The Alpha's Mate--Cursed Heart

Only In Darkness, Can One See The Stars

Episode Nine:  Only In Darkness, Can One See The Stars

Marcus’ POV:

All that was left of the once bustling ball room was an empty shell with glasses, half eaten cake, and napkins scattered throughout.   The only souls left were myself, the happy couple, and our ever loving vampire twosome.  We were in the middle of the dance floor sitting together on random chairs, sipping on our wine in exhaustion.  Katelyn was snuggled against Vincent’s side, his arm wrapped around her holding her in tightly.  Lilliana was sitting in Gilderoy’s lap, her arm wrapped around his neck and her head leaning against his shoulder.  Even in my exhaustion, looking at them, I felt the twinge of jealously.

Gilderoy took a large sip of wine before breaking the tired silence, “Well, it appears our mission was a success, but I fear the end result is not what we had all hoped for.”

Vincent cautiously turned towards me, “Are you ready to talk about it yet?”

I got up from my seat, walked over to a nearby table and refilled my glass of wine as I sighed out, “She made it very clear…she will never love me.  Not the way I love her.  But…”

Lilliana and Katelyn both sat up, their expressions leaving their exhaustion behind as they excitedly exclaimed in unison, “But?”

I laughed before taking a long sip from my glass.  My pause did not please either beautiful lady as their excitement became more anxious. 

“Marcus,” Vincent laughingly pleaded, “If you don’t speak now, these two are make our lives hell!  Tell us!  Is there hope?”

I wearily returned to my seat and fell into it, “Honestly, I don't know.  Just as I gave up all hope on anything other than a distant forlorn friendship between us…in the end, the look in her eyes when she told me…”

My words trailed off as I went over my exit again in my mind.  Lilliana’s impatience quickly rose to the surface, “Marcus!”

I diverted my eyes to Vincent and Katelyn as I exhaled out, “Her favorite flower…it’s the Red Dragon Rose.”

“What?” Katelyn burst out, “How could that be?  Alec’s father destroyed all semblance of them in their kingdom!”

“Apparently, she saw a painting of them,” I shrugged, taking another sip of wine as my mind wandered back to the vision of Moriah’s complex expression with her admission.

“Red Dragon Rose aside,” Lilliana pushed once more, “what was this look you spoke of in her eyes?”

I closed my eyes, focusing harder on Moriah’s face, “After her declaration, I never anticipated that she would look at me with such…resounding hope.  Like she was…torn.”

Gilderoy’s own hope infiltrated its way in, “Torn as in, she could have feelings for you?”

“Maybe,” I groaned out, “Or maybe it’s just my own wishful thinking.”  My wolf let out a howl begging to run. 

Katelyn reached over to grab my hand, “It breaks my heart to see you like this.”

I squeezed her soft fingers as I stood up, “And it breaks mine that I allowed it to happen after I gave you my word.”

Vincent quickly intervened, “Your word was upheld, my brother.  Tonight was an opportunity that needed to be seized.  A few uncomfortable moments did not take away the joy of our celebration.”

Smiling back at him, I returned, “Thank you.  But I think it is time I took my leave.  I need to think for a while.  We will talk more tomorrow.”  Turning to Lilliana and Gilderoy, I continued my goodbyes, “And as for you two, I appreciate everything you have done as well.  Goodnight.”

As I moved towards the door, Gileroy called out to me, “Wait!  What about her wolf?”

Remembering my conversation with Moriah and my promise, I protectively growled out, “There is no wolf!”

“But, I—” Gilderoy began to argue, but I cut him off quickly as a loud roar echoed throughout the hall as I gave in to my wolf’s desire and angrily rushed out the door.

“I said there is NO WOLF!”

*********

Gilderoy’s POV:

As we watched Marcus run from the room, our eyes widened in shock.  None of us could speak for several minutes as tension staggered in the silent air. 

Vincent finally spoke, his eyes still on the door, his voice desolate, “I get the feeling our plan may have caused more harm to him than good.” Finally turning to face us, he continued, “I have a horrible feeling that all of this is going to end badly. And I’m definitely regretting my decision to form this alliance with Alec.”

“Are you regretting your alliance because of Marcus…or because of Katelyn?” Lilliana curiously asked.

“Both,” Vincent growled out, heavily dropping his head in his hands then heavily running his fingers through his hair.

“Vincent, my love,” Katelyn soothed, bringing her hand up to stop his fingers, replacing them with her own as she gently stroked his hair, “Please do not be upset.  I was able to handle Alec and his advances.  It was only to help Marcus, nothing else.”

“Perhaps we should take our leave as well,” Lilliana uncomfortably breathed out as the tension rose once more.  My wife had turned to look at me just as I fell into deep thought about Marcus’ last words, causing her to call out to me, “Gilderoy?”

“There is NO WOLF!”  The words, his tone…it all echoed in my mind as I muttered out, “There was a wolf.”

“What are you talking about?” Lilliana asked, her tone dumbfounded, “Marcus said—”

I interrupted her firmly, “There may not be a wolf now…but there was a wolf!”

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

Vincent POV:

After seeing Gilderoy and Lilliana out, Katelyn and I walked up to our bedroom.  As I pulled off my jacket, the events with Marcus and Gilderoy’s declaration regarding Moriah’s wolf continued to bother me.  While I enjoyed the happy moments of our evening, I couldn’t help but focus on those harrowing thoughts.  Katelyn came up from behind me, wrapping her arms around my chest, “Talk to me.”

I turned around and wrapped my arms around her, lovingly and protectively stating, “I loved every moment celebrating you and our love tonight, darling.”  Leaning down, I placed a soft kiss on her lips, “Let’s focus on that for tonight.  The rest can wait until tomorrow.”

Katelyn smiled up at me, her tone full of adoration, “I know what it did to you…seeing me with Alec tonight.  It pains me to know I caused you that kind of anger and hurt.”  Lifting her hand up, she brushed through the side of my hair, “Especially on our night.  I hope you know how much I love you.  You are my forever, my always.”

“I know that,” I exhaled, “Just as you are mine.”

“And I am just as worried about Marcus and this situation as you are,” Katelyn continued, “But we will figure this out and help him, together.”

“Together,” I repeated, dropping my head down to kiss her again, my passion for her releasing upon her lips as my hands ran along the curves of her waist and hips to grasp and lift her up into my arms as I growled out in overwhelming desire, “But right now, I just want you!”

Katelyn wrapped her arms around my neck as our kiss intensified, a low moan escaping from her throat as our tongues intertwined.  Unzipping her dress, I brought us towards our bed, taking my thumbs and gliding the straps off her shoulders as I laid her down, hovering over the top of her before dropping my head and diving onto her exposed perfectly rounded breasts.  My hands cupped around the beautiful mounds of flesh as my mouth kissed every inch, stopping only to suck on her hard n*****s as I continued my claim on my precious mate.   Not an inch was left untouched as Katelyn brought her arms up to grabbed handfuls of hair within her grasp, her moans causing my entire body to stiffen while my craving for her intensified to a passionate frenzy. 

In my aroused state, my anger towards Alec unexpectedly manifested itself again as I huskily growled out, “Mine!  Say you are MINE!” as I ran my teeth across my mark on her neckline before biting and sucking on it hard.

“YOURS!  I’m YOURS!,” Katelyn gasped out, throwing her head back hard, “Only yours, Vincent!  Always!  Just as you are MINE!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, I crashed my lips back onto hers as we both fought for breath, a battle that continued well into the morning as we basked in the rapture of our intertwined bodies, passion, and love.

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

Alec POV:

As soon as we arrived home, Moriah went upstairs to her room.  The evening had apparently exhausted her, but fulfilled her as well, as she thanked me numerous times on the ride back to our castle.  Lexi, thankfully, was sleeping so I would be able to enjoy a few moments of peace.  Her endless nagging would wait until morning.

I made my way out onto the balcony with Lafayette following closely behind.  I knew what he wanted to talk about but decided to simply look off into the distance at the night sky, my back towards him…

“Sire, you do realize the danger that getting involved with Vincent’s wife could cause to your plan,” Lafayette advised in a low tone.

“I know what I’m doing, Lafayette,” I confidently replied, “My plans never fail.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Lafayette dutifully stated, although his tone reflected hesitation.

“I’m rather surprised,” I chided, “I thought our conversation would be more about the little incident from this evening.  Although, I suppose no real harm was done.  But I would like to know who the blood wench was that infiltrated the party and why you were surprisingly so forgiving.”

“Like you said,” Lafayette grumbled, “no harm was done.  Besides, whoever the blood wench was, she was harmless and no one of consequence.  I would have thought you pleased at my forgiveness in response, especially because of Katelyn.  If it weren't for the fact she is your heart's desire, believe me, there would have been a much different result.”

I smiled as I turned around and patted him on the shoulder, “Of course, I am grateful for your response to Katelyn.  And I suppose you are right, it was no one of any consequence.  I can always count on you, can’t I, Lafayette?”

“Always,” Lafayette confirmed, “But I would again advise caution, Alpha.  I know you…and what you are thinking right now.  If you continue to take Moriah out of the castle to utilize her in your quest, Luna will be a problem.”

“I’ll take care of Lexi,” I smiled knowingly, “You just take care of your responsibilities in covering our tracks.  I want her, Lafayette, more than I have ever desired another.”

“Then we will make it so, Alpha,” Lafayette said with certainty, “If it is alright, I would like to take my leave now.”

“Of course, goodnight Lafayette,” I replied, bringing my hand up and dismissing him.  As he left, I stared out onto the kingdom below me, my thoughts bringing me back to Katelyn in my arms and the sound of music playing ringing through my memories.  A smug smile crossed my face as I was determined in my quest for more…

***********

Marcus POV:

My wolf was grateful as we ran ferociously throughout the vast forestry of my kingdom.  The wind whipping around us as dirt and mud flung high in the air all around from the pounding of large paws hitting hard against the surface below.  We both needed this…we needed to clear our head in the crisp night air.  Even if her vision continued to possess our mind and thoughts…

Inevitably, I ended up at my hidden oasis, a small cottage deep in the woods, hidden away from everything and everyone.  Very few people were allowed the knowledge of its whereabouts.  While my castle was full of comforts, my most comfortable surroundings were here.  As long I was left alone…which I found was not going to happen as I had hoped when a familiar scent hit my nostrils.

“Rough night, Sire?” the voice called out in its usual sarcastic tone, tossing a pair of shorts through the darkness onto my paws.

“Saros,” I breathlessly returned after shifting and pulling on the clothing, “What are you doing here?”

Walking out under the moonlit pathway, my Beta, Saros, had his arms crossed and gruffly stated, “We saw you running viciously through the forest.  Since you obviously left your car at Vincent’s, we guessed the party was not as pleasant and happy as it should have been.  Helps if you keep your mind link open, Alpha.”

“It wasn’t necessary, I’m fine,” I dismissed, “And who might we be?”

“You already know that answer,” Saros impatiently sighed, “Seraphina is waiting for you at the castle.  We decided I should be the one to inquire first about your evening.”

I laughed as I walked past him towards the cottage, “I know better than that, my brother.  You decided to inquire leaving Seraphina no choice.”

“Maybe,” Saros argued as he turned to follow.  While Saros and I were the same height, his muscular stature was much larger and defined than even my own.  Anyone who came across him was intimidated, which is exactly the way he likes it.  And while I was his Alpha, we treated each other more like brothers.  Brothers who loved to push one another’s buttons.  “Regardless, what—or who—has you in such dire straits?”

I opened the door and walked into the small parlor, falling into the plush red couch and throwing my arm across my eyes, “I already told you, I’m fine.  But I am exhausted, so please go back to the castle and let Seraphina know I will speak with her in the morning.”

His grim tone made it obvious that Saros was not happy with my dismissal, “You are not fine!  I am not blind, Sire, I can see it!  What are you withholding from me?  I can’t do my job as your Protector if—”

My emotions got the better of me as my internal hell rose quickly from within me in a loud furious growl causing me to jump back up to my feet, “ENOUGH!  Not even you can protect me from this Saros!  It is my burden!  My CURSE!  I am your Alpha, do as I say! NOW!”

Saros’ jaw locked as his own fury consumed him, but he also knew that he had to keep his senses and obey my command as he reluctantly conceded, “Yes, Alpha.”

I felt instant regret at my actions, calling out to my Beta sorrowfully, “Saros…I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have spoken to you that way.  Please know that I appreciate your concern and protection.  But you are right, I am quite out of sorts this evening.”

Turning around, Saros stared at me for a moment.  I could tell he wanted to press me more, but decided against it, instead choosing to simply say before making his leave, “Get some rest.”

Running my hand through my hair, I let out a long sigh before turning towards the rounded wooden doors leading out to my garden.  I walked up and grasped the handles in my hand.  This was my favorite place in the whole world.  A place where I could retain or regain my calm, whatever the case may be.  My peace, a place to catch my breath from the responsibilities and battles around me, a place that held my sanity…until this very moment.

I reluctantly turned the handles and threw the doors open, my breath falling still in my lungs as I took two steps out, my eyes looking up at the crescent moon in the sky, surrounded by bright twinkling stars.  After a few moments, I brought my gaze back down to take in my well manicured garden.  The trapped air finally exhaled from its captivity in my body as I slowly walked ahead to pluck a Red Dragon Rose from one of the large bushes at the front of the pathway.   I rolled it slowly between my fingertips as the memory of Moriah’s eyes filled with hope flourished in my mind.  There was something in that look that gnawed at me, especially after her declaration of refusal of me.  I couldn’t help but feel optimistic in them.    And then, to find out that the Red Dragon Rose was her favorite flower...a flower that held such meaning for my father and myself...there had to be something in that, didn't there?  

Exhausted, but knowing I would not sleep, I walked further up to my workshop and gently laid the flower on a stool.   Upon the table was a new leather bound sketch book, which I grabbed as well as one of my black charcoal pencils before settling down in the corner, staring at the flower before opening the book up to the first page.  My fingers worked ferociously on the parchment as my outline formed quickly into a rough portrait.  Instead of memories in my mind, I was now looking directly at Moriah’s hopeful gaze from our last moment.  Running my fingers across her cheek, I went over every detail of the evening for the millionth time in my head and in the end, I was still torn.  But looking at her face on the paper, I made my decision…Moriah was my mate...that beautiful young woman had instantly consumed my every thought and desire and brought out feelings I never thought could exist in my life...I wasn’t ready to give up…at least not just yet. 

Reaching around, I started pulling planks of walnut down from the shelves, staring at them until the vision of my project was complete in my mind.  Roughly sanding the wood surfaces, I knew I was pursuing a desperate attempt to continue my quest for Moriah’s heart, a useless attempt even, considering she is Alec’s sister.  But I didn’t care.  Moriah was worth every effort and I was going to do exhaust every avenue to get my mate.  I just had to make sure no one got hurt—or worse—in the process.  If I didn’t try, I was going to go insane…but if I were truthful, my love for her was so powerful, I was probably already there…