Chapter 14: Chapter 13

It was after lunch when Chris was lying sprawled over the bed, her words whirring around his head. She’d accept him as a forced mate, no qualms, no questions. She’d do it. From his conversation with her it seemed to be a more common thing outside of Royal packlands. But was it the right thing?

Right thing or not, he couldn’t accept his true mate.

He scrubbed a hand down his face. Regardless he should still finish the pack tour. Should he take her with him; a courtship period? That was common, many spent at least a few weeks getting to know each other before sealing the bond.

He felt he was tearing himself in two.

“My Prince, His Royal Highness is on the phone in the Alpha office.”

“Which one?” He knew who it was, he was just feeling obstinate.

“King Marcus, my Prince.”

“Really? My brother has graced me with a phone call after three weeks? Sure he’s not too busy?”

“Do you wish for me to notify him to call back at a more convenient time?” Callum asked professionally through the door.

“No, no, I’m coming,” he sighed.

Forcing himself from the bed he made his way to the Alpha office which was empty of the Alpha, the phone on the desk was off the hook. He plonked down on the leather chair and picked it up, “What up, big bro?”

“Hello to you too. How’s it going?” Marc replied brightly.

“Fine.”

“Enjoying life outside of the palace?”

“It’s alright, parties are pretty good.”

“I know I said for you to have fun… but sneak-”

“That’s all you’ve rung about isn’t it?” Chris snapped.

“Sneaking away from your guards wasn’t the deal.”

“It was one time.”

“I’ve already notified them that they are to keep a closer eye on you. It’s about your safety, Chris. I don’t want something happening.”

“Nothing’s going to happen!”

“And being chained to the bed is nothing is it?”

Chris stopped, he didn’t think they’d have told Marc. “They had no right telling you,” Chris muttered in shame.

“There is a level of discretion, however, if you are putting yourself in danger I have a right to be told.”

“I’m not in danger,” Chris partly protested, partly reassured.

“I’m sending more guards. Including Trey.”

“I’m not a pup!” he exploded.

“No, you are a Prince. My brother. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. That includes Trey leaving his family to babysit you.”

“He doesn’t need to come!” Chris argued.

“He’s already on route.”

“Then fuck this tour. I’m done with it!”

“You wish to only complete half a tour?” Marc asked mildly, “Insult the packs you have not visited? They are expecting a royal visit.”

“Never wanted to do this in the first place!” he moaned like every teenager across the country and beyond.

“Chris, I didn’t force this upon you. You chose to go. I would prefer you to complete the tour now you have started. You will be home in just over three weeks.”

Chris thumped his elbows against the desk, balancing the phone between his ear and shoulder. “I don’t want to come home,” he mumbled.

“Then complete the tour, preferably with some dignity.”

“Have all my dignity.”

“Not from the rumours beginning to reach my ears. I said fun… which doesn’t stand for fuck the nation.”

Chris went red despite his brother being unable to see him.

“Don’t want to sound like father… but sex is a special thing between-”

“I know. My mate won’t give a shit though. They won’t want me regardless, might as well have fun before I live a life of being alone.”

“And you know this, how?”

“Just do.”

“Chris, your mate will want you. The mate bond is a sacred honour bestowed on us by The Goddess, your mate is designed for you. Your mate is designed to build you up and support you through anything. It’s a gift to be cherished.”

“What if The Goddess is wrong?” Chris snapped.

“She is never wrong. Even if we don’t agree with the choice, it is the best for us, look at Adelaide.”

He dug a knuckle into his temple. The wish to disclose the truth so close to the surface, Marc would understand… maybe.

“What if other people won’t accept my mate?” he asked softly.

“Something you want to tell me?”

“No, no just… what if?”

“Everyone accepted Klara and she was the enemy. Whoever she is, we’ll accept her,” Marc reassured.

That was the problem… he wasn’t a her.

Chris sighed.

“It’s all going to be fine, once you find your mate you’ll see. It’ll all make sense.”

But it didn’t make sense… nothing made sense.

“Alright. Sorry I snuck out.”

“I’m not dad. I just care you’re safe. That’s all.”

“Still love me, right?” That slither of wanted acceptance always there, even if he would never admit it.

“Course, lil’ bro. Always.”

Chris let out a long sigh as he placed the phone back in the cradle. He couldn’t blame Marc, he could be angry… but not blame him. He just now wished Trey wasn’t coming, it was selfish to have him there… away from his family.

He hated the idea of more guards though. Would he be able to get away with anything?

No… that was going to be the answer.

No more drinking or fun parties. Or sex…

He quite liked sex.

He pushed himself back to his feet, finding Matilda and Callum waiting outside the door. He didn’t say a word as he worked his way towards the kitchen, finding the Alpha and Luna talking quietly to each other. “The Royal Gamma will be arriving soon. I’m sorry to spring this on you, but do you have a spare room?”

The pair jumped apart and the Luna smiled warmly towards Chris, “Of course, Your Highness. I’ll just go ready it. Is anyone else joining?”

“More guards… The King didn’t say how many.” He could feel the two guards eyes on the back of his head burning him.

“I’ll go make the arrangements.” The Luna walked past them leaving Chris with the Alpha.

“I do apologise,” he reiterated to the Alpha.

“No need. My brother is in the living room, maybe you should go sit with him until the Royal Gamma arrives.”

Chris nodded in acceptance, stepping away feeling like the exchange with the Alpha had been awkward.

What had they been talking about before he came in?

Walking into the living room he saw George and a brunette sat on the fabric sofas. He wasn’t sure if he knew her. “Chris, you met Angie last night?” George answered his silent question before gesturing to the other sofa for Chris to take a seat.

“Oh, Chris remembers me. I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye this morning,” she spoke confidently.

Chris’ golden eyes narrowed. “This morning?” he growled, glancing to the doorway where he knew the guards were just out of sight.

“Well.. early morning, you fell asleep and… what’s wrong?”

Chris had begun to shake in both anger and the coiling feeling of shame. “George, you may leave.”

“I… are you sure?”

“Yes,” he hissed.

George looked between Angie and Chris nervously before taking his leave, clearly not wishing to disobey his prince.

Chris gritted his teeth, feeling anger rolling off him with no way to control it. The fear from the morning was surfacing, reminding him of how he felt, reminding him of being locked up, alone and terrified.

And this female had caused those memories.

He stalked over to her, while he wasn’t usually one for confrontation, he wasn’t entirely thinking straight. “You are aware leaving a royal incapacitated is an act of treason?” he growled, looming over her.

Her chocolate eyes went wide, “I-you said it was fine! Y-you could get out!”

“I was inebriated and my guards were unaware of what you had done. Were you hiding? Were you planning on coming back with ill-intent?”

“Wha- No! We were having a laugh!” Tears shone in her eyes.

He leant over, his lips next to her ear, “Does it look like I’m laughing to you?”

“I’m sorry if I offended, My Prince. That was never my intention. I promise you.” She extended her neck, showing her jugular in submission. “I’m so sorry, My Prince. I-I’m so sorry,” she whimpered.

He straightened, eyeing her fearful expression. It had never been him to elicit fear before.

His anger deflated, making someone feel that bad had never been his intention. “Very well, don’t do it again.” He turned on his heel feeling a little sick.

He’d admit he was a mess.

“My Prince,” Matilda spoke softly as he passed them.

“No.”

It was obvious she wanted to say more, “Very well,” was all she spoke.

He went back up to his room and flopped on the bed in a foul mood.

He just couldn’t unjumble everything in his head. His wolf wanted the stupid mate bond, his skin side wanted to run.

His family was right. He was screwed up.