Flaring Ember

By Meraki P. Lyhne

The belief in the old gods of Norse mythology may have been suppressed by Christianity, but that doesn’t mean the races of old didn’t survive. Like the Vargr wolves.

After a harsh time with both personal trials and developments, Matt is ready to start college among humans. However ill-equipped he feels around humans, a lonely Geri Freki pup at school pokes at the Alpha in Matt to step up.

Steffen and Tristan are struggling to keep up with the latest changes, and more are coming. With the Alphas of all rising and more and more details from the prophecies lining up, things aren’t slowing down. But Tristan brings an important ally with another piece of the puzzle.

Hati is finally with his Vargr mate, but his human side lacks a vital bond. The many changes since he found his mate and moved to a new pack are piling on, and the importance of balancing his Vargr and human side become more and more critical.

Then Völsung stops by and kicks everything to a new level.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Meraki P. Lyhne
• Release date: May 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9788793966345

Meraki P. Lyhne

Meraki P. Lyhne, real name Martin, is a Danish author spanning multiple genres and pseudonyms. Meraki P. Lyhne mainly writes contemporary paranormal LGBT fiction with various degrees of romantic heat, some with a HEA, some with a HFN, and some with white-knuckling cliffhangers. Mostly, he writes long series with focus on worldbuilding, action, and something epic.To make sure no one is ever confused about what kind of book they're about to pick up, the surname will guide you.Lyhne writes gay fiction (with various degrees of heat).If the surname is mirrored on the cover, it is het-fiction (with various degrees of heat).If both are on the cover (like the logo), it is bi-fiction (with various degrees of heat).Information is best found on his website.Other than that, he’s a single dad to a teenage boy, the happy companion to a Rottweiler, and he lives in a very small village next to nowhere.

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Flaring Ember

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Note from the Author

About the Author

Character sheet

Flaring Ember

The Vargr #4

Meraki P. Lyhne

Flaring Ember

1. edition

Copyright © 2022 MarLau Publishing

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ISBN 13: 978-87-939663-4-5

Cover design by Mibl Art

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Edited by Laura McNellis

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Find more about the author

www.merakiplyhne.com

MarLau Publishing

Denmark

This book is a work of fiction.

That means I made shit up. All of it.

This series is set in the same universe as the Cubi, but it’s low-throttle in hotness in comparison.

It is not necessary to have read the Cubi before reading this series.

But it certainly helps.

Both series must be read in order.

Read more about the World of Vidundr and the books in it on my webpage

www.merakiplyhne.com

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The belief in the old gods of Norse mythology may have been suppressed by Christianity, but that doesn’t mean the races of old didn’t survive. Like the Vargr wolves.

AFTER A HARSH TIME with both personal trials and developments, Matt is ready to start college among humans. However ill-equipped he feels around humans, a lonely Geri Freki pup at school pokes at the Alpha in Matt to step up.

Steffen and Tristan are struggling to keep up with the latest changes, and more are coming. With the Alphas of all rising and more and more details from the prophecies lining up, things aren’t slowing down. But Tristan brings an important ally with another piece of the puzzle.

Hati is finally with his Vargr mate, but his human side lacks a vital bond. The many changes since he found his mate and moved to a new pack are piling on, and the importance of balancing his Vargr and human side become more and more critical.

Then Völsung stops by and kicks everything to a new level.

Chapter One

Although so much had happened over the summer, Matt still started college after the summer break along with Britt, Heidi, and Sofie. He’d passed his driver’s test, and they’d finished fixing up his motorcycle, meaning he drove one of the girls to school and home every day.

Völsung hadn’t attacked, but guards were still stalking the territory around Wolf Park every night. Matt had joined Klaes one night to learn, and Klaes had handed him...the spear. They’d kept it after Matt had used it to decapitate the Geri Freki Regional Alpha, Magnus, in the pack war. It hung on a wall in the living room of the Alpha house.

The surviving five from the latest merge with Regional Alpha Magnus’ pack of attacking Vargr lived in the communal building now, and Dennis, Geri, and Freki spent a lot of time with them, the mates, and the pups.

Matt still couldn’t believe that Esben, a Sköll Hati Alpha, had risen as Freki. He was happy about it, though. He enjoyed the fact that he already trusted Esben...Freki, and he liked that he got to keep him around, along with Geri. Keeping them hidden had been decided upon for now while they figured out how best to move forward. Regional Alpha Heine had been the one to suggest that it be in a Sköll Hati pack—the last place anyone, especially Völsung, would look.

The two mates were growing closer, but Matt hadn’t seen romantic tendencies there. Yet, he guessed. He’d had a chance to talk to Klaes about the Alpha mate bond, but he’d said for Matt to talk to Tristan first. Not Steffen. Go to first bond. He’d told Matt to ask them together after that because they shared an Alpha mate bond, which was different from a regular mate bond to one they procreated with. One was loyalty above all else. However, Alpha mate bonds needed to be explained by someone who felt it.

Matt had asked for advice, and he respected the answers he got, yet he still hadn’t had a chance to talk to Tristan. Tristan’s days of healing hadn’t exactly been easy, considering all the problems with the new mates, pups, and conquered Vargr. Not to mention the aftermath of Tristan killing Regional Alpha Oscar and conquering an entire region. It left Matt still wondering about what to expect from his own mate bond to Hati once his Vargr rose. He, at least, had some time before then.

A Pack Alpha race had been held, and a new Pack Alpha had taken over Oscar’s pack.

Tristan had called him a red Alpha to Steffen, yet Matt didn’t know what that meant. He knew he wasn’t supposed to hear that part of the conversation, considering the two had stood in a corner, but human hearing couldn’t filter the way Vargr could after they’d risen.

What made Matt the most hopeful, though, was their bowling tournaments. The last Saturday of the month, the Pack and Regional Alphas would meet up with new attendees from their pack, and they’d draw numbers and be sorted into teams that didn’t look at Sköll Hati or Geri Freki. And then they’d have fun with that. The Alphas were always the same to meet for unofficial Alpha meetings, and it was all disguised behind bowling. From their pack, Steffen, Matt, and Hati would go, or Steffen, Geri, and Freki would go. Ten from each pack in all. Last time, Klaes had been drawn.

They’d recently expanded on their bowling evenings by ordering a buffet heavy on meat for after the tournament, and they took turns to book the lanes near the hosting pack and order the food. The two teams with the lowest score paid, meaning both Sköll Hati and Geri Freki got to pay. And it set the bar for competition that didn’t divide them as packs.

In the last weekend of August, they’d be going to Hati’s old pack since Regional Alpha Verner was trusted, and he’d now be introduced and included in everything going on. So far, all Verner knew was that he’d been roped into a bowling tournament. Matt didn’t even think he knew about Geri Freki packs attending. Maybe that was Tristan’s last test to see if the Regional Alpha, who’d supported him so much after the trial by combat against Oscar, would be on their side?

But that was next Saturday. Today was Thursday, and Matt was looking forward to the weekend.

After having had a year off to get his Alpha shit together, it was difficult having to sit among humans all day in a classroom. At least he had Britt, Heidi, and Sofie in his class. Matt felt appeased by his friendship with Britt and having two pups close. Whispers and rumors ran wild that he was dating all three of them at the same time, considering how physically close they were. When just with Britt, Matt had to hold himself back from putting an arm around her, but Torben had finally helped bridge that after the first awkward week, and he’d explained that the first bond to him was what instinctively made Matt want to protect her and also seek comfort from her.

Now she allowed it and even initiated it, feeling proud that she could offer comfort to an Alpha. That left Matt with the rumor of being the badass biker with three chicks. And he was gay, which no one knew, simply because Matt didn’t think it was any of their business. The reputation had started the first week at school when Rolf had picked them up on his chopper, and he and Matt had rolled out of there with Britt and Heidi on the back.

People stayed clear. Matt wasn’t sure he enjoyed that, but leather and a true Alpha ember made for the combination that set Matt apart. Even humans recognized calm capability and the weathered look in his eyes. He’d killed or maimed an attacking pack enough to be taken down quickly by his pack. He’d decapitated a Regional Alpha with a metal spear. He wondered if that was what they saw? Someone capable of going that distance if necessary?

He’d also smelled another Vargr at school, but so far, he hadn’t run into them.

Rasmus shoved his arms behind Matt’s back and under his legs, then lifted Matt to sit on his lap. Matt laughed loudly at the abrupt way to cut through his musing. There we go. Rasmus grinned. No more sulking through homework.

I wasn’t even doing homework. I was thinking about everything else.

I have a solution. Think about me. Rasmus flashed a grin.

Matt chuckled and leaned in for a kiss.

You two are like sickly sweet. You know that? Heidi asked.

We’re adorable, Rasmus murmured against Matt’s lips. Matt completely agreed and enjoyed the taste of his boyfriend. He still made Matt’s stomach flutter when nibbling on Matt’s lower lip.

I need to hook up at school, except there are no hot dudes in our class, Sofie said.

But there are hot chicks, Heidi said.

Yeah, but those are for you.

Yup.

Matt chuckled at the sisters.

You two seriously need a room. Geri plopped down on an armchair at the end of the table, covered in homework.

Maybe that’s their jam? Esben suggested, taking a seat across from them. Spectators.

Matt pulled away from Rasmus’ lips to glare at Esben. Freki. Matt had to learn that he was now to be called Freki. Except around Geri Freki, who weren’t in the know. It was getting complicated. I seem to remember you and Sussi not caring who watched.

Esben’s gaze grew cold. Low blow.

Why?

Because I broke up with her.

That was news to Matt, and he hadn’t intended on stepping on toes like that. What? Why?

Because I have a mate bond to figure out.

So do we, Hati said. But they’re still together.

Matt hasn’t risen yet. It changes things, Geri said.

It’ll be to your favor once it fully forms, Freki said to Hati. He might know how to work a knot, then. Esben bobbed his brows, and Hati and Rasmus growled.

Matt slid off Rasmus’ lap, knowing Esben was about to challenge. He was a bitten Alpha now, and Rasmus going at him would mean Esben had to throttle down or concede at a pack member getting angry enough to go at an Alpha. Matt going at him would be the same, considering he was an unbitten pup—Alpha trainee, sure, but an unbitten nonetheless. Why would Esben even provoke?

Freki. He was Freki. The ultimate gate-keeping Alpha of Geri Freki to test whether someone was worthy.

Matt saw the challenge in Freki’s eyes and body language, and he decided to accept it. Oh, I get it. Your knot hasn’t grown in yet, and you’re looking for pointers? Freki glared at Matt. Or did you sprain your knot already?

Geri snickered.

I wonder...who knots who here? Esben motioned between Matt and Rasmus.

Neither. Penetrative sex isn’t the only form of sex between men, you know. But you might learn that.

Shut up, Esben said.

Aw. Shy?

Rasmus, here’s a tip, Esben said. Grow that knot of yours in your boyfriend’s mouth. That’s gotta make him shut up unless your knot’s too small.

Matt’s plan to fight Esben backfired when Rasmus leaped across the table to punch Esben.

Hey! Steffen shouted. Stop!

They did, and Rasmus stepped back, seething. Esben hadn’t hit him, though.

Alpha, Steffen growled at Esben. We don’t fight Beta.

I didn’t fight him, Pack Alpha, Esben said.

True, Matt said.

Then what’s going on here? Steffen asked.

Esben pushing buttons, and Rasmus lost his patience first, Matt said.

First?

"Well, I was hoping he’d keep it at me so that I’d get provoked enough to punch him."

Steffen snorted, while Esben grinned at Matt. Alpha pup against a bitten. If not for Magnus, I’d suspect that to end in trouble for anyone but... Steffen looked at Esben. The yet to rise Vargr.

Matt won’t decapitate me, Esben stated. But resting on laurels can be dangerous. Esben grinned at Rasmus. Good punch, though.

Your nose is still aligned, Rasmus growled, making Esben laugh.

Okay. Steffen squeezed Esben and Rasmus’ shoulders. "You’ll probably never stop provoking, but I’m always vigilant around newly risen because whom we fight is habit, too."

Yes, Alpha, Esben said.

Oh, by the way... Steffen leaned in to whisper. Knots between teeth? Bad idea. He walked off, leaving Esben to snicker.

You’re an ass, Rasmus said to Esben.

And you stepped up. Good.

What? Rasmus turned to glare at Esben.

Völsung’s rising. You fight too little.

Did you rising as Freki mean you adopted some of their ways?

Wow! Rasmus was getting pissed. Matt didn’t see that often.

I never changed, Rasmus. I’ll always poke at potential, hoping to see it grasp the opportunity.

Rasmus punched Esben again. You’re still a dick!

Matt noticed Klaes looking unimpressed not far from them.

And you hit like a toddler, Esben shot back.

Rasmus went at Esben, knocking him over, and they brawled. Matt stepped closer to make sure the bitten Alpha didn’t go at Rasmus, but he merely wrestled him, and Matt’s ember snored. More Alphas arrived to watch. Esben was better trained, sure. Rasmus punched. Esben didn’t. And Rasmus still had problems. He really would have risen an Omega, considering Torben was the twin who mainly fought.

Rasmus managed to break Esben’s nose that time, and the Alpha conceded. Rasmus got up, heaving and looking tussled. And hot. Matt liked that look.

Geri pulled Esben to his feet. Don’t you look pretty.

Yup. Esben aligned his nose.

Wash up, Steffen said, then returned to what he’d been doing.

Yes, Alpha, Rasmus and Esben said.

They both left the communal building, and Matt followed Rasmus home. He might be right in that you need to pick fights.

I just don’t like that he goes after you.

Matt chuckled. I didn’t plan on him turning knot jokes on you. I was hoping for a fight.

Rasmus chuckled. On that note, I think my knot’s growing in.

Oh? Matt hadn’t felt anything while fondling his boyfriend yet.

I asked Dad about it, and he said sensitivity at the base is normal and an indicator that the swelling organs are growing in.

I sometimes wonder how Torben would have hidden that from Britt if she hadn’t learned he’s a Vargr.

Rasmus laughed. Dad says it’s voluntary. It apparently takes some focus to lock it. And then it’s like a long slow orgasm.

They entered Rasmus’ apartment, and he continued to the bathroom just inside.

You need a fresh shirt? Matt asked.

Yeah. I think this one’s neckline broke.

I’ll get you one.

Thanks. Rasmus turned on the water while Matt dashed to Rasmus’ room and found a fresh shirt in the closet. When he returned, he leaned against the doorframe, watching his big and strong boyfriend, wondering how a guy that size would have fared in Geri Freki. Were Sköll Hati—even in Steffen’s pack—encouraging fighting too little? Considering the latest knowledge, then yeah.

Esben hadn’t changed, and Matt even thought that Rasmus’ comment about him rising as Freki was unfair and counterproductive to merging their packs to become a pack of Vargr. That’s what he, Hati, Geri, and Es—Freki had decided would be a good goal. All their embers agreed. Vargr against Völsung. Not Sköll Hati and Geri Freki but Vargr. United.

But that was their secret. It was what they’d agreed upon alone.

Rasmus turned off the water and dried off, then faced Matt to receive the shirt. You look pensive.

Let’s hope.

Rasmus chuckled and leaned in for a kiss. Tell me.

I’m afraid to.

That made Rasmus pull back. Why?

Without all that’s been shared among Alphas, it’ll be out of context.

Rasmus nodded and pulled on the shirt. For a moment, I thought it was you siding with Esben.

Well, I’m not siding with Völsung.

Meaning? Rasmus knitted his brows.

Matt tried for a smile. Meaning I agree with Esben.

You mean, Freki.

Matt’s ember rose without warning, and Rasmus reared back. Don’t do that, Matt said. He didn’t change. Your perception of him did. We are Vargr, and we are pack.

Yes, Alpha. Rasmus looked a bit stunned, and Matt pressed a hand to his ember, willing it to calm down. We can’t stand divided against Völsung, and Esben is trying to help you.

Well, he’s going about it the wrong way.

What’ll make you train? Fight?

A reason.

Which is what he pokes at. And managed.

Rasmus hung his head. Honestly, Matt...is it bad?

Hati, Geri, and Freki have risen, and they’re gathered in the same pack, and they all follow my ember, whispering of attacking shadows. Völsung. Fight, Rasmus.

And you killed a Regional Alpha. Rasmus shook his head. You’ve changed since then.

Matt really hoped that wasn’t in a bad way. Thinking about it could make him feel vulnerable somehow. I keep hearing that crunching sound, and I keep wondering why I’m not panicking.

The sweet smile on Rasmus’ lips calmed Matt’s nerves a bit. You’re Alpha.

And maybe Sköll. Matt looked off. "The name means mockery. Covered in the blood of my enemies and tossing a severed head." Matt still had a problem with that, yet it didn’t hold him back. He just...couldn’t really identify with his actions that day, yet he didn’t regret them. He mourned the loss of Vargr lives, but it all came down to a necessary evil and a loss that paved the road toward prosperity.

Rasmus hugged him, and Matt relinquished into the embrace. You’re a strong Alpha. The change is you growing into it. Don’t worry. I’m not frightened by it because I know the feeling of the ember’s calm. Rasmus planted a sweet kiss on Matt’s lips.

I have to admit, I got all hot and bothered by your tussled look after the fight.

Did you now? Rasmus whispered mischievously.

Matt stepped forward, pushing Rasmus into the bathroom, awkwardly footing the door closed while claiming a deep kiss. He broke it, leaving them both breathless. Let’s explore that knot.

Rasmus growled from passion as Matt undid his pants and gently reached in. Matt pulled back from another kiss to look at Rasmus’ expression. He loved how his lover could lose himself. He loved that serene expression on Rasmus’ face. Rasmus’ brows shot up as Matt felt around. Yeah, that’s definitely a new sensation.

The front door opened.

Rasmus!

Rasmus growled at Torben’s voice. No!

Matt snickered. Sexy times had been difficult with Rasmus’ twin toddler siblings, Jesper and Nicklas, always joining them for storytime or just pup piling. Rasmus and Torben getting their own apartment had helped a lot, but mainly for lovemaking in the evening. At least they’d found a love nest, but it was away from Wolf Park and needed a bit of planning for their alone time. With everything going on, that closed that window of opportunity.

Matt and Britt had almost moved in, too, yet since Matt lived next door, it was a come and go thing.

Come on, you two. We brought all your books, Matt.

Give them a minute, Britt said.

Rasmus rolled his eyes and kissed Matt while putting his clothes back in order. They exited the bathroom, finding Torben grinning.

Sorry, Torben said.

Let’s just get back, Rasmus said.

Matt followed him out the door and took his hand. They jogged back to the communal building, finding Steffen playing basketball with some of them, yet he had Helene, the five-year-old orphan from the pack war, on his arm.

Milla ran over and handed Steffen the ball, and he, in turn, gave it to Helene, who then tried to lob it at the hoop, but it fell far too short.

Steffen chuckled. A little harder.

Milla fetched the ball, and Helene tried again.

Matt grinned at how patient Steffen was with her. It had paid off, considering she didn’t merely stare at the table anymore.

After the third time Milla handed Steffen the ball, he put Helene up on his shoulders and went to the hoop. Ready?

Yes!

Steffen jumped, and Helene lobbed the ball again. She still missed, but she hit the backplate. There we go! The rest is practice.

The ball rolled to Matt and Rasmus, so Rasmus picked it up and tossed it at the hoop. All net.

Matt nodded, impressed. You can aim and shoot at anything, can’t you?

Yeah.

Steffen put Helene down, and she ran to Milla and Martin. Does that count bowling pins?

Rasmus grinned. It does, but Torben would be better. He bowls way more than I do.

Matt hoped Rasmus would get drawn to participate in the next bowling tournament. Unless he ended up on another team, of course. That gamble was part of what made it so interesting.

We’re drawing names for the next bowling tournament today. Steffen pulled out his phone and looked at the screen. In fifteen minutes.

Milla, Martin, and Helene ran over with the basketball. Can you shoot it like that again, Rasmus?

No, no, from over here! Helene dashed off and jumped on a spot further away.

Ah, I’m being challenged. Rasmus plucked his shirt and smirked at Matt.

Matt grinned. Go win. He followed Steffen, while Rasmus showed off his tricks, and the pups took turns picking out a spot for him to shoot from. She’s calmed down a lot, huh?

Yeah. Steffen smiled. And Tanja is so happy with a pup in the house. If not for a threat of Völsung, we’d be having pups soon.

Matt looked at Steffen, and his ember warmed him. If they worry us enough to limit our own prosperity, then they win.

If we were Beta, I’d agree. But we’re Pack Alpha mates, meaning our responsibility is to secure the pack’s prosperity by delaying our own.

Matt nodded, yet his ember wanted to do something about it.

Steffen put an arm around his shoulder. Your ember is impatient. I get it. I even appreciate it and feel proud that you’re an Alpha under me. So, how about we step up your training?

Yes. And... Matt pointed for Steffen to follow, and they went all the way around to the grill patio. Esben provokes because he’s the ultimate gatekeeper, right?

Steffen chuckled. Yes. Once, I thought that’s all he was because he had no ember. Now I know why. But yeah.

He provoked Rasmus for a reason. He’d have risen an Omega in Geri Freki.

Steffen pulled a face, nodding. You’re not the first to raise that, and yeah, if we’re to meet Geri Freki halfway to build a... Steffen looked around. Cooperation. He looked off in thought. We’ll make Beta training days. But all Alphas need to agree on this, so tomorrow...ugh! He looked at Matt. After school! Seriously, I have to remember you’re not home all the time anymore. After school tomorrow, come to the Alpha house for a meeting.

Yes, Alpha. I’m off at noon, and then I’ll drop off whoever’s hitching a ride that day. I think it’s Britt.

Steffen chuckled. She might as well just move in.

I heard a rumor. Torben will complete his education early next year, and then they’ll make something official.

Good. Despite his pleased smile, the Pack Alpha looked weighed down. Matt wouldn’t poke at it and ask questions, though. He figured it would all be shared the next day. Now, let’s go get our bowling team assembled.

They went inside where Rasmus sat, kneeling, and tossed paper balls at a trashcan with Helene, Milla, and Martin.

Whatever you toss at a specific point, it’s just like this.