The Alpha's Mate--Cursed Heart

The Battle Within...

Episode Eight:  The Battle Within…

Moriah’s POV

I felt like I had been split into two people, like once again a battle was raging within me.  Trust Him!  Tell Him!  Those words continuously echoing in my mind from somewhere within me after Marcus entered the room.  There was a part of me that did trust him and felt a connection growing so strong I felt an overwhelming need to protect and comfort him.  That part of me told him things I shouldn’t have.  That part of me wanted so badly to let him in.  That part of me secretly wished I could truly be his mate in every way.

Then there was the other part of me.  The part of me who held no romantic feelings towards him. The part of me that held a fierce internal battle to not tell him anything at all.  The part of me that was betraying my brother.

It couldn’t be my wolf…that vicious part of me was dead.  And nothing about the voice or the words were heartless like my wolf had been. 

My wolf!  I told him about my wolf!  I was stunned by my own admission to Marcus about my illness.  But that voice relentlessly echoed until I gave in and confessed my secret.   Trust Him!  Tell Him!

My brother could never find out about my admission, especially to his adversary.  To him, that would be the ultimate betrayal—and he would be right.  This betrayal would spell a bitter end to any chance of escape from my prison again!  What was I thinking?  Why did I give in to him?

All the raging torment within my thoughts didn’t compare to the most torturous revelation of the evening…Marcus’ admission that I was his mate!  I could feel there was something heavy on his mind when he came in, but I had no idea of the vast weight of it.  Why was I always a burden to those around me?   It was my own personal hell…a curse bestowed upon me for what feels like an eternity. 

The desolation in his tone when he said, “I had not mated until this evening—until I met you, Moriah”, left me stunned and then speechless as my first reaction was unintentional and so hurtful.  As soon as the harsh words left my mouth, the voice in my head admonished me, NO!  TAKE IT BACK!   

Take it back?  Why would I take it back?  It was the truth!  Granted, I could have relayed it in a more gentle manner.  Why were my thoughts so conflicted when it came to this man, when my heart wasn’t conflicted at all?  It left me completely bewildered.   

Yet, Marcus was so patient, so loving, so kind about it all.  He never got angry at me about the pain and sorrow I was obviously causing him, unlike Alec who would vocally tear me apart at the slightest inconvenience to him.  I knew of the craze within a man who had mated…I had seen it.  With all the other problematic challenges I had faced, this was one that I never thought would happen to me.  But, it did…and I had no idea what to do.  Every other instance I’ve witnessed, the intended mate reciprocated the feelings.  I, however, did not and my heart told me I never would although the voice in my head seemed like it was trying to deter the influence of its foe.  Thus, I have hurt someone to the core…and my heart broke for him.  All the while, there was not one harsh word bestowed upon me. 

When he mentioned fate and destiny, it became clear that he and I were at least similar in that aspect.  Neither of us had been treated kindly by those two entities.  Compassion consumed me and it was then that I reached out to him, the voice resounding an overjoyed YES! as I reiterated my feelings of friendship and regret over his pain.  The feelings of joy continued as he graciously said we were connected forever and he would always be there for me no matter what.  It gave me more comfort than I ever could have imagined hearing those words from him and at the same time, even more confused at that fact.

Maybe that was why in the end, the battle within me be damned…I answered his first question and let Marcus inside just a little.  I told him of my favorite flower, the Red Dragon Rose.  No one had ever asked me that before, so he is the only person in the world who knows that small insignificant fact about me.  Strangely, that small gesture towards him gave me a bit a peace…and even more joy.

Looking back up at the portrait, I hoped that Alec would return soon as I felt completely exhausted.  Remembering Marcus’ description, I also hoped that somehow the thousand colors could give me the peace I wished for.

**********

Alec’s POV:

The slow melodic music flowed all around us as I placed my eager hand on Katelyn’s hip, the dazzling silver beading of her dress shimmering through the small gaps between my fingers.  I inhaled and allowed her scent to fill my senses as our fingers intertwined together to start our perfect movements together through the melody. 

With a quick look around the room to find almost all eyes were upon us, I chuckled under my breath, “Seems we have peaked the interest of many of your guests.  I hope this doesn’t offend Vincent or cause any harsh words towards you.  Tonight is after all, a celebration of your love.”

Of course, the truth was much different than my pleasantry.  I was not in fear nor was I worried of Vincent’s reactions.  I also didn’t care that tonight was their celebration of love.  I was perfectly content as my hands discovered the curves beneath my fingertips were even more enticing than I had expected and the stunning green eyes contained pure delight towards me as they held my gaze.

Katelyn laughed out softly, “I assure you, Vincent is perfectly fine.  As for our guests, they are aware of our alliance and know my affectionate nature towards those who are important to us.  You and I are simply enjoying each other’s company as friends.  Perfectly harmless!  Do not worry yourself!”

As we glided across the floor in perfect synchrony, Katelyn’s smile bewitched me as I thoughtfully breathed out, “You are an amazing, truly stunning woman, Katelyn, inside and out…I have been in awe from the first time I laid my eyes on you.”

Apparently, my declaration made her a bit nervous as she quickly glanced across the room to locate Vincent’s whereabouts before returning her attention to me and softly replying, “You are too kind, Alec, but perhaps we should be careful not to feed the eyes and ears upon us and potentially anger my husband with thoughts that should be kept private.” She dipped in closer to me to adoringly whisper out, “But know of my appreciation for your incredibly kind compliment.” 

Feeling her breath upon my ear sent shivers down my spine.  I took the opportunity to move my hand towards her back to make sure her close proximity would remain. “Of course. Please forgive my forwardness.”

Tilting her head to the side, Katelyn giggled and humorously deterred the conversation, “Besides, how do you know I’m not just putting on a show and am actually quite the wicked wife?”

The onlookers were in for an unexpected and rare sight as I laughed heartily at Katelyn’s question, “Ridiculous!  I am positive that you could never be wicked!”

Katelyn winked playfully, her hand grazing across my shoulder, coming to rest on my arm, “Don’t be so sure!  You would be surprised at just how wicked I can be!”

I felt myself start to stiffen at the thought of the ways I would love to be surprised at Katelyn’s wickedness.    I took the opportunity to twirl her around, an unexpected action that caused her to laugh out in glee as I took in a deep breath to calm my arousal. 

Effortlessly bringing her back into my embrace, I teased, “Tonight has been so lovely, I may have to find more opportunities to visit to witness this wickedness you speak of!”

“Vincent and I would welcome you into our home anytime,” Katelyn kindly returned, “as well as the very sweet Moriah.  I have quite enjoyed both you and your sister’s company this evening.  And I would appreciate Moriah’s additional suggestions on my garden more than you know!  It is quite a daunting task for me, as I have little experience!”

Well, I thought to myself, maybe Moriah could prove quite useful to me in this instance!  Not to mention continue to irritate Lexi, who I would need to make sure was kept quite busy for our anticipated outings.

“I’m sure I speak for Moriah as well as my own feelings,” I smirked, “We would be delighted to visit you anytime you wish!”

I began slowly running my thumb up and down Katelyn’s side as we continued our dance and felt her breath halt in anticipation, sending immense desire into my loins.  As the song ended and a much slower tune began to play, I huskily requested, “Shall we take another turn?  I feel I’m not ready to end our time together just yet.”

My request was met with Katelyn’s enchanting smile, her sweet voice replying through luscious lips that were setting me on fire, “I think at least one more turn is necessary before you take your leave.”

There was no hiding of temptation that she invoked in me as I profoundly breathed out, “Indeed.”

********

Vincent’s POV:

To my dismay, the music slowed down even further as I watched Alec and Katelyn begin a slow waltz across the dance floor.  It was all I could do to hold myself together, managing to muffle the growl that subconsciously made its way within earshot of my pack members.

Mikos, my Beta, glanced over at me with a dark expression, “Explain to me please, why it is necessary for King Alec to have his hands on our Luna like that!” 

“All that you need to know right now,” I grumbled, “is that it is a necessity.  This is all innocent, I assure you.”

Tobias leaned in towards me, his arms crossed in agitation as he whispered, “Our Alpha’s growl says otherwise. So does King Alec’s placement of his hand on Luna’s back.  Do you see the way he keeps pulling her closer to him?  In front of you, no less!  And everyone else!  This is a necessity?”

Another low growl escaped from deep inside me.  One I tried to cover with a forced smile, “Not helping!”

“And you aren’t telling,” Grayson muttered under his breath with a forced grin, his eyes locked on my wife and Alec, “This is torturous for us too, you know.”

“Believe me,” I said through gritted teeth as I watched saw Alec’s flirtation grow for my wife with every step they took before my eyes, “There is nothing I want more than to stop this, but I trust my wife…there is no one I trust or love more.  Our reasons are not to be questioned, you are only to follow my orders.  Unless she needs us, our job is only to show everyone here there is no disapproval.”

All three reluctantly agreed, “Yes, Alpha.”

“Our Luna can handle herself,” I declared in admiration as Katelyn slyly managed to catch my gaze and I could see reassurance and adoration in her eyes, “But know this…I will not let this continue a minute longer than I have to.”

***********

Lilliana POV:

As our plan dictated, I kept an eye on Lafayette and Ambrosia from a far corner down the hallway until they had enough time to complete their “deed” while Marcus completed his mission.   

I had to give the two lust-birds credit, they managed to keep themselves quiet and inconspicuous in the dark hallway down from the drawing room.   When they committed their trysts in the barn on our property, Ambrosia moaned and screamed like a banshee, quite painful to one’s ears.  I couldn’t help but wonder what means Lafayette was having to utilize to muffle the girl. 

I was so caught up in my thoughts, I did not hear Gilderoy come up behind me.  “So,” he whispered against my ear, “It seems Katelyn is doing her job rather too well.  Alec is being quite flirtatious.  Vincent appears to be holding it together and covering well in front of the guests, but I can tell he is suffering internally.  If this does not end soon, I’m fear Vincent’s wolf is going to tear Alec apart!”

“That would not be the worst thing that could happen,” I slowly drawled out, holding my gaze upon the hallway, “It would actually solve many issues, including this current predicament.” 

“Play nice, my amore,” Gilderoy tenderly whispered in my ear, “You know as well as I, the last thing any of us needs right now is a war…or Alec’s vengeance.  It leaves a greater possibility of tragedy and despair.”

I nodded and agreed with him.  When it came to Alec, tragedy and despair were his trademark and legacy.  I held nothing but contempt for him.  He considered himself such a mighty King, much like his father, who I despised just as much for same reasons.

“Is it time for my amore to begin her performance yet?” Gilderoy lovingly inquired, handing me a glass of red wine, “I do love a good role play, especially when my wife is involved.  Although I am quite dismayed that I have to watch from afar instead of the front row seat that I relish in.”

I took the glass and placed it against my bottom lip, holding it there as I contemplated the timing of it all, “I am guessing it won’t be much longer, but currently, it is hard to tell.  It appears Lafayette has found a way to muzzle the little vixen.”

“Really?” Gilderoy asked in wonderment, “I’m curious as to how we can ascertain the secret to that success!”

Just then, I spied some movement that appeared to be a shirt being picked up off the ground and breathed out, “It’s time!”

Gilderoy kissed my neck just before I hurriedly made my way down the hallway towards Lafayette and Ambrosia.  As I reached my destination, I saw Ambrosia still in her full glory staring at Lafayette with hunger still in her eyes as he buttoned his shirt.   Lafayette had obviously smelled me coming as he snapped around just as I arrived in the hallway.

“Ambrosia!” I scolded in a harsh whisper, “What are you doing?  Are you so ignorant as to take such a blatant chance of being discovered?”  I turned my attention to Lafayette, who was glaring at me with livid eyes, “And as for you, you mongrel!  Surely you would have enough sense to stop her instead of entertaining your own sick fetishes in a hallway of all places!”

Lafayette charged towards me angrily, coming within inches of my face, his hands tightening into fists at his side but managing to keep his voice low, “Who are you calling mongrel, you blood wench?  Don’t forget, that husband of yours has wolf blood in him too!  I suggest you go back the way you came and pretend you never saw us!”

“I do not deny my husband’s heritage,” I spat back, “In fact, it was Gilderoy who smelled Ambrosia’s presence slapping together with your scent!  But you are tied not only to a powerful Alpha, but a King, no less, who despises any relations between species and could potentially kill us all!  It is one thing to come to my property to have your way with Ambrosia, but what do you suppose would have happened if Alec were here instead of me right now?”

I could tell I struck a nerve as Lafayette glanced back towards the ballroom.  I peered behind him at Ambrosia, who was staring at me wide-eyed with a petrified expression on her face.  Apparently, I had made quite the impression on her as well, as anticipated.  It was now time for the second part of my act. 

“Tell me, Lafayette,” I spitefully queried, “How are you planning on covering the smell of Ambrosia that you are covered in?”

It was obvious that had not crossed Lafayette’s mind yet as his glare returned to me.  “I—I will take care of it. It is none of your concern.”

I gave him a sly smile, “Oh, but it is my concern.  If you two are discovered, it will impact Gilderoy and I directly.  So please allow me to assist you.” 

Before he could respond, I took my glass of wine and threw it directly in Lafayette’s face.  The liquid dripping down onto his shirt as his glare turned into a stunned dropped jaw. 

“There, problem solved!” I satisfying stated, “Now you can go clean up in the bathroom across from the drawing room and tell Alec upon his return that a stupid drunk vampiress infiltrated your so-called protection of his sister and clumsily spilled her drink all over you.” 

“You will pay for that!” Lafayette growled under his breath.

“For helping you?” I bravely returned, “I don’t believe so, my dear Lafayette.  Think about it, what other excuse could you have possibly come up with?  Particularly as I can see that you had not thought that far ahead yet and who knows how much time you have to come up with an excuse.  Besides, I am the bearer of your secret!  Who knows who else may become aware of it should you continue to threaten me!”

I could see a glint of admiration in Lafayette’s eyes as he thought for a long moment before he reluctantly conceded, “I give you one thing…you are the smarter one in your relationship.  More courage too.”

“Enough with the compliments, I fear I may end up tolerating you more,” I sighed out, “Go get cleaned up while I clean up the rest of your ridiculous mess!”  Bringing my attention back to my maid, I beckoned, “Back to the car, Ambrosia!  Now!  You and I will deal with this later!”

Without a word, Ambrosia quickly grabbed her clothes and scurried down the opposite end of the hallway from whence she came, dressing herself as she disappeared from sight. 

As Lafayette briskly brushed by me, I called out to him, “Oh!  One more thing, Lafayette.”  As he turned back to me, I gave him a sweet smile, “As we both know how…voracious Ambrosia can be vocally in her satisfaction, whatever you managed to do to muffle her…please feel free to continue it as a tradition on your future visits to the barn.”

Chuckling under his breath, Lafayette replied, “In the end, it took my shirt, my belt, and both hands, but I will see what I can do.”

*********

Marcus POV:

“Well,” Lilliana whispered out with a satisfied grin, “How did I do?”

I had watched the events with Lilliana, Lafayette, and Ambrosia unfold from the hidden corridor in the hallway and waited until the two exited before coming out from behind the wall and making my way towards her with a wide smile, for a moment able to subdue my misery, “You, my dearest Lilliana, are brilliant!”  As I reached her, I enveloped her in a tight embrace, “I have a whole new appreciation for you and your bravery!”

“It was nothing!” Lilliana chuckled, leaning back to look at me, “Yet it was so incredibly satisfying!  I wish you could have seen Lafayette’s face!”

“I am just glad I didn’t have to come out of hiding to rescue you!” I mused, “It appears Lafayette has a new appreciation of you as well this evening!”

Lilliana pulled away from our embrace and took my hand, leading us back down towards the ballroom, “Perhaps, but for now, we must stop our little celebration and get back to the party.  I fear Vincent is the one in need of your rescue!”

As we entered the ballroom, Lilliana adoringly winked at an anxious Gilderoy before she and I quickly stepped onto the back of the dance floor as she exclaimed in front of everyone, “Now isn’t this better than the wine cellar?  Honestly, all the wine flowing throughout the ballroom and you had to disappear to find a chardonnay whilst my husband refuses to dance leaving me to search for you!”

I laughed softly as I took her in my arms and dipped her, “My apologies, my dear Lilliana.  I neglected my earlier promise to you for a spin around the floor!”  She giggled as I brought her back up into my arms and we began our dance. 

Leaning up towards my ear, she whispered, “So, were you successful in your quest?”

“Yes and no,” I quietly sighed out, “For now, let’s just enjoy the rest of the evening and our dance.”

*************

Alec’s POV:

The last thing I wanted was to release my hold on Katelyn.  The feel of her body beneath my fingers and our closeness to one another was ecstasy.  But, we had taken several turns around the dance floor and I was afraid if I didn’t let her go now, it could very well cause a scene I did not need that would destroy the work I had put in to build Vincent’s trust. 

I looked around to locate Vincent’s whereabouts, finding Marcus and Lilliana laughing and dancing together towards the back of the hall.  Such a disgusting sight!  I continued my scan to find Vincent smiling at us not far from our current position on the floor with several members of his pack around him.  Well, I thought to myself, at least they are doing their job watching over their Luna! 

I cordially nodded towards him before taking Katelyn’s hand and placing it on my arm as we walked towards her mate.  The pack members respectfully took a few steps back from their Alpha as we approached, but continued eyeing me wearily, not that I cared. 

Vincent appeared unfazed—warm and friendly as usual in fact—as I brought Katelyn to his side once more and we began our walk towards the drawing room.  It had come time for me to end my night, but I was leaving with fond memories and new plans with regards to Katelyn forming in my mind. 

As we came upon Lafayette standing outside of the door, my serendipity quickly faded as I took in the red stains on his shirt and slicked back wet hair with a stench of…vampire.  Anger filled my entire being as I bellowed out, “What happened?  Explain!”

His expression grim, Lafayette growled out, “Apparently, there is a party going on amongst some of the chauffeurs outside.  They filled a naïve blood wench full of wine then dared her to crash the gala.  I saw her trying to sneak in from the side and got to her before she could make it into the ballroom.  As I shoved her back outside, the i***t spilled wine all over me.”

“A vampire?” I roared, “Who did she belong to?”

Lafayette was obviously still irritated as he grumbled, “I have no idea.  I must have scared her to death though…saw her running into the forest.  I'm guessing she is employed by someone who doesn’t live too far away.”

“I am so sorry for your trials this evening, Lafayette!” Katelyn exclaimed in embarrassment, “Please know I am mortified, but incredibly grateful to you for not allowing the woman to enter our ballroom this evening, leaving us even more embarrassed than we are now!  I hope this failure in our security has not left a bad impression on you or our Moriah tonight!”

Lafayette shook his head as he courteously replied, “I do not hold you responsible, your Highness.  These things can happen, especially at parties where there are so many people coming in and out.  I made sure Little Miss was protected and unaware of any occurrences.  No harm was done, other than a stained shirt.”

If there were two things I could count on with Lafayette, it was loyalty and his ability to mask his true feelings in front of others.  I knew him, however, and there was no doubt in my mind he blamed Vincent and Katelyn for this incident.  Something I was sure I would hear about later this evening.   Part of me felt for Katelyn, however, as I noticed her expression fall into distress.  I did not like seeing any sadness in her beautiful features. 

Vincent put his arm around Katelyn to comfort her, leaving me wishing I had the feel of her body in my arms again, “Thank you, Lafayette.  I appreciate your understanding and forgiveness.  Believe me, I will investigate what occurred thoroughly before speaking with my pack about their security measures this evening.  Apparently, they need to work on being aware and keeping me apprised of the any mischievousness along the perimeters.”

Vincent seemed to please Katelyn with his apology, as a smile crossed her face once more. 

I let go of my previous anger, returning to a gentle manner as I attempted to ease Katelyn’s worries as well, “As Lafayette said, these things do happen!  Fortunately, no harm was bestowed upon Moriah or your beautiful celebration.  I trust in both your abilities and know any issues will be handled well in your hands.”

"Thank you, Alec," Katelyn kindly returned.

Lafayette opened the door to the drawing room where we found Moriah sitting on the sofa, deep in thought about something.  In fact, she appeared to not even hear us enter the room.

“Well!” Katelyn called out in contrite, causing Moriah to bring us back into her focus, “It appears we have abandoned sweet Moriah for too long!  I hope that you are not upset with us!”

Moriah’s contemplation dissipated quickly as she stood and smiled gently, “I do not feel abandoned.  I was simply thinking of all the special memories of this evening and how I could ever thank you for your hospitality towards me.”

Katelyn immediately walked over to embrace Moriah, who returned the hug with similar vigor, “You must return to us soon!  Promise me!”

Moriah’s eyes connected with mine as she held onto the embrace and hesitated with her reply.  It was obvious she was gauging my thoughts, so I quickly answered for her, “We will plan another visit soon, I promise.  A time where we won’t have such a large audience.”

“Wonderful!” Vincent happily chimed in, reaching out to shake my hand, “We look forward to it.”

As Moriah turned to walk over to Vincent, embracing him in a grateful hug, I made my way towards my desire, a sly grin crossing my face, “As do we.” I placed my arms around Katelyn, pulling her into my embrace, grinning from ear to ear before I placed my lips close to her ear, “More than you know.”