Magnus
I didn't have much to do in the afternoon, so I escaped to one of the rooms in the castle, which I'd converted into a little study. It wasn't a study in the complete sense of the word because there were more weapons than books. However, the few books there hold special meaning to me. Most of them belonged to my mother, while others were gifts.
I went in and picked one that had worn-out covers and a rigid spine. The pages were yellowish and stained by years of handling. The book talked about the mate bond. It was written by a wise wolf who lived many decades ago, and she went into detail to describe how the bond felt for both males and females.
Each time I read the book, I tried to let myself be convinced that the mate bond was a special thing that designated someone special out there just for me, and that person would have all I lacked and perfect all my flaws.
The book describes mates as a lock and key which can't exist without each other. However, each time I read, I felt different. Why weren't we allowed to make our own choices? The beauty of life is in making choices, having free will, and taking responsibility if the choices turn out wrong.
I didn't see any perfection in the mate bond. All I saw was an imposition and a limitation on free will. I did question the goddess in my heart. But what could I do now? She had already fated me to Astrid without caring to ask about my opinion.
I was free to reject her—and I had done so—but the bond would still be there. The only reason I brought her with me was that as soon as a wolf discovered his mate, if he distanced himself too far, it would cause them both emotional and psychological pain. Also, she'd been so sad, and when I saw the way she was treated by her family—especially that bruise on her cheek—I couldn't bear to leave her behind.
And she was beautiful too. I shook my head when the thought crossed my mind.
I sat there, reading, till I heard a knock outside the door. It was urgent, so I quickly went to check. A guard was outside, and he quickly bowed and said, "Alpha Magnus, it's the Luna."
I frowned, wondering what had happened. "What about Astrid?" I tactfully avoided using the title 'Luna' for her. I didn't think I ever would.
"She was seen climbing over the lower walls near the gate. She's not in the castle anymore."
"What?" I said, glaring at the guard. "You saw her but didn't stop her? How useless can you be?"
The guard shifted uneasily and said, "I didn't see her. A maid reported to me, so I sent others after her and came to tell you immediately."
I stared at the guard, resisting the urge to punch him. What if something happened to Astrid out there? She was new to the city and didn't know her way around! Then again, I was also pissed at her. Why would she even think of leaving the castle without permission or escort?
As those thoughts raced through my mind, a small voice whispered, 'What do you care if something happens to her?'
I sighed and turned to the guard. "Call your men back. I'll track her myself."
He bowed and said, "I'm sorry, Alpha Magnus. If anything happens, I'll personally—"
"Get out!" I yelled, and he dashed out without thinking twice. When he left, I changed into an inconspicuous robe and a hood. I had those kinds of clothing in case I wanted to go around town in disguise without anyone knowing me as the Alpha.
I covertly left the castle and used Astrid's scent to track her. It was easier for me because of the mate bond. I found her at the marketplace, and she wasn't in danger; that was a relief. I followed her around, observing how she interacted with people and smiling widely.
I particularly loved how she interacted with a nice-looking older man who gave her a barbecue stick, and she smiled and took it. When I took Astrid, all I sensed in her was fear and reservation, but she seemed a little free here, though she still kept her guard up and occasionally glanced over her shoulders.
She helped lift a load for a woman at the market, then helped another boy set up his stand. She did all those with a big smile on her face, and the way she did it adroitly made her look less than a daughter of an Alpha King and more like a slave.
Still, I couldn't help but smile as I watched her interaction with people. The bright smile she had on was infecting me in ways I could only dream of. She was lovely, and watching her smile made my day. I thought it was the most beautiful thing. Or was it the mate bond's doing?
She moved, and I followed her again to a…bar. I was surprised that she would go to a bar. I followed her in because I knew how messy these local bars could be. Did she not realize that she could be in danger?
When I followed her in, I found Astrid had taken a seat where no one else was and sat with her head lowered. She ordered a glass of liquor, though she hadn't drunk it since it was delivered. I found a place at the corner and sat, watching her.
Shortly after, the bartender started telling the others about the Luna. The more they talked, the more my anger burned. They said some demeaning and abusive things about Astrid, and I could see she was sobbing. When they called her an enslaved person, she couldn't take it anymore and stood to leave, but I intercepted her.
When she saw me, she gasped and wiped her tears. "Magnus…"
Everyone in the bar gasped and turned in our direction. There was an eerie silence, and someone dropped their drink in shock. I didn't pay them any attention, though.
"Come with me!" I said and dragged her out. I put her in a waiting cart and told the cart man, "Take her to the castle and make sure she doesn't go anywhere else."
Astrid was terrified. "Magnus, what are you going to do? I'm sorry!"
I paused for a while before saying, "Are you sorry?"
"It won't happen again, I swear!" she said. I could sense her fear and the pounding of her heart. I wanted to turn and assure her that I wasn't angry at her but my pack people, but the rage bubbling inside me wouldn't let me. I knew I'd sound harsh and scary even if I tried to speak. It was best that I didn't say anything altogether. I gave the driver an approval, and he drove the cart away.
Then, I turned back to the bar. It was time I taught those brutes some tough lessons they would always remember.