The Contrary Mate

51 Aura

Jack and Ash were taking too long to return, so I flew out to the garden to make sure that they hadn't started fighting. I knew Jack was quite controlled, but I also knew that Ash could test anyone's patience. He was so stubborn and obnoxious I really wouldn't blame my mate for breaking his nose if it came to that. When I got out there, I overheard the end of the conversation and I loved the certainty in Jack's voice.

I decided to reveal myself. "Well, I'm glad you're not fighting."

Ash turned his attention to me. "Aura, you need to think about what you're giving up," he said. Apparently he'd decided that Jack was a lost cause and now he was going to bother me.

"I already have, Ash.  And I told you all this before. I swear you're as bad as Rex."

"That's because we both care about you. You're throwing your life away for this—"

"Don't even finish that statement! Jack's a good man, and I love him, and that's all that matters."

"What about everything you've worked for over the years? Everything we've worked for?"

I scowled at him. "This isn't about you."

"You're actions don't only affect you, Aura. How about our parents? Do you know how many times I've heard you referred to as a werewolf's plaything in the last few days?"

The idea of someone calling me that both hurt and pissed me off, but I ignored it. Jack looked pissed off, too, so I walked up beside him and put my hand on his. "Obviously that's untrue, and it's a terrible insult considering we're mated and will be married as well after tomorrow. Just point out that they're being ridiculous."

I watched my brother in the dim light. It made him look pale.

"What is, really?" I asked on a hunch.

"It's nothing, Aura. But I beg you to reconsider."

Jack stiffened, his body tense and defensive.

I tried to soothe him through our link. "He's acting off. Let me try to reason with him, my love."

I wasn't sure if it was my plea or my endearment that calmed his wolf, but it worked.

"You have to tell me why, if you want me to listen to you, Ash. Just begging me isn't going to do it." Not like anything he could say would sway me, but I would hear him out.

"Damn it, Aura. We're so few in number, and we fae need to stick together. You're safer here."

"I'm pretty safe with Jack guarding me, too. And he's got wards as well, so there's no reason I shouldn't be just as safe out there."

Ash met my eyes. We'd inherited similar enough appearances that we had occasionally been mistaken as twins, but we seemed further and further apart with every word that we spoke lately. "I'm afraid you're going to get hurt."

"And why would I get hurt?" I pressed.

My brother looked at me, his eyes begging and I could see fear in them. He seriously was afraid for me, and that made his annoying, overbearing behaviour slightly less aggravating. I spoke, "I know the world looks frightening out there, but it's not as scary once you risk stepping foot out of fae lands, I promise."

"It's not... Just, please, reconsider." Eyes, so much like my own, pleaded with me. But I was immune, because a darker pair of eyes held my first loyalty now.

"I love Jack, and a bit of danger isn't going to change that."

Ash sagged in defeat.

"I need to get my sleep. You're still welcome at our ceremony if you want to wish us well," I said to my brother, extending an olive branch he probably didn't deserve.

"I..."

"Goodnight, Ash."

Jack followed me towards the house. I walked him through, and kissed him at the door and bid him farewell. I would see him again the next day, when he'd become mine in a way the fae would be forced to recognize.

—————

I was excited when I met Jack in the clearing far behind my parent's backyard the next day. We were keeping the ceremony small, just my family and those close to us, the officiant Leiland, and the two of us. A small crowd, but at least none of my detractors were there. I had invited Rex, too, out of respect for the fact that he had been my childhood friend, but it seemed that he had declined to come. I was glad. He wasn't the only one who didn't attend. My grandma on my mother's side had made flimsy excuses, and a whole branch of my cousins were apparently too good to be seen with me now that I was with a werewolf. But I didn't care about any of them.

My brother had come. He was skulking around the back looking depressed, but he was present, and that was what mattered. He was my brother no matter what and I'd hate to lose him entirely.

I wished we could have invited Jack's family, too, but we had decided that it wasn't worth angering the elders or the senate by having werewolves all over the place. They'd be there when I joined his pack, and his parents were gracious and understanding when Jack had explained it to them. His mother had been nowhere as bad as he had implied, as far as I could see she would be the sweetest of mother-in-laws.

I looked nice in my dress. It was flowing knee length white and light green layers, and Jack's reaction to my appearance when I emerged confirmed my assessment. He looked like he wanted to grab me and carry me off to have his way with me, and that made me feel incredibly desirable. I suddenly couldn't wait for the whole thing to be over with, but it was going to be a long day of celebrations at his pack once we were done here.

Jack, of course, looked wonderful. He was clean shaven and his hair was neat. He was wearing a suit—or tuxedo? I didn't know the ins and outs of human clothing—rather than traditional fae garb. He probably could have pulled that off if he had tried, but I liked seeing him as he was. It might have been the bond, or it might just be him, but I could find no complaints.

I flew across the clearing, my heart pounding in pure excitement, and everyone faded away except the man who was waiting for me.