The North (Closed)

[KieranSoares]

Kell's golden eyes remained unblinkingly trained on Shani as she spoke, and Brogan looked up too in surprise to hear her challenge Kell's words. But knowing she had a good reason, Brogan nodded slightly to himself and looked to his father as if ready to defend Shani if Kell disagreed. Qira, meanwhile, let nothing on, his eyes flicking between each of them.

Kell sat back slightly, letting out a quiet breath. "You're right," he said softly, concern and even a bit of guilt showing in his furrowed brows and tone. "I should remember that this work is perhaps most dangerous for the women I employ. And you have the added risk of being half-were. Not that it excuses anything, but I suppose I'm so used to assuming you can match or beat any of your peers, that I forget sometimes what dangers you face. I'm sorry, my love, for saying you might've been careless or unaware."

Qira silently reached out to touch Shani's arm, giving her a small nod with a now-grave expression.

Kell's attention turned back towards Brogan. "Relax, cub. I'm not going to write her up for insubordination when she's being intelligent and genuine. I'm not some egomaniac. And you could learn from her self-worth." Kell then took the page of notes of suggestions about Shani's escape, tore off the section about her potentially not thinking properly about her exit, and tossed the torn-off bit aside. He then slid the rest to Shani and Brogan. "Study these carefully, try physically retracing some steps in the manor, and then burn these notes. We don't need anyone finding easy ways in."

"The offer stands," Qira added quietly. "Are you two ready to properly get into this profession? Of course Brogan won't always be an agent if he takes the throne. But Shani... You're only seventeen. Are you sure you want to commit to this already?"

 

[heartofcourage]

Shani picked up the notes after Kell had agreed with her and ripped off the piece that she had protested to. When her father asked her if she was ready to commit to this profession, even at a young age, she knew that her answer was going to be yes, but there was still a discussion that she needed to have.

"I'd like to speak with Kell." Shani said softly. "Alone."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Take your time, my love," Qira murmured, rising from his seat with a grunt and taking his crutch to limp out of the office. Brogan stood to follow, sure to square his shoulders and walk with a bit more purpose. But he didn't leave without briefly touching Shani's shoulder as a small sign of support, reminding her he wouldn't go far. Once the two were gone and the door shut behind, Kell's golden eyes focused on Shani, his full attention on her as he regarded her with the same respect and seriousness she showed him.

"Speak your mind, darling," he encouraged softly, the term of endearment being a rare one he reserved only for her and no one else. Even if he had to treat her as an agent, he would always be a father figure first.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You and my father were raised in this business." She said, her own eyes finding his as soon as he gave her leave to speak. "Neither of you had a choice, so of course I know that there is a great difference in being raised by my father in the way that I was and now. I would be your youngest agent. I know there is a lot of pressure in that position. I know that both my parents feel differently about taking on this job. My mother is resigned and my Da is cautious but proud."

She paused and thought over her next few words carefully. "Brogan feels that we are destined to be mates. If that's true, then...I would one day be the protector of Scotland. I'm not sure that it's a position that I deserve."

 

[KieranSoares]

Kell's gaze never faltered as she spoke, but there was a slight lift of his chin and a tilt of his head as she admitted some doubts. "I think it's clear your father always assumed you'd be a Spymaster like him, if not a fully-fledged Protector like me. And I admit I've assumed similar things because you were always the right fit even when you still got into trouble with Brogan. You have always been his partner, his protector, and in some situations where he's been in over his head... his savior. I have no doubt that my boy can do great things and grow into his future role, but he's not there yet. Perhaps we've been too comfortable assuming you would always be his keeper. That was unfair of us, though, to so easily place that burden on your shoulders. I know there have been times when it was incredibly trying. But let me make this very clear, Shani: you do not have to follow your father's or my own example. Qira raised you this way because, quite honestly, it's all he ever knew, and he saw the potential for you to outdo him while also forging your own path, not being controlled by others as he and I were when we were young. And I always supported his decision because, from the time you were still toddling around following Qira's every move, I saw the same potential."

Kell leaned forward, his brows stitched in concern as he reached out to take her hand. "If you're having second thoughts, or you don't want such a heavy mantle, that's okay. But you say you don't deserve that mantle... why is that? I've never known you to feel like you weren't worthy."

 

[heartofcourage]

"It comes with its own set of rules and expectations. You and Kate have made it look so easy, but Brogan is a basket case and I barely know what to say to calm him down." Shani said as Kell took her hand and sought to reassure her. "And isn't that what a protector does? He killed a man to protect us but hasn't been able to move on since. I can't take his mind off it or break his focus."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's only been a short while. He needs time to process. But I understand the concern... because it's something I worry about too. Not just as his father, but as Lord Protector to a Prince about to regain his title, I worry for the emotional and mental strain that is being and will be placed upon him. Kate almost broke under the weight of her crown several times, and nearly entirely under the war against the Empire along with the traumatic events around Brogan's birth."

Standing, Kell placed both hands on the desk and stared down at the surface for a long moment in thought. It was one of very few nervous habits he had- pacing or having to stand when he was worried or agitated. And he didn't hide it from Shani, knowing he needed to be honest with her about his own experience and worries. "Shani... I'm going to tell you about my experience. Not to scare you, but to be fully transparent with you about my position and the potential world you're walking into. You need to know so that you can choose wisely."

Slowly pacing toward a window with his hands clasped behind his back, Kell began. "You already know bits and pieces about how Qira and I grew up, hand-selected to become assassins. But I don't think we ever admitted to you and Bo that we were enemies. Our handlers pitted us against each other several times, but we could never kill the other. The one time Qira could've finished me off, he hesitated and let me go. And I'm sure you've heard I had a family before Kate that was taken from me. So when I was sent to topple the Ghis family and target Kate and her parents, I was nearly a husk of a man. She woke my conscience again, and she was there for me when we saved my little sister Mary, and she died in my arms." He spoke each event like a simple fact instead of a traumatic experience. "I tell you all of this not for pity, but to give you context for the man I was when Katherine Ghis came into my life. It was a very different position from the one you're in now.

"Kate became my world before long, and I nearly died for her and her family several times before we even called our relationship 'love.' When she was chosen by King Gale Cross on his deathbed to succeed him, I had zero hesitation about following wherever she led, and I never second-guessed that she was my person. My partner. I had loved and lost so much before, but instead of resisting love and family, I grew much more decisive and sure about where my loyalties and heart should lay. When we married, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. When she was crowned Queen of Scotland's High Throne, my role as Lord Protector was optional. I could've been just her husband- a consort with no responsibilities save to support her. I could've been considered a king, answering only to her. But when I was asked to be her Lord Protector, I accepted without hesitation because I knew it was my place."

Turning back to look at Shani, Kell's gaze was concerned but determined. "But you are not walking my path, little cub. You're younger than I was. You don't have the experience and losses that I did that shaped me into what Kate needed in a Lord Protector, and even then I wasn't always enough... You are a young woman still finding her place, coming into war and politics after sixteen years of relative peace and prosperity on the steppes of Mongolia with the favor of a Khan because of your parents and the Ghis Clan. You're walking into an absolute inferno of responsibility, danger, espionage, and potential loss. Again, I say this to be honest and open with you, not to scare you."

Sighing, Kell shook his head. "If you follow your father's and my path, you will suffer losses that you will blame yourself for. The finest people you will come to know and treat as brothers and sisters-in-arms will die on your watch protecting Kate and Brogan and this clan. If more war comes- and at least minor wars certainly will- you will be disturbed by the cruelty of men, by the attempts on the lives of those you love, and by constant brushes with death. But you will also be in control of every shield and sword between your charges and your enemies, and it will give you a sense of security and purpose and drive unlike any other profession. There is a great comfort when defenses hold and attacks are thwarted. There is an immense pride in successfully protecting the ones you love. And you will build the deepest trust and loyalty with a handful of people that would die for you and you for them, without question. Because of this profession, I found your parents. And because of it, they were able to help me keep Kate afloat when I alone wasn't enough, and then we got to have Brogan and you. There is so much great good that comes from this path, but also so much risk and loss. Only you can decide if you want to accept those risks. I would never hold it against you if you backed down, nor would your father. You can be a normal agent and not take on the vast mantle of Lady Protector. Or you can bow out of this work entirely for something else. But if you do decide to stay at Brogan's side, you will always deal with the danger and threats to some degree."

 

[heartofcourage]

Shani was quiet as he spoke, her eyes finally lowering to the rug beneath her boots as she took in all the words that he shared about his life and his path to being Lord Protector. This world was so far removed from the one that she had grown up in. He was right: if she chose to have a relationship with a prince, she would take on responsibilities that she never could have imagined. Still, she knew this was her path. She had always known. Maybe not with Brogan at her side, but as a spy she was meant for this world.

"He stares at me like you stare at Kate." She said as she finally raised her gaze from the floor. "I know where I belong. I've always known. I'm not meant to be a Queen. I'm not meant for the finery or parties that it all comes with. However, if you think I'm worthy of the title of protector...then I would do my best for him."

 

[KieranSoares]

Kell came to stand before her, the tall and proud Wolf she'd grown up seeing as one of four powerful pillars for herself and Brogan. Kate had always been the bold leader, Rissa the confident advisor, Qira the silent guardian, and Kell the indomitable overseer. There was a look of pride in his expression as he considered the young woman before him, every bit the proud father as though she were his own. "It isn't lost on me, how lucky we were and still are to have you," Kell said softly. "Qira was so terrified of being a father, while Kate and I were so excited for you since we never got to have another of our own. And your mother... well, she was always confident and sure no matter what anyone threw at her. Even war couldn't stagger her for long."

He chuckled softly at that and met her gaze. "As for Brogan, well... I've seen the way he looks at you too. It's like looking into a young, nervous mirror. But I see a spark in him around you. He finds his courage for your sake. But then again... that's who my boy is. He used to like to pretend to be aloof and self-sufficient, but I know better. He has the soft heart of a Ghis, one made not by blood, but by nuture. He loves his family and would do anything for us. And it is that loyalty that gives him strength and purpose. He just has to do a little more growing into it, and a lot of sorting out what he inherited from his mother. Unfortunately, Katherine Ghis's moods are very potent." He laughed softly again. "But if Kate can do it, Brogan can too. And he's going to have a lot more help to do so. Give him time and I truly believe we'll see him turn into a proper Aleister and Ghis both."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Then you should expect that I'll speak my mind like my ma when I feel something needs to be said." Shani said as Kell grinned down at her, a small smile coming to her own face which was rare for anyone outside of her little family. "I think Bo nearly died today when I did, but it needed to be said and you would have expected it from any of your agents."

"I will do my best to make you proud." She swore to him, her hand coming to rest on the pocket where she had stored his plans for the manor. "I'll study and speak with the agents that you wish me to speak with. I can't say that something like this won't happen again, but next time, I hope it won't be such a show."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Oh, I'm sure you'll have plenty of flashy escapes. Your father might pretend to be a serious, no-nonsense master assassin, but anyone in our generation can tell you he loves his close scrapes and dramatic entrances." Kell laughed softly to himself. "Have him tell you about his big escape from Edinburgh sometime and how he collapsed in your mother's arms. Scary at the time, but quite the show." A sense of humor had managed to last through all the tough times, and such stories were a constant source of quiet ribbing between the two men.

Pulling Shani in, Kell hugged her tightly to his chest and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "And you should know I'm already proud, little love. You continue to impress me, and I'm beginning to feel a little less anxious about the day Kate retires. I know my boy will be in good hands when I follow her."

 

[heartofcourage]

Shani hugged Kell tightly as he pulled her in, telling her that he was incredibly proud of the path that she was taking. From a Lord Protector, that meant that world, but she knew that she still had a long way to go. Then there was the added pressure of building a relationship with Brogan. There was a lot suddenly on her shoulders, but her entire little family would support them both along the way. Of that she had no doubt.

"I have a lot left to learn before that day." She promised him. "And I won't stop until you're satisfied."

 

[KieranSoares]

"That's my girl," Kell murmured, giving her one more squeeze before letting go. "I'd better get to work. Soma wants to see us in Edinburgh as soon as possible so we're going to be even busier once Edward has his throne back and we turn north."

Kissing her forehead, Kell gave her a gentle nudge. "Keep a close eye out for Soma and Bo, my love. All of our Princes, in fact. They're going to have targets on them especially now that Ashleigh spat in the face of Hess's ridiculous treaty offer."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Yes, sir." Shani said, knowing that Kell was giving her an order of importance. "I will do my best. If he manages to get into trouble, that is his own doing."

She left the room after a few moments, finding Brogan waiting for her not far away. She said nothing about what she talked about with his father, simply taking Brogan's hand and giving it a squeeze. She would never betray Kell's confidence so the conversation that they had shared would remain between the two of them.

Across the property, Riley woke to the sensation of fingers tracing through her fur. She grumbled and shifted beneath the blankets of their bed, pushing Andre's fingers away with muttered words as she pulled the blankets tighter around her head and ears. She had pulled the late shift and didn't want to be disturbed. She had come in before dawn, pulled off her armor and just sank into bed beside him.

"Leave me alone, Koah." She murmured as he started again. "I will throw you out of this ger."

 

[KieranSoares]

Andre let his head rest against her shoulder, smiling lightly to himself in the dark at her grumbling. Only a sliver of light managed to peek in through the small hole in the top of the ger where smoke could escape when they had a fire inside. Andre's arm draped over Riley as he curled closer and nuzzled into her shoulder. "But I missed you," he half-whispered with a cheeky little grin. It was true, they hadn't gotten much time together outside their work thanks to constantly changing shifts, being on the move, and Andre running messages all the time to other armies and battalions.

"Not to mention," he added with a smirk, "you teased me all last night when I was trying to sleep before you flew off for patrols."

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley moved the blankets as he teased and nuzzled against her, an eye peeking out at him in the darkness. She could make out the familiar smirk in the dim light. That easy going grin on his lips that he always seemed to have no matter what the circumstances were. It was the same one that annoyed her greatly from time to time.

"I wasn't teasing you." She groused before she leaned in and kissed him with a small sigh, having missed moments like that immensely since they had left Europe and crossed into England.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Absolutely were," Andre countered with a lovestruck smile, leaning into her kiss happily. That little show of affection only made him want more, but he decided to be pacified for the moment with just a kiss, trying not to pester her. He settled against her once more, nuzzling into her fur and the blankets. Despite all the serious goings-on around them, he seemed quite content.

"I love you," he murmured against her shoulder, his little smile widening a bit.

 

[heartofcourage]

She didn't move. It was the principle of the thing, letting Andre suffer for love. She was stubborn and head strong and he was annoyingly laid back and positive. Her moods didn't seem to affect him at all. She huffed and grumbled, turning to face him as he murmured that he loved her.

"I love you, too." She said softly, finally admitting to him as she saw him grinning at her. "And you annoy the hell out of me."

She kissed him again, her arms wrapping around his neck and welcoming him in.

 

[KieranSoares]

Andre's low, rumbling chuckle greeted her as his arms looped around her for a proper, long kiss, til he was perched over her with that enduring little grin. Taking her face in his hands and stroking her cheek with his thumb, he half-whispered, "Promise I'll make it worth your while." It was as much a promise as it was a tease, and he got started on making good on both as his hands drifted down over her curves. There wasn't much in his way considering she'd just thrown off her armor and padding and collapsed into bed that night, but he made a point of taking his time just to tease her anyway. Soon he was pulling away her underwear, his nimble fingers tracing along her seam and pressing in slowly as he sat back on his knees and his other hand came to rest on her belly shortly before joining in, a thumb circling around her clit slowly as he watched her.

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley whimpered as Andre took charge of the moment, his fingers finding her most sensitive spots and playing her like a fine instrument that he was master of. Her thighs parted for him as they both got comfortable in their bedding, his fingers pressing deeply into her wet core and opening her while his thumb slowly circled around her clit. She bit her bottom lip and tilted her head back into the pillows, unable to really even look at him as pleasure traced along her spine. No one else in the world could make her beg like Andre did.

"Koah..." She whispered as he seemed to take his time, watching her movements and savoring their time together.

 

[KieranSoares]

"You always give me grief when I want you, and then you melt as soon as I get started," Andre teased, tossing his hair aside before leaning in to let his tongue join in, swirling around her clit and slowly devouring her with a perpetual little grin like he was getting away with something. One hand, now freed, stroked over her thigh and traced up over her belly to her breasts. With such focus on her, it was as if he'd forgotten the rest of the world for a moment.

 

[heartofcourage]

She shivered as his hand cupped her breast, her fingers finding their way into his long hair as he tongued her clit. She whimpered for him, perhaps the only man in the world that could make Riley Ghis beg. He also teased her relentlessly when he had the upper hand, but she was content enough to let him. Just this once...

Before she tumbled off the edge into the nothing beyond, she stopped him. She didn't want to cum just yet. Pulling back on his hair, she lifted him off her body and met his gaze with her own, panting to regain some kind of composure. It took all of her willpower to pull herself from beneath him, turning to her hands and knees to present him with her backside. It was the most submissive pose she could take, her bottom and tail in the air, her face pressed against their pillows and blankets. This was how she wanted her mate. This was how her fox, the little minx lived a dual life with her, wanted to experience Koah's wolf.

 

[KieranSoares]

Andre growled gently with a smirk when she pulled his hair and pushed him away, and his cub-blue eyes watched her with intense focus as she turned and knelt before him. His fingers wrapped around her thighs as he crawled up the bed and sat up on his knees behind her. His hands trailed up over the curve of her hips and dug into her fur and he leaned over her. One hand traced down her back while the other pulled open the buttons on his trousers. He took her by the thighs once more and sunk deep into her welcoming folds with a dark groan. The sound was more animalistic than she'd ever heard from him before, as if his Wolf recognized he was being called to the forefront. He was a little more insistent and possessive, a little rougher and hungrier.

"You have no idea what you do to me," he growled deeply, his head tilting back in pure enjoyment as he set a rigorous pace. Ever energetic and confident, Andre showed her all the wolfish vigor he usually tamed. After all, she was hard to resist.

 

[heartofcourage]

Riley let out a loud whimper as Andre seated himself in her body with a growl, his fingers curling tightly around her hips. If he wanted a response, it wouldn't come. Her fox was in control, enjoying this moment very much as Andre set the pace and growled darkly in his pleasure. She growled back, her fingers clenching the blankets tightly as her mate claimed her.

 

[KieranSoares]

Soon Andre was pulling Riley up against his chest, burying his face against her shoulder to muffle the beastly groans and snarls he couldn't contain. He'd set such a punishing pace that he was soon panting heavily in exertion. His fingers found her clit again, demanding her pleasure as he massaged and teased her. He wasn't going to let her stop him this time. With his other arm wrapped up across her chest, she felt his entire body begin to tense up. He bit into her shoulder instinctually, his embrace around her tightening to hold her in place.