The Alpha's Mate--Cursed Heart

The Loyalty of Friendship Part I

Episode Five—The Loyalty of Friendship Part I

Gilderoy’s POV:

The gala was nothing if not spectacular, which was no surprise with Katelyn at the helm.  Even still, to be one of the few vampire couples amidst of a sea of werewolves and witches was quite daunting.  Especially since my allies were in small numbers and I felt it necessary to put a great distance between myself and my closest friends in the room—Marcus, Vincent, and the orchestrator of tonight’s beautiful festivities, Katelyn.  However, it was safer for me to remain in the back corner of the hall, away from the many scornful glares. 

Looking around me, it appeared several of the witches had made the same decision in allowing the werewolves to control the front of the room, although their numbers were greater and as usual, they formed their own party, animatedly conversing and enjoying themselves immensely on a large portion of the back tables in the opposing corner of the hall. 

I placed my arm around the shoulders of my wife, Lilliana, and pulled her towards me until she was perfectly molded into my side.  “You look so lovely tonight, my dear.  Thank you for agreeing to join your black sheep husband this evening.”

Lilliana placed her hand on my thigh and lovingly squeezed on it gently as I reached over and placed my free hand on top of hers.  “Enough, Gilderoy.  I will have no talk about black sheep this evening.” 

Turning her head, Lilliana’s long black hair flowed across the front of her shoulder and fell along our fingertips as she looked passionately into my eyes, her voice firm, yet still affectionate, “There is no other man I can imagine spending my life with. That has been true from the first day I met you, my love.  I am by your side always, no matter the circumstance.  Should anyone feel need to accuse you of being a black sheep—which you have never been—they will simply have to deal with my fury.  And believe me, when it comes to anyone threatening the love of my life, my fury should not be trifled with!”

The words had barely left her perfectly lined scarlet lips before I leaned down and caught them in a long loving kiss.  As our lips parted, I returned her passionate gaze.  “And that would be one of the many reasons that I will worship you forever, my amore.”  

I leaned back slightly taking in the long black dress with sparkling sheer cutouts perfectly placed on my favorite curves of her tall body, her long legs tantalizing me through the high slits below.  “And your attire this evening will be the second temporary reason for my worship!”

Lilliana giggled in my arms, sending my heart afire instantly, “Behave, Gilderoy!  Tonight is about Vincent and Katelyn, not your insatiable needs!”

I nuzzled her neck and nipped gently before whispering in her ear, “Fine.  For now, I will leave you with this.  But following the celebration of our dear friends, I promise nothing, my amore.  There is a limit to my resistance of your beauty.”

Her laughter filled my senses as I thankfully had made up for my earlier lapse.  My wife hated it when I mentioned being a black sheep, but it was a label I had been given since birth.  Although thanks to my Lilliana, the weight of it did not feel as heavy any longer. 

My lineage was not pure, something that was looked down upon with great contempt.  I was not your normal vampire.  My father, Gideon, was a vampire and had fallen quickly and deeply in love with my mother, Angelica, who loved him unconditionally in return.   They married only a month following fate drawing them to one another.  At the time, my father thought she was simply a human but didn’t care.  His love for her meant more to him.  But, unfortunately, for fear of his refusal of her, my mother kept a dark secret from my father. 

My mother was in actuality—a werewolf.  She had been banished from her pack for her refusal to kill a witch that her Alpha felt was a threat and kidnap her infant child, returning the baby to the Alpha for unknown reasons.  My mother refused as she felt it was unjust and thus, she was banished to become a rogue without any pack or family. 

It wasn’t until she had soon fallen pregnant with me and ran away from my father as a means to protect him that their love was not only tested but proven to be real between them.  After my father tracked her down and she explained every detail of her secret, he reminded her that no matter what anyone thought, true love had no bounds and she was his destiny.  My father had forgiven my mother even before he found her and begged her to come back with him and trust that their love could overcome any and all obstacles, including her pregnancy.  Fortunately, my mother agreed and returned with my father to their home eventually giving birth to me and raising me together openly with a full understanding of their relationship and the meaning of true and everlasting love.

Thus, they endured many years of scrutiny from both vampires, werewolves, and even witches as it was well known that inter-species love was not something that was acceptable to many.  In fact, most believed that it should be forbidden.  

Their fate and scrutiny trickled down to me as their child.  I was viewed as a black sheep and shameful result of forbidden love.  I was the son of a vampire and a wolf, although I was more vampire than I could ever be considered wolf.  The only thing I inherited from my mother was the ability of scent.  Something that was a surprise to my father—and everyone in the vampire community—and a relief to my mother who was disillusioned by her heritage.   As typical werewolf gestation, I was born merely three months following my mother’s discovery of my existence.  Both thought I would be more of my mother’s son.  But as time wore on, I proved to be quite the opposite.  I was an anomaly to this world and still felt the wrath of that fact today. 

However, from an early age, I developed an unusual talent.  I could smell and differentiate between the species and individuals at such a high level that even Marcus and Vincent were impressed when they learned of my talent and saw it with their own eyes.  Every aspect of scent from the inside out was at my disposal. 

Despite the judgment around us, our family was protected by the fact that my father was the leader of a small village in the southern portion of Marcus’ kingdom.  His father, King Francis, was never judgmental of us.  In fact, he supported my father and our family, ensuring our safety and prosperous living.  Eventually, there were people who would come to our village as outcasts themselves to seek sanctuary, something my father would always give graciously to those who had good intentions, invoking King Francis’ admiration.  Over time, a mutual bond and strong friendship formed between them. 

Upon his father’s passing, Marcus showed the same compassion and friendship as his father.  When my parents—their love forever intertwined—passed into their next life together following an attack from a rogue pack of wolves and a fire that burned down our family home as I was away on business, Marcus was the first to comfort me and along with the strongest in his pack, helped me find the culprits of my parents’ demise—a group of werewolves who hated vampires and felt my mother was a traitor to their kind—and bestow upon them the same deadly fate.   It was a show of goodwill that was not viewed by all as proper or right by many, especially the werewolves.  Most of the blame was placed upon me, even though Marcus made it clear that as it was his territory that the killers murdered upon and thus, were relegated to die there as their punishment.  No one in his kingdom was to feel threatened and persecuted in such a way.

Throughout my life, Marcus has been there for me and in turn, I would always be there for him.  He eventually introduced me to Vincent and Katelyn, who also accepted me openly and became close friends.  I am forever in debt to them, in fact, as they gave me my greatest gift…they introduced me to my Lilliana. 

There are no secrets between Lilliana and me.  I have told her everything about my life and held nothing back.  One of the things I admired about her from the beginning was her straightforward approach to everything—from her opinions to the way she fights for what is right no matter the cost to her understanding of the complexity of life, fate, and love.  From the day I met her, she has made me a stronger and better man than I was before.  Lilliana knows the effect my past has held over me and at times, continues to hold.  She also knows I utilize humor to mask any inner turmoil and insecurities I may have, which over time has darkened my humor with a few twists and turns in its appearance at times. Somehow, I am fortunate enough that she loves and adores me anyway…true and everlasting love much like my parents. 

“Gilderoy,” my wife’s urgent whisper broke through my thoughts, “Is that who I think it is?”

I followed Lilliana’s stare to the front section of the room to see Alec sitting at a table with a beautiful petite blonde sitting beside him.  I nodded to her silently as my focus was drawn to the young woman.

Lilliana whispered harshly, “What is he doing here?”

I was still studying the girl as I stoically returned, “I had heard rumor that Vincent was working on a business deal with Alec.  It appears the rumors are true.”

The heavy jab of an elbow to my stomach interrupted my concentration as my eyes jerked back to my wife’s face.  A face filled with substantial irritation and concern that reflected in her tone.  “Do we really think that is a good idea?”

I let out a long sigh, knowing my wife’s meaning behind those words and the heartfelt love for me that they came from. “I will not interfere, Lilliana.  Vincent obviously does not want to feel dependent on Marcus and feels this deal with Alec is what is best.”

Lilliana crossed her arms in front of her and huffed, “Not with him! And you know perfectly well why!”

Another sigh escaped heavily from chest as I knew if there was one thing one never wanted to do, it was to further anger an already angry vampiress.  It was always the best option to tread very carefully in these instances and right now, I needed to give my dear wife a moment to calm herself and hope that we didn’t have to get into a further discussion later about the why. 

I leaned over and kissed Lilliana on the forehead before clearing my throat. “Perhaps I should go say hello to Marcus.”

Anger seemed to dissipate from her eyes as Lilliana looked over at me.  “I am sorry, Gilderoy.  I hope you know that my irritation is directed at him, not you.”

I placed another long kiss on her forehead before breathing out against her soft succulent skin, “I know my amore.  Allow me to leave your enchanting presence for only a moment to enable you to enjoy some wine and relax and then we will go and congratulate Vincent and Katelyn together.”

Lilliana’s hand slowly went up my body from its origin on my thigh until it grazed along my chest.  “I love you, you know.”

I gently placed the weight of her thin frame back fully onto her chair while wrapping my fingers around hers that were now directly atop my heart, which was fluttering rapidly as it did every time she reflected her adoration for me with those exact five words.  “And I love you my amore…always and forever.”

**********

I knew where to find Marcus, so I tuned out the criticism of other guests at my presence and quickly made my way to the front of the hall.  He had been sitting in the same spot the entire evening, at the head table to the right of Vincent’s seat.  He was also directing all his attention towards Alec who sat at a table not far from his right.  But as I got closer, I noticed that it wasn’t Alec that held his attention…it was the beautiful young woman sitting beside Alec.  It seemed we were both fascinated by her.

As I got closer to Marcus, his scent got stronger and with every whiff of its fragrance hitting my nose, I sensed a change in its usual demeanor.  The muskiness in it had grown heavier.  Quite heavier in fact. 

Reaching the table, Marcus felt my appearance before him and looked over at me, a wide grin crossing his face.  “Gilderoy, my friend!”

I dropped into a dramatic bow as I returned his greeting animatedly, “My Liege!”

Laughter shook through all his muscles as Marcus shook his head, “Enough, Gilderoy!”  He motioned towards the empty chair beside him, “Please, join me.  I welcome your distraction more than you know.”

So there is something going on, I thought to myself as I pulled out the chair and sat down.  “We are celebrating two close friends.  Tonight should be filled with joy.  Although…“  I turned to look over towards the table that seemed to be of interest to him.  “there are guests that could put a damper on the evening.”

Apparently, I struck a nerve as Marcus followed my eyes and let out a haggard breath, “Yes…there are.”

Turning my attention back towards him, I noticed his gaze was on the woman and not Alec as mine were. “It would seem you and I are talking about two different people.  Who is she?”

“Alec’s sister, Moriah,” Marcus replied, his voice a barely audible hoarse whisper as his chest heaved slightly.

The muskiness of his scent grew heavier throughout my senses again.  In that moment, the answer to my own question struck me with a hearty vengeance as my eyes bulged out in shock for what was now two reasons.  My voice matched Marcus’ hoarse whisper as I choked out, “You’ve MATED?  With Alec’s SISTER?”

His eyes snapped back at me with surprise of their own for a moment before Marcus looked around to make sure no one was within earshot of our conversation then upon confirmation that was the case, shook his head and let out an uncomfortable chuckle.  “You truly have a gift, my dear friend.”  His expression quickly deepened into a depressed grimace, “Yes, I have mated.  To Alec’s sister.  It does not appear, however, that she returns my connection to her.”

I found myself unable to reply to him, still reeling from the Marcus’ revelation.  It was well known that Alec’s sister had some sort of illness, but no one knew what it was or how sick she really could be.  He kept Moriah locked up for all intents and purposes.  So why was she here now?

Diligently without looking back towards their table, I worked my way over the room to find Moriah’s scent.  I blocked everything else around me to gather intel on its ingredients, closing my eyes in order to concentrate and allow my talent to take its lead.  Finally finding her, I found her exquisite features were highlighted by the most interesting mixture of scent I have ever encountered.  The lavender was sweet and obvious to my senses, but there was also something else there, something I could smell within her blood.  Was that…poison?  There was a subtle repugnancy that led me to believe that was indeed the case, but I could not figure out exactly what it was.  And there was more.  Distinct, ever so faint masked scents that I could not pinpoint even with my heightened abilities.  It dumbfounded me.  I had never found it this difficult to ascertain the answers I sought.  It was almost like the vague scents were caged…like they were prisoners trapped within her.  How strange…and yet, intriguing.

With Alec as her brother and the strength of her lineage, I would have thought that I could sense a wolf within her, but I could not, which felt incredibly unusual.  I increased the intensity one last time and possibly caught a slight hint of a wolf, almost like there were only speckled remnants and all that was left of a ghostly memory.  I was left perplexed.  It seems whatever her ailment was…it had taken quite a toll on her.  Yet, on the surface, she was quite beholding and did not appear to be suffering from any effects.

Marcus must have sensed my intensity and frustration which in turn caused his protectiveness of his mate to make its way through him, placing a twinge of panic in his tone.  “What is it Gilderoy?  Is something wrong with her?”

I opened my eyes to his intent glare directed at me.  “Well, I am not a doctor, but I do not sense anything dire.  However, she is quite a…complex creature.  Perhaps this illness has been something that required Alec’s over-protection.”  Watching Marcus’ eyes glaze over in worry, I quickly reassured him, “Again, I sense no danger currently.  She appears quite well.”

Marcus eased at my reply and smiled gratefully.  “Thank you, my friend.”

My curiosity about the events leading up to Marcus’ mating call suddenly peaked, “So, tell me everything about what has occurred prior to my arrival this evening.  Particularly your surprising development with Moriah.”

Marcus shifted uncomfortably in his chair, looking around the room until he found Vincent and Katelyn enthralled with one another out on the dance floor a great distance away from the table.  Taking in a long deep breath, he then proceeded to get up from his seat and motion for me to join him out on the balcony which as luck would have it was empty.  We found a secluded corner away from the party and he explained what I soon found were the many events that occurred prior to the gala, including the fact that none of this could be talked about in front of Vincent and Katelyn as he did not want anything to interfere with their evening and had given his word.

“So, you have yet to be alone with her,” I pondered quietly, “Not a surprise considering the circumstances.  But still, maybe without interference of others surrounding you, there could be more clarity.”

Marcus contemplated that for a moment before his brow furrowed in defeat.  “There is no way for that to happen, Gilderoy.  We both know that to be true.  Alec has too much of a hold on her and is not going to let her out of his sight.  Not to mention he despises me.  I think I will just have to give in to the fact that the curse has picked a cruel way to display its torture for me.  A fate to love her from afar.”

The curse was something Marcus and I had discussed on many occasions.  It was disheartening to watch my friend become consumed in the depths of it whenever it came to light.  As my mind worked fervently to find a way to help my friend, an idea popped into my twisted brain and my thoughts voiced themselves out loud towards Marcus’ ears.  “Lafayette is guarding them tonight.”

Confusion filled Marcus’ features as he nodded in acknowledgement.  “Yes.  That should not come as a surprise.  He is the strongest of Alec’s pack, his Beta and second in command.”

A wicked grin crossed my face as my sharp pearly white canines glistened under the soft lighting, “Have I ever mentioned that Lafayette has a penchant for vampires?  In particular, one of Lilliana’s maids by the name of Ambrosia, who is quite the little nympho that has a penchant for anything dangerous…and just so happens to be assisting my beautiful wife this evening…currently sitting in the car outside?”