gave another disgusted grunt and released his hold on the creep's collar. He turned golden eyes on Tessa, his face was still twisted in anger, but he took a step back.
He'd let his temper get the better of him, but what was he supposed to do? Just let Jarrett force himself on her? Sure it was "only" a kiss, but that was how it would start. If the man thought he could get away with demanding things of her that she didn't want how long until he demanded more and more?
Tobias wasn't going to stand there and do nothing while Tessa was being bullied or harassed by him - he didn't care who he was. He'd been brought here to protect the girl and he was going to protect her from all threats - not just the ones her parents thought of.
"I wasn't going to hurt him, lass. Was only reminding him that his actions have consequences in this house." The werewolf grumbled to her quietly. "Would you have rather I let him slobber on you?"
Her face scrunched in disgust at the idea. "No. And I knew you wouldn't hurt him, but the Endarsens might not believe that." She met his eyes, still burnished gold, and felt her heart clench. No one else in this house, from her parents down to Micheal, would have done what he just did for her, for one reason or another. She really didn't want to see him deal with the repercussions of this, not for her- but she was still grateful.
Jarrett seemed to have recovered enough to be angry. He was straightening his clothes, face red probably from a combination of embarrassment and irritation, and he spat at her, "You need to muzzle your dog, Miss Varrys."
Tessa stiffened. He couldn't know, but the slur still raised her hackles. She realized she still had her hand on Tobias's arm and removed it, shifting her position to stand in front of him. "And you need to mind your tone, Sir Endarsen." Her voice cracked out like a whip. "You are not above scrutiny in this house, and you would do well to remember that." Somehow, having the werewolf at her back made her able to say the things she'd always wished she could.
But she reined herself back in, forcing a tight smile. "Perhaps that is enough of the gardens. Shall we return to the parlor?" She turned on her heel without waiting for an answer, her shoulder brushing Tobias's arm lightly as she did so. Glancing up at him, her lips twitched fractionally into a smile and she whispered, "Thank you."
The dog insult earned Jarrett a withering glare as Tobias bristled slightly, but Tessa's hand was still on his arm and the werewolf reined in his temper, knowing that losing it would only cause trouble for them both. Mostly because he knew that the lass would stand up for him against anyone, even when she probably shouldn't.
Like now.
His gaze shifted off of the flustered man and fully focused on the woman in front of him. Golden eyes could admire the way she placed herself like a shield before him - at least from words. Had there been real danger he'd have been furious for her placing herself in harm's way.
Tobias's expression softened slightly as Tessa thanked him in a quiet voice. The werewolf was quick to follow at her heels as she moved back into the house - pointedly placing himself between her and Jarrett. If the man did decide to cause a fuss over what happened in the garden he hoped that Tessa's parents would not be okay with the way the man had been pawing their daughter against her will.
Surely that counted against Jarrett and in favor of what he'd done. Right?
Tessa lead them to the parlor the long way, avoiding the dining hall. She didn't really want to deal with either of her parents at the moment.
Of course, it seemed the gods were having fun with her, because when she actually entered the smaller room she paused, surprised. "Oh." She cleared her throat and straightened up. "Hello. We expected you would still be at dinner."
The Endarsens and Varryses looked up from whatever they'd been discussing as they entered. Her father nodded at her and Lady Endarsen offered a sugary smile. "Come in, darlings," she exclaimed, beckoning to them. "How were the gardens, Jarrett? Nateri was just telling me what a genius their man is, apparently."
Tessa gave the young man a very pointed look as she moved to sit on the chaise she'd been using early that day. He held her gaze for a moment, then turned to his mother and said evenly, "She isn't exaggerating, they're quite lovely."
She glanced at Tobias with a small, victorious smile, shifting over meaningfully and indicating that he should sit beside her. Not entirely proper, perhaps, but she didn't really care.
Besides, it's not like Jarrett was going to argue. The thought was vindictively pleasing.
Tobias nearly ran into Tessa when she stopped in front of him, and he bit back a groan as he noticed that everyone he didn't want to see was in the parlor. Well, so much for avoiding them as much as possible. He couldn't seem to get away from them tonight.
He ducked his head down when the offensively yellow woman beckoned Tessa and Jarrett into the room, he knew that her too sweetly given invitation didn't actually extend to him.
Ignoring everyone else, he followed his mistress to the chaise, standing beside her as she sat. After all, the lass was the only one that really mattered to him in present company. He fixed Jarrett with an icy glare when he was asked about the gardens, but his lips turned upwards in an unfriendly smile and he gave a very slight nod when the man called them lovely and did not mention the little incident.
That done, Tobias glanced down to see Tessa's small smile and the way she'd made room for him beside her. Knowing that everyone else in the room would likely disapprove, the werewolf moved and settled himself beside her anyway. Indeed, he relaxed back on the seat and tried to make a show of looking quite comfortable, as if it was only logical that he be sitting next to Tessa.
The Endarsens sort of stiffened as Tobias took the place beside her, eyebrows creeping up, but Tessa just gave them her charming-lady smile and they relaxed slightly. She knew they were too well bred to question the behavior of the servants in someone else's home, but she figured it would probably be a hot topic of discussion on their carriage ride home.
"Refreshments?" Della's warm, familiar voice drew her attention to the doorway and she smiled brightly, thanking the cook as she bustled into the parlor with a tray of fluffy looking pastries. Selena was on her heels, bearing a tray of drinks. She took one of the snacks with murmured thanks, and saw Della slip Tobias one of her more robust biscuits with a wink and smiled.
As the cook moved around the room and conversation started up again, Selena offered her a goblet of water that she reached for gratefully. She hadn't realized how parched she was.
"And Celestia, dear, your mother tells me you're quite the accomplished pianist."
She froze, knowing where this was going, and changed her mind, reaching for a goblet of wine instead. "I'm not really," she said demurely. She wasn't being modest, she was a mediocre player at best and she knew it.
"Nonsense," the lady declared, clapping her hands. "Come, play us something." She gestured toward the piano set against the far wall with a smile.
Downing her drink in a decidedly unladylike manner, Tessa rose with a stiff smile and curtsied, then took a seat at the bench. She played the simplest song she knew, and fought the urge to wince with every mistake.
About halfway through Lord Endarsen cut in with, "I know this tune! There are words to it- go one, Celestia, sing."
She fought the urge to wilt in place and began singing softly as she played. She didn't have a bad voice, exactly, but it wasn't the trilling soprano expected of a proper lady; lower and a little rougher, more suited to bard's tales than soaring arias.
Finally the torture was over and she curtsied again, practically fleeing back to the chaise and snatching another goblet of wine on her way. Please, please let this almost be over.
It wasn't lost on Tobias the way that the Endarsens stiffened when he sat beside Tessa. They had probably expected Jarrett to sit beside the lovely young hostess. Well to heck with them and their spoiled son who didn't understand boundaries or respect. Besides, he figured it would give them plenty to yap about later.
The environment he was in was apparently having a greater effect on the werewolf than he'd originally worried. Being looked down on by snooty people was bothering him, and Jarrett calling him a dog was especially irritating.
Despite all that, he continued to do his best to act as calm and collected as he could. Another moment like in the garden was the last thing any of them needed. Tobias didn't want to give them doubts once again about how safe it was to allow a werewolf to stay with them. If it wasn't for him worrying about Tessa, he honestly didn't think he'd care. If not for her, he would have already left and returned to a life of free wandering.
A measure of calmness entered him when Della appeared, and he managed a warm smile for the cook as she slipped him a biscuit. How much he wished that things could stay peaceful and simple. If it weren't for the Endarsens it could have been a rather relaxing evening.
Sadly that wasn't to be. Tobias hated it every time Tessa froze or tensed.
Being able to sense her discomfort made him uncomfortable too. The tension managed to always burrow into his shoulders and make him ache. He felt himself scowling as Lady Endarsen clapped her hands and demanded Tessa play the piano for her like the girl was some trained monkey meant for her entertainment.
Who knew, maybe to these people she was.
The werewolf flashed a disapproving frown at the young lady beside him as she quickly drank yet another goblet of wine. He was worried about how much Tessa was drinking. Drinking too much when you weren't used to drinking was only going to make her sick - or make her do or say something stupid.
Alcohol did that to a person.
Since there was little he could do or say about it, Tobias had to simply sit and stew over his complete lack of suitability for sitting in a parlor with people like this. At least they were still ignoring him.
He didn't know much about proper music, people had played simpler instruments at the dances in his village, but nobody could have afforded a piano. As it was, he didn't think that Tessa was horrible, but he doubted she could be called accomplished either. Never minding the piano, the werewolf enjoyed the sound of her voice, although he would rather have not heard her sing since Tessa obviously hadn't wanted to.
When she returned to his side he moved his eyes meaningfully to her drink, frowning and shaking his head slightly. Tobias couldn't make her stop drinking, but he could at least let her know he thought it wasn't a good idea - subtly.
The rim of the cup was already at her lips when she caught the subtle gesture from the werewolf. Finishing her sip, she replaced the goblet on the tray with a sigh. She knew he was right- she was already feeling fuzzy, and that last glass probably hadn't even kicked in yet. Still, she was loathe to face the rest of the evening without the shimmery barrier that alcohol provided.
To her surprise though, the remainder of the Endarsen's visit pasted mostly without incident. She replied to questions and smiled a lot, but for the most part she was allowed to just sit on the chaise and let her mind drift. She knew this must be mind-numbingly boring for her guard and shot him a few sympathetic looks.
Not nearly soon enough, Lord Endarsen rose and said jovially, "A lovely evening, as always."
His wife and son stood as well, smiling and nodding, Lady Endarsen thanking them for their hospitality and kissing Nateri's cheeks as they all made their way into the foyer, her parents close behind.
Tessa found that the room tilted slightly when she stood and she wobbled, trying to find her balance. "Oh dear," she mumbled, holding onto the arm of the chaise. Yeah, maybe all that wine hadn't been such a great idea.
"Miss Tessa." The sigh came from Della, who had returned to remove the trays of pastries. She fuzzily watched the cook approach her mother and murmur quietly, then Nateri looked back at her, concerned, and nodded.
Vaguely she heard her father saying that the Endarsens would have to return soon, that they could finish their "discussion"- whatever that meant- but she was really having a hard time focusing on anything.
"Easy, Little Terror," Della said, suddenly at her side. The cook looked to Tobias and said quietly, "Can you get her to her room? It'll look less suspicious if it's her guard instead of the cook."
"'M fine, I got it," Tessa tried to protest. She took a step and her head spun, making her close her eyes and sway. "Oohh... Okay, don't got it..."
It wasn't the most interesting of evenings, to be sure, but as long as everyone was ignoring him and Jarrett was minding himself, Tobias was able to actually relax on the chaise. While his mind was very much not engaged in any of the conversation, he was acutely focused on the woman next to him.
Sitting in such close proximity made it easy to absorb himself with observing Tessa without being obvious about it. Her scent soothed him, especially as he could smell his wolf also lightly upon her person, and though she didn't speak much, he enjoyed the sound of her voice without actually hearing any of the words. Most importantly he watched her smiles.
They weren't the radiant, genuine smiles that made his heart seize, but they were beautiful all the same.
Finally the Endarsens rose to leave. Tobias stood when Tessa did, and was immediately leaning closer to her as she swayed and had to hold the arm of the chaise to keep her balance. His eyes were a warm, concerned brown as he watched her.
"No need to even ask. Was planning on it when I saw the lass almost tumble." Tobias assured Della in a soft murmur as he gently took Tessa's arm discreetly as he took his place beside her.
The werewolf was warm, the girl might notice. Heat seemed to practically radiate off of Tobias as he tilted his head just enough to speak quietly to his mistress. "Come along, lass. Let's get you upstairs so Mia can help you to bed. You'll be wanting to sleep off all that wine."
Tessa nodded. "Yeah...yeah, good idea." She looked up at him and tried to smile, but it came out as more of a grimace as tilting her head back made her dizzy. She leaned heavily against him as they made their way toward the stairs, hoping her parents would make some acceptable excuse to the Endarsens so she wouldn't have to deal with the fallout for this the next morning.
"Sorry," she murmured to Tobias when she had to pause to let the world revolve itself to its proper orientation. She looked at the stairs and swallowed a whimper. This was not going to be fun.
Her definitely-more-than-tipsy brain decided that now would be a good time to pretty much shut down and she turned her face into the werewolf's shoulder, not wanting to deal with the world. "Remind me to never drink again. Ever," she groaned.
His body heat was comforting and she leaned closer, forgetting that they still had the stairs to tackle and her parents to deal with and- well, everything. "You're warm," she told him hazily, smiling softly. "It's nice."
Tobias could only shake his head as he helped the girl to the foot of the stairs. He should have tried to get her to stop drinking wine much sooner. It made him a little annoyed that they had still been giving it to her after the first couple.
Too late now, and nothing he could do about it anyway, so the werewolf sighed softly and looked down at his charge sympathetically. It wasn't as if he'd never drank too much before.
Come to think of it, Tessa wouldn't be the first girl that had drank far too much that he'd had to help getting where she needed to go. Although he couldn't quite say why Tessa leaning against him drunkenly had his face flushing so much. Especially when she told him that he was warm and that it was nice.
"It's a werewolf thing, lass. Can you even make it up the stairs on your own two feet?" Tobias was a little doubtful that she could. Not with as much trouble as she was having just looking up and walking.
The last thing he wanted was for her to fall down the stairs - not that he would ever let that happen.
She nodded, giving a wobbly sort of smile. "Yeah. I can do it." She pushed away from him to take the first few stairs.
And immediately had to grip the rail, head spinning. "Ohhhhh..." She swayed and stumbled back, clutching at Tobias's arm to keep herself upright. "Gods all damnit," she muttered, squeezing her eyes shut to fend off the vertigo.
"Just...just give me a minute," she mumbled, taking a deep breath to try to settle herself.
Tobias immediately moved up behind Tessa, hands reaching up to steady her even though she'd grabbed the rail. He figured her insistence that she could do it was really just a bit of bravado. The werewolf could appreciate a certain level of stubbornness - or determination depending on how you decided to look at it.
He chuckled softly at her very unladylike cursing and asking for a minute. "I don't think a minute is going to help you, lass. I think you need a few hours at least. Here, pardon the inappropriateness, but I don't want you passing out on the stairs."
She wouldn't be given time to really wonder what he meant, because Tobias quickly had one arm around her shoulders and the other hooked under her knees as he lifted the drunk young woman into his arms. The werewolf cradled her gently against his chest as he carried her up the stairs and towards her bedroom.
"What are you-? Oh!" She squeaked slightly, closing her eyes against the sudden wave of dizziness as he picked her up. It passed after a moment and she blinked her eyes open slowly, finding herself held gently against his chest.
She thought about protesting, but honestly she was too tired- and probably too drunk- to really put any effort into it. She sighed and let her head rest against his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his neck on reflex. "Thanks," she murmured.
After the initial shock of the situation wore off, she found being carried like this was actually kind of nice. Perhaps it should make her feel like a child, but honestly all she could focus on was Tobias's comfortable warmth and the fact that he wasn't afraid to touch her.
She was actually a little sad when they reached the door to her bedroom, sighing tiredly and turning her face into the werewolf's chest. She just wanted to be held for a little longer...
A very soft rumble went through the werewolf's chest when Tessa squeaked in his arms, but Tobias doubted she would notice it given her current state. It had been difficult to suppress the soft laugh that he'd wanted to give.
Picking her up had been an impulsive decision. Logically he figured that it was both the safest and fastest way to get the young woman up the stairs and to her room. Having Tessa in his arms, her body so closely nestled against him, didn't really strike Tobias until her arms were around his neck, her head resting against his shoulder as she thanked him.
"You're...welcome." The words came out a little thickly, his face had turned red as he looked down at her with a slightly wide-eyed expression now that he realized this might not have actually been the best decision he'd ever made.
It was too late now, so he simply finished carrying her to her room. Once there he paused outside the door, looking up and down the hall to make sure nobody had seen what he'd done. Once sure that the coast was clear, Tobias tightened his hold on Tessa, hugging her lightly against him for a few moments. It felt surprisingly good to just hold her like that.
"End of the road, lass." He whispered quietly to her, but didn't move to actually set her down.
She sighed again and nodded, but she kept her arms around his neck. She looked up at him and smiled softly, reaching up to touch his cheek and told him easily, "I like that you call me that. Not Miss Varrys or Miss Tessa. I mean, I wouldn't mind if you called me Tessa, but lass is nice."
Holding onto him keep herself steady, she let her legs drop to the ground so he didn't have to carry her anymore. In a moment she found herself on the ground, her arms still around his neck, pressed flush against him. She felt her cheeks start to heat but didn't step away.
She could probably thank the wine for her bold behavior, and for what she said next, but that didn't make any of it less genuine. "You know, you have really amazing eyes." Her lips twitched up at the corners and she added, "Of course, the gold is really pretty, but I think they're nice right now. Warm."
Tobias's blush deepened further with basically every word that slipped past Tessa's lips. He didn't know what to think of her liking that he called her lass. To him it was only natural to call her that. It was what he'd have called a girl from his own village. Certainly not at all appropriate for the woman who owned him, or a woman in Tessa's social standing in general, but he couldn't bring himself to look at her as anything but a pretty girl he happened to be spending time with.
It made his situation just a little more bearable.
Or maybe it was making it all the more unbearable. He honestly couldn't make his mind up about that, because he was obviously losing his mind. Not in the feral, scary way, but in a more 'what are you doing and thinking' way.
To drive home that point in his head was Tessa dropping her feet back to the ground. Tobias shouldn't have picked her up in the first place, he shouldn't have hesitated to put her down as soon as they reached her door, and he definitely shouldn't still have his arms around her now that her feet were on the floor.
Not that she should still have her arms around his neck either, but at least Tessa had the excuse of being drunk. His only excuse was stupidity, and it wasn't a good excuse at all.
Tobias felt his heart skip, beating harder and faster as Tessa complimented his eyes, her little smile setting his blood on fire. He looked down and away shyly, trying very hard to suppress the effect she was having on him. The effect she had been having on him since he met her. The praise pleased him far more than it should have.
"No offense, lass, but you're really drunk." It was hard to talk past the lump in his throat. His hands moved up to gently try to pull her arms from around his neck. "Not saying I didn't like it, but your parents would kill me if they had seen us just now."
She let him disentangle her arms from around his neck reluctantly, taking a small step back. "Right...yeah, you're right." Embarrassment was starting to creep through her wine-induced fog. What was she doing? She was just making him uncomfortable, and he was right- her parents would be less than thrilled if they'd seen how she'd been behaving.
But...what had he just said? "Not that I didn't like it"?
No. She needed to stop. She gave him another smile, reaching for her door. "Thanks again. Sorry you had to...you know." She wasn't sorry at all actually. Gods, she needed to lay down and get her head on straight.
She opened the door and hovered in the doorway- both to orient herself and to look back at him- saying quietly, "Goodnight, then."
Maybe Tobias was right, and he was right, but damn did he wish he was wrong. Foolish regret and embarrassment struck him the moment Tessa stepped back and out of his arms.
It was no use wishing it was different. Tessa was a rich young heiress, and he...well he was anything but a proper suitor. After all, what did someone like him have to offer someone like her? She wasn't the only sweet, gorgeous woman in the world.
Gods, what was he even thinking? Tobias was a werewolf, he didn't need to be letting himself get tangled up with any woman, let alone someone like her.
"Goodnight, lass." He said in a hoarse whisper before forcing himself to turn away and disappear into his own room. As soon as the door closed he leaned heavily against the frame, very nearly dropping to the floor as he put his face in his hands with a groan.
How could he possibly stay here?
Tessa collapsed onto the bed with a frustrated groan, running her hands through her hair and cursing softly when she caught her fingers in the dozens of pins and ties. "Pull it together, girl," she whispered, closing her eyes.
The soft knock at her door made her already aching head protest and she muttered sullenly, "Come in, then."
Mia entered quietly, crossing to the bed without another word and setting to work helping her undress and let her hair down. Their usual cheerful chatter was conspicuously absent. She didn't even pretend to protest the other girl's ministrations. Once Tessa was ready for bed she reached out and grabbed Mia's wrist, saying quietly, "Hey...sorry, I just-"
"I get it," the maid said with a small smile, patting her hand. "Long night. Just get some sleep." She left.
Tessa laid back on the bed and just stared at the ceiling for a long while. Her thoughts kept circling round and round in her head, refusing to leave her be: memories of the slave markets, snatches of Seth and Jenny laughing as they chased each other around a massive wolf, rage burning through her as Striker appeared, her heart leaping into her throat when Tobias defended her, arms holding her close- like she was a real person not some porcelain doll- and always, always warm brown and burning golden eyes.
Eventually, the alcohol in her system won out and she fell asleep.
It took several minutes before Tobias could even move from that rather dejected position. Once he could his feet had him pacing his room as quietly as he could, so as not to disturb the young woman in the next room.
It didn't help that he could hear Mia enter the adjacent room, and he obstinately tried to block out the noises coming from Tessa's room. After everything else the last thing he needed was to focus on the sound of rustling fabric, knowing that at that very moment the beautiful woman he was supposed to be protecting, and was owned by, was being undressed and put into a night gown.
Tobias was doing a spectacularly bad job of not thinking how silky Tessa's hair would feel while he gently pulled each pin from it until it was spilling through his fingers like an inky waterfall.
With a frustrated groan he pulled open his own door. He couldn't stay in his own room just then. The werewolf was going stir crazy. Tobias wondered if this was all his fault. Ever since Mable had helped him recover from being feral he had forced himself to keep his distance. He'd been with women, for the sake of curbing the wolf's natural desire to mate, but of course nothing had come of any of those - he hadn't wanted anything to come of it.
Come to think of it, neither had the wolf.
The werewolf had thought he was protecting women from himself by not being involved with them or allowing anything serious, but perhaps he'd only hurt himself. It couldn't be healthy to be lonely for so long. No friends, no family, no lover...he must just be desperate to seize upon an perceived affection.
That had to be it. Women like Tessa didn't have anything to do with men like him. She was overly kind and naive - he in his desperation was wrongly seeing too much affection in her actions towards him. Yes, that was definitely it.
Didn't change the fact that Tobias didn't know what to do as he paced down the hall, not even sure where he was going until he found himself standing in the kitchen uncertainly.
Tessa was sleeping fitfully and in spurts. Finally, after the third time she woke up in a twenty minute span, she swore quietly and got out of bed. Pacing her room, she worried at her bottom lip.
She was too hot. Frustratedly pulling at her nightgown, she managed to get the top layer off, leaving her in the thinner, shorter slip. She sat on the bed and picked up her book, then closed it was a snap and tossed it onto the window seat with a noise of irritation.
She was feeling less tipsy now, but so hot. She needed a glass of water or something. Maybe that would help cool her head too. And if she was lucky, Della might still be up and hear her in the kitchen. then maybe she could talk to someone about the mess in her head. She grabbed a dressing robe and threw it over her slip- the last thing she needed was for her mother to see her roaming the halls dressed like that.
She crept out of her room and made her way to the back stairs.
"Oh." Della drew up short as she walked into the kitchen. Covering her yawn with a hand, she said, "Thought I heard someone in here. What's got you up so late, boy?" She crossed to the counter and began bustling around quietly, glancing over at Tobias as she waited for him to speak.
Tobias really hadn't expected to see anyone. It was beginning to get late. Lines of worry creased his brow as he watched Della bustle about for a moment before saying anything. "I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone would be in here. I don't want to keep you up."
The werewolf turned to leave the kitchen, still unsure of where to go, but he hesitated and turned back around to look at Della again. For a moment he wasn't sure what to say, but if anyone could help him, it was likely to be the motherly cook. She knew what he was, and while no one here knew him well, she probably knew him better than most of the others.
"Della...you know what I am. Do you think someone like me could ever have a normal life? A normal family?" His face crumpled slightly just thinking about everything he had lost, and everything he had been denied, because of what he was. "Does someone like me deserve it?"
Tobias wasn't even sure which answer would be more comforting - did he want to be coddled and reassured that even a werewolf could have a loving family? Or did he want his self-damning rhetoric confirmed? Maybe he wanted to be told that he should be alone. After all, what if he did lose control?
Having a family only to hurt them would destroy him.
Della stopped, turning to face him. "You. Sit," she ordered, and a moment later she was placing a cup of hot tea on the table, followed shortly but a tray of left over pastries from the dinner. She leaned against the counter and said sternly, "Now you listen to me. A normal life and family? Honestly, I don't know- but look around you. Do you think this is what most folks would call "normal"?" She smiled. "It's a relative term, and it can mean whatever the hell you want it to mean, as long as it makes you happy."
Then her expression became more firm and she said, "Do you deserve it? Boy, what kind of fool question is that? Everyone deserves a chance at that, no matter who or what you are, and too many people are denied it. I won't pretend to understand what you've been through before you got here, but you did get here. You're alive, and you can choose to chase that, if it's what you want." She arched an eyebrow at him. "You understand me?"
Tessa paused outside the kitchen door, hearing Della's voice. She couldn't make out what was being said exactly, but she didn't want to go in if she was busy. It was late, after all.
Still...it would be awfully nice to have someone to talk to, and the cook had always had a welcoming ear. She shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, wavering.
Well Della was certainly a mother. Tobias had always marveled at how his mother could bustle him into a seat with comforting tea and treats only to then give him a stern verbal lashing. Was it a thing that moms just instinctively knew or maybe it was something that was passed down mother to daughter over the generations.
Either way, the werewolf sat with his hands cupped around his tea, enjoying the heat from the mug against his palms regardless of the fact that as a werewolf he was never really cold, and his head bowed as he plaintively accepted Della's lecture.
Tobias really hadn't been sure what response to expect, but he still didn't know what to do with what he was given. To be fair, he'd not have known what to do if she'd have told him the exact opposite thing. His voice was soft and subdued as he lifted his eyes to look up at the older woman, "I guess so, Ma'am."
It was easy for her to give him advice to chase the things that would make him happy, but what would make him happy? Tobias had two contending selfs to appease. His human nature and the wolf. What did they both want?
"Della, I need to know what to do. I'm going to go crazy in this house. The little lass is too sweet and naive, she has been so kind to me and my head feels about to burst in confusion. I shouldn't like someone who bought me as easily as one might buy a pet, but I do. She's a little marvel, that one. A dangerous, sweet, little wonder girl." Tobias actually looked distressed.
"The longer I stay, the more I'll like her, the harder it will be to leave. That Endarsen rat tried to kiss her in the gardens and it was all I could do not to take his head off. How will I ever be able to sit and watch suitor after suitor come 'round? And the way her parent's treat her like she's an ignorant little child or how those fools expected her to perform for them like a circus monkey..." He made a noise of frustrated anger and rubbed at his temples. The werewolf was far too distracted to notice Tessa was so close.
Tessa stood outside the door, wide eyed with her hands over her mouth. She was close enough to hear everything that was said now, and though she knew she shouldn't be eavesdropping her feet refused to move.
He thought she was sweet. (He also thought she was naive, but she couldn't exactly say he was wrong about that.) A little marvel, he'd called her. And she'd known he was angry about Jarrett, but not to such an extent. Her heart made a giddy, swooping motion that she didn't entirely understand.
And he wanted to leave. She'd known that- how could he not? He was a slave, of course he wanted to escape this life. And honestly, she wanted him to. He deserved better. But for some reason hearing him say it aloud made the idea very real to her and a lump formed in her throat.
I don't want him to go, she realized. He and Della were still talking, but she couldn't focus on the words. Confused, sad, and probably still a little tipsy, she turned to flee, her shoulder bumping into a picture frame and sending it crashing to the floor. She didn't even pause, clutching her robe tighter around her shoulders and dashing for the library.
Della sighed, patting the werewolf's shoulder. "Oh, Toby," she murmured. Then, "Can I call you that?" Without waiting for an answer she continued, "Yes, she can do a number on you, our girl. Hard not to like her." Then she scowled and added, "And if that little brat tried something with her, I almost wish you did take his head off." She shook her head, giving him a melancholy sort of smile. "I wish I had all the answers for you, boy. I do. But-"
Before she could finish a crash suddenly echoed from the hallway and she looked toward the door, frowning. "What in the world?"
All the werewolf could really do was heave a sigh as Della patted his shoulder, giving a slight nod to being referred to as Toby, and listen to her confirm what he'd already really known. Of course she didn't have the answers he needed. Only he could figure out what he should do, but that didn't mean he couldn't be disappointed that he didn't have more insight than that.
Tobias opened his mouth to ask another question, but jerked his head towards the door as the picture crashed on the floor. Taking in a deep breath his mind was immediately assaulted with the scent of the woman that was tormenting him so.
"It was the lass, Della. There's a mess in the hall, and I think she's probably upset." The werewolf grimaced, "I think she was being a little minx and listening to us. I'll go find her and..."
Tobias shrugged his shoulder helplessly as he really didn't know what he'd do when he found her. He supposed it depended on how upset Tessa was. Hopefully he could usher her back to bed, it was late and she was undoubtedly going to regret her wine in the morning as it was, tacking on no sleep would only make that worse.
Either way, he left the kitchen and easily followed her scent to the library. Not that her retreat had been stealthy, her footfalls had left as much of a trail before he left the kitchen as anything else.
"Lass?" He called softly as he poked his head in the library cautiously.
Tessa jumped a little, skittish as a cat, and twisted from where she sat in a chair with her knees drawn up to her chest. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him, though of course she'd known who it was- who else called her "lass"?
"Um, hey." She tried a small smile. But of course he must know she'd heard him talking to Della, why else would he follow her here? "Look, I- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I wanted some water, and then I heard you talking, and..." Her voice trailed off and she shook her head. "Sorry, I shouldn't have done it."
She couldn't look at him. Twisting back around, she rested her chin on her knees. "You should get some sleep," she said, trying to sound cheerful. "It's been a long day." Her eyes started to itch and she sniffed, swiping at the tears that were some combination of exhaustion and emotions she didn't understand.
It was kind of pitiful, the way she was curled up in that chair and jumped at his voice. Tobias felt himself ache looking at her. Amazing, how another person's unhappiness could twist itself like a knife in him, causing him physical pain. Her apology was worse, and when Tessa began to cry it was the worst of all. The sounds and scent of her tears could break his heart.
She was such a sweet girl. Nobody as good as her deserved to be so sad.
Tobias came into the room and softly closed the door behind him. It only took a few moments for the werewolf to be kneeling in front of her chair, looking up at her with those warm brown eyes, face a mask of concern. "No crying now, lass. I'm not mad about you listening. Though I said some things I'm not sure you needed to hear."
He lowered his eyes, a war on his face as he struggled with what to do or say. After all, what must she think about what he'd said? They didn't hardly know each other and he was ready to hurt a man over her.
"What part of what my idiot self said that's got you so worked up?" The werewolf actually reached a hand up to brush a few tears off her cheek.
Tessa swallowed thickly, leaning almost instinctively into the touch. "You're not an idiot," she said reflexively, blinking a few more tears away. "I don't want to tell you," she muttered after a moment, clenching her eyes shut. "You'll think I'm a selfish brat. I think I'm a selfish brat."
Hesitantly, she reached up and put her hand over his. "I don't want you to go," she admitted in a whisper so quiet it was barely a breath. "It doesn't make any sense, but I don't. I mean, I don't want you to be here, to be a slave, and of course you should want to leave but..."
She was crying again. "I don't want you to go," she repeated, wrapping her arms around herself and lowering her eyes, shoulders shaking as she held back sobs.
Those words made the werewolf's heart clench. Tobias couldn't deny that he did like the girl, and he didn't really want to leave her. Even his wolf seemed unhappy with the idea of leaving her. What other choice did he have? It would be impossible for him to sit idly by as her life went on according to her parent's plans.
He'd end up hurting one of her suitors in jealousy under the pretense of protecting her.
"Hey lass, no. I'm not worth crying over." Gods, even held back those sobs tore at him. Tobias had never been one to stand a woman crying, but it was so much worse when it was a girl he actually cared about. "I don't want to leave you."
Ignoring proprieties again, the werewolf's arms wrapped around Tessa and pulled her to the edge of her chair so she was cradled against his chest protectively for the second time that night. It was hard to ignore his wolf's feelings as he held her there. The animal was protective of the girl, no doubt, but it was more than protective - there was a tenderness the animal rarely displayed for humans that weren't small children.
The wolf thought Tessa should be nestled against him like this. For the animal human societal matters were irrelevant. The young woman was gentle, kind, loving, healthy, attractive to his human, and would be a good mother for his young. What more did he need for a mate?
It was difficult for Tobias to make that primal side of him understand that there was a lot more to it than that.
Even knowing he shouldn't, the werewolf couldn't resist lowering his head to rest against hers, nose buried in her hair and flooding his senses with her irresistible scent. It wasn't the scented oils, perfumes, or powders that he loved. Indeed, those only annoyed his wolf in their attempt to mask her natural, delicious smell - which to him was the aroma of fresh apple pie with cinnamon.
Somehow he knew not even another wolf would smell that scent on her. It was a smell only meant for him, because it was his favorite scent in the world. Out of everything, that was probably the most damning evidence for him that staying would never work.
"I don't want to leave you." The werewolf repeated softly as one hand moved to realize his earlier fantasy, letting his fingers slide through her dark hair soothingly.
For a moment Tessa froze at the contact, startled. Then she sort of...melted, wrapping her arms around him and hiding her face against his chest, letting herself slide off the chair completely so she was entirely surrounded by the embrace.
For the first time in days- weeks maybe- she felt completely safe.
"Why though?" she whispered, blinking rapidly in an effort to prevent more tears from falling. A part of her was deliriously happy and told her to shut up, to stop questioning, but she couldn't seem to help herself. "You should want to go. You've made it clear that you can, no one could stop you. I.." Her voice trailed off at the sensation of his fingers running through her hair, which was somehow simultaneously soothing and set her heat racing.
"I don't want to be the reason you're trapped here," she forced out after a moment. "I don't want you to be unhappy..." Almost unconsciously, she tucked her head up under his chin, arms tightening around him. Her body was completely at odds with her words, for all intents and purposes "trapping" him against her to the best of her ability. She didn't know what was wrong with her-
That was a lie, and she couldn't even tell it to herself. She knew. She knew very well. She just didn't want to know, didn't want to face the heartbreak she was sure would come down that road.
Without a conscious thought Tobias instinctively moved them as Tessa slid out of her chair, he was seated on the floor, his back to the chair with Tessa in his lap as his body curled around her as much as he could. The girl would be engulfed in the werewolf's heat as they clung to each other.
"I do want to go, lass. I just don't want to leave you." The werewolf didn't care about the house, certainly not about her parents, or anything else but her. Well, perhaps he did like the people here. If not for the fact that he was still considered a slave, and that he would have to watch Tessa be unhappy, watch her eventually marry a man that wouldn't love her like she deserved, then Tobias would have gladly stayed forever.
His chin rested lightly atop her head and his arms held her tighter, their position would have been perfect had the circumstances been different. If only Tessa were curled against him happily and not because of shared misery.
"I don't want to leave you because you're beautiful, kind, and loving. Because I could easily let myself love you. Because I am so damn tired of being alone. Those are also the reasons I should leave. How can I stay and watch you treated so horribly? Watch your parents force you to entertain men you hate? Watch them force you to marry one of them? I can't sit and watch you unhappy, sweet Tessa. Someone so good deserves to be happy. Why do they want you to be unhappy?" Tobias knew that her parents didn't actually actively want her to be unhappy. He was sure they loved her, but they were too busy worrying about societal opinions and money to stop and make sure Tessa was actually happy.
For a moment Tessa thought her heart may have actually stopped. Then it started up again in double time, nearly leaping into her throat.
He thought she was kind, and beautiful. He'd called her sweet Tessa. He said he could love her. Just hearing the words was enough to send a wave of heat through her, something entirely unrelated to Tobias's natural warmth.
But he was right- and gods did she wish he wasn't- that was why he shouldn't stay. It wasn't fair to him. She curled herself closer, clenching her eyes shut in a desperate attempt to deny reality. "I thought I shouldn't- I couldn't want anything else," she whispered. She'd been so convinced her life was already planned out, there was no use in wishing for something different. But now...
She felt like she'd been asleep for years and now she was finally waking up. The world suddenly seemed like it could offer so much more. She tilted her head back to look at his face. "Say it again," she said softly, "Please. Just say my name."
The closer Tessa pressed against him, the tighter Tobias held her - as if holding her tight enough would actually change the fact that she simply wasn't meant for him. He was born in the wrong place to the wrong parents for him to ever have a chance with someone like her. That she would probably have him (as evidenced by the way she clung to him) if only her parents would allow it made it hurt that much more.
"Tessa." The werewolf whispered quietly, a smile tugging at one corner of his mouth as he granted her request. It wasn't really a happy smile. How could it be? More than anything it was probably full of sorrow and regret.
She really was gorgeous the way she looked up at him with those shimmering silver eyes. Tobias had truly been struck by her beauty earlier that morning when he'd seen her all dressed up for company, but gazing down at her now he thought she looked far more beautiful with her hair down and appearing far more natural.
He couldn't resist lightly teasing his fingers through her hair again. It felt so sleek as it poured between his fingers, and it was such a rich, dark shade. His voice remained a quiet whisper, "If I was only allowed to love you I would stay forever."
And he meant it.
She closed her eyes, smiling and holding back a sob at the same time. She wanted to say that it didn't matter- her parents, Jarrett, the fact that he was a slave, any of it- because to her it didn't.
But to the rest of the world it did, and she hated it. She wished...
Slowly, she opened her eyes. She shouldn't say what she was thinking. There were so many reasons why she shouldn't, why it was a bad idea. It would only break her heart to think of it and never have it be a reality.
But she couldn't hold the words in. "You could go," she said softly, reaching up to lay her hand gently on his cheek. "Just...go. Someplace where none of it matters." She took a deep breath.
"I could go with you."
"You have no idea what you're saying." Tobias told her ruefully. It wasn't that he doubted her sincerity, the wine was probably not clouding her mind that much, but the werewolf was all too aware of the girl's naivety.
This was real life, not one of the fairy tales she had heard and read in her beloved books. Real life was never that simple.
"What other life have you ever known? What of your parents? Your friends? They would miss you terribly. Your parents would set people looking for you. They would accuse me of kidnapping you. I'd be considered a criminal. If they caught us there's even a pretty good chance they'd execute me." That didn't even touch on the fact that a life on the run would be harsh and difficult. Even if they were able to settle quietly somewhere he doubted his sweet Tessa was truly aware what it would be like to live as a common woman.
"That's not the kind of life I want for you, Tessa. I don't want you to live in fear and hardship." It wasn't fair to her, or him. "I'd rather stay and love you silently from afar than put you through all of that."
She knew he was right, had known what he would say, but it still hurt to hear. "It's not fair," she murmured, knowing she sounded childish and spoiled and not caring. She dipped her head to hide her face against his neck.
Because even despite the heartbreak, the grief for a life they couldn't have aching in her chest, this felt right. Being with him, his fingers stroking rhythmically through her hair as he held her, it just fit. "I would go," she told him softly, voice muffled. "If I knew they wouldn't punish you for it- I would go. I don't care where we'd end up, just not here. I could learn to cook, and sew, and...and..."
She swallowed thickly as her voice trailed of. Gods, why did this have to hurt so much? She tilted her head to look up at him again, chest painfully tight. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, blinking away another stream of tears. "I don't want you to go- gods I don't- but if you stay... It's just not fair to you. I can't ask you to just..."
She took a long, shaky breath. "You wouldn't have to be silent about it. If-if you loved me... No one else would have to know."
Tessa hated herself for even thinking it, but she couldn't seem to stop the words from tumbling out of her mouth. She didn't want to hear it said aloud only to know it could never be- but at the same time she did. Even though she knew it would hurt them both.
Nothing about life was really fair. If it was Tobias would still be in his little village, the ferals would have never come, he'd have married Minnie Marsh eight years ago and would probably have children to look after.
If things were fair he would never have met Tessa, and by extension neither would have had to endure what they were both agonizing over in that moment.
"I know you would go, Tessa. I know." The werewolf attempted to soothe her softly, but it wouldn't have changed that he wouldn't ever go through with it. "Just like I know you know that I couldn't stay and love you secretly. You saw me earlier when that fool grabbed you. Do you think I could ever share you?"
Tobias knew he couldn't love her in secret. Everyone would know, they would be able to see it in his eyes and on his face every time he looked at Tessa. Just like he knew that he could never share her with a husband of her parent's choosing.
The wolf would end up tearing the poor man apart in a jealous rage.
Tessa nodded desolately, feeling like a thousand jagged edges were ripping her apart from the inside out. Leaning back into him, she said quietly, "You know that story you were telling the twins? With the fish that could grant wishes?" She sighed, wiping at her eyes. "I'd wish I wasn't a Varrys, that I was just some girl who was allowed to love you."
Her hand drifted down to rest against his chest and she simply stayed there for a moment, loathe to let the closeness go.
But one of them had to say it, so eventually she whispered, "So what do we do now?"
Tobias was hurting as well, but he felt rather helpless. There wasn't a great deal that he could actually do. Stealing her away was fool-hardy and ill-sighted, and staying would only lead to unbearable heartache as he grew ever more attached to her. As it was, her "wish" nearly ripped his heart in two ragged pieces.
Gods, he wished he knew what to do as he looked down at her, face strained and expression pained, but she didn't need to hear more doubt. They could go around and around all night with doubts. It wasn't as if they could hide in the library forever - much as he might enjoy that. The longer they sat there the more likely they were to be discovered. He was a little surprised that no one had come in on them yet, but he supposed the very late hour was to thank for their privacy.
"Now I take you up to your bed, lass. It has been a hard day and you need to rest." The werewolf's voice remained quiet as he rose from the floor, once again carrying her as before. "I'd let you walk, but I'll take any excuse to hold you a little longer."
She gave a watery sort of chuckle, once more wrapping her arms around his neck. "As if I'd let you go," she said. It was meant to be teasing, but there was so much raw emotion caught in her throat that she couldn't quite manage it.
Tessa rarely felt small, and on the occasion that she did she found she didn't like it much. It made her feel weak and helpless. But the way he carried her so easily, and how he could surround her with a simple embrace- rather than feeling small and helpless, she just felt safe. Protected. And it wasn't an overbearing kind of protectiveness, but something warm and kind that wriggled its way into her heart and lodged there.
She wanted time to stop, to stay in this moment and never have to face the real world again. Sighing, she took advantage of every second they had left, clinging to him like the world around her was a storm-tossed sea and he was the only solid thing in it.
"Wouldn't have it any other way, lass." He whispered with a half-hearted chuckle of his own.
Tobias could have easily made it back to their rooms much faster than he did, but he walked slowly, trying to put off the inevitable just a little bit longer. Thank the Gods that the halls were empty and no one seemed to have seen them. The levels of inappropriateness would have surely sent most of the house's occupants into a fit.
When the werewolf reached Tessa's bedroom door he didn't put her down, as she probably would have expected him too. Instead he nudged opened the door and actually carried her right to her large bed.
Rather than simply set her down, Tobias took a seat on the edge of her bed with her placed once more in his lap as she'd been in the library, obviously throwing any remaining shreds of concern for propriety out the window. They were alone and no one was going to know about everything that had happened tonight.
"Do you think you'll be able to sleep?" He asked quietly, arms encircling her waist possessively. Tobias already knew that it was unlikely that he would get any rest at all that night. Or for many nights to come, most likely.
She started to nod, paused, then shook her head. "I don't know," she said honestly. "I..."
She wanted to ask him to stay, but she knew there were so many reasons that was a bad idea. It was just extending the torture. She gave a short, humorless bark of laughter. "Yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine. You should go get some rest."
But she made no move to get off his lap or remove her arms from around his neck for several long moments, drinking it in for as long as it would last. Oh, who the hell was she kidding? She couldn't do this.
Very, very quietly, she admitted, "I'm scared to sleep alone now. I know it's not fair to ask, not after..." She trailed off, looking away from him, embarrassed. "I just- I'm scared. Could you...?"
She ducked her head, unable to finish the question. Bad idea, Tessa, this is a bad idea!
Should he be surprised by the very quiet, unfinished request? The werewolf wasn't sure, but he immediately knew it wasn't the best idea for him to stay.
Staying would certainly extend the torture, and the temptation. So far all Tobias had done was hold her, which was improper but not entirely damning. How long could he stay so near her before giving in to his desire to kiss her?
Not to mention they were already playing with fire in regards to getting caught. How long before someone checked on her? If he stayed he might fall asleep and not make it out of the room before Mia came to help her get ready in the morning. He liked Mia, and he knew that the girl was fairly close to Tessa, but he wasn't sure that the girl would accept him in the room or keep such knowledge secret. What would happen when Mia told Tessa's parents?
"I'll stay. Until you fall asleep, but you have to go to sleep. You're tired and need your rest, Tessa." Tobias negotiated softly as he turned his body slightly, reluctantly letting her go with one arm to lift the covers for her to crawl under even though he really didn't want her to leave his lap or arms.
Tessa nestled into her bed, keeping as close to him as she could manage. Though she knew she shouldn't be, she was thrilled he'd agreed to stay. She honestly hadn't expected him to. "Thank you," she murmured.
A part of her still felt childish, but she couldn't really care. She inched closer until her head rested on Tobias's shoulder, sighing gently. "I know this probably wasn't my best idea, but thank you." She was at ease with him around, the hovering fear instilled by threats against her family evaporating.
Slowly, her eyes fluttered closed. A part of her tried to fight it, because she knew when she opened them again he'd be gone. But eventually her exhaustion won out, and she fell asleep.
It didn't really matter how bad of an idea staying had been, the long and the short of it was that Tobias truly didn't want this closeness with Tessa to end and was prolonging it, clinging to it, for as long as he possibly could. Rather than answer with words the werewolf merely gently stroked her cheek as she cuddled against him.
He had no idea how long he stayed there with her before his stubborn beauty finally succumbed to sleep. Once she had Tobias very carefully extracted himself from her bed, moving the covers to lightly tuck her in as he leaned down and could not resist placing a soft kiss on the top of her head.
"Sweet dreams, lass." The werewolf whispered softly before silently retreating back to his own room. His bed seemed cold and uninviting as he collapsed onto the mattress. Tobias couldn't help but think of how much warmer and better it would have felt to lie beside Tessa all night, holding her as they slept.
As it was, what was left of the night would be spent restless, ill-content, and sleepless.
Tessa woke with an aching head and an even worse off heart. The bed felt suddenly very big, very empty, and very cold. She sat up slowly, wincing and rubbing at her temples. "I am never drinking again," she muttered.
She glanced toward the window, trying to gauge the time by the angle of the sunlight. Early, but not nearly as early as she'd been up yesterday.
Gods, yesterday. Had it really only been a day since she'd woken up from a nightmare and Tobias had come to comfort her? It felt like much longer than that. Her eyes drifted toward the door to his room and she bit her lip.
Damnit, Tessa, focus. You can get through this. You have to get through this. But the problem was she didn't want to get through it. She wanted to march to that door, throw it open, say that she didn't give a damn about her parents or society or any of it, and-
She stopped that train of thought, dropping her aching head into her hands with a groan. A knock at the door made her groan louder and mutter, "Come in, Mia."
Her maid sashayed into the room with a cheerful, "Morning, Miss Tessa!"
Tessa moaned, clenching her eyes shut. "Please, Mimi...not so loud."
"Oh." The younger girl's eyes widened. "Right, sorry." She set about helping Tessa get ready- much more quietly, thank gods- chattering away in her softest voice and insisting Tessa stay seated whenever possible.
Honestly, she didn't have it in her to argue.
Tobias couldn't remember feeling worse since...ever. When he had been saved by Mable it had been bad, but nothing like this. Going home to realize nothing was the same had hurt, and discovering that Minnie had married someone else after years of thinking him dead wasn't what he'd have called the best feeling in the world, but his heart hadn't been torn to shreds over it.
Harder still, the wolf tormented him. The wolf thought he was being foolish. They should march back into that room and claim the girl for their mate before someone else did. It was difficult to squash the beast's mournful howling in his mind at his refusal to go back to Tessa.
His pillow muffled the sounds of his pain for hours, until the werewolf was too emotionally drained to even weep anymore. It had occurred to him on more than one occasion after leaving Tessa in her bed that he should simply get up and leave right then.
Seeing her in the morning was simply too painful an idea to fathom, but on the other hand, how could he leave without saying goodbye? How could he leave her at all? Tobias had been brought here to protect her. Could he leave if she was in danger? The werewolf wasn't sure he could live with himself if he left and Tessa was harmed by his absence.
The room had lightened and he could hear Mia coming down the hall and still the werewolf had been unable to sleep.
Tobias rolled over with a groan and pulled his pillow over his head to drown out the chattering of Mia as she helped Tessa to dress and get ready for the day. Not that he could focus on the soft, barely audible voice. Instead his mind had immediately drifted to thoughts of his naive little lass in various states of undress - thoughts that had him groaning and blushing.
Maybe if he just laid here all day no one would disturb him. Surely he wouldn't be missed at breakfast.
Mia left when Tessa said she needed a minute to pull herself together before going down to breakfast, giving the older girl a sympathetic look and saying, "Must've been a rough night."
If she only knew.
Tessa sat on the bed with her hands in her lap, staring listlessly at the door. She couldn't seem to make herself move. Absently, she reached up to comb her fingers through her hair, desperately trying to ignore the memory of Tobias doing the same thing.
Shaking herself slightly, she stood and moved hesitantly toward his door. She took a shuddering breath and knocked. "Tobias? I...I'm going down to breakfast. I just- I thought I should let you know." She clenched her eyes shut and turned away, forcing herself to leave her room. Half of her hoped the werewolf would follow, the other half hoped he wouldn't. She didn't know how she could even look at him now without her heart shattering.
Alone in the servant's stair, she leaned heavily against the wall and put a hand over her mouth, muffling a sob that rose up and threatened to pour out of her. For some endless moments she simply stood there, forcing herself to breathe through the pain in her chest.
Then she straightened up, wiped her eyes, fixed a smile on her face, and went down to join the rest of the household for breakfast.
The sound of Tessa's light footsteps approaching his door filled Tobias with dread, the werewolf flinched at the knock, and tried to burrow his head further between pillow and mattress when that sweet voice called to him through the door. He could not drown out a single one of her steps as she left his door and left through her own into the hall.
She was on the stairs before he could finally no longer hear her. Every movement of hers had been a hammer to his chest, but the absence of her was a knife wound to his heart.
Tobias wasn't like Tessa. He couldn't leave this room, put on a happy face and act as if anything at all was normal. The moment someone saw him they would know that something was wrong. He'd never been good at hiding his emotional distress. The werewolf could admire how Tessa could somehow retain some elegance even when she didn't want to.
He'd seen it the night before, all through dinner when she loathed the company but somehow made it unapparent to her guests. Did her parents even realize just how much she detested Jarrett Endarsen? Did they even know Tessa was unhappy?
It was impossible for him to even know.
Didn't really matter if he knew. Tobias could do nothing about it anyway. The werewolf remained in his room, wallowing in abject misery - either unwilling or unable to so much as drag himself from the bed. If he was being honest with himself he wasn't even sure which.
Breakfast dragged by. Tessa thought she did a pretty good job of selling her smile, but it must not have been as good as she thought. Isaac, Mia, and Della kept giving her concerned looks throughout the meal.
Everyone else must have bought it though, because the world went on around her as though she wasn't dying inside. Michael told her he and Isaac how found a baby bird that morning and she smiled as he described searching for its nest. Anna told her that her dance lesson had been rescheduled to that afternoon and she nodded, thanking her politely. Selena appeared to tell her her parents were going into town for most of the day and she just smiled and nodded again.
Finally it was over and she tried to make an escape, but Della caught her arm. "Something's wrong," the cook said, giving her a concerned but firm look. "Talk to me."
She wanted to- for a moment she almost gave in. Then she shook her head, pulling her arm away with a muttered, "It's nothing, Dell. Don't worry."
Tessa left before she could say anything else. She walked into the library, hoping for an escape, and had to immediately turn around. All she could think about was last night.
Somehow, who knew how long later, she found herself back in her room, in front of Tobias's door. She didn't knock this time, just let her palm rest against the wood. "Tobias?" Her forehead thumped against the door and she sighed. "Please...can I come in?"
Time became kind of meaningless at some point for Tobias. His mind was too tired to process it. As much as he really wished that he could simply close his eyes and fall asleep, sleep refused to come. Instead his mind drifted into a hazy sort of waking dream. It could have been minutes or it could have been hours where he was left alone with no sort of company but his own weary thoughts.
Thoughts that were full of her.
The werewolf couldn't stop picturing her smile, the wonderful aroma of apples and cinnamon, the feel of her silky hair sliding through his fingers...Tobias had to wonder why his mind was so intent on torturing him.
He even heard her damn voice haunting him.
It took several moments for his mind to realize through his exhausted haze that it wasn't imaging Tessa's voice. She wanted to come in? To his room?
Tobias groaned, pillow still firmly over his aching head. Part of him wanted to be happy that she was there, and that she wanted to be in his room, with him. Another part knew that, like his staying in her room until she fell asleep the night before, it was probably not a good idea for them to be in close proximity to one another.
Ultimately it didn't matter if it was a good idea or not. He wanted to be near her, wanted to feel her warm against him, wanted to bury his nose in her hair and drown in her scent.
His voice was already hoarse and was muffled slightly given the way he was laying on his stomach with a pillow over his head and all. Honestly he wasn't sure he could bear to actually look at her. "Is it...safe?"
"No one's around, if that's what you mean." But...was it safe?
Tessa made a sound that was half laugh and half sob, pressing her other hand against the door. "Gods, I don't know," she replied wearily. "Probably not. But I feel like hell, and you make me..." Whole "Not feel like that," she finished quietly.
He sounded as bad as she felt. Her heart ached- she wanted to reach out and hold him, to comfort him the way he seemed to always be comforting her. Was that really so wrong?
"I know it's a bad idea. I know I'm being selfish. But please..." She would not cry. She would not cry. "Please, Toby. Let me in."
What did he mean? Tobias wasn't even sure. Yes, it would be good if no one else was around, Tessa being caught in his room wouldn't go over well. The werewolf wasn't sure that was what he really meant, though. Could either of them really stand to be in the same room right now? He knew his emotions were running fairly raw at the moment.
The sound Tessa made tore at him. He hated himself so much. Her pain was his fault. If only Erik Varrys had taken his daughter somewhere else - if the poor lass had never met him she wouldn't be in so much pain now.
"The door's not locked, lass." He croaked out. It took effort to stay where he was, when moments before he'd not even been sure he could have moved. Gods, but it was hard not to rush to her. Even exhausted the sound of her on the brink of tears made Tobias want to pick her up and hold her, comfort her, as he had the night before.
How could that be wrong?
Her heart leaped into her throat and, almost warily, she pushed the door open. Stepping into the room, she felt her breath catch when she saw him.
Part of it was aching sympathy; he looked about as miserable as she felt. Another part, a stronger part if she was being honest, was the giddy flip her stomach gave at just the sight of him. She had to exert an enormous effort of will to keep herself from running across the room, padding softly to the bed and sitting on the edge.
Carefully, she reached out to brush some of the hair off his face, biting her lip when she saw the hollow tiredness in his eyes. "Oh, Toby," she whispered, letting her thumb stroke over his cheek. Even that simple touch sent a thrill through her that she tried and failed to force away. "Did you sleep at all?"
As soon as he heard the door push open Tobias couldn't stop his eyes from moving to Tessa. She was devastatingly beautiful to him, even as he could see that she wasn't really her normal self - not the happy, playful, shining young woman that he knew her to be.
It felt so strange to have someone so full of worry and concern for him. Tessa had shown him such care time and again in his short time here.
His eyes closed lightly at the soft caress to his cheek, relishing the sweet whisper of her voice. A small amount of the strain on the werewolf's face vanished. "No, couldn't sleep. Too...lonely. Did you stay asleep after I left? Was too afraid to check in on you again. I wanted to, but didn't know if I'd have the willpower to leave again if I did."
Tobias sighed heavily and raised his hand to gently take hold of her hand. He tilted his head into her touch, aching for just a little more than the light touch of her thumb on his cheek. Without really thinking about what he was doing, his lips found her wrist, tenderly kissing the pulse found there.
Tessa gave a mirthless smile. "I think all that wine pretty much knocked me out." She was trying not to think about the second part of what he'd said, about the possibility that she may have been able to wake up next to him and the glow that set sparking in her chest.
Then his lips brushed against her wrist and she actually gasped, a shudder running through her at the touch. She swallowed thickly, letting her palm cup his cheek as she closed her eyes. She knew she was being overly sensitive, and the logical part of her mind told her that it was just because she'd never been...close to a man before. Not like this.
But she didn't believe it. While Jarrett had never managed to actually kiss her, he'd touched her plenty, and his touch didn't light a fire under her skin the way Tobias's did. She was pretty sure no one could, not in the same way.
Voice barely more than a breath, she asked, "Can you do that again? Please?"
Wine induced slumber might not have been the best or most restful sleep, but Tobias was just glad that she had been able to sleep at all. Exhaustion could make one delirious and simply wasn't good for a person. It might not have been much, but he had been able to help her fall asleep. His wolf was pleased that he had taken care of her, even in a small way.
Warm gold-laced brown eyes fluttered open when Tessa gasped, studying her face as she'd closed her eyes and cupped his cheek with her palm. The werewolf hadn't really thought about what he'd been doing when he'd done it the first time, he'd simply been seeking more connection to her.
Now that he'd done it once, well, it seemed an innocent and harmless enough gesture. A very small gesture next to holding her in his arms for who knew how long the previous night. Except he knew that it wasn't. Every small gesture would only grow. First he held her, then he'd kissed her wrist - how long until he kissed her lips? What happened when the wolf wanted more? Hell, the wolf already wanted more.
The primal part of him knew what he wanted. To make Tessa his mate. She would be a good mate. He wanted her. She seemed to want him. It didn't make sense that they should not be together.
Tobias whimpered softly before finally placing another feather-light kiss on Tessa's wrist, once again feeling her pulse and marveling at the change in it. He turned his head further and kissed the palm of her hand. Every little touch, ever tender gesture made it harder for him to resist giving another.
"You realize you own me, lass." He gave a slight grimace before giving her a self-depreciating smile, "And I don't mean because I'm technically your slave."
No, being a slave had nothing to do with it. Except maybe if you called him a slave to his heart, or feelings. He wasn't sure how it happened, or why it happened so quickly (he suspected the wolf had something to do with that), but somehow Tessa had managed to slip right under his nose and steal his heart before he knew what was even happening.
Her heart began to race and she let out a shuddering sort of breath. Pulling her hand away, she shifted so she could lay beside him, face to face. A small smile touched her lips and she reached out to stroke his cheek again.
"Is that so?" she said softly. Her hand trailed down until she could rest her palm against his chest, feeling his heartbeat. Her breath caught as she looked into his eyes; she'd meant what she'd said the previous night. And those threads of gold somehow sent her heart rate skyrocketing.
She moved her hand from his chest to take his wrist, gently bringing it to her lips to kiss his pulse as he had done to her. Then she laid his palm over her heartbeat, smile soft and eyes shimmering. "If you're mine," she murmured, "then I'm yours."
A surge of disappointment overwhelmed him as she pulled her hand away, but that was quickly replaced with a swell of pleasure as Tessa laid down with him, and she even stroked his cheek again. He didn't know why he liked that so much.
"Mhm." Tobias hummed softly when asked if it was "so" - it was. Tessa totally owned him. There was no part of him, man or animal, that didn't want to make her happy, protect her, and take care of her. She'd feel a soft vibration in his chest as she trailed her hand down to rest over his heart. Unlike hers that had begun racing, his rhythm was strong and steady. It was when he'd been alone that his heart had been quickened with anxiety. Now that Tessa was with him, where his wolf felt she belonged, an almost serene calmness had settled over him.
Though she would feel a light skip in his pulse as she gently kissed his wrist in a similar fashion to the way he'd done to her.
"Are you sure?" Tobias breathed softly as he looked at his hand which was resting against Tessa's chest lightly. He still didn't know how this was supposed to work out. How would either of them ever convince her parents to accept him? That wasn't all. His eyes moved back up to her face, studying her as a hint of anxiety returned to him. "You know what I am. If we are together...Our children would be like me."
Provided they ever had any. He knew Tessa most likely wasn't thinking that far into the future, but Tobias had to consider everything. If he had children they would carry his werewolf genes. They would have to contend with all the same problems he did.
Her heart actually stuttered at the word "children". True, she hadn't been thinking about that, but now that she was-
Maybe it was a distant, nearly impossible future, but the thought made her suddenly, deliriously happy. She'd always liked children, but she'd never really imagined what having her own would be like; that was a responsibility, a duty to carry on the Varrys line, and not much else.
But with him...She smiled, leaning forward to lightly kiss his cheek. "I don't care," she whispered. "As long as you're their father, they'd be perfect."
And she meant it. She pressed her forehead against his, sighing softly. "I don't know how this happened," she said quietly, "I'm not going to pretend to understand. All I know is that the thought of not being with you hurts. We- we can figure something out. I'll talk to my parents, I'll do anything..."
Her voice trailed off and she simply stared into his eyes for a long moment. Every nerve ending in her body was alive and snapping with energy. Steeling herself with a breath, she asked quietly, "Kiss me?"
The knot of anxiety that had twisted Tobias's heart unwound as Tessa smiled, and it nearly burst when he felt her lips on his cheek, her whispered word sending him into a level of elation that he'd never felt before.
The wolf was equally as joyous - his mate wanted to have his pups.
His mate.
Tobias felt a wave of contentment settle over him, the wolf inside him relaxed as he accepted this fact. Tessa was his mate, his heart, his love. One day she would be the mother of his children and they would be happy together. Suddenly trying to ever have denied this seemed so foolish a thing. It had caused him so much unnecessary stress.
His lips twitched into a smile as their foreheads touched, all he could see or smell was her, and it was the most wonderful thing in the world. Her words struck a cord with him, their pain was shared when apart. He'd certainly suffered a great deal through the night, but that was over. Tessa was right, even if they didn't know exactly how this was going to work out, they would work it out. There had to be a way that didn't involve him simply stealing her away in the night.
The werewolf barely waited for her to finish getting the words out. Tobias's hand immediately came up to cup the back of Tessa's head gently as his lips stole hers in a tender, but passionate kiss. He didn't care if he was rumpling her dress or messing up her hair, he'd been dying to kiss her since the previous evening.
Far too soon for his liking he forced himself to break away from the kiss, once more resting their foreheads together and giving a hot, heavy breath. "I love you, Tessa."
Though she'd been the one to ask for it, the kiss still made her gasp. The breath turned into a soft, contented hum against his lips, then a small noise of frustration when he pulled away.
Then he said he loved her, and her lips curved into a positively radiant smile. "I love you," she replied. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss his forehead, whispering "I love you, Toby." Her heart felt like it was about to burst out of her chest.
Tessa knew she'd lived a sheltered life. She knew she was naive, and a little spoiled, and probably not at all useful in a practical world. But he said he loved her anyway, and just like that none of it mattered.
She wanted to kiss him again, but found herself suddenly shy. She dropped her eyes, cheeks flushing. "I, um..." Oh gods, what was she supposed to do? Her experiences with men were limited to romance novels and Mia's gossip. She let out a shaky breath and mumbled, "I have no idea what I'm doing. I probably seem like a little girl to you."
She'd never before felt like she was missing out on something, but suddenly she wished she had a little more life experience in this particular area. She was twenty-one for gods' sakes! And she was acting like a blushing schoolgirl.
A very faint chuckle rumbled in the werewolf's chest at the small frustrated sound that came from his mate. Tobias had been feeling a great deal of frustration since the incident with Jarrett in the garden, but now it had melted away.
Did he want her? Gods yes, but she was his and he could take his time. There was no hurry, and he wasn't about to rush. Especially knowing just how innocent his precious Tessa was.
The way she smiled at him - that brilliant, beautiful, heartfelt smile - made his heart do skips as it jumped into his throat. Tessa was happy and it was because of him. Nothing in the the world could have been more rewarding to him than that. Nothing. Not the little kiss she placed on his forehead, not the echoing of his declaration of love - just making her happy was the greatest joy of them all.
Although the werewolf had to admit that the way she dropped her eyes as her cheeks reddened was quite rewarding as well - in a completely different way. Tessa had no idea what she did to him, and it was impossible to fully suppress the reaction he was having to her.
"Not at all, you seem like the most gorgeous creature I've ever seen." Tobias murmured softly, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead, then her cheek, and finally a soft brush against her lips. His hand had been lightly in her hair, but it moved to wrap around her waist and pull her body flush against his. "Your blushes set my blood on fire, and you not knowing just means I get to teach you - and that is extremely sexy to me. So don't worry about it."
Tobias was actually blushing just a little himself. Unlike Tessa this wasn't all completely new to him. He'd been with women before, but none of them like this. Not even close. It thrilled him that he would be the only man to ever be with her.
Her blush deepened and she smiled shyly at him, heart hammering at the idea of what "teaching" her meant. She hesitantly combed her fingers through his hair, very aware of everywhere they were pressed together.
She suddenly wished she'd chosen a less modest dress that morning.
"I would be happy if time would just stop right now," she told him softly. Honestly, she wasn't even sure how much time had passed since breakfast, and she really didn't care to know. Her parents were in town, and her dance instructor wouldn't arrive until afternoon.
As far as she was concerned, that meant she didn't have to leave this bed for a good long while. And she said as much, eyes dancing happily.
A soft hum of pleasure escaped the werewolf as Tessa ran her fingers through his hair. Tobias loved any of her touches, and his eyes definitely held a certain predatory gleam as he gazed at her with tinges of desire.
"As long as everyone leaves us alone time doesn't matter in here." He replied just as softly, peppering her lips and face with soft kisses. The werewolf shifted a little, raising up just enough that he could be leaning slightly over Tessa, one arm still firmly around her hips, the other moving to caress her cheek as he looked down at her lovingly.
Gods, he wanted to make love to her. He would make love to her. If she'd let him.
"Do you trust me?" Tobias asked her earnestly, pretty sure he already knew the answer. He doubted she'd be there in his arms, in his bed if she didn't. Even so, he felt compelled to ask.
Tessa gave a soft gasp with every kiss, arching against him when he leaned over her, grabbing at his shoulders and clinging.
"Yes," she murmured, tilting her head up to catch his lips in a soft kiss. "Gods, yes, of course I do."
She couldn't deny that she was nervous, a little scared even. But she did trust him, probably more than anyone she knew. Her heart was positively thundering against her ribs and she knew she must be bright red. Embarrassed, she ducked her head to hide her face against his chest.
Tobias closed his eyes, giving a soft whimper and taking a breath as he steeled himself. Her gasps and the way she clung to him were simply maddening, but he knew that he had to be in quite strict control of himself if he was going to make love to her. A small blessing was that he felt the wolf retreating to the back of his mind, not fighting him for what control he could seize.
When he opened his eyes again they were warm brown, and full of longing as she hid her face against his chest. The hand at her hip smoothed up her back reassuringly, sensing her nerves and wanting to ease her embarrassment.
His lips found her ear, his breath was hot and voice husky as he whispered to her again. "Then relax, darling. Let me take care of you."
Tobias was quiet serious about taking great care with Tessa. She'd seen a small sampling how ferocious the wolf could be, but she'd seen glimpses of how gentle he could be as well. The werewolf introduced her to intimacy slowly, pausing whenever necessary, allowing his mate to become comfortable with each new level of passion before pushing a little further.
More than that he was wholly focused on her pleasure, showing her what his lips and hands could do to her body and seeking little attention for himself until the very end, when he finally took her - and still he did so very carefully to cause as little discomfort to her as possible.
Once spent Tobias was once again laying on his side, but his limbs were thoroughly entangled around her as his face nuzzled against her hair happily. She smelled intoxicating - between her natural smell, his scent, and the mingled combination was perfect in his opinion. His fingers were lightly caressing her back and thigh as he held her close in sated contentment.
"You know, I can probably get that dress back on you alright, but I've no idea how we're going to fix your hair to not be suspicious." His voice was soft and sleepy. Thinking about consequences hadn't exactly been high on his priority list.
Tessa was in a sort of daze. She shivered lightly as his hand stroked her skin and snuggled closer. She knew he was talking to her, but it took a moment for the words to actually register.
"Hm?" Oh. Her hair and clothes. Right. She shook her head, letting her hand trail gently up and down his back. "Doesn't matter. I'll just run a brush through it, say I felt like leaving it down."
She smiled softly. She felt- incandescent. "You..." She trailed off, not entirely sure what she wanted to say, but feeling like she needed to tell him something. "That was... I don't actually have words." She tilted her head to brush her lips over his collar, hooking one leg over his hip and sighing contentedly.
She may have actually fallen asleep there, warm and sated and content, but suddenly there was a sharp rap at the door to Tobias's room.
"Hey, Tobias? You in there? I'm looking for Miss Tessa, she's not in her room or the library, did she say anything to you?"
Tessa bolted upright at the sound of Mia's voice. Wide eyed, she looked at the werewolf.
"I like it down." Tobias mumbled softly, eyes still closed as he began drifting to sleep, though her attempt at describing what they had done made him chuckle softly and snuggle her even closer as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. It would have been difficult for him to really put words to how he felt about the experience they had just shared. He did the best he could. "It was perfect."
The whole female complaint that men liked to fall asleep directly after wasn't completely unfounded, but the werewolf had the added excuse of a miserable and sleepless night directly before their amorous endeavor.
Too bad sleep didn't seem to be in the cards just yet. Groggily Tobias lifted his head as there was a knock on his door, blinking the sleep from his eyes as Mia's voice called from the other side.
"Eh? Did you check the gardens? Just...go see if she's there. I'll be down in a minute." The werewolf sat up and pulled his blankets so that they were both covered, just in case Mia actually opened the door. No way he'd be able to really hide that Tessa was in bed with him or what they'd been up to if the maid did come in.
Tessa hid under the covers until she heard Mia mutter, "Alright, thanks," and then her fading footsteps. Sighing in relief, she sat up and ran her hands through her hair
It seemed they would have to face the real world much sooner than she would have liked. She groaned and turned to hide her face against Tobias's shoulder. "What are we going to do?" she asked, not really expecting an answer.
No part of her regretted what they had done, but she wasn't naive enough to believe that there wouldn't be consequences. Tobias had already said he wouldn't be able to love her in secret, and she didn't want him to. She didn't want to have to hide this.
But what was she supposed to say? How could she convince her parents to just let them be happy? She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into him, knowing she should get up and get dressed but unwilling to move.
As Mia moved back down the hall Tobias let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Even if he'd said he couldn't hide his love for Tessa it certainly didn't mean he wanted anyone to find out by walking in on them.
"Well I'm going to get dressed and go downstairs to help 'look' for you. You're going to get yourself dressed and presentable so we can 'find' you." It was a bandage on a wound, but for now it would work. He twisted his body slightly so he could hold her close, hands smoothing up and down her back before leaning down enough to capture her lips in a heated kiss.
After several long moments he reluctantly pulled away and forced himself to get up. Tobias didn't want to leave his bed, not while Tessa was in it, but duty called.
"I love you, try not to worry too much. We'll figure something out later." He told her with a tired smile as he pulled his clothing on and gathered hers up to set on the bed sheepishly. Yeah, now he was blushing. Seemed a little late for modesty, but he couldn't help the embarrassed pride he was feeling.
Tessa hummed in the back of her throat as she leaned into the kiss, pouting slightly- quite unconsciously- when he broke away. "Right," she muttered, unable to keep herself from watching him as he moved around the room. When she relized what she was doing she dropped her gaze and cleared her throat awkwardly.
Luckily it seemed she wasn't the only one blushing, and the knowledge made her smile a little bit. "Okay," she said with a smile in response to his reassurances. She dressed as quickly as she could, knowing she would have to return to her room to do something about her hair.
Before either of them could leave the room she spontaneously reached out to grab his shoulder. "Hey." She stretched up onto toes to kiss him, pulling back with a smile. "I love you." Then she turned to slip through the door that led to her room.
The werewolf froze when his shoulder was grabbed, but a moment after the unexpected kiss he was grinning stupidly as he watched his beautiful mate slip out of his room. Gods, he was a lovesick puppy, wasn't he?
How had things gone from miserable acknowledgement that they couldn't be together to...whatever this was? Tobias was truly a bit dumbfounded, but thankful at the same time. Things weren't perfect yet - or else he wouldn't have been hiding the fact that Tessa was in his room with him from Mia, but they were a hell of a lot better than a few hours ago.
Sighing and trying not to look insanely happy, Tobias opened his door and headed down the back stairs towards the kitchen. Much as he'd liked to have gone to sleep with Tessa in his arms, it wasn't going to happen, so now he was remembering that he'd skipped breakfast with everyone else and he was famished.
Probably would be a good idea to talk to Della anyway. The woman was bound to know something was up. As much as he enjoyed the motherly nature of the cook - it did have its downsides when you wanted to hide something. Not to mention Della knew about his conflicted feelings for his mistress.
"Morning Della," Tobias mumbled through a yawn that didn't need to be faked at all as he pushed open the kitchen door.
Tessa sort of glided around her room, brushing her hair out over her shoulder and starting to tie it back into a long braid. Then Tobias's voice floated across her mind- I like it down- and she smiled, letting it fall down her back without restriction.
She made her way down the main stair to the foyer, knowing that Mia would have taken the back way out to the gardens. Hopefully this way it would be somewhat plausible that the girl hadn't been able to find her. A soft smile hovering at the edges of her lips, she hummed to herself as she slipped across the room.
"Miss Tessa?"
"Oh!" She turned, startled, to see Lionel coming in from the entryway, some sort of package under his arm. She gave him a smile, moving toward him. "Yes? What is it?"
The steward gave her a slightly odd look, but handed the package over. "This just arrived for you. There's no calling card."
Frowning slightly, Tessa took it. Strange...
"Morning, Tobias," Della said, looking up from some sort of stew she was stirring. She quirk an eyebrow at him. "You seem to be doing much better than last night."
Much better? Tobias figured he ought to look pretty dreadful, actually. His hair was likely more than a bit disheveled, his clothes certainly were - but he'd been laying in bed with them still on much of the night. Ah, but despite an overall weary look to him, he probably didn't look nearly as stressed and upset as he had last night while consulting with her.
The werewolf grimaced slightly as he realized he probably looked entirely too happy and pleased with himself. "Well I didn't sleep a wink all night. Couldn't stop tossing and turning."
Looking around the room he sniffed at the air, mouth watering slightly at the scent of the stew, but Tobias knew that would be for later. He tried to change the subject entirely away from whether or not he seemed better. "Sorry I missed breakfast, but I'm starved. You don't have anything left over for me, by any chance?"
Della gave him a smile and a plate full of breakfast. "Put that aside for you," she said with a wink. "I'm assuming a sleepless night is what kept you in bed so late?"
Tessa turned the package over in her hands, still frowning at it. It wasn't very big, but it was solid, and sort of boxy, like- a book maybe?
"There you are!"
She whirled around to see Mia standing at the base of the stairs, tapping her foot and glowering at her. She gave her a sheepish smile. "Hi. Were you looking for me?" She'd never been a very good liar. She felt her cheeks flush and had to force herself to keep meeting the maid's eyes.
Luckily, Mia seemed too irritated to notice. "Come on," she snipped, grabbing her mistress by the arm and towing her down a hall. "I don't know what's up with you today, but you'd better snap out of it before your dance instructor gets here."
Tessa swallowed, but followed her easily enough. They turned a corner and Mia dragged her to the kitchen door, poking her head into the room and asking, "Mum, have you seen Marion around? I found Miss Tessa- finally-" she tossed a scowl over her shoulder and Tessa smiled weakly, "and I need her."
"Have I told you how amazing you are lately, Della?" Tobias asked with a grin as he took the plate and had a seat on one of the stools to eat. Although he couldn't help but blush and hunch down a little over his plate when she asked if that was what kept him in bed so long. Well...yes and no, but he wasn't much of a liar and was terrible at it.
"Er...I guess you could say that. I hadn't really felt like having breakfast with everyone." Which was true, but he'd been still feeling pretty crummy at the time. Right now he was almost on cloud nine. That high was starting to wear off now that he was out of bed.
He turned when Mia poked her head into the kitchen to talk to Della, brown eyes sweeping past the maid to catch a glimpse of Tessa, which had him quickly ducking his head to stare at his plate to hide the smile that had begun to tug at his lips with just the sight of her. The werewolf's heart was skipping all over the place as well as he could smell his mate - she still had that wonderful combination of him and her wafting off of her.
Tessa dropped her eyes quickly, holding back a small smile and a deeper blush. Oh, boy, this was going to be harder than she'd thought. Mia towed her into the kitchen now and she hovered awkwardly. Normally she would have just taken a seat, but strangely she felt like if she sat next to Tobias Della and her daughter would somehow know what had happened between them.
"What do you need Marion for?" the cook asked, giving Tessa a nod and a smile.
"She said Madam left some instructions, but i told her I'd grab Miss Tessa before she said what they were," Mia replied easily, skipping to her mother's side and sniffing the stew.
Tessa bit back a groan. "Isn't the dance lesson enough?" she asked, rubbing her temple as she dropped onto a stool.
Both cook and maid glanced over at her, slightly surprised expressions on their faces. She realized that even a day ago she never would have voiced such a complaint- thought it sure, maybe whispered it to Mia later. But it was undeniably out of character for her to just blurt it out like that.
Or maybe it wasn't. She glanced over at Tobias and was suddenly reminded why the household staff had called her Little Terror once upon a time. It was like the part of herself that she'd hidden away when she realized what was expected of her as a Varrys was slowly starting to shine through.
Everyone else was naturally rather oblivious to it, but as Mia dragged Tessa into the kitchen the werewolf found himself suddenly surrounded by the intoxicating scent. It made him want to go over to Tessa and pull her against him so he could be enveloped completely by her as he'd been earlier just cuddling in bed.
Tobias forced himself to stay focused on the food in front of him. He was hungry, but it was hard to remember his appetite while he was still so fully enamored with the young woman so close and yet temporarily untouchable.
Instead he listened curiously to Mia's explanation, not at all liking these unknown instructions that Madam had left. Maybe Tessa's mother wasn't a bad sort, but he could just tell the woman was a schemer, and those schemes currently involved the woman he'd fallen in love with in a matter of two rather insane days.
When Tessa dropped onto a stool, obviously unhappy with this news, Tobias actually started to get up, before forcing himself to sit back down with a scowl. Gods, but he wanted to go hug her. He'd just gotten his mate happy and they were making her unhappy again.
"Well at least whatever they've got you doing you can count on there being one person having even less fun that you, lass." Tobias tried to joke light-heartedly, though it was slightly strained.
Tessa looked up and smiled at him gratefully, reaching out to touch him without thinking. Then she remembered they weren't alone and withdrew her hand.
Mia cleared her throat and gave Tessa a look. She'd obviously seen the gesture, but she wasn't going to say anything about it. "I'm going to go find Marion," she said, moving toward the door. "You!" She pointed sternly at Tessa. "Don't. Move."
Tessa smiled crookedly and gave her a mock salute. Della chuckled, coming over to the table to put two cups of tea in front of her and Tobias. She was impressed; she hadn't even noticed her put the kettle on.
"Hey, Miss, what's that?"
She looked up and saw Della nodding at the package she had placed on the table and forgotten about. She frowned. "I don't actually know," she said, picking it up. "It was just delivered, Lionel said it came with no calling card."
The cook stiffened. "Another threat?" she growled, brandishing a wooden spoon like it was a dagger.
The though sent a cold tingle down her spine, but she shook her head. "I don't think so," she said, hefting it from hand to hand. "I think it's a book."
Tessa smiling at him only resulted in Tobias smiling like a fool, feeling that familiar warmth flood through him at having made her happy with him. For a moment he felt a pang of disappointment as she withdrew her hand, but likewise remembered they had an audience.
The werewolf blushed again and gave a wary look in Mia's direction, chuckling softly at the interaction between the two young women before turning to pick up his tea and sip it gratefully. After eating he'd considered trying to return to his room and at least grab a short nap, but he didn't want to leave Tessa alone. Maybe he could find a chair to doze in during the dance lesson his mate was dreading so much.
A frown crossed his features as Della mentioned the package, realizing that he hadn't even noticed the blasted thing. He growled softly when the cook asked if it was a threat. Just the thought of someone threatening Tessa riled his wolf and turned his eyes golden.
The werewolf plucked the package from Tessa's hands matter-of-factly, turning and examining it critically before bringing it to his nose and taking a tentative sniff.
"Hmm. It is a book, smells kind of old and..." There was a faint scent on it that even his nose had trouble discerning over the pungent odor of old pages and leather. With a grunt, and not looking completely satisfied, he offered the package back to Tessa reluctantly. "I think it's safe, lass."
Tessa raised her eyebrows and took the book- for that was apparently what it was- back. "That's a neat trick," she commented, lips twitching into a small smile.
She frowned at the neatly wrapped package and tore a strip of the paper off, then another. Soon enough the book was revealed. Her eyes skimmed over the title and widened. "The Social Behaviors and Habits of Werewolves?" She frowned. "Who in the hell-?"
She opened the book, hoping maybe there was a message written on the inside cover, or a note tucked in there, or...something!
"Who would send you something like that?" Della demanded, folding her arms over her chest. "The only people who even know who Tobias is are in this house-" Her voice choked off and her eyes went wide.
Tessa's stomach dropped and she met Tobias's gold-threaded gaze. "Striker," she hissed, shoving the book away.
"The nose knows." Tobias said with a playful grin and a wink.
The mood sobered quickly when Tessa unwrapped the book. Hearing the title sent chills down his spine. It certainly couldn't have been sent to her by chance. He didn't believe in coincidences that convenient.
As soon as that name passed Tessa's lips the werewolf's eyes turned bright gold, a low growl rumbling through his chest before he could stop the instinct response to what he considered a threat. That damn, arrogant bastard had threatened Tessa yesterday, by his account, and now sending this book was only furthering his hatred for the lord.
"If I ever get my hands on him..." The threat was ground out with a growl and Tobias didn't bother to finish it. Golden eyes were full of fury, but as they swept over Tessa it slowly faded into partial brown as he reached out a hand to gently touch her arm. "Don't you let him frighten you, lass. That scumbag isn't coming anywhere near you. Not if he wants to keep all his pieces."
His eyes and face softened as he looked at her. His mate. Tobias would never let anyone hurt her.
Tessa let out a shuddering breath and unconsciously covered his hand with her own. "I'm not frightened," she said, probably being eighty percent honest. "I'm angry." She looked up at him, worry and rage warring in her eyes. "He's not giving up on you," she murmured, tightening her grip on his hand.
She had no doubt that Tobias would protect her. It was the werewolf she was worried about.
"Ahem."
Della cleared her throat and arched an eyebrow, gaze flicking between them questioningly. Damn her for being so sharp. Tessa flushed and let her hand drop, though she was loathe to do so.
A slow smile twitched on Tobias's lips as he looked at her admiringly. He liked the idea of protecting her, it was his job to protect his mate, but knowing how protective his mate was of him certainly filled him with a certain warmth and pride. Assuming that Tessa would be afraid had been a bit foolish, but he couldn't shut off his hyper protectiveness.
It was very hard to stop himself from leaning over to kiss her appreciatively, but the sudden clearing of a throat did stamp out that desire quickly.
The werewolf turned his head around, brown eyes slightly wide as he remembered that they weren't alone. Forgetting they had an audience was dangerously easy right now. So soon after affirming his relationship with Tessa - regardless of how rough the road ahead might be - his mate was truly the center of his world - his whole world.
Tobias turned red and ducked his head down to avoid looking at Della as he reluctantly pulled his hand away from Tessa, preoccupying himself with lifting his tea cup and draining it. Well, he'd known it would be impossible for him to hide how he felt for Tessa.
"So, uh..." He mumbled sheepishly as he set his cup back down, not really sure what to say - or if he should say anything. Tobias had touched her arm, Della couldn't possibly guess what else they had done based on that. Right?
"Well, I'm glad to see you're feeling better since this morning," the cook said far too casually, turning back to her stew pot.
Tessa ducked her head. With how happy she was now- despite the mysterious book and Striker and her parents and all of it- it was almost difficult to remember how she'd felt that morning. Like her heart was missing from her chest.
Glancing up at Tobias, she thought that, in a very strange way, it almost was. At least, it didn't feel like it belonged to her anymore, not fully. The thought made her blush and she cleared her throat.
Luckily or unluckily, that was when Mia reappeared, Marion on her heels. "Good," she said when her eyes lit on the young heiress, "you're still here."
Tessa gave her a small smile. "I was under the impression I'd be severely punished should I leave," she teased. Subtly, she reached for the book and moved it to her lap, hiding it from view. She didn't want to field a storm of questions at the moment, not until she'd had a chance to think.
Mia wrinkled her nose at her, then turned to her mother's maid. "Right, then. What're Madam's oh-so-important plans for the day?"
Marion shot Tobias a look and shifted subtly farther away. Tessa frowned and bit her tongue, holding back an angry tirade. Time and place, Tessa, time and place. "Sir Astor and his wife are hosting a party a few days from now. Madam wanted me to tell you she'd like you to deliver the Varrys's response," the maid said, holding out a scented calling card for Tessa to take.
She did so with a sigh, rubbing the bridge of her nose. A party. Of course. And she was sure the Endarsens and a dozen other well-off families she didn't want to deal with would be there. "Right. Thank you, Marion." The Astors lived in the center of town- she'd have to leave right after her dance lesson. Sighing again, she muttered, "It's going to be a long day."
Tobias heaved a sigh of relief as the topic seemed to drop. An interrogation from Della would have been quite an ordeal - the werewolf had no doubt the cook could have wrung out any information she wanted from him.
Keeping his head down, he glanced over at Tessa, heart immediately melting as she blushed. They would have to figure something out soon. Della was already suspicious and he was willing to bet that Mia would be too. The girl was sharp and spent more time with his mate than the others. Too bad he still didn't have a clue how to make this work.
Not with her parents.
Mia had returned with Marion, and Tobias sighed as the woman gave him a look and edged away from him, of course he noticed, no matter how discreet she tried to be. He saw the way Tessa frowned and knew she wasn't pleased with the maid's reaction to him. The werewolf tried to give her a reassuring smile.
It did hurt his feelings when people were afraid of him just because of what he was, but Tobias had expected it and honestly Tessa's acceptance of him was what he truly cared about.
A party? Tobias grimaced immediately. He'd been unable to handle one young man fawning over Tessa - a party with more of them would be a nightmare. It had been bad enough yesterday evening before what had happened between them that morning. Now the wolf was even more possessive and protective.
"Yeah, you're telling me. At least the company's pretty nice." Tobias smiled, trying to cheer her up. She might not like the errand her mother wanted her to run, but at least he would be with her.
Tessa smiled at him gratefully, standing and tucking the calling card away. "Couldn't ask for better," she murmured in agreement, eyes sparkling a little. It took more effort than she would have though not to reach out and touch him.
Thankfully Marion had slipped away as soon as her task was done, but Mia heard and arched an eyebrow. She didn't say anything about it though, merely commenting, "You know, your instructor will be here soon. Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
Tessa frowned at her a little. That seemed early to her. "I thought he wasn't coming until noon, at least," she muttered distractedly.
Mia's other eyebrow crept up to join its twin. "Miss Tessa- it is noon, or just about. Gods, what were you doing when I couldn't find you? Must've kept you plenty distracted."
Tessa flushed and ducked her head, hoping to hide the blush. Yes, distracted. That was one word for it. "Then I'll- ahem. I'll go and be there to greet him, shall I?" she said brightly, turning quickly so neither Mia nor her mother could see her face.
She paused, laying a hand on Tobias's shoulder and murmuring, "This will be maddeningly boring for you. Why don't you try to get some sleep?" He still looked tired, and she was worried.
A gentle hum of happiness purred out of the werewolf as he watched his mate get up. Even with all the remaining uncertainty about how to openly be together, Tobias was ecstatically content with knowing that she was his. They would figure out how to let everyone else know that too, hopefully without completely tearing the family apart.
Tobias had lost his own family, not at all for the same reasons, but it was one reason he was so set against simply vanishing with Tessa even though he knew she'd go with him in a heartbeat.
Unlike his mate, the werewolf knew what time it was, or at least roughly what time it was. He couldn't stop a chuckle at Tessa's confusion about the imminent arrival of her dance instructor. Tobias actually felt a little pride in it, as apparently he'd done a pretty good job of keeping his mate distracted and absorbed in their activities earlier.
Brown eyes were laced with a warm gold as Tobias looked up at her when she placed her delicate hand on his shoulder to encourage him to sleep. The werewolf was exhausted, but also buzzing with an excited energy. Not to mention he was fairly loathe to let Tessa out of his sight for even a moment. Striker's 'gift' to his mate certainly hadn't made him feel better about being out of reach of her should she need him for any reason.
"You'll come get me as soon as you're done? Even if I'm asleep?" He definitely didn't want her to leave him here while she delivered her thing.
She smiled at him softly. "Of course," she promised, moving her hand from his shoulder to stroke his cheek briefly, then letting it drop. Luckily it seemed no one had noticed the small touch.
She bit back a sigh. She didn't want to be worrying about if people saw the way they interacted, but she wasn't quite sure what else to do. She needed time, time to think of how she would tell them all.
For now, she settled for another smile as she left the kitchen. She didn't hear Della say behind her, "Maybe take that book up to her room, Tobias? I'm not sure what she wants to do with it..."
Her dance instructor- a lanky, mustachioed gentleman called Jacomo- arrived only a few minutes after she'd settled herself into the parlor to receive him. She rose and curtsied, and immediately he started in on her.
"Steady on the descent, Miss Varrys. Grace must not be something you reach for, it is ingrained in your very soul."
She swallowed an exasperated sigh and some choice things she thought he should ingrain in his soul, merely nodding, smiling, and taking him through the parlor to the small ballroom that the Varryses hardly ever used.
The lesson went about as well as she expected- which was passably. She didn't trip over her own feet, she knew the steps, and she managed to get through most of the more common dances without making a fool of herself. She doubted anyone would call her a "vision of grace and beauty", as her instructor kept snapping at her to be, but she wasn't bad either.
She just couldn't help it. While she moved naturally with a simpler sort of grace, when she had to think about it she became stiff and awkward. It didn't help that all she could think about was escaping this torture, returning to her room, knocking on Tobias's door- though at first she'd thought she should just let him sleep, despite promising to wake him, by the end of the lesson all she wanted was to curl up next to him and feel his arms wrap around her, his fingers in her hair...
Finally, two excruciating hours later, it was over. She curtsied politely, showed Jacomo out, and had to fight to keep from running to her room.
"Tobias?" she knocked as quietly as she could, her earlier conviction to let him sleep shining through. "You awake?"
The werewolf tilted his head into Tessa's touch, his eyes fluttering closed as a look of contentment passed over his face for that brief moment of contact. Then he was watching her disappear with a disappointed sigh. He already wished that he'd chosen to attend the lesson just so he could be near her. She'd said he'd be bored, but honestly he might have enjoyed watching her dance.
"Yes, Ma'am." Tobias murmured as he scooped up the book and hurried from the kitchen. He wasn't sure he could handle too many more of those questioning looks.
Tessa's room smelled like heaven to him as he entered. He wished he could simply curl up on her bed and surround himself with her comforting scent. Instead the werewolf forced himself to set the book on the foot of her bed and retreat to his own room.
Of course his room was both better and worse. When he laid down his bed still smelled divinely like Tessa, but there was another scent, not unpleasant at all, that was distinctly not calming. For several minutes he remained restless, sorely wishing that Tessa was in his bed. If he could only hold her he knew he'd have instantly fallen asleep.
As it was, her lingering scent eventually lulled him into very pleasant dreams of Tessa. Fanciful imaginings of what their future might be like once they worked everything out.
Tobias stirred slightly in his sleep when Tessa knocked on his door, her voice tugged him out of his dreams gently and he rolled over groggily. "Wasn't. Why'd you bother knocking? If you want in here the answer is always gonna be yes."
Pushing the door open, Tessa crossed to settle lightly on the edge of the bed with an unconscious smile. "Habit," she told him. Then her smile turned a little playful and she leaned down to kiss his cheek, murmuring, "Though that's good to know."
She laid down next to him with a tired sigh, letting her head rest against his chest. A little thrill went through her that she was allowed to do so. "Did you get enough sleep?" she asked softly, tilting her head back to look at his face. "We'll have to leave for the Astors' soon, I can leave you be if you need to rest more..."
The offer was sincere, but she couldn't keep the undertone of disappointment out of her voice as she said it. In stark contradiction to her words, she snuggled closer to him, wrapping an arm around his waist.
Starting to wake up, the werewolf watched Tessa come sit on the edge of his bed, a small, happy grin tugging at his lips as she kissed his cheek. "I'll always want you with me." Tobias said quietly, a bemused expression on his face.
When she laid down his arms immediately wrapped around her, hugging her lightly against him with a content sigh as his eyes closed again. He could have instantly fallen back asleep. A soft hum rumbled through his chest when she asked if he'd gotten enough sleep. No, of course not, but it didn't matter now. Tessa was laying next to him and all was perfect.
Tobias gave a soft grunt when she mentioned leaving for the Astor's. Not exactly a task he was looking forward to. Though when she mentioned she could 'leave him be' one brown-gold eye popped open to peer down at her as his arms pulled her closer, not at all willing to let her go anywhere just yet. Especially with the way she'd said it. The werewolf perfectly sympathized with any reluctance to leave him. He knew he hated to leave her.
"You're not going anywhere without me, darling." He chuckled, before sighing and closing his eye again. Tobias let one of his hands reach up to run his fingers through her hair - something he positively loved doing - as he tilted his head down to kiss her forehead lovingly.
"Just...stay with me a few minutes here where I can hold you." He whispered softly.
Tessa positively beamed, closing her eyes and leaning into his touch. "Well, I suppose if I must," she teased softly, settling back down against him. She loved how easily they fit together, as if wrapped in his arms was exactly where she was supposed to be.
She knew they would have to get up and leave eventually, but for now she was perfectly content just to be with him. "I can't believe you want me," she murmured. Then her eyes widened slightly. She hadn't meant to say that out loud, but she couldn't deny it was on her mind.
Tilting her head slightly, she pressed a quick kiss to the slope of his shoulder.. "I can't say I would have expected to wind up here a few days ago," she said softly, chuckling, trying to cover her slip.
"I insist." Tobias rumbled playfully, snuggling that much closer to her. He'd have agreed with her - they did fit together quite well. Tessa's build might have been slight, but her height was perfect to have her head nestled beneath his chin as they cuddled in bed, even if he still dwarfed her slightly in comparison.
It was a perfect moment, just the two of them resting peacefully, able to momentarily forget everything outside this room. Their own private sanctuary.
Then his eyes popped open. Tobias wasn't sure he could believe what she'd just said. She tried to distract him with a kiss, but he shifted up to rest on his elbow as he looked down at her slightly confused. "I never would have imagined this either, but why wouldn't I want you? Gods, I can't understand how you could want me."
Tessa frowned slightly, laying her hand on his cheek. "Well, I mean- I'm sort of useless," she admitted sullenly after a moment. "I feel as though all you do is protect me, from one thing or another. And I..." She swallowed uncomfortably. "I bought you. I know you said it didn't matter to you, but it- it matters to me. Of course I don't think I own you," she hurried to clarify, "but...I still feel awful about it."
She turned her face into his shoulder. "And of course I want you," she mumbled, face heating. "You're kind, and bright, and warm, and you don't treat me like I'm some pretty doll or a bargaining chip, but like I'm a person."
There was something more to it than that, something that she couldn't quite name. So she didn't try, just tightened her arms around him, trying to eliminate any space between them.
Normally Tobias would have found her hand on his cheek irresistible, but the gesture didn't soothe him right now and his frown only deepened as he gazed down at her with a hint of sternness. It bothered him that she thought she was useless, and he thought they were past the whole buying him thing. Obviously neither of them regarded her as his owner.
She was his lover, his beloved, his mate.
Although he realized she probably didn't really consider that last one. Why would she? Even Tobias hadn't fully understood it at first.
The werewolf sighed softly as Tessa pressed herself as close as humanly possible to him. Part of him delighted in the praise she'd given him and the way she clung to him so, but he wanted, no he needed, to clear this up with her.
He brought his hand up to gently cup her cheek, "Tessa, look at me, darling."
Tobias waited until he could look into her eyes. "I don't think you're useless at all. You're beautiful, kind, gentle, and just looking at you makes me so happy it almost hurts. So what if you bought me? If you hadn't then someone else would have and we'd never have been together. We both know you're not my owner. You're so much more than that. Being with you makes me a freer man than I've ever been in my life."
Tessa's heart gave a particularly persistent thump against her rib cage. She smiled, turning her head slightly to brush her lips against his palm.
"You are the kindest, bravest man I've ever known," she told him softly. A little hesitantly, she leaned up to press a chaste kiss to his lips. "Can you tell me something?" she asked as she pulled away, letting the back of her hand stroke over his cheek. "Something I don't know about you."
Whatever sternness had been on his features melted away as she kissed his palm, his eyes were burning with love and adoration as a gentle smile pulled at his lips. A soft groan escaped him as she kissed him so sweetly. Her hesitation was adorable and frustrating at the same time. Tobias hummed softly as he rubbed his thumb lightly over her cheek.
"My parent's names were Lucas and Nora, I was an only child, my favorite things to do as a kid was to hunt rabbits with my best friend Mack Olsen." Mack had died the same night that his parents had, and remembering all that did bring a little sadness to the werewolf's expression.
He didn't want to think about that. The past was gone and there was nothing he could do about that. Tobias wanted to focus on the future, and he was looking right at her. "I love you, Tessa. Do you know what my wolf calls you? His mate. He loves you as much as I do." He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
A soft hum vibrated in the back of her throat as she leaned into the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Mate?" she repeated when they broke apart, slightly flushed. She knew a bit about wolf behavior, but wasn't sure how far that extended to werewolves. "Wolves...mate for life, don't they?" she asked quietly.
The idea sparked a warm glow in her chest. "I guess that means you're not getting rid of me," she said with a smile, kissing his nose playfully.
Tobias shifted a bit, his hand returning to her waist as he leaned over her slightly, nuzzling her cheek with a smile after she'd kissed his nose. "Mhm, we do. You're stuck with me, darling. I'm never leaving you."
He pulled back so he could look down at her again, expression turning serious. "I know we kind of rushed into this, but I hope you won't regret anything." Tobias hesitated, blushing slightly as he thought about the things they had done earlier in this very bed. Tessa would be in so much trouble with her parents if they knew. He was pretty sure proper young ladies weren't supposed to do that until they were married. It would be a lie to say he didn't feel just a little guilty over the whole thing, no matter how badly he'd wanted it.
"My wolf would be happy to just have you as his mate, but I'm not just a wolf, and you're not a wolf at all..." Tobias cleared his throat, obviously struggling with his words. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I would really like to eventually be able to call you my wife instead of just my mate."
Her heart jumped into her throat. "Oh, Toby..." She kissed him again, her shyness melting away. "I could never regret this. Regret you," she told him, smiling softly. True, they had been a little hasty that morning perhaps- she blushed slightly just thinking of it- but she had been so miserable without him she hadn't even thought to wait.
"I love you," she murmured, smiling. "I want to marry you. I do. I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen." Then her smile slipped slightly and she let out a heavy breath. "I just- I don't know what to say to them. I need time..."
She would figure something out- they would figure something out. They had to.
It hadn't been that the werewolf thought that Tessa would decide it had all been a mistake, not really, but there had been that tiny slice of fear of rejection. Tobias felt his heart nearly exploding with happiness as she kissed him and reassured him that she didn't regret being with him.
Some of his happiness that Tessa wanted to marry him melted when she brought up her parents. There was definitely some barriers in the way to their happiness.
Tobias sighed and looked down at his beautiful mate thoughtfully. "I would give you all the time in the world, but it is so frustrating to not be able to be as close to you as I want when we're not alone in here. Have you ever considered just standing up to your parents and telling them the truth? I mean, they haven't forced you to marry anyone yet. Maybe they've been hoping you'd actually at least come to like one of these men they've been making you spend time with."
The werewolf paused to grimace. "Although I'm sure they didn't want that to be someone like me. I know that I don't have much to really offer, and I worry they'll think I just want to get something from you." He sighed - a poor man with a rich man's daughter, of course her parents would assume he was after money or status - those were things they would think important.
All he wanted from Tessa was her love, but he wasn't sure her parents would be able to understand that. Especially with how fast this had happened. They'd accuse him of seducing or corrupting their daughter.
Tessa sighed. "I know. I will talk to them, I will. I just... I have to figure out the right way to say it." She shook her head. "There has to be a way to make them understand. Once upon a time they fell in love, there has to be a way for us to show them that's what happened with us..."
She trailed off, thinking. "I'll have to think of something before the party," she decided distractedly. "Gods only know what Mother has planned-"
Her eyes went wide and she swore under her breath, sitting up. "The party!" she groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "We're late, I have to deliver Mother's response." She let out another heavy sigh and looked down at him apologetically. "I'm sorry. Do you think you can be ready to leave soon? Hopefully it won't take all that long..."
Tobias hated feeling helpless, but Tessa knew her parents far better than he did. The werewolf was worried about doing much of anything to help the situation for fear of making it even worse. He didn't want to harm his mate's relationship with her family. Although he supposed if nothing they said or did would convince the Varrys to allow them to be together they could fall back on what Tessa had offered - to go with him.
Thoughts of forming a 'back-up' plan had distracted him from Tessa for a moment, but he blinked when she sat up suddenly exclaiming about the party. Well, that was definitely a mood killer.
Sighing heavily, he sat up and immediately wrapped his arms around Tessa, drawing her into a hug as he placed a chaste kiss on her temple. "I can be ready in just a minute, all I have to do is pull my boots on and comb my fingers through my hair...maybe try to straighten the wrinkles out of your dress, darling."
He reluctantly let her go with one last kiss to her cheek and a chuckle so he could shove his feet in his boots.
"Mmm." Tessa leaned into the embrace, hating to break this moment. But the real world was waiting.
She got to her feet reluctantly and set about fixing her mussed skirts. "The Astors' estate is further in toward the center of the city. It's a bit of a walk but not far by carriage." She paused and simply looked at him for a moment, a small smile spreading across her face. Without really thinking, she reached out and ran her hand through his hair, as he seemed so fond of doing to her.
How could her parents turn away from something that made her so happy? She had to make them understand.
Needing to hear it said loud, she lowered her voice slightly and asked, "We'll figure all this out, won't we?"
Tobias had just fixed his boots on comfortably when he felt Tessa's hand in his hair, he tilted his head into the touch and closed his eyes, savoring the moment. There was too much time out there where everything had to stay secret for now, not nearly enough just peaceful and together. At least for him.
The werewolf opened his eyes slowly and looked up at his mate, knowing that her happiness wouldn't be complete until they had worked this all out. His happiness couldn't be complete until hers was. Tobias reached both hands up to gently engulf one of hers, holding it warmly and reassuringly while he still could.
"Of course we will. We'll do it together. When you go to talk to your parents, when you've figured out what to say, I'll be right there beside you, holding your hand. Everything is going to be fine." Standing, he brought her hand up gently so he could place a soft kiss on her fingertips before letting her go. "So are we walking or taking a carriage?"
Might as well get it over with. The longer they lingered, the later they'd be.
Just that touch was enough to make her heart skip a beat, her breath catching in her throat as she smiled at him gratefully. Gods, how could a person fall so hopelessly in love so quickly?
"The carriage would probably be easier," Tessa mused when he released her hand, moving toward the door. Opening it slightly, she made sure no one was in the hall to see her emerging from Tobias's room before slipping out. She swallowed a sigh as she did so.
Just a little longer. We won't have to hide it forever. "Well, we're already running late," she decided, setting off down the hall and glancing over her shoulder to make sure Tobias was with her. "I'll ask Jake to bring the carriage around. It'll get this over with faster."
Tobias nodded in agreement about the carriage. It would be faster and easier, but he almost liked the idea of a walk in some fresh air. Then again, an enclosed carriage did offer a small measure of privacy. Not nearly enough, but better than no privacy at all.
He followed Tessa into the hall, slightly said that she had to sneak out of his room, as if their love was shameful or criminal. The werewolf sighed softly and followed his mate down the hall, eyes roaming over her. Tobias liked the way she moved, to him Tessa had a natural grace about her that was alluring. He felt terribly clumsy and awkward next to her with his great size.
"What will we do after we're done?" Tobias had no idea what other plans there would be for the day. Hopefully nothing too stressful. The werewolf couldn't wait until it was time for everyone to settle down for the night. A short nap didn't make up for a night's lost sleep.
She glanced back over her shoulder at him, a playful smile tugging at the edge of her mouth. "Well, as far as I know Mother and Father will be in town until well after dinner. I suppose that gives us some time to ourselves..."
She flushed slightly at her own implication and turned back around. They had reached the bottom of the stairs now. To her surprise, Jacobi and Lionel were standing in the foyer, talking. The stable master looked up at them.
"Running a bit late, eh?" he said with an easy grin. "Don't worry, Miss. I've already brought the carriage 'round."
Tessa smiled and nodded at him gratefully. "Thank you, Jake." Truthfully though, she was a little disappointed; she hadn't realized she'd been hoping they may be able to snatch a few extra moments alone.
"Come on, then," the older man said jovially, tipping his hat to Lionel as he beckoned for them to follow him outside. Tessa nodded to the steward as well. She wondered what they'd been discussing.
But Lionel's face didn't tell her anything, he just held the door and waved them through with a smile.
"Now, I don't want you to think I'm prejudiced or nothing," Jacobi said abruptly, turning to Tobias. "But I gotta ask- how do horses react to you, usually? They got better sense than us two-leggers, and if they think you're a predator it may make my job a mite bit harder, to keep 'em calm, you see." He shrugged a little apologetically. "Not tryin' to offend you, I just need to know."
Tessa was playing with fire, and the smoldering look Tobias gave her at the very suggestion of an evening mostly to themselves should be indication enough of what the werewolf had in mind for later. Just thinking about having her all to himself for an extended period had his blood running hotter and quicker.
As soon as they stepped into the foyer Tobias forced himself to think about something else - just about anything else. Couldn't be looking at the little lady of the house like that while people were watching them.
Instead he focused on just looking tired. Not exactly a hard look to go for. Still, he couldn't completely get rid of evidence of his good mood.
Tobias kept out of the interaction, brief as it was, merely following Tessa in silence, though he nodded to Lionel as he passed out the door. Until Jacobi turned to him and asked how the horses would do with him. The werewolf sighed softly. It was to be expected, really.
"Some horses are more skittish than others, but they were okay when I rode beside you coming back from the slave market. I should probably spend a little time with your horses sometime so they get used to me, show them that I'm not gonna hurt them." Horses could learn to get along with dogs, he didn't see why they couldn't get used to a wolf.
Jacobi grinned at him. "Glad to hear it. I was actually gonna ask if you wouldn't mind coming out to the stables sometime, but I figured I should let you settle in a bit first," he said, swinging himself easily up into the driver's seat.
Tessa moved to the horses, Sugar and Pip again, patting their necks and murmuring soothing nonsense to them. "These two are the calmest old gents you'll ever meet," Jake said to Tobias.
Tessa chuckled as Pip nudged her shoulder, looking for treats, then moved around to the side of the carriage. Then she hesitated, looking at the werewolf. She'd assumed he'd ride with her, but- as he'd mentioned- he'd sat up with Jake before. Maybe he'd be more comfortable in the open air.
"Do you want to, ah-" She gestured between the carriage and the driver's seat questioningly.
"Tomorrow." Tobias promised Jacobi. Not only was it a good idea to get the horses used to him, but it would be a calming way to spend some time. He had always liked animals, but there hadn't been many horses in his village. Only a couple families had the money to afford them.
Forgetting the horses, the werewolf watched Tessa pet and speak to the animals, a tranquil smile coming across his face as he pictured her instead soothing a child. It was what had made him fall in love with her more than anything else, more than her beauty or grace. Tessa had such a kind, loving heart. She would make an excellent wife and mother.
It still overwhelmed Tobias to think that he could actually have the family he had always wanted. Everything would be worked out and settled, he just had to be patient a tiny bit longer. He'd waited eight years - he could wait a few more days.
"I'll ride with you, lass." He said softly, stepping over and opening the door for Tessa before offering his hand to help her up like a proper gentleman might.
Tessa took his hand with a smile. "Why thank you, kind sir," she said, gently teasing. She settled herself into the carriage seat, bracing herself for the slight lurch as they set off.
"You know, as much as I'd rather not be doing this, the Astors aren't all that bad," she told Tobias, hoping to put him a little more at ease. "They'll probably expect us to stay for tea, but it won't be like with the Endarsens. They're a bit, well..." She tried and failed to find a tactful way to put it and settled for, "Older. So they usual don't entertain guests very long."
Under any other circumstances, she might actually have enjoyed running this errand. She like the lord and his wife well enough, and it was an excuse to get out of the house. As it was, though, looking at Tobias all she could think about was how maddening it would be to have him so close and not be able to reach out and touch him.
Tobias couldn't help but grin at her teasing as he took the seat beside her. Maybe the errand wasn't as good as getting to simply cuddle in bed together - or make love again - but at least he got to be with her. They wouldn't be able to touch each other, true, but at least he could see her, hear her, know she was safe.
"I'm sure it'll be fine." He told her softly, hand finding hers and intertwining his fingers with hers. The werewolf wished they had more privacy, he'd have pulled Tessa into his lap, but as it was his thumb lightly stroked over the back of her hand as he held it, enjoying the small connection.
Keeping his voice very low so that Jacobi would not be able to hear him even if he was trying, Tobias posed a question that had been gnawing at him ever since they had made love that morning. "Tessa, tonight, after Mia's left you...would it be okay if I came to spend the night in your room? I know you mentioned time to ourselves after we're done with this, but..."
Stealing some time in the evening to be together was vastly different from spending the night sleeping next to her. In her room and in her bed. Tobias was looking at her shyly.
Tessa couldn't help blushing a little- silly as it was- but she nodded eagerly. "Of course you can," she answered just as quietly. "You never have to ask for that." She smiled at him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
It wasn't as much as she would have liked, but the carriage did afford some privacy. She shifted closer to him, letting her head rest on his shoulder. "Some day we'll have to go out walking in town," she murmured absently. "There are some places in the city that really are beautiful. I'd love to show you."
She hoped the implication was clear, that someday they'd be able to just walk through the city, without having to worry about people seeing them together and what it might imply.
Tobias felt his heart rate pick up, drumming lightly against his chest when he was given permission to slip into Tessa's room once she was left alone for the night. She would never have to be alone for long - soon not at all, he thought. It would be wonderful to be able to simply go to bed with his mate instead of having to sneak in after Mia left and before she returned.
They would only have to do this for a few days. Tessa had said they would have to figure something out before the party. The sooner the better to him.
"That sounds like a nice day." The werewolf told her softly as he turned his head to rest lightly against hers. He was quiet for a moment before smiling. "One day I will have to take you to see where I grew up. I'll show you all my old stomping grounds. We'll go swimming, fishing, catch fireflies, and spend the night camped out under the stars by the river."
She laughed quietly, picturing it. "I'd like that," she said, tilting her head to look at him. "I'd really like that."
She felt the carriage wheels rumbling across cobblestone slow as Jake took a turn. Reluctantly, she leaned away from Tobias to look out the window as they rattled up the long drive to the Astors' manor. "We're here," she sighed, looking at him apologetically. "We'll make this as fast as possible, promise."
The carriage slowed to a stop and she swung the door open, climbing down onto the well-groomed lawn. She glanced up at the manor, straightening her shoulders and stepping into her "little lady" persona. Her own home wasn't exactly small, but the Astor manor positively dwarfed it.
It might have made a funny picture, but Tobias suddenly had his heart set on it. The werewolf was sure that Tessa probably hadn't ever been properly camping in her life. If she'd ever been at all. They'd come from two very different worlds, and he wanted to share his with her. Knowing that she was willing to wander down to his level made him happy.
What didn't make him happy was pulling up the drive of this manor. Tobias sighed as he felt her hand slip from his, immediately feeling a slight emptiness fill him, then scolding himself for being foolish. He wasn't losing her, she was still right there, he just wasn't allowed to touch her.
So sucking it up, Tobias followed from the carriage, stepping into his role as a sort of silent sentinel even as she stepped into hers. Though it was slightly spoiled as he whistled lowly looking up at the manor. Rich people were obsessed with size, was the only thing he could really think. Who needed a house that big? He still couldn't believe how big Tessa's house was, this one was just grossly over sized.
She grimaced slightly. "I know, it's a lot. I used to actually be scared to come here as a child." Jacobi tipped his hat to her and clicked at the horses, bringing the carriage around the manor and leaving them to make their way to the door.
She scaled the stairs quickly, eager to be done with their errand, and knocked on the imposing ebony doors. After a moment or two, and older woman in a very straight-laced dress answered.
"Oh, Miss Varrys. Yes, Lord Astor and the Captain are waiting for you in the tea room, if you'll please follow me." She bustled away before Tessa could even get a greeting out and the young lady followed.
"By the way, Captain Astor can be a little...intense," she said quietly to Tobias. "She means well though. She's just a tough old bird."
The housekeeper led them to another set of slightly-less-imposing doors and opened them, curtsying and announcing, "Miss Celestia Varrys and-" she threw Tobias a look, then went with, "guest, here to see you, milord, Captain." She backed out of the room and waved Tessa and Tobias in.
"Ah, Celestia, pleasure as always." Lord Astor was not by any stretch a young man. He didn't even bother with the niceties of getting up to greet Tessa, which she was glad of; he might have broken a hip. He did smile at her kindly, gesturing to an open chair across from his wife, who simply nodded at her with a curt smile. Tessa bit back a groan at the sight of the small cakes and tea set laid out on the table. Seemed they would be expected to stay.
She curtsied and took the seat, handing her mother's calling card to Captain Astor. "Mother is quite looking forward to your party," she said with her most charming smile.
The old woman "Hmm"ed and nodded again, short, steel gray hair pulled severely back from her face. "Have a pastry, Celestia." It should have been an invitation but sounded more like a command. She took one quickly.
"And who is your gentleman friend?" Lord Astor asked jovially, nodding politely to Tobias.
"This is my bodyguard, Tobias," Tessa introduced him, glancing back at the werewolf to try to gauge his reaction to this place.
Tobias shrugged and followed her up the steps. This wasn't really his world. If he'd been raised in a house like that he'd probably have thought the little shack he'd grown up in impossibly small. It really wasn't his business how nobles and merchants spent their gold - no matter how frivolous or wasteful it seemed to someone like him who'd grown up with practically no money at all.
The werewolf chuckled when Tessa felt the need to warn him that the Captain could be a little intense. Didn't matter how tough of an old bird the woman was, he very much doubted it was going to be an issue.
Soon they swept into the 'tea room' and Tobias gave the woman a strange look as they we announced. It wasn't that he minded simply being labelled guest, after all she hadn't been given his name, but being announced at all was strange. Tessa being announced he understood, but who cared if he was there?
Putting it out of his mind, he simply followed his mate as she was greeted and offered a seat. Tobias took up a position standing to the left and slightly behind her chair.
At least he wasn't truly surprised when the older man asked who he was, though maybe he was a little surprised at how amicable the man sounded. Tobias knew he didn't exactly look like he fit into a place like this at all. His clothes weren't cleanly pressed or ornamental at all. Honestly the werewolf looked far more a woodsman than a bodyguard to a woman like Tessa Varrys.
Brown-gold eyes glanced to his mate as she introduced him and a small smile pulled at his lips before he dipped his head to Lord Astor graciously. He wished he didn't feel like a fish out of water.
"Well met, well met," Lord Astor said, oblivious to any tension his two guests might feel. "I say, it really has been quite a long time, Miss Varrys."
She nodded and smiled politely. "Almost two years I believe, my lord."
"Ah, yes. I remember that ball." He chuckled. "Quite the gangly thing, weren't you?"
"Rodrick," his wife admonished, glaring at him. Tessa simply chuckled softly. She couldn't deny what he'd said, she'd been an even worse dancer two year ago than she was now.
Backtracking quickly, Lord Astor said, "Yes, well. Quite a long time. And may I add you've grown into quite the young woman."
She accepted the praise graciously, nodding again. "You're too kind, my lord."
"I trust you will be attending with your parents?" Captain Astor cut in, clipped and business-like. Then she nodded to Tobias. "What with all the rumors going around about threats to your family, can I assume this young man will be joining you?"
"Yes," Tessa replied easily, taking a sip of tea. She felt bad that Tobias had to stand behind her like a statue, but it wasn't her house so she couldn't just offer him a seat. She did keep throwing him glances though, half the time unaware she was even doing it.
"Very good," Lord Astor exclaimed with a friendly grin. "I do believe everyone of importance will be in town for this event. Your family, Celestia, the Morrigans, General Serres, the Endarsens..." He trailed off. "I'm forgetting someone. Who-?"
"Henry Striker, love," his wife supplied for him.
Tessa choked on her tea.
Tobias didn't mind standing there, in fact, he kind of preferred it. If he sat he'd probably be further from Tessa and even if he wasn't, comfort wasn't something he suspected he'd find in this place. He felt too strange and out of place.
The conversation was focused on his mate and it made him curious what Tessa had looked like to be called 'gangly' by this old man. He couldn't imagine her as anything but stunningly beautiful.
Once talk turned away from Tessa and more towards the party the werewolf lost interest and let his mind wander to more pressing thoughts. How could he convince Erik and Nateri Varrys that he truly loved their daughter and his intentions towards her were nothing but honest and earnest? It would not be easy, to be sure, but they couldn't be so heartless as to be completely callous to their daughter's feelings.
The werewolf's attention snapped back to the present, golden eyes locking onto Captain Astor and a low growl rumbling from him at the mention of Henry Striker. The man would be at the party? That was unacceptable.
Tobias turned his eyes to looking intensely down at his mate. He didn't want Tessa anywhere near that man. His expression said it all.
You're not going.
"Goodness, are you alright, Celestia?" Captain Astor leaned forward slightly, frowning.
Tessa waved her away, setting her cup down and still coughing slightly. "Fine, I'm fine," she said hurriedly, meeting Tobias's eyes. She got his message loud and clear, but all she could do was look at him helplessly.
She didn't really have a say in the matter.
Not caring if she seemed rude, she stood quickly and bobbed into a curtsy. "It was lovely seeing you my lord, Captain, as always. But I'm afraid we have a few more errands to run before the day is out." The excuse was hasty, but it seemed to work. The Astors smiled- well, Lord Astor did- and called for their housekeeper to show them out.
Tessa was practically dancing with impatience when the woman finally arrived, leading them back to the front steps. "You driver is just bringing the carriage around," she said, "I will wait with you here-"
"That won't be necessary," Tessa cut her off sharply, then winced. More politely, she smiled and added, "Thank you, truly, but we'll manage."
Still looking a little miffed, the housekeeper nodded and disappeared back into the manor.
Finally, finally, she turned to Tobias, eyes wide. They had about a minute and a half before Jake arrived and she all but threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him and turning her face into his chest. "You can't go," she muttered. "Not if that horrid man is there."
Tobias wasn't moved by the helpless look his mate gave him, his expression remained unchanged. Thankfully the Astors seemed not to notice his eyes suddenly being a molten gold or his growling, that or they were just polite enough not to bring it up. His body was still vibrating with a nearly inaudible growl when Tessa jumped up to excuse them hastily.
Probably a good idea considering how volatile the werewolf's mood had turned. It was an effort for him not to look as if he was ready to tear something apart. Henry Striker had insulted him, his mate, and was a threat to them both.
They couldn't get out soon enough. As soon as the housekeeper vanished he let out a rather explosive growl that only lessened slightly as his mate's arms went around him. Tobias pulled her flush against him in a protective, possessive hug. His entire body was trembling slightly from just how upset he was.
"You're not going. I don't want you anywhere near that man. He's dangerous." His voice was almost a growl.
Tessa tightened her arms around him, feeling the slight shudders that ran through his body. "I don't know if I have a choice," she said miserably. "I-"
The rattle of wheels over cobblestone interrupted her and she stepped away from him reluctantly. She knew this conversation was far from being over, but what else could she do with Jacobi waving and giving her that eye-crinkling smile?
She let out a shaky breath and said quietly, "Let's just...let's talk once we're home?" Forcing a smile for their driver, she climbed into the carriage.
Tobias couldn't get rid of the tension that had seized him, but he forced the growling to stop, even if he couldn't get the gold to leave his eyes. Whatever he had to say about her and her supposed lack of choices was bitten off and swallowed with a displeased grunt as she pulled away so that Jacobi would not see them embracing as the carriage neared.
It was not the place to have this discussion, but the werewolf intended to continue this when they had more privacy to talk.
"At home." He agreed through gritted teeth as he followed her into the carriage. Tobias didn't like just how angry the mere mention of the man's name could make him. Knowing that Tessa, his mate, was supposed to attend a party where she would be forced to interact with him - where she would be expected to be polite to him - was a whole new level of outrage.
The werewolf could hardly wait for them to have the thin veil of privacy inside the carriage before he had his arm around Tessa again, pulling her close to his side and practically burying his face against her neck. Breathing deeply of her scent calmed him slightly. "I'm sorry."
Though a little surprised by the sudden embrace, Tessa leaned into him, reaching up to return the hug. "For what?" she said quietly, letting her hand lightly stroke the back of his neck. "You have nothing to apologize for, Toby. I know how hard this must be for you..."
She let out a heavy breath, feeling some of the tension in her shoulders relax. Just being near him helped put her at ease. "I'm sorry," she muttered after a moment. "If I wasn't... If things were different, you wouldn't even have to be worrying about this."
"For my temper." Tobias immediately huffed, snuggling himself even more into the comfort of his mate's arms. Nothing else calmed him like she could. Just a touch, a whispered word, her scent...it made him feel better. Having her loving and understanding support did wonders for him after so long alone.
"Things are different." The werewolf muttered unhappily. "You are not a child, Tessa. You have no idea how furious it makes me when you are treated like one." It bothered him that she acted like one. Tessa was his mate - he knew she was stronger than the meek girl she showed to everyone. Why her parents could apparently dictate their adult daughter's life boggled him. As far as the wolf was concerned her parents no longer should have a say in any of Tessa's decisions and choices - he should. His mate should be making decisions with him.
She flushed, feeling guilty. He was right. She knew he was right- it shouldn't be so difficult for her to stand up to her parents, to tell them how she felt. She wasn't a child.
But it was hard to break out of habits she'd been living for most of her life. "I know," she said softly. "I know, and I'm sorry. Truly." She took a breath and said decisively, "I'll talk to them tomorrow. I promise." She twisted slightly so she could brush a feather-light kiss to his cheek.
Perhaps she was procrastinating a little, but... "I just want one more day before they know," she murmured, pressing as close to him as she could. Before the shouting and the judgement she was sure would come. Just one more day.
Tobias knew none of this was easy for Tessa either. She had been raised to be obedient and submissive to her parents - hell even to her servants so long as they were acting under her parent's authority. Just shaking off a lifetime of conditioning to obey without question wasn't something you could just do. That didn't make it less frustrating for him, but he would be with her to help her through it.
"Alright, that will give us one night of peace before the war." The werewolf joked slightly, a hand stroking down her side as his lips found her shoulder and began placing soft kisses up her neck all thee way to her ear. All that frustration was suddenly pointed in a new direction.
"You did say we would have some time to ourselves when we got home, right?" Tobias asked in a husky whisper. Maybe it was wrong or selfish for him to ask for it, but the werewolf was wound tight from the news of Striker and an outlet for that tension was needed. Normally he would give himself over to the wolf completely and go hunting when he needed to let off steam, but that was before he had a mate. Making love to Tessa would be far more satisfying than killing something.
Tessa shivered delightedly, and a small sound that was something between a gasp and a moan slipped past her lips. She blushed heavily and pressed a hand over her mouth, glancing at the front of the carriage.
She knew Jake couldn't hear her- probably- but the reflex was there.
"If you keep doing things like that we're not going to have any peace," she muttered, glancing up at him under her lashes. Her skin felt like his lips were branding her.
Fortunately- or unfortunately, she couldn't really decide- that was about when Jake slowed the horses to a walk, then a halt, calling back, "Home again, Miss Tessa."
Making use of their last moments of privacy, she twisted and caught his mouth in a searing kiss that didn't last nearly as long as she would have liked. Then she broke away and jumped easily out of the carriage, resisting the urge to run to her room.
A thrill of pleasure when through the werewolf at the sound Tessa made. Tobias lifted his head, golden eyes scorching into her as she blushed and covered her mouth - Gods but she looked positively irresistible as she looked up at him through lowered lashes.
The wolf didn't like his mate acting meekly towards other people, but little gestures of submissiveness towards him absolutely set his blood on fire. Tobias had no idea that was part of his alpha nature basking in his mate's seeming acknowledgement of his dominance, power, and strength. That it was all unconscious for both of them didn't change how much it affected him.
"Just wait until we're alone and see the things I do to you, mate." The werewolf promised with a low husky growl as the carriage came to a stop.
A frustrated groan escaped him at the short, searing kiss. Golden eyes were full of desire as he watched Tessa hop down from their little private box. The werewolf took a few steeling breaths to calm himself before following her. He could not wait until he had her alone.
Tessa forced herself to make short, polite chitchat with Jacobi until he clicked to the horses to bring them around to the stables. Then she forced herself not to run up the steps into the manor, hyper aware of Tobias's nearness.
To her immense relief they managed to slip inside without drawing Lionel's attention. Alone in the foyer, she whirled and grabbed the werewolf's hand, tugging him after her up the stairs to her room.
Those golden eyes made her breath catch in her throat. "I love you," she told him quietly as she finally shut the door behind them, rising up onto her toes to kiss him.
It took forever. Tobias was burning with impatience as Tessa spoke to Jacobi until the man finally pulled the carriage away. Fortune truly was with them as they entered the manor, because the way that the werewolf was looking at Tessa was not at all what would be considered appropriate, and the way he'd been following her had a certain stalking grace to it.
Tessa was his prey at that moment, although food was the farthest thing from the wolf's mind.
He didn't care whose room his mate had led them to - his or hers didn't matter. The door was shut, Tessa was kissing him and immediately his hands were everywhere. His mate would never be able to comprehend just how much of a struggle it was for him not to simply tear the dress off of her as he kissed her fiercely.
Earlier Tobias had been gentle, tender, slow - constrained. Not now, the wolf in him was riled. Once he'd managed to fumble Tessa out of her clothing she would find herself on the bed, practically being devoured by her mate.
Despite his sudden ferocity, not a single one of his actions was truly aggressive and certainly not meant to harm her in the slightest. He was still making love to her, but this time it was a burning, primal inferno full of passion and need. The intensity of the wolf could be staggering and overwhelming to him, but he was certain that Tessa could handle it - she had to be able to, and she had to know that intensity and embrace it if she was to be his mate.
Maybe he was trying to reassure himself of that by showing her the other extreme of his love for her - something so different from earlier. Would she love and enjoy him both ways?
Tessa was on fire. Every kiss, every touch and it burned hotter, until all she could do was cling to her lover and tremble in his hold. This was nothing like the gentle touches that morning, but after an initial moment or two of surprise at Tobias's intensity she found she could fall into it easily.
Something in her sparked to life, a ferocity she didn't know she had that yearned to respond to the wolf. She didn't just accept this new side to him, she reveled in it.
After, she found herself collapsed beside him, unable to do much more than remember how to breathe properly. Snuggling closer, she trailed kisses across his chest to his neck, humming contentedly against his skin.
"Well," she murmured eventually, still slightly breathless. Her eyes glinted and her lips curved into a smile. "That was fun."
Every ounce of passion the werewolf had was poured into making love to her, so at the end they both collapsed, not just Tessa. Tobias found himself panting and dazed as he could do and say nothing for a long time. What was there to even say? His mate has responded to him beautifully and he was wildly satisfied - both sides of him.
A soft growling rumbled in his chest as her lips trailed kisses across his hot and flushed skin. The sound was almost a purr instead of a growl, but no self-respecting wolf would have admitted to purring like a cat.
"That was amazing." Tobias agreed, a content smile on his face. "Earlier was amazing, too. Anything with you is amazing. I just hope nobody heard us."
It certainly had been much more vigorous than the earlier calm passion.
Tessa flushed. She hadn't even thought of that. "Oh gods." She covered her face with her hands. Well, there really wasn't much to be done about it now.
She swallowed a slightly terrified giggle. "That would certainly be one way for people to find out," she muttered, still blushing. The soft rumbling in his chest was oddly soothing, and she found she couldn't really work up the motivation to be worried.
"You're amazing," she told him softly instead, stretching up to kiss his lips, her hand resting lightly on his chest. Sighing happily, she nudged her head up under his chin, sort of sprawled carelessly across him.
Tobias chuckled at his mate's reaction, but he really did hope that no one had heard them. Just thinking about it made his face flush slightly. Not wanting to hide his relationship with Tessa didn't mean he wanted anyone hearing them in the act!
Surely they hadn't made that much noise.
A soft thrum went through his heart when his mate called him amazing. Tessa's praise meant so much to him. The werewolf blushed a little more as he wrapped his arms around her and let his chin rest against the top of her head comfortably, enjoying having her sprawled out on top of him. "Not as amazing as you."
She chuckled softly, tilting her head to kiss his collar. Shifting to put her hands on either side of his head, she pushed herself up so she was arched over him.
"When we visit where you grew up," she started matter-of-factly, "and we do all the things you said...why do we catch fireflies? What do you do with them?"
She tilted her head, genuinely curious. She'd never heard of that particular practice before, perhaps because fireflies weren't exactly common when one grew up in the city.
Tobias gave an appreciative hum at the view he received as Tessa held herself over him, his eyes roving over her admiringly before he chuckled softly at her questions. He'd figured that his mate didn't participate in all of the same kinds of activities as he had as a child, but it did surprise him that she didn't know about catching fireflies. Maybe it shouldn't.
"You don't really do anything with them. You catch them in a glass jar with little holes in the lid for them to breathe and they light up the jar like a little lantern. We always let them go after a couple hours. It was fun - at least when I was a kid." He wanted to take their children to do those things.
"Hmm..." Tessa smiled slightly. That did sound fun, if a little strange. Or perhaps it was simply the way his voice sounded when he spoke about it that made it seem so appealing. "Well, as long as we let them go," she said softly, dipping to kiss him.
She hadn't missed the way he looked at her, and though it still made her flush slightly, she found that- well, she liked it. She wanted him to look at her. It seemed she was a bit possessive; funny, she'd never realized that about herself.
Pulling back a bit, she met his eyes. It was starting to dawn on her how watching her with Jarrett must have felt for him. And how he may feel if he was forced to attend a party with not only the hovering threat of Lord Striker but half a dozen other young men who before she had viewed only as an annoyance.
She couldn't make him do that. "About the party..." she started slowly. "I'll talk to my parents. I'll just tell them I don't feel comfortable going, they have to understand that."
Of course, if everything went as planned she'd be telling them about her relationship with the werewolf the next day, and they may not be entirely receptive to anything else. Oh well, she'd cross that bridge when she came to it.
"Of course." Tobias said with a slow smile when Tessa leaned down to kiss him after affirming that the fireflies would be let go after they were done catching them. His sweet lady's kindness extended to even the little bugs. Gods, but she was so adorable - and gorgeous. How had he fallen for her so quickly? How had he ever been happy before meeting her?
He didn't know. Now that the werewolf had her, he couldn't imagine what it would be like without her. It almost felt like before that morning Tobias hadn't known what it truly meant to feel alive.
"Even if they don't understand you don't have to go, you know. You don't have to do everything they say." His hands stroked up over her hips and sides as he looked up at her with a frown. "This isn't going to be easy, but I'll be with you - no matter what. We might have to leave if your parents refuse to listen, but at least we won't just vanish without a word."
They wouldn't be able to say he kidnapped her. Well, they still could probably, but they would know it was a lie.
Leave.
The thought made her heart ache a little, but she pushed the feeling away. If that was what it took, then fine. She wouldn't give it a second thought. She'd given her whole life to the Varrys household, every piece of herself- now she just wanted to be happy.
If that meant they had to leave, then that's what they would do. She nodded determinedly. "I know you will," she said softly, curling against him. A teasing smile tugged at her lips and she added, "You couldn't get away from me now if you tried."
He was right, this wouldn't be easy. But knowing he'd be standing next to her made her feel suddenly more confident, bolder. They would be able to do this, somehow.
Tobias moved his arms around Tessa's waist, not really able to get enough of just touching her. Just holding her close, feeling her pressed against him, made him feel amazing. It was this warm, content thrumming in his chest that just engulfed him. "Wouldn't have it any other way, darling. Nothing is going to keep us apart now. You're mine, and I'm yours."
The werewolf grew quiet again as he wondered where they would go if it did come to that. Leaving was really a last resort in his mind. Family was important and he didn't want to take Tessa away from hers unless he absolutely had no other choice.
If they did have to go, he would have to come up with a plan quickly. The wolf wouldn't stand for being unable to provide for his mate and keep her as comfortable as possible. Tobias had never had a lot of money, but he was pretty handy. There was bound to be work for someone like him out in a quite town or settlement. Hunting and fishing could keep them with good food, and he could trade some of that for other things...
Yes, it could work if it had to.
"I love you, Tessa." He sighed and looked suddenly unhappy. "How much longer until dinner? The longer we lay here together the more chance we get caught before we're ready to tell anyone."
She smiled, heart skipping in the happy way it did every time he said that. She couldn't foresee herself ever getting tired of hearing it. "I love you too," she replied quietly.
Then she sighed, knowing he was right but not entirely wanting to admit it. "We probably should get dressed, at least. Della will probably send someone up to fetch us if we don't head down soon." She sat up, finger combing her hair over one shoulder and braiding it loosely.
Tessa stood to collect her clothes- how had her dress managed to get all the way over there, exactly? It was sort of a blur- and her eyes caught on the book that must have been knocked to the floor at some point.
She frowned at it, picking it up and turning it over in her hands. Why would Striker send her something like this? Just to prove he could? With a small noise of frustration, she pushed the thoughts away, tossing the book onto the window seat.
"Can you lace me up?" she asked, twisting to look at Tobias over her shoulder. She'd managed to get herself mostly dressed but the ties at the back of her corset eluded her.
He couldn't have stopped the goofy, happy grin off his face if he'd wanted to. Hearing Tessa say she loved him was like music to his ears and she could say it a million times and the werewolf would never tire of hearing it. If only he could love her openly things would be perfect. Having to hide his affections and keep his hands from wandering to lightly touch her at random times was going to be extremely challenging.
"Bless Della, but I could wish she'd forget about us for supper." For a moment Tobias simply watched his mate as she combed and braided her hair, but when she rose to gather her clothes he sighed and did the same.
Dressing was simple and took only a minute. Then the werewolf tried to tame his disheveled hair. Not an easy feat, but he forgot about his hair and moved over to stand behind Tessa when she requested help lacing her corset. Instead of immediately doing that, though, his arms encircled her, pulling her back against him as he lower his head to kiss her cheek lovingly.
"I wish I would get to take this dress off you again later." Tobias murmured softly against her ear before sighing and stepping back so his fingers could clumsily attempt to lace her up properly. Mia would have undoubtedly done it better, but it would be good enough. He was a bit jealous that the maid would be the one helping his mate undress and prepare for bed, but there wasn't anything to be done about that for now.
Tessa shivered, leaning into him with a soft, contented hum. The fire that had settled into a steady glow in her chest suddenly flared to life again, lighting her up from the inside. Gods, how could he make her come undone so easily?
She turned to wrap her arms around his neck, stretching up on her toes to kiss him. She let her fingers comb through his hair and sighed against his mouth before pulling away reluctantly. "If it were up to me you'd be taking this dress off again now," she told him, cheeks warming slightly.
But they really did need to put an appearance in for dinner. She forced herself to step back and move toward the door, hoping by the time she was around other people she wouldn't look as disheveled and desperate as she felt.
Tobias found himself groaning into the kiss and more than reluctant to let Tessa move out of his arms, her comment didn't help either. His eyes were molten gold as he raked his eyes over her now clothed form. She was beautiful anytime, but he thought he preferred her looking disheveled and recently ravished. Too bad she'd had to fix her hair and put clothes back on.
The werewolf grabbed her before she reached the door, pressing her against the wooden surface and kissing her long and fierce. Gods but she was irresistible.
Forcing himself to calm and cool, Tobias pulled away from her, expression still one of lust, but he did let her go and stepped back. "Later." He growled out a promise, before turning and heading towards his room - just in case. They didn't need anyone accidentally see him coming out of her room. "Go first. I'll meet you downstairs in a couple minutes."
Still reeling slightly from the dizzying fierceness of that kiss, Tessa nodded. "Right. Okay."
Wonderful. Now she was inarticulate as well as blushing. Forcing her breathing to even out, she pushed the door open and slipped out into the hall. She made her rather meandering way toward the kitchen, not realizing she was smiling to herself until Della asked, "I know it's not a visit to the Astors' that's got you so cheerful. What's up, Miss?"
"Hm?" She looked up at the cook as she took a seat at the table. "Oh, nothing really." She ducked her head to hide her soft blush and took the bowl of stew that Della handed her gratefully.
The cook sniffed disbelievingly, but before she could grill her mistress for answers Isaac breezed in, taking the seat opposite Tessa and throwing her a smile. "Evening, Miss. Haven't seen much of you today."
Tessa smiled and let him draw her into an innocuous enough conversation, pausing every so often as someone else came in to grab food. Since her parents wouldn't be home for dinner, the servants were just bustling in and out, sitting to eat and chat for a moment before moving on with their tasks and then returning. Honestly, she preferred days like this. They felt homier than the drawn out dinners where it was just her and her parents at one big table and everyone else across the room.
Still, she realized she was fidgeting in her seat, and she kept glancing toward the door. She almost laughed at herself. Gods, she really was hopeless.
As soon as Tobias was in his room he began pacing restlessly. He hated that he couldn't simply walk down to supper with his mate. Well, he probably could have, but if he was beside her he'd have been wanting to reach out and touch her. It was frustrating to not be able to just because other people wouldn't like it. Who cared what other people liked?
Sighing he at least managed to calm down a little, though the werewolf kept that promise he'd made to Tessa in the back of his mind. Yes, tonight when there would be no more interference, after Mia had left and everyone was in bed they would have all night together - provided they didn't draw attention to themselves by making too much noise. His face flushed thinking about someone catching them because they had been too loud.
Tobias made his way down to the kitchen, eyes immediately drawn to his mate and a smile tugging at his lips before he forced himself to look away. Brown-gold eyes gleamed as he grinned at Della instead. "I'm starving and dinner smells delicious."
Tessa felt an answering smile pull at her lips and she dropped her gaze to her food. Della chuckled and waved Tobias toward the small table, sliding a bowl of gently steaming stew in front of the place next to Tessa.
She tensed slightly, aware of how torturous it was going to be to have him right beside her and not be able to touch him, then forced herself to relax. Well, she could think of worse torture.
"Hey there, wolfboy," Isaac greeted him cheerfully. "Haven't seen you around much today either. Though I s'pose that's cause you have to stick close to Miss Tessa and all," he chuckled, slurping a spoonful of stew. "You two should be careful, people will start to talk." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Tessa exerted a great amount of self control not to react to his teasing. He was just playing, he couldn't know...
Della cuffed him on the back of the head, saying sternly, "Be nice. Haven't you made the poor man uncomfortable enough? You'll have him running for the hills if you keep this nonsense up." Isaac protested- loudly- but he was smiling in that shameless way of his.
Well, it wasn't as if right beside Tessa wasn't where Tobias wanted to be. The werewolf's smile tightened just a fraction as he settled into the seat. At least the stew really did smell fantastic and he was definitely hungry. He just had to focus on that and not on how much he wanted to touch the woman beside him.
What he wouldn't give to be able to hold her hand, or let their arms touch as they rested side by side on the table. Some small contact. Any small contact.
Beneath the table he let his leg brush against hers, giving himself that tiny connection to his mate while remaining discreet. Tobias had only brought the first spoonful to his lips when Isaac had to start speaking. And teasing. He nearly choked on his food for a moment before glaring balefully at the gardener. Though he gave Della a grateful smile for her swift defense of him - Gods knew his face was hot and red now.
"People will always talk, whether they know anything or not. If they don't have anything to talk about they just make things up. You should know better, though." He grumped softly before trying again to tuck into his meal.
Isaac just laughed again, raising his hands in defeat. "Alright, alright. Gods, everyone's so uptight today." He stood and moved his now empty bowl to the counter, giving Della a quick kiss on the cheek and saying something quietly that made her laugh and slap at him lightly.
Tessa smiled, shifting slightly to bring herself just a little closer to Tobias, trying to be as subtle about the movement as she could. "Delicious, Dell, as always," she said when the cook settled across the table from her with her own bowl of stew.
The older woman shrugged. "Could use a bit more basil, but it'll do." Tessa rolled her eyes, chuckling, and Della smiled at her. "Oh! You know, I almost forgot, Madam ordered some of this, I snuck a few pieces for you." She bustled to a cabinet and returned with a small, wrapped square that she handed to the young woman.
Tessa took it and opened it curiously. Then she beamed, eyes going wide. "Essyrni chocolate," she exclaimed, breaking off a small piece of the treat. "Gods, I haven't had this in years. Thanks, Della!" She placed the candy on her tongue and closed her eyes, sighing in delight as it melted in her mouth.
Della chuckled and set about eating her stew. Breaking off another piece of the dessert, Tessa held it out to Tobias. "Here, try this. I don't know what it is, but Essyrnis know what they're doing with chocolate."
Tobias blushed and tried to sink down a little further in his chair, staring quite intently at the bowl of stew in front of him. Maybe he shouldn't have gotten so defensive. Being defensive was a little suspicious, wasn't it? Gods, but he couldn't wait until tomorrow when Tessa came clean with her parents and they wouldn't have to hide things anymore. It hadn't even been a full day and already keeping this secret was putting a strain on his nerves.
Sensing the subtle shift his mate made to be closer to him helped slightly. Being near her helped make everything more bearable. If only he could reach out and squeeze her hand things would be perfect.
The werewolf tried to let himself focus on eating his supper, only partially paying attention to Della and Tessa, although it was next to impossible to drag his mind away from the beautiful woman beside him. He watched curiously as the chocolate was unwrapped, trying to sniff subtly. It smelled interesting - Tobias had never seen, smelled, or tasted chocolate before.
It was just too expensive for people like him.
A smile tugged at his lips as he watched Tessa eat it though, the obvious pleasure she took in the treat made him happy. Anything that made his mate smile like that was a good thing to him. He looked at the small piece that his mistress offered him before looking back up at her with a rueful smile.
"I've never had chocolate, lass, and it is too expensive for me. You said you hadn't had it in years, so you enjoy your treat. Besides, I hear chocolate is bad for dogs." Tobias winked at her playfully.
Tessa wrinkled her nose at him, chuckling. "I wouldn't have thought something like that would stop you," she said dryly. "But if you're sure..." She wrapped the last piece up and carefully tucked it into a fold of her skirt. It would be a nice treat later. She briefly wondered if chocolate really would be bad for him. She hadn't even really considered that.
Shrugging the thought away, she let her hand brush his leg under the table, craving any sort of contact.
Della was looking at them over her bowl. "It's getting late, Miss," she commented casually. A little too casually. Tessa gave her a questioning look, but all she said was, "Mia will be looking for you soon enough."
She gave a dramatic groan, dropping her head onto the table. "I don't know if I have it in me to fight her tonight," she sighed theatrically. In reality, she was sort of looking forward to their nightly ritual. The sooner she could get it over with, the sooner she and Tobias had their last few hours of peace together.
"You might be surprised the things that can stop me." Tobias chuckled with a shake of his head. For instance - she had stopped him. A wisp of a woman with the most beautiful eyes had stopped a werewolf in his tracks that had been determined to leave so shortly before. He still wasn't sure he could believe everything that had happened, Tobias had been sure that he would never have love again with the thing that he'd become.
Tessa made him feel even a beast like him deserved it.
"So don't fight her, lass." He chuckled, warm brown eyes watching her dramatics with amusement and admiration. "The sooner you let her get it over with the sooner you can go to bed and put today behind you."
Of course that wasn't at all what either of them was really worried about. Today had been rough, for him in particular given his sleepless night, but all Tobias could really think about was the time when Mia would leave Tessa for the night and he could slip into her room. How wonderful it would feel to sleep next to her, to have his arms wrapped around her all night - Gods he would never want the morning to come.
She gave him a small smile, eyes glinting. "Good point." Standing, Tessa gave him and Della a nod. "Thanks for dinner, Dell." She tried not to let her eyes linger on the werewolf but had a feeling she wasn't very successful.
She turned to leave the kitchen and almost ran into Mia. "Alright, Miss, I'm gonna give you a two minute head start-"
Tessa laughed, taking her arm. "No need. C'mon, I'm tired, let's just get this over with."
Both Mia and her mother blinked, evidently startled by her lack of protest. "Oh, um. Okay," the maid stammered. Tessa laughed again and whirled out of the kitchen, casting one last look over her shoulder at Tobias. Mia followed on her heels, looking slightly confused.
Della watched her go, one eyebrow creeping toward her hairline. "What has gotten into that girl?" she muttered.
Tobias knew he wasn't successful at keeping his eyes from lingering on her. Gold flared to life in those deep brown irises as he watched her every movement as Tessa nearly ran into Mia before both girls disappeared out the door. Sure, he could try to brush off his intense observation as being a bodyguard, but the werewolf's gaze wasn't protective so much as predatory.
He shook his head and looked down sheepishly at his empty bowl when Della spoke. Tobias had to bite his tongue to keep from saying anything. The werewolf knew exactly what had gotten into her. He had. Literally and figuratively. There was no way he could confess such a thing to the motherly cook.
"Can't say." Which was true, Tobias couldn't tell her. Not yet. Tessa would settle everything tomorrow, and he'd be right beside her.
It was too much to sit there now, so he stood quickly from his chair. "Sorry to eat and run, Ma'am, but I didn't sleep a wink last night and now I think I'd just like to go to bed since the lass will be all taken care of for the night. No more need for me."
Tobias fled from the kitchen. He didn't even wait for Della to say anything. It didn't take long for him rush up the stairs and hide himself in his room, ear pressed against the door separating his room from Tessa's own. Of course it would take some time before Mia was done and his mate was alone, but he didn't want to miss a moment with his mate and was tensely waiting for the sounds of the maid leaving that would signal his time.
Tessa was fidgety, shifting from foot to foot as Mia helped her undress and dashing to the bath once it was drawn. She didn't wait for her maid to begin scrubbing, trying to get the whole process over with as quickly as possible.
"Oh, no. Not tonight," she said with a smile, waving Mia away when the girl reached for a vial of scented oil.
Her friend gave her an odd look- she'd never actually protested that particular part of their little ritual- but she replaced the small bottle with a shrug. "Whatever you say, Miss."
Bath done, Tessa practically danced back into her room, humming softly, absently, under her breath and not noticing that she was dripping on the floor.
Mia laughed, shaking her head as she set about preparing a nightgown. "Gods above, Miss Tessa, what's got you in such a good mood all of the sudden?"
"Hm? Oh." She blushed a bit and cleared her throat, looking away. "Nothing really. I'm just...happy." She shrugged, smiling.
Helping her change, Mia gave her a small smile in return. "Well, it's good to see. I don't think I've seen you this carefree since we were girls." Tessa nodded in agreement; she was probably right. She did her best not to chase the girl out of the room, but she certainly urged her to get to her own room to sleep rather vehemently.
Finally alone, she let out a quiet sigh, pulling her hair- left abnormally loose, because she'd remembered what Tobias said about liking it down- over her shoulder. She took an almost hesitant step toward the werewolf's door, suddenly nervous. "Tobias?"
Despite his sensitive hearing Tobias couldn't hear everything that was going on, and it wasn't as if he was really trying to eavesdrop on them, but what he could hear was Tessa bidding Mia a good night and trying to hurry her out of the room.
A rush of excitement hit him as the sound of the door closing behind Mia reached his ears. It was difficult to resist the urge to rush immediately into Tessa's room. Instead he waited impatiently as the sound of Mia's feet disappearing down the hall faintly reached him. The last thing he wanted was for someone to hear him going into the lady's room because he got too eager.
When her voice reached him through the door, calling his name, Tobias couldn't possibly resist opening the door and peeking his head in, looking around quickly before moving in and closing the door behind him quietly.
"Are you sure you're okay letting me stay in here tonight?" His voice was quiet as he looked at her longingly. She was breathtakingly gorgeous, and he took a moment to inhale deeply, groaning softly as her scent assaulted him. Tessa smelled fresh and clean, with none of those annoying oils to dilute or contaminate her pure, delicious fragrance.
Tessa felt her heart skip into double time just at the sight of him, a smile spreading unconsciously across her face. She tilted her head at him, eyes glinting. "What sort of question is that?" she said teasingly, stepping toward him.
Holding out a hand, she shrugged one sleeve of her nightgown off her shoulder, blushing but determined. The glint in her eyes changed to a steady burn. "Get over here, mate," she murmured.
Tobias felt his heart seizing in his chest slightly, eyes dilating lightly at her response. Maybe it seemed a silly question, but the hesitation had been there. He was still having difficulty believing this was all truly happening. Such a beautiful woman welcoming him so readily into her arms and bed seemed fairly like some dream to him.
Of course the uncertainty couldn't last once she was holding out a hand for him and ordering him to come to her. The word mate sent a shiver through him, loving the sound of it falling from her lush lips.
He didn't waste another moment as he stepped up to her, one hand moved to her waist, pulling her body against his while the other cupped the back of her neck and pulled Tessa into a hungry kiss. All he'd wanted was to be able to lay beside the woman that had stolen his heart and hold her through the night as they slept. She inspired other ideas than mere sleep.
Tobias had made love to her twice already today and still he didn't think he could get enough of her. He wasn't sure he could ever get enough of her.
Her breath hitched and she leaned up into the kiss, curling her fingers in the front of his shirt to pull him against her. She could feel the heat of his touch through the thin material of her nightgown and shivered in some mix of anticipation and delight.
Breaking away for a breath, she trailed light kisses down his neck to his shoulder, still having to rock onto her toes in order to reach. "Should we..." She nodded toward the bed, cheeks flushing. "I mean- do you want to-?"
Embarrassed, she ducked her head against his chest. Her sensible side snapped that she really shouldn't be so nervous- it wasn't like she didn't know what to expect at this point, or at least she thought. Still, the little lady her parents had raised couldn't seem to quite wrap her head around what was happening, that this was something she was allowed to want.
And oh gods did she want it. Standing in his arms, pressed against the solid safety of him, it was just about all she could think of, making her blush even hotter.
Tobias couldn't breathe except to expel a groan as her lips burned their way down his neck, causing his desire to flame all the hotter. Both hands were suddenly on her shoulders, pushing the filmy fabric of her nightgown down to expose more of her flushed skin.
"I will always want you." The werewolf growled out softly as he lowered his head to kiss and nip lightly at Tessa's throat, hands lifting her up enough to carry her to the bed where he gently pushed her down. Tobias pulled his shirt off before crawling over her, mouth hotly claiming her lips again as his hands worked at pulling the flimsy fabric of her nightgown away.
Tessa gasped softly at the sensation of teeth on her skin and let her head fall back to give him better access to her neck, rolling her shoulders to help her nightgown slip further down her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck when he lifted her up and took her to the bed, releasing him long enough so he could rid himself of his shirt and return to her.
She moaned into the kiss, a sound that made her blush just knowing she had the ability to produce it. Wriggling under his touch, she helped him pull the nightgown off and kicked it away, not caring where it fell. She arched up against him, breath hitching at the feel of skin against skin, and ran her hands up his chest to his shoulders and then down over his back, trying to touch every inch of him she could reach.
Her hands came to a stop at the hem of his pants and she gave him a questioning look, tugging at the material almost shyly as she leaned up to place a rather chaste kiss on his cheek.
The feel of her hands roaming over him had Tobias groaning and panting as his blood boiled and his skin burned everywhere Tessa touched. His lips moved over her shoulder and chest, eyes burning gold as he peeked up at her as she tugged on his pants and kissed his cheek.
The werewolf gave a wicked grin and a growl as he moved to help her slide the offending garment off his hips. It turned him on so much anytime his shy, innocent mate let her lust for him show. He loved being able to excite such desire in her. The leather pants were kicked off and discarded as carelessly as her nightgown had been.
Raising himself up so that he was towering over her on his knees, Tobias looked down at her, fully exposed and simply drinking in the sight of her naked body. He grabbed one of her hands and gently brought it up until her fingers were wrapped around the length of him, at least as much as they could.
"Can you feel how much I want you? No woman has ever made me want her like you do." His voice was husky and deep.
She actually stopped breathing for a moment, just staring up at him with wide eyes and flushed skin. Her blush deepened when he guided her hand to him, but she certainly had no interest in pulling away.
Her eyes flared when he spoke, silver matching gold. "Good," she whispered, voice dropping lower without her consent. She pushed herself up a bit, using her other hand to grasp his hip and leaning forward to press a trail of kisses from his chest to his stomach, then dipping lower.
She hesitated a moment, looking up at him through her lashes and flushing darkly. Then she drew in a sharp breath and dipped her head to take him into her mouth.
She really had no idea what she was doing, acting mostly on instinct. She just wanted to make him feel good. She kept glancing up at him as she started to move, trying to gauge his reaction.
A soft growl escaped the werewolf when she whispered that single word to him. To him it sounded almost possessive, which absolutely drove him wild. Even when Tobias had thought he would marry as a younger man never had he loved a woman like he loved her. Now he knew he never would.
When Tobias had brought himself up on his knees he'd not expected Tessa to sit up and begin kissing a path down his torso, and his breath caught in throat when she wrapped her lips around him.
Gold eyes slid closed as his face twisted into a mask of pleasure, a shudder rippling through his body at the sensation and warmth of her mouth. One of his hands moved to her head, lightly running through her hair to help gently guide and encourage her inexperienced motions as he focused on not letting himself become overwhelmed. A hard task when he opened his eyes to find Tessa glancing up at him so seductively.
"Oh Gods," He groaned, squeezing his eyes shut again to focus on the feelings.
Well, it seemed she was doing something right. Tessa gave a soft hum, letting him guide her motions, keeping her eyes fixed on his face as much as she could. Her hands moved to his hips, giving her a better anchor as she started to fall into a rhythm, flicking her tongue experimentally.
After a while she pulled away just enough to press a kiss to his thigh, then started making her way back up his body to his mouth. She had to stand on the bed to do so, even with him on his knees. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she slanted her mouth over his in a fierce kiss, suddenly feeling much more confident.
"So...that was good?" she murmured when she pulled away, eyes glinting a bit and hips rocking forward quite without her giving them permission to do so.
Oh Tessa was doing things very right, as evidenced by the sounds growling out of Tobias near continuously. He hadn't expected the actions, and would have been far too embarrassed to ask for it, but he was thoroughly enjoying it.
Even so he felt relieved when she pulled away and began kissing her way back up his body. It had felt amazing, but he didn't want to spill his seed before he'd even had a chance to be inside her.
For some reason he felt like that would have been wrong and a waste of his essence.
Tobias growled, his arms wrapping around her body and holding her tightly as he returned her kiss with an equal ferocity. Another growl was released when she pulled away and his eyes dilated further, golden irises blazing intensely as he looked into her pretty silver ones.
"Very good, now I want to try something." Tobias extracted himself from her arms and laid down on his back, looking up at her hungrily before pulling her down on top of him. "I want you to take control, Tessa. I've been very demanding today and I think it is your turn to be in charge of the pace."
"Oh-!" Blushing scarlet, she started to raise one hand instinctively to cover her face, despite knowing how silly it was. Then she took a breath and lowered her hands to his shoulders, biting her lip as she met his eyes. Slowly, she moved to do as he said.
Her eyes fluttered closed and a gasp escaped her as she sank down until their hips met, shuddering delicately. Carefully, learning, she started to move, a breathy moan spilling from her lips. "Oh gods..." She let her head drop forward, hair spilling over her shoulders when she leaned down to claim his mouth, picking up her pace as she grew more comfortable.
"I love you," she whispered against his lips, breath coming hot and fast. "Gods, Toby, you- this-" Words failing her, she kissed him again, nails scraping against his skin as she clutched at his shoulders, shudders wracking her frame with every movement of her hips.
Gods he loved it when she blushed like that, and it was adorable when she tried to cover her face in embarrassment. Tobias hoped that no matter how many times he made love to her that he would always be able to make her blush so sweetly.
Not that he could focus on such thoughts for very long. He let his head fall back when his mate seated herself with him fully inside her, groaning and eyes fluttering rapidly in rapture. She looked a goddess to him as she began riding him gently, and her beautiful dark hair created almost a curtain as she leaned down to kiss him.
"I love you too, Tessa," He breathed hoarsely, hands gripping her hips as he struggled not to take control of her motions. Growls came from deep in the his chest as her nails began scratching and digging into his shoulders. Tobias could feel the way she shuddered and it was driving him mad.
"Please don't stop." The werewolf whined against her lips as he bucked his hips up into her, hands finally pulling her hips down hard onto him several times as he lost control of his passion. His head turned to the side and bit her shoulder lightly, giving a muffled cry as he reached his peak and spilled his seed deep inside her before practically collapsing back onto the bed in a quivering, satisfied and exhausted heap.
Her back arched and she clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a cry, the sensation of his teeth on her skin and his hips moving against hers pushing her over the edge. Shaking and spent, she collapsed against him, heart racing and breath coming in short, shallow pants.
When she could do more than lie there and remember how to breathe, she tilted her head to press tired kisses along his collar, her body still trembling with aftershocks. "My gods..." She nuzzled into his neck, letting her hands trail from his shoulders to his chest.
Suddenly concerned, she pulled away slightly to look at his face. "Did- did I hurt you?" she murmured, brow furrowing when her fingertips trailed over the scratches she'd left on his back.
It was a very lovely afterglow of pleasure, laying there with Tessa sprawled across him, as spent as he was and the only real sound heavy breathing as they caught their breath. Tobias could have stayed like that forever, but he gave a soft hum of pleasure as his mate pressed soft kisses against his skin before nuzzling into his neck.
"No, of course not." Came his softly reply as he brought a hand up to gently brush his fingertips against her cheek. Brown-gold eyes looked down at her adoringly, not at all bothered by the light scratches that his lover had left on him.
They'd be gone by morning, sadly. He kind of liked the idea of being marked by her. Suddenly it was his turn to be concerned as he moved Tessa's hair off her shoulder to examine the place his teeth had struck her. Tobias felt relieved when there was no blood to see or smell, he hadn't broken the skin. Thank Gods. What the hell had come over him to bite her?
"I didn't hurt you did I? I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself." It hadn't been a conscious decision, he'd simply felt himself going over the edge and needed to latch onto her.
She smiled, shaking her head and pecking him on the nose. "No, I'm not hurt," she assured him. Absently she reached up to cover the bite, flushing slightly. If she was being honest with herself, she sort of...liked it. And she definitely liked the way he said "couldn't help myself". She liked making him lose control.
Embarrassed by the realization, Tessa ducked her head against his chest again. "I don't know how, but I feel like this keeps getting better," she muttered into his skin. "Is it- is it always like this?" She sort of frowned at herself for even asking the question, suddenly realizing she didn't even want to think about him with other women. Illogical as it was, she found her arms tightening around him possessively.
A soft smile and deep blush came over Tobias when she kissed him on the nose and said she wasn't hurt. He felt embarrassed to lose control like that. What if he had hurt her? Tessa claimed he hadn't, but what about next time? Never mind that he'd made love to her twice earlier without biting her at all, he still worried that he would.
"Is what always like this?" Tobias sighed happily and wrapped his arms around Tessa as she tightened her hold on him, not even realizing her possessive thoughts or truly understanding her question.
Her blush deepened. "Never mind," she murmured, smiling and kissing the edge of his jaw. "It's not important." And it wasn't. So she wasn't his first- honestly she'd never expected to be anyone's first- but she damn sure was going to be his last.
She snuggled into him with a contented sigh when his arms came around her. She really liked how he could make her feel dainty and protected without making her feel small. A soft laugh bubbled up in her chest and she said quietly, "I didn't think I could ever be this happy." She pressed a kiss to his shoulder. "Thank you."
"Mmm." Tobias hummed softly as she dismissed whatever it was that had been on her mind. He had no idea what she was thinking, but he would have agreed with her - she would definitely be his last. Now that he'd found his mate the werewolf could not even think about being with another female. Tessa was his mate, his heart, his soul - the only woman for him.
"Thank you?" He asked with an amused chuckle. "Tessa you never have to thank me for that, or for anything. Gods, but I love you so much. Making you happy is all I want to do with my life. Nothing could make me happier than seeing your smiles or hearing you laugh."
At those words she felt her eyes suddenly start to itch. Emotion swelled up in her chest until it felt like there was just too much for her to contain and she sniffed, blinking a few tears away. Crying and laughing, she reached up to cup his face in her hands and press her lips against his.
"I love you," she whispered, her smile growing so wide she had to stop kissing him. "I love you so much, Toby." She swiped at her eyes and peppered his face with kisses. She knew this wasn't going be to easy, but she also knew it was worth whatever challenges lay ahead of them.
Tobias felt as if his heart could burst he was so happy as she kissed him. He let his fingers move up to run through her loose hair, loving the way it felt as it slid between his fingers. A soft blush touched his cheeks as he realized that she had probably worn it down for him, and had probably left out the scented oils in her nightly routine for him too.
"I still can't believe you're mine." He said with a hint of wonder as she kissed his face over and over again. His lips found hers again to give a soft, sweet kiss. "I don't deserve you."
He cupped her face again before rolling them over so that he was pinning her to the bed, lips and teeth tracing her jaw lightly before he nibbled on her ear, releasing a hot breath against her. "I can't wait until you're mine in more than secret. After we tell your parents tomorrow...will you marry me?"
Her heart felt like it was going to explode. Crying in earnest now, she gave a joyful laugh and threw her arms around him.
"Yes," she whispered, beaming and blinking rapidly to clear her eyes. "Yes, of course I will, yes!"
It didn't feel like rushing, though maybe it should have. There was still a lot they didn't know about each other, but instead of being frightened by the thought, she was thrilled at the chance to learn. A lifetime of chances.
Letting out another laugh, she rained kisses over his face and neck, clinging to him with everything she had. Shaking her head, she pulled away to lay her palm against his cheek and rested her forehead against his, still beaming and swiping away what she hoped were the last of her tears.
A thought struck her and she giggled, kissing his nose again. "You know, I should probably know your last name," she noted, "If I'm going to be sharing it soon enough."
It would have been impossible to stop the grin that spread across his face. Tobias honestly hadn't been sure that she would agree. He'd said earlier that he'd like to call Tessa his wife someday, and she'd seemed happy with the idea, but the werewolf couldn't have even thought at the time that it would be tomorrow.
He nuzzled against her, loving all the loving little kisses and the way her hand touched his cheek or their foreheads touched.
Their entire relationship was rushed. They had rushed to love, rushed to bed, and now would rush to marriage. Tobias didn't care, he'd been the one rushing it. Or his wolf had. He honestly wasn't sure if it was more him or the wolf. All he knew was that they agreed that Tessa was his.
Tobias blinked down at his mate as she kissed his nose and asked to know his late name. Had he really not told her before now? The werewolf blushed but let out a low chuckle. "It's Slate. I really like the way Mrs. Tessa Slate sounds."
Slate. It fit him, somehow. And- maybe her? "Me too," she whispered, smiling softly and stroking her hand lightly over his cheek. With a soft, contented sigh she let her arms slip around his middle and snuggled against him, tucking her head under his chin.
A small voice in the back of her head piped up that this just made things more complicated, threw up another obstacle with her family, but she pushed it away. She didn't have to think about that right now.
"You know, that feeling is mutual," she murmured, realizing it was a little belated but feeling like she needed to tell him anyway. "What you said before... Me too. I just want you to be happy." She tilted her head to press a light kiss to his neck, nuzzling closer.
Tobias couldn't stop grinning, he was so happy. The most beautiful woman he had ever met, a woman he loved so much, loved him back, was in his arms, and had agreed to marry him. What could possibly make the night better?
Nothing, except maybe not having this all be a secret from everyone else. That was the only thing that kept life from being perfect. Tobias was a werewolf, he knew that it would be very difficult to ever convince Tessa's parents to accept him. Her father already worried that he was an uncontrollable monster, he just knew it. No father would want that for his daughter.
Marriage didn't complicate things in Tobias's mind. Tessa's parents would not be happy he was in any kind of relationship with their daughter. At least if they were to marry he would no longer be "violating" their unwed daughter.
None of that could dampen his happiness right now, though. He sighed softly as he snuggled Tessa closer, feeling a pulse of joy just to hear her voice, and she was so sweet and loving with her words. With a smile he placed a sweet kiss on the top of her head. "You do make me happy. So, so happy. I'm the luckiest man in the world tonight."
Tessa smiled and reached up to run her fingers through his hair absently. "You think too much of me," she murmured, kissing his collar. "But...I'm glad." Her smile turned sort of sheepish and she ducked her head a bit.
"Can we sleep like this?" she asked softly after a moment. Everything just felt warm and perfect, and she didn't want to put even an inch of space between them. "You're not- this isn't uncomfortable, is it?" she bit her lip distractedly, looking up at him.
"Not possible, you're perfect." Tobias hummed softly with a smile, loving the feeling of her fingers in his hair. His eyes were closed in contentment, but opened when she asked if they could sleep as they were. Giving a quick look around he shook his head.
"No, I'm not uncomfortable, but let's actually move and get under the covers. It's our first night together and I wanna tuck you in properly." He gave a few soft kisses to her cheek and lips before trying to unwind himself from her so they could rearrange themselves. Tobias had every intention of holding her very close to him all night long, but he wanted to make sure Tessa would be as comfortable as possible.
"If you must," Tessa huffed with a teasing smile, practically glowing at his kisses. Reluctantly she released him long enough to shift their position under the covers, pulling her hair over one shoulder out of habit as she settled back against the pillows.
Letting her hand run up his arm to his shoulder and back down, she gently tugged him closer, pulling his arm around her waist. "Better?" she asked quietly, lips curving up slightly as she felt her body begin to grow heavy. The excitement of the day was finally catching up to her it seemed.
"Little pleasures, love, little pleasures." Tobias grinned in response as she let him go. He shuffled with her, sliding on the blankets beside her and looking down at her adoringly as her hand moved up his arm.
It only took a moment for him to nestle in against her, hugging Tessa as close as he could and pulling the blankets up to their shoulders before nuzzling his face into her hair with a happy sigh. "Mhm. It's perfect. Good night, Tessa. Sweet dreams." His fingers moved to brush through her hair one last time, lips pressing a soft kiss to her forehead as he felt himself drifting.
"Good night," she replied sleepily, eyes fluttering closed. She shifted to wrap her arms around his shoulders and turned her face into his chest, smiling as his warmth and scent surrounded her. "Love you."
She drifted off gradually, her breathing evening out as she gravitated toward him even in her sleep.
"I love you too." Came the barely audible mumble. Tobias had never been more comfortable in his life. Tessa's warmth cuddled against his chest, his body entangled with hers, eyes closed, and lips curved in a faint smile - it felt like everything was as it should be.
Exhaustion from the previous sleepless night caught up with him, and he found himself falling easily into a heavy slumber, arms occasionally tightening momentarily around the woman in his arms.
Tessa woke earlier than usual, shifting a bit and giving a soft hum as she blinked her eyes open. "Oh..." She smiled. For a moment, she'd forgotten that she wouldn't be waking up alone. That she'd never have to wake up alone again.
Unable to help herself, she reached up to touch Tobias's face lightly, her smile growing. She didn't really want to wake him, not after the rough couple of days he'd had, but she just had to touch him, to prove to herself that he was real.
The werewolf knew when his mate woke up. Tobias could feel her small movements as she shifted against him, heard her soft hum and quite sound of surprise to find herself not alone.
"Good morning, beautiful." He murmured very softly, eyes not opening but a soft smile tugging at his mouth. Tobias tightened his arms around Tessa, pulling her even closer to him before nuzzling his face into her hair sleepily. Waking up was not high on his list of priorities, it seemed. Gods, he never wanted to get up.
They would have to confront her parents. Things would be unpleasant, his mate would get upset, which would cause him to become upset. Could they not just stay in bed forever where everything was pleasant and warm?
"Good morning." Tessa laughed quietly, happily, and tilted her head back to beam at him. She stroked his cheek again, then said with a soft sigh, "Can't we just stay here forever?" She didn't want to get up and face the world.
But it seemed the world had different ideas.
There was barely a cursory warning knock before her door swung open. "Miss, your mother wants-"
Tessa gasped and bolted up, remembered her state of undress, and desperately grabbed at the blankets to cover herself. "What are- who-?!" she shrieked, surprised and panicked.
Marion stood in the doorway, wide-eyed and mouth agape. Without a word, she spun on her heel and took off down the hallway in a whirl of skirts.
"Oh gods." Tessa put a hand to her mouth. Eyes wide and fearful, she started to shake. "She- we have to-" They had to do something. Why couldn't she remember what it was?
Tobias's smile grew as she caressed his cheek again, a pleased hum coming from him as she asked if they could stay there forever. That sounded like a fabulous plan to him. They could remain in bed and cuddle forever. If only the world were so perfect.
His whole body jerked at the sound of the knock, eyes shooting to the door and turning golden as Marion barged uninvited into their sanctuary. Unlike Tessa, the werewolf tried to shrink further into the bed as realization that they were caught caused his eyes widened. Oh no, no, no, no! Not like this. Tobias had never wanted them to be discovered like this.
Why couldn't it have at least been Mia? At least she was someone who at least could have been reasoned with, but the older maid hated and feared him. This was bad.
Tobias cursed softly under his breath as the woman disappeared - no doubt off to inform Tessa's parents that she'd found him in their daughter's bed. Naturally they would blame everything on him. Well he guessed that served him right and it was kind of his fault.
"Get dressed, Tessa, before your parents come barging in here to condemn me." He rubbed a hand up her back quickly, trying to be reassuring before jumping out of bed and pulling his clothes on as fast as he possibly could.
She nodded woodenly, staggering to her feet and following his lead, clumsily working the ties and laces of the first dress she came across.
Her mind seemed to have blanked out. She couldn't form a coherent thought, shock and panic taking over. Once dressed, she just stood in the middle of the room, eyes still wide and her hand pressed to her mouth. "I- I have to talk to them," she mumbled eventually, feeling strangely distant from the situation.
Then she turned, eyes seeking Tobias out, and the reality of the situation hit her. "Oh gods." She shook her head, tears starting to streak down her cheeks. Moving without making the conscious decision to do so, she found herself throwing her arms around him, shoulders shaking.
"I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I'm so sorry." Swallowing thickly, she tilted her head back to look at him. "I- I'm going to talk to them. I can fix this... I'm sorry." She didn't know what else to do, what else she could say.
Well they had intended to tell the Varrys today about them. Tobias had hoped they could approach the subject calmly and like civilized people, but he doubted Erik Varrys was going to be either of those things now.
He ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh. Maybe he shouldn't have spent the night. If he'd left after Tessa had fallen asleep they wouldn't be caught now. He also wouldn't have slept.
"Hey, no, sweetheart. This isn't your fault. Everything's going to be fine." It killed him to hear her sobs. Tobias wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, letting his head fall to bury his face in her hair. Having his mate's scent envelop him helped tremendously, though his wolf was quite calm and not understanding the problem.
Tessa was his mate. Sleeping beside her was where he belonged.
He rubbed his hands up and down her back, trying to soothe her. "I love you."
Sniffing, Tessa forced herself to nod, wiping at her eyes. "I love you too," she replied softly. Just something about saying the words helped calm her a little. His arms around her helped a lot more.
Taking a fortifying breath, she stepped back a bit, looking up at him with a tiny, watery smile. "We'll figure this out. It'll be fine." She cupped his face in her hands, leaning up to kiss him and letting the touch linger.
With a sigh she broke away. "Okay. Okay, we can do this." She realized she was worrying her bottom lip and forced herself to stop. Taking his hand, she moved reluctantly toward the door. "Just...don't let go?" she begged quietly, hating that she felt helpless but unwilling to forgo the comfort of his touch.
Tobias didn't want the lingering kiss to end. He didn't want to stop holding her. More than anything, he really didn't want to have to face Tessa's parents. The werewolf was surprised that they hadn't burst through the door screaming at him yet. It was hard to say if it was a good or bad thing that they'd not showed up yet.
"I'm never letting you go, Tessa." He assured his upset mate, fingers tightening around hers just a little in a reassuring squeeze as he followed her nervously. Would they demand he leave? If they threw him out he was taking Tessa with him. Tobias wasn't going anywhere without his mate, and he was almost certain that she would follow him away from her parents if it came to it. He really hoped it wouldn't come quite to that.
At least if it did come to that it would be better than them calling the guards on him, making accusations against him of a particularly foul nature.
Tessa squeezed his hand back, moving out into the hall with all the wariness of a hunted animal. To her surprise, it was empty. She wasn't quite sure if she should be relieved or even more anxious. She led them down the stairs hesitantly. The house seemed oddly quiet, though that may have just been because she was so on edge.
"Celestia."
She winced and turned to see her father standing in the doorway to the parlor, arms folded over his chest, face expressionless. His eyes flicked to their joined hands and she thought she saw his lips twitch, eyes narrowing.
She clutched at Tobias, resisting the urge to shrink against his side. "Yes, Father?" Her voice sounded almost as calm and collected as she wanted it to, squeaking just a bit at the end. Okay, just breathe. Everything will be fine, just breathe...
Erik Varrys clenched his jaw. "I would like to speak to you." His eyes flickered to the werewolf and there was flash of real emotion for a moment- something like rage. "Alone."
Her stomach dropped, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "No." She cleared her throat and said, a little more firmly, "This involves us both."
Yep, definitely rage. She saw a muscle in his jaw twitch. "Get. In. Here. Now."
She did sort of flinch at that, dropping her eyes. She kept her grip on Tobias's hand though as she moved warily toward the parlor.
The hair on the back of Tobias's neck stood on end when the voice of Erik Varrys called Tessa's name like that. It was starting. The werewolf felt fear and nervousness, but other things as well, anger, protectiveness, and possessiveness.
Especially when Erik demanded that she go with him alone. Tobias immediately tightened his grip on his mate's hand. She wasn't going anywhere without him.
Tessa. Was. His.
Eyes immediately narrowed and turned a dangerous shade of gold, tension filling the werewolf as he prepared himself for anything. A swelling of pride tinged him when his mate refused to back down and give in to her father's demands.
A low growl echoed in his throat when Erik caused his mate to flinch. Tobias stepped closer to her protectively, glaring at Tessa's father as he moved cautiously forward with his mate, but making a point to keep her close to him as they walked. Erik Varrys would learn quickly that it was not a good idea to attempt to take something from a wolf that the wolf considered his.
Nateri was seated in the parlor, eyes fixed on her hands clasped in her lap. She glanced up when they entered, sighed, and looked down again. Tessa ignored the sinking feeling in her chest. She refused to let them make her feel guilty about this.
Erik closed the door and moved to his wife's side, still standing. In an effort to seem more relaxed, Tessa took a seat and made sure to leave enough room for Tobias beside her, looking at her parents expectantly as though this was the most natural thing in the world.
Her mother spoke first. "Oh, Tessa," she murmured, shaking her head and looking at her daughter with something like pity. It made her shoulders tense. "What were you thinking?"
"She wasn't," Erik growled before she could say anything. He hadn't stopped glaring at the werewolf. "What do you want?" he barked. "What do you hope to get from- from this?"
Gods, but it felt like they were on trial. The werewolf spared a glare at Nateri as they entered the parlor, but was quick to fixate his eyes back on Erik, practically staring the man down. Tobias was not going to back down, not now, not over this. Tessa was his mate and her parents would have to learn to live with that. They didn't get to choose who she loved or who she spent her life with.
Golden eyes didn't even leave Erik when he sat beside Tessa, in fact, the werewolf put his free arm around his mate defiantly. Only a quick look in Nateri's direction when she spoke, before Tobias was giving an inhuman growl and standing again, glaring hard at Tessa's father.
"I already have what I want and don't you dare accuse me of wanting things from you." He practically spat that last word out. Even knowing that this would be coming it was impossible for him to control his rage at the implication that he was somehow using Tessa. It was beyond insulting. He could never use his mate, he loved her.
Erik started forward and Tessa rose to her feet, not waiting a beat before she put her body between her father and Tobias.
"Papa, please listen to me," she begged as Nateri rose as well, taking her husband's arm in a gesture that was probably meant to be calming. "It isn't like that, it isn't. I love him."
At that his glare snapped to her and she swallowed, but repeated firmly, "I love him, and he loves me. That's all there is to it."
"You don't know what that word means, you spoiled child," Erik spat, and she winced slightly. "Love him? You don't even know him!"
Tessa raised her head defiantly. "You're wrong," she said quietly, voice softer but no less dangerous than her father's. "I do know him. You don't. One word from a slaver and you decided he was dangerous- you didn't even bother to try."
"Tess, it isn't just that," Nateri said before her husband could open his mouth. "There are expectations. Commitments this family has made-"
"Then unmake them!" Tessa exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air in exasperation. "I don't care whose son or nephew or whatever you promised I'd marry, I won't do it." She hadn't realized she was growing warmer, chest starting to rise and fall more rapidly, until she paused to take a breath.
Having Tessa before him immediately brought Tobias to a halt, burning gold eyes still glaring intensely at Erik over his mate's head, but he would never hurt her, and he didn't want to lose his temper and get into a fight with her father. This verbal lashing was more than enough for him to inwardly cringe, as nothing was going well to make any kind of peace or understanding between them.
Another intense, throaty growl ripped from the werewolf when Erik spat hateful words at Tessa. Tobias had to keep a firm hold on the wolf, because the beast was practically itching for a fight with his mate's father.
Commitments that the family had made. Tobias felt a rage welling in his chest until his eyes were nearly seeing red. They had sold her like some dog to someone. Making promises that she would marry someone she didn't love for some arbitrary gain to them not for Tessa's sake. If they cared about her they wouldn't let some rich bastard buy her for his use.
"You accuse me of using her?!" He practically roared. "I love her and she will marry no one but me. No one but me!" She had said she would marry him! Tessa was his! There was a desperate panic in his voice as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest.
Whatever calm Nateri had meant to instill in her husband was shattered. "Take your hands off my daughter!"
Tessa cringed, shrinking back against Tobias instinctively. "That isn't your choice to make!" she shouted back, shaking. "Whatever you say, I am not a child! This never should have been your choice to begin with, and now I'm taking it back!"
She laid her hands over the werewolf's arms around her, gripping tightly. Erik's eyes flared with an anger that bordered on deranged. Taking a deep breath, she tried to clam herself, hoping maybe that would reach him. "I love him, Papa," she said again, meeting and holding his eyes. "I'm going to marry him." There was raw determination in her voice, not softened by her quiet tone.
Jerking away from Nateri, Erik pointed a finger at them. "Out," he hissed. "I want him out of my house."
Why had it escalated so quickly? Tobias closed his eyes and jerked his head down, letting his nose find Tessa's hair so that he could inhale her scent and try to calm himself. If her stupid father hadn't tried to separate them, if he hadn't accused him of using her then this could have gone easier. Why did the man have to go and rile his wolf?
It took effort, but the werewolf ignored Nateri's demands that he let her daughter go, allowing his mate to be the one to confront her mother. He could feel Tessa shaking in his arms and instinctively he held her tighter.
Tobias bristled when Erik ordered him out, drawing Tessa even closer to him as he raised his head. There was still rage in him, just beneath the surface, but he did not let his voice rise to a shout this time. Instead golden eyes regarded Erik with a cold clarity. "If I leave I'm taking Tessa with me. My mate goes where I go. I am marrying your daughter whether you like it or not, and whether you're willing to be a part of our lives or not."
There was a long, tense silence and Tessa saw it in her parents' eyes when they realized if Tobias decided to make good on his threat- they had no way of stopping him. She tilted her chin higher, waiting.
"This is not over," Erik growled. His eyes were snapping fire. "You two will never be alone again, not until I can work out a solution to this. And you-" his glare switched to Tobias- "will not be sleeping within ten yards of her."
Tessa opened her mouth to protest, but before she could Nateri cut in with, "I'm sure you heard that, Selena. Come in here please."
The parlor door opened a crack and the maid peered in. Straightening her skirts, the lady of the house said coolly, "My husband has a meeting to get to. I trust you will act as chaperone for my daughter."
Tessa winced. They were talking about her like she wasn't there, like it was already decided that this was just a short term problem to be dealt with quickly and efficiently. She realized she was shaking again, but this time it was with anger. "You can't do this," she hissed, glaring at her parents.
Erik stared them down. "Watch me."
Tobias narrowed his eyes dangerously at Erik when he said that it wasn't over, his teeth grinding as he listened to these demands and rules that Tessa's father seemed to think he could enforce. Nobody could keep him from his mate. They were not sleeping apart. He didn't care what Erik Varrys said or thought on the matter.
"I will not be followed and watched like some criminal, and if I can't sleep with my mate here then I will take her somewhere I can. You are not separating us, Erik Varrys. Tessa doesn't leave my side. This isn't negotiable." The werewolf's voice was a low, threatening growl as he stared at the man that had come to market so shortly ago to buy a slave. He'd known that the man would never have treated him with respect due to a normal person, but now it was going too far.
Tilting his head down to look at Tessa his expression instantly went from fury to gentle concern. His mate was upset, he'd known today would be upsetting. How he wished he could offer her more comfort. "Let's go, Tessa. We've told them. I believe we made plans for today last night."
At the words "last night" Erik blanched, literally going white with rage.
Tessa stared at Tobias for a moment as silence reigned. Then, slowly, she nodded. The hesitation wasn't because she had to think about leaving, really- she just had to take a minute to process what he'd said.
In a state of near shock, she turned and brushed past Selena toward the door, gripping the werewolf's hand so tightly her knuckles went white.
"What- Tessa!"
"Celestia Rose Varrys don't you move another inch."
She whirled around. "I'm done," she said softly, raising her eyes to meet her parent's stunned and angry expressions. "All my life I've done, I've been, what you asked of me. I tried so hard to be what you wanted I forgot who I am. I'm so tired of it, Papa, so tired. I'm done. I can't do it anymore."
Some emotion she couldn't name flashed across her mother's face, but Erik's expression just shut down. "You think you can just walk out?" he spat out, voice low and dangerous.
Tessa gave a sharp, bitter laugh. "You think you can stop us?" she countered.
She saw it in his eyes when he faltered. "I'll call the guards." Nateri gasped, grabbing her husband's arm.
Tessa shrugged. "Go ahead." She turned to leave again, clutching at Tobias's hand, needing him to anchor herself. "Let's go, Toby," she murmured.
Tobias was completely ignoring both Erik and Nateri. All his attention was on Tessa, she was his anchor, his rock, keeping his emotions in check so that his angry didn't burn out of control. Although he felt horrible. This was his fault. Well, not all of it. Her parents weren't willing to be reasoned with or swayed in their views against him.
The worst part was he didn't know if their disapproval was due more to his commoner blood or the fact that he was a werewolf.
He didn't need their approval. Tobias felt relief when his mate nodded her assent that they would leave and go on with their intentions despite her parent's threats and anger. It still hurt to see her so...shocked? Upset? Angry? Sad? He really couldn't be entirely sure what all emotions were going through her right then. Tessa's grip was a little painful, but he didn't complain, merely let her squeeze as tight as she needed to as they turned to leave.
All he wanted to do was hug her until things were alright.
The werewolf ignored both protests that were given, but stopped to look back as Tessa did, watching her outburst with a mixture of pride at her sticking up for herself and pain for her, knowing that this was very difficult.
A low growl was given at the threat, but he didn't say another word to Erik, simply turned away with his mate, having let her handle the situation as she thought best. He squeezed her hand as they left the parlor, looking down at her worriedly.
"I love you, Tessa. I'm so sorry." Tobias's voice was very quiet, his words only meant for her.
She was shaking a bit, though whether it was from shock or some combination of the storm of emotions inside her she couldn't really tell. She managed to squeeze Tobias's hand in turn though, looking up at him. "This isn't your fault," she whispered, trying for a small smile but afraid she wasn't quite managing it.
Tessa hovered for a moment in the foyer, looking at the door. For some reason it seemed bigger than it ever had before. "Let's- let's go out through the gardens," she suggested, trying to sound as though she was talking about a quick stroll and not leaving the only life she'd ever known behind forever.
But when she turned, she saw Della standing in the hall, expressionless, and she felt herself start to break. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, she tugged gently, pulling Tobias with her. "Can you let us by, Dell?" she whispered, not able to meet the older woman's gaze.
For a long moment the cook was silent. Tessa was under no illusions that she didn't know what was going on- they hadn't exactly bothered to keep their voices down. Then, so quietly she almost didn't catch it, she heard, "I've sent Mia to get you some things from your room, Miss Tessa. She'll meet you outside- Anna will stall your parents."
Her head snapped up, eyes wide, but Della wasn't looking at her. She was looking at Tobias, mouth a firm line. "You take care of our girl, you hear me?"
It felt like his fault. If Tobias had not allowed himself to go and fall in love with a woman so far out of his league...or if he had not gotten himself caught by the slavers that had ended up selling him to her...
Well, he supposed 'what ifs' weren't going to help anyone. All the werewolf could really do was handle what was. He sighed softly as they stopped at the front door but didn't go out it. This wasn't easy for Tessa, but it wasn't easy for him either. They were about to leave with no real plan of where they could even go. How was he to provide a home for her and give her all the things she needed? Honestly he had no real idea.
"Okay." What else could he say? If she wanted to leave through the gardens then they would go through the gardens.
Tobias flinched when they turned to find Della in the hall looking at them. If not for Tessa's hand pulling him along the werewolf would have found himself frozen in place by that stare. Guilt washed over him in waves. It wasn't just the Varrys he was taking Tessa from, but what other choice did he have?
It took every ounce of willpower he had to looked up at the motherly cook that had been so nice to him from the moment he'd arrived in this house. "I swear I will, and don't worry, this isn't goodbye. I'll bring her back."
He gave a nervous look behind him towards to parlor. "As soon as I can."
Tobias had no idea how long that would be, but he meant it. Tensions and tempers were too high right now, but he hoped that given a little time and space, Tessa's parents would come around. He had never wanted to take her from her family.
Della nodded, eyes suspiciously bright, then took Tessa by the shoulders and leaned up to press a quick kiss to her forehead. "Go on now," she said quietly. "It'll work out, Miss, you'll see."
Overcome by a rush of affection for the woman, Tessa flung her arms around her in a brief, tight hug. Swallowing a sob, she broke away and took Tobias's had again. "Not goodbye," she repeated the werewolf's sentiment, giving the cook a small, shaky sort of smile as they moved passed her.
She found herself practically glued to his side as they came out to the gardens, glancing around for Mia, the part of her mind that was still functioning logically blessing Della for thinking to send her daughter on such an errand even in the midst of this whole mess.
As if summoned by her thoughts, her maid suddenly slipped through the doors and clutching a rather threadbare travel pack- where had she even gotten that? She threw Tobias a quick look, but her attention was mostly on Tessa as she thrust the bag out. "Here. Just some things Mum thought might make this easier."
She took it, starting, "Mia-"
"Don't." The younger girl held up a hand with a wry, forced smile. "If you start, I'm gonna start crying, and then you're gonna cry and we don't have time." She turned her attention fully to Tobias now. "Get her away from here. We'll try to talk them down, but he really will call the guards- you wanna be long gone when that happens."
Tessa clung a little tighter to him at that, but she knew Mia was right. Not knowing what else to do or say, she simply murmured, "Thank you."
Tessa wasn't the only one that felt a tingle of affection for the cook. Tobias knew that it was his mate that everyone cared about and what they were doing was for her benefit, not really his, but he still felt so grateful. It truly did hurt him to take her away from this place where she was so obviously loved. At least by the help. He was sure her parents loved her too, but it was hard to see it right now because of his bitter anger at their attitude towards Tessa, and to a lesser extent to him.
"Thank you, Della. For everything." The werewolf said quietly as he guided them away towards the gardens. Leaving was hard, but they needed to go quickly, before her parents could stop them. Not that there was much they could really do to stop a determined werewolf from going where he pleased.
A sad, heavy cloud had fallen over him as they made their way out of the house. Tobias watched the two young women, wishing again that this didn't have to be this way. A look of grim determination came over his face at Mia's warning. "Thank you, Mia. I promise that I will take good care of her, and bring her back as soon as I can. This is just until everyone calms down and can be more reasonable."
Namely Erik and Nateri Varrys, but he didn't want to be antagonistic. They might have made him very angry, but they were still Tessa's parents and he knew she loved them very much even if things were not good right now.
"Come on, darling. We're gonna be fine." Tobias put a reassuring arm around Tessa and ushered her out of the garden and onto the street. He really wasn't sure where to go. The weight of everything was hanging above him, just threatening to crush him beneath it. His mate was used to a grand house and servants, and here he didn't even have a home to provide her.
The first order of business was to find a temple or church. Tobias didn't even care which one or to what deity it was pledged to. Thankfully he was able to find one quickly and paused outside it to look nervously down at the woman he loved. "Tessa...are you sure this is what you want? Everything has been thrown into chaos and I feel like it is all my fault. If you marry me...I can't give you what you had. I'm not a man of means, but I promise I will make sure you have everything you need. I just need a little time..."
Gods, what if she wanted to go back? He didn't think he could stop her, but they would never let him back into their home and without her...
"What?" It took a moment for Tessa to actually process what he was saying. She felt quite adrift, her mind disconnected from what was happening around her. When his words registered her eyes widened and she snapped her head up to scrutinize his face.
"What are you- of course I'm sure," she told him, voice soft but steely. Not caring that they were in the middle of the street, she reached up to cup his face in her hands. "Tobias Slate, you listen to me right now," she said, her tone almost dangerous. "I don't want money. I don't need a big house and servants and- and all that other nonsense. We can live in a tent for all I care. As long as I'm with you."
She let her hands drop to circle her arms around his waist, pressing herself against his chest. "I know this isn't going to be easy," she mumbled. "But I don't need all that, everything back there. I just need you."
She meant the words with all her heart, and she desperately hoped he wouldn't suddenly change his mind, decide she'd be better of after all if he left her with her parents. An illogical and tiny fear, but somehow it was there all the same. She clung tighter to him.
There was a very brief temptation for him to point out that he didn't even have so much as a tent, but Tobias swallowed whatever he was going to say as he looked down into those beautiful silver eyes he'd fallen in love with. Funny how her eyes were silver, so dangerous a thing for him, and yet he loved them.
He wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her closer as he lowered his head to rest against hers lightly. "I didn't meant to suggest that you needed those things. It would have killed me to send you back, but I love you too much to do something that will make you unhappy. I don't want to have pushed you into this. This decision to leave with me is just so important and life changing. I had to ask, had to be sure you were ready."
Tobias stepped back and gestured at the building as he took her hand in his again as he got down on one knee and gave her a slightly lopsided smile. "Last time I'm gonna ask, I promise. Tessa Varrys, will you marry me?"
He was actually down on his knee. Tess blinked, feeling a ridiculous welling of tears start up. She knew this was hardly some grand romantic novel, but gods be damned if it didn't feel like this- this one moment- was just a little bit fairytale-perfect.
"Yes," she said softly, kneeling herself and paying no mind to her skirt. "Yes, I will." She leaned forward to kiss his cheek, then pulled back and smiled. "I suppose that means we should actually find a church then." It was meant to be teasing but her voice was a little too raw to quite manage it.
Impulsively she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing another kiss to his cheek as she blinked away a few stray tears. "I love you, Toby," she murmured. Because right then, it was the only thing in the world that mattered to her.
Tobias immediately wrapped his arms around Tessa when she knelt, holding her gently. It was probably silly, but he had wanted to propose to her properly. He couldn't give her a proper wedding with her family and friends, but he could at least do that much for her. She deserved so much more, but he had to make do with what was possible.
"I love you too, Tessa." The werewolf gestured up to the nearby building, it was a simple temple, but it would do. Tobias would certainly never forget it after today. "We're already here. Let's go get married."
He stood up, bringing Tessa up with him. As much as it felt rushed, Tobias couldn't be happier to know that he was going to marry her. Of course they wouldn't have to rush quite this much if her parents had only been more understanding. Now the wolf was urging him to hurry and claim her so that humans would know that she was his mate and they couldn't take her from him.
Smiling nervously, he took her hand and tried to walk confidently up the steps and inside. It was empty save for an elderly priest and a few younger attendants sweeping and cleaning. Tobias cleared his throat. "Excuse us, but we'd like to be married. Right away."
She nodded as he stood, pulling her to her feet. She gave him a smile in return when he took her hand and squeezed lightly. Up the steps and into the temple they went, and she pressed closer to his side when he addressed the few people in the building.
The attendants stopped what they were doing to give them curious looks, and Tessa offered a small, maybe a little sheepish smile. She knew they probably looked rushed and perhaps a little desperate- but she really didn't care.
Tobias was still attempting to act as if what they were doing was perfectly normal and not as if they were desperately attempting to outrun something. Perhaps outrun Tessa's father to the guards. After all, once they were married what legal grounds did her father have to separate them?
"Married? Such a ceremony is usually planned a little in advance. Do you have your own witnesses? Rings? Vows?" The priest's eyes crinkled at the edges as he smiled at them in a somewhat knowing way.
The werewolf shuffled slightly, suddenly looking sheepish. "We haven't prepared any of that. I'm sorry, but we're eloping and in a slight hurry."
"I see. I see." The old man gestured to his young attendants and they all gathered up near the alter. "I will have my alter boys serve as witnesses. Rings aren't really necessary, and neither are personalized vows. Come forward then. I'll get this ready."
The priest gathered up some papers and cleared his throat as he got a quill. "Full names and countries of birth."
"Tobias Slate, Adela." The priest wrote the information down on the groom's section of the certificate then looked up at Tessa expectantly with a fatherly smile.
Tessa blushed a bit at the priest's knowing look. At least he didn't seem to be condemning them for eloping. In fact, he was being quite helpful. A bit of the tension left her.
Her eyes flicked over the papers he gathered, her father's daughter despite herself. It all looked in order to her, which was one weight lifted. All they needed now was some minor mix up in the marriage licence.
Marriage. They were getting married. This was really happening. A slightly giddy feeling taking up residence in her stomach, it took her a moment to reply, "Celestia Rose Varrys, Adela." She returned the priest's smile a little shyly.
The information was jotted down under the bride's section of the certificate and then the priest entered his own information into the officiating section. After that was done he copied everything onto two additional copies of the document.
"Very good, now let us begin." He said cheerily, "Face each other and join hands, please."
Tobias turned nervously and grabbed up Tessa's hands, squeezing them lightly and giving her the best smile that he could. Nothing else mattered, not the fight with her parents, not the fact that they were essentially homeless at the moment, nothing except her.
"Will you, Tobias, promise to love this woman, Celestia? Will you promise to care for her, respect her, and provide for her and her children, from this day forward, until your last?"
"I will." He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Tobias's chest felt tight with emotion. There was no part of him that didn't want to do just that. The priest turned his attention to Tessa with a reassuring smile.
"Will you, Celestia, promise to love this man, Tobias? Will you promise to support him, respect him, and care for him and his children, from this day forward, until your last?"
Tessa gave Tobias a smile of her own in return, trying to soothe him without words. She could feel his tension- it was reflected in herself- but somehow knowing he was nervous made her feel a little bolder. She could be strong for him.
She let her thumbs trace small circles over the backs of his hands, beaming as he made his vow.
"I will," she said in turn, her eyes never leaving his for a moment. From this day forward until my last. I will.
"Before the Gods I pronounce you Man and Wife. Kiss your bride." The priest said solemnly.
Tobias still felt as if he couldn't breathe. His heart was thundering in his chest as he brought a hand up to cup Tessa's cheek gently before he leaned down to press a soft, loving kiss to her lips. They were married? It didn't seem real.
While the two newlyweds were busy with that, the alter boys came forward and signed each copy of the certificate. Once they had the priest cleared his throat with a smile. "If the two of you will sign each copy, please."
The werewolf blushed deeply as he raised his head, looking sheepishly over at the papers being pushed in front of them. A moment of panic seized him. He had to sign something?
"Any mark or scribble will do, son." The priest assured him quietly, obviously recognizing the sudden fear on his face. Nodding, Tobias took the quill and made an unreadable scribble on each paper where the priest pointed before offering the pen to Tessa.
Only the knowledge that they had an audience kept Tessa from throwing her arms around Tobias, forcing herself to be content with wrapping her hands around his neck and leaning into the kiss. One simple kiss, and they were married. Her heart leaped giddily into her throat as she kissed her husband.
Her husband.
The sound of the priest clearing his throat brought her back to the present and she flushed, but she couldn't seem to stop smiling.
Her eyes snapped to Tobias when he hesitated and realization dawned. Immediate guilt began to niggle in the back of her mind- no wonder he'd seemed a little skittish when she'd mentioned her books. She'd just assumed...
Biting her lip, she took the quill and signed her name on each certificate. She'd been taught to create a rather showing signature, and she did it now out of habit.
"Thank you, Father," she murmured when she moved to hand the quill back to the priest, giving him a small smile. Her other hand sought out Tobias's, squeezing gently.
The old man smiled at them again as he gathered up the now signed papers. He handed one copy to one of the boys. "File this under Slate in our records, please."
He handed the second copy to another of the boys. "Please take this to the local clerk's office for filing."
Both boys left, and he finally turned to them again and offered the last copy to Tobias with a grin and twinkle in his eye. "This one is for you two. Ah, to be young and in love again. Congratulations, and good luck."
Tobias smiled as he took the certificate carefully, feeling tension leaving him. They were married. It was official and done. Nothing Erik Varrys did now could change the fact that by law Tessa was his wife and they belonged together. Well he supposed the man could try to have it annulled, but neither he nor Tessa would ever consent or sign papers to do that. "Thank you, Father."
Turning to his wife, he stooped down enough to give her another very quick peck on the lips. He'd have loved to do little other than hold and kiss her forever, but sadly they just didn't have that kind of time right now.
"We have to go." He told her seriously, though he couldn't quite wipe the grin from his lips. Holding fast to her hand he ushered her out of the little temple. He still wasn't sure where exactly the could or should go. "Should we go where I grew up? People still remember my family, I'm sure they would help us get settled into a new life...but so would Mable, if we went to her, I think."
Everything started happening very quickly, and the next thing she knew they were back out on the street. And married. They were married. That particular fact was taking a while to truly sink in.
"I'd like to see where you grew up," Tessa said softly, smiling up at him. She knew they really did need to go, quickly, but she couldn't help being happy. A whole mess of other emotions were there too, but she decided to focus on happy.
"We can do all those things you talked about. Fishing, catching fireflies..." she mused, bringing his hand up to press a quick kiss to his knuckles. She wished she could do more but they really didn't have the time. Plus they were standing in the middle of the street.
Gripping his hand tightly, she gave him the best smile she could, anxiety and excitement and sheer joy blending into a giddy whirl in her stomach. "Let's go."
An expression of pure, unadulterated love came over the werewolf's face as Tessa brushed her lips against his knuckles. Tobias couldn't contain just how happy he was in that moment. Things weren't perfect, hell, that morning had been a disaster, but nothing mattered but the fact that he had just married his beautiful mate and they were already making plans for a new life together.
"I would like that a lot, Tessa." He returned the squeeze she gave his hand before leading her further down the street. It was hard to think past the giddy excitement that twisted his stomach up in knots, but they needed more of a plan than simply a destination.
"Did they put any money in that pack? What about food? We might have to buy some supplies for the trip. It'll take a few days to get there." Tobias immediately felt guilty for having to ask. It only served to remind him that he had nothing at all to his name except for Tessa. Her parents would probably have loved to see him having to rely on their daughter already - it would have only proved their point that he was worthless.
"Well, let's see." Tessa slipped the pack around to hold it in front of her chest and untied the cinch at the top. "I can't imagine..." Her voice trailed off when she saw the coin purse tucked next to a few wrapped bundles, a note perched on top.
Fishing out the purse and the note, she unfolded the slip of paper and read aloud, softly, what was written in Mia's hurried writing: "It's all your money, don't worry, you don't owe us anything. You're not as sneaky as you think you are- I got it from your secret stash in the library." Underneath the message the girl had scrawled her name in a sloppy heart.
Tessa smiled, folding the note back up and holding the purse out to Tobias. "We don't need to worry about money, not for a few weeks at least, if we're careful." She took his hand again, pressing close to his side. "A few days' worth of supplies then..."
Blushing, and feeling suddenly rather useless, she looked up at him and bit her lip. "I'm not sure what we need, or where to go to get it."
Tobias nodded when she said they wouldn't have to worry about money for a few weeks if they were careful. His mind was already turning to consider the most practical items they might need. A few days worth of food would be good to have, but if push came to shove he could hunt their meat and he knew how to forage wild roots, vegetables, and fruits.
That would take up a lot of time and delay their arrival in their new home. The sooner they got there the sooner they could begin to settle and the sooner he could actually prove his worth as a man that could provide for his mate even without money.
"I know what we need, come on my sweet wife." He grinned and blushed a little just being able to call her that. One simple little word felt so amazing as it rolled off his tongue. Taking up her hand he lead her towards a simple marketplace that would have very practical, and inexpensive, supplies for them.
"I do want to get food, because once we get there I can hunt and fish to sustain us, plus we could have a little garden, but it will be quicker if we don't have to do that on the road. Flint and steel is good for starting fires, we'll want that for campfires at night and to light the hearth at the old house. I need a hunting knife so that I can properly process what I kill, and a pan and pot for cooking. Those can wait until we get there, but they'll be easier to find in the city." He frowned slightly thinking about how they really did have to start with practically nothing.
Tessa beamed and blushed for the endearment, slipping her arm through his as he lead them along. "Okay," she murmured, nodding as she ran his list through her mind. "Um...do you think this will do?"
She rummaged through the little coin purse and pulled out a few pieces, looking up at him and holding the money out for him to judge the amount. She may be rather naive about a lot of things, but as Erik Varrys's daughter she was pretty decent at judging prices.
Leaning into his side a bit, she let out a sharp breath and bit her lip. "We're really doing this," she murmured, closing her fingers around the coins. "I mean- this is really happening."
"We won't have to spend much." Brown-gold eyes looked down at the coins and couldn't help but feel that familiar guilt wash over him that he had to use Tessa's money for something. It agitated his wolf too. He was supposed to provide for his mate and show her that he was capable to taking care of her and their pups. So far he felt that he wasn't doing a very good job of that.
Tobias stopped walking when he felt his mate lean into his side, pulling her against him gently as he looked down at her with a worried expression. "Yes, this is really happening. I mean...if you want it to. Tessa, I love you more than anything, so if you just say the word we will turn around and go back this moment. Your parents would forgive you. I know they would."
They wouldn't forgive him. He was the dirty monster that had sullied their daughter. Going back would mean suffering for him, and probably a struggle to stay together, but he would do anything for her.
"What-? Oh, no, Toby. No." She smiled at him, eyes glinting softly. "I want this, love. More than I've ever wanted anything."
Tessa leaned up to kiss his cheek, just a quick peck but it still sent a little jolt through her. She was still nervous, but she knew- just knew- that he was worth whatever happened next. Threading her fingers through his, she let her smile widen and squeezed his hand gently.
"Now, husband." Another little thrill. "Let's get those supplies."
How many times would she have to reassure him? Tobias sighed softly as she kissed his cheek and closed his eyes. He wanted this with her. To have his beautiful wife and mate, to take her away and show her the kind of life he had always wanted, simple and full of love.
The werewolf couldn't stop worrying that he was doing the wrong thing by taking her away from the type of life she'd always known.
He returned the gentle squeeze and let his eyes slowly slide open to look down at his beloved treasure and gave a slight smile. With a low chuckle he reached his free hand up to gently brush his fingertips lovingly across her cheek, wishing they weren't in a hurry or in public so that he could just hold and kiss her for a while. "I love hearing you call me that."
Reluctantly he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and continued to the market. Tobias was extremelly critical as he looked over the things at the various vendors. He only picked up the things he had mentioned, and picked the plainest and cheapest he could find that were also in good working condition. It would only set them back a few coins to get the few basic things he thought would be most useful to have right away.
Tessa's smile grew. "Good, because I love saying it," she said softly, cheeks flushing quite despite herself. Gods she wished they could just take some time and really appreciate the fact that they'd just been married.
But she knew they couldn't, not yet anyway. She watched the werewolf's careful examination of goods, wanting to learn as much as she could but not wanting to be a bother by pestering him with questions.
When Tobias seemed satisfied with his selections and they'd paid, she found herself biting her lip and glancing over her shoulder. She was starting to get worried that her father had followed through on his threat to call the city guard. While legally they couldn't really do anything- she had left willingly, and Tobias was her husband now- she had the distinct feeling that wouldn't stop an arrest.
Or worse.
"I, um...I've never left the city, really," she admitted quietly, pressing into his side again, trying to hurry him along without really saying it. "Which way are we going?"
Their marriage might not have been traditionally romantic, and it wasn't really possible to relax and have a honeymoon, but Tobias thought it was perfect anyway. How couldn't he? Beyond reason, he'd just married a woman far above anything he ever dared dream for himself since becoming a werewolf.
"Never? Well won't this be a little adventure, then." He flashed her a reassuring smile as he wrapped one arm about her waist, guiding her down a main street towards the gate that would led them towards their new home. Even if that home was going to need a lot of work and tender, loving care to get it back up and running like a proper household.
Mostly he wanted to keep her mind off of their troubles. If they moved quickly enough hopefully they'd be well outside the city limits before any guards were looking for them. "You're going to love where I grew up. I just know it. The country is so quiet compared to the city, and there's nothing more soothing than listening to the river as you fall asleep at night. The old homestead is actually bigger than yours here, but it's land, mostly. For gardening and livestock. I'm afraid the house is pretty small, and last I saw it needed a lot of work, but just you wait and see, after I've gotten the needed repairs out of the way it'll be nice and cozy."
A grin split his face as he pictured it. "There's room enough for the two of us, and a little one or two, but I can build some additions for us if we think more room is necessary..." He didn't stop walking as he spoke.
Tessa smiled as he talked, just watching his face. While there was a lingering nervousness in the back of her mind, she found his excitement was positively contagious. She squeezed his hand gently as they walked.
"I'm sure it'll be wonderful, Toby," she murmured, smiling up at him. Her heart gave a little skip at the mention of "a little one or two". The thought was a little nerve-wracking, but she couldn't deny the soft warmth that seemed to spread through her chest as she considered it.
"I'll help too, however I can." She flushed, then added hesitantly, "I know it's your home, but...I'd like to help make it ours, if I can."
A confused flash crossed his face as he looked down at her with concern. "Of course you will, sweetheart. I'll teach you how to do all kinds of things, and..." Tobias paused, bringing a hand up to cup her cheek and look down at her very seriously. "Tessa, my sweet, gentle wife...It's already ours. Just because it was my home years ago doesn't mean that it's all mine. Everything I have is yours now."
He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, then another to her forehead before sighing softly. "I wish there was more time for just enjoying each other. I promise there will be later. Let's go, the sooner we get away from here, the sooner we can breathe easy."
Or easier, anyway. They still had to worry about plenty of things, more than most young couples, but everything would be fine as long as they were together. He gripped her hand gently and guided her out of Ketra.
She had to work hard not to smile as his lips brushed hers so she could kiss him back. Her cheeks were still rather flushed, but it wasn't really from nervousness or embarrassment. Tess gripped his hand a little tighter and tugged him in for another kiss before they started walking again.
"Lead the way," she murmured as he lead them out of the city. "I think I'd follow you just about anywhere."
The comment was meant to be a little playful, but it rang almost scarily true. She tightened her grip on his hand and sort of pressed against his side as they left Ketra behind.
Tessa glanced back over her shoulder a few times, biting her lip. She was desperately trying to ignore how very little she really knew about the world outside her city.
"Talk to me," she said suddenly, glancing up at Tobias. "I...I need to keep my mind off things. Please?"
His mate was worried about her lack of knowledge of things outside of Ketra, but Tobias had his worries firmly buried in Ketra as they left. How far outside the city would they have to be before the risk of having city guardsmen running them down vanished? He really didn't know how far Tessa's father's reach might extend. The man seemed rich enough to someone like Tobias, but he wasn't a lord or anything as far as he knew. Probably had some friends that were.
The werewolf glanced down at the beautiful woman pressed against his side as they walked, trying to give another reassuring smile. More than anything he wanted to soothe and comfort her.
"Alright, what to talk about..." Tobias hummed thoughtfully for a moment, before sighing softly, "I guess I have a confession to make, and I'm sure you've figured it out, but I can't read. Or write. Never learned, it wasn't exactly critical knowledge for a fisherman's son, you know? I needed to know how to repair nets, unhook snagged lines, fix the boat, the fence, the house, hunt for rabbits, care for livestock..."
He shrugged his shoulders, looking away from her a bit sheepishly. "I hope you're not too disappointed to be married to an uneducated man like me."
Tessa listened as he spoke, eyes sort of softening as she did. she had figured out he was illiterate, but her heart lurched guiltily at the way he spoke about it.
"Oh, Toby." She squeezed his hand gently and offered a small smile. "I could never be disappointed to have married you, sweetheart." She leaned up to kiss his cheek, eyes glinting at him with something approaching sheer adoration.
"And..." She bit her lip, then continued slowly, "If- if you wanted to, I could teach you. I mean, you don't have to learn, of course, it's really not all that important. It's just, well-" She shrugged and gave him a sheepish sort of smile. "I wouldn't hate the idea of getting to teach you something instead of the other way around. At least I wouldn't feel entirely useless out here."
Before becoming a werewolf and leaving his small home town, not knowing how to read had never bothered Tobias. People back home didn't even think of things like that. Most of the town had never learned to read because they were simple folk and knew only the things considered necessary for being productive contributors to their family and community.
Most of the boys, just like Tobias, had learned a trade, or several, to support them and their families in a primarily self-reliant way. It had just been the way of life back then.
When he'd woken up with Mable, well, he realized just how small and unlearned he truly was. She'd had lots of books, but had never offered to teach him to read. Then again, she'd been pretty focused on giving him a far more practical education on what he had become and how to cope with it.
"You're not useless at all, Tessa. Without you nothing else matters or means anything." His brown eyes were sincere and full of love and devotion as he looked down at her. "Ever since I regained my senses and learned what I'd become...well I kind of stopped living. I just existed. There wasn't such a thing as a home, just me wandering lost and alone. I didn't know what to do anymore...until I met you."
Her heart seemed to jump up into her throat at that and she stopped walking for a moment, just staring at him.
"Toby..." She leaned up to kiss him, cradling his face in her hands and closing her eyes as she allowed herself to melt into the touch for a few moments. "If you keep saying things like that we're never going to get anywhere," she said quietly when she pulled away, eyes shimmering softly.
As she started walking again, Tessa's eyes flicked to her feet and she murmured, "I love you, and it breaks my heart to think of you living like that." She squeezed his hand and added even more quietly, "But I promise I will do everything I can to make sure you never feel like that again."
A flicker of playful teasing entered Tobias's voice as he grinned broadly down at his mate. "Are you saying you want me to stop saying things like that? 'Cause I think you like it."
As much as he'd love not to have to really go anywhere, because truly all he wanted was to drag her away far enough so that they could hide in a secluded spot and he could hold and kiss her until they were both breathless, he knew that guards could become a problem at any minute. He kept them moving towards freedom and home.
"Sweetheart, as long as you're by my side, the world's going to be right as rain." He hadn't felt so good in so long. Too bad it was tainted by her family's poor reception to their love.
Tessa beamed at him, pressing a little closer into his side and squeezing his hand gently. "I like it," she murmured, eyes glittering. She too wanted nothing more in the world than just a few moments of peace so they could really enjoy each other and the fact that they'd just been married. "I definitely like it. But we do have to keep moving."
She huffed out a small breath and murmured, "You think too much of me. I just hope I can live up to expectations." It was a slightly nerve-wracking thought, but sort of thrilling just the same.
"For now." They did have to keep moving, but once they got home they could settle and relax a little. Of course then he would have a lot of work to do. He wasn't sure how bad of shape the old place was in at this point. It was kind of exciting to think about having a project to work on.
Tobias was going to be able to basically build their home. They could change whatever they wanted while he renovated - Tessa could truly have him make it her own home. Well, not like her parent's house, they couldn't possibly need something so big, but still. Not only that, but he was going to have the chance to teach his new wife all sorts of things about a more down-to-earth life.
"I don't think, I know. You don't have to live up to anything, darlin', you're already there." He chuckled and tilted his head down to press a soft kiss to the top of her head.
Tessa smiled and blushed a bit as she tilted her head back to beam up at him. "I love you," she said happily, leaning into his side and letting her head rest against his shoulder for a moment.
She couldn't deny that she was nervous about what lay ahead of them, but she was also excited- excited to learn more about her mate and the home he'd grown up in, to make that home their own, then...well, who knew what would come next.
All her life had been planned out for her. She was thrilled to have this chance to take the reins.
Her eyes flicked over to Tobias again and she smiled to herself; the best part was she wasn't doing this alone.
"Do you think we should have purchased horses?" she mused aloud after a moment. "I'm no expert, but they may be useful..." She shrugged. She really didn't know much about it either way.
"Love you too." Tobias murmured with a happy sigh, nuzzling gently at her hair and enjoying the scent of his mate filling his nose. He loved having her head resting on his shoulder like that. Tessa fit him so well. It made him like to think that their meeting and love wasn't just a happy accident. Maybe this was what was supposed to happen.
"Horses are expensive and take a lot of care." He frowned softly and gave a bit of a self-depreciating smile. "Plus a lot of them don't take too kindly to me anymore."
Well, no use dwelling on that. The werewolf perked up and grinned at his mate. They were outside of the city now, on the open road to home. Forests would soon surround them. "Besides, there's not a horse alive that can outrun a werewolf."
She "hmm"ed quietly, taking his expertise on the matter. Her hand squeezed his gently when he seemed to drop towar self-deprecation, but he quickly moved away from it and she smiled.
Then she giggled, giving him a wry look with an arched eyebrow. "True, but where does that leave me? Am I meant to ride you?" she laughed.
It took a moment, but then the possible suggestive nature of what she'd said dawned on her and her cheeks went very red. "Oh! I- I didn't mean- ah, that is- oh, hell." She groaned and buried her face in her hands in embarrassment.
As soon as the words left her lips, Tobias developed a wolfish smirk. It was so very tempting to make a quip about their activities the previous night - as that was kind of exactly what she'd done. Her stammering and face covering caused him to laugh softly and think better of poking fun at his poor, sweet wife.
"Yeah, actually. Once we get into the woods we'll leave the road and I can change. It'll be a lot faster if you ride me. Could take a lot longer to get where we're going if we just walk." Besides, he thought it would be kind of fun to have his mate ride him in a different sense than already experienced.
The werewolf couldn't stop grinning, though.
Tessa slowly managed to lift her eyes to his face and saw his- well, wolfish expression. She mocked frowned at him and batted playfully at his shoulder.
"You're making fun of me," she pouted. "I can see it in your face." Her expression relaxed its playfulness slightly and she added, "I suppose that does make the most sense. We'll cover more ground, and it may be harder for...for people to track us off the main roads."
She was momentarily bemused that being tracked was something she now has to worry about.
Only for a little while. "Maybe- maybe I'll send Mother and Father a letter," she said softly. "Once we're settled. I won't tell them where we are, but...maybe they'll have calmed down a bit."
He couldn't keep from laughing softly again as she swatted at his shoulder. Tobias looked down at her with his gold-flecked eyes shining softly, admiring her pout with a happy grin. Once again he was struck by how beautiful she was, his chest swelling with love for her.
"Of course, just to let them know you're alright. They won't be able to respond if they don't know where we are, but...eventually I'm sure they'll come around and we can visit them." Maybe.
Tobias really wasn't going to hold his breath on that front. Her father seemed fairly livid, and her mother...he wasn't sure. To him she'd seemed disappointed with Tessa, but he didn't know them well enough to say for sure what emotions were really going through their minds. All the werewolf knew was he couldn't risk losing his mate.
"Yes. Maybe someday..."
She bit her lip and her eyes took on a sort of distant look for a moment, lost in thought. Then she shook her head and offered him a quick, bright smile that was only about half forced.
Her father would never be okay with this. She knew that with a strange sort of certainty that felt like a heavy knot in her chest. But her mother... Nateri had always been a bit more willing to indulge her than her husband. Maybe someday she'd manage to talk Erik down enough for them to at least see their daughter and her husband...
But she wasn't going to count on it. Another shake of her head and she leaned into Tobias's side as they walked. "When do you think we should head off the main road?"
Tobias didn't want to think about Tessa's parents. He didn't want to think about his either. His mother had told him once she couldn't wait for grandchildren, but now she'd never meet hers. Thinking about how much family they did not have was just depressing.
All he needed was Tessa.
"Now would be good. There's enough foot traffic this close to the city that'd it would be impossible to track us, and there's some dense forest here too." Nobody could see him transform, that would cause panic and of course would leave witnesses that could point any pursuers in the right direction to hunt them down.
He pulled her off the road and started into the trees, looking around to make sure no one was actually watching them as they disappeared into the forest. "We'll go in pretty far before I change."
Tessa nodded as he pulled her into the trees, keeping close to his side as she looked around curiously. She'd never seen so much green- growing up in the city the closest she'd ever been to a real forest was the small, well-groomed parks.
"It's beautiful out here," she murmured, smiling as she gave his hand a small squeeze.
But they didn't really have time to enjoy the scenery. She gave his hand another squeeze as they moved further into the trees and reluctantly stepped a little aide to give him room to change.
"Yeah, there's a wild beauty about the forest. I love it out here." Tobias murmured. Even before becoming a werewolf he had loved the wilderness of rural Adela where he was born and raised. He hoped that Tessa would come to appreciate it as much as he did. Especially since now he was a werewolf and the wolf couldn't truly live without the wild.
When they came to a suitable spot he drew away from his mate and turned to her. "Alright, I'm going to strip and transform. Put my clothes in the pack and put it on your back. When I change, I will lay down for you to climb on. Stay low on my back and hold tight to my fur here," He indicated the places on his chest near his neck, "Don't worry about pulling my fur. I'd rather you held too tight than not tight enough and you got hurt falling. Just let me know if you want me to go faster, slow down, or stop. Okay?"
Tobias took a deep breath, feeling irrationally nervous as he began removing his clothing. Tessa had done more than just see him naked - and she had seen the wolf too. Maybe it was because now she was his wife and he was undressing for the first time as her husband. Not that that made much more sense.
Pushing through his shyness, the werewolf managed to get out of his clothes which he handed her with a sheepish blush. It took a few moments for him to be able to call on the change because of his nerves, but the wolf flowed out smoothly, eager to greet his mate for the first time now that she was his mate. The transformation only took a few seconds, it had used to take so much longer and had been a horrifically painful affair. Tobias was glad it wasn't anymore. He would have hated for Tessa to see it before.
The wolf whined softly, wagging his tail as he nuzzled his head against Tessa's shoulder happily before licking her cheek.
"Um, okay." Tessa nodded as she listened intently to his instructions, a determined sort of frown furrowing her brow. Perhaps she was being a little too serious, but she was suddenly irrationally nervous about this whole thing. It felt...very odd to think about that fact that her husband would be serving as a mount.
She smiled though when she realized he seemed even more nervous than her, trying to put him at ease. She murmured a soft thanks as he handed her his clothing- cheeks red even as she determinedly kept her eyes on his face, though there really wasn't much point to it- and she folded them up and packed them away, swinging the pack onto her back.
A small, wondering sigh left her as she watched him shift. There was something so primal but beautiful about it, it made her catch her breath a bit. For a moment she just looked at him, lips curved in a distracted sort of smile.
She laughed when he licked her cheek; her brief paralysis broke and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Hello, beautiful," she chuckled, scratching the wolf behind his ears and letting her forehead rest against his for a moment before she pressed a quick kiss to his nose.
The huge head of the wolf rested on her shoulder as she hugged him, his tail continuing to wag happily at the attention his mate was paying to him. It made him so happy that she wasn't afraid of him. Tobias hated when people were afraid of him, but the wolf only cared about Tessa. His mate couldn't be afraid of him, it would be too horrible.
He pulled away from her arms, stepping back and laying on the ground, looking up at her adoringly. If it were anyone else the wolf would have balked at being ridden like some horse, but he wanted his mate to run with him. Tessa could never keep up with him on her own.
Besides, she would be pressed close to him. Both of them liked that idea; having their mate clinging to them, pressed close and warm where he could keep her safe and happy.
She huffed a little when he pulled away from her, instinctively lamenting the loss of his warmth, but a small smile quickly flashed across her face as he laid down. She got to her feet and moved closer, then hesitated.
"Um..." Suddenly she felt rather awkward. "Alright. I guess..." She hovered, fidgeted with her skirt, then let out a sharp breath and shook her head, climbing up onto his back.
Well. This was certainly interesting. "You're sure I'm not to heavy?" The question was out before she could stop it, despite the fact that he'd shown he could carry her easily even in his human form. She huffed out another breath and bent over his neck, carefully twining her fingers into the fur of his ruff.
Tobias gave a soft, reassuring whine as Tessa seemed a bit nervous about actually climbing onto his back. He wished he could speak to her in this form, but neither he nor the wolf knew how to effectively communicate with a human like this. All he could do was use the sounds and body languages of the wolf and hope for the best.
He made a soft chuffling sound when she asked if he was sure she wasn't too heavy. It was the closest he could come to laughing in this form.
The wolf made sure that his mate had a good hold of his fur before he slowly rose to his feet, looking over his shoulder at Tessa carefully to make sure she seemed stable. Having her fall was the last thing he wanted. He couldn't stand the thought of her in pain or in danger. It was enough to drive him insane.
Tobias huffed softly and started walking fairly slowly. He wanted to let her get used to the way his body moved in this form. It wouldn't do to start running before she was comfortable on his back.
"O-oh..." She knew he was big, bigger than a wolf had any right to be really, but somehow it hadn't registered just how big he was until she was looking at the distance to the ground over his shoulder.
"Ooohhkay." Tessa gave a nervous little laugh and hung on tighter. "Alright, this is...weird." Another laugh and she let her cheek rest between his shoulders. It was nothing like riding a horse, she could feel the difference in his gait through his whole body.
And it was...sort of wonderful. It almost felt like she could feel his heartbeat, his breath, through her whole body, pressed as tightly against him as she was. After a moment, she gave him a little scratch on his shoulder and murmured, "I, um, I think I've got it, if you wanna pick up the pace."
Tobias loved the way Tessa felt pressed against him like that. Her weight didn't bother him at all, in fact it was rather comforting. They were so very close, each movement, each breath translated between them. It was wonderful.
Ears flicked as she scratched his shoulder and encouraged him to go a little faster. The wolf was happy to seize the opportunity to move to an easy, loping jog. It wasn't full on running, but it felt so good for him to stretch and work his muscles after so long being forced to sit in a cage, then being confined within the city. Here the wolf was in his element, the forest and wild. Every fiber of his being longed to run. To sprint through the trees as fast as he could go, but he didn't want to overwhelm his mate by going too fast too soon.
A short, startled laugh bubbled up out of her as he picked up speed and she hung on a little tighter. After a few moments, she got up the courage to raise her head and watch the trees drift by as he loped along easily.
"This is amazing," she murmured without thinking. Green. There was just so much green, it was unlike anything she'd ever seen before. "Gods, Toby, I don't know how you could ever bare to be human," she laughed quietly as her hand moved to press against his chest for a moment before sliding back up to his shoulder.
His ears flickered at the sound of her laughter, it was such a beautiful sound. Now he'd have all his life to make her smile and laugh. It was something he wanted to do as often as he could! Making her happy seemed like the most worthwhile thing he could possibly do with his life.
Amazing? Tobias hadn't put a lot of time or effort into thinking of how amazing things around him could be, that anything good could come of being a beast.
He supposed that there was a certain beauty and freedom to running through the wild as a wolf. Still, he thought he would have rather remained a normal man. Normal men didn't hurt people accidentally as he had done since becoming what he was.
Putting it behind him, Tobias picked up his pace again. It would probably be too dangerous to run full speed with Tessa on his back, but he could still go quite fast. What he wouldn't give to be able to speak to his wife in this form. Unfortunately, he didn't know how, or if it was even possible. Maybe he could find out.
A soft gasp hitched in Tessa's chest as they picked up speed and she clung to him a little tighter, then laughed again, the pure exhilaration of it all bubbling up.
They'd really done it. They were leaving the city behind, they were going to be together.
Perhaps it was a little strange with him in his wolf form, but she leaned down over his neck to hug him a little more securely and murmured almost too soft to catch, "I love you, Toby."
She just breathed a moment, then sat back a bit so she could look around again. Her fingers twisted through his fur and she shifted a bit to make her skirts less cumbersome as he loped through the trees.
A soft woof was the only response he could make in this form, but Tobias hoped she could interpret the sound as his own affirmation of love.
It would have to do.
His paws practically flew over the ground as he wove between the trees. The wolf in him took nearly full control of their body, happily running through the forest with all the fresh, natural scents surrounding him. Of course he could hardly forget the scent pouring off the female clinging to his back. That was the best scent of all.
Tobias didn't know how far or how long he ran that way, but eventually he slowed back to a slow jog. Not because he was tired, though. A shallow stream crossed his path and he stopped near to it, looking over his shoulder back at his mate as he laid down so she could dismount.
The steady rocking of his gait was oddly soothing after a while, and Tessa found she'd slipped into an almost trace-like state by the time he slowed, then stopped.
Glancing at the stream, she suddenly realized how thirsty she was. She slipped off his back and gathered her skirts up so she could kneel beside the water, cupping her hands to get a drink.
She glanced back at the wolf and leaned into his side with a soft breath. "Are you alright? If I'm getting too heavy, I really don't mind walking," she murmured as she passed a hand over his fur gently.
She wasn't the only one that was thirsty.
The great wolf crouched at the water's edge beside her and lapped up the cool, clear water eagerly. His tail wagged as she leaned against his side, and he brought his head up, water dripping from his muzzle as he whined softly in response to her words.
Frustrated with his inability to communicate with his mate, Tobias shifted rapidly back into his human form, standing there naked as he brought his arms around her.
"You're not heavy at all." He growled softly into her ear, nuzzling at her neck with a happy sigh before nipping the skin ever so lightly. "I've been really enjoying having you pressed so close to me all day. Have you been enjoying the ride?"
Tessa's breath caught in her throat as his warmth suddenly surrounded her and she leaned back into him easily, naturally. A small shiver ran down her spine as she almost felt his quiet growl thrum through her body, and a smile curved her lips. His nip elicited a soft squeak and she wriggled against him in mock protest.
"Very much," she laughed quietly, twisting in his arms to claim his lips in a quick kiss, then place a nip of her own just below his jaw. "Though I have to say, I think I like this kind of pressing close a bit better." Her voice was teasing, but there was a faint blush dusting her cheeks.
It was hard to ignore the fact that he was naked. Her arms slid around his waist and she leaned into him with a happy little sigh.
The nip to his jaw elicited another low growl from the werewolf, his eyes shining a burnished gold as he looked down at his mate in an almost predatory way. His arms tightened around her, smoothing up and down her back slowly.
"I think you like teasing the wolf." Tobias murmured in her ear, nuzzling and kissing her neck suggestively. He couldn't forget that he was naked either. It was hard to forget with his mate pressed against him like that. The wolf thought she was entirely over dressed, and it was a struggle not to rip off her dress.
His hands moved down to her hips and squeezed lightly, pressing his hips against her so she could feel the hardness press against her stomach. "We should go soon, or we're not going for a while."
"Maybe a little," Tessa admitted with a soft laugh, despite the rather delectable shiver that traced down her spine as his attention focused in on her neck.
She sucked in a sharp breath when he pressed against her, a flash of heat flaring up in her eyes. She swallowed a whimper of protest and tried to get some distance. "R-right. We should...keep moving."
Her hands braced against his chest- she'd meant to push away, but they just sort of...hovered there. "I mean, ahem. I...suppose we don't have time for a break." Her cheeks were very flushed and her eyes flicked down and away.
The werewolf gave a soft growl at the admission. Of course she liked teasing the wolf. It made him love her all the more. His beautiful mate, who loved him despite the beast inside him.
Tessa might have swallowed her sound of protest, but Tobias still sensed the disappointment. He didn't want her to pull away, didn't want her out of his arms. His wolf thought they had plenty of time to take a break. There would always be time for him to drop everything and ravish his lovely mate.
His chest was vibrating with a low, nearly inaudible growl as her hands pressed against him. The way her cheeks flushed and her eyes looked down made his arms tighten around her again, pulling her closer. Tobias couldn't have leeched the bright gold from his eyes if he tried, and he wasn't trying. Right now he didn't want to push the wolf or those instincts away.
"Well maybe a little break..." He growled, bringing one hand up to cup her face, tilting her head up as he captured her lips in a heated kiss.
Tessa kissed him back fiercely, twining her arms around his neck and holding him to her to the best of her ability. She didn't want any space between them, not if she could help it. Her hands slid down his shoulders to trace along his spine and she sighed against his lips, tilting her head into the kiss.
"Toby..." She wasn't quite sure what she'd wanted to say- maybe just that, just his name. Her lips curved into a smile and she had to break away from his kiss for a moment to cup his face in her hands and meet his eyes.
"I love you," she murmured, letting her brow rest against his for a moment before she kissed his cheek. She feathered kisses along his jaw to his neck, and one hand moved down to start plucking at the laces of her corset rather hesitantly.
Having space between them was not a problem, because Tobias held her fiercely against his chest. His mouth was all over hers, kissing with a passion that only seemed to intensify the longer they were together. They had not yet shared a truly intimate moment like this since being married that morning and he was eager to assert his claim on his beautiful mate and wife.
He groaned softly as she pulled away, breathing heavy as his golden eyes stared into hers as she cupped his face. One hand moved from her back to run surprisingly gently through her hair, his voice was a soft, raspy whisper. "I love you too, Tessa."
Tobias saw the hesitant way she plucked at her corset and moved both hands around to grip hers gently, stilling the motion. "There's no one out here, love. Are you nervous? We...don't have to."
Although the thought of stopping now was almost painful. He wanted her so badly, and the wolf inside him was rippling just beneath the surface already. They wanted their mate as badly as he wanted his wife.
"No. No, I..." She took a small breath and leaned into him a little more, hiding a bashful smile against his chest. "I'm not...nervous. I just- I'm not used to this sort of thing."
She gave an awkward little laugh and shook her head as her arms tightened around him. "But I want this. I want you, I do." She kissed his neck and pulled back to look at his face again. "I love you so much. Gods, I feel like I always want you."
She blushed as the words left her mouth, feeling almost ashamed to admit it.
"This sort of thing?" Tobias asked with an amused tilt at one corner of his mouth as she hid against his chest. He wasn't sure if she was referring to making love in general or that they were outside in the sort of open while about to do so. The forest was dense and smelled so natural, it made him and his wolf very happy, and there was nobody else around so he didn't feel a need to be bashful about it.
A soft chuckle escaped the werewolf as he moved his hands up to cup her face, gazing down at her with all the love those golden eyes could convey as he rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks. "You're so gorgeous, and I always want you too. It's good for you to want your mate. And your husband."
He dipped his head down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. His hands slowly brushed down her neck until they were once again at her bodice, gently tugging the laces of her corset loose so that he could begin stripping the fabric from her body. Tobias felt like his own body was on fire with the intensity of his desire for her. Thankfully he was already undressed because he feared he might have ripped his own clothes off otherwise in his haste.
Tessa returned the kiss gently, but still heated. Her hands moved back to her corset to undo the laces and shrug the thing off.
Her cheeks were very warm, but she smiled and kissed his cheek as she moved to wriggle out of her dress. The grass tickled every inch of skin that she gradually managed to reveal and she squirmed, unconsciously starting to almost crawl into her husband's lap.
Arms around his neck, she smiled again and nuzzled her nose against his before turning her attention to kiss his jaw and neck. "I suppose sometimes not having clothes when you shift can be useful," she chuckled quietly.
Almost crawling into her werewolf's lap simply wasn't enough, because Tobias quickly pulled her into his lap completely as she finished squirming out of her dress. His hands squeezed her hips gently, a low growl rumbling through him as she kissed at his heated flesh.
"It's convenient in situations such as this." He admitted with a small smirk before pulling her into an impassioned kiss.
Her breath was stolen into the kiss and a shivery moan caught in her throat as she more or less attempted to wrap her body around his. She shifted in his lap until her legs were hooked around his waist and her hands dragged down his back, feeling the muscles flex with every movement.
"I love you," she breathed against his mouth when she managed to tear herself away for a moment. Her eyes almost shimmered with the heat radiating from her chest. "Gods, Toby, I love you so much."
Tobias encouraged his beautiful mate to entangle herself with him, pulling her close and holding her to him as they kissed feverishly. He growled softly as she pulled away, eyes burning golden as she once again told him how much she loved him.
Supporting her back, the werewolf leaned forward, shifting their position until Tessa was laid gently upon the soft grass, him poised between her legs, but not yet taking her.
"I love you too." His voice was a strained rumble, obviously fighting with himself as wolf and man both scrambled with the overwhelming emotion and lust they had for the woman beneath them. Tobias had a harder time keeping the wolf contained here in the forest. This was the animal's natural domain.
A soft gasp slipped passed her lips and she shivered as the grass tickled at her bare skin. She flushed, unable to keep a small giggle from bubbling up in her chest at how- how scandalous this was.
Although she had just married her bodyguard and run away with him. "Scandalous" seemed to be the new norm for her.
And as new as the idea of making love out in the open like this was to her, she could tell it was giving Tobias...almost an edge, a fiercer undertone to his touch and kisses that made her shudder and arch up into him. Gods. She knew he was worried about the wolf, about the possibility of going to far with her, but if she was being honest with herself she just wanted more.
"It's okay," she whispered, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair as she locked her eyes on his. "Toby, just...be you. I love you, and I want all of you." She propped herself up on one arm and looped the other around his neck, kissing him deeply, heatedly. The pressure of his body over hers set every nerve on fire and she whimpered quietly as she shifted her hips to press closer.
The entire experience was overwhelming. His senses were awash with stimuli. Visually he had his breath-taking mate naked beneath him, ready and willing to be positively ravaged right there in the grass, which was honestly perhaps the sexiest thing he had ever witnessed. Then he had to contend with all the scents assaulting him - his mate's apple pie heaven, the grass, leaves, moss, tree bark, running water, and fresh dirt were all appealing to his beast.
Tobias couldn't believe that it was really happening. Tessa, his lovely wife, and on their way to his childhood home to make a sweet, simple life for themselves. It was everything he wanted.
Golden eyes softened, just slightly, as she raised a hand up to run her fingers through his hair and encourage him. Another growl pushed through him as they kissed deeply, but it turned into a moan as her hips shifted. With the gentle reassurance that Tessa really did love and want all parts of who he was, Tobias let himself go.
Immediately he adjusted his hips and sank into his wife's velvet heat with a groan, pressing into the kiss even more fiercely than before as he held her close as he began moving, not holding back.
"Oh gods." Tessa's back arched and she raked her nails down his back as she scrabbled for a hold, mewling softly. She quickly returned to his mouth for another kiss, lips parted and chest hitching against his as she panted, dragging her lips almost clumsily over his.
He was everywhere. Above her, heat and weight and beautiful, burning golden eyes, around her, pressing her into the grass, holding her close, legs tangling together as they moved, in her, movements smooth and powerful and leaving her gasping for breath.
Almost desperately she twisted to pull her lips away from his and press them down the column of his throat in hot, messy kisses, following the line of his clavicle to his shoulder before working her way back up. She hooked her legs around his waist, heels digging into the small of his back, and pulled him against her as she began to rock her hips up to meet him. Her head fell back, lashes fluttering against her cheeks in rapture as she groaned.
They were all alone out here. No chance of discovery, no need to censor herself. She was suddenly incredibly grateful for the fact.
Another lusty growl poured from the werewolf as those nails left red lines in the tanned flesh of his back, but the mewling sound his mate made was what really made Tobias' breath hitch as he dove into the kiss hungrily, nipping softly at Tessa's lower lip.
He groaned hotly and tilted his head up to give his mate better access to his throat as she kissed at his even hotter than normal skin. Honestly Tobias felt like he was burning up, but he was happy to leap into these particular flames. They roared inside him, making his blood boil in the best kind of way as the two sides of him unified harmoniously for a change. All any part of him cared about was making love to this beautiful woman.
Very intensely.
Sweat was beading on his brow as he tilted his head down when hers fell back. His lips and tongue and teeth found her throat, scraping across her tender flesh with his teeth, nipping at her hot skin gently before lathering it sweetly in wet kisses. He felt like he could explode at any moment.
Her breath came in sharp, uneven pants as his mouth explored her throat, the gentle sting of his teeth against her skin making her shiver and gasp before it was smoothed away with those sweet kisses. Tension and heat coiled tight in her core and she all but writhed up under him, desperate for release.
Her hands clutched at his shoulders and her legs tightened around his waist as her body arched, pressing as tightly against him as she could manage as she went tumbling over the edge with a cry. Waves of pleasure rippled through her and she found herself clinging to her husband just to stop herself from collapsing weakly back into the grass.
Tobias' breath was coming out in hot pants against her throat as he continued his tender assault with his mouth, lips suckling softly at the skin at one point. He wasn't sure how he could be both tender and so forceful as he felt Tessa come undone beneath him.
As his mate cried out the werewolf struck, teeth finding her shoulder in a bruising bite as he growled before tearing his mouth away and letting out his own sharp cry as he couldn't hold back any longer, spilling his seed deep inside his mate with a sense of rapture. How many times had he done so already?
It was too much to try to think in that moment, instead he just leaned his head down to rest against hers, holding her tenderly and close as he panted and trembled softly. He had never felt anything so intense before.
"Did I hurt you badly?" Tobias finally asked softly as he began to catch his breath, lifting his head to look down at her with concern. The wolf had bitten her again. He hated that.
The bite nearly had her coming undone again, a mix of pleasure and pain that was more intense than anything she'd ever felt before. She wrapped herself even tighter around Tobias as he gave a cry of his own and buried her face against his shoulder, shuddering and panting.
Then his brow was pressed to hers as they both panted, getting their breath back. A small smile curved at her lips, though it flickered uncertainly when he asked if he'd hurt her.
"No, love," she murmured, curving her palm against his cheek and leaning up slightly to peck his nose. "I'm not hurt, really. That was...incredible." Her face was flushed, the color spreading down her neck to her chest, and she refused to release her grip on his shoulders or unwind her legs from his waist.
And despite everything, she found herself blushing a little as she admitted in a mumble, "I- I actually...like it. When you do that." The hand on his cheek moved to flutter against the bite mark he'd left.
It was good that Tessa didn't try to unwind herself from him, because Tobias was certainly not ready to let her go yet. He was just enjoying basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking, still feeling so deeply connected to his mate, and not only because of how physically close their bodies still pressed against each other.
He tilted his head softly into her touch, nuzzling against her hand as he closed his eyes. The gold was slowly ebbing out of them, returning to their natural warm brown gradually.
A mix of guilt and pleasure pulsed through the werewolf as his face flushed heavily with embarrassment when Tessa told him she liked when he bit her. Guilt obviously coming from the man and pleasure thrumming through the wolf.
"You can thank the wolf for that, it's all him." Tobias murmured sheepishly. "He likes biting you, likes marking you so all the other males will know that you're his."
Marking her?
She'd considered that it was an instinctive thing on his part, and that seemed to confirm it. And somehow that sent a little thrill fluttering in her belly.
"Good," she remarked, voice quiet but fierce. Her eyes glinted silver at him as she leaned up for another kiss, this one soft and languid. "Because he's mine too."
Her blush deepened as the words left her mouth, but she didn't try to take them back. Tessa tilted her head and pressed quick, light kisses to his collar and shoulder, mapping her meandering way to his neck. She hesitated, then nipped lightly- not nearly enough to bruise, or even really sting, just a cautious, almost exploratory bite.
She'd married a werewolf. She figured she may as well try to take a step into his world for a change, rather than expecting him to meet the world she'd grown up in.
"I'm yours, all of me." The werewolf rumbled softly, taking an animalistic glee in his wife's possessive declaration that the wolf was hers as he returned her languid kiss. His wolf loved any territorial behavior his mate expressed towards him.
A jolt of pleasure ran through Tobias as his neck was nipped, causing him to shudder softly with a low growl. She couldn't possibly harm him, and he could feel his wolf rumbling unhappily that even should their mate bite him hard enough to leave a mark it would fade far too quickly. The red lines on his back left by Tessa's fingernails would be gone before they camped for the night.
It was one of the only instances that he felt regret for his newfound durability.
"My wolf wishes you'd bite us harder." Tobias blushed, peeking down at her shyly at relaying the wolf's desires to her.
Her eyes widened slightly and she blinked. Then a small smirk curved at her lips and she tilted her head. "Does he?"
Humming consideringly, she drew Tobias down for another kiss, nibbling at his lower lip before she moved to the underside of his jaw, then his neck. Her teeth dragged gently against his skin, then she bit down, sucking at the heated flesh the way he had that left constellations of marks across her skin.
A soft purring sort of sound rose in her throat and she kissed the bite as she pulled away. She pressed her forehead against her husband's, smiling softly as she traced absent patterns over his back. "Something like that?"
Her legs finally unwound from his waist, but she kept one knee bent and pressed against his hip, reminding herself just how present and solid he was. Not that she needed a reminder with him laying over her, but it was nice.
She sighed contentedly and nuzzled into the crook of his neck with a few more kisses and nips.
"He does." Tobias confirmed breathlessly, because despite his claim that it was what the wolf wanted, the thought of biting and being bitten made his heart quicken. He just didn't want to admit that what thrilled the wolf also tended to thrill him - regardless of human reservations.
The werewolf groaned softly against her lips as she gave him a nibbling kiss - another thing he found himself enjoying far too much. He sucked in a sharp breath the moment her teeth touched him, but when Tessa bit down he couldn't bite back the deep growl that vibrated through his body as he jolted lightly.
He hadn't actually expected her to do it, but a wolfish grin took over his features as their foreheads were pressed together. "Yes, just like that."
Tobias buried his face against her hair as she nuzzled against him, reluctant to let the moment pass. If it were up to him they could remain like that the rest of the day, but they should probably cover as much ground as they could.
"By the way," he breathed softly against her ear, "how was that for consummating our marriage?"
Tessa laughed softly, an almost started sound. "Well, I suppose that is what just happened," she chuckled, grinning up at him playfully. His breath against her ear sent a shiver down her spine that she really wished they had the time to explore further.
"I think it was perfect," she murmured, irking her head to kiss him again, softer than before but no less passionate. When she finally broke away it was with a sigh and a pout.
"Unfortunately, I also think we probably shouldn't linger here much longer," she huffed. Contrary to her words, her hold on his shoulder tightened and she nuzzled against his cheek for a moment before pressing a kiss there.
Maybe he was being silly for bringing it up, but even if this wasn't their first time together - as would probably have been more appropriate - it was their first time together as man and wife, which made Tobias a little giddy thinking about it.
The werewolf grinned into the kiss before being reminded of what he'd just been thinking.
"Yeah, we probably should get up." He rumbled softly as she kissed his cheek. Reluctantly he slowly rose up to his knees, looking down at her sheepishly. "Um, the creek is probably super cold, but if you want to, you know, clean up a little before we go..."
Tobias blushed deeply as he stood and offered Tessa his hand to help her up.
Her own blush deepened and she cleared her throat, nodding quickly. "Yes, I should...clean up a bit."
The water was cold- a doubled edged sword as it turned out, because while it was rather uncomfortable it did a very good job of dousing the heat in her cheeks. Shivering violently, she dressed as quickly as she could and practically threw herself against Tobias the moment she could, seeking warmth.
"Never let me do that again," she grumbled, pouting. "Anytime in the future I decide to get in cold water, you have to come with me."
Tobias turned very red as Tessa dipped into the creek briefly to clean slightly. He just thought that she might be more comfortable if she rinsed off the bits of grass stuck to her and, of course, the mess he had made between her legs.
His arms quickly wrapped around her as she threw herself at him, the werewolf rubbing his hands up and down her arms to try to warm his shivering mate.
"Well I was going to, you got me sweaty, probably should dip in myself for a second." Which was perfectly true, except the cold water wouldn't bother him very much at all. He practically radiated heat no matter how cold it was. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before stepping away to go dunk himself in the water for a moment. "At least you'll warm up when you're clinging to my back in a minute?"
It was actually pretty refreshing, but not nearly as much as a warm bath with some soap would be, preferably in the company of his wife. Once they got home he could arrange that much of a small luxury for her.
Tobias got out of the creek and let his body twist back into the wolf before stepping to his mate and lying down for her.
Tessa let him draw away reluctantly, those guys she couldn't deny she'd certainly been subjected to worse sights than that of her husband bathing off the sweat from their lovemaking.
She grinned when he changed forms and laid down to make getting up on his back easier, grabbing fistfuls of his fur as gently as she could as she settled into place.
"You're right," she chuckled as she pressed herself against his back, practically burrowing into his fur. "This is warmer." She stroked his shoulder, then twined her fingers through his ruff. "Alright, I'm ready."
Tobias let a soft rumble escape him as his mate snuggled herself so securely into his thick fur. It pleased him that he could keep her warm, and to feel her pressed tight against him.
The wolf rose from the ground when his wife was secured on his back. He wondered how quickly they could really get to his old home traveling this way. It would have taken much longer if they walked as humans, he was certain.
He moved back into an easy pace, jogging through the forest as they navigated the underbrush for another several hours. Tobias didn't dare stop until it became darker among the trees as the sun set. The werewolf was eager to put as much distance between them and Ketra as he possibly could. As much as the guards couldn't stop him, he still would rather not have a confrontation between them and the wolf.
Finding a good place to rest for the night wasn't hard. The wolf could make himself comfortable almost anywhere, but he tried to find a place with dense brush where Tessa could be shielded from any wind.
Tobias stopped and laid down, panting softly as he waited for Tessa to slide off him so that he could change again.
Falling back into the familiar rhythm of travel, Tessa found herself almost starting to drift off as she clung to Tobias' back and let her cheek rest against his shoulders. The rocking of his gait was no longer strange to her, but comforting, lulling her in a sense of safety.
She hadn't entirely realized they'd stopped for the night until the rocking motions stopped. "Mm?" She blinked when they stopped, then managed to sit up on his back with a yawn, arching her back in a stretch. "Oh!" Suddenly she snapped into a more alert state and scrambled off his back. "Sorry, love." Flushing, she scratched at his ears.
With another stifled yawn she glanced around the little gap in the trees, then settled herself in a softer looking section of the underbrush. Smiling sleepily, she tilted her head at her husband and asked, "Are you going to sleep like that?" She gestured to the wolf to indicated "that".
Those big wolf ears twitched as they were scratched and Tobias tilted his head into her touch, giving a soft whine as she pulled away. He loved the feeling of her scratching and rubbing at his ears and neck and basically all of her touches felt nice.
Rising to his feet once she settled onto a soft patch of grass under a thick bush, he quickly shifted back into his human form. It still felt silly to blush at being naked in front of her, but the werewolf blushed anyway as he ran his hands through his hair, looking around thoughtfully. They were deep in the woods and had travelled far. Surely there wasn't much to worry about. The city guards would never find them.
"I think maybe I should sleep in the wolf form, just in case. If anything or anyone did come across us I could defend us better as the wolf, and having to transform first will just waste time if we got attacked. I just wished I could talk to you in that form." He sighed and looked at her apologetically.
"Alright." A little pang of disappointment went through her at that, though she was careful to keep it from her face and voice. She smiled and reached up to cup his cheek in one hand, rocking up on her toes and tilting his face slightly so she could kiss him.
Their proximity brought his nudity to the forefront of her mind, and she quickly tried to push it away, despite the blush that rose to her cheeks. Focus, woman. There's a time and a place.
"You'll wake me if anything happens, won't you?" She forced her expression into something a little more stern, narrowing her eyes at him. "You won't just try to deal with everything on your own?"
His mate didn't need to hide her disappointment; Tobias felt it himself, especially as she reached up to give him a kiss. He brought his hand up, fingers sliding along her neck as he cupped the back of her head gently, holding her in the kiss for a breath longer. There were few things he would have wanted more than to hold his wife all night, but he reminded himself that once they were home they could take all the time in the world indulging themselves in each other.
"Tessa, sweetheart, don't worry about it. I'm sure nothing is going to happen, but I promise to tell you if I sense something wrong." Tobias let his fingers massage gently through her hair, giving her a wane smile. "Now why don't you get as comfortable as you can? At least the wolf will keep you very warm."
Reluctantly the werewolf dropped his hand and stepped back, shifting back to the wolf and nudging Tessa's shoulder gently.
"Mmm...I suppose that's true." She mock pouted at him and stole one last quick kiss before he stepped away from her, then settled herself back onto the grass. She waited until he's changed before she actually laid down, chuckling slightly when the wolf nudged her.
"Alright, alright." She reached up to bury her fingers in his ruff and dropped a small kiss on the tip of his nose. Yawning quietly, Tess curled into her side and curled up slightly, feeling her eyes grow heavy. Exhaustion set in surprisingly quickly.
Well. It had been a long day.
Already drifting, she murmured, "Warm as this is...I can't wait until we can share a bed again. I like getting to hold you..."
A soft rumble went through the large beast when Tessa placed a kiss on his nose, and he settled behind her comfortably. His fur was thick and soft and very warm. He couldn't agree with his mate's sentiment more, all he wanted was to spend every night holding her.
Tobias laid the large wolf head on his front paws and closed his golden eyes contently. His ears remained perked up to listen for any danger even as he dozed.
Sometime close to morning the werewolf's body shifted back into a human shape and Tobias curled around his wife's back, spooning her with an arm around her waist and his head tucked against her shoulder. He was still very warm and very naked; the grass tickled at his skin, but didn't really bother him.
The first few rays of the rising sun slanted across her eyelids and Tessa groaned sleepily, blinking awake. She was puzzled a moment at the weight around her middle, but a quick glance down showed that it was simply her husband, who must have shifted during the night.
She smiled and reached down to lay her hand over his, twisting to peck his cheek lightly. "Good morning," she murmured, not entirely sure if he'd be awake enough to hear her.
Instinctive reaction had the werewolf curling his body around Tessa tighter, arm gently squeezing around her waist as he hugged his mate against his chest. Tobias gave a soft little grumble as he nuzzled sleepily into her shoulder in response to the little good morning kiss.
Clearly he was not eager to jump up this morning. Sure, sleeping alongside his wife in a bed would have been nicer for them both, but the wolf was rather content just like this.
"I can't wait until we're home and we can laze in bed for hours in the mornings if we want to." His voice was a bit raspy from disuse and sleep, but a smile curved his lips as he pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder. There was a lot of work to do getting to a comfortable point like that, but Tobias could picture it clearly and it was something he wanted desperately.
"Mmm." Tessa beamed at him as she twisted in his arms so they lay face to face. "That sounds absolutely wonderful," she murmured, reaching up to lay a hand against his cheek.
She let the moment linger, reveling in it, then sighed and moved to pull away. "But that'll never happen until we actually get there. Which I suppose means we must get up, unfortunately."
"Nooo." Tobias let out a soft whine, not caring how childish he sounded as he pulled Tessa closer even as she tried to pull away. His wife wasn't wrong, they would never get there and have those lazy mornings in bed if they didn't keep pushing onward without constant delays. That didn't mean he had to like the idea of getting up.
"Just another minute?" He asked, putting on his best puppy face before leaning forward to give her a soft kiss and giving her hip a gentle squeeze. Just then his stomach growled and he let out a huff. "Ugh, maybe getting up for breakfast wouldn't be terrible..."
A surprised, squeaking sort of giggle was pulled from her and Tessa squirmed playfully in his grip as he tugged her closer. The giggle became a full blown laugh when she heard his stomach grumbling, grinning up at him crookedly.
"Yes, breakfast would be good," she teased, stretching up to peck his nose.
With a soft, reluctant sigh she moved to pull away again, but not before pressing a few last, scattered kisses to his collar and shoulder. She just couldn't seem to help herself.
"I love hearing you laugh." A happy, rumbly growl rolled out of the werewolf's chest as his mate kissed along his skin before sitting up. For a moment Tobias just stayed where he was, enjoying the view. It would only have been better if his wife was also naked.
Ah, well, you couldn't have everything
Tobias sat up with a yawn, stretching lazily as he looked around with a smirk. This was a nice place to lie in the forest. Maybe not as luxurious as a soft bed in a warm house, but for a wolf it was perfect. "Mm, there's a bit of food in the pack. If we make good time we'll be in our new home by nightfall."
A soft blush dusted her cheeks almost despite herself and she pecked his nose quickly before turning to their pack. She liked laughing, and honestly it had been too long since she'd been able to do so as carefree as when she was with him.
Despite the strained tension with her parents.
But thinking of that just curved her lips spurly, quite the opposite of what she wanted, so she quickly put it from her mind, looking up at Tobias with a smile as she started looking for father food. "You know, I think that sounds nothing short of wonderful."
There was bread and dried meat in the pack, just something simple and edible enough to get them through a couple days of travel. Once they got to their new home Tobias would be able to hunt and cook fresh meat for them to use for supper, and he could trade extra meat for vegetables until they could work up a small productive garden.
"Well just keep in mind the old house is going to need some work. Nobody moved in after that night. I think there's a few abandoned homesteads. Or there were the last time I went through. Those things hit the village hard." Those things that he was one of now.
Tessa nodding along as he spoke, but something in his vice caught at her attention when he mentioned the attack on his village.
"Toby." She reached out to touch his arm, looking up into his face. "Are...you alright?"
Tobias looked down at his beautiful mate as he felt her hand on his arm. He didn't deserve her, but he wanted Tessa anyway. The werewolf forced himself to smile as he tried to chase the old memories away and focus on the present. It didn't matter what he had done in the past. She didn't blame him for the things he did when out of his mind.
"I'm fine. Let's just eat so we can get going. I can't wait to give you a proper home." Not that anything he could provide would be as grand as she was used to, but Tobias could give her something cozy and most importantly theirs.
"Mhm."Tessa smiled at him. She still worried-- she supposed she would always worry about him-- but he seemed content enough to move on with the conversation.
And the day itself, as he so aptly pointed out. She finished her piece of bread and took a quick sip from their water canteen. "I'm so excited, Toby," she murmured as she handed him the water. Her smile softened, a little bit of worry entering her eyes again, and she reached up to touch his face. "I love how much you want to take care of me," she murmured, leaning in to rest her brow against his. "I just hope you know how much I want to do that too. I want to give you...everything I can."
She simply leaned against him for a moment, meeting his eyes. Then her cheeks colored and she leaned away, clearing her throat. "Ahem. We, ah, we should get moving, yes?"
"I'm excited too." Their foreheads rested together and he looked down at her in complete adoration. It was a stark change in demeanor from when she had first brought him home. Tobias felt lighter and happier than he had in a long time. Yes, there were troubled and dark thoughts lurking at the corners of his mind, but the werewolf held a much more positive outlook on his life than he had in many years.
For the first time since that horrible night, he had hope that his life could still have all those things he had wanted before he had become a wolf.
"Tessa, you already give me plenty. Trust me." He chuckled as she pulled away blushing. "Yes, we should go."
Tobias gave her back the water skin and stood up, stretching for a moment before dropping back onto all fours, shaking out his thick coat as the wolf took over again.
Tessa giggled and stood back as he shook his fur out, then quickly darted in to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss his nose before she hiked her skirts up so she could climb up onto his back, their packs slung over her shoulders.
"Alright." She huffed out a breath. "Let's go home."
The wolf let out a happy huff of agreement as Tessa climbed up on his back. He couldn't wait to get them home. They would have to work hard, but he was going to have the life and family he had always wanted, and the beautiful woman on his back was the whole reason it was possible.
Once his passenger was secure Tobias started off the same way he had before, starting slow and working his way up to a steady gallop.
Things were peaceful, for a time, much like the day before. It couldn't have lasted an hour. Tobias skidded to a stop suddenly, hackles raised and a deep warning growl rumbling through him as his ears folded back and his eyes darted around. At first there didn't seem to be anything out there, but figures flitted through the trees ahead of them. The wolf took a couple steps back before whirling around and letting out a vicious snarl as something came at them from behind.
A silver netting flew out from the trees and wrapped around his muzzle. He shook his head furiously and frantically tried to claw it off with one paw as figures of men came out of the trees armed with weapons designed for hunting and capturing werewolves.
Tessa was almost lulled back into that trance-like peace for the first portion of the ride, the rhythm of Toby's gait beneath her a steady beat that pulsed through her whole body.
Then he stopped and she was jerked harshly back into reality. The first few shadows in the trees drew her attention, her shoulders tensing as her mind raced, trying to come up with-- with an idea. With something.
Then came the net, and the shadows solidified into solid, real threats and she scrambled down from the werewolf's back with a gasp, darting forward to try to pull the net from his muzzle. "No no no no no..." She didn't even realize she was speaking, looking around frantically as she tried to free Toby from the net.
"Stop! Just stay back!" Desperate, she twisted in a futile attempt to block the massive wolf with her body, eyes wide as she pressed back against him.
Tobias growled hellishly despite the muzzle, and when Tessa tried to shield him from those that were approaching he tried to put himself between her and them. It was an impossible task, as they were surrounded. The silver netting had muzzled him, which put him even more on edge. He could not bite to defend himself - or her.
"You will want to step away and come quietly, Miss Varrys. You are going back to your father, as promised, even if we have to hog-tie and carry you back. That thing," the man that came forward gestured to Tobias with a sneer, "is now the property of Lord Henry Striker and we have come to reclaim our Lord's property."
No werewolf would stand for that, especially not Tobias who had been forced into being someone else's property far more then he could tolerate. He lunged around Tessa at the man, still in possession of his claws. The wolf never reached him, silver-laced ropes lassoed around his neck from multiple directions, holding him in place as he struggled frantically. He actually felt fear and panic. No matter how strong a creature like him might be, he would be weakened by silver and possibly even killed - but he knew Striker wanted him alive.
"Don't get in our way, girl."
Striker?
No. No that couldn't be true. No matter how angry Erik was he wouldn't...he couldn't...
But he had.
"No!" Tessa ran forward, reaching for the lassos that held Toby in place, but before she could take more than a few steps strong arms came around her, rooting her in place. "No! What are you-- take your hands off me, you brute!"
She struggled, but the hunter was too strong for her, dragging her back even as she fought tooth and nail to free herself. She'd never felt so useless in her life, tears of fear and anger blurring her vision as she reached for her husband, her mate.
"Let him go, let him go! I-I'll go back you with, I won't fight, please just don't hurt him!"
When one of the men grabbed Tessa the sound that came from the werewolf was something unholy as he went wild, straining and pulling against the silver ropes tightening around his neck.
"Sorry girl, but the beastie doesn't get the option to come quietly. And I really don't care if you do either. I have no qualms turning you over bound and gagged." The apparent man in charge smirked at Tessa, eyeing her up and down. A thunderous growl dragged his eyes back to the thrashing wolf that was fighting capture. He gave an irritated sigh, as if this was more annoyance than challenge.
"Somebody shut that stupid mutt up. Lord Striker just said alive. Condition upon delivery is otherwise negotiable." He waved a hand and the man holding Tessa lifted her up and began carrying her back towards the road.
She would not witness what happened next, but the inhuman screaming was sure to be more than enough. There were waiting horses, and a large wagon that was basically a cage on wheels. Things went quiet after less than a minute as those sounds of anguish and pain were cut off suddenly. A few minutes later the men stalked out of the trees. Tobias was bound and being dragged by several men. The wolf limp and clearly unconscious, a trail of blood being left in his wake.
"No! Let go of me, let go-- Toby! Toby!"
Tessa was sobbing, twisting and writhing in her captor's grip as she was dragged away. Then came the screaming, and she felt her breath leave her body, her chest going tight.
No...Nononono!
"Stop! Stop it please, don't hurt him, don't hurt him, LET HIM GO!" Her voice rose to a keening shriek as she twisted and raked her nails down the man's face, openly weeping as she struggled. A brief moment of surprise won her the barest chance of escape, and she jerked away from his arms, turning to run back into the trees--
And froze. Her eyes lit on the unconscious wolf and she felt her vision pinpoint to him, and only him. Her knees shook, threatening to buckle as she swayed on her feet. "Toby..."
She stumbled forward, reaching through him, barely able to see through the fresh wave of tears. "Toby, Toby, Toby!"
Before she could take more than a few steps the leader of the hunters had his arms around her again, dragging her back, shoving a gag into her mouth to stifle her screams.
Tessa was gagged and a shackle was attached to one wrist, the other end fastening around a bar of the cage wagon that they loaded the massive limp wolf into with no small amount of effort. Not in the gentlest manner, either. Blood smeared and matted the brown-grey fur in places, with open gashes still oozing crimson slowly.
The silver netting was replaced with a proper muzzle before the cage was cleared of everyone else and locked. A whole tiny caravan was there on the road. Another wagon was being loaded with men and equipment.
"Listen up, girl. I am not a patient man, and if you cause me trouble on this trip the dog will pay for it, you get me? Annoy me and I'll take it out of his hide. As long as he's alive his condition really doesn't matter to Lord Striker, but your father wants you back in one piece and that was what was promised. Now if you cause me too much trouble...well these beasts are volatile. Say we go back to your father with a story about how we were too late, eh? Not like they would find the body." The leader gave Tessa another wicked smirk before moving off to bark orders at the others.
She struggled instinctively at first, jerking against the shackle on her wrist and screaming into the gag, screaming her husband's name, begging him to just wake up, to be okay, please, please...
But she wasn't stupid. She knew these men could-- and would-- make good on their threats. She quieted at the leader's order, though every fiber of her being urged her to fight back. But there was nothing she could do. Without Tobias, she was useless.
Her eyes were fixed on the wolf as the caravan started moving, her steps lurching and stilted. She still wept, wrapping the fingers of her shackled hand around a bar of the cage. I'm sorry, my love. She closed her eyes, head bowed. I'm sorry. This is all my fault. If it hadn't been me-- if we'd never met...I'm so sorry, Toby...
Toby didn't stir once, and they never stopped. When Tessa couldn't walk any longer they put her on a horse, but there was no camping that night or even the night after. Occasionally one of the men would wordlessly shove a bit of bread and a water skin at her. The wolf didn't wake and did not receive either food or water. It was a much slower trip this way than their swift jaunt on wolf feet. They kept pressing forward until they got to the gates of Ketra. Only then did the procession come to a rumbling halt.
The leader rode to Tessa and unshackled her, pulling her into his own saddle in front of him. "This is your stop, girl. Say good bye to the dog, because you won't be seeing it again. Lord Striker has great plans for this one."
Tessa struggled, just for a moment, before the earlier threats of the hunters echoed in her ears and she went very still. She was exhausted from the days of travel, of stumbling along behind the cage and begging silent for Tobias to wake up, to just be okay-- even if she had been able to fight back, she doubted it would have made much difference.
Say goodbye to the dog. Gag still shoved between her teeth, she glared at her captor and didn't move a muscle. This was not goodbye. She wouldn't let it be.
Her eyes flickered to her mate, her heart breaking for the thousandth time in the last two days. I'm going to fix this, Toby. I will. I promise.
The man just laughed, and not at all in a pleasant way. He took Tessa with him through the gates while the others started moving again, heading for their final destination. They rode through the city and stopped in front of the Varrys household. Tessa was pulled unceremoniously from the saddle and the gag was pulled from her mouth and dropped on the ground.
"Home sweet home, girl. You're very lucky, you know." He leered at her for a moment before pulling her to the door by her upper arm and knocking and calling loudly. "I got a wayward daughter to return here and I'm a busy man, move it."
"Oh my gods!"
Della was the first to run from the house, followed quickly-- but more sedately-- by the lady of the house. Nateri halted at the base of the steps, one hand going to cover her mouth as she took in the sight of her daughter, bound and battered and defiant.
"Oh, Miss..." The cook reached out as Tessa was shoved forward, the shackle dropped from her wrist unceremoniously. But Celestia Rose Varrys just walked passed her, head high and shoulders stiff.
She stood in front of her mother, glanced over her shoulder to the door, where her father was waiting with his arms crossed over his chest. "I hope it was worth it," she told them quietly. "Whatever Striker paid you-- I hope it was worth your daughter."
She turned and made for the servants' entrance, not caring to listen as her father thanked the men for bringing her back safely.
Della chased after her, asking what had happened, telling her that they had tried to talk her father down but that he just wouldn't see sense, did she know where Tobias was being taken, what was she going to do?
Tessa didn't say a word.
Pain, unlike anything he had known, and then absolute darkness.
The cries of his mate calling for him couldn't even penetrate the haze that settled over Tobias as an insidious poison worked its way through his system, slow and torturous. Being moved and jostled into and out of the cage couldn't rouse him.
Nothing could.
At least not until he felt another stabbing pain of what felt like pure fire. The werewolf howled in pain as he jerked shakily to his feet. Standing was difficult; his whole body trembled with the effort. He had never felt so weak and drained in his life. Where was he? Nothing was in focus, but blinking helped clear enough to notice that he was surrounded by silver bars – another cage.
Memory came to him with a sobering jolt. Where was Tessa? He whined and frantically began pacing in his cage, eyes darting around him. Where was she?
Where was she?
"She's not here. You'll never see her again. For the best, really, did you think a beast, a slave, like you could really be with a woman like her? Not even speaking of her mental stability. I mean, the girl is willing to sleep with an animal...well no matter now. You're in better hands. I mean to see you put to proper use." It was Striker.
Tobias pulled his lips back in a snarl, hackles raised as he growled. He was so thirsty and hungry, but all he cared about was getting back to his mate. She needed him to protect her. There were other people there, evil men; he could smell the stench of their wickedness as they laughed at him.
"You are going to learn to obey me, wolf. I am your master and you will do what I want." Striker seemed so confident, his arrogance was infuriating. It made Tobias growl louder. He would never obey this man. They were all wrong. He was not an animal. A werewolf, yes, but not some mindless beast and definitely no one's slave – he didn't care what they said.
As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, well Tobias came to realize that those were very boldly thought words. He learned quite a lot more about werewolf healing thresholds than he ever wanted to know. Who would have thought it was possible to have pieces of your back flayed and actually live to tell the tale? He couldn't see what it looked like once it healed, but at least that had been done with a steel blade, he thought it wouldn't scar.
Where silver had pierced him was another matter. There was puckered scar tissue in two places on his side where they had stabbed him with silver-tipped spears that day in the forest. That seemed a lifetime ago now. His back had been shredded with barbed silver whips – again and again. He had been denied food and water until he thought he would waste away to nothing, had bled until he thought he must surely be drained, and every single time, just as Tobias thought maybe he would fade into darkness and peace at last, they would nurse him back to be just healed and strong enough to be able to endure even more.
When he even thought about giving up, considered the idea to stop resisting, all he had to do was think of Tessa and he would harden his resolve. They couldn't keep him away from her forever. That didn't keep him from being too exhausted and pained to make a show of defiance.
They had moved him again. This time he was in his human form, naked and exposed in some secluded place. Honestly he could barely feel rain or wind as it battered him this time. Silver stakes had been driven through his wrists; heavy silver chains secured those to a steel slab. It was almost funny how much they restrained him. The werewolf was too weak to put up much of a physical fight. He just stayed on his knees were they put him, head hanging and conserving as much energy as he could between being 'disciplined' for his refusal to acknowledge his master.
Tobias knew that one was there before he spoke. The man's name was Arapahos, and he had been there, in the forest that day. He was the worst of them; a man that enjoyed hurting others far too much. If he was there that meant he was about to feel pain again.
Tobias had no idea.
"Well, well, well...looking so down, doggie? You've been a pain in the ass, you know that? It's why I like you so much. The fun never ends! I get to do it again and again and again...but not today, Striker says. Instead I only get to deliver a message. Boo, that's not fun at all. Ah, well I do what I am told, which is why I get to have so much fun. I get the pleasure of informing you that bitch of yours, and the whelp inside her, got themselves wacked. Isn't that crazy?" Arapahos cackled like a madman.
It really took several moments for the words to really sink in. That...bitch? Tobias's eyes widened as he realized the man meant Tessa. That...no. That wasn't possible. Not his Tessa. She couldn't be dead. Wait, whelp? Did he mean...
Tobias didn't even realize when he began to scream. The sound was horrific, and even Arapahos took several steps back as he watched the werewolf begin to claw frantically at his own face, as if trying to rip those words, those thoughts, that knowledge right back out of his head. The sounds morphed, at first the agonized cries of a man, but they became more animal than man as his body started cracking. It was blinding pain as his bones broke and rearranged themselves. This was not the smooth transformation into the wolf, this was something else.
Something dangerous.
The beast roared and strained against the stakes and chains, blood dripped from the aggravated wounds but it was mindless. It wanted different blood as it attempted to reach the man standing just out of his reached.
Blood. Meat. Flesh. Rip. Maim. Kill.
Tobias had no idea, no control. He didn't know what he was doing. There was no consciousness, no humanity in those blood red eyes. He couldn't know that this had been a trap. There was no way he could know that Tessa was alive and well and on her way to get him.
Striker had decided that if he couldn't have the wolf. No one could.
Three and a half months.
Three and a half months since she had been dragged back to what was once her home, since she had packed what few things she needed and walked back out the front door, since Della had chased after her with soft words and offered salvation, since she had come to live with the cook who had helped raise her and her family, since she had begun what had started to feel like a never-ending quest to return her husband to where he belonged.
Three and a half months. She had changed, she knew she had. She was thinner in some places and thicker in others. She no longer wore the fine dresses and silken shoes of her girlhood but rather simply hand-me-downs she had helped Della or Mia tailor to fit her changing body. She was paler too, from overwork and frequent time indoors, but she hardly seemed to notice-- and a new scar peeked just above the neckline of her woolen dress, over her left collar, over her heart, though mostly it was hidden from view.
Tessa didn't seem to care as she marched down the street, men and women in armor to either side of her. She had the law on her side now, she knew, but if it came down to it she was more than ready for war.
--------
From the day she'd stepped foot back in Ketra she hadn't stopped working, racing from one end of the city to the other, often with Mia in tow, to visit one magistrate or another and plead her case.
Tobias was not a slave, there was no legal right for him to be sold as property. Yes, we were married-- that is the basis of my case. Slaves do not have marriage rights, and because I was the one who completed the transaction, but marrying him I tacitly made him a free man in the eyes of the law. Yes, I bought him.
A bad taste in her mouth.
My case has precedent, as you can see in the similar cases I have highlighted in these documents. No, I am not a lawyer, but I have spent a great deal of time dealing with legal matters in Erik Varrys's estate, training under the merchant class. I understand the case is unusual... Even if you do not accept my first premise, then simply by the fact that I was the one who purchased Tobias Slate's labor means that Erik Varrys had no right to enter a new transaction...
He's my husband. He's not a slave. He's not a monster-- yes, he is a werewolf-- no, he is not dangerous-- please, just listen!
The door would close behind her, the magistrate's words echoing in her head as he or she told her someone else she could visit, someone who might be more willing to take her case, or more familiar with that aspect of Adelan law. And she would go where they sent her, and it all would begin again.
Throughout the day she would receive calling cards, some from business associates of her father whom she had reached out to for legal advice, but most from the socialites of Ketra who had heard about her "family misfortune". She ignored them all, sympathizers and attackers alike.
Poor thing.
Such a shame.
Painted little whore.
Her poor parents.
The dog's bitch.
No time for that, no room in her mind to think on it. None of it mattered, all that mattered was getting Toby back.
There were nearly two months of this before Della sat her down and told her she had some suspicions. Tessa hadn't been eating or sleeping well, she was starting to get ill so frequently, but it was more than that.
A mother four times over, the older woman took Tessa's hands in hers and looked into her eyes when she asked how long it had been since she'd bled. When it took a few moments for Tessa to think about it, trying to calculate past all the legal jargon and cases of precedent that seemed to have taken up all the space in her mind-- if she only thought about that she couldn't think about how much she missed him, how she worried, what they might be doing to him...-- Della sighed and took her to a local healer, who confirmed the cooks' worries.
Tessa was pregnant.
"Doesn't matter," the young woman said as she left the healer's house on Della's arm. "I mean-- it does, of course it does, but this just means I have to work faster. I can't let this...I can't let the baby get here without Toby. I can't. I won't."
Nothing Della told her about how she needed rest would sway her. She threw herself back into her work with renewed vehemence. Almost every day she visited a new magistrate, sometimes going back three or fours times to one who seemed even remotely sympathetic.
Slowly, her belly began to fill out, just a bit, just the tiniest bump that pressed against her bodice. But the skin around her ribs and collar bones grew thinner, drained of color, deep, dark circles now permanently etched beneath her eyes. She suffered fainting spells throughout the day, but did her best to keep them hidden from Della and her family.
------
But it was worth it. It was all worth it, because she was being escorted to Striker's estate just outside the city proper by a squadron of city guards, official orders for the release of one Tobias Slate, notarized and signed by no less than six different Ketra magistrates clutched in her hands.
Tessa's breath caught as she was escorted up to the door, feeling a little wobbly on her feet. But hope and righteous rage buoyed her up, gave her strength as one of the guards wrapped soundly on Striker's door and demanded, "Open in the name of the law!"
In the name of the law. Every legal twist and loophole she'd managed to tug or exploit come to call. Her hands tightened on the orders of release, eyes glinting silver, cold as ice and sharp as steel.
Striker answered the door personally, a bored sort of expression on his face.
"Lord Henry Striker, you are being served release papers in regards to one Tobias Slate. The former slave is to be released into the custody of his wife, Celestia Slate. Immediately." The soldier held out a copy of the release order for him to examine.
"Hmm. Well everything seems to be in order; I suppose there is no help for it. Come along then. I will take you to the mutt." Striker gestured for them to follow and led them around the outside the house. The feral snarls and roars were easily heard as they grew closer. He was quite smug as he spoke to the group. "As you will see, this is an ill-advised pursuit. The beast is completely uncontrollable, and extremely dangerous. The young woman is setting herself up to be torn to ribbons – and get the rest of us slaughtered as well."
Tobias was still straining against his bonds, splattering blood against the steel beneath him as he tried to mindlessly reach Arapahos.
The moment she saw him, Tessa felt her heart stop. Horror washed through her, and without meaning to she found herself giving a soft, high cry as she took a lurching step toward the beast.
"Toby..."
"Miss, stay back!"
One of the guards grabbed her arm, trying to hold her in place. "He's not safe. I'm sorry, ma'am, but--"
"Get off me!" With what little strength she had she threw the man's hand off and took a few more steps toward the creature that part of her still couldn't believe was her husband. Before anyone else could grab her, she moved toward Tobias, steps slow and steady, hands raised to show she meant no harm.
The guards were shouting at Striker and the other man-- she recognized him, one of the hunters-- but she blocked them out. Her whole body shook as she got closer, closer... Almost within reach, but just that one step too far.
Oh gods, what have they done to you?
"Toby." She swallowed, hearing the tears in her own voice, and took a shaky breath. "Toby," she tried again, with a bit more success in keeping her voice even. "Sweetheart, it's me. It's Tess. I-- I came to get you. I'm sorry it took me so long..."
She blinked as her vision turned blurry, tears trickling slowly down her face. "Love, come back. Please. It's me, Toby, it's me. I won't let anyone hurt you again, I promise. I love you, Toby, please...come back. Come back to me..."
The monster turned towards the new sounds with a snarl. More things that needed to meet his claws and fangs. At least, that was what he thought. It was like a splash of ice water running through his veins, to hear that voice calling that name. He knew that voice. He knew that name. Somewhere. Somewhere.
Ears that had been flattened back aggressively swiveled forward, listening as the tiny woman pleaded with him. Why didn't he tear her apart? Her blood and flesh would be so sweet...
NO!
The beast was tense, so tense, as he stepped toward Tessa. He did not lunge at her, but raised a clawed hand towards her slowly. The chains on his bonds rattled as they reached their limit, she was out of his reach and he hesitantly withdrew his hand to look at the stake piercing him. Funny, he hadn't noticed it until now, even though his blood was dripping slowly down the metal links, smearing them a dark red. A glance at his other arm showed him a matching thing.
He should have raged and pulled mindlessly at them, but...somehow he knew that wouldn't work. How could he reason that?
Tobias stepped back, clutching at his head as it throbbed painfully. His maw opened and closed, garbled growls escaping him nonsensically as he tried to make noises he didn't even know how he knew. It was a pained effort, but finally a mouth never meant to make human speech was able to rasp out a recognizable sound.
"Tess...a..."
The creature threw back his head and roared angrily. How dare they try to keep her from him!
HOW DARE THEY!
"That's not possible!" Striker screamed angrily, before going ghost white. Tobias gripped the end of one stake and yanked it with all his might. Blood poured from the wound as more flesh tore and burned, but the restraint was discarded on the ground, he whined in pain but repeated the action on the second.
The beast was free.
"KILL IT! KILL IT! KILL IT YOU FOOLS!" The lord shrieked before running for the safety of his house. Arapahos followed his master, clearly not wanting to find out how that monster might repay him for all the abuse suffered at his hands.
Tobias ignored them and stepped toward Tessa. Those insects could be squashed later. His eyes were still a gleaming red, but he lowered his head to gaze at the woman before him, taking in her scent and finding the one truth in the lie that had driven him over the edge. There was most definitely a pup inside the ragged female before him. His pup. And his mate.
His body twisted as he collapsed back to his knees, shrinking and rearranging back into a human form, a naked, bloody, and battered form, but his form nonetheless. Tobias could barely raise his head, but he forced it back so that he could look up at his Tessa.
"They told me you were dead..." The relief was so overwhelming that he dropped his head again and wept. "They told me you were gone!"
Tessa caught her breath, holding it as he turned to her, and... Did he recognize her? Oh gods she could only pray he did.
His mouth moved almost painfully and she ached for him-- but that that sound, his voice, calling her name, no matter how twisted it was. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever heard. "Yes," she gasped out, daring to reach toward him. "Yes, it's me, I'm here..."
He roared and she flinched back, for a moment panicking, thinking she may have set him off again. But no, he wasn't attacking, he was--
"Tobias, no!" she shouted as he reached for the restraints, realizing what he was planning to do. "Stop, you'll hurt yourself!" But she couldn't stop him, could only whimper as flesh tore and blood spattered.
Then Striker's voice cut through the chaos of the scrambling guards and she whirled, throwing her arms out wide as she planted her relatively tiny body between her mate and the rest of the them. "DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HIM!"
She looked back to Tobias, reaching for him with both hands now. Then he was shifting, changing before her eyes into the man she knew, the man she loved, her husband, her mate.
They told me you were dead...
Tears streaming freely down her face, she dropped to her knees before him and gathered him close, as gently and carefully as she could, not wanting to aggravate his wounds. I will flay them all alive.
But not now. Later. Now, she had Toby in her arms, and she wasn't going to let go. Not for anything. "I'm here," she sobbed, pressing a kiss to his brow before she turned her face into the curve of his neck and shoulder and just held him, her whole body trembling. "I'm here, Toby, I'm here. I'm so sorry, love, I'm so sorry, I should have come sooner--" She took a breath and pulled away just far enough to hold him by the shoulders and meet his gaze.
"I am never leaving you again. I won't let anyone hurt you, ever again."
Tobias was a bloody mess. His face was streaked with self-inflicted scratches where he'd clawed at himself in despair, not to mention the wounds where the silver spikes had been driven through his flesh or the way his back was a patchwork of scars and wounds that were in various states of healing.
None of that pain mattered to him when Tessa pulled him close. At long last, his mate was beside him and his heart felt whole again. He didn't even know just how long it had been! That didn't matter anymore either as he tried to wrap his arms around his mate. More than anything he wanted to hold her and be held by her. He was too weak to do much more than drape and arm around her waist and wearily lay his head against her shoulder as he cried openly.
"I am supposed to protect you." He rasped; voice full of anguish as she tried to promise never to let anyone hurt him again. The wolf felt distraught that he hadn't been able to take care of and protect his mate, especially now that she was expecting their pup - when she needed him most. "Are you okay?"
“I’m fine,” Tessa soothed as she reached reached up to stroke his hair, not caring if it was a lie. She had him back. Somehow, she’d work everything else out. “Toby, I’m so sorry to ask this, but can you stand?”
“I— I’ll call for a carriage,” one of the guards suddenly offered, and hurried back the way they had come. Tessa glanced after her, then looked to the other guards. Her expression hardened.
“What you all have seen here must constitute a breach of the law! Not even a slave may be tortured this way within Adela’s borders— and Tobias is no slave, nor had he been in the entire time he was in Striker’s custody.”
A few of the guards looked between each other, unsure. One mumbled something about going to look for the lord before he too left.
Tessa sighed and her shoulders slumped. She tightened her arms around her husband and dipped her head to kiss one of the scratches that traced down his cheek. “I’m going to take you home, love,” she whispered. “Everything is going to be alright now.”
Tobias was too exhausted to even frown. She didn't seem fine. Cradled against his mate he could feel the slight bump of her belly where their baby rested, but he could also tell that she had thinned below what anyone would call healthy and the shadows under her eyes told multitudes about desperately in need of rest she must be.
This was his fault, he was sure of it. He hadn't been there to take care of her and clearly she had not been taking care of herself.
Even beaten and broken down as he was, Tobias knew that he had to take care of her, to get her better. It was not good for her this way - and it was not good for their growing little one either. They needed their mother to be healthy and strong so they could grow healthy and strong.
One step at a time. He didn't realize his eyes had closed as he stayed nestled against Tessa, but it saved him from having to answer that embarrassingly he didn't think he could walk. Someone said something about a carriage, but he was too tired to care. Tessa was here now and he could finally be at peace.
"Please, I just want to go home." It was a rather pathetic whispered plea.
"I know, sweetheart, I know," Tessa whispered, carding her fingers gently through his lank hair. She kissed his cheek again, tasted blood, hated Striker with a renewed surge of heat. "We're going home," she promised him quietly.
She glanced back at the guards, and thankfully they seemed to read the desperation on her face. Two of them moved forward and helped her try to drag Tobias to his feet. "We've just gotta get you out to the front, love, okay?" the young woman murmured as she started guiding him back toward the door. "Then I'm going to get you home, and I'm going to take care of you. I'll make you better, sweet, I promise."
She didn't realize she was still crying, brushing Tobias's hair from his face to kiss his brow, his cheeks, his nose, oh-so-softly his lips.
The guards helped them back around the house and to the now waiting carriage, helped them climb inside. Tessa tried to pay the woman who had called for transport, but she was waved off with "Our job was to help you get your husband home safe, miss. Just doing my job."
With a heavy sigh, she managed to settle Tobias into the carriage, helping him lay down across one seat. She knelt on the floor as the carriage lurched into motion, reaching up to stroke his face gently, then letting her hand trace down his arm to his wrist, examining with the ruined flesh with a soft hiss. "I'm going to wrap this," she told him quietly. "Are-- are you bleeding anywhere else?"
The faintest whimper escaped him as she stroked his hair. His whole body hurt, but he wanted her to pet his hair like that forever. Now that she was with him he never wanted her to stop touching him, the gentle feel of her hands was soothing and reassuring.
"No." It was a weak protest as they dragged him to his feet, and for a moment a low growl rumbled out of him, but then he just whined softly as they helped him stumble towards safety.
"I love you, Tessa." Tobias gasped softly after feeling her lips on his, forcing his eyes to wearily drag open. They were a bright, burnished gold as the wolf bristled inside him. He was in pain and felt vulnerable and unable to protect his mate properly. Of course the wolf was agitated as they helped him collapse onto a carriage seat.
A soft whine escaped him any time that Tessa's hands left him. He hated that she was in the floor, he wanted her in his arms. His eyes closed again as she touched his face and the wolf sighed in relief. It was short-lived.
Tobias choked down a sound of pain the best he could as she touched one of his mangled wrists. If anyone else had touched something so painful a growl might not have been their only reprimand. Wounded animals were dangerous, and the wolf was certainly both of those things right now.
"I don't know." He admitted softly, shifting uncomfortably on the seat as he tried to lay in a way that his mate could look after his injured forearms, but that didn't put pressure on his back, which while not bleeding now, was still healing and tender.
"Oh, dear heart." She blinked away a few more tears as she started winding a strip of clean linen around his wrist. She hated that her need to be prepared had come in handy, but in way was thankful.
Of course, even if she'd expected something awful, she could never have imagined this. What that monster had done to him. Her jaw clenched, eyes flashing dangerously as she tied off the bandages, hands gentle despite her rage.
She moved on to his other wrist, leaning in to kiss him softly as she did. "I love you, Toby," she whispered. "I love you so much. We're going to go home, and I'm going to take care of you, okay, love?" She smiled shakily, reaching up to cup his cheek in her hand carefully. "I have so much to tell you, sweetheart." Once he was feeling better, of course.
Gods. Would he ever be okay after this?
Tobias tried very hard to remain still and endure the bandaging in silence. His mate was so gentle, but he still hurt and it was impossible not to suck in a sharper breath a couple times. How he wished those gorgeous eyes that he loved so much weren't tarnished with tears. Nothing could detract from how beautiful she looked to him, but his golden gaze slid over her protruding collarbone and his chest tightened painfully.
He had not been the only one to suffer.
The werewolf whined softly as she kissed him again, tilting his head into the feel of her hand cupping his cheek. Any sting experienced by the scratches was more than worth getting to enjoy the warmth of that hand.
"I love you so much. The worst pain was being away from you. No amount of physical torture could compare to that." His voice was hushed and raw as a fresh wave of tears blurred his vision. Even though it caused pain, he lifted a hand so that he could caress her cheek lovingly, apologetically. "I'm so sorry that I couldn't protect you better. I am supposed to take care of you. You look unwell, Tessa. It's my fault, but I will fix it. You need to be healthy and strong for me, and for our little one."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart, I'm sorry," Tessa whispered as she tended to him. She hated causing him pain, but she knew she had to get him bandaged, to stop the bleeding. The wounds were caused by silver, and they wouldn't heal as easily as the scratches on his face.
When his hand came up to brush her cheek, she flicked her eyes to his, seeing her tears mirrored in gold.Gold. As much as she loved the color, she knew it was because he was afraid, in pain, and in that moment she hated it.
A soft, startled laugh was pulled from her chest and she shook her head when he spoke. "I should have known you'd realize," she murmured. Carefully, she reached up to tap his nose gently. "The nose knows, huh?" She leaned in to kiss his brow. "I'm...a little tired," she admitted quietly, "but I'll be alright. And none of this is your fault, love, you hear me? None of it. I'm just sorry it took me so long to get you back..."
The carriage rattled away down the road, she could feel the curve of the familiar streets. Down through the merchant distract, passed a few estates-- The Varrys' among them-- then on, down a sidestreet and into a different, smaller residential area.
Tobias managed to crack a very weary smile, for her he could smile no matter how tired or how much pain. "The nose always knows. I knew the moment I caught your scent, even as that...thing I knew the smell of my most precious mate, and of our child."
He closed his eyes again and rested his head against the seat. How much he wanted to simply fade into sleep, but they would just have to wake him when it was time to leave the carriage.
"I wish you would have taken more care with your health, Tessa. Do you know what it would do to me if I lost either of you? Life is meaningless without you." Was he scolding her? Maybe, but his voice was far more tired and sad than angry. She had suffered without him and had worked so hard to be back with him – he couldn't truly be upset with her. He would have done the same. It was just that he didn't have a baby relying on his body to see it born healthy. "Promise me you won't neglect yourself anymore. I am with you now; you don't have to worry anymore. I'll be okay now."
Tobias just needed some time to let his body heal from its ordeal. His mind was another matter entirely and he didn't want to think about what lasting consequences would linger on his psyche.
She could have argued with him, pointed out how that protectiveness and fear of losing her was mirrored in her own love for him, but she knew it wouldn't do any good. Besides, they were both exhausted, and he was hurting, and she just wanted to help him get better.
"Alright," she whispered, pressing her brow to his for a moment. "I promise, love."
The carriage rattled to a stop and she lifted her head. She could hear voices-- Della and her husband Jonathan, Mia beneath it all-- and she glanced down at her husband again. "I'm sorry, Toby, do you think you can sit up? We can help you inside the house, if you can get your feet under you."
Running feet pattered down the little stone path, through the tiny yard that led to Della's smallish family home, tucked away between two larger buildings. The voices were closer now, and before Tessa really had time to react Jonathan pulled open the carriage door and Della was there, reaching for her.
Th cook's eyes widened when she saw Tobias and her mouth went tight. Then she shook her head and looked to Tessa. "You help him up and we can get him inside," she told her briskly.
His sweet, beautiful, stubborn Tessa wanted to argue with him, Tobias could tell, but he smiled again when he felt her press their brows together and promised what he wanted to hear. It didn't matter that she was still set on concerning and fussing over him more than taking care of herself, but it still gave him great relief. He would make sure that she was properly cared for now, hearing her make the promise just made him happy.
The sound of other voices, from outside, made him grimace softly. It wasn't that he was unhappy to hear Della's voice again. The woman had been unfailingly kind and motherly towards him, and he had come to like her very much in the short time he had spent at the Varrys house. His displeasure was entirely on the idea of sitting up or trying to limp into the house.
He really didn't even know where they were. It wasn't the Varrys house, like before. This must be Della's house, then. He didn't know that she did not live in the servant's quarters, but he supposed it made sense.
When the door opened Tobias heaved a sigh and made the great effort of struggling to become upright again. At least they were there and he would be able to settle down to get a proper rest very soon. Proper rest and real sleep were not something he had experienced since he had been captured by Striker's men.
"Nice to see you again, Della." Tobias tried to smile at the woman that made him ache for his mother, but it probably looked more like a grimace, and ghastly given his state. "Sorry I'm such a mess."
Della stared at him, her eyes suspiciously bright. Then she blinked and shook her head, giving him a firm scowl. "Now don't you go and apologize for something your fool self can't help," she told him quickly, reaching in first to help Tessa down from the carriage-- the younger woman wobbling slightly on her feet-- and then for Tobias. "C'mon, lad, let's get you inside into a nice bath, then to bed with you."
"Here, boy." Jonathan, who had never met Tobias but certainly been told plenty of stories, offered his arm to the younger man as a crutch, glancing to his eldest daughter. Mia met his eyes, seemed to understand, and nodded, darting back toward the house and calling for her younger siblings, telling them she needed their help out in the back garden.
No child should see this.
Wincing slightly, Tessa quickly turned to her husband, reaching out to him. "Here, I can help--"
"You will do no such thing," Della informed her sharply. "You will march your ass back into that house and sit at the table while I make you sommat to each and Jon helps Toby here into a bath. Then you will both go straight to bed, am I clear?"
Hearing her scold him for apologizing made Tobias crack another pained smile despite himself, it made him happy. It made him feel warm and like he was home. This would be home, for at least a little while, until he could stand on his own two feet without help.
He watched Della help Tessa from the carriage protectively, noticing the unsteadiness in his mate. It pained him. What hurt even more was knowing that no matter how badly he wanted to scoop her up into his arms and carry her to bed so they could both rest together at last he wasn't currently strong enough to manage such a feat. Tobias wasn't used to not being strong enough to do what needed to be done. It wasn't a pleasant feeling – physically or emotionally.
All he could do was grab ahold of the offered arm, he had never met the man, but he was guessing it was Della's husband. What a way to meet him.
Just those few moments when Tessa was out of the carriage and hadn't yet stumbled down to the ground felt like too much distance, too long apart. It was irrational. He could see her, she was right there, but he felt a wave of relief when she reached for him. Relief turned to panic when Della was suddenly ordering Tessa to go one place and him to go to another.
"No." The word came out a low growl, the werewolf was trembling and eyes practically burning with how bright and gold they were. Tobias realized his reaction and lowered his eyes with shame. He repeated the simple refusal much more calmly. "No."
The thought of having her out of his sight was unbearable.
"Della please, I can't. I want her with me. I need her with me. We've been apart for far too long, I can't bear a single minute away from her yet." His voice was hushed and thick with emotion, begging for her to understand and to not try to take Tessa away from him – not even to another room.
Della and Jonathan both froze at the growl, looking at Tobias warily. Tessa was at his side in an instant, reaching up to grip his shoulders gently and turn his face down to hers. "It's okay," she told him softly. "I'm not going anywhere, okay? I'm not leaving you."
Quietly, Della came forward to put her hand on Tessa's shoulder, looking up at Tobias. "Alright," she soothed him gently. "Okay. Why don't Miss Tessa and I get you to a bath, then I'll see about making something for you both to eat?"
Tessa glanced at the older woman with a tired, grateful smile. Jonathan dipped his head to them all and murmured, "I can get started heating some water. Miss Tessa, you think the room you've been staying will be big enough for the two of you?"
She looked to him with another smile, feeling tears prick at her eyes. She almost couldn't believe how kind Della and her family had been these last few months. "Yes, I'm sure it will. And you don't have to call me miss, Jon, really."
"I'm sorry." Tobias whispered thickly, closing his eyes as a few tears rolled down his face. How could he growl at Della? It was Della. Tessa was perfectly safe here. He hadn't been able to help it. Still, having her promise once again not to leave him did make him feel an overwhelming relief; especially when Della decided to change her plans.
"Thank you. I'm so sorry Della; I don't know what came over me. I just...I'm so sorry." Gods above he was a right mess, wasn't he?
Della still wanted to make sure he was fed, and the man was asking about them having enough room, it was almost too much to take in. They were looking out for them. It was more than he felt he deserved, but of course he was very grateful.
"Thank you both so much. I will repay you all your kindness. I promise." As soon as he could.
Immediately Della and her husband set to fussing over him, telling him not to worry, that they understood, he didn't have to apologize. Things would get better soon.
Both Tessa and Tobias were ushered into the house, through the single room that served as the main living area, kitchen tucked in the back left corner, through to the small bathroom. Della turned and headed back into the kitchen as Jonathan helped Tobias into the wooden bath.
Tessa settled herself beside the tub, keeping her hand on her husband's arm whenever possible. She smiled at him wanly, picking up a cloth to begin dabbing away the grime and blood that covered his skin, slow and careful.
Things would get better soon. That was a very hopeful thought to cling to, but things were already so much better. The moment Tessa's voice had pierced the darkness things had become so much brighter and clearer.
Still, things were just going to keep looking up and up. It had been far too long since he had been cleaned properly. The water became murky almost immediately as the blood mingled with the water.
Tobias leaned into Tessa's touch. He didn't care when the cloth passed over a sore or tender spot, he just wanted the contact. The idea of having someone else helping bathe him would have been embarrassing before, and maybe it made the idea of being helpless cross his mind, but he decided he didn't really care. It felt nice.
"Tessa..." He sighed softly and reached for her hand, pulling it close so he could press his lips to the pulse at her wrist. Like he had the first time he'd kissed her. "I love you."
His wife smiled, tears filling her eyes once again, though this time they were from a powerful mix of joy and relief, rather than rage and sorrow. "I love you, too."
Carefully, oh so carefully, she lifted one newly re-bandaged wrist to her lips and kissed his pulse in turn, a feather-light touch that barely brushed the linen wrappings. "I love you so much," she whispered, closing her eyes as the tears spilled down her cheeks.
Her fingers laced with his, she finished bathing him as gently as she could. Then she had to help him up, helping him wrap a towel around himself and offering support for him to stand as she called for Della and Jon again.
The cook and her husband came quickly enough, and once satisfied that Tobias seemed properly cleaned and ready to rest, guided the two into the single spare room in the house, where Tessa had been staying the bast few months.
"I'm just finishing up with a nice, easy stew," Della told them as she helped Tessa move Toby to the bed. "I'll bring it in once it's done. Try not to fall asleep before then, alright? You look like you've not had a proper meal in months, lad, and I know for a fact Little Terror hasn't eaten since this morning."
Tessa shot her a quick glare. The last thing she needed was for Tobias to worry over her more, not when he needed to focus on rest and healing.
More words really weren't necessary as she held his hand and quietly finished bathing him as best as could be managed. Tobias found himself subconsciously leaning towards her the whole time; every fiber of his being just wanted to be as near to her as he could. She was his mate, his wife, his heart and reason to keep living during those months of pain and terror.
Getting out of the tub was an ordeal that produced more than one groan and a few whimpers as well, but it couldn't be helped. It was a relief when Della and Jon appeared to help him get all the way to the bedroom. As close as Tobias wanted to be to Tessa, he was reluctant to lean his weight on her; she was pregnant and should not be straining herself so much. He wished that she was in better condition, but he did not fault Della or her family for it. The wolf knew his mate was very stubborn and that the motherly Della had certainly done her best.
"I haven't had a proper meal in months, stew sounds wonderful." Tobias was practically drooling already as he settled into the bed, on his side because lying on his back would cause too much pressure on his marred flesh. "I make no promises about not passing out, though. I haven't slept properly since I was taken."
His face dipped into a faint scowl at the mention that Tessa had not eaten since breakfast. It wasn't a surprise, just displeasing. "Is that so? Don't you worry about that, Della. I'll make sure she starts eating properly for two."
The cook snorted and gave him a fond, gentle pat on the cheek. "More luck to you, I've certainly had none with her," she muttered as she bustled off.
Tessa scowled after her and shook her head, but she couldn't really be angry, not with everything Della had done for her. Once Jonathan saw that Tobias was properly settled he nodded to them both and slipped out.
A soft sigh and Tess settled herself carefully on the edge of the bed, reaching up to stroke her husband's cheek lightly. "I know it's hard, but try to stay awake?" she asked quietly. "You really should eat something..." She should too, she knew that, but it had been so hard to prioritize it in the last few weeks.
Another sigh. She let herself lay back on the bed, turned on her side so she could face Toby. She let her palms rest gently against his chest, head tilted forward until her brow touched his. "I missed you," she breathed, the words barely even a whisper. "I missed you so much, Toby. I'm so sorry."
Tobias snorted at the soft pat on the cheek, eyes sparkling at Della slyly as he responded to her wishes for luck. "I plan to cheat."
Tessa would eat; he would make sure of it. Getting her to do so wouldn't be all that hard. At least not for him, not when he had plenty of leverage to motivate her. If she protested he already knew how he would respond.
Of course, that was if he was still conscious. Now that he was settled as comfortably as possible into bed and all but Tessa had gone he found it hard to keep his eyes open. He was so tired, but his mate was right as she gently touched his cheek again he forced his eyes back open. "I am ravenous, but you need to eat too. You've grown skinny and your eyes are weary, Tessa. It worries and pains me to see you like this."
Warmth swelled in his chest as she laid down facing him, the touch of her hands against his chest causing his heart to thrum wildly. He closed his eyes as their foreheads touched and her voice washed over him. How he'd yearned for this.
"Wanting to get back to you was the only thing that kept me alive. I would have given up; there were times I wanted to give up to make the pain stop." It was hard to admit that, and he hated to possibly worry her more, but his mate deserved honesty, and to know how much she was loved. He ignored any of his body's protests as he moved an arm around his wife and pulled her close to his chest, tucking her head under his chin. "None of this was your fault, Tessa. Striker did this."
And Erik Varrys, but Tobias didn't have the strength to malign his mate's father just then.
Her eyes burned with another fresh wave of tears and she nuzzled her face into the hollow of his throat, peppering light kisses across his skin. "I'm so sorry, my love," she repeated, forcing the threat of sobs back. Enough crying. Not now. She had him back, that was all that mattered. "It took me too long-- but I am so, so thankful you held on as long as you did. I..." She took a shaky breath. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
A moment of silence, then her lips curved in the barest echo of a smile and she tilted her head back to meet his eyes, carefully moving his hand down over her waist to press against the tiny swell of her belly. "What we'd do without you."
She kissed him again, softly. "You're going to be a father, Toby," she whispered, a soft shiver running through her as she'd said the words. Not exactly the circumstances she could have hoped for, and of course he already knew; but somehow there was still a little thrill to say it out loud, to tell him.
Her lashes fluttered, a yawn overtaking her as her body threatened unconsciousness. It had been a long day, of course, but she hadn't realized just how tired she was. Maybe Della would just leave the stew and they could eat when they woke up...
His arms tightened around her. Tobias didn't care if his wrists hurt, or if his arms felt weak so he couldn't squash her against him as thoroughly as he wanted. It hurt to hear how close to breaking down again his mate was. All he wanted was to comfort her and chase all the tears away.
Tessa was the one who ended up comforting him. A smile pulled at his lips as she guided his hand to rest against the small swell of her stomach. It was much too early to feel movement, but still he knew that his baby, their baby, was growing inside his mate, just beneath his hand. Tobias hadn't known a greater happiness in his life. This was everything he had ever wanted.
Sure, he didn't want any of the torture or being away from Tessa, but none of that mattered – he had his family that he had always desperately wanted but hadn't though he could have. Tears slid out of his closed eyes, tears of happiness.
"It makes me ridiculously happy to hear you say that." Of course he already knew, but to hear her say it meant more to him than anything. "But don't worry, my love, I will never leave you again."
Was she falling asleep? As much as Tobias wanted to nod off himself, he knew that Tessa needed to eat; she had two mouths to feed and had been neglecting herself. He could wait for his next meal, but she couldn't. It was unacceptable to him. His hand moved to gently run his fingers through her hair, he loved the feeling, and he pressed a loving kiss to her brow. "Wake up, Tessa. No sleeping until you've gotten a full tummy."
With a tired groan she crinkled her nose and shook her head, turning her face into the pillow. "I've already got a full tummy," she complained, a wry joke.
But she knew he was right. She huffed and sat up slightly, covering another yawn with her hand. "You too." She frowned and poked his nose gently, though the touch quickly turned into a soft stroke over his cheek. "You must be starving."
"And those are the magic words." Della appeared in the doorway carrying two gently steaming bowls. She smiled at the couple in bed and crossed to hand the bowls over to Tessa and Tobias, helping the werewolf sit up slightly when she did. "You two eat up now, and then straight to bed for you. You've got healing to do--" she pointed a finger at Tobias-- "and you've got the little one to think of." A finger at Tessa.
Sighing, the younger woman agreed tiredly, "Fine, fine," as she accepted her food, blowing on it before raising the spoon to her mouth. It was simple enough, not too heavy, and the warmth of it spread right through her body to the very tips of her fingers and toes. She closed her eyes and sighed quietly, feeling her shoulders relax; she hadn't even realized she was tense.
"I'll leave you two be. Just bring the bowls out to the kitchen when you wake up, Miss Tess," Della murmured.
"I will," Tessa assured with a smile. Arching one eyebrow, she added, "Really, Della, stop with the miss. I'm not a Varrys anymore, remember?"
Tobias managed the faintest of chuckles at the remark about already having a full tummy, and a little spike of pride rose in his chest at being the one that had filled her belly. His baby, he had made that with her, and it kind of felt like magic. It was the best feeling, enough to dull the pain for now.
"Famished," the wolf agreed even as Della appeared with the steaming bowls. That set his mouth to watering again. It smelled delicious. He almost teasingly asked Della where the rest of the pot was, but settled for sitting up with some help and taking the bowl gratefully. When was the last real meal he'd had? Nothing so good and homemade as...the last of Della's cooking. He smiled weakly when they were scolded about eating and then going straight to bed. Tobias didn't need to be told twice. "Yes ma'am!"
It didn't matter how starved the wolf was, his golden gaze fixated on his mate stubbornly and watched to make sure she started eating. Once Tessa had taken a bite, and didn't seem intent on disobeying the order to eat, Tobias let himself eat too. He didn't even bother with the spoon; he just raised the bowl to his lips and started sipping the broth, making a sound of pleasure.
The stew was delicious, but he had expected it would be.
What he really wanted was a small mountain of raw meat, but nobody wanted to watch him scarf that down, and where would they even get it? This type of food would do for now and when he was strong enough he could hunt and bring home meat for all of them. Everyone else would want it cooked, but that was fine too.
He caught the women's conversation and managed to stop slurping stew long enough to butt in, "Definitely not a Varrys, Tessa Slate sounds much better anyway, don't you think?"
Tessa positively beamed at him, reaching up to brush her fingers through his still slightly damp hair. Della watched them with a small smile of her own.
"I suppose it does," she allowed with a little chuckle. "I'll just leave you two to your meal. Mis-- Tessa, don't forget about those herbal supplements from the healer."
"I won't."
"I mean it, Celestia." Della narrowed her eyes at her. "That's for you and the baby. Need to keep your strength up."
Tessa rolled her eyes, but she was smiling, happy and warm for the first time in months. "I know, Della, I remember. Thank you."
"Alright then." The cook nodded and turned to leave. "Jon and I are just down the hall if you need any--"
A sharp knock at the door cut her off. Tessa was on her feet in an instant, her bowl put to the side as Della tensed and looked to the front door. "Who on earth is that at this hour?" the older woman muttered with a frown.
Tessa's teeth were bared, eyes narrowed with distrust. "If Striker sent men after us I swear I'll--"
"You'll do nothing," Della cut her off firmly. "Sit here, I'll go see what it is. Stay with Toby."
Tobias leaned into Tessa's hand, humming happily at the feel of her fingers in his hair. He had missed it so much. There was so much he had missed very dearly about being with his mate. The way she made his heart beat faster every time she smiled, her fingers sliding through his hair, her lovely scent, the feel and taste of her lips against his...
"I'll make sure she takes them, Della. Thanks again for everything." It didn't matter how tired his voice was, there was clearly notes of happiness.
The wolf bristled, gold eyes shining brightly at the sound of the knock and his wife bouncing out of bed. Why did she keep putting herself between him and potential danger? He would much rather something happen to him than to her! She had the baby to think about, and she clearly wasn't thinking about their child at all.
Tobias growled lowly. "Della's right, come back to bed."
"But--" Tessa glanced back at him, met his eyes, and sighed. It clearly pained her to do so, but she slowly sank back to sit on the edge of the bed. One hand reached out to clasp her husband's. Her back was still ramrod straight, eyes snapping fire, but she stayed. "Okay. But if that's someone come to try to take Toby away again, I--! I'll..."
She took a breath and closed her eyes, shaking slightly. Her grip on Tobias's hand tightened.
"I know, Miss, I know," Della soothed. "I'll just go see who it is. It's probably nothing. You two rest."
Tessa nodded slowly as she watched the older woman go, closing the door behind her. She felt herself grow tenser with every step she heard the cook take, and when she heard the front door opening she actually started to get out of the bed again, still clutching Toby's hand.
Then she caught herself, forced her breathing to calm, and sat. She glanced back at her husband with some combination of guilt and fierce, righteous anger. She opened her mouth, but no words came. With a heavy exhale, she laid down beside him, wrapping her arms carefully around his neck and pressing herself as close to him as she could manage without risk of hurting him. She didn't speak, just held him tight, trembling.
The voices at the front door rose, an argument. Tessa felt so tense she was sure she was about to break apart at the seams. Then there was a pause, lowered voices, footsteps moving back toward their room-- A knock at the door.
"Tessa," Della's voice came through softly, almost hesitantly. "It's... It's Master Varrys and Madam. They'd like to see you."
"Nobody is taking me away again." The words were a low growl, and a promise. Tobias wasn't being taken again. The wolf would fight to the death if it had to, but it would not be caged again. He squeezed her hand gently and held firm when she started moving again.
"Come here." He asked, quietly and with a soft quiver to his voice. Who was at the door wasn't all that important until they proved to be an actual problem. His mate being tense and upset was a lot more pressing of an issue to the wolf. She was pregnant, so much stress was bad for her and the pup. He wanted to comfort her, but it soothed and comforted him just as much to have her pressing close.
When the voices grew louder, arguing, it was the wolf's turn to grow tense. A low, angry growl vibrated in his chest.
"It's your parents." A moment later Della knocked on the door to say the same, and that they wanted to see Tessa. His grip tightened on her, he couldn't push down the upset rumble in his chest. Erik Varrys had sold him out to Striker. All his pain could be traced back to him. It hurt all the more because the man was his mate's father. "If you get out of this bed I am going too."
Tessa had gone very still and quiet in Toby's arms. Her mind was racing, her heart suddenly hammering nervously against her ribs. Make them go away. It was her first impulse, to simply beg Della to send her parents away.
But she knew that wouldn't work. Erik Varrys did not take kindly to being refused, as he had made very clear those first few weeks after she left her parents home, when he'd been hammering down Della's door twice a day. Tessa had resolutely refused to see him, which had led to the merchant attempting to corner her on her journeys through the city. Only the threat of making a scene in the middle of the legal district had finally gotten him to stop hounding her.
But it seemed now he was back, with her mother in tow. While a large part of Tessa would have been very happy never seeing Erik Varrys again-- another part of her, small as it might be, missed her mother.
She whimpered quietly and cuddled closer into Tobias's warmth. She didn't want him up and moving around, but she knew he meant what he said. And she knew if they didn't address this it was just going to make matters worse.
As if cued by her thoughts, her father's voice suddenly rang out. "Damnit, Della, we know she's here! We have a right to see our daughter!"
Tessa choked back a sudden sob, turning her face into her husband's chest. "I have to make him leave," she whispered. "Della doesn't deserve this, she's done so much..." She took a breath, then sat up slowly. "Give me a moment, tell them I'll be out."
"Yes, Miss-- Yes, Tessa."
Turning back to Tobias, Tessa narrowed her eyes at him. "Toby, you are hurt. Please just let me handle this?" The instant the words were out of her mouth she knew they'd do no good. With a soft sigh, she raised a hand to quiet his argument she knew would be coming. "Okay. Okay, come with me. But be careful, please?"
She stood from the bed, squeezing his hand gently. Her eyes flickered over him, battered and scarred and naked. She bit her lip and leaned around him to grab for the blanket, wrapping it around him as best she could. "I'm sorry," she murmured as she did. "I'm so sorry this is happening, Toby. I'll make them leave, and then you can get some sleep."
"Careful." The word probably came out a little drier than intended, but Tobias grunted softly and pulled himself out of bed with no small amount of effort. He probably shouldn't be up walking around yet, but neither should Tessa and he wasn't going to let her face her parents alone.
Some part of him also wanted to make sure they saw him just as he was now. Too bad they hadn't seen him while he was still a bloody mess, but battered, bruised, and scarred would do.
"It's not your fault, Tessa. Your father on the other hand..." A growl escaped him, eyes burning brightly as the wolf's anger simmered inside him. One day Erik Varrys would be made to pay for his part in all of this, but not tonight. Tobias was wounded and weak. He also didn't want to kill his mate's father in front of her.
Wrapped in the blanket, for modesty's sake, he nodded to the door and used the wall as a crutch. He could walk if he leaned against the wall for support. It was unpleasant, but it was doable.
Her heart broke a little bit with every step he took, aching for him, wishing she could take the pain away. But the best she could do was slip under his arm, offering support as they painstakingly made their way out into Della's main room.
Erik and Nateri had been shepherded into a corner of the room near the front door, Jonathan leaning up against the kitchen counter with his arms folded over his chest. He didn't say anything, just offered a nod for Tessa and Tobias when they made their way into the room.
Her mother took a step toward her, reaching out, and she flinched back instinctively. Della scowled, opening her mouth, but her husband laid a hand on her shoulder, murmuring something softly about, "Not our place."
"Rosie..." Nateri placed her hand to her lips, her eyes welling up as she looked over the two of them: Tobias broken, battered, scarred and her daughter far too thin and pale. Tessa looked away, steeling herself with a breath.
"Celestia, please." Erik stepped forward. His eyes skated over Tobias, and for the barest moment there seemed to be a flicker of something like guilt or regret in his eyes. Then he set his jaw and looked to his daughter, trying to hold her gaze. "Tessa, I am sorry. I never dreamed that Striker would--"
"Don't lie to me," Tessa hissed, cutting him off. She took a step in front of her husband, feeling her breathing pick up as rage heated her body. "Don't you dare. You knew exactly what that monster was capable of, you just didn't care. You just wanted Toby gone, you thought if he was out of my life I'd just forget and I could marry Jarret like a good little girl and everything would be exactly as you planned!"
She was panting lightly, the room starting to spin around her, but she didn't care. "You didn't care! You didn't care that I love him, that he loves me, that Striker would torture him, that I was already carrying his child!"
Her mother gasped, both hands flying up to clasp over her lips, and Erik blanched. Tessa had no doubt that they had heard the rumors-- because of course there had been rumors-- but they might not have believed them until she said it outright like that. She didn't care. She was too angry, shaking as rage coursed through her. Or maybe that was the exhaustion-- she really didn't care anymore.
Tobias was there for support, and to protect, so he was content to allow his mate handle the talking. He did reach a hand forward to lightly touch her side when she moved in front of him. It helped keep him calmer, though he was growling softly most of the time, and his eyes held a dangerous glow.
Everything about him softened immediately when Tessa started becoming far too worked up as she berated her father for what the man had put them through. She wasn't well enough to handle this confrontation. It was just another reason for him to loathe Erik Varrys, who only thought of what he wanted and what he thought was best. Clearly the man had no care for Tessa's well-being or happiness if he was willing to condemn the man she professed to love – the man that was the father of her unborn child.
His hand slid from her side to press protectively against the soft swell of her pregnant stomach, pulling her back against him. Even though he could barely stand, the wolf found the strength to stand now, fixing Erik with a piercing stare.
"I think you've caused quite enough pain and distress to my family for a lifetime, Erik. The only reason your head is still attached to your body right now is because you fathered my mate and I think she has been under enough strain without seeing her husband kill her father. Let me be absolutely clear that just because I am not going to kill you today does not mean I want you anywhere near me, my wife, or my children." The threat was more of a coldly delivered promise of violence if the man came near his family uninvited again.
It was only flawed in that Tobias ended up leaning against the nearby wall, shivering. His energy reserves were completely depleted. He was exhausted.
Erik opened his mouth, his eyes going dark-- and then he stopped.
Tessa was practically vibrating with tension. She glared at her father, daring him to argue. Tobias's threat sent a chill down her spine, but she pushed it away.
If she was being honest, a part of her would have been viciously, vindictively pleased to watch her husband tear into him. This man wasn't her father anymore, wasn't her family.
Then, for perhaps the first time in her life, she saw him back down. Erik Varrys lowered his head and murmured, "Understood. We...will leave." He turned toward the door, then paused, looking at Della. "I don't suppose I could convince you to return to the estate?" It was clear he knew his answer before he received it.
"No." The cook stared him down, her voice cool and even. "My resignation is final, Master Varrys. As is my daughter's. We've done just fine getting new work."
Erik sighed and nodded. He held a hand to his wife, pulling her after him. "Come, Nateri. It is clear we are unwanted here."
The older woman wouldn't stop staring at Tessa, first her face, then her barely swelling stomach, then her collar, where the briefest hint of that scar was visible over the neckline of her dress. Tessa could see in her eyes that she had heard the rumors about that too. Her mother's eyes overflowed, one hand reaching for her.
"Rosie..."
Her heart clenched, and she looked away, stepping back more firmly into her husband's arms. "No, Mama," she whispered. "No."
Her eyes were lowered, so she could only hear the door open and shut, hear her parents' footsteps as they left the house. The moment the sound faded, she sagged, twisting to press her face into the curve of Tobias's shoulder and laying her hands gently on his hips.
"Oh, Miss." Della came up behind her, rubbing her shoulders lightly. She looked up at Tobias's face and mouthed, You both should be in bed.
It was a good thing that Erik Varrys decided to back down, because Tobias didn't have the energy to put him in his place. At least not right now. He refused to seem any weaker than he already did. So he settled for glaring until the intruders finally left.
Tobias wrapped both arms around Tessa's waist when she turned to press against him. His shoulder rested against the wall now to keep him up so that he could hug her tight. It made him furious that they had come here and upset his mate in her delicate condition. He nodded at Della over his wife's head.
The werewolf gave a soft whine as he buried his face in Tessa's hair, breathing in her comforting scent. It was past time they both got back into bed. Both of them needed to recover from their separation.
"Let's go back to bed, darlin'. You still need to eat some more. A couple bites isn't enough." His voice was gentle and coaxing as he kissed the top of her head lovingly. Tobias was determined to see his mate fed and sleeping comfortably as soon as possible. They just had to hobble back down to their room and then they could both focus on making each other better.
With a small, rather pathetic sniffle, Tessa nodded and pulled away from him, though she clasped his hands in hers. "Right." She took a breath, trying to steady herself.
When her breathing had evened out a bit, she glanced back over her shoulder at Della with a thin, wan smile and murmured, "Thank you, Dell." She looked up into Tobias's face and leaned up on her toes to kiss him softly, then twined her fingers through his as she pulled him back into their room.
Once the door was closed behind them, she helped Toby get to the bed and laid the blanket over him gently, even tucking it in at the edges before she crawled in beside him and tucked herself into the curve of his body. She knew she should finish off her bowl of stew, but she was just so tired.
Once they made it to the bed, Tobias was more than ready to collapse back onto the mattress. It felt like the most comfortable bed he had ever laid on. They were both exhausted, so he didn't protest when Tessa tucked herself in beside him. She needed to eat, but they could both sleep a bit first. He didn't have any fight left in him for one night.
Tobias was too tired to keep his eyes open anyway, as his arms wound around his mate and pulled her as close as could be managed. His face pressed against the top of her head. A moment later he was fast asleep, the sound of his breathing only slightly raspy.
Blessedly he was too exhausted to even dream.
A long, tired sigh heralded sleep as Tessa's eyes fluttered closed and she wriggled closer to him, her own arms winding around his shoulders as she did.
It only took a few minutes for sleep to claim her, and once it had she was so exhausted that she slipped into a near coma, almost entirely dead to the world. All the weeks and months of worry, fear, desperate bids for a way out seemed to have finally caught up with her.
Della let them sleep as long as they needed.
As they both slept deeply, clinging to each other, the angry scratches down Tobias's face slowly faded away as his body healed them. His other wounds were much slower to heal, barely even comparing to a human's ability to heal, so they looked no different by the time morning finally came.
The werewolf didn't move much while they rested, but eventually he found himself burrowing his nose into his mate's hair, taking in her comforting scent as soft whines and groans rolled through his throat.
Tessa was typically a light sleeper, and though she managed to get through the night in her mate's arms, just around dawn his soft noises began to rouse her, and she blinked and looked around blearily as she started to sit up.
For a moment she didn't quite remember the day before; the warmth in her bed was nice, the familiar musk of husband soothing, but she wasn't entirely convinced it wasn't a dream. She reached out to stroke his face, saw the last remnants of the scars left by his own claws-- and even those were fading-- and reality hit her like a punch in the gut.
"Toby." Her eyes glossed over and she ducked back down into the bad, nuzzling against Tobias's shoulder and wrapping her arms around him gently. "I'm here," she told him, not sure if the small noises were a sign of distress or not. "I'm here, love."
Tobias reflexively held to Tessa tighter as she started to sit up. He wanted her warm and pressed against him, even in his sleep. It was her sweet voice calling his name softly that made his eyelids start to flicker as a frown creased his brow.
For a moment the werewolf was full of confusion. His entire body hurt and ached horribly, but not as much as he expected it to. The soft bed and combined with the soothing scent of his mate wrapping around his brain left him temporarily disoriented. This was far from how he was used to waking these past agonizing months.
He let out a quiet whimper and pressed his face against her hair even further, arms clinging to her and pulling her close despite the small pains that rippled through him. Tobias choked back a sob as he nuzzled his mate. "Tessa, I can't believe you're really here."
"Shh, shh..." Tessa stroked his back and pressed a gentle, loving kiss to his temple, simply holding him as he nuzzled into her. "It's okay, love, I'm here," she murmured.
After a few moments, she pulled back just far enough that they could look each other in the eye. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips and she noted, "The scratches on your face are mostly gone. How do you feel?"
It still amazed him how quickly his mate could relax him. Even though his back held dozens of nasty wounds, he didn't even mind as Tessa ran her hand along his abused skin. Tobias had missed her touch desperately.
"Like I've been through hell and back." The werewolf admitted with a bit of a croak in his voice. He didn't want his mate to worry, but he couldn't pretend he was okay. Nobody would buy it.
Her heart clenched and she took a soft breath, suppressing a sob that threatened to rise up in her throat. She hated that he was in pain, all she wanted to do was wipe the last three months away, but she knew it was impossible.
"I'm so sorry, dear heart." She kissed his brow, then feathered her lips over his cheek and across his nose, down to his lips. "What can I do?" she whispered. "Whatever you need, Toby, just ask."
Tobias squeezed his arms around her waist as he sensed her distress. He hated thinking that she might blame herself for his pain. What he had been through wasn't her fault. Eric and Striker were the reason they were both hurting now.
"Time to heal and you." He breathed softly against her lips. Tobias nuzzled his nose lightly against hers, smiling softly for her. "I don't need anything else but you...and this."
His hand had slid around from her back to rest on her swollen stomach.
"Mmm." She smiled and let her hand drift down to rest over his, for a moment simply staring at the contrast of her slim fingers laying over his much larger hand. "Well, you have me. And this," she said with a small chuckle, tilting her head to let her brow rest against his for a moment.
She allowed several moments to pass in quiet, just breathing, taking in his presence, his warmth, the fact that they were here, together, and that hopefully now things would get better.
"We should eat," Tessa spoke up eventually. "I think there's still stew left from last night. If you need to rest, I can just grab us a couple bowls?"
"Makes me a very lucky man." He couldn't have stopped a smile from curving his lips as he thought about his wife and unborn child. Tobias couldn't wait to know if he would be welcoming a son or a daughter. It didn't matter which, really, he was just excited about having his own sweet little baby to love, hold, and protect.
A soft whine escaped him as his smile turned to a pout. "Do you have to leave me? I'm afraid to let you go. Even for a moment."
"Oh, sweetheart." She smiled a little sadly and dipped her head to kiss his brow gently. "I'll just be a minute. I promise, I'll be right back."
Honestly, she would have loved to just lay there all day, wrapped up in each other, and she really did hate to leave him when it made him so uncomfortable. But it would just been a minute or two, and she knew they were going to have to start getting used to separation from one another-- as temporary as it might be.
But she wouldn't go if it would truly be detrimental. She tilted her head slightly as she stroked his cheek. "Is that alright?"
It wasn't that he didn't know he was being ridiculous. There was no practical way for him to hold his mate at all hours of every day, or for her to be touching her every moment. That didn't make him want it any less. Being away from her had been agony and now that she was there he couldn't stand the thought of being separated from his Tessa.
She was his comfort, his strength, his everything.
"Are you sure you're okay to be up? You need rest and food even more than I do." Tobias knew that might seem like a silly statement given his appearance, but he felt it was true. He wasn't the one pregnant with a very special pup.
Tessa smiled softly and shook her head at him, crinkling her nose. "I'm only three months alone, Toby, I'm not made of glass," she teased lightly. She chose not to mention that he was clearly in worse shape than her; they both knew it, and drawing attention to it would only be painful to them both.
Slowly, carefully, she moved to climb from the bed, stroking her husband's hair and dipping to press kisses over his cheeks and nose with every small movement she made. "I'll be right back," she promised softly.
"Three months." Tobias murmured softly, giving a tiny shake of his head. He hadn't known just how long it had been since he'd been taken from his mate. It felt like an eternity, but thank all the gods it was over now.
The werewolf's arms reluctantly released their hold on Tessa's body as she slowly moved away from him to leave the warmth and safety of his embrace. His golden eyes closed softly as she kissed him repeatedly over his face, knowing she was trying to comfort him.
"Okay. Please hurry." He felt pathetic as his throat constricted painfully the moment she had left the bed. His chest tightened and the wolf whined softly in protest.
Tessa had to swallow around a sudden lump in her throat as her husband realized how long they'd been separated and she realized that Tobias had had no idea, no way of keeping track of the time.
"I will, I will," she assured, hating that soft whine. She hurried from the room, leaving the door cracked just a bit behind her. She didn't know if that would help, really, but perhaps not having a firmer barrier would make Toby feel a bit better.
She darted into the kitchen and began dishing out two bowls of stew from what had been left over from the night before. It was barely lukewarm now, the kettle having been left on a bed of coals now gone cold, but it would do. Bowls in hand, she scurried back to the room, bumping the door closed with a hip behind her.
"I'm here." She sat on the edge of the bed, holding one bowl out to Tobias.
By the time Tessa returned Tobias was trembling softly, a light sheen of sweat on his brow with his eyes squeezed shut. If his throat hadn't tightened so much he would have been whimpering and whining, but he could barely force air through his lungs, let alone make distressed noises. It was pitiful for a wolf to be reduced to this.
He couldn't stop the panic he'd felt when she left him. It didn't help knowing she was coming right back, or that she was safe, or that everything was fine. Tobias felt sick.
"Tessa." Managing to squeeze that single word out hurt, and hard to imagine how a single, pleading word could be filled with so much emotion. He could barely crack his eyes open, the gold was shimmering with tears as he laid his eyes on her.
"Oh!"
Bowls were all but thrown to the side as she curved herself around him, cupping his head against her chest and peppering kisses over his hair. "I'm here, sweetheart, I'm here," she whispered over and over. Guilt dug icy claws into her heart as she stroked her hands over his hair and down to his face, tracing feather-light fingertips over his cheeks.
"Okay, too soon," she murmured. "I'm so sorry, love. I won't leave you alone again until you're ready, okay? I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..."
Tobias was all too eager to cling to Tessa as she curled around him. His arms found their way around her waist and he was happy to press his head against her chest. The scent and heartbeat of his mate calmed him almost as much as her gentle whispers.
After a few moments his body stopped trembling and the pressure in his throat and chest started to ease. Tobias had never had a panic attack before. It was not a pleasant feeling.
"I'm sorry, darlin'. I'm so sorry." He felt awful. Why was he so weak? Tessa needed him to be strong right now and he felt like he was falling apart. The tears in his eyes started to fall as he cried softly, the sounds muffled against her as he clung tighter to her.
"Oh no, sweetling, no. It's okay, I'm here, you're okay," Tessa soothed. She petted his hair as she dropped a few more kisses over his face. "I love you, dear heart, it's okay. You don't have to be sorry."
She lapsed into silence, simply laying there and stroking one hand up and down his arm. "We'll figure this out," she whispered after several long moments. "It's going to be okay, Toby. I promise."
She gave him another quick, soft kiss before shifting away just far enough to retrieve their bowls. She held one out to him. "Please, love, you have to eat something."
The petting and stroking certainly calmed him. Tobias quieted, tears slowly subsiding as he relaxed against Tessa, eyes drooping wearily as he just soaked in the comfort of her presence and the angelic sound of his mate's voice.
He didn't know how they were going to make things okay, but he nodded his head numbly. They had to figure out something, because he knew he wasn't in any condition to properly care for her or their unborn child. Anxiety ate at him as he worried what would happen if he couldn't pull himself together before the baby came.
Tobias groaned softly when Tessa leaned away to get the discarded bowl of stew to offer him. He took it, knowing he was ravenous, but also feeling sick. Eating was important for his body to heal, so he poked at the meal while watching Tessa guiltily.
"Please eat, my love. The better you feel the better I'll feel." It was true enough.
Tessa narrowed her eyes at him slightly as she held her own bowl. "I will if you will," she told him, but she took a bite.
Her eyes fluttered closed and a soft groan left her lips. She hadn't realized how hungry she was. It took a good deal of willpower for her not to simply devour the whole bowl. She forced herself to keep a steady pace as she eyed Tobias over the bowl.
He needed to eat too, whether he acknowledged it or not.
Tobias watched Tessa as she took her first bite, a slight twitch of his lips was the only sign that he had wanted to smile seeing her eat. He truly was very worried about his mate. It wasn't good for her to be so skinny, especially in her condition. The wolf was frustrated because he wanted to protect and provide for his mate and wasn't able to do so.
Soon he would make up for that, he reasoned with a soft frown as he looked down at his bowl. If he was going to do anything, he needed to get his own health back. Tobias sighed and started eating. The stew was good. Della was a fantastic cook. It just wasn't what his body really wanted.
"I can't wait until I am strong enough to go hunting." It was a bit of a wistful statement.
Tessa winced a bit. She knew her husband needed fresh meat, but there was only so much to be done in that regard in the middle of a city like Ketra.
"Soon," she murmured, leaning in to kiss his cheek lightly. "Maybe I could even ask Jon if he wouldn't mind going on a quick trip out into the country with me-- I'm not a great shot, but I can catch rabbits at least."
She sighed and rubbed at his shoulders before taking another bite of her own meal. She didn't know what to do. Tobias was right, he needed time-- she just wished she could do something for him!
"You can't go hunting, Tessa." Tobias could have argued that it was too dangerous, or because of her condition, but he knew how stubborn his mate was. There was a different reason that he knew would work much better. "I can't even stand you leaving to the kitchen..."
The wolf cast his golden eyes down in shame at saying it out loud. He knew that it would get better in time, but the trauma and fear was still so fresh...
He sighed and continued to slowly eat. The stew was good enough for the moment and it would help him immensely. He would let the wolf out to find his own fresh nourishment once they were healed enough to do it - and once he could stand being away from his mate for a short while.
"I--" She sighed and bit back an argument. "Alright," she relented quietly, reaching out to stroke his hair again. "Alright. I won't go."
She kissed his brow before finishing off the last of her stew and leaning back in the bed. She eyed her husband as he ate, making she he finished it all. Her own stomach felt almost uncomfortably full, unused to actually eating a proper meal.
"Della will be up soon," she noted, eyes flicking to the window to judge the angle of the sunlight. "Mia and the kids, too."
His head tilted into her touch, wanting more of the gentle petting to his hair, but he sighed softly and opened his eyes as she kissed his head and went back to eating.
Tobias had no reason to be stubborn about finishing his meal, especially once Tessa had done so. He already felt tired again, although he really thought he had probably woke up tired. Once the stew was gone he set his bowl aside and curled against his mate's side.
"I can never repay her and her family for what they've done for us." The wolf meant it. Della had helped them leave, had clearly tried to take care of Tessa while he was gone, and had opened her home to them both now that he was finally back with his wife where he belonged. Once he was better he would have to at least try to give back some of the care that had been given to them.
"I know." Tessa sighed quietly. "I think she probably saved our lives..."
When Tobias had finished eating, she laid both their bowls to the side and drew his head against her shoulder, stroking his hair and murmuring softly to him; not really talking about anything important, just allowing the lilt of her voice to fill the room. She told him about how helpful Mia had been in her endless crusade, how Della had started teaching her to cook, how Jonathan had been so excited to meet another "country boy" as he called himself.
Eventually, she felt his breathing even out and realized he was asleep. She smiled and pressed a kiss to his brow, lowering him back down to the mattress.
He seemed pretty out. She bit her lip and glanced at the door. As loathed as she was to leave him, she knew she also needed a bath-- neither of them would be very happy with her if she didn't actually take care of herself. She glanced back down at her husband, safely asleep.
She decided to risk it. As quickly as she could, Tessa slipped out of the room and into the bath chamber, giving Della a quick smile and a murmur of thanks as she did. She stripped and scrubbed quickly, and when she climbed from the tub a towel had been laid by the door, smelling faintly of Mia's perfume. She smiled and wrapped it around her body, gathering up her discarded clothes before hurrying back to their room.
She slipped inside and shut the door behind her as quietly as she could, praying that Tobias hadn't woken.
Tobias simply laid his head against his mate and let his eyes remain closed as she spoke to him about what he had missed while petting his hair. He really loved the feel of her fingers gliding through his dark hair. It was very easy to fall asleep that way.
When Tessa settled him back to the bed, Tobias pressed his face against the pillow but didn't wake up. As she climbed out of bed his brow did crease slightly, but he remained sleeping. He didn't stir from where his mate left him, not even the sound of the door opening and closing roused the wolf, he was exhausted and needed the rest.
The werewolf wasn't sleeping peacefully, however. His face was twisted slightly in pain and fear.
Oh no.
"Toby." Tessa sighed quietly and crossed the room to kneel next to the bed. She reached out to stroke her husband's face gently, hoping the soft touch might help to chase away the nightmare he seemed to be having.
"It's okay," she whispered to him, keeping the towel held up around her body with one hand while she carefully moved on to petting his hair with the other. "You're alright, love, I'm here. I'm right here, Toby."
The feel of Tessa's hand against his face caused the werewolf to crinkle his brow even further for a moment before his expression relaxed with a soft sigh. He didn't wake up, but was more at ease almost immediately. Tobias nuzzled against the pillow, settling back into a more comfortable sleep as she spoke softly to him and stroke his hair.
Once he seemed to have settled, Tessa let out a soft breath of relief and leaned in to kiss his forehead lightly. "Sleep, darling," she whispered.
Another soft kiss and she got to her feet, allowing the towel to drop to the floor while she moved to a small chest in the corner of the room where she'd been keeping her clothes. She found a pair of Mia's old breeches and a tunic that had been let out in places and taken in in others to fit her properly.
Once she was dressed again, she hung the towel behind the door and hurried back to the bed, slipping under the covers and tucking herself into the curve of Toby's body. Her hair was still damp and she was in new clothes, but otherwise it was as though she had never moved from that spot.
As soon as Tessa nestled herself against his body, Tobias wrapped his arms around her, pulling his wife until she was flush against his body. He nuzzled his face into her hair, a soft sigh escaping as he settled even deeper into sleep. The wolf was more than happy to do little more than sleep and hold his mate.
[We could skip a couple days here if you like. Toby is probably going to do very little besides sleep, wake up to eat, and sleep some more for 2 or 3 days.]
[On it!]
The next few days passed in a blur of repetition and worry. Tessa hardly left her husband's side, save when he was asleep, and even then usually only for a few minutes at a time to bathe or make food or occasionally help Della with her children.
It happened slowly, but it was happening; Tessa began to fill out her dresses more comfortably, the circles below her eyes began to fade. She made sure to check, clean, and rebandage Tobias's wounds at least once a day, and though the ones made my silver would surely leave scars, she was relieved to see that they at least seemed to be healing.
Every knock at the door brought a wave of panic, and wherever she was in the house Tessa would somehow find herself instantly at Toby's side, ready to fight tooth and nail to keep him there.
But it was never necessary. Of course not. In the eyes of the law, Tobias was a free man, and her husband. No one had any right to separate them. She couldn't stop the instinctive fear though, worry that Striker might somehow find a way to fight back against the legal loopholes she'd spent months ferreting out.
On the morning of the third day, Tessa risked getting up early and leaving Tobias in bed long enough to make breakfast. It only took her twenty minutes or so, and she loaded up a large plate with sausages, bacon, eggs from Della's chickens, and a few slices of bread still warm from the oven. Nudging the door to their room open quietly, she poked her head inside and called, "Toby? I've got breakfast, darling. Eat while it's hot."
Tobias felt like he did very little besides sleep. The next days were a hazy blur, if he was truthful. He would wake up only to have meals and while Tessa tended to his wounds. They were slowly healing, all the injuries caused by anything that wasn't silver had already closed over and left not even a scar to mark that they had been there.
The oldest injuries on his back had closed and scarred over, the freshest already looked weeks old, even though they had been made shortly before his rescue only a few days prior. Those on his wrists were the worst, but they were also healing with his mate's loving care.
Each time Tessa left him, his sleep would become disturbed, and every time she returned he felt soothed. This morning was no different. Tobias was twitching and whimpering restlessly in bed when his mate returned with breakfast. The werewolf jerked awake as his wife called softly to him for breakfast. His golden eyes flitted wildly around the room for a moment before he relaxed, shoulders slumping as he sat up and rubbed at his eyes.
"Good morning, love." His voice was husky with sleep, and he didn't comment on the fact that she had left him. In fact, he hadn't since the first time. He refused to let his discomfort impact Tessa more than it had to. She was noticeably recovering from their separation and it made him happy each time his eyes fell on her and she looked healthier than before.
Tessa felt a pang of guilt at how groggy he seemed. He always seemed to wake up better when she was with him.
But she'd wanted to bring him food, and she hope that might soothe him a bit. Crossing to sit on the bed, she showed him the plate, smiling gently. "Morning, love." She leaned in to kiss his cheek and laid the plate in his lap, reaching up to stroke his hair. "How do you feel today?"
A soft, rumbly hum went through the werewolf as he smiled faintly, enjoying the soft kiss and the fingers stroking over his hair. For a moment he ignored the plate of delicious smelling food in his lap, bringing his hand up to gently cup Tessa's cheek as he looked into her pretty silver eyes with his golden ones.
"A bit better." Tobias leaned forward so that he could press a soft kiss to her lips. He was feeling a little better this morning, his wounds were uncomfortable, especially if he moved or flexed, but they weren't causing him any sharp pain anymore. The werewolf felt a bit more energetic and restless too. He wasn't used to being idle and lazing in bed for days on end. It was starting to make him a touch stir-crazy, if he was honest.
"After breakfast, if there's something for me to wear I think I'd like to try to get out of bed and move around a bit today." He finally turned his attention to the food she had brought him and started eating slowly, enjoying it. "Mm. This is good, love. Did you or Della fix it?"
"Of course!" Tessa beamed, thrilled that he felt secure enough with his health to try walking around. She'd be with him of course to make sure he didn't strain himself, but she was so happy that he really seemed to be on the mend.
Blushing a bit when he asked about the food, she dropped her eyes and wrung her hands in her lap. "Well...Della taught me all the recipes, and they're really very simple. But I didn't want to bother her this morning, so I did it."
She looked up at him again, biting at her bottom lip. "You're sure it's alright?"
"Alright? Knowing you made it for me makes it taste even better." Tobias smiled at her blushing face, eyes softening as he got a forkful of egg and held it up to her with a twinkle in his golden eyes. "Here, see for yourself. Della's teaching you well."
He doubted she had taken time to eat before bringing food to him, and there was a lot of food on the plate.
Tessa crinkled her nose at him, but she took a bite. Tilting her head from side to side, she admitted with a small smile, "It's not bad, I suppose."
She wouldn't kid herself, it wasn't nearly as good as Della's cooking, but she'd followed the older woman's recipe and instructions, and it had turned out alright. "Go on, eat!" she encouraged with another smile, gently pushing the plate back toward him.
"It's good, love. Really." Tobias chuckled softly, tucking back into his breakfast so she wouldn't worry and fuss over it, and also to prove his point that he thought it all tasted just fine. He would never say Della's food was better, but the woman had a lot more practice cooking than Tessa did, so it wasn't a fair comparison.
Also he really did love that she had made it for him.
"You have to eat too, you know." He said, pausing after munching on a piece of crunchy bacon with a happy hum.
"I know, I know." She smiled, blushing just a tiny bit for the praise. "I ate while I was cooking. I know better than to skip meals with you around," she teased quietly, and leaned in to kiss his cheek lightly.
For a moment it struck her just how-- how nice this was. Just sitting and talking, eating breakfast with her husband. After all the pain and worry of the last few months, she'd begun to doubt they would ever reach this place, but here they were.
It wasn't perfect, of course. Toby was still recovering, and the memories of what had happened would likely haunt them both for the rest of their lives. It wasn't their house, those plans had been delayed. But still...
Not perfect. But if you asked her, pretty damn close.
"A wolf has to take care of his mate." Tobias hummed happily as she kissed his cheek. It wasn't enough to just make her eat, of course, he wanted to provide for her completely, but it was something. Once he was better the werewolf promised himself he would do far more to ensure his mate's health and comfort.
He finished the food on his plate quickly. Tobias was a large man, and wolves were ravenous. Months of being malnourished had certainly spiked his appetite - and he'd been a hearty eater before.
Tobias set his plate aside and reached a hand out to snake around Tessa and pull her closer so that he could give her a soft peck on the lips. "Thank you for breakfast, my heart."
"Of course." She beamed and leaned into kiss him gently. Glancing down at the empty plate, she furrowed her brow a bit and asked, "Do you want more? It'll be no trouble to make some, and you need to make sure you're eating enough to keep your strength up while you heal..."
The werewolf chuckled softly when she started fussing about food. It was sweet, her concern about him getting enough, but he didn't want her to worry about that - or to eat Della out of house and home.
"I've had enough for now, love. What is there for me to wear?" Tobias smiled and pulled the covers off himself, gingerly getting out of bed. It felt a little weird, getting his feet under him after so many days in bed, but he didn't feel too weak. That was definitely a good start as he stood and stretched with a wince. It felt good and sore at the same time.
"Oh, John's got some hand-me-downs that Mia and I let out a little." Tessa bounced to her feet and moved to the little chest at the foot of the bed, fishing out a loose shirt and breeches and laying them out for him. The fabric was clearly well-worn, but it was clean and soft, and great pains have obviously been taken for the clothing to fit Tobias's large frame.
Tilting her head to the side, Tessa suggested, "Maybe you want a bath before you change?" Her cheeks flushed at bit as she added in a sort of mumble, "I, um, I've been meaning to get one too, we could...share?"
It only made sense, after all; hot water was precious in this household, and though it would be a bit of squeeze she thought both she and Tobias could fit in the tub. Besides, it solved the problem of him not being able to get too far from her quite nicely.
Bless Della and her family.
"I'm not sure I'll be able to fully repay Della for everything she's done for us." Actually Tobias knew he would never be able to repay her enough. That they had taken in and cared for his mate when he could not - that was something so precious to him it was not a debt that could truly be cleared from his conscience.
The werewolf had been about to reach for the clothes when Tessa spoke up again. His golden eyes took on a different gleam as he cast his gaze her way, allowing them to roam over her in a way they had not since their last morning together before his capture.
"I would be foolish to turn down an offer to share a tub with my gorgeous mate. Are...you sure that is..." Tobias looked away for a moment and licked his lips. He had been far too weak and in pain to think about anything but sleeping next to his wife these past few days. Now that he was gaining strength back he couldn't help but to remember how long it had been since he had been properly close to the love of his life.
Almost feeling the way his eyes moved over her, Tessa's blush deepened slightly and she cleared her throat. "I'm sure, Toby."
She smiled as she moved forward to take his hands, helping him stand from the bed. "May as well conserve the hot water, right?" She kept her tone light, but there was the barest tremor to her voice and glint to her eyes that belied a desire so long kept dormant.
The past few days had been so full of worrying over her husband that she hadn't even really had time to think about doing anything more than comforting and caring for her mate, but with the way his eyes gleamed at her...
Tessa swallowed and cleared her throat, turning to gather up his change of clothes. "I can go and set the tub up, if you want. Should only take me a few minutes."
"Oh yeah, conserving hot water..." Tobias's tone definitely didn't sound as if that was at all that was on his mind when considering sharing a bath with her. The way his eyes still burned intensely as they watched her every movement also suggested hot water was the furthest thing from his mind.
"We can go set up the tub." The werewolf gently countered, taking Tessa's hand again. He knew that she had been slipping away for brief periods while he slept, but he didn't want to be away from her while he was awake. Especially not when he was ready to pull his mate into his arms and hold her close. "There's no point in you having to come back and get me when I can help."
Tessa huffed out a little sound that was half laugh and half sigh, and she rocked up onto her toes to kiss his cheek.
"Fine. We." She rolled her eyes at him, but she was smiling gently. "Y'know, one day you're going to have to learn to let me take care of you a little bit. You really should be resting." Her free hand came up to cup his face, her thumb ghosting over his cheek.
She kissed him again, on the lips this time, soft and sweet. "But since I know you're stubborn," she whispered against his mouth, "We'll go together."
One more kiss, then she stepped away-- not too far, still keeping their fingers entwined-- and gathered up their spare clothes before leading him toward the door.
"You should be resting too." The werewolf was most certainly very stubborn, but he was smiling as her thumb ran so lightly over his cheek. That smile only got wider when she gave in and agreed to letting him help. He just wanted to be with her, especially now that he was finally out of bed.
Tobias kept a firm hold of her hand as they made their way from the room to the bathing room. His eyes darted over to the tub and he licked his lips in anticipation. Tessa had bathed him the day he was rescued and brought back to Della's house. He was looking forward to enjoying a bath with her sharing that warm water.
"The tub will be a tight fit with us both. I can't wait." Naked in a tub with his wife pulled into his lap? Oh yes, he was definitely looking forward to it.
Her face went very red at that and she cleared her throat, unable to help the almost sheepish smile that spread across her face. It just felt so good to hear him say things like that, teasing and...well, a little bit of something else.
It felt like things were getting better.
"You are still healing," Tessa informed her husband primly, slipping around him to begin filling the tub with hot water. "So there will be no pushing yourself. We're sharing the bath to save hot water."
Alright, even she wasn't entirely convinced of that. But she felt like she had to say it for the form of the thing if nothing else.
Tessa was so adorable when she blushed like that. Tobias felt a rush of familiar warmth fill him as he gazed over his wife's flushed face. The way she smiled made his heart skip and jump happily. He did that to her, and he loved it.
A pout quickly pulled over his face when he was reminded that he was not completely well and very cutely his mate tried to assert that he wasn't going to be pushing himself. Where was the fun in that? The werewolf was restless after days doing nothing but sleeping and eating. He needed to push himself a tiny bit.
Plus any strain would be well worth it.
Tobias shuffled behind Tessa, wrapping his arms around her and placing his hands lovingly on her softly swollen belly. He nuzzled at her hair and ear with a wolfish smile and husky whisper. "What if I let you do most of the work, hm? I believe you were just complaining about me needing to let you take care of me, my lovely mate and wife."
A shiver rippled down her spine and she went still, closing her eyes and just drinking in the moment, the closeness that she had missed and craved so much. His hands against her stomach brought a rush of pride and joy as if she was suddenly reminded that it was their child she was carrying, hers and his.
“I...may be able to do that,” Tessa said softly. She didn’t turn around, just pressed herself back against Tobias’s chest. “But only if you’re very, very good.”
Even as she said the words she felt her blush flaming hotter, and she bit almost nervously at her lower lip.
"I'd better be on my best behavior then." Tobias murmured as he pressed a few soft, nibbling kisses along her neck. Gods, he had missed this, had missed her. The way Tessa turned so red, the way her skin heated, it was everything in that moment. "I love you so much."
The hands gently smoothing over her stomach moved to give her hips a light squeeze before he stepped back so that they could actually get ready for this bath that he did actually need. Luckily she'd already poured the hot water. He felt bad for letting her do any of the work, but she wanted to take care of him and the wolf couldn't deny his love what she wanted.
Tobias made sure the water wasn't scalding before stepping into the tub and settling down in the water with a sigh. It felt nice, and he had to get in first if they were both going to be in. "Oh this is so good. Join me, darlin', there's plenty of room in my lap."
Tessa shivered yet again at those nibbling kisses, and she found herself smiling through a blush as Toby lowered himself into the bath. Her fingers moved to the hem of her blouse, about to pull it over her head, when she suddenly froze.
Oh. Oh no.
She glanced down beneath her neckline and felt a jolt of something like guilt or shame wash through her. She swallowed. It would kill him to see that, she'd been trying to keep it hidden over the last few days, but somehow in getting swept up in the happy warmth of this morning she'd completely forgotten.
She took a breath and tried not to let her hesitation show as she twisted slightly to put her back to the bathtub, wriggling out of her skirt first before slowly removing the blouse, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a solution. Moving just a little too quickly, she undid her customary braid and let her hair fall over her left shoulder, hiding the scar that now marred her skin just beneath her collar bone: a roughly carved semi-circle with two ragged lines drawn through it diagonally.
With a smile, she turned and made to slip into the bath, her heart suddenly racing, caught between nerves and the sheer relief of being so close to her husband again. "Are you sure I'm not going to hurt you?" she checked in softly before she fully settled herself on Tobias's lap, twisting her upper body so she could meet his eyes-- and carefully keeping her hair in place over her shoulder.
Those golden eyes were half-lidded as they watched Tessa's every move with a burning intensity. It might have been suspicious, the way she hesitated and put her back to him while undressing, but Tobias simply observed without comment. The werewolf was very much enjoying the view, and besides, his mate had been modest and shy in their relationship from the very start. Even if she was hiding something from him, he didn't want to ruin this moment.
Tobias slid down slightly further in the tub when his wife finally turned to join him in the bath. He smiled softly when her sweet, soft voice questioned worriedly if he was sure about this. One of his hands reached up to gently cup her face, thumb brushing over her cheek lovingly.
"Being away from you hurt me more than I can express, being with you again is worth any small ache, my love. I'm very sure." His other arm wrapped around her waist to pull her fully into his lap, keeping her body pressed against his as Tobias stole a soft, passionate kiss. His eyes fell closed as he groaned softly against her lips. "I missed you so much."
"Oh, Toby." She twisted to return his kiss, letting the touch linger as her hand ghosted up over his chest and shoulder to cup the side of his neck. "I missed you so much," she breathed against his lips. "I missed kissing you, holding you..."
Her arms snakes around his shoulder, her head tilting forward until her brow rested against his. Her movements were just a little stiff, still far too aware of how her hair covered that scar, but there was real joy shining her her eyes as she smiled at him softly.
"I missed being with you, Love. Being close to you." She kissed him again, tracing her fingertips lightly over his cheek, and breathed, "I think we've got a lost of lost time to make up for..."
As her hands ghosted over his chest, Tobias let his hands gently caress over the warm skin of her back, relishing the sensation against his calloused palms. Tessa's skin was so soft and smooth. He hummed softly into the gentle kisses.
"Too much lost time, but we have the rest of our lives to make up for it." The werewolf breathed softly before pressing another sweet kiss to her lips. His arms moved more securely around his mate, pulling her body even closer to his. Gods, but he couldn't get her close enough to satisfy his need to be with her.
Tobias moved one hand up to gently run his fingers through her beautiful hair as he feathered soft kisses down her throat. "I missed this."
Tessa's breath caught in her throat and her heart skipped a bit, something between desire and nerves thrilling down her spine as his lips passed far too close to her collar for comfort.
"Toby--"
She jerked back instinctively, then froze. Quickly trying to play it off, she forced a smile and reached up to stroke her fingers gently over his cheek. "I missed it too," she whispered, leaning forward so her brow touched his. She shifted a bit on his lap, trying to get closer, and had to repress a shudder as heat flashed through her, lighting a blush in her cheeks.
"Tell me what you want?" She dipped her head to press a few kisses of her own along his throat, both because she hoped it might distract him, and because she really, really wanted to.
Something twisted in his gut as Tessa jerked away from him, despite her efforts to cover it up, he knew that something was wrong. His mate was hiding something from him, something important, and he didn't like it.
Tobias let out a soft, panting breath as her body shifted even closer and her lips found his neck. The wolf didn't want to ruin the moment, but he also didn't like whatever was causing his beloved wife to recoil from him. She had tended to him lovingly these past days, but he had been too tired and weak to even get out of bed. Now that he could...
He slid his hands up to gently cup her face between them, moving so that he could look down at her earnestly, golden eyes flickering uncertainly. "Love, what's wrong? Are you..."
The werewolf sucked in a soft breath, finding it difficult to continue, but forcing more words out with a faint tremor in his voice, "...afraid? I know you saw that monster, and I know you love me, but...I would never let him hurt you, you know. We love you so much."
"Oh, Toby!"
Guilt clenched at her heart. Of course that's what he would assume-- if she had just gritted her teeth and told him sooner--
Tessa leaned in to kiss him, quick and fierce, then peppered soft little pecks over his cheeks and nose, intent on covering every inch of his face. "No, sweetheart, no," she whispered, her own voice a little rough with emotion.
She leaned back to fix her eyes on his, hoping he could read the sincerity in her gaze. "Toby, I was never afraid. I was-- I was scared for you, and I hated to see you in so much pain...but I wasn't afraid." She kissed him again and wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling her nose against his. "Even like that, you recognized me, Toby. I know you would never hurt me, I promise, I could never be afraid of you."
She took a breath and sat back a little, her eyes dropping as she worried at her lower lip. "I know I'm-- I've been acting a little strange. I am so, so sorry you ever thought that could be because of you." Another breath. May as well get this over with.
Carefully, she drew her hair back over her shoulder, baring the scar on her collar. It had healed rather well, all things considered, which was in no small part thanks to Della's care, but there was still a hint of angry redness to the mark. It was an archaic thing, she knew; decades ago, slave women who potentially bore the non-human children had been marked such as a warning to potential buyers. A mark meant to shame her, since her disowning by her family apparently hadn't been enough.
Tessa couldn't meet her husband's eyes. She knew it was unlikely he would recognize the mark for what it was-- she had only known it from old trade manifestos of her father's business-- but she still felt shame curling uncomfortably in her stomach.
"It's...really not a big deal," she mumbled, worrying her lower lip between her teeth. "I-- I'm sorry I didn't just tell you. I didn't want you to be angry, or blame yourself, and I was..." She swallowed. "...embarrassed."
Tobias whimpered very softly against her lips as she kissed him. Even knowing how much Tessa loved him, her becoming afraid of him had been something he had worried about since she had seen him like that. How could he have blamed her for being scared after seeing that monster? He couldn't have, but it would still have devastated him to have his wife, his mate, fear him.
His heart couldn't take the idea of it.
As she peppered his face in those sweet kisses and whispered her soft reassurance that his worry was not reality, he felt some of the tension ease back out of his body. Tobias hadn't even realized he'd grown tense.
"Don't apologize, I'm just so grateful that you're not frightened of me." Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close to him as he sighed softly in relief.
His relief wasn't long-lived as Tessa sat back so that she could move her hair off her shoulder, revealing the scar resting over her collarbone. Golden irises blazed to life as the wolf's eyes narrowed dangerously. They were totally fixated on that mark that had marred his mate's beautiful flesh.
"I'm not angry. I'm furious." Tobias's voice was tight, but the anger wasn't really in his tone, only his eyes. His voice was soft and almost sad. "Why are you embarrassed? This isn't your fault."
One hand slid from her back so that he could very gently brush his thumb over the scar, his lips pulled in a scowl. She didn't want him to blame himself. He wanted to blame himself, because he hadn't been there to protect her.
"It is Striker's fault that I wasn't there to protect you. The things I will do to that man one day..." Tobias closed his eyes and tried to stamp down his emotions as he hugged tightly to his mate once again, letting his lips brush against her forehead in a soft kiss. "Why did you try to hide it from me?"
Tessa felt her eyes start to burn with the threat of tears and she buried her face against her mate's chest, her hands clutching almost desperately at his shoulders as she clung to him.
"It— I was—" She drew in a shaky breath and gave a quiet whimper of her own. "I didn't...I didn't want you to know h-how much they hated it," she whispered. "Hated me, for daring to choose you. It wasn't enough that I left that house. They said I-I wasn't worth killing, that it was better to let me live with a brand, a constant reminder to my family."
Despite how much she'd hated the idea of telling him, now that she'd started speaking she couldn't seem to stop. "I hate it, I hate that even now my only use to them is as some sort of— of symbol, now I'm the mark of shame, and I don't care what they think but I hated that it put the baby in d-danger and— and—"
She devolved into quiet sobs against his chest, clinging tightly to him. "I'm sorry, Toby," she gasped quietly. "If it hadn't been me, if you'd loved someone else, none of this would have happened. Striker, the damned scar, none of it. I'm sorry, love, I'm so sorry..."
His grip around his mate tightened, but Tobias made sure he didn't squeeze her so tight it might hurt as she buried her face against his chest. Gods have mercy on him, but the sounds of her distress was worse than any physical pain. Helplessly he soothed his hands up and down her back, trying to reassure his mate that they were together and nothing could hurt either of them.
"Shh. Shh. No, Tessa. I don't want anyone else and I have no regrets about you being my mate, about taking you for my wife, and definitely not about our baby. It isn't your fault that the baby was in danger. The only people to blame are Striker and whoever put that brand on you. They're the ones that did this. Don't you let them make you feel ashamed," Tobias felt his throat get tight, "Please don't ever be ashamed of us, our love, and what that love has created."
His heart couldn't take it if Tessa felt shame because of him.
"Who are they?" He asked hoarsely. Whoever they were had hell coming for them, because the wolf was not going to let this go without blood. They had harmed his mate, his pregnant wife. Such a crime was simply unforgivable.
It took a few moments for her to calm herself enough to speak, but once she had she turned her head to the side and raised a hand to rub at her eyes, desperately trying to stem the tears as she sniffled.
“They—“ Her eyes flickered up to his face, locked on that glowing gold, and her voice caught in her throat. The thought suddenly came to her that her husband would have absolutely no issue tearing apart the men who had accosted her in that alley.
For a moment, just a moment, she debated telling him. But no. No, keeping secrets had never been good for either of them.
“I’m not exactly sure,” she admitted in a very small voice. “I c-couldn’t really see, it happened fast and they— they covered my eyes.” She swallowed thickly, the memory washing over her in a sickening wave and she clenched her eyes shut tight. "I know...I know it was the same people who left that knife on my pillow, months ago." The reason Toby had come into her life at all. She shuddered delicately and curved into him a bit more.
"There were three voices." Another shudder as she remembered one of those voices hissing in her ear how pretty she'd seemed, sound asleep in her fancy little bed, how innocent. Foreign hands gripping her arms to pin her down, panic a flash of fire through her body as the collar of her dress was ripped, then hot pain as the blade tore into her skin. And still that voice, tutting about what a shame it was that she'd turned out to be a slave's little whore--
"One of them was definitely the one who left the knife."
Abruptly, she shook her head and lifted her face to look into his eyes, one hand coming up to cup his cheek gently. "It doesn't matter," she whispered. "Really, Toby, it doesn't. In a few months we'll never have to see this city again. I-- I'm so sorry I didn't just tell you, but please, please...don't do anything reckless?"
Tobias held Tessa tighter, a hand smoothing up and down her back as she spoke. It killed him that she was so upset as she recounted what she could recall of the encounter with the men that had given her that mark. The thought of what he would do to those men when he found them - and he would find them - twisted something ugly inside him. His wolf side was growling lowly as it thought of those that would hurt what was his.
Those golden eyes had become distant as he thought deeply about the vengeance he desired, but was pulled back to the present as his mate cupped his face. The gold softened as silver gazed back at him.
"How am I going to do something reckless when I can barely stand to leave your side for even a moment?" He gave her a sheepish smile, although it was a little tighter than normal. The wolf's anger at those that had wronged him had not abated, but he was more focused on his mate. "I want to leave the city as soon as we possibly can, Tessa. Taking care of you is what is most important to me now."
Tobias pressed a soft kiss to Tessa's forehead, then one on her cheek, before finally capturing her lips in a gentle kiss.
Tessa's breath caught for a moment as his lips found hers, but then she melted into the kiss, her arms moving to encircle his shoulders and hold him tight-- almost too tight, crushing him against her with a kind of raw desperation she hadn't even realized was lurking beneath her skin.
"Toby..." His name whispered into frantic kisses, her mouth leaving his to travel the line of his jaw down to his neck and collar, pressing herself as close as she could physically manage. Tears spilled down her cheeks again, though the ragged sobbing had abated.
"You shouldn't have to take care of me," she whispered as she kissed her way back up to his lips. "I should be the one taking care of you, but it seems like all I can do is make things worse--" She hid her face against the curve of his neck and took a shaky breath. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," she murmured into his skin. "I promise, it's going to get better. We'll leave, and things will be better."
As her arms squeezed tightly around his shoulders, his moved to hug around her waist as he whined softly. Her trail of kisses set fire to his skin at the same time her tears scalded him. It made him that much angrier at everyone that had caused this pain to them.
"Tessa, you're my mate and my wife. Of course I should take care of you. I want to take care of you. You have no idea how happy taking care of you will make me." Tobias soothed her in a gentle tone as one hand stayed at her hip, the other sliding slowly through her dark hair. "Things are already so much better, and this is just the beginning. You make me better, Tessa, don't doubt it for a moment."
The werewolf leaned his head down to pepper gentle kisses all over her face, tasting her tears and feeling his heart ache for her.
She leaned into him a little more as he kissed her face, a soft sigh escaping passed her lips. Of course she knew how much he loved her, but somehow hearing him say such things brought a new swell of warmth to her chest.
"I love you so much," she told her husband, turning her face to meet his lips with hers. With a small smile, she added, "And I like taking care of you too, y'know. Here."
She sat back a bit, wiped her eyes, and reached for the bar of the soap set on a small try beside the tub, lathering it up a bit before leaning forward again to begin washing his shoulders and chest. Every touch was light and careful, a part of her still worried about hurting him, though she knew most of his non-silver inflicted wounds had healed by now.
"I'm sorry," she murmured again after a moment, though she quickly added, "Not about-- I mean, I'm sorry I'm...gods, acting like this." She gestured to herself vaguely with a sardonic shake of her head. "I've just been so emotional lately. Della says it's normal..."
When she smiled he couldn't help but follow suit. His lips curved slightly into the kiss, though he pouted slightly when she pulled away so she could sit back and begin lathering up the soap. It felt good to have her gently washing him. The wolf closed his eyes with a content sigh.
"We'll take care of each other, and our little one." Tobias felt his smile grow wider at the thought of their unborn child. He couldn't wait to know if he would be welcoming a son or a daughter. Not that it mattered much which, he just desperately wanted a healthy baby. His family was coming together into a reality and nothing in the world meant more to him than Tessa and their pup.
Hopefully only the first of at least a few.
"Don't apologize, love. Della's right. It is natural for your emotions to be a little wild while pregnant." His hands moved to lightly rest on Tessa's hips, rubbing gentle circles with his thumbs. "I just hate to see you upset."
Tessa felt a small shiver run up her spine from his touch and she bit her lip again, frowning at herself. One moment she was so emotional every little thing set her off into sobs, the next even the barest touch from him lit a fire under her skin.
This was getting a little tiresome.
She shook her head in an effort to clear it and smiled at him again, leaning forward to peck his cheek. "I'm alright, love, really." She looped her arms loosely around his neck and dipped forward until her brow rested against his. "I'm so much better now that you're here..."
The next several months were bound to be an emotional time for them both as they awaited the arrival of their child. Tessa's hormones and his trauma were a hell of a combination to deal with, but they would get through all of it as long as they were together.
"I love you." Tobias breathed quietly as their foreheads rested together, his eyes were closed lightly as he tilted his head so that he could press a loving kiss to her lips. He let his hands continue sliding along the curve of her hips, then around to her lower back, pulling her body even closer and tighter to his. The werewolf broke the kiss only so he could whisper softly against her lips. "Can we please forget everything and everyone else...just for a little bit. I've missed you so much."
Another little shiver gripped her frame at that whispered request, accompanied by a flash of heat that raced over her skin as they pressed closer together.
"I missed you too," she whispered in return, letting her eyes close with a soft sigh as she tilted her head to nuzzle against his cheek briefly. She drew in another shaky breath, almost nervously, and bent to trace a series of soft kisses along the line of his throat until she reached his collar, pressing her body more firmly against his as she did.
A tiny gasp caught in her throat and she bit her lip to swallow back a quiet whimper. Gods. She needed to keep a hold of herself; Tobias was still healing, and no matter how badly they'd missed one another she knew he probably should be taking it easy.
"I love you," Tessa murmured against his skin, her arms wrapping loosely around his neck as she let herself rest more fully against him.
Tobias bit back a soft groan and tilted his head back as he felt Tessa place those sweet kisses along his throat. His hands squeezed her hips lightly as she pressed herself against him.
"I love you so much Tessa." The werewolf whined softly as he lowered his head back down so he could nuzzle against her beautiful dark hair, breathing in her scent. His body was aching, but not in a necessarily bad way. He shifted his hips so that his arousal would rub against her thigh as his hands again started roaming over her body slowly. They found their way up her sides before cupping her breasts. His head tilted down further so that he could nip and kiss the side of her neck softly.
Tessa might have wanted him to take it easy, but the wolf had other ideas of what he needed.
Tessa gave another quiet whimper of her own as she felt him press against her, sending a flash of desire singing through her body. Heat coiled low in her belly and she pressed her face against the curve of his neck. "Toby..."
His hands moved to hold her breasts and her breath hitched in her throat. "T-Toby—!" She swallowed, a flush stealing up her neck and over her cheeks. "Are you—I mean, shouldn't we be c-careful...?"
She tried to get a bit of distance between them, but it was difficult to control her motions in the water and her legs slipped against his as she leaned back, bringing her hips flush against his and rubbing and oh dear gods she'd missed him.
Hearing his name pass her lips like that wasn't helping diffuse the building desire between them. He let out a throaty, needy growl as she tried to pull away only to end up with their hips to be pressed together even more firmly, their bodies sliding against each other teasingly.
"We can be careful," Tobias murmured, lips pressing against her throat, giving insistent nips and kisses, letting his tongue slide out against her skin as his hands moved back down her body to guide her hips encouragingly so that his hardness slid against her sex enticingly. "You can go as slow and easy as you want, but please, please...I need you."
"Oh gods."
She had never been very good at denying him; and then he went and said it like that, practically begging her, and she had to close her eyes against a fresh wave of sensation and desire as he moved against her.
Trembling with the effort it took not to just throw herself against him in wild abandon, Tessa dipped her head and caught his lips with hers, her hands coming up to cup his face between her palms as her breath shuddered and caught somewhere between her chest and her throat.
Movements slow and careful, she let one hand trail down his face, over his neck, down his chest, until she reached his hips and finally paused. She tilted her head and parted her lips into their kiss as her fingers moved to wrap around him, a small shudder running down her spine. Practically trembling as she forced herself to continue moving with careful precision, she shifted her hips until she felt their bodies align, then rocked forward, using her soft grip to guide him inside.
"Tobias..." His name was a sigh and a gasp all at once, her eyes snapping shut when they finally joined, her kisses moving from his mouth to map a near frantic trail over his cheeks and brow, intent to cover every inch of him she could reach.
There wasn't anything "practically" about it, Tobias was begging for it. He had spent months away from his beautiful mate, his wife, and had been through unspeakable torment. Even once reunited with Tessa he had been too weak and injured to do more than sleep and cling to her. Now that he could finally muster the energy to do more he was desperate to rekindle the intimate connection between them to its peak.
A soft moan escaped against her lips as she cupped his face and kissed him. Tobias was trying not to let out too many sounds, and definitely trying to keep the ones he couldn't hold back quiet. They were not alone in the house, after all.
He couldn't help but suck in a breath and hold it as her hand trailed down his body, gasping softly as her hand finally wrapped around him, causing his hands to grip her hips a little tighter, though he did not pull to guide her, allowing his mate to take him into her in her own time. Tobias groaned lowly when they were finally joined, his body shuddering as he felt her heat around him for the first time in months.
"Gods, I love you." The wolf growled out lowly as his hands moved from her hips to run along her body lovingly. He wanted to touch all of her.
Tessa shivered delightedly beneath her husband's touch, every inch of skin set ablaze from just the barest brush of his fingertips against her. She honestly wasn't sure if the intensity of it was due to the long wait since they'd last been together, the strange effect pregnancy seemed to have on her body, some combination therein, or neither-- and honestly she didn't really care.
"I love you too," she gasped quietly, running her hands over his shoulders and down his back before letting them come to rest against his hips beneath the water. She swallowed thickly and lifted her head so she could meet his eyes, her own gaze clouded with the heat of desire and lips slightly parted as she cautiously rolled her hips forward against him.
A moan rose up in her throat and she bit her lip to stifle the sound before repeating the motion, a little more firmly this time, but still gentle, careful not to be too rough with him. An honest to gods whimper thrummed against the inside of her throat and she let her head fall forward to rest against his shoulder, turning her face into the crook of his neck as she attempted to muffle the sound by pressing heated kisses against his throat.
Her every movement was slow and controlled, though the consistent trembles that wracked her form belied just how much she wanted to relinquish that control. They couldn't risk it though, of course; not only were they far from the only people in the house, but she was determined not to give him so much as a bruise or a scratch-- regardless of the sudden flash of memory that the last time she'd done so he'd actually seemed to enjoy it.
The slow, controlled movements were both delicious and torturous. Tobias ran a hand up her back as she ran her lips against his throat in hot kisses, a soft groan vibrating in his chest as he wound his fingers in her dark hair. It was hard to keep quiet, but he tilted his head so that he could also muffle his sounds by pressing hot kisses against his mate's neck and shoulder.
"Tessa..." Her name was a low whine against her shoulder as he gently rocked his hips with hers, wanting and needing as their bodies moved together. The wolf in him wanted more. Tobias knew why she was being so gentle, holding herself back, but a soft growl of frustration rumbled through him anyway. He had to quell his impatience with himself and his injured body.
"I can't wait until I can give you a proper claiming again." Tobias panted softly against her ear as he nuzzled against her hair lovingly before dipping down to nip at Tessa's neck gently.
Her name breathed against her shoulder like that raised gooseflesh on her arms and sent a shudder skittering down her spine. Tessa twisted her head around to press her lips against Tobias's temple as they continued to move together, his fingers tangled in her hair while her own dragged lightly down his back.
"Ohh..." She bit her lip, face flaring even hotter as he whispered in her ear before he moved down to nip at her neck, the slight sting of teeth against her flush skin drawing another small whimper from her throat.
"Toby, I..." Her breath hitched in a sort of choked gasp as she rocked against him just so. "I want that too," she managed to breathe softly after a moment, voice almost less than a whisper as she struggled to keep herself in check, though the strain to do so was clear in every line of her body, in the way she bit her lip as they moved together beneath the water. "I love you, sweetheart, I love you so much, I--I just want...all of you."
Her fingertips dug into his shoulders, pulling his chest a little more firmly against hers as she once more crushed her lips to his, muffling a soft moan in the back of her throat.
Her words drew a strangled sound from Tobias's throat, something between a growl and a whimper, and their lips coming together only muffled the sound further. His arms pulled her closer, holding her body tightly against his as they rocked their hips together. He could feel his mate's breasts pressed against his chest, the swell of her pregnant belly flush against his abdomen.
It was clear the strain of holding back was not only affecting Tessa. This closeness was what he wanted, need, and craved all these months, but the wolf wanted that frantic passion they'd shared together in the forest before his capture. Their lovemaking that day had been wild and primal. Tobias wanted to recapture that feeling, but knew that his mate was too worried about hurting him to allow him to give in to that wildness. He wished he were stronger. Hearing her say how badly she wanted him to claim her to his fullest ability only increased his desire for it.
Tobias whined softly against Tessa's lips, the hand tangled in her hair gently gripped the back of her neck as he tilted his head slightly and deepened the kiss. His teeth nipped hungrily at her bottom lip before his tongue wrestled hotly with hers. He gripped her hip tightly with his other hand, guiding her movements as his hips bucked harder against hers the higher he slowly climbed towards his peak.
"Tessa..." His lips pulled away from devouring hers, but only so that he could attack her throat with his mouth instead. Tobias kissed, licked, nipped, and suckled at the sweet, soft skin almost desperately. "I love you too, oh god, don't stop, more....please"
Tessa was done for. The last three and a half months she had missed her husband so badly that her entire being ached with it, thanks to her pregnancy her body was more sensitive than ever, and then he was saying her name like that, pleading with her so sweetly even as his lips and tongue mapped a blazing trail along her throat--
She surged forward to meet him, twisting her head to catch his lips again and help muffle her cries as she rocked against him once, twice, and caught her crest in a burst of sensation and warmth that flooded beneath every inch of her skin.
Her peak came with a sense of relief, so deep and profound that it brought tears to her eyes as she continued to kiss him. Despite how sensitive she now was, she tried to continue moving against him, rolling and grinding her hips gently in an effort to pull him into that bliss with her.
"Gods, Toby..." Shaking almost violently, she dropped her head onto his shoulder with a soft whimper. "I-I love you. I missed you so much, I wish I could show you..." Tiredly, she feathered kisses over his neck and shoulder, holding him tight.
Tobias groaned as their lips met again in yet another desperate kiss, between that and the way her hips rocked against him he knew that she was about to reach that euphoric pinnacle of pleasure and his movements changed to attempt to match her surging pleasure. It was overwhelming when he felt his mate reach her peak, the muffled cries of her pleasure against his mouth sent shocks of ecstasy through his body and straight to his core. His own hoarse groans rose into the kiss as she kept moving her hips even after Tessa had climaxed, and the werewolf's crest followed closely behind hers. The relief and warmth as he spilled himself inside her depths was beyond description.
All he could do was pant heavily as her head felt to his shoulder, eyes closed as he felt her lips against his skin, basking in the afterglow of the blissful reconnection. Her words swam through his mind and her felt his brow furrow. As Tessa shook in his lap, their bodies still joined beneath the water, Tobias moved both hands to gently cup his mate's face, lifting her head so their eyes could meet as he opened them once again. The gold was dimming and fading back to the soft brown of the man as the wolf slowly retreated almost fully for the first time since they had been reunited.
"You have shown me. Every day since you rescued me, and I've missed you just as much. I hope you know that." He lightly pressed his forehead against hers, hands still against her jawline as his thumbs softly brushed the tears from her cheeks. "I love you so much and I'm so happy right now, despite everything."
Despite everything.
Despite everything, she had him back. They were together again.
And despite everything, Tessa smiled. She sniffed, a last few tears trickling down her cheeks, but she was smiling. She tilted her head int his touch, twisting to kiss his palm, then his wrist, eyes flickering back to his face.
"Me too," she murmured, allowing her brow to rest against his once again. "I am happy, Toby. Whenever I'm with you, I'm happy." She tilted her head up slightly to kiss the tip of his nose, then found his lips again, soft and sweet. "I know..." She paused, sighed, then continued, "I know you want...more. This was amazing, love, but I know your wolf is frustrated you can't do more yet..."
She kissed his cheek, then his jaw, his neck, nuzzling in gently. Suddenly, a tiny laugh rose up in her chest as a thought occurred to her and she had to turn her face into the curve of his shoulder to muffle it. "Do you remember... The first time, after we'd admitted we couldn't pretend not to love each other? You were so gentle and patient with me, it got to the point where I was almost frustrated we weren't moving faster."
Smiling softly, she leaned back to meet his eyes and tilted her head to the side. Eyes glinting, she murmured, "Your turn," and leaned in to kiss him once more, soft and sweet. She slipped her arms around his shoulders to embrace him gently, though there was a core of steel to the grip; she wasn't planning on letting go anytime soon.
A quiet sigh of happiness escaped the werewolf as he watched his mate's every movement, feeling a gentle thrum in his chest as the soft kisses to his palm and wrist sent pleasant shivers down his spine and raising goosebumps along his skin. Tobias released a soft rumble of pleasure at the gentle, sweet kiss to his lips.
"I will never forget our first time together. It was the best thing to ever happen to me." He felt heat rise in his face when Tessa said she knew he wanted more knowing it would be pointless to try to deny that his wolf felt impatient and frustrated, but Tobias knew that it had nothing to do with his beautiful mate's gentleness and care with him.
"Tessa, my wife, my mate, light of my heart..." Tobias leaned in to kiss her short and sweet before continuing, "I want you. My wolf wants you. All we want is you. This was exactly what we needed, and my wolf will just have to wait until I'm strong enough to give you more than gentle and slow and sweet...but I loved every moment of this."
Tessa chuckled quietly, her brow once more nudging gently against his while her thumb stroked gently back and forth over his cheek. "I'm glad," she murmured. "That was...the best I've felt in a long time."
Her eyes searched his and suddenly her heart gave a tiny jolt. For what must have been the first time since they'd pulled him from that hell, she saw only the man looking back at her, the golden glimmer of the wolf faded away.
Of course she loved every part of her husband, of course she did, but see that... A fresh wave of tears threatened to swamp her and she turned her face into his shoulder again in an effort to hide them. It dawned on her, perhaps fully for the first time, that maybe, just maybe there was more than blind adoration when he said that she was what he needed.
Maybe he was right.
"I love you," she whispered again, voice thick. "I love you so much, Toby." She kissed his neck, his shoulder, his chest, the dip of his collar, back up to trace his jaw with her lips gently, intent to leave no inch of him unkissed. "I love you, and when we get out of this bath I'm going to take you back to our room and I am going to take care of you. I'm going to keep you safe."
"Me too." The best he'd felt since the moment before they'd been ambushed in the forest. Of course he'd started feeling better as soon as he saw Tessa again and he would only feel even better as his body continued healing and regaining strength as long as she was by his side.
Tobias wrapped his arms securely around Tessa as she buried her face against his shoulder. He wanted to hold her like that forever. It tugged at his heart when her voice came out in a thick whisper. They had both been through so much. He didn't respond except to let out a soft groan as her lips started tracing kisses across his skin. When she declared her intent to take care of him and keep him safe the werewolf wasn't inclined to argue with her.
"Whatever you want, Tessa." He murmured softly before pressing his lips against hers, tilting his head and kissing her deeply for several long moments before pulling back slightly. "We should finish quickly. The water's going to go cold and I'm definitely in a mood to let you take care of me as much as you want."
She laughed a little at that. She couldn't help it. "A rare mood indeed--I'll take advantage while I have the chance," she teased gently as she finally sat back and set about finishing her own washing up.
Leaning forward for another quick, soft kiss, Tessa reluctantly removed herself from the bath and set about collecting the change of clothes they'd brought. She made sure to let her hand trail over Tobias's shoulders or stroke her fingers lightly through his hair each time she passed him in the tub.
With a quick glance at the door to the washroom, she bit her lip and murmured sheepishly, a soft blush darkening her cheeks, "I, ah...ahem. I do hope we didn't...disturb anyone."
They surely hadn't been that loud, had they? Still, she could hear Mia's voice faintly through the door as the younger woman shouted a question to her mother, and the sound had reminded Tessa quite abruptly that the world wasn't just her and her husband in that moment.
"You definitely should take advantage." Tobias grinned fondly at his wife as she sat back to finish washing. They really had allowed themselves to be distracted from the task at hand, but the werewolf couldn't bring himself to feel guilty in the slightest. Instead he relaxed back in the water and took the opportunity to watch Tessa as she bathed. It was a pity they needed to rush, he could have enjoyed the view for ages without growing tired of it.
When she stepped out of the tub Tobias sighed softly and turned his attention to quickly cleaning himself up. He smiled every time Tessa brushed her fingers against his shoulder or stroked his hair. A blush crossed his face to match hers when she brought up the possibility of someone noticing what they had been up to.
"Hopefully not, but too late to do anything about it now." They hadn't been loud, surely nobody had heard them. Right? Absolutely. Tobias climbed out of the tub and began pulling on his borrowed clothes. "We're going back to our room? Maybe we won't even see them."
Or be seen for that matter. A wolf could hope.
Tessa giggled at that and crinkled her nose at him. "I feel a bit like a child trying not to get caught doing something we're not supposed to," she chuckled, amusement dancing in her eyes. It was a ridiculous notion--while she certainly didn't want to disturb their hosts, they were married. It wasn't as though they had been doing anything all that shocking, really.
But somehow it was...nice. To feel like that, to be worried about it. To have something normal to worry about. Her lips had curved into a seemingly permanent smile as she moved to take Tobias's hand and lead him back out into the hall and then across to their room.
Just as they reached the door, a familiar voice called, "Tessa?"
Caught between frustration and fondness, Tessa paused, closed her eyes, sighed, then turned to face Mia. "Yes?" she chirped brightly.
Maybe a little too brightly. The younger woman gave her a slightly startled look, then seemed to shake it off and offered a quick smile of her own for both her and Toby. "Oh don't look at me like that, I'm not here to drag you away from your husband," she laughed lightly. "I was just bringing the twins in and...well, they asked if maybe Toby was feeling better?" Her voice lowered slightly, softening at the edges in a way it normally didn't. She shrugged almost apologetically at the werewolf. "They like your stories. And they're worried about you--well, y'know. In the way kids are. Ma will be taking them out again in an hour or so, but maybe this evening the two of you would be up to...eating with the rest of us?"
"Oh." Tessa blinked. It hadn't even really occurred to her that Della and her family might be worried about Tobias's state. She'd spoken with the cook nearly every morning, of course, only then realized that she never really said much. She'd been so focused on helping Tobias heal that she hadn't done a very good job of keeping the others informed.
She winced guiltily and glanced up at him. "Up to you, love."
"Not to pressure you or anything, of course!" Mia hastened to add, waving her hands a little anxiously. Then that more familiar, teasing half smile spread across her face as she added, "I just figured I'd ask before the two of you disappear into each other again."
Tessa flushed and glared at her friend, grumbling under her breath.
"Heh, yeah it kind of does feel like that." Maybe it was silly or childish, but Tobias couldn't stop smiling. They didn't really have to sneak around necessarily, but he wasn't sure if it was rude or not to be doing that in their house, let alone their tub. He suddenly found himself hoping that they weren't going to offend Della and her family. The last thing he wanted to do was disrespect the family that had truly saved them both in their times of great need.
Tessa took his hand and he followed her out into the hall, trying to be stealthy as they made a beeline to their room. He visibly flinched at the sound of Mia's voice calling to his mate. So much for getting away unseen. Well that didn't necessarily mean that anyone had heard them in the bath.
He turned to look at Mia when his wife did, offering a bit of a fond smile for the girl that was a good friend to Tessa and who had been nice to him from the beginning. Tobias felt a sheepish smile when Mia laughed and assured that she wasn't there to drag Tessa way from him. He knew that he'd been beyond needy since being brought home. It caused him to feel a slight pang of guilt, knowing that he had caused her to sequester herself away with him instead of letting her try to regain a semblance of normalcy.
Tobias found himself feeling a bit guilty as Mia told him the children were worried about him. He had been making everyone worry and instead of reassure them he'd just hidden with Tessa this whole time. Feeling guilty turned to embarrassed very quickly as Mia teased them about disappearing into each other again.
"Ah, right..." The werewolf rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Tell the twins I'm feeling a lot better, and let Della know that we'll be at dinner tonight. It's about time I started getting back on my feet and moving around. I'll never get fully better staying in bed."
Mia positively beamed. “Great, I’ll let Ma know.” She gave them a quick wink with a fluttering gesture of her hands toward their door that seemed to say go on, then, before turning to head back into the main room of the house.
Then she paused and glanced back over her shoulder. “And Toby?” Another, softer smile. “It really is good to see you up. But don’t push yourself or anything. I know the lot of us would rather see you take your time getting healthy than rush things and hurt yourself.”
Tessa felt a rush of affection well up in her chest and she blinked back a sudden prickle in her eyes, then rushed forward to wrap her arms around Mia in a brief, tight hug. Her friend laughed and patted her back. “Easy, Tess. Gods, Ma was right, this baby makes you so emotional,” she teased, with a smile over Tessa’s shoulder at her husband and a pointed, “Good luck.”
Tessa laughed and swatted at her arm as she broke the hug, stepping back to take Tobias’s hand in hers again. “Ass,” she accused fondly.
Mia just grinned at her before turning on her heel and flouncing away, calling for Della and her younger siblings. Shaking her head, Tessa—finally—pushed open the door to their room and led Tobias back to the bed. “You sure you’re up for dinner?” she asked softly as she tried to urge him to sit, worry back in her eyes and voice while she looked him over.
She knew she was probably being ridiculous and overprotective, but she couldn’t seem to help it.
Tobias felt his face get hotter at Mia's knowing wink as she waved them off to their room. At least Mia seemed amused rather than bothered about their tryst in the bath. Hopefully no one else would be upset either.
"Don't worry, Mia. Tessa won't let me overdo it." The werewolf felt a similar swell of fondness for the young woman, smiling as his wife rushed over to hug Mia. He chuckled softly at the teasing his wife got, knowing that it was both true and said with affection. A slightly deeper laugh was pulled from him when Mia wished him luck and his mate retaliated playfully.
"Thanks." Tobias smiled as Mia turned and left. He squeezed Tessa's hand as they headed back into their room. The werewolf didn't resist as he was led to bed, sitting on the edge when urged to do so, and looking up at his wife's worried face with a loving smile.
"I know you're worried, love, but I really do need to get back on my feet to regain my strength. Dinner with Della's family will be nice, and it's not strenuous to sit at the table." He took her hands in his and brought them up so he could kiss her fingertips gently. "I promise I'll be careful and let you know if I feel like I'm getting too worn out."
Tessa felt the air leave her in a slightly heavier than normal breath; she twisted her hands in his grip so she could cup his face gently, thumb tracing the outline of his lower lip while her eyes moved over his face.
"Okay," she murmured, smiling a bit. Then she sighed, dipping her head forward to rest her brow against his and closing her eyes for a moment. "I'm sorry. I know I'm being..." She trailed off with a smile and a sardonic little smile. "I just...can't help worrying."
Another soft breath and she tilted her head to kiss his nose before straightening up to release him, one hand stroking briefly over his hair before she did. Turning to the small bedside table, she gathered up a bit of mending that Della had left for her before settling beside Toby on the bed, her shoulder brushing his gently, companionably.
"Well, if you're feeling up for dinner tonight, I'm sure the little ones will start in on you to come play with them by tomorrow morning at the latest," she chuckled lightly, licking a bit of thread before feeding it through the needle and tying it off deftly. Her lessons in her father's house had focused on embroidery and cross-stitch--the skills of a lady--but in the last few months she'd actually become quite hand with the more practical aspects of needlework.
The deep brown eyes partially closed as she cupped his face and Tobias let out a soft, happy hum as her finger brushed over his bottom lip. He truly did feel much better today, physically sure, but the wolf was more at ease than he'd been in months. It was almost a strange feeling, being this relaxed after so long.
"Don't be sorry, love. Just try not to worry so much that it makes you unwell?" Tobias smiled softly at her, he loved when their brows rested against each others, or when she gave him those sweet little kisses - this time on his nose. He never wanted it to end, but watched her retrieve the sewing items from the bedside table without complaint. It was easier than he had feared. After his desperate need to remain in constant contact he had worried that it would never go away - and he did still want that contact constantly, but it wasn't immediately freaking him out which was definitely an improvement.
When she settled beside him, shoulder to shoulder, he tilted his head down so he could rest his lightly on her shoulder as he watched her work and listened to her talk with a faint smile. His arm wrapped around her back and he let his hand rest against her hip, he hoped that his light embrace wouldn't make her work more difficult. The wolf didn't want to be in her way, but he did feel more content.
"I'll have to see what I can do with the little ones. Might not be up to running around playing much, but maybe I can appease them with stories." Tobias turned his head for a moment, long enough to place a soft kiss on Tessa's shoulder before nestling his head down again.
When his arm came around her, she leaned a little more heavily against him and smiled as his head came to rest on her shoulder. She cocked her head to the side so that her cheek brushed his hair, then twisted to kiss the crown of his head before straightening herself out again so she could focus on her sewing.
“Mmm.” Her head cocked the other way, voice a little distant as she mused, “Well they’ve always liked your stories, right from the very beginning. And I know they’re a bit...well energetic, let’s say. But they’re good kids, I’m sure they won’t make themselves a nuisance.” Her lips quirked up on one side and she glanced at him sidelong. “Besides, it’ll be good practice, won’t it? I imagine there will be plenty of days when they two of us are too exhausted to play, we’ll have to find some way of keeping the little ones entertained.”
There was laughter in her voice—which abruptly choked off as she realized she’d said “little ones”. Her cheeks flushed and she cleared her throat, refocusing on the mending.
Well...it wasn’t as though it was an absurd possibility. But even this child hadn’t been exactly planned, and with everything that had happened—that was still happening—she and Toby hadn’t really had the chance to...talk about the possibility of another. Or more. And she couldn’t say the idea wasn’t...just a tiny bit alluring, in a way.
“Anyway.” She laughed almost nervously and shook her head, then twisted to kiss his cheek. She couldn’t help herself; it was just so good to have him there, close, and she’d gotten into the habit of those constant little kisses and touches, almost to assure herself that he was real. “I believe someone said he was in a rare mood to let me actually take care of him. Can I get you anything, love?”
Tobias chuckled at the idea of the little ones making themselves a nuisance - he could hardly imagine such a thing. What seemed like forever ago, he remembered when the children had first come face to face with the wolf. They hadn't recoiled from him, and he'd been more than happy to play with them in the garden until -
The werewolf shut that line of thought down immediately. He refused to think on it. Things felt good and he wanted to hang on to that, not provoke the wolf into rising to the surface again when he'd only just started to feel truly human again.
Little ones.
Multiple.
More than one.
A grin spread on his face at the thought of their family growing over time. They hadn't meant to bring a baby into the mix quite so soon, but the wolf was thrilled at the idea of having a pup, and puppies was even better.
Tobias ignored the question, only really wanting one thing, to be close to her. Instead he leaned in and tilted his head so he could whisper huskily in Tessa's ear, voice low and breathy as he moved a hand to rest gently against her stomach, over where their little one rested inside his mate. "I'm sure our little ones will enjoy hearing their daddy tell them stories too."
Oh dear.
A shiver immediately rippled down her spine, sending her stomach fluttering. Gods, that wasn't fair; his breath on her skin and his voice in her ear was enough to flood her whole body with a sudden rush of heat.
Keep it together, goodness. She'd meant what she'd said in the bath—she really didn't want him to strain himself. But damn her if he didn't test her resolve. Well, that or her damned pregnancy hormones.
"I'm sure they will," she replied, trying and failing to keep her voice steady, and winding up just sounding breathless. Her cheeks flushed darker and she tried to turn her face away. "You behave, you'll mess up my sewing." She tried to keep her voice firm, but it was still clear she was teasing. And she certainly made no move to actually pull away from him.
Her hand drifted down to cover his on her lower belly, pressing gently but firmly. She was still pretty early along, but she remembered Della had said she might start feeling movement in the next few weeks.
Tobias was acutely aware of the affect he had on his wife, and his smile turned almost into a smirk as her voice came out a bit breathless. Was it mean when it was so very easy? The werewolf chuckled when she told him to behave, nuzzling against her ear with a soft hum.
"Am I not behaving?" He asked in as innocent a tone as he could muster - probably not super convincing, but honestly who was he kidding? Tobias felt his smirk soften as her hand covered his and he looked down at their hands with a look of pure adoration. It was still surreal that his baby was just there, beneath his hand. He knew that it was too early to feel the baby show perceptible signs of life, but his wolf knew that their pup was healthy and strong.
"I love you both more than anything in this world." He whispered, turning his face so that he could kiss her cheek softly.
"Cad," she accused fondly, a small smile twitching at the corner of her mouth. She felt him soft of soften against her and followed his gaze down to their hands. Carefully, she laid her sewing to the side, and linked her fingers through his where their hands rested together on her abdomen.
"And I love you." Her voice was a whisper as she turned her head to kiss his cheek in turn, then let her brow rest against his temple. "Both of you. So much."
Her fingers tightened around his and she curved herself into his side, as always careful not to put pressure on his still healing body, but wanting to get as close as she could manage. "I love you, Tobias Slate," she repeated softly. "I love you so much it scares me sometimes."
It was a slightly hesitant admission, but it was clear from her tone that it wasn't meant with anything but adoration.
Tobias wasn't going to deny the accusation of being a cad, he knew he was incorrigible.
His eyes - still a deep, warm brown - remained on their joined hands. His smile only grew as Tessa returned his admission of love and kissed his cheek. Ignoring the nightmare of the past few months, things were going better than even his wildest dreams. Tobias had always wanted to find a wonderful woman that he could settle down with and start a family. How had he managed to get someone as amazing as her?
"I understand, I didn't know I could love someone so much." Tobias knew that if he had to choose between Tessa and breathing that he would choose her every single time. She was as vital to him as the very air in his lungs. It had scared him at first, when he realized just how deeply he'd fallen for this beautiful woman curled against his side.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your sewing. What do you need for me to do? I don't want to be a bother." He kissed her temple lovingly.
"You're never a bother, Toby," Tessa assured him with another quick peck, to his lips this time. Smiling crookedly, she added, "And it's not as though I'm on a deadline, I can leave the mending for another day or so."
She twisted to wrap her arms around his shoulders gently and nuzzled into the curve of his neck. "I don't need anything from you, love. I like just being with you while I work." It was true; mundane or even boring tasks became bearable, sometimes even fun, just by virtue of sitting beside him, listening to the comforting rumble of his voice or feeling his arm around her waist, solid and grounding.
With another quick kiss, she gave his shoulder a light nudge and nodded toward the pillows. "Why don't you get some rest? We have some time yet before dinner, and you really shouldn't be straining yourself." Eyes soft, she reached up to cup his cheek in her palm. "I'll be right here. I promise."
"A distraction then." Tobias murmured with a faint smile as she kissed him. He really did feel a little guilty for pulling her attention back to him when she'd tried to actually get something practical done. It was even worse because he knew if he even did have some way to help or contribute at the moment that Tessa wouldn't let him.
Feeling her twisting in his arms he brought his arms up around her, hugging her gently against his chest. He understood her very well. Just having her near him made everything better, regardless of what they were doing. Tobias sighed as he was nudged towards the pillows.
"I know you will, love. I know." Of course she'd be right there. She had stayed close to his side since his release from Striker. He pouted slightly but let go of Tessa reluctantly as he scooted further onto the bed, resting his head on the pillow. Soft brown eyes watched her as he allowed himself to settle. Imagine needing to rest up to have the energy for dinner. "Don't let me sleep through dinner. I really do want to eat with Della and the children."
"Of course." She smiled and bent to kiss his temple as he settled in, one hand stroking absently from his shoulder down his arm and back in a rhythmic pattern. "Now hush, and go to sleep."
She kissed him again, then sat back and once more picked up her sewing. She hummed softly as she worked, not even entirely aware that she was doing it.
She woke Toby just about an hour before Della's call for dinner, wanting to give him a chance to wake up properly and prepare himself however he needed to.
The kindly cook positively beamed when both Tessa and her husband emerged from their room into the small kitchen for dinner. She'd set two places for them with plates of gently steaming sausages and what was clearly fresh baked bread, along with some sort of potato-and-vegetable dish that smelled of herbs and made Tessa's stomach growl.
Mia and Micheal laughed and she flushed, then wrinkled her nose up at them as she took her seat.
"Toby!" The twins were practically bouncing in their own seats, grinning at the werewolf, and immediately began talking over each other.
"Can you tell the story about the fish again? I told Michael, but he said I didn't do it right--"
"I didn't think we were going to see you anymore when Mama stopped taking us to Master Varrys's house, but then--"
"--and we wanted to see you, but since we couldn't--"
"Are you okay now? Mama said--"
"Hush." Della shot her youngest children a firm look and they subsided almost instantly.
Tessa smiled a little wanly. "You'll have to teach me that trick," she murmured to the older woman, who huffed a chuckle and rolled her eyes.
"Well, don't just gawk, you two. Eat something!"
Despite having slept for most of the past few days, Tobias had little trouble drifting back off to the sound of his mate's soft humming. His sleep was peaceful right up until Tessa gently woke him to get ready for dinner. There was little for him to need to do except try to smooth some wrinkles in his shirt and brush his hair just a bit.
A bright grin was given when they walked into the kitchen and Tobias spotted Della and the twins, having truly missed them. They had accepted him so readily and it meant a great deal to the werewolf. The sound of Tessa's stomach growling had him chuckling along with Mia and Micheal as he took his seat next to his wife. If the barrage from the children bothered him there was no indication, his eyes were still deep, soft brown.
"Well now, if you're very good and your mother says it's okay then I'll tell you the story again after dinner, okay?" Tobias flashed Della a smile before picking up his fork and taking a bite of his dinner with a sound of pleasure. "Mm. Delicious as always Della."
The twins sighed and griped for a few moments but subsided easily enough, placated.
"You'll spoil them," Tessa teased her husband lightly.
"You will, but if you keep complimenting my food I'll certainly let you," Della added, beaming. Jonathan chuckled and shook his head at her, but she just winked at him and touched his hand lightly where it rested beside hers on the table.
Tessa smiled at them, unable to help herself. While she had never known Della's husband very well before coming to live with the cook and her family, but the quiet older man had certainly warmed to her quickly, and she to him. Watching him and Della interact...it made her hopeful, a little. They were still so clearly, quietly in love after decades together.
Tobias was still grinning and gave a helpless shrug when Tessa said he's spoil the children. A little storytelling certainly wasn't going to spoil them too much. He genuinely did enjoy telling them stories, and the wolf couldn't wait until he got to spoil his own little ones with fantastical tales.
"I can't help it if you keep feeding me such tasty food, Della." He didn't miss the little exchange between Della and Jonathan, it was sweet and they were obviously very much in love regardless of however long they'd been together.
"Tessa's getting good at cooking with your help too. She made me a very nice breakfast this morning." Tobias let his eyes dart over to Tessa, his grin softening into an adoring smile as he moved his hand beneath the table to gently rest on her knee. He used his free hand to take another bite of sausage
Tessa blushed a bit and tried to wave him off. "You were just hungry," she laughed, though she allowed her hand to find his beneath the table and twined her fingers with his.
Gods. How many times had she wanted to do that, back in her father's house, when they were so close but never allowed to touch, not in front of other people? There was almost a relief to doing it now, a release of tension that she hadn't even realized she was still carrying.
"Oh, don't sell yourself short, dear." Della scooped a second helping onto Tobias's plate with the ease of practice and familiarity. Tessa lifted a hand to hide her smile, an old habit--a lady's habit--she seemed to be having trouble dropping. "You've always been a fair hand at most things you set your mind to. Not your fault you weren't allowed in the kitchens much 'til recently."
"And you are biased," Tessa retorted with a laugh, but she couldn't deny the soft, happy flush that came to her cheeks from the praise. She shifted just slightly, pressing a little closer to Toby so their linked hands could rest against both their legs pressed together as she returned her attention to her food.
"Does Toby know you can shoot?" Mia asked abruptly, eyes glinting.
Tessa rolled her eyes. "Toby can literally survive off his own hunting skills alone. My meager archery lessons are hardly of comparison, or interest."
As her fingers twined with his, the wolf gently squeezed her hand, his smile growing slightly as he glanced over at her. Tobias felt so light and happy. It was such a simple gesture, but the ability to make it without worrying about her family made it feel that much more amazing.
Tobias flashed Della a grateful smile as she put another helping on his plate. His appetite as a werewolf was bad enough, but he'd needed even more food fuel than usual to help his body heal from his extensive trauma. Also he was nodding in agreement with the motherly woman as she spoke to Tessa about not being hard on herself.
"I think it's interesting. You did mention trying to hunt rabbits." Tobias thought back to his first meal there, and Tessa bringing up the possibility of her going to hunt some rabbits so he could have fresh meat.
"Oh, I taught her that." Jonathan smiled, voice low and soft as he smiled across the table at them. "Making snares is pretty simple, and all it really requires to be successful is patience and persistence." He inclined his head slightly and added, "We were a decent shot though, when I took you out before. You just need practice."
Tessa rolled her eyes and mumbled a dismissal, but she was smiling a bit. "Well, I suppose I'll be getting more practice soon enough," she chuckled quietly.
After all, with everything Della and her family had already done fore them they could hardly ask for or expect more. When she and Toby eventually left, they wouldn't exactly have much of anything to take with them.
It didn't bother her--maybe it should have. She knew how dangerous it could be. But honestly she was still just anxious to start a life together... Though she would miss Mia and Della and their family fiercely when they left.
The thought sobered her a bit and she returned her attention to her plate, simply watching quietly as the others chattered around her, passing food back and forth and teasing each other in turns. She smiled and responded when spoken to, but for the most part lapsed into silence.
"My father was a fisher but he also taught me how to hunt with bows and snares. We always had fish and meat to put on the table that way." Tobias was pleased that Jonathan had been teaching Tessa such a great skill. She might have been right about him being able to hunt enough to take care of himself, but he also figured she assumed that was mostly because he was a wolf. "I'm a good archer, so I'm actually excited that Tessa can practice with me."
Tobias knew that Della and her family had done so very much for them, and he wanted to repay them for all their help and kindness. He would repay them somehow. The worry about such things was far from his mind at the dinner table though.
He drew Jonathan into talk of draw weights, bowstring quality, and feather choices for fletching the best arrows. It was good to have someone that knew about the more rural skills. The city wasn't exactly a place that Tobias fit in or felt comfortable. He couldn't even read, let alone have any idea about business or whatever else city-dwellers thought were necessary skills.
It wasn't long before he noticed Tessa's behavior change, though. He leaned closer to her and tilted his head to whisper, his words only for her. "What's wrong, love?"
"You'll have to mind her footwork--she's got a good eye, but she forgets to shoot with her whole body, not just her hands," Jonathan advised kindly. The older man seemed just as happy to discuss bows and hunting as Tobias was, and even noted to his wife that the family should take a trip out to his family's home one of these days, now that she wasn't working at the estate and they could afford to take the time.
That sparked Micheal into talking about cousins the family apparently hadn't seen in quite a while, which Mia piled on to. The conversation was lively enough that no one noticed--or at least didn't comment--when Toby leaned closer to Tessa and murmured in her ear.
She started a bit, so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she hadn't noticed him drawing nearer, but quickly shook herself and offered up a smile. "Oh, nothing. I just..." She looked around the table, smile softening. "I'll miss them," she whispered back, squeezing his hand under the table.
More than that. She would miss... Gods, she hated to admit it, but she would miss her mother. She was still furious with her, hurt and betrayed and confused, but she would miss her.
She didn't want to say that though, not here. So she gave Toby another smile and leaned in to kiss his cheek, murmuring, "Later, okay? I'm sorry, I don't mean to be melancholy."
"Mama?" Seth suddenly piped up, fidgeting in his chair. "We were good, weren't we? Can we--?"
Della laughed. "Oh, alright, alright. I suppose you behaved yourselves." The words were a little harsh, but her tone was light and her eyes playful. "I'm not the one you have to ask though, am I? Nicely."
Without need of further encouragement, both Jenny and Seth jumped down from their seats and ran around the table to tug at Toby's sleeves eagerly, clamoring for a story, and for him to come see the game they'd made up in the yard, and--
"Oi!" Jonathan, laughing himself, shook his head at the twins. With a glance up at Tobias, he shrugged a little apologetically and offered, "Little urchins. I swear they get it from their mother."
Della scowled and cuffed the back of his head.
The squeeze was returned, Tobias fully understanding where she was coming from. He responded just as quietly. "Me too."
Tobias smiled faintly as she kissed his cheek and suggested they speak of it later. "Of course, love. Whenever you want."
The children readily distracted them, Tobias turning his head when he heard Seth asking Della if they were good enough to have him tell them a story. He smiled immediately, but he outright laughed when the twins ran around to grab his sleeves, eager for his attention. Jonathan got a smirk and a headshake at his comment, and a snicker when Della retaliated.
"Alright, alright. I promised you the fish story, and you'll get it, but you'll have to ask Tessa if I'm allowed to go see your game. You know I've been unwell and she's the boss on if I'm well enough." The wolf smiled at his wife, and all through dinner Tobias had truly seemed in good spirits, and didn't seem to be worn out or in pain. He still wanted to make sure she had her say on the matter, knowing how worried and protective she was being over him right now.
"Oh--!" Tessa blinked, then narrowed her eyes at him. "Oh, I see how it is. I'm to be the bad guy, hm? Is this how future parenting is going to work out?"
She tried to keep her tone strict, but her lips kept twitching upwards at the corners and she couldn't quite manage it. Not to mention when she looked down into the twins' faces, and the way they were pleading with their eyes...
"Alright, alright." Laughing, she shook her head as the children whooped and began trying to pull Toby after them. "Gods help me, I can't say no to those eyes." Before they could get him out of the chair, she reached up to cup his cheek and pressed a quick kiss to his lips, lowering her voice to murmur, "Just don't strain yourself, alright?"
"Tessie, are you coming too?"
She smiled at Jenny and stood herself. "I think I have to help your mama clear up. But I'll be out in a few minutes, okay?" She ruffled the girl's hair and earned a hug around the waist in return before she went back to pestering the werewolf with her brother. Apparently the game they spoke of involved building a tower out of rocks and defending it against the opposing sibling, and they were quite proud of it.
Tessa couldn't help smiling as she watched them, and unconsciously lifted her hand to rest gently against her belly. Della, pausing beside her, chuckled quietly and murmured, "With any luck, yours will just be the one. Gods know the twins were a surprise."
Tobias gave her the most innocent face when she accused him of making her the bad guy. He hadn't intended it like that, but there was still a playful glint in his brown eyes as he watched her try to keep a strict expression.
"Promise." The wolf whispered back, smiling before finally allowing the twins to drag him out of his seat. He smiled at Jenny as she asked if Tessa was coming too, and sent his wife an apologetic look when she mentioned helping clear up. Tobias probably should have offered to help clean up after dinner. Della had been doing so much to care for both of them and he didn't want to take advantage, but the twins were pulling at him to come outside with them.
Tobias followed the kids outside, already recounting the legend about the rainbow fish of Deep Water. About how it was big as a shark and its scales sparkled in the light with all the colors of a rainbow and nobody had caught it in over a hundred years but if someone did catch it that they'd have good luck the rest of their lives or get a wish if they agreed to let it go.
Of course Seth and Jenny immediately began arguing over which would be the better choice--eternal luck or a wish. Tessa caught the edges of their childish debate as she helped Michael and Della clear up from dinner. For a moment, she remembered the first time she'd overheard her husband telling the story.
So what would you do? Catch it for the luck, or let it go for the wish?
Neither. Either one would take all the magic out of the story.
.....
You know that story you were telling the twins? With the fish that could grant wishes?...I'd wish I wasn't a Varrys, that I was just some girl who was allowed to love you.
"Tessa? Really, girl, you should rest. We can handle this."
"I'm fine, Dell." She rolled her eyes, forcing the thoughts from her mind. "I'm pregnant, I didn't suddenly turn to glass, honestly."
The cook tried to get her to sit several times, but she protested that she'd been doing little else but sitting lately, finishing the cleaning up determinedly. That done, she followed the sound of the children's voices out into the tiny yard behind the house. She paused in the doorway, leaning lightly against the frame and just watching as the twins chattered animatedly to each other and Toby, occasionally stopping their own conversation to drag the werewolf into a debate that Tessa wasn't sure she entirely understood. Or that they even did.
Tobias smiled at the children's debate over what they'd do with the fish, luck or a wish, and he shook his head lightly. Tessa had asked him what he'd do, forever ago it seemed, and despite everything that had happened since, his answer was the same. The magic of the story was what he valued most. His father had told him that a man made his own luck, and what would he even wish for now? Everything he could wish for - a loving mate and a family - was already his.
Every time the children turned from squabbling with each other to bring him back into the debate he listened with rapt attention, never hesitating to answer their questions as best he could and always taking them seriously.
The wolf noticed his wife leaning against the door frame watching them and he flashed her a smile, but quickly looked back to the children. "Why don't you show me your game? I can't play now but you can teach me how it's done by letting me watch you, then when I'm all better I'll already know how to play."
The children were clearly delighted with this idea, and began talking over each other again as they showed Tobias how they constructed their little garden-stone towers and then set about trying to "claim" them from each other. Seth seemed to favor simply chasing his sister until she tired, but Jenny was slightly more strategic--inasmuch as she learned quickly how to hide behind Tessa's skirts, which drew her brother up short.
"Little devil," Tessa accused the girl fondly, earning a giggle in reply before she was racing off after her twin again.
With a shake of her head, Tessa moved out into the tiny garden space, stopping beside her husband and tucking herself under his arm. "Della will make her trip to the market in two days," she murmured as she watched the children. "She said we're welcome to come along, if you're feeling up for it. It's not too far a walk, just a few streets down."
Tobias chuckled as he watched the children chase each other around the small yard. It made him ponder his own future children. He thought about watching his own children running and playing around his childhood home, it was easy to imagine their laughter and it filled him with warmth thinking about it.
The wolf wrapped his arm lightly around Tessa's shoulders as she tucked herself against side. He was still watching the children as he listened to what she had to say. "Mm. If you want to go I think we should. It'll be good for me to be up and walking around."
Tobias turned his head so that he could kiss her temple softly. "Besides, if I'm feeling this much better today, in two days I'll be feeling even stronger."
"Mmm." She hummed a quiet agreement and let her head come to rest against his shoulder. Despite herself, a slight yawn overtook her which she quickly raised a hand in an attempt to cover. It was ridiculous--she shouldn't be this tired this soon, particularly after a day of doing little but sewing work.
"Alright, you two!" Michael's voice came from the doorway this time, the boy beckoning to his younger siblings. "Ma says it's time to come in."
The twins groaned and complained, but obeyed, albeit sullenly. Tessa chuckled a bit and shook her head as she watched them troop passed while their brother ushered them back into the house.
Tobias tilted his head to rest against hers, closing his eyes and just enjoying the moment. He could almost forget all the horrible things, for just a moment. Almost. A soft chuckle was given as Tessa yawned. They both needed to remember to get enough rest right now.
He lifted his head when Micheal called for the twins to come back inside. The children's complaints were met with a soft laugh. Tobias couldn't blame them, how many times had he grumbled as a child when called inside of an evening? He couldn't begin to recall the number of times he'd begged to stay out and play with his friends for just five more minutes.
"Maybe we should head back inside too, darlin'. I know you don't want me to push it." Tobias gently rubbed his hand up her back.
"Mhm, right." She tilted her head back to smile at him a little sleepily, then dropped her hand to take his and pulled his gently after her back into the house.
Michael was busy trying to wrangle the twins into bed, while Jonathan had apparently started a fire in the small hearth and sat just in front of it, leaning back against Della's legs where she sat in a well-worn armchair with an open book in her lap, reading glasses that Tessa only rarely ever saw her wear perched on her nose.
"Alright, I'm heading out," Mia called with a wave as she moved toward the door.
Tessa blinked, a little startled. "Out? But it's getting dark."
"I took that job clerking in the legal district, remember? Only position open was working nights, so far. I'll be home before midnight though, don't worry." She smiled and waved, her parents calling after her to be careful as she slipped out through the front door.
Tessa bit her lip, suddenly irrationally worried, but she knew better than to say anything. Mia was a grown woman, after all.
Walking hand in hand back into the house, Tobias couldn't stop a soft pang of sorrow as he looked upon the scene. His mother couldn't read, but he was suddenly reminded of quiet nights with his mother sewing in front of the fire, his father settled near her. It took a moment, closing his eyes and trying to shake the memories from his mind, before he opened them again.
Tobias tilted his head when Mia said she was going out. She had taken a clerking job? It was his fault, he realized. Della and Mia had to find new work because of him. The wolf watched Mia head out of the house with a hint of worry. Was a girl walking alone in the dark safe?
"I'm so sorry, Della. I never meant for..." The wolf made a helpless sound and gave a vague gesture, "Any of this."
Della blinked, looking up from her book, and for a moment just stared at him with her brows slightly furrowed. Then her expression cleared and she blinked again, before frowning properly.
"Don't you go doing that," she told him firmly, and returned her attention to her book in a clear dismissal of the apology. "We're getting along just fine. Plenty of people always need a good cook, and Mia's decided she wants to be a magistrate--which means clerking is a first step. She never would have known that about herself if we'd state on at the estate."
Oh, right. Tessa realized she hadn't told Tobias that--well, it hadn't exactly come up. But Mia had been the one to walk circles with her around the legal district the last few months, and the younger woman had grown more and more indignant with how little help they'd found. She;d gone on numerous rants about it, until her father suggested maybe she should look into how one went about entering such a profession. In his words, if she was going to complain about it, she might as well know how it all worked.
Jonathan glanced up from the fire and gave Toby a brief nod, as though to emphasize his wife's words, before adding, "The two of you turning in? You're welcome to sit a while, if you'd like. Della's just put the kettle on for tea."
"I still caused a lot of trouble for you all." The wolf mumbled softly, "And I had promised you I'd take care of Tessa and, well..."
It pained Tobias to even think of all that his poor mate had been through while he'd been gone. He knew that none of them blamed him for it, of course they didn't, but he still felt guilty and blamed himself. The wolf had failed his mate and unborn pup. They had needed him and he wasn't there.
"What do you think, darlin'? Would you like to sit and have a cup of tea before bed or do you want to turn in now? I would be okay with either." Tobias didn't feel too worn out. It felt good to get out of the room for a while and see the children, get a little fresh air in the garden, and talk to Della and her family again. He also enjoyed the idea of snuggling into bed with his mate curled up warm and safe against him.
Tessa looked up at him, a slight line between her brows. She knew he still blamed himself for not being there the last few months, which was patently ridiculous. But it wasn't exactly the time or the place to get into that, so she let it slide for the moment.
"I wouldn't mind a cup," she murmured, looking to Della and Jonathan with a small smile. Another yawn threatened to overtake her and she added with a chuckle, "Maybe just the one, though."
Jonathan smiled at her and nodded, getting up to fetch the kettle that had just started to whistle and pour out for cups of tea, which he passed around with murmured warning to be wary of the heat.
Tobias thanked Jonathan quietly as he was handed a cup and carefully made himself comfortable sitting in front of the fire. This was so nice, so normal. It was hard to put drinking tea by the fire with his family with being tortured mercilessly just a few days before.
"Jonathan, do you go hunting often? If you're planning on going anytime soon I think I'd really like to go with you." The wolf hadn't fully recovered by any stretch, but letting the beast out to hunt would be a relief. That wasn't even considering that he could share what he hunted with Della's family. It wasn't much, but it was a small way that he could repay them.
"Oh, not as often as I'd like," Jon replied as he took his place again. "But I get out every once in a while. The next time I get the chance, you're more than welcome to come along." He inclined his head toward Tessa with a soft smile. "The missus too, if she likes."
Tessa cupped her own tea between her palms and perched on the edge of the only other free chair, nodding for Tobias to take the seat with a quick smile for Jonathan. "Maybe I will. Not sure I'd be any help, but...I liked the woods. I never had much chance to really do things like that before, but I'm always happy to learn."
It was a little odd to speak about. She managed to keep her voice even, small smile in place, but she couldn't think of her only real time out in the wilderness without thinking about--
But they would fix that. Once Toby was better, they'd make new memories. And she knew how much Tobias loved the forests, she was sure he'd be thrilled to get out with Jonathan.
"Thanks, I appreciate that." Tobias sent a soft smile to Tessa, glad that Jonathan was willing to include her in their hunting trip, but also wondering if his mate should go out hunting while carrying their pup. He couldn't deny that he loved the idea of her being out hunting with him. She was the center of his world.
"You would be a help, love. I want to share everything with you." Tessa might not have been raised learning about life in the country, but Tobias had no doubt that his beloved would adapt to rural life by his side. He'd teach her all kinds of practical skills, if she wanted to learn them. "We'll turn you into a natural hunter in no time."
He sat on the chair where his mate wanted him and looked at her longingly. If it weren't for the risk of spilling their tea, the wolf would have very much wanted to drag his mate into his lap. As it was he took a slow sip, savoring the warmth that filled him.
Tessa returned Tobais's look with one of her own, eyes soft and lips curved into the hint of a smile. She didn't notice Della and Jonathan exchange a quick look of their own, clearly amused by the younger couple's obvious, sappy adoration.
"Tessa, dear, you've been taking that tonic, haven't you?" Della piped up, still smiling knowingly.
Tessa jerked her eyes away from her husband with a theatric sigh, laughing, "Yes, Dell, I have. I promise. Once a day, just like the midwife said." Her tone was light, but her expression hardened a bit as she looked at the cook.
She didn't want to say it out loud, not in front of Toby, but she knew she really hadn't been taking enough care with herself in the last three months--the past few days had done both her and her husband worlds of good, but Della had been adamant she get an herbal tonic from one of the local healers to help counteract the conjoined effects of malnurishment and working herself to exhaustion.
She didn't want to talk about it. Not now, not when things had finally settled and they were safe and happy. Her hand came to rest on Toby's shoulder, the other hand lifting her cup to her lips for another sip of tea.
Tobias was still smiling gently at his wife as Della spoke up, he didn't shift his gaze away from Tessa as his mate responded with a laugh.Other emotions crept into the gentle expression, sorrow and regret. He turned his gaze away from Tessa, not wanting her to see the subtle shift.
It was obvious to him that she hadn't taken care of herself in his absence. She had been so thin and worn that day. Her state was impossible to miss. Tobias also didn't want to bring it up, knowing that Tessa didn't want to talk about it. They had been through quite enough and he didn't want to upset his mate with the touchy subject. He felt enough guilt for his inability to take care of her for those months as it was.
"Don't worry Della, she knows if she doesn't eat, rest, and take her tonic that I don't eat or rest either. She can be stubborn alright, but I know how to get her to take care of herself." Tobias turned his eyes back to Tessa, the brown were full of love and a bit of teasing.
Tessa rolled her eyes at him, pouting a bit, but her hand slid up from his shoulder to cup the side of his neck gently as she leaned in to peck his forehead. "Ridiculous man," she accused fondly when she pulled away, shaking her head at him. She let her hand trail down to grasp his, squeezing delicately while she finished off her tea.
"Well, between the two of you maybe you'll actually manage to nag each other into proper care," Della chuckled, earning a quick scowl from Tessa that didn't seem to bother the cook unduly. Jonathan chuckled quietly from his spot by the hearth.
"Speaking of," Della added, cocking her head in Tobias's direction. "Think you'll be up for that trip to the market? It's no rush, mind, just a thought."
"But I'm your ridiculous man." Tobias smirked at Tessa, eyes twinkling mischievously as she pulled away shaking her head. His mate was so adorable when she pouted, the gesture made him want to kiss her cute, pouting lips. He squeezed her hand back before lacing his fingers through hers.
"Hey now, I try." He shot Della his own pout. Why was she including him? He had done almost nothing but rest and eat! How much more taking care of himself was he supposed to accomplish?
"As much as I like your house, getting out of it for a little bit might be good for me. I'm feeling stronger every day, so I think it's a good idea if you don't mind having us along." Tobias didn't have money to spend at the market, but just stretching his legs and walking around the markets would be invigorating. It wasn't a long run through the woods, but it was definitely a good start.
Lowering her voice so Della and Jon wouldn’t hear, Tessa leaned in to give him another quick peck and murmured, “You’re damn right you are.”
Dell just laughed at them both, shaking her head with all the exasperated fondness of a mother watching her grown children. “I’m glad—not to mention it’ll be nice to have an extra pair of hands to help with the shopping,” she enthused. Then her expression turned a little stern and she added, straightening, “Now, if the two of you want to be at all functional tomorrow, you’d best get some rest.”
“Della!” Tessa protested, laughing. “I’m a grown woman, I don’t need a bedtime. And neither does my husband!”
“Maybe, if you weren’t pregnant and stubborn as a mule, and he wasn’t still healing.” She stood, collecting both her and Jonathan’s cups. “I can’t force you, of course. Only strongly recommend.”
Tessa snorted and rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. Her heart ached at just how clear Della’s affection for them was, and even when she could be a bit smothering, she found herself almost craving the lectures. She would miss her so much when they left.
Their reactions to Della's strong recommendation was very different. Tobias smiled fondly at Della as she told them they should get some rest, but he simply shook his head as Tessa laughed and protested. He chuckled softly at his strong-willed mate being compared to a mule on stubbornness.
"I don't know, darlin'. Bed actually doesn't sound like a bad idea to me." Tobias hummed softly, wrapping one arm around her waist and leaning his head against her shoulder with his eyes closed. It had been nice joining the family for dinner, but the idea of absconding to bed with his wife was certainly appealing. He wouldn't say he was worn out but snuggling up with Tessa in bed would be nice, even if they didn't sleep right away.
"Oh—" She melted almost immediately, glancing down at where his head rested on her shoulder. "Fine," she huffed, more for the form of the thing than in genuine protest. If she was being honest with herself, the idea of bed was actually very appealing; it had been so good to see Tobias out with the children, to see him smiling so easily, but the thought of curling up in bed, just the two of them, had an allure she couldn't deny.
"Good night then, Della, Jon," Tessa chuckled as she moved to get to her feet. Her fingers laced through Toby's gently and she leaned into his side a bit before moving away back toward the door to their room. She still held her tea cup in one hand, only half finished, but she knew Della wouldn't mind if she took care of it in the morning. Besides, a cup of tea in bed actually sounded pretty good just then.
"Good night. Dinner was really nice." Tobias smiled at Della and Jon before letting Tessa lead him back to their bedroom. He brought his tea with him as well, and gently set it on the bedside table as soon as he got close enough.
"I'm glad we decided to eat with them tonight. Maybe we'll start having dinner with them more now that I've gotten well enough." It would be nice having meals with the whole family every day, at least as long as neither of them exhausted themselves before supper - and for as long as they remained living with Della's family. He wasn't sure how long that would actually be.
"C'mere love." Tobias said as he sat on the edge of the bed, arms open to Tessa.
Tessa grinned at him, tired but glowingly happy, just for a moment. "I'd really like that," she murmured as she set her cup down beside his. His arms were already open when she turned back to him, and she smiled again. It was so easy to tuck herself into the curve of his body, to wrap her arms around him and turn her face into his shoulder.
She'd almost forgotten how well they fit together. Yet another smile curved her lips and she nuzzled into him. "I'm here," she murmured. "I'm right here. Now what?"
"Me too." They were both going to dearly miss Della and her family when it was time for them to leave Ketra, but staying in the city wasn't really a great option - not with her father so close and neither of them having the means to obtain a house in the city. Staying in the city they had both experienced so much suffering the past months was also unappealing.
Tobias hummed softly, arms wrapping around his mate's waist, pulling her into his lap against his chest. He smiled and nuzzled into her hair with a happy sigh.
"Whatever you want, darlin'. Whatever you want." His voice was low and he ran his hands up and down Tessa's back slowly, enjoying holding her close as he breathed in her soothing scent. He tipped his head down so that he could kiss and nuzzle at her neck.
A faint shiver trickled down her back and she arched into him a bit, letting her head tip to the side as he nuzzled into her neck. "I love when you do that," she murmured, eyes sliding closed for a moment as she clarified, "Call me darling, I mean."
And she really did; it was such a small thing, when it came down to it, but every time he said it sparked a happy little glow in her chest. There was something just...easy about it. Simple and loving and easy--things she'd never thought she could really have in a partner, at least before she met him.
His lips against her skin earned another shiver and she laughed quietly, bracing her hands against his shoulders. "Careful, love. You'll give a girl ideas." She just looked at him for a moment, eyes glinting silver, then leaned in to kiss him softly. "And, much as I may not want to admit it, we probably should get some rest."
"I love getting to call you my darlin'" Tobias murmured in reply, his eyes closed and expression content as he kept his lips softly against her neck. After he had turned, once he had come back from the darkness and knew what he was...
As a werewolf he had resigned himself to an empty, lonely life. Who would want someone as cursed as him? How could he even ask a woman to be with someone suffering from his affliction? He couldn't - not until her. Tessa hadn't needed him to ask, she had just accepted what he was and decided that any risk or hardship they might face because of him being a wolf was worth it if it meant they could be together.
"Mm. Just looking at you gives me ideas all the time darlin'." Tobias rumbled softly, giving a quick nip against the tender skin of his mate's throat before sighing and pulling his face away. He flashed her a sheepish half-smile. "You're probably right, but that don't make it less tempting."
She laughed lightly, though the flush that rose to her skin in the wake of his kiss, spreading up to warm her cheeks, was difficult to ignore. Smiling crookedly, she pecked his cheek again before starting to move back to disentangle herself from him. "Yes, but as you said, I am probably right," she teased.
She let her hand trail down his arm, then paused. She tilted her head at him, almost studying, and her blush darkened a few degrees. "Although...I mean, if you--if you wanted, I could, um...I mean you wouldn't have to...strain yourself--oh gods I'm just going to stop talking."
She buried her face in her hands with an embarrassed groan, curving forward over her knees. "Let's--let's just go to sleep."
Gold seeped into the brown of his eyes as lust darkened them. It didn't matter in the slightest.that her delivery of the invitation was fumbling. Tobias loved the way her cheeks flushed, it caused his own blood to run hot. Tessa could try to hide her face, but there was no hiding from the wolf.
"Look at me." Tobias cupped her face with one hand, gently pulling her towards him as he leaned down to meet her part way, his other hand gently grabbing one of her wrists and pulling the hand away from her face until he could press a heated kiss against her lips with a soft growl. He held her in place, deepening the kiss and pulling her tighter against him. By the time he broke the kiss he felt a little breathless. Gently pressing his forehead against hers and staring into her eyes, his voice was low and husky. "I'm not sleepy."
Look at me.
Her breath hitched and her eyes snapped to his, an almost nervous fluttering starting up in her stomach as she saw the threads of gold tracing through his eyes. Gods. That morning it had nearly made her weep with relief to see the wolf retreat for the first time since his rescue, but now...
She gasped softly against his lips as he kissed her, hands sliding up to brace against his chest. Her back arched, spine curving until she was pressed flush against him; the heat that had spread over her face swept through the rest of her body in a short, sharp wave.
She was left breathless when he pressed his brow to hers, staring up at him with wide eyes. Even just the cadence of his voice was enough to make her shudder delicately. Her breath came a little stuttered and rasping when she finally whispered, "Neither am I."
She kissed him again, cupping his face in her hands and surging up against him, lips parting almost cautiously against his as she more or less tried to lose herself in the touch.
Tobias dove into the kiss, taking advantage immediately as he felt her lips part against his, tongue moving hotly against hers as he groaned. His hands ran down her back before gripping her hips and quickly turning them so that he had Tessa pressed against the bed, still kissing her with a primal passion.
When he pulled his mouth away, panting out a soft groan, he looked down at her with eyes almost equally brown and gold, an intensity about the gaze. Tobias lifted himself up and pulled his shirt over his head so that he could drop it to the floor.
"I'm not going to strain myself doing this, Tessa. I promise." He knew she had been very worried about it earlier in the bath, and he knew she would worry about him now too.
"Gods..." She swallowed back a soft groan of her own and arched up off the bed when he pressed down against her, gasping into the ferocity of the kiss.
When he pulled back she was left speechless for a moment, just panting up at him with wide eyes. "But you-- I--"
Even as she protested, she arched up into him a little more, her body betraying her nobler intentions. With a soft, almost defeated groan she reached up to twine her arms around his neck and draw him down against her again.
"I'd rather hoped you'd let me take care of you," she muttered, playfully petulant. "As long as you promise to be careful..." She trailed her lips down the line of his jaw to his neck, placing a series of rather chaste kisses along the column of his throat.
There was something so satisfying knowing just how much he could affect his mate. It was also nice to know that Tessa was just as reactive to him as he was to her. Tobias hummed softly as she pulled him down and he allowed just a tiny amount of his weight to rest against her body, keeping her pinned lightly to the bed beneath him.
"You took care of me earlier, and who says you aren't still taking care of me?" Every moment with her was being taken care of by his wife. It wasn't as if they didn't both reap the rewards of these passionate moments. "Besides, we'll take care of each other."
Tobias tilted his head down so that he could capture Tessa's lips in another kiss. This one was no less searing, but it was slower, more tender, as his hands moved over her body to gently begin undressing her so that his hands smoothed over her bare skin. His mouth moved down to run slowly over her throat, sucking and nipping softly.
A smile curved her lips and she shifted beneath him, making it easier to slide her dress off and let it fall from the bed. She returned the kiss with the same gentle passion he showed, skimming her hands up his bare torso until she could hold his face between her palms, fingers stroking delicately over the lines of his jaw and cheek.
Then his mouth was on her throat and she had to bite her lip to swallow back a soft sound, her body once more arching off the bed to press against him. "Toby..."
Tessa traced one hand down his back, reveling in the heat of his skin against hers. Her hand reached the hem of his trousers and she hesitated, simply stroking her fingers gently back and forth over the curve of his hip. She tilted her head, tipping his chin up with her other hand so she could meet his eyes.
"Always." Her voice was soft, but fierce in a way it only seemed to be around him. "Always, Tobias. We'll always be here for each other, to care for each other." Tessa smiled again, allowing her brow to rest against his for a moment before she drew him into another slow, coaxing kiss, and her hands traced down over the planes of his chest again until she reached the last of his clothes, tugging almost questioningly.
Tobias could feel the uptick in his heartbeat as he carefully slid Tessa out of her dress, it was impossible not to be affected by seeing and feeling his mate's bare body - no matter how many times he experienced it. Every single time was exciting to him as the very first time. He'd never grow tired of her.
The softly glowing amber brown swirl of his eyes were full of love, lust, and passion as she gently dragged his face up from her neck so that their eyes could meet. His breath hitched softly at the soft ferocity of her voice.
"Always." Tobias agreed softly, but no less fiercely, as their lips touched. One hand moved up to tangle lightly in her hair as he met her once more in a gentle, loving kiss. Her hands traveling over his heated skin drew a whimpered groan from the wolf. Gods but Tessa could boil the blood in his veins with a simple touch. He loved every quiet sound of pleasure or desire that came from her, and the way her body arched into his when he kissed or touched just the right spots.
"Growing impatient there darlin'?" The wolf asked as he broke the kiss, voice coming out in a low, husky country drawl. His eyes were glinting down at her as he shifted his hips teasingly at the way she had tugged at his trousers. Tobias slid his body down, getting his pants out of her reach as he moved his mouth down once more, giving a soft nip, then a soothing nip to his wife's throat before turning his attention even further down, trailing a path from her throat to her breasts, breath hot and tongue exploring unhurriedly.
Tessa closed her eyes and just basked in the kiss, the mix of heat and gentleness that he always treated her with--she loved it just about as much as it frustrated her in that moment. She wanted his hands on her, his teeth, she wanted the passion she could see burning in his eyes and feel in the tension of his body. She loved how sweet he was, how gentle, but gods he was so good at stoking her fire with those careful touches.
A soft, breathy moan slipped passed her lips when he finally broke away, and the way his voice dropped sent a shiver through her whole body. Was his accent always that thick? Why was it doing this to her?
"Yes," she hissed when his hips shifted against hers, arching up into him again. "Yes, I am. Toby, please--"
Her voice cut off in a low whimper when he slid away, and she dragged her hands against his sides automatically, trying to pull him back. "Oooh, that's not fair..." His lips and teeth against her skin felt hot enough to brand her, and she tossed her head back against the pillow as her hands moved up his back to his shoulders, tangling her fingers in his hair. He seemed perfectly content to take his time, and she was torn between loving that and hating it.
"Tobias, please." She squirmed under him, biting back another whimper.
Tobias felt his entire body shudder and had to pause, lips still pressed against Tessa's skin. Hearing his wife beg for him was insanely hard to resist. Had his earlier begging had the same impact on her? There was certainly a part of him that wanted to give in and indulge his beautiful mate. Another part fought back, not wanting this to be over too quickly.
"Patience darlin'. Let me savor this." His eyes raised so he could look up at her with that smoldering golden heat. A moment later he turned his attention back to leaving a burning trail down Tessa's body with his mouth, pressing a tender kiss on the soft swell of her lower stomach.
A final shifting of his body had him situated perfectly, hot breath washing over his mate's sex for a few moments before his tongue languidly took his first taste of her in what felt like forever. Tobias couldn't help but let out a low, growling groan, licking his lips before his tongue darted out in earnest, eagerly caressing over the most sensitive parts of his beloved.
She had to put a hand over her mouth to muffle yet another whimper as he kissed a trail down her body. Muscles tightened in her stomach and her hips automatically lifted up just slightly. Then his breath was against the core of her heat and she squeaked, the sound a strangled attempt to swallow back a cry.
"Tobias..." Tessa swallowed thickly, eyes clenched shut, and tangled her fingers in his hair, nails scraping at his scalp. She squirmed again, then made a concerted effort to keep herself still. That growling noise he made sent another shiver skittering down her spine, and her breath had started to come in quick, shallow little gasps. Her whole body trembled as she felt his tongue moving against her. "Oh gods, Toby."
She bit down hard on her bottom lip, and instinctively hitched her hips up against his mouth for a moment before she managed to force herself still again. Panting lightly, she pushed herself up onto one elbow, her other hand still stroking through his hair, so she could look down at him.
Nope. Bad plan. She couldn't feel this and also watch him, it was overwhelming. Oh gods help me.
She collapsed back onto the bed, a soft whine in the back of her throat. Maybe it was the newfound sensitivity to her body, maybe it was just how much she missed him, but she knew she wasn't going to last much longer like this. "I--Toby, please, I can't--" She sucked in a breath as she felt the tension in her body coil almost to the breaking point.
It was hard to thing clearly, mind clouded in a haze of passion as Tobias simply basked in these heated moments, reveling in each sound of pleasure he drew out of Tessa, adoring the way her body arched and reached to his touch.
Was this the closet to a truly normal day with his wife that he'd experienced so far? At the Varrys household they had been restricted to secretive trysts, and the time in the woods, while deliciously intense, was while they were fleeing from Erik Varrys's wrath. Sure, they had been on their way to start a normal, quiet life together as a family, but there had still been that looming threat behind them.
Here, now, there was no anxiety over what would happen to them because of her family, no fear of being discovered doing something forbidden. Tobias was just a man loving his wife in that moment, and he felt such a sense of love and peace beneath the lust.
"Don't hold it back, Tessa." He had lifted his head for just a moment, enough to look up at her through lidded eyes, voice husky as he laid one arm over her hips to hold her in place, the other moving between their bodies so he could gently sink two fingers into her waiting heat as his mouth moved back down to cover that little sensitive button, softly massaging it with broad strokes of his tongue.
It was the roughness to his voice that really did her in, the way he looked at her like she was all he could think about in that moment. Feeling his fingers slide into her, his tongue moving against her, was almost too much to bear.
Tessa's hand fisted automatically in his hair and she had to turn her face into the pillow to muffle a cry as pleasure washed through her and that coil of tension finally snapped. She shivered through her peak, barely managing to keep her cries to soft little mewls that she further smothered with her free hand pressed to her mouth, eyes shut tight.
When she could breathe again, all she could do was gasp a nearly desperate, "I love you."
It was all she could think, all she felt. Despite the poetic impulse that she sometimes felt she'd loved him all her life, before she'd even known him, the fact remained that they had not truly had a moment like this, like...like normalcy, in all the time they'd known each other. It was sweet and warm and safe and just good.
Gods, she wanted more of it.
Panting, still trembling with little aftershocks of pleasure, Tessa sat up slowly and let her hand fall from her mouth to rest against his cheek, still stroking his hair lightly with the other. "I love you," she repeated in a whisper, smiling, eyes shining silver. Part of the brightness was the barest threat of tears, but she didn't think she had ever been so happy. "You...Toby, that was..."
Words failed her and she just shook her head, then dropped her hands to tug at his shoulders gently, trying to pull him up to her so she could hold him properly. "Come here, love." Though her breath was still a little faster and harsher than normal, she managed something like a wicked smile, lips slightly parted. "I don't think we're quite done yet."
Feeling the way her fingers tightened in his hair, Tobias growled softly. It felt nice, the way it pulled just a little, and his eyes closed as he savored the soft mewls that came from her as he pushed her over the edge. He slowly stilled his motions, withdrawing both hand and mouth from her as he lightly rested his chin on her stomach, looking very pleased with himself as he gazed up at her adoringly.
"I love you too." Tobias tilted his head slightly into her touch, eyes closing lightly as he enjoyed the warmth of her hand against his cheek and the feel of her hand petting his hair.
"Mm. I hope not." His eyes flickered softly as he smirked at her, crawling his way back up her body until he could press his forehead against hers. Tobias reached between them so that he could loosen his pants enough to slide them off his hips, freeing himself from what had become terribly confining and uncomfortable.
"Good." She grinned and reached up to cup his face in her hands and kissed him fiercely. She squirmed a little closer when she felt him reach down between them to remove the last of his clothes.
Her hands traced down to his shoulders, then over his back, fingertips skimming along the lines of scarring that still traced his skin. Her heart clenched painfully, but she forced it away and tilted her head down to kiss his shoulder, then trailed down to his chest.
She glanced up at him as her hands came to rest against his hips, eyes smoldering. "Your turn," she murmured, cheeks flushing a little bit as she continued to map a trail of kisses down his torso, twisting slightly in an effort to urge him to lay back on the bed.
Tobias groaned softly into the kiss, heart thrumming wildly in his chest at the intensity behind it. She could be so very shy at times, but also fierce. It was so attractive. He loved both sides of it, her blushes were so adorable and the assertive, needy, almost demanding side was incredibly sexy. This woman could be the death of him and he would die happy.
Just like right now, her hands running down his body was enough to leave him hot and panting, eyes burning golden and bright as he realized what she was doing. She had him biting his lip, eyes hooding lightly as he rolled off her so he was on his back, or would be if not for propping himself up on one elbow so that he could watch her, free hand running his fingers through her hair. He loved the way her cheeks flushed.
"You're so gorgeous." Tobias breathed quietly.
Her blush deepened and she tilted her head into his hand, then twisted to kiss his palm gently. Her eyes cut up to him sidelong, and her lips twitched up on one side as she returned her attention to making her way down the length of his body. Slowly.
"I think you're biased," she murmured against his skin, then tipped her head up to smile at him a little more gently. "But thank you."
Gods, she would never get over how he looked at her. It made her feel like what he called her--gorgeous. And maybe a little powerful.
She pressed a soft kiss against the strip of skin beneath his navel, then hesitated a moment longer before finally lowering her mouth to him. Tongue and lips and hands moved in tandem and she glanced up at him through the fall of her hair for a moment before she allowed her eyes to slide closed and just allowed herself to focus on what she was doing, the way he felt, the heat of his skin as she slid her hands up to grasp his hips and offer herself more leverage.
She just loved him so much. She wanted to make him feel as good as he made her.
"Maybe," Tobias panted, looking down at her with a mixture of adoration and anticipation, "But just 'cause I'm biased don't make it any less true."
Any man, and plenty of women, would have agreed with him. Tessa was a gorgeous woman. Of course the idea of another looking at his mate lustfully caused the wolf to emit a low growl as the gold brightened in his eyes. He had to bite his lip and squeeze his eyes shut to rein in that brief, irrational spark of jealousy.
Nobody else was there. She was his and he was hers.
Luckily it was easy to have any stray thoughts driven from his mind as he felt her mouth on him. He couldn't fully swallow the moan that rose up, though he did keep it muffled by once again biting his lip. It was so hard as he saw her looking up at him, just that small glimpse through they curtain of silky dark hair. His fingers stroked through her hair and he allowed himself to gasp out soft, quiet moans as he let his head fall back.
"Tessa, oh gods." Tobias had to lie back and brought the hand not tangled in his wife's hair to his mouth in a fist, just pressing it against his lips to muffle a sudden whimper of pleasure. "It feels amazing. I - I won't last long like this, but darlin' I want to be inside you. Please."
A low, soft hum of satisfaction echoed in her throat as she glanced up at him again and absolutely reveled in the way he responded to her. He was all that mattered, her entire world narrowed to their room, their bed, him and just how damned beautiful he was when he let himself go like that.
Was this what he felt like, when he drove her wild with those teasing touches and whispers?
She liked it.
Tessa had to bite back a moan of her own when he said her name like that, and the "please" made her actually shudder. Gods, she didn't know how that was possible, how he could make her body react just by asking for her touch, but she wasn't really of a mind to question it.
Unable to help herself from teasing just a bit longer, she lifted her head with a final, slow lick before she began kissing her way back up along the curve of his hip to his stomach, then his chest, his shoulder, his collar, his throat, until finally she reached his lips. She'd moved to straddle his hips as she climbed up his body, and when she broke from the kiss to rest her brow against his she gave a little rock forward with her hips to press against him.
"Toby," she whispered, lashes fluttering against her cheeks as she bit her lip. "I need you." She kissed him again, threading her fingers through his hair. "I need you inside me." She whimpered against his mouth; it was a double-edged sword, this kind of tempting and teasing, but she couldn't seem to help herself. "I need you so much it aches." She meant it--but as much as her own body begged for him, she wanted to just bask in this moment, in this playfulness and love.
She wanted to bait the wolf.
"Toby--" Another kiss, another rock of her hips. Her skin positively burned wherever they touched, and her voice choked off. Oh gods, I can't believe I'm about to do this... She took a shaky breath and tried again, "Tobias Slate." Her cheeks flushed deeper as she brought her mouth to his ear and coaxed in a soft, trembling murmur, "I need you to fuck me."
"Minx." Tobias accused with a ragged breath at her drawing out her teasing that moment longer, not that he really had an ground to stand on. He had taken his sweet, delighted time teasing her after all. Still, he found himself biting his lip extra hard as he watched Tessa slowly kissing her way back up his body.
One hand stayed tangled in her hair, lightly cupping the back of her neck as their lips met, the other had moved to run over her side and back as she rested against him. The way her hips rocked against him had a sharp breath escape him.
It was hard to focus on anything but her and the things he was feeling, both emotionally and physically. Tobias shuddered as she whispered his name. His body was almost painfully tense, everything was overwhelming as his breathes came out in ragged pants. His eyes dilated sharply as their lips came together in yet another heated kiss, her words ringing in his ears.
Gods she was irresistible, too good to be true. Hearing his mate tell him how badly she needed him was almost enough to make him lose control then and there.
A few moments later the werewolf felt his heart stutter, mind reeling from the words whispered in his ear. For a split second Tobias wasn't sure he had heard correctly. The wolf was sure though, and the golden glow completely overtook the brown in his eyes. His hands gripped his mate, quickly rolling them so that he was pinning her to the bed once again.
"Be careful what you ask for, my love." His voice was a low, husky growl, and there was an edge to it. Tessa could probably tell by now just how close to the surface the wolf was. Tobias kissed her fiercely even as he shifted his hips, lining himself up so that with one quick, hard thrust he could hilt himself inside her. A mix of a groan and growl was muffled into the kiss as he began moving his hips, the motions not tender, but made to drive himself deeply into his mate with every stroke.
If her goal was to bait the wolf, then she had succeeded.
Tessa gasped as he flipped them over, though the sound had much more to do with the way his body pressed hers to the bed than it did with any sort of surprise. She had asked, after all.
Eyes glinting, silver to gold, she allowed herself a tiny smirk as she looked up at him through her lashes. "Is that a warning, my love," she practically cooed, reaching up to cup his cheek. "Or a promise?" Her heart was hammering against her breast, exhilaration and passion a heady mix in her head. She'd never felt anything like this.
She got her answer as he slid home with that one quick, sure movement. Another gasp was swallowed into the kiss as her eyes blew wide, then fluttered closed again with a long, low moan in the back of her throat.
This was not tender, or sweet; it was fire and passion and the wildness of the wolf, and it was exactly what she wanted.
"Sweet stars...Oh gods, Toby." She whimpered as he moved against her, lifting her hips as she found and then began to match his rhythm. Her breath came in harsh pants that she just barely managed to muffed against his throat, his shoulder. She clutched at his back, fingers digging into his shoulders as she tilted her head back with another sharp gasp when he thrust forward again and something in her positively sang with pleasure.
"Th-there," she rasped--she'd probably be embarrassed by the stammer later, but in the moment she really couldn't care. "That, Toby, again, please..."
The wolf didn't respond with words. He didn't need to speak an answer - raw, primal actions would speak louder than any words.
Their ragged, panted breaths mingled as Tessa began to match his movements, bodies falling in sync with one another as he took her. Tobias kissed her again and again, mouth and tongue hard and dominating. The wolf was more than happy to claim his mate, to assert to them both that Tessa was his and no one else could ever have her.
When her head tilted back, Tobias dipped his head so that he could attach his mouth to her throat, nipping and sucking at the hot skin with possessive growls. He loved the way her hands clutched at his back, her fingers digging in didn't hurt at all.
"I'm so close, Tessa." Tobias lifted his head so that he could look down into her face, despite the intense, hard pace there was something soft and loving in his golden eyes, "Reach it with me."
His arms wrapped around her, holding her body tightly to his as he adjusted his thrusts so that he would drive hard against that place he had hit, that had made her stutter and beg. He held it for as long he could, waiting to feel her body reach that breaking point, and when she did, Tobias buried his face against her shoulder to muffle a cry of bliss, teeth finding her skin and biting down harshly as he spilled his hot seed deep within her.
Tessa had never liked feeling small. And lucky for her, since a growth spurt at fifteen, she hadn't really had much occasion to. Small was...fragile. Powerless. Vulnerable.
But with her husband above her, his arms around her pressing her against every hard line of his body as they moved together until she was breathless, his mouth on her throat, she had never felt so delicate--or so powerful.
Because the way he looked at her, with so much love in those burning golden eyes that it made her chest ache, even as he took her... She had done that. She made him feel that way, and just meeting his gaze as his pace turned pointed and purposeful brought a rush that she couldn't explain, but found herself absolutely addicted to.
She reached her peak with a cry that she smothered into a kiss, clutching at him desperately and wrapping her legs around his waist when she felt him follow her over the edge. The bite drew another, softer sound from her lips and she turned her face into the dip of his neck and shoulder, nails dragging at his skin as she held him tighter.
Shivers continued to wrack her frame even as she started to come down from the high, still clinging to him with a kind of exhausted ferocity. She slid one hand up cup the nape of his neck, turning her head to press a kiss to his temple as she hugged him to her with her whole body and dragged them both down into the bed.
"You..." She shuddered, took another breath. "You are everything to me, Tobias Slate. Everything."
Tobias kept his face buried against his wife's shoulder, giving soft, apologetic kisses to the bite as he tried to catch his breath. His arms remained firmly around her, keeping them pressed close together as they recovered from the intense lovemaking.
He felt amazing.
The werewolf was more than happy to collapse onto the bed with Tessa, relaxing against the mattress while clinging lightly to his wife. A satisfied smirk quirking his lips as he basked in the afterglow. Her words had him lifting his head so that he could look into her eyes, the gold softening in a loving warmth.
"I can say the same about you, Tessa Slate." Tobias lifted one hand so he could gently cup her face, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "You make life worth living."
Tessa Slate.
She beamed, nuzzling into his hand against her cheek before she leaned in to kiss his brow, then his nose, his cheeks, his lips. She settled herself a little more comfortably against him, leaving one knee hooked over his hip as she reluctantly allowed her other leg to unwind from around his body.
"I..." She hesitated, biting her lip, then released her breath in soft huff and ducked her head against his shoulder to mumble, "I really, really like being Tessa Slate."
Maybe it was silly--it wasn't as though changing her name had changed her. And honestly the idea used to terrify her a bit, the thought that the inevitability of a husband would mean losing a part of herself, a piece of the identity she'd had since birth. Her family.
But this...this was different. Toby was her family now, and taking his name, that had been her choice. She didn't feel like she'd given up anything at all, she felt like she'd gained something; "Varrys" wasn't who she was, not anymore. She didn't want it to be. That name, that household, was a betrayal of everything she'd chosen for her life. Maybe she was overthinking it, but hearing him say "Tessa Slate" just felt right. Safe and warm.
A thought occurred to her, rather abruptly, and then she felt immediately ridiculous that it had never occurred to her before, stress of the last few months aside.
She giggled at herself, nuzzling into his neck. One hand came up absently to cover the bite mark he'd left on her shoulder as she did, and a tiny shiver ran down her spine. "You know, I just realized...I mean, I know there's plenty of time, but I realized it's silly I haven't even thought about--about names yet. For the baby."
"Me too." Tobias said with a admittedly slightly sappy smile as he snuggled up to his wife happily. He still had trouble really believing it. She was Tessa Slate now. This gorgeous, loving, kind-hearted woman was his wife. How he had managed to deserve her he would never know. Although he still wasn't convinced he did deserve her, because as far as he was concerned Tessa deserved everything.
He would give her the world if she but asked him for it.
The sound of her suddenly giggling as she was nuzzling into his neck made that same sappy smile return. Tobias loved hearing her laughter. It was the most beautiful sound.
What she said next had his heartbeat rising once again. They were having a baby. It wasn't that he didn't know that, of course he already knew, but just being reminded once more of it had him grinning broadly and pressing a loving kiss to his mate's temple.
"I hadn't either. There's a lot of time still, but I can't believe it. I - I never thought baby names would be something I would have to think about." Tobias felt his eyes well up - just a little. When he had become a werewolf he truly thought he would never have a family, and that had been devastating to him, because building his own family had been what he'd wanted more than anything else in the world.
He had thought that dream was dead.
Tobias hugged her tightly to his chest once again, nuzzling into her hair. "I love you so much. You and this baby mean everything to me. Without you nothing else even matters."
"Oh, Toby." She slid her fingers through his hair as he nuzzled into her, then turned her head and guided his face to her with a gentle hand against his jaw so she could press a quick peck to his lips before scattering another series of kisses over his cheeks and nose.
She lingered just beneath his lashes, kissing the threat of tears away before she allowed her head to come to rest against his shoulder. "I'm so glad you were wrong, that this is something you can think about, plan for," she whispered against his skin. She knew how much this meant to him, how he'd convinced himself that what he was meant he could never have a family of his own. "And I am so, so happy I get to be the one to build this with you."
She pressed her lips to his throat gently, then cuddled a little closer, arms draped lazily around his neck and shoulders. With the way they were still connected, tangled together, she didn't allow an inch of space to separate them as he eyes fluttered closed with a tired, utterly contented sigh.
"I love you. I love our baby." She smiled sleepily. "I can't wait to meet them."
Tobias could only cling to Tessa, allowing her to comfort him. She was his lifeline, his everything. He truly didn't know what he would do without her. Tessa had become his whole world, and they were growing that world together with the new life nestled safely in his mate's belly.
"I love you both so much. I can't wait either, it's going to be so amazing when they get here and we get to hold them for the first time." Tobias knew that was going to be one of the happiest moments in his entire life, the day he got to hold his first child in his arms. The wolf was just as eager to see their pup, gleefully awaiting the day they came into the world.
"Let's try to get some sleep now, love. We can start thinking of names tomorrow." He reached a hand up so that he could run his fingers lovingly through Tessa's hair as he pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. They were thoroughly entangled together, and he couldn't think of a more comfortable way to sleep.
"Mhm." She nodded sleepily against his chest and snuggled just a little closer--which was a feat in and of itself, really. Her lips curved up into a soft smile as she felt his lips press against her hair. "We can--"
She yawned, blinking in an effort to focus. "We can...take a slow day. Maybe watch the twins so Della and Jon can have some time..." Her words started to slur with exhaustion, and before she fully realized what was happening she was asleep--as amazing as their lovemaking had been, it was thoroughly tiring.
Tessa slept soundly through the night, so tangled up in her husband's arms that it was difficult to tell where one ended and the other began.
"Mhm." It was barely a reply, but they were both already starting to drift. They had certainly managed to wear themselves out. Tobias felt it was absolutely worth it as he fell asleep completely wrapped around Tessa.
His dreams were peaceful, filled with images of his mate and their little ones laughing and playing together at their humble country home.
Deep brown eyes opened groggily the next morning, but quickly shut again as Tobias buried his face into Tessa's hair with a sleepy grumble. He was too comfortable and warm to wake up already. They were still very tangled up together and he was pleased about it as he gently squeezed her to him a little tighter.
Still asleep, Tessa made a small humming sound in the back of her throat and arched her back in a stretch as she felt Tobias move against her, bringing her chest flush to his--as though they hadn't already been pressed so close together that she could feel his heartbeat through her own body.
"Mmmn..." She smiled, lashes fluttering against her cheeks as she slowly started to surface toward wakefulness, and she felt him nuzzling into her hair. "Toby?" She yawned, and finally cracked one eye open to look up at him through sleep-mussed hair. "You awake?"
She kept her voice low, not wanting to disturb him if he was truly still asleep. Arms wrapped around him, she allowed one hand to drift lazily up and down his back, and she winced a bit when she remembered scratching at him the night before--though she supposed he was probably nearly healed by now.
"Nope." The answer was followed by another sleepy grumble as Tobias nuzzled even more against her. His hand trailed down her back and over her hip, giving a light hum as he felt her hands rubbing his back.
"Do we have to move? I'm so comfortable." He didn't want to give up the warm tangle of their bodies yet. Pleasant memories of the previous night filtered through his mind and he felt himself smiling against Tessa's hair. His voice was low and slightly gruff from sleep. "Did you sleep well darlin'? My dreams were filled with you and our future home. I can't wait until those dreams are real."
Tessa laughed, the sound muffled slightly against his chest. "No," she decided quietly, "We don't have to move."
Considering what had happened the last time they'd woken in each other's arms, unwilling to face the outside world... No. No, she was really not all that invested in leaving their happy little bubble. Not until they absolutely had to.
Her cheeks flushed and she grinned irrepressibly when he mentioned his dreams. Eyes still a little heavy with sleep, she tipped her head back to kiss his chin. "Me too," she whispered as she trailed her lips along the line of his jaw. She held him a little tighter. "I just...I'm...so happy I get to do this with you."
She buried her face in his chest so her voice was a little muffled, and her blush heightened a few degrees. "...And I slept better than I have in ages, love." Her lips twitched into something of a smirk and she added with a wry chuckle, "I think you really wore me out."
It was not at all a complaint.