Ivory Snow

Sawyer stood on the small stage that a few of the locals had built the day before. It was just high enough that everyone would be able to see Adam and Ivory. And it was wide enough that Richard and Andrew would fit on the stage as well. In fact, they could fit a whole squad of guards with them if they chose too.

They even had a dark curtain acting as a backdrop, or a hiding spot for those they did not want to be seen before their time.

Of course, Ava would have to be brought on stage first. They needed to keep up the pretense of loyalty to her for just a little bit longer.

Sawyer still found it funny that she didn’t recognize him. Then again, any time he had visited, she had been elsewhere. He wasn’t important or handsome enough for her to give much notice to.

The village had come together splendidly, decorating the town square. Vendors had been invited to come from all over and had set up their wares.

There were many activity booths arranged as well. Turning their small village market into a full-fledged festival.

People began showing up around mid-day, buying their meals from many of the vendors. A few complained about the absence of Adam and Charles. It had been some time since anyone had seen them. With the new audience, the villagers began talking about the fire once again.

The Baron’s servants were the first to see the smoke rising in the night sky. By the time any of them made it there, the barn was gone, as was the house. They had managed to stop the fires in the fields from spreading to the forest and the fruit trees. It would be many years before their fields were as prosperous as they once had been.

After many hours of debate, Sawyer convinced the others to wait before letting anyone else inhabit the land. There was still plenty of workable and livable land. The Baron especially was itching to take over.

After today, they would understand why he wanted them to wait. They were all still under the impression that the pups had all died in the fire. Sawyer had told them that he and his helpers had searched the house and found seven bodies. In reality, they had found no signs of any of them. Which was why he sent word to Jack. He had a feeling that whoever was responsible for the fire had also pushed Snow in the direction she needed to be going in.

He made sure though, that word of their deaths had been spread wide, strengthening the chances of it reaching Ava and her henchman.

Sawyer stood on the stage, looking around at the crowds. He didn’t see Ava, he assumed she was hiding in her room until it was time for her part. The disgust on her face when she arrived was not missed by anyone who saw her.

He was feeling a little antsy himself, ready to get this started. He also felt a dark cloud of doom hanging over the village. Although he was obviously the only one who felt it. The others in the square were laughing and having a good ole time.

Well, except for the ones he was sure were spies for the wrong side. He knew Richard had a few out there, but he couldn’t tell who they were.

Suddenly, one of his message pups came running onto the stage and whispered in his ear. Older pups were always willing to work for a little extra money.

“They’re here.”

“Perfect, you know what to do then.”

The pup was gone as fast as he had arrived. It was his job to lead the carriage to the back of the stage, where another set of stairs lay in the left corner.

Sawyer walked to the back right corner, where a small gong sat on a table. It was a little trinket he picked up from a human kingdom further to the east. It was great for gathering everyone’s attention when needed. He lifted the mallet and hit the gong once. The sound reverberated around the square, which quieted down immediately, and all eyes turned to him.

That was the easy part.

He laid the mallet down and returned to the front of the stage, speaking loudly. “Welcome friends and visitors. Please gather around the stage for the main event!” He waited patiently and was a little amused.

Some of the patrons were excited as they came bounding over. Others were only half interested but came anyway. Then there were the ones who hung around the back. Most of them wore severe looks on their faces.

Just in front of them were couples. Males with cloaks that had seen tough times. Females that looked just as rough and tough as the males. Not one couple in that group had a pup with them.

They must have been Richard’s people. Sawyer hadn’t expected the females. He was pretty that was Snow’s doing.

It was brilliant.

Ava’s males didn’t look like they suspected anything. They just spread out, surrounding the villagers, preparing to fight or take them hostage.

At the same time, Richard’s team was also spreading out, standing in conjunction with Ava’s. Sawyer couldn’t resist the smile on his lips. To everyone else, he was as happy and as excited about the day as them. In reality, he was pleased for an entirely different reason.

Ava was royally screwed.

“Males, females, and pups. Thank you for coming to join us to commemorate this day. It may seem wrong to some to celebrate the day our dear royal family perished. But before I am done, you will understand that that day was not entirely sorrowful. Mother Nature has her ways of doing things, we can all attest to that. She goes about reaching her goals and caring for us in ways we do not understand. Yet, if we pay attention, if we follow her, we will see it is always for the best.”

Listening to the old male speak, Ava started to feel a little giddy herself. Maybe coming here wasn’t such a bad idea. The messenger pup said that the Innkeeper was preparing to introduce them now. If she had known he thought this highly of them, she might have been kinder to the male before.

And maybe not. He was still just a lowly Innkeeper.

“If you will bear with me, I have many things to announce. The first is a special guest we have with us. She traveled far to commemorate the lives of her beloved family. Please welcome our current Queen, Ava. Sister to Queen Maria and Aunt to our dear Princess Ivory.”

Ava was filled with joy at the sudden change of the day’s festivities, to the point that she did not hear what Dale had. He heard a slight emphasis on the word current.

Dale exchanged looks with one of the males closest to him. Who had caught it as well. The message to prepare for something was soon spread to their fighters. The couples in front of them overheard them and followed suit.

Ava accepted the Innkeeper’s hand and gracefully went up the three steps onto the stage. She grinned at the mixed responses on the audience’s faces.

Dale let the knife hidden up his sleeve slide down into his palm.

“Now, that was just the first surprise.” Sawyer winked at the crowd, getting a few nervous chuckles. “Before I bring out our next guest, I want to present the crowd with a gift that he brought with him.”

At the verbal cue, a line of ten helpers carried apple pies out of the Inn, one in each hand, and onto a table nearby.

“I will explain the significance of these in a minute, but rest assured, those of you who came looking for a certain baker will be pleased. Trust me.” Sawyer nodded to the helper on his right, who ran around to the back of the stage.

“My next guest has not been seen in quite some time, having felt it necessary to stay close to home. However, he and his pup couldn’t resist the opportunity to pay their last respects to the family they lost. Something they never got the opportunity to do.”

Ava looked at Dale, who stepped up next to her protectively.

Duke Andrew and his son Jack stepped onto the stage from the back. Jack bowed to the people with a grin. They had heard the rumors already and were excited to see him. The cheering was almost deafening.

Andrew lifted a hand, but they were too worked up.

Many grew quiet, but even more were still cheering and whistling. Jack played to the crowd by placing a finger over his lips, with his eyes slightly widening. A silent plea from one friend to another to shush in front of the parent or they would get in trouble. A few in the crowd chuckled.

Once they were quiet again, Andrew spoke. “We’d like to thank the Innkeeper for inviting us to join you on this day. Actually, I have a confession to make. This wasn’t the Innkeeper’s idea. Mine either. It was someone who is very special to me that requested it.”

Enough eyes flashed to Jack that he laughed. “Don’t look at me. That was a long walk!”

They laughed again as they gave the Duke their attention.

“No, this was not my son, Jack. A few weeks ago, we had some visitors come to us for aid. Their farm had been burned to cinders, all because they did not want to serve as male toys for Ava.” His voice was laced with the disgust he felt for her.

Dale moved an inch forward, but Ava put a restraining hand on his arm. Now was not the time.

The villagers in the crowd whispered together, speculating at the possibility.

“Yes, I lied. I apologize for deceiving all of you. I knew what had happened and wanted to make sure they made it to safety.” Sawyer spoke up, settling the debates.

“I brought them home to you. Although,” Andrew chuckled, turning to Sawyer. “I guess one or two of them might not be staying, will they?”

Sawyer smiled back. “One for sure. Can’t say as I blame him either.”

The audience focused on the words, trying to decipher the meanings of them all. They were not paying close enough attention to anything else going on, especially to the back of the stage.

“This whole talking about me thing is getting really old, really fast.” Adam griped as he walked into the middle of the stage.

He had his arm around the back of a hooded figure. The black cloak covered the person completely. Behind them were the twins and Brian.

A hoot went up from a few of the male villagers.

“Tell me you brought food for us, Dean!” One of them shouted, causing the others to laugh.

“Where do you think those pies came from, Marcus?” Charles shouted back, to the pure enjoyment of the others.

Dale seethed at the sting from the slap in the face. Ava scowled at him. She hadn’t seen the brothers, but she had assumed correctly, they were just as good looking as the eldest.

“Actually, it’s my turn to confess something.” Adam raised a brow to Brian. “Although, I am not the one who started the lie. I was helping with the Baron’s harvest when it all started. Still not sure I forgive them for that.”

A hooded elbow hit him in the side. He leaned down to hear her whisper in his ear.

“Apparently, I need to shut up and get on with it.” Adam gave the sigh all mated males did when their mates put them back in line.

“Adam found his mate!” Marcus shouted with laughter. “I didn’t think you’d ever find someone to put up with your surly attitude.”

The brothers bent over laughing. “Neither did we!” Shouted Brian.

“Alright, alright. That’s enough yelling at my expense.” Adam swore he hadn’t put any power into the command, but the village went quieter than a cemetery during a funeral. Oops.

“I confess, Dean never baked a thing. And I am supremely glad about that. Just one time of eating his cooking was enough for me.” Adam shook with the memory of it, causing everyone to laugh again.

“Then who did? Certainly not you! It was too sweet.” Marcus always was a riot, especially after a few beers. He had been the one that kept them in good spirits during the long trek back from the Duke’s city when they went all those months ago.

Adam ignored him this time, feeling Ivory’s impatience and growing anxiety. She was fighting against the urge to look at her aunt and Dale

“One day, while my brothers were fishing, they noticed a group of dolphins swimming closer to the pier. Being as young as they were at the time; they gave up fishing to watch the show. Soon, they discovered that the dolphins were not playing with a pile of seaweed, as they had first assumed. It was… in fact… a pup. They hollered and I came running. We helped the pup breath on her own again, stitched up her head and patched up the cuts on her back. She was scared and hurt, so we kept her. From the moment I saw her, I felt the need to protect her. We kept her hidden. She did her part by running the house and baking. You can thank her for all the weight you’ve put on over the years. She even made the pies laid out before you. As the years have passed, so has my need to keep her safe.”

Ava was only vaguely listening to the playing around, it was the story of the female pup in the ocean, and then the baking that drew her whole attention.

It couldn’t be.

Her hand was still wrapped around Dale’s wrist, and she dug her fingernails into his skin, working to maintain her composure. Dale was stock still. He knew what was coming.

He had a new target too. And it wasn’t the Duke’s son anymore either.

He knew who was under that cloak.

He feared this day would come, ever since he watched the waves wash her away.

Ava breathed a sigh of relief at Adam’s next words. “She had her first shift at the beginning of this year.”

Ivory would have only been sixteen then. That was too early.

Dale, however, knew better.

“The second I saw her wolf I stopped doubting what the Innkeeper here had tried to convince me of before. Ladies and gentlemen, wolves. My packmates. May I introduce to you, the love of my life. Someone we have been calling Snow since that first day.”

Jack moved behind her as Adam finished. Ivory untied her cloak and Jack took it just in time.

“Princess Ivory.”

The audience stood silently, trying to find the next joke. Then the occupants of the stage fell to one knee, everyone but Ivory, Ava, and Dale.

The crowd quickly fell as well. All but Ava’s spies. Richard’s were on their knees, but their eyes were still on the males behind them.

Dale saw that as his opportunity. With no one watching him, he shot forward, his knife in his hand, running toward the Princess.

From the view of the audience, he could have been overcome with happiness to the point of needing to hold her. From the view of the male hiding in the back staircase, this was another assassination attempt.

He shot forward at the same time, barely getting between them in time. Ivory screamed and Adam jumped back up to pull her out of the way.

Both males fell to the stage floor.

Dale moved his hands away from his chest, pulling a small dagger out. The blood spurted everywhere. He looked to Ava, pleading for help. She carefully bent down, her back to their enraptured audience, and as though she were doing nothing more than touching his hand, carefully removed the knife.

With the slightest of smiles, that he knew all too well, she moved away and let him die alone.

Ivory fell next to the other male, sobbing. “Why? Why did you get in the way?”

“I told you. I would not fail again.” Richard spluttered, blood dripping out of his mouth.

Dale had used a long knife and had been raising it to plunge into Ivory’s chest from the back. Richard, being taller, took the longer knife in his right lung.

“I’ll give...your love...to your parents.” The blood coated his breath as it fell out of his lips.

Ivory sobbed, gripping Adam’s arm, as Richard closed his eyes for the last time. She let herself have a few minutes before pushing herself to stand again.

“On this day, four years ago, a gray wolf attacked my parents and I on the beach. I used to love playing on the stone barriers, which is where I was during the attack. Mother Nature pushed me out of the way with the waves. She delivered me into the hands of my mate. Someone she trusted to protect me. As you can see, I had every right to fear coming out of hiding. I am old enough now that I wanted no more of it. And yet, as soon as I step into the light, the same wolf tries to finish the job.”

Ivory wanted every wolf in attendance to hear her, to witness her testimony. Let them spread the word to the rest of the kingdom. Let everyone know the truth. Finally. Because not one more person was going to give their life so she could live.

Ivory turned to her aunt. Ava took her first real look at the pup.

She was right to worry all those years ago. While Ava was aging and growing old. Ivory was coming into her beauty.

Ava wasn’t done yet though. She would not roll over and let her win. She would not go back to being a nothing. She couldn’t.

“Let me guess, you think you deserve the crown? Why? Because you finally decided to stop hiding under your bed? The people deserve a Queen who will stand up for them when the danger comes, not hide from it!”

“The people deserve somebody who isn’t going to burn their farms to the ground because they didn’t want to play with her.”

Ava gasped. “I never! Not once have I laid a hand on anyone!”

Ivory rolled her eyes. “No, you just ordered your little friend to do it for you.”

Ava stepped up closer to her, wondering if maybe she should do it herself for a change. If there weren’t so many people, she would. It might be kind of fun.

“I never ordered Dale to do anything. He obviously went off on his own to do what he thought I wanted.”

Ivory smirked. “So that’s how it worked, huh? You taunted your true mate by bringing other males around, right in front of him. You drove him and his wolf feral. Then, in order to please you, all you had to do was hint at what you wanted, and he did it. That way your hands were always clean.”

Ava’s mouth opened and closed. How did the little runt know Dale was her mate? How did she know all this? She scowled at her and straightened her shoulders.

“You can accuse me all you want. Mother Nature chose me as her Queen. She may have pulled you away from Dale, but she put me on the throne.”

“You had my parents killed and then stole it for yourself. If Mother Nature chose you, as you claim, then show us. Shift. Show us the color of your fur.”

Ava acted like it was the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard.

“A Queen would never strip her clothes in front of others. You have spent too long outside of the castle, dear niece. You have forgotten your manners.”

Ivory shook her head sadly. “And you never learned them. You won’t do it because your wolf isn’t white. Well guess what?” Ivory lifted her eyebrows tauntingly at her and grinned. “Mine is.”

There were gasps from the crowd. They weren’t paying attention to the back row of males. The ones who were slowly stripping their clothes, preparing to shift. The couples in front of them had worn the worst they had, with the purpose of shredding them when the time came. No, the crowd only had eyes for Ivory and Ava.

Ava began laughing hysterically. Of course, Ivory’s wolf was white. Why wouldn’t it be? Like mother like daughter. Always taking what rightfully belonged to her.

Ava couldn’t let on that she believed her though.

“Such lies you tell yourself, pup. Why don’t you shift and show us?”

“I would, but then he would get mad at me.” Ivory said grudgingly, pointing at Adam. “And then they would join in on the party.” She pointed toward the brothers who were all protecting her back. Jack stood near his father, protecting him now that Richard was gone.

Ava huffed and nodded. “See what happens when you lie? You get trapped in it of your own accord.”

“Don’t you want to know why they would get mad at me for shifting?”

Ava didn’t answer, not sure how to.

“Sniff me, dear aunty. What do I smell like to you?”

Ava’s breathing increased. No.

White fur or no, the people would want not only the one born to be their Queen, but also the one who would continue the line.

“That’s right, I am well into my first pregnancy.” Ivory tilted her head. “Although, since you are so interested. There is this trick I have been working on.”

“Ivory, no. It made you sick.” Adam reminded her.

“It’s okay, love. I was practicing while I was waiting for you to get here. Baking could distract me for only so long. Now, shush so I can focus.” She patted his cheek. “Why don’t you prepare to show off as well?” She winked at him.

Ivory stretched her neck from side to side, and then her arms out in front of her.

“Here goes everything.” She mumbled with her eyes closed. Just the arms, and just enough for them to see you.

I know. I hope she attacks. I have a plan.

I know you do.

Ivory opened her eyes to the sound of snarling and screaming. The males in the back shifted, but so did the ones right in front of them. The two armies were now battling it out on the ground, while the villagers ran for cover.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, Ava. You couldn’t even wait for a few seconds?” Ivory looked at her.

Ava snarled, her grin nothing close to sweet. “I am the Queen. I am the only one fit to wear this crown. And I am the prettiest in the land.”

“And you are the most conceited in the land. Wow, you are so full of yourself. No wonder you felt like such an outcast in the family. Everyone else was kind and welcoming. They didn’t cater to your every whim.”

Ava screeched and flew forward. She was close enough to Ivory that no one would be able to get in between them this time, not without hurting Ivory. Not that they saw what was happening in time anyway.

The battle on the ground had erupted at just the right time. The males had turned to look, seeing if they were needed.

Ava’s screech was nearly drowned out. The brothers turned just in time to see Ivory’s arm push Ava’s out of the way. They shifted on the spot, with Adam.

No! Go help get the villagers out. I will protect Ivory! Adam commanded them.

Jack shifted and shot off the stage, headed for the fight.

Adam stood close to Ivory, ready to jump in.

She’s mine. Her wolf growled out to Adam.

Fine, but I will jump in if I need to. I will not let her harm you or our pup.

Ivory nodded once then swung her fist to punch Ava. She dodged it of course. Ivory was trying to keep her stomach away from the knife in front of her, so she hadn’t been able to put as much power into it.

Both females were growling, getting aggravated by the distance the other one was keeping.

Finally, Ava got up the courage to step close enough to shove the knife into Ivory’s pup. Even if she lost this fight, Ivory would never be able to have this pup or another.

That was also the moment Ivory’s wolf surged forward, lining her skin with white fur. The sight was enough to distract Ava for a split second.

The vital one. Ivory slashed one wolf sized fingernail through the air.

Ava dropped the knife and covered her neck with both hands, panic leaking from her eyes. She dropped to her knees, and then to her side.

Ivory turned in time to see a wolf lunge at her from the ground. She was perfectly happy letting Adam jump at that one, knocking him off his trajectory.

He met a quick end at Adam’s claws.

“Stop the fighting, Adam. Make them stop.” Ivory cried at the sight of all the fighting.

Some of the male villagers had left long enough to get their families to safety, then came back to help. Unfortunately, they didn’t know which side was which.

Enough! Everyone, stand down. Now! If you were here at Ava’s orders, I suggest you back off...now! Your backup will not be coming. They were taken out hours ago, by our people. Shift now and surrender. Or face the consequences.

Adam’s wolf sauntered over to his mate and sat on his haunches. Ivory lifted one of her furry arms and pet the top of his head.

“Good male. Such a good job.” She said as though she were speaking to a small pup. Then giggled from the growl he let out.

One by one, the wolves shifted. Spare clothes were brought in for their side, while what was left of the others picked up the clothes they dispersed before the fight. What they could find anyway. They hadn’t been smart enough to move them away from where the fighting would be.

One of the males walked purposely forward, headed for the stage. Two wolves, nearly identical, blocked his path. “You will return us to our King. We came to the aid of one of his allies. You have started a war today.”

Ivory smirked at his arrogance. “We ended the war she started four years ago. You can return to your King and tell him he will be given one more chance. If he comes at us again, especially on our land, then we will once again finish what someone else started. Think clearly on the things you saw and heard today. I hope you realize your mistake before you make it home. Now, go, before my very grumpy mate changes his mind.”

The male took one look at Adam’s wolf, who was baring his teeth, and took off. The rest of his males were right behind him.

Ivory and Adam watched as the villagers slowly trickled out of the few buildings and homes, and into the square once again. They looked at the white fur on Ivory’s arms and the purple wolf next to her.

They cheered with widened eyes. They were happy and yet confused at the same time. Who would have ever guessed that the grumpy carpenter, fisherman, and farmer, would end up being their king one day?

Very slowly, Ivory’s wolf released the fur. They had learned that if this part went too fast, then she would get sick. Not that she felt all that great at the moment anyway.

“Who’s ready for some pie?” Sawyer shouted. They all laughed as a naked Marcus whooped and beat everyone else to the table.

Ivory sank to the stage and leaned against her mate.

You shifted with your clothes on, didn’t you?

Yep.

She laughed and sighed at the same time.

A few minutes later, Brian appeared with a stack of folded clothes.

“I brought these, just in case.”

Adam shifted and stood up. Ivory whistled. “Good looking out, brother. Shut it, mate.” He scowled at Ivory who started laughing.

“I’m just appreciating all that Mother Nature gave me.” As her eyes moved away from Adam, they landed on Richard.

A crew had just begun working on cleaning up from the battle below, so they hadn’t made it up there yet. Her lip quivered and her eyes began to leak again. Adam dressed quickly and sat down next to her, engulfing her in his large arms.

“This was how he wanted to go, protecting you. Richard lived with the guilt of losing all three of you for years. He is free of that now. He did what he set out to do.” A soft feminine voice said as she came up the stairs.

Ivory recognized the female with red hair that was graying. She had been among the rogues in the forest. Often she had been right there in the front, leading them. She knelt down beside Richard, softly tracing his face before kissing his forehead.

“He was your mate.” Ivory realized. “He never told me he found you.”

“No. He said he was a big enough target. He didn’t need to make me one. When the soldiers escaped from the prison, they ran. Well, their horses did anyway. They stopped at a stream to rest and regroup. We were hiding, watching them, deciding what to do. I only had eyes for Richard. He smelled me and turned to look right at me. Only, all he saw was bushes. He gave me the biggest grin and commanded me to come out. The moment I did, he promised to follow me anywhere. Only, I ended up following him.” The female started sobbing.

Ivory moved next to her, and they sobbed together. She wished Richard had told her. She would have loved to have seen them together, celebrated with him.

“We have a pup. He’ll be three soon. Richard named him Alex.” The female added softly. “I’d like to take his body home and bury him there.”

Ivory nodded. She could never keep him from his mate, even after death. She was also touched that he had named his only pup after her father.

The celebration continued for hours. Eventually Ivory asked Adam to take her back to their campsite. Sawyer had offered them a room, but she needed space and time.

She wasn’t in the mood for celebrating.

As soon as they were alone again, Ivory confided her thoughts to her mate.

“He was there because of me. A pup lost his father because of me.” She blubbered on, feeling guilty for her part.

Adam turned her to face him.

“You once taught me that we can’t let guilt eat us up. We can’t change the past. We can only live for the future. We will live the life Richard wanted you to live. The life your parents wanted you to live.” He pressed his hand to her belly, which had taken on the slightest of bulges. “We will raise our pups with the lessons we learned from the ones we lost. We will love our pups the way our parents and uncles loved us. We will honor their memories and let their legacies live on.”

“Pups, huh? You think you are getting more after this?”

Adam gave her a hungry grin, but not for food. “I have seven brothers. Do you really think we do anything small in this family? Besides, twins also run in our family. And your smell is getting stronger every day. I’m willing to bet you are already giving me more than one.”

Ivory gasped as he pushed her onto the bed. She hadn’t considered the possibility of having twins. Her thoughts were quickly diverted as her mate pushed her dress up to her stomach.

“I think I like you in dresses.”

Ivory’s laughter was filled with the love she felt for her mate, her family, and her pack.

She would forever miss those she lost, but she would live in a way that would make them proud.

And most importantly, she would continue the legacy they started.

***

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