The night was fading into the early hours of the morning as the clock struck three am, when she felt a pain that roused her from her nightmare filled sleep on the black couch in the room. Her mind still drowned in the image of the blood that had flooded her dream, as her chest squeezed, her lungs heaved non-existent air as they burnt.
She stopped breathing when the pain ceased the entirety of her body, slithering speedily through her every vein. She could only groan in agony, although the way her mind was set was meant to handle pain for but a minute only for it to pass, she found that when it involved her essence, that wasn't the case. She literally felt the life within her burn when it was encased by a foreign power.
Perhaps it was the wispy tendrils' approach that felt foreign for when they finally wrapped around her essence, it felt familiar. It was a mere fraction of power that woke from its slumber within her, awakened by the mark she bared as it acknowledged that she was now mated.
Except the reason it hurt was because the mark was wrong, and because it wasn't Maximus', the power that slumbered had tried to force through it only to be resisted, hence only a portion of it could awaken and the rest was forced to retreat, for only that amount could come to thrum alive in her body.
It had been a different case for Maximus, he knew that his power had awakened, yet only a small fraction of it, the feeling had been instantaneous the minute the princess had marked him. It hadn't hurt with him because Clair's mark was submissive whereas Eurich's mark was dominant.
And simply because, Maximus had marked Clair only to be marked in return, that made his power recognise their bond as acceptable despite the it's incompatibility. Amoura on the other hand hadn't marked Eurich and that made her power see the mark as foreign hence it didn't entirely retreat like it would have, had she marked him in return, and her power would have remained unknown.
When the pain faded, Amoura had absolute clarity of everything, even though she only felt a portion of power, she could feel the life that thrummed within the slumbering prince, that had oddly not felt the pain of his new mate considering their bond.
She could tap into it to the point it felt tangible, like she held it within the palm of her hand. She could feel links to every werewolf within close proximity, from the pups that slumbered in their homes to the weres that frolicked in the night, with that realization, she came back to reality in embarrassment, she had felt it as they had, things she had never felt before.
She bit her lip and she found herself dazed in astonishment, she felt most alive, not entirely but more than she ever had before. That's when a thought struck her, could she dig out Maximus from the hundreds of threads that thrummed alive within her? Indeed, she could and couldn't help her low laughter when she noticed that the power could so easily do her bidding, for at the thought of her true mate, the thread came to the forefront of her mind and she could feel it in her palm. He was awake she knew and she wondered of the reasons why, as she unconsciously bent her pinkie finger, only to hear his laughter as if she were in the room with him, it buzzed through her that her body twitched.
Whilst in the other room, Maximus found himself feeling tickled behind his neck and couldn't help the laughter that came from his belly and through his lips, only to stop and sit up startled in his bed. He looked around in confusion wondering what was going on, only to have a voice whisper within his mind and he knew who it was, but wondered how she could do it. However, he chalked it up to the fact that she was now mated to a werewolf, but then ,even then... His thought trailed off as he spoke back
Little red| and he heard her gasp in shock, as if she hadn't expected him to respond.
Indeed, she was shocked, she had simply whispered his name wistfully so, only to hear him loud and clear in her mind
[You can hear me?] She asked in astonishment and she heard him chuckle
Yes, I can love, question is, how are you using a pack link right now, I'm starting to think you have me deceived, that you're some supernatural specie we're yet to discover, that can appear as completely human.| She couldn't help but giggle at the ridiculous notion, yet she thought the existence of the supernatural was probably a ridiculous notion to every ignorant human out there.
[Aww man, you have me caught, and here I thought I was an amazing actress, what gave it away, my ridiculous beauty or extraordinary existence?] Chuckling he said
Nah, I think it was your obsession over sour gummy bears combined with popcorn, it's too abnormal I hate that it took me so long to see it|
[A-ha! So I did have you fooled then. Knew it, I'm the best and well deserving of those Oscar thingies Jeremy always says he'll get someday.] His laughter was so free, yet he felt a sense of homesickness at the mention of Jeremy
Yes, little red, you deserve all the Oscars in existence. You've given a stellar performance.| Maximus may have been a floor away from Amoura, but he knew she was blushing then, and he somehow could feel it in her silence.
{Seriously, think you can get us out of here now that some of your supposed power had awakened, or get a room at least, cause all this lovey dove shot is nauseating} it was gruff that spoke in her mind, unaware that his voice carried through to Maximus as well, as if they were all in a conference call of sorts. Hence his shock when the Alpha questioned
Who the hell are you?|
'Ha! Would you look at that, cat's out of the bag now young lady,' it was then young lad that spoke out, clearly entertained if his tone of voice was anything to go by
[Oh my gosh,]
What cat?| Both mates spoke simultaneously
[It's a long story. Max, meet my invasive friends, gruff and young lad, I call them that since I don't know their names and neither can seem to remember them. Fellas, meet my Maximus.]
'Sup?' The young lad said and although Maximus was still confused for he was yet to see these so called friends, he replied
Uhh yea, HI |
Amoura couldn't stand the awkward and confusing atmosphere any longer, she said goodnight to an unsatisfied Maximus and she released his thread from her hold. That was when she felt something off, she could tell something was wrong yet she couldn't exactly pin point it. It grated at her nerves not knowing what it was as she honed in on it, and that's when the dream she had had the day before came flashing before her eyes. She understood then just where the power came from and understood then just why she felt something off.
Before she could contemplate the issue any further and work herself up over what the oracle had implied, being the oncoming death of everyone which included Maximus, and how there was no way of changing the tides, her body shut down from being overwhelmed by the power, for it was still adjusting. She woke up hours later that felt like she had been asleep for but a minute, she was shaken awake by the prince who didn't seem pleased with having to do it. She officially planned to request for her own room then.
"Breakfast is in thirty minutes and my father expects everyone to be there, that includes you now, so do make yourself presentable. You do look like you've just been in a cat fight" he informed and she ignored his intended insult and gave him a nod with an empty tight-lipped smile.
"Of course, and do you think that perhaps I could have my own bedchamber? cause this sharing issue truly isn't appealing. I probably look the way I do because I couldn't sleep a wink with all the snoring you do, talking about cat fights, one word, walrus, you sound like one in heat, truly disturbing" she couldn't help but retort with a shake of her head as if she were a disappointed parent. She hadn't planned to say a word until she saw the smug look that looked too much like his father's for her liking, hence her comeback. Jeremy was truly rubbing off on her, she thought to herself as she rethought her words.
Eurich left highly vexed as she shut the door behind him with certainty that he would get her her own bedchamber, to hell with what would be thought of him, he realised then that they would probably think her a terrible mate than him being without control over his woman. Satisfied with the thought. He put on the act that was frighteningly genuine as he walked into the library, the place he knew Maximus would be at as usual
before breakfast.
Amoura, unlike prissy princesses, she barely panicked at the notion of having but thirty minute to make herself presentable, for when the clock struck 8 am, she was walking out the doors before the prince could knock. She had been shocked to find an array of dresses in the closet, even though she shouldn't have been, they were precise with regards to her size. As she stood before both princes, Eurich and Maximus, she wore a
beautiful waterfall of blue that flooded to the floor, it had a sowed in corset and had dramatic sleeves she found she loved.
Maximus' own heart warmed at the image of her for he was certain of why she had chosen the colour. He still remembered clear as day, her confession about his eyes and one in particular, that would be her favourite colour for eternity. Though, he wondered if whether the action might have been unconscious, however, either way his reaction would have been the same.
"I guess no introductions are in order, considering that you two are well acquainted" the prince said, as he looked between the two of them with a sense of jealousy. Not because he yearned for either of them to feel the same way they felt toward one another, toward him, however he wished he had his true mate before him as well. He didn't care to contemplate how Maximus could have a human mate, perhaps if he had, he would have remembered being told as a child, of his mother, who had been human, perhaps he would have figured out that the father he loved so much was the one responsible for her death, that he would be responsible for his mate's death should he ever meet her.
After all she would turn out human too. Alas, he remained oblivious to the truth as he walked before the pair that trailed behind him. Amoura's own body had been conscious enough to hide her awakened power away before the prince could come awake, hence Maximus found nothing as he tried to find the power Gruff had spoken of earlier. He could feel no spec of it, and he retreated with disappointment, for he had planned to assess its origin only to make sure that Amoura was safe.
However, his spirit lifted when she popped up in his mind. Although her power remained hidden, it was still awake and worked like a charm when she simply asked it to connect her to Maximus. She did it all by instinct considering her lack of knowledge on how it worked.
[Don't look so crestfallen, you'll understand in time Maxy] this of course shocked him. She had felt his intrusion and because her soul recognised his, so did her power hence it let him go without consequence, for it would never be kind to strangers.
You never seize to amaze me title red.| He said with a chuckle, shaking his head only to look at his mate in something akin to amazement.
She only smiled at him before they entered the dining hall. She noticed that five figures already sat by the elongated rectangular table. The red headed woman, next to her sat the brunette and then came the blonde, before them were two men that had their back to her, and by the way they sat, she could figure out that they must be their mates. She thought Maximus would sit before Clair, and no one would sit before her as the prince sat before an empty chair she surmised to be the queen's.
However, Maximus being the rebel he was, held her chair open for her next to Clair and proceeded to sit before her instead. To which she tried to hold back a smile as she said
[You're just looking to start up trouble aren't you? ]
I know not of what you mean, little red.| His tone laced with innocence toward his actions that were quite in contrary
[Uh-huh.] Was her mere response before both the king and queen entered through the doors.
When everyone was seated and the head servant saw the king's signal for the food to be brought in, it was the queen that spoke first as she looked down the table.
"Have you grown blind or have you simply forgotten our ways Maximus, or is that mere disregard rather? "
"Neither, one is said to sit before their mates are they not, besides, would you have extended the same courtesy of concern toward Prince Eurich, your majesty?
"Unless you have somehow had some sort of brain malfunction, you would know to sit before Clair, not the human, and she would have fared just fine, after all it's not like she needs to be spoon fed" It was Cassandra that spoke up then only to add
"And be mindful of your tongue, you are to never question the queen" It was clear then that the red haired admired the queen with her defence
"This human has a name and it is Amoura" he started agitated as he motioned for Amoura, only to give the first princess a cold look as he continued" and although she doesn't need to be spoon fed, she does deserve respect and if your dear brother is incapable of showing it, I will" he thoroughly defended.
"I came here to have my breakfast and not to hear you squabbling over unimportant matters" the king's voice resonated throughout the room silencing both the Alpha and the first princess. "Now, there have been reports more than normal, of werewolves turning rogue, so Maximus since you've been the all-ever-happy-to-help Alpha when it comes to these matters, you'll head south to assist and Eurich, you will take the west, Hank the East and Simon you'll take care of the north. "
That proved enough to make everyone busy with their food as they contemplated the king's orders. A part of Amoura panicked at having Maximus leave her behind only to venture into unknown danger, and she could feel it then that something would go wrong, territory wrong.
[Don't go, please, you can't go] she pleaded
Don't sound so worried love, I can take care of myself you know.| Maximus replied, his tone much lighter than the situation. He couldn't show her just how frightened he was at the notion of leaving her here, all alone with the king, sure there would be others however, he doubted neither would come to his mate's aid should she need it, especiallyagainst the king. He could only hope that the fight that blazed within her would be enough for her to protect herself with, until his return. For he knew, no matter how much he wanted to take her along, the king wouldn't allow it.
However, as he thought it through, he realised the king now had nothing over them, that he could take her if he wished, but as he thought of the possible danger that he might come across, would it be better to leave her behind? For she would be within castle walls and he could make sure to hurry about his duties then come back straight after.
[I can tell you're just as worried Max, you can't hide that from me] she challenged
Only for your safety. I can't take you along, nor can I stay here and watched lives I know I could save, die.|
[Well I can take care of myself to, so you know] to which he chuckled
I know little red, I know. I'll be quick about it, I promise|
[And you'll come straight back she more so demanded] than questioned
You read my mind love|
[Hear my words Maximus, if something happens and you die, I'll resurrect you only to kill you myself, I mean that.] She threatened and as he gazed into her now crimson eyes he knew that her promise wasn't the empty kind and he gave a nod.
Sheesh, when did you become so terrifying?| He jested
[Do you really want to know?] And by the quirk of her eyebrow, he had a notion of just where she would take the conversation, not very much in the mood for it, he said
Ignorance is oh so blissful |
[Mhmm I'm sure it is] where her last words before he told her to eat up.
Breakfast turned out to be a quiet affair till the end and the men had to follow the king to his office for more details they would need before their departure. Amoura got up then with intent to head towards the dungeon only for three figures to stand before her.
"Uh, what's all this?" she questioned as she looked at the third princess flanked by her other two sisters.
"Listen here, Amoura was it?" Clair began "Maximus may seem to be catering to you and all, but do bear in mind that he is now mine, always has and always will be, and his kindness towards you is nothing but a gesture made out of nothing but pathetic pity, so don't go getting any ideas yeah?" it was more a command than a question when she finished and Amoura could only chuckle and asked
"And you needed your sisters to say all this, right, okay, gotcha, now if you'll excuse me" she side stepped the sister flock and headed for the doors before either could say anymore. She found that she truly wasn't interested nor had the time to be, for she needed answers and she was adamant to get them. As she walked through the corridors she felt someone trying to reach for her, the connection she felt with everything was still shocking to her. She caught the call like plucking a feather from the air and she found that it was Maximus, then again who else could she have expected it to be
Amoura? |
[Yes?]
Right, so weird this thing you can do. I mean I couldn't find your link and you knew I was searching for you. |
[Still weird to me too, now what do you need me for? ]
Everything,| Maximus said, his tone almost humorous
[I'm serious Max ]
Right, the situation is quite a serious one, so I have to leave immediately.|
[Where are you right now?] She questioned with a sense of urgency
In my room packing a few clothes|
That was all that was needed for her to change course and head for where she thought Maximus' room to be. With little doubt of being wrong, she pushed through the doors only to see Maximus with a woman before him, and from her view she could tell they were kissing, except right as she walked through, the woman was pushed away
"What the hell Clair?" the princess smirked as she faced Amoura who hid her hurt expression too well and Maximus noticing that Clair was looking straight at something, he turned around only to be met with an expressionless Amoura.
"Little red" he started only to stop when she raised her hand up
"Don't " her voice was cold, her eyes bled crimson as she directed her gaze to the smirking princess. She stalked toward her and claws inched out from her nails, something Maximus didn't miss prompting him to wrap an arm around her waist from behind her
"You don't want to do that Amoura" he warned
"Oh, but I do Maximus, or did you not tell her what I told you to tell her" she questioned having halted minute Maximus came in contact with her and her body exploded, feeling electrified
"Uh, it might have slipped my mind" he said attentively
"Mhmm, I guess I'll spare her just this once, but do hear me well princess, you may have yourself deluded that He is yours but I'll make it clear just this once, next time you touch him, I'll have you ripped to shreds you'll be a puzzle no one can ever come to solve. Now you may leave" she said at the seething princess that looked ready to shift.
"Clair, please" Maximus coaxed and it seemed to be enough for the woman left as told. Amoura detached herself from Maximus only to walk toward the open balcony doors.
"Little red" Maximus began
"Maximus" she said
"Look at me please" Amoura turned from where she stood and faced her mate, the pink lipstick on his cherry lips a glaring reminder of something she wished to forget.
"I didn't initiate the kiss, she caught me off guard and that's when you entered, I wasn't kissing her back, believe me" he explained
"I know. Are you done packing? " she questioned officially changing the subject, to which Maximus nodded with a sigh
"Yes, but I'm not leaving until you give me a smile"
"I don't think I have any right now" she admitted although she understood that he wasn't at fault, she felt hurt regardless, perhaps because she was yet to kiss him in this reality, and the notion that she wasn't going to be his first just as he would be hers, squeezed at her heart.
"Not even if I said I got you a gift?" he asked with a raised eyebrow and when he saw her eyes light up he knew he had her
"Depends on what it is" she said with a shrug, yet to give the man a smile. With a chuckle, Maximus walked toward the closet doors, and when he reemerged, there in his hands, in all its black fur and blue eyes, was a wolf stuffy that was a medium size, from her shoulders to her navel big. And then she beamed knowing just who it signified, Aurelius. She couldn't help but make grabby hands as Maximus took his time walking her way with a chuckle.
"See, I'm still convinced you love him more than me" he said finally handing the stuffed wolf to her.
"Don't be silly, me loving him more is me living you more" she confessed only to feel her face become inflamed only to be cooled by two big palms that cupped her cheeks
"No need to be shy about it, I love you just the same, if not more" he reassured. It was then that she used her hand to wipe away the pink residue of Clair's lipstick.
"Pink is not for you" she said when she was done only to gasp out "Maxy!" and giggle when Maximus snapped his teeth for her fingers and missed.
"I promise you'll ride him to your heart's content when I return" he promised
"I'll hold you to it" she said with a smile.
"I'll see you soon" he promised
"And I'll look to the moon" and so did she, as they always had done when they parted when she was little and watched him drive off to other packs with his father.
It was a promise, that until he returns, she'll look to the moon and know he's doing the same, that would be enough comfort till then. She watched from the balcony as cars rolled out of the castle's driveway with a heavy heart and the stuffy squished onto her chest for some sense of comfort. Letting out a sombre sigh, she climbed onto Maximus' bed and relished in his scent that wrapped around her like a warm blanket..