#3 By the Light of the Silver Moon

Chapter 4: Fox

I was fuming after my conversation with Alpha Torrin and learning how my mate had been treated. Torrin spoke about her like she was a piece of meat he and King Titan tossed around however they pleased. That stopped today.

Gamma Patrick led us to the guest wing where two rooms side by side had been arranged for our arrival. I would leave immediately for the realm of the fae in order to secure my mate’s freedom, entrusting her care to Stone. Stone was chosen to be my Gamma specifically because of his ability to protect my future Luna. I trusted him as my sister and Beta’s mate, I knew I could trust him with my own mate’s safety.

I dismissed Gamma Patrick swiftly, ushering Stone and Marigold into my room so we could talk. Marigold shuffled to the corner of the room, pressing her back against the wall defensively and crossing her arms over her small frame. My inner wolf, Hunter, whimpered at her reaction. She has been through so much. I spoke to Stone first,

“I’m going to leave immediately to get this over with as quickly as possible.”

“She’ll be safe with me, Alpha, I can guarantee that.” Stone replied, his voice stern. I could tell he was just as pissed off with Alpha Torrin and the treatment of his Luna as I was.

“I know, Stone, I trust you. When I leave, I’m going to mindlink Ferra so she knows to be on alert. If they give you any trouble here, call for a group of our warriors.” I said.

“Yes, Alpha.” Stone nodded.

“Give us a minute, Stone.” I asked, my eyes lingering on Marigold. Stone bowed his head towards me and walked towards the door. He paused at Marigold and bowed to her as well. She stared at him in silence, blinking her expressionless green eyes. Stone frowned and left the room.

I clenched and unclenched my hands into fists at my side, trying to keep my instincts at bay. All I wanted to do was wrap my arms around my mate and shield her from the world, but I knew that I had to move slowly.

“Marigold….” I hummed her name, enjoying the feeling of it on my lips. Her dark eyelashes fluttered as she looked up at me with her wide eyes.

“I promise you your freedom.” I told her, begging for her to trust me. She pressed her lips together, her face expressionless. I clenched my jaw,

“Can you speak?” I tried to ask softly, worried that Alpha Torrin was keeping her from speaking. If that were the case, I would rip his throat out and render him mute. She nodded her head and I relaxed slightly,

“Are you afraid of me?” I asked in a small voice, taking a breath of relief when she shook her head.

“You don’t think your father will agree to your freedom?” She nodded.

“There’s a reason Alpha Torrin wanted an alliance with my pack. I can be very persuasive. I promise you Marigold, I won’t leave until I have your freedom.” I ducked my head so I was eye level with her and forced her to look at me,

“Do you know the terms of the deal your father made with Alpha Torrin?” I asked. She nodded and finally spoke. Her voice sounded like a thousand windchimes singing,

“Alpha Torrin is an idiot.” She answered bluntly. I smirked,

“I can see that.”

“So is my father.” She added,

“My father wants power and Alpha Torrin lacks any. Alpha Torrin thinks that my father is offering him the Fae’s allegiance by promising me to him. In truth, my father just wants me controlled and Alpha Torrin content while also having werewolves on his side.” She explained, looking at the ground the entire time.

“Well, I can promise your father an alliance with a much stronger pack.” I said. This got my mate’s attention, her head snapping up to look at my face.

“You shouldn’t do that.” She mumbled.

“Why?”

“My father is a trickster. He creates deals with terms the other party doesn’t fully understand. Once a deal is struck with him, it cannot be broken without his consent, the consequence is death. He’ll rope you into a deal you don’t want.” Marigold was trying to warn me but all I could do was focus on the sound of her voice and the concern she felt for me.

“I don’t care, Marigold, I’ll do whatever it takes to see you free.” I told her. She sighed in frustration and I couldn’t help but smile,

“Is my mate frustrated with me?” I asked. She narrowed her eyes at me,

“I find your use of the word freedom disconcerting.” Marigold admitted.

“You don’t believe me?” I frowned.

“I think you’re promising freedom from Alpha Torrin, but that’s not true freedom. Not when I’ll only be trading one Alpha master for another.” Marigold spoke with such purpose and so elegantly, that it was easy to see her training as a royal coming through.

“No, Marigold, I am promising you true freedom. You can make all your own choices, I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do.” I reached out to touch her arm but thought better of it when I saw her retreating. I dropped my hand in defeat,

“You’re my mate and the only thing I want is your safety and happiness, even if that’s not with me.” I could hardly get the words out but I would do anything for this woman, including letting her go. She looked at me in surprise,

“You would do that?” She whispered.

“I want you with me more than anything in the world, but only if that’s what you want, too. I’ll follow your lead.” I said. I could tell that she didn’t quite believe me, despite how badly she wanted to. I knew words meant nothing to her, she needed to see proof.

“Where do you come from?” She asked, suddenly curious.

“Washington state.” I replied eagerly. She nodded, fiddling with her hand. I noticed for the first time that there was a bandage on her palm.

“What happened?” I asked, eyeing her hand.

“Oh nothing.” She said quickly, hiding her hand behind her back.

“That doesn’t look like nothing.” I argued. Slowly she pulled her hand from behind her and held it out between us. A tan bandage was peeling off of her palm, not quite large enough to cover her wound.

“I cut myself.” She mumbled. I felt a strange feeling bubble up in my chest and Hunter whimpered in my head. We were feeling pain for our little mate.

“On what?” I asked skeptically.

“A broken teapot.” She shrugged, but I could tell that there was more to the story.

“That bangle keeps you from healing?” I asked, angrily eyeing the gold bracelet that dug into her wrist. I had very limited knowledge of the fae but I knew they had the ability to self heal, much like werewolves. She nodded, tucking her hand against her chest protectively.

“Let me help. That bandaid looks old.” I said gingerly. She eyed me wearily, trying to decide whether to trust me or not.

“It’s not, I just put it on earlier today.” She replied,

“We just don’t have access to good supplies.” She added in a muffled voice.

“Well I’m sure I can find something in this bathroom to help.” I smiled, pleased to be able to help my mate. I walked into the bathroom and started to dig through the drawers. Eventually I found a first aid kit. I turned and was startled to see that Marigold had followed me into the bathroom and was sitting on the edge of the tub.

I carried the first aid kit over to her and knelt down on the floor. I opened the kit and pulled out a large bandaid and an antiseptic swab. I looked up at my mate and she cautiously held her hand out for me. I despised the idea that my mate was hurt and didn’t even have the proper supplies to take care of herself, but I was selfishly excited by the idea of touching her for the first time.

Gently, I took her hand in mine and shivered as her touch sent a fire up my arm. My eyes locked with hers and I saw the briefest flash of life in her green orbs. I carefully pulled off the bandaid and winced as she flinched away in pain.

“I’m so sorry.” I whimpered, caressing the underside of her hand in comfort.

“It’s just a little cut.” She muttered, staring at me like she wasn’t sure what the big deal was. I opened the antiseptic wipe and cleaned off her palm before applying the new bandaid. I lingered on each step, taking my time with the tasks so I could savor every moment of caring for Marigold.

“Thank you.” She whispered sweetly as I finished with the bandaid.

“My pleasure.” I smiled at her, patting her hand one last time before I reluctantly released it.

“I should get going.” I sighed as we exited the bathroom. As much as I didn't want to leave my mate, I was eager to get this business taken care of and free her; hopeful that she would want to come back home with me.

“Do you know where you’re going?” She asked.

“I have some idea,” I shrugged,

"I'll figure it out."

Getting to the realm of the fae wasn’t exactly easy. It was located in the space between the human realm, protected by their ancient magic. There were several doors to enter their realm scattered around but finding one was the trick. I knew of only a few.

"Or you could just ask me, the exiled Princess?" Marigold rolled her pretty little eyes at me. I smirked at her,

"You're right, that would be the better idea. Would you help me?" I asked in my sweetest voice.

“There’s a portal in the basement.” Marigold said with an amused expression.

“I guess that explains why your father picked this pack to deal with.” I replied.

“It’s an old castle, from the time before the wars when our species were united. My father doesn’t open the realm to just anyone. Tell him that you’re interested in negotiating a deal on behalf of your wolf pack, that should perk his interests enough to let you in. You shouldn’t mention me until you’re in his realm.” Marigold explained,

“And definitely don’t say anything about us being mated.”

“Why not?” I asked in surprise.

“Just trust me.” She mumbled and I didn’t push it.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I promised, walking towards the bedroom door. I held my hand out towards Marigold,

“May I?” I asked her, moving towards her hand. She hesitantly placed her hand in mine and I rejoiced in the feeling of her soft, warm skin. With my eyes never leaving hers, I brought her hand to my lips and gave it a subtle kiss.

“Be careful.” She whispered, a pink blush highlighting her round cheeks.

“As you wish, my mate.” I grinned, satisfied as her blush deepend,

“I’ll send Stone to check in on you once I leave.” I added, releasing her hand. She brought her hand to her chest again, keeping it close to her body.

I opened the door and paused to take one last look at my beautiful Marigold, my eyes greedily taking her in. She ducked her head, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ears. I shook my head at her shyness before leaving the room.