Filed to story: Wolf Crying Mate of the Alpha by Jazz Ford
‘Of course, but before we do, I know Sir Hugo told everyone you would help fight against the werewolves, but you won’t be. I know about your elemental powers, and I intend to keep you safe, preferably here, away from the war,’ he explains.
‘I’m grateful that you care about my safety, but I’m not in any danger. I’ve met Alpha King Damon, and he isn’t what you think he is…’ I explain.
King Fenris is surprised.
‘You’ve met Alpha King Damon?’ He asks.
‘Yes. I haven’t known him long, but I know he doesn’t want this war, and he wouldn’t harm me or anyone,’ I say, feeling lightheaded.
‘I’ve seen many werewolves rip people apart for no reason. I’m sorry, but he has you fooled. I’m very curious why you’d think he wouldn’t hurt you? He must know you can control elements?’
‘Yes, he knows I can. I only know I’m an elemental sprite because he told me. He has been very kind to me,’ I say.
‘That explains that then. King Damon is trying to fool you so he can use you against us, and after the war, he will probably dispose of you,’ King Fenris says.
‘No, I don’t think that’s it.’
‘There’s no other reason he’d be kind to you. You must see that? He’s a werewolf,’ King Fenris says.
‘You don’t understand. He won’t hurt me because I’m his mate,’ I explain.
King Fenris pauses before he breaks into laughter.
‘You’re his mate?’ He repeats and then realises I’m not joking and quite serious.
‘How do you know you’re his mate?’ King Fenris asks, tapping on the table, seemingly annoyed.
‘He found me by the river days ago. His wolf appeared and called me mate. He said the Moon Goddess has chosen us to be together. And he wants me to be the Luna and Queen of Moon Crest Valley. I do feel drawn to him. He says that’s the mate bond,’ I explain, taking a sip of wine.
‘Very interesting…’ he says, still tapping and pondering what I have told him. ‘Have you considered, since you aren’t a wolf, it could just be lust rather than the bond? After all, he is supposed to be one of the most handsome men in Moon Crest Valley. So any female would feel some kind of attraction towards him?’ He adds.
Feeling disheartened by his words, I stare down at the table.
‘I’m sorry. It’s not my intention to upset you. Yes, the bond would probably stop him from killing you, but he would still kill everyone else. And you being his Luna, you’d be obligated to help him and the werewolf army kill us,’ he says.
‘Damon cares for me,’ I say in distress. The plates, glasses, and cutlery shake on the table, with the energy building up inside of me.
‘Alpha King Damon is only sincere to you because the bond makes him so. He only found out what you are so that he can use you against us. He is using the bond to his advantage. He is a monster, and if you go back to him, you’ll find that out,’ he says, not batting an eyelid.
The plates and dishes on the table shatter into a million pieces and rolls of thunder roar outside.
‘Stop! Please stop talking,’ I command.
The footmen gasp in fear.
‘I’m sorry he has lied to you,’ King Fenris says sympathetically.
I suddenly feel lightheaded, and before I know it, I collapse. I momentarily stir awake, still dizzy. I’m being carried somewhere by King Fenris. Tears run down my cheek at the thought of Damon lying to me. Warm lips touch my forehead, and a thumb wipes a tear from my cheek. Then, as I’m about to drift back to sleep, I hear him whisper in my ear.
‘It’s okay my love. You have me now.’
Alpha King Damon
In Garnet Falls, we tie our horses up to posts in the sheltered, wooden stables behind the local tavern and go inside. We wait at the bar to be served, and when the bar-mistress is free, we book two rooms for the night.
‘We men can bunk in with each other, and the ladies can have their own room.’ I say.
Vivian nods.
It’s late, a storm is brewing outside, and we’re starving and exhausted. We sit in a quiet corner of the room, near the fireplace, minding our own business, drinking beer, and eavesdropping on the conversations between the villagers.
‘It was so rude of the knight to leave with her like that. We had gifts for her too, but she was a rude, entitled girl,’ a young woman with brown eyes, red hair in a messy bun, in a black shawl, tells her companion.
I scull my pint to try and stop my wolf from letting out a growl at the woman’s disrespectful words towards my Luna.
Vivian stands up and walks past the ladies and orders some pints. The lady that made the rude comment stands up and walks past Vivian. Vivian discreetly puts her foot out and trips the lady over, and watches as she falls on her face.
Troy and I try to stay composed and try to hold our laughs. The lady stands up red-faced and turns to Vivian, giving her an angry look.
‘Well, I never!’ she says, stomping her foot.
‘Darling, please, be more careful of your surroundings. I’d hate for you to fall on your face like that again.’ Vivian says as she walks back towards us with the pints.
Troy takes a sip of his pint, ‘We need to devise a foolproof plan to save Maia. But, first, we need entry into West Wallow Castle. We need it to be quick, and we need to be able to go in undetected,’ he says, and he isn’t wrong. Vivian and I agree with him completely.
A plump bar-mistress walks around the tables holding a basket, handing out flyers. We take one each, reading them, and I exhale with relief, knowing we have just found our plan. I read the flyer out loud, which announces a masquerade ball will be held in Maia’s honour at West Wallow Castle tomorrow night. The ballroom will be filled with disguised guests in masks and different facial coverings.
‘This is it. This is our plan,’ I say, grinning and swigging my drink.
‘What’s the plan?’ Vivian asks, not following.
‘We go to this ball, dressed in formal attire and masks, we find Maia, and we bring her home,’ I explain.
‘I don’t have enough money for a ball gown and two dresses for the girls,’ Vivian says, flustering at the notion.
‘Vivian not to worry. ‘I’ll cover the costs,’ I tell her, smiling.
‘Are you sure?’ She asks, relief written all over her face.
‘Yes, coin is not an issue for me,’ I tell her happily.
‘Oh, Damon. How wonderful. You truly are wonderful. Thank you so much,’ Vivian says, truly grateful.
‘What’s happening, mummy?’ Ella asks, wondering.
‘We’re going to a ball, darling,’
‘What about me?’ Zayden asks, wondering.
‘We’ll get you the finest tunic, breeches, and waistcoat fit for a King,’ I tell him, scuffing his hair.
‘Really?’
‘Really?’ I say, winking at him.
‘I’ve never been to a ball,’ Zayden says, honoured and excited.