Christina didn't respond at first.
-I'm leaving! There are jobs in the New World. I'm going to start life over and away from all this. Hope kept the rest of her lucidity. If you must know... Cassie should do the same.
-Which is? Intend what? The revolution in the family? First you. Then Cassie. The pack leadership only brought problems with Phil. He and Adam...Blood ties were supposed to be more than the blood that ran through their veins. None of the three brothers had made any distinctions towards Philip after discovering that the wolf was adopted by the Morgan family. Only Phil hadn't agreed. The leadership of the wolves... He had attacked like a treacherous animal every woman in the family. Rick's orders were stern towards everyone's youngest brother's mate. Adam had taken Carol away from it all, especially since her exiled father had disappeared in Chabone.
Carol despaired after discovering the body of the old wolf abandoned on the dirt road and murdered.
Four brothers. Michael sighed. Phil's ambition was hell. Rick was terribly wrong not to challenge Phil. He looked at Cris, hoping Rick was lucky. The whole damn mess... Of course, the girl had fallen in love with the baby that came to the family after the mother had abandoned him. Cassie flaunted Saor with great satisfaction and jealousy. But the pregnancy... Knowing that Rick didn't want the child had brought on countless fights. The spell cast by the sorcerers... The gipsy people helped the family to break the ancient blood curse. And Rick didn't want to take chances with his wife, worried about his wife's safety. Phil was an opportunist to tease his sister-in-law like that. Knowing that she is in that state... Damn... The girl was in very good health until Philip's damn lies. Did he intend to kill his unborn nephew? She looked at Chris in bewilderment.
New world? Michael shook his head in bewilderment. The girl was a viscountess and she was going to give it all up for freedom. He angrily appraised her clothes again. With a smile on his face, he was going to tell her that the Golden Rooster where the captain was recruiting the servants to sign the contracts was on the other side of the dock, but he shut up.
-You know your highness. – he smiled. - Your clothes are not too modest for a hired servant. They are villages of puritanical women, closed and boring clothes. Her dress wasn't going to look good.
Christina looked away dazedly in disbelief at how easy it was for him to stir up her emotions. She was starting to hate that man.
-Please, Michael...
His eyes turned cold as granite as he ran his fingers tenderly over her face.
-I can even kill the person responsible for this if you wish. Just one reason... Phil crossed the line when...
-You are completely crazy. When James finds out I'm with the Morgans... God! Do you know what Valerius will do? James...
-To hell James. - Michael spat out the words. You are my wife! I'm ending this bullshit now!
Muttering, he carefully lifted her into his arms, his mouth tightening into a hard line as he watched her wince in pain. She had decided to keep her distance from her, believing that Christina had willingly decided to give up her marriage to him. The situation was not as he had imagined. Or told you.
Christina was stunned. She had never seen him so angry and she was scared. In the past, Michael was generally diplomatic and tolerant. That was not his usual behaviour.
-Mike... Oh...
- It's better to be quiet. He tried to avoid sudden movements. The girl sure had some broken ribs.
"Morgan...", she thought was strong as she mentally searched for her brother.
"I need… Ouch…" she was biting her lip as she gasped.
-Did you intend to embark in this state on a journey to the New World as a servant? - he wondered. - Madame's tavern is not far from here, although the Golden Rooster is on the other side of the docks. Let's wait for the damn rain to pass. Lili will take care of you and after a tisane of hot beer with lemon and honey you will feel better. I can bet you haven't eaten either. - he added, annoyed as he glimpsed the dark circles that surrounded his haggard face.
- I can't, I need to... What do you mean the Golden Rooster is on the other side? That old man said...
He sighed.
"You were lucky that I found you and not the pimp in a very dubious tavern. They were recruiting new girls.
-But... - She shuddered.
-It's better to keep quiet. You will not leave my side. And this is an order. You won't care about the mess I'm going to make if you don't obey me. I think it's good Cassie is okay and the kid. Or Philip will get in trouble with Rick. Even attempted murder between wolves...
Christina sighed with dismay.
-I can't go to the tavern with you. People will comment and... Can't you guys prove that Phil tried to kill Cassie? This is nonsense.
For the first time, Michael laughed uproariously.
-You little hypocrite. – he teased. "I still have some leverage and I intend to call in old favours. And not. Not enough evidence of the influence he enjoys.
-Favors? What kind of favours? - She wanted to know, intrigued. - That damn demented...
- Shall we fix this?
-I agree. Phil's a scum... Gonna keep that damn bastard away. Hearing this?
Mike arched an eyebrow. Carol didn't think much differently either. the brothers were in trouble. The women of the family had led the mutiny because of Phillip's lies and schemes.
-I need a priest and convince that same priest to marry you to me in front of witnesses. - He shook his head. - After you're dressed and fed in the tavern. For now, your highness, the wedding night will be postponed, but nothing like a little acting. Truly these stained linen traditions are providential.
Christina glared at him in outrage. Wouldn't he dare? No one would believe it after the rumours Valerius had spread around the court regarding her. Her head swivelled back and she closed her eyes wearily as she rested on his shoulder. She would worry later. Exhaustion won. She fell asleep instantly.
Michael took a deep breath as he walked to the centre of the square. Lili would be discreet to help the girl with her injuries and from Valerius' brutal reputation he could gauge the state Christina was in.
He wondered what kind of hell his life was turning into. He'd ruined that girl's reputation without considering the consequences of a secret romance four years ago.
A satisfied smile curved his mouth. The way she had responded to his kiss. She was still the same hot-blooded girl who knew how to take him to extremes. He was going to take it easy for her to recover, but he had no vocation for celibacy. It would certainly be interesting enough to share a room with Christina and watch her in private.