Filed to story: Wolf Crying Mate of the Alpha by Jazz Ford
‘If anything goes wrong, Maia, I will not hesitate to lead our pack army into West Wallow and have you safely returned by my side,’ Damon says.
‘Damon, we must allow safe passage to any humans that seek refuge from the war and want to live peacefully among us,’
Damon pauses and looks at me in thought and nods his head.
‘Tell anyone who seeks refuge to go to Wellmore, and Troy will lead them through the forest and onto our lands where they will be under the warrior’s protection,’
‘I must go now, Damon.’
We kiss passionately and force ourselves apart. I run towards the castle as quick as I can. Before I enter, I turn to see Damon, Troy, Vivian and the children by the lake.
‘I love you, Damon.’ I whisper the words into the wind.
He flinches, and his smile grows as the wind delivers my message. I thank the wind and enter the castle.
‘Maia, my love, I was beginning to worry about you. I had guards looking for you everywhere,’ King Fenris says.
I smile at him, ‘I’m so sorry, I was out on one of the balconies for some fresh air, all this dancing and so many people around I became flustered. I thought I’d soon pass out,’ I lie.
King Fenris relaxes his shoulders.
‘Of course.’ He smiles.
King Fenris introduces me to many high-ranking members at the ball. When talk of the war is mentioned, I excuse myself for more air. Afterwards, I have one last dance with King Fenris. He thanks everyone for attending and escorts me to my room.
‘I hope you enjoyed the ball, my love?’ He asks.
‘Yes, I did. It was more than I ever dreamt it would be,’ I say, pondering at the moment I accepted Damon as my mate, Alpha and King.
I wish King Fenris ‘Good night.’ with a curtsy, and I shut my door.
Moments later, Jewel and Leah come into my room, undress me, and redress me in a nightie.
Even though I was in King Fenris’s castle, I felt so happy knowing I was Luna and Queen of Moon Crest Valley and Alpha King Damon’s mate.
I now have to protect my people, the wolf packs in Moon Crest Valley and save as many humans as I can in West Wallow.
I climb into bed and fall asleep.
Maia
It’s bright and early. Jewel and Leah bathe and dress me for the day. I tell Jewel and Leah I would like to explore West Wallow, visit some villages, and ask if they can inform King Fenris of my plans.
Releasing my hair from the bun, Leah insists I at least put some flower pins in, but I kindly refuse.
Jewel and Leah exit the room to help prepare breakfast and let King Fenris know of my wishes while I stand in the fresh morning air on the balcony taking in the view of the lake.
Skipping out of the room and down the stairs to the dining room, I wait for King Fenris. He enters the dining room a few moments later and sits opposite me.
‘Good morning, King Fenris,’ I say with a big smile. ‘Well, my love, you are extra chirpy today. I was just informed you have plans to explore our kingdom?’ He asks.
‘Yes, I want to learn more about this kingdom, see the villages, and meet the people,’ I smile.
‘I see… well, I already have plans for you. First, we are going to the training fields, as today the army will leave and head toward Moon Crest Valley for war. We will be going with them,’
I choke on my breakfast at his words and quickly compose myself.
‘Oh, already?’ I ask as I try to mask the worry in my voice.
‘Yes, we will reach the border in a few days. Commander James will lead them under my orders, where the soldiers will take out as many werewolf villages as they can. Then I will lead them to Moon Crest Castle, where we will burn the castle to the ground. After that, I will claim Moon Crest Valley for myself and make you my Queen. Once I have the head of Alpha King Damon in my hands, of course,’ He smiles.
I try to stay calm.
‘But King Fenris, thousands of people will die!’ I say as my eyes well.
He slams his fist on the table: Frightened, I flinch.
‘Damn it, Maia, do you want the wolves to take over, to rule West Wallow and kill our people?’ He says angrily.
I look down at the table. I can’t look King Fenris in the eyes. Tears roll down my cheek. I hear a sigh from King Fenris. He stands up and walks over to me, and takes my hand.
‘Princess, I’m sorry I lost my temper, but every war has death. It’s inevitable, my love, and this war has to happen. We will follow the army and camp along the way at villages so you can explore them, my love,’ he says.
‘I thought you wanted to keep me safe here at the castle during the war?’ I ask in confusion.
‘Well, there has been a change of plans, and nothing will happen to you while you are under my protection.’ He says with a grin. Hesitant, I nod.
We arrive at the war fields. The army erupts with a roar and cheers at my presence. The army has wagons packed with tents, weapons and food. The soldiers are all in rows of lines, ready to march. It’s a large army of around thirty-five thousand men. There are some horses saddled and ready waiting for us. There is one particular horse I approach. She is beautiful and the same colour as my dark black hair.
I stroke her neck as she rubs her face against mine with affection and lets out a sweet neigh. She is one of the few horses that wear beautiful jewel armour. I place my foot in the stirrup and swing my other leg over. Sitting in the saddle, I hold the reigns and gallop over to King Fenris with a pleading look.
‘Well, you do complement each other, I guess. What are you going to call the horse?’ King Fenris asks.
‘Raven, her name is Raven.’ King Fenris nods in approval and hops onto his horse Nimble. Commander James and General Zander greet us and inform King Fenris the army is ready to leave.
As the army leaves West Wallow, I gallop and talk to different army members. I notice Sir Hugo up ahead and decide to gallop alongside him and his horse for a while.
‘Princess Maia,’ he says in confusion.
‘Sir Hugo,’ I say with a smile and a nod.
‘It’s just Hugo now…’ he says and looks away.
‘Oh, But I thought…’
‘After you refused to… cut my head off. King Fenris removed my knighthood status. He said I was no longer welcome to enter the castle grounds or go anywhere near you, or he would follow through and have me beheaded,’
I gasp.
‘Sir Hugo! I mean Hugo, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know,’ I say with worry.
‘Of course, you didn’t know, kitten… there is a lot you are not meant to know,’
‘What do you mean by that?’ I ask.
‘I’m sorry, I’ve said too much. If King Fenris sees me talking to you, he will have me killed. He doesn’t want me to tell you the truth. That was why he wanted you to kill me,’