The Viking Alpha

Caring for her

James POV)

'Now, care to explain what the hell happened while I was gone?' He asked his brother while going through the report of upcoming events and meetings.
His brother fidgeted. 'I did what you asked. I let our people know about you finding your mate. When I also let them know she was human, things got...chaotic. Everyone was commenting left and right. Some of them were skeptical. Some were overjoyed. Then there was a fight between the two them.' Johnathan paused then continued. 'Some were questioning your leadership. Also wondering out loud what kind of heir could be sired between you and her. Then the council got wind of it and now want to meet her. Those that questioned you and made remarks of dividing the pack are now locked up. I thought that was best so you could see for yourself. If there is talk of dividing then there could be talk of a rebellion against us. So I wanted to squash it now and let you make the final call.'
James listened, brooding. His people would turn against him? He wouldn't have thought so a few days ago but now considering he has a human fated mate, anything could happen.
'Very good, Johnathan. You did well.'
James sent a telepathic link to one of his warriors to send a maid with some clothes to his office. He had to get changed. He wanted a relaxed atmosphere when Cassandra woke up. They could have dinner in the main hall. It's where all the pack members ate together. They could see his mate for themselves.
'What are you going to do about the council?' His brother asked, breaking his mental plans.
The council was made up of other alphas of wolf clans, king and queen of the fairies, coven leaders of witches from all around the fae world. He knew some wouldn't approve of a human in their lands. But Cassandra would go down as one of very few in history but certainly not the first one to be granted access. James would see to it. No one was going to take her from him.
James shrugged. 'Just like our people, they will learn to accept her or very least tolerate her.'
A knock sounded at the door. The maid came in with fresh clothes and placed them on the couch. With a nod she left.
He went into the small bathroom to change. Johnathan noticed the blood stain on his jacket sleeve.
'What happened?'
'She cut me with silver before I incapacitated her.'
Jonathan laughed so hard he was wheezing. 'I think I'm going to like her. She's got spunk.'
James shot his brother a warming look before growling.
His brother held up his arms in surrender.
'Chill. I know this one is off limits.'
After finishing getting changed he sat back down and started to schedule meetings, future projects, and the annual hunt that his people participated in every year. They would all gather in the morning to hunt. They would then have the animals prepared and cooked for the feast. The winner who caught the biggest game or the most animals would win a seat at the king's table for the feast.
James smiled. Now it would be his and Cassandra's table.
'Your highness. The queen is awake.' The maid that was assigned specifically for Cassandra, voice announced through his mind. 'I hope you don't mind but I stepped out of the room for a few moments so her highness could have a few moments of privacy.'
He stood. 'Go back to her and keep an eye on her until I get there.' He ordered.
'Yes, sir.'
'I have to go. She's awake.' He took one of the pills out of the bottle the doctor gave him earlier.
Johnathan smiled. 'Good luck. Hopefully there are no pointy sharp objects in the room.'
'Fuck off.'
His brother laughed as James left the room. He was fast getting there. When he stepped into the room he saw her sitting on the edge of the bed before she suddenly stood. Anger radiating off of her in waves. 'No. I don't want anything to eat. I need a phone to call for help. I want to go home.'
He smiled at her defiance. Her spirit. Here she was frightened and in a new place but she was still ready to fight.
'But you are home, my love.'
He saw her freeze. He heard her heart speed up. She gripped the cup she was still holding. Her eyes were wide as she turned her attention slowly to him.
'Your majesties.' The maid bowed. He watched as Cassandra set the cup down on the side table.
'No please don't go. Please don't leave me alone with him.' She was begging her and gripping her sleeve.
He saw the horror but sympathy for Cassandra in her eyes as she looked at him then back at Cassandra.
'You may leave.' He dismissed her with a nod. He closed the door after her then turned back to his Cassandra.
She slowly backed up. He wanted to comfort her. Show her there was nothing to fear. She looked tired and vulnerable. His eyes traveled from her face all the way down her body. She was wearing no bra and scantily clad in a skimpy tank top and tiny black shorts. Her legs were long and shapely. His mate was one sexy package. And all his. His wolf banged around inside his head. Ready to have her.
'How are you feeling?'
She just stood frozen. He remembered the pills. Opening his hand he held it out to her.
'Here. Take this. You'll feel better.' She looked at it then back up to his face. He watched as she took the pill and put it on her tongue. The small simple act was erotic even if she wasn't trying. He handed her the tea cup. She went to drink then to his astonishment she threw the hot liquid In his face. He let out a snarl while his wolf whimpered in shock. By the time he roughly wiped his face she was gone. He quickly sent out a link to his pack.
'Your queen has fled. Find her and hold her there.'
All agreed in unison.
He saw images of her running past a couple of guards. They started to chase.
'Sir, she's too fast. We need to shift.'
'Do it, then.' He snarled while running outside. He was already shifting and running on all fours. His wolf was taking charge. Enjoying the hunt. He met up with his warriors in the woods. They were close to her. He heard an ear shattering scream in the distance. Her scream. She was in pain. He broke through the trees. He saw his mate. Being held in a vampire's arms. He was ripping into the side of her neck. James could smell her blood. His vision went red. His wolf took full charge and hurled into him. His jaws ripped into his icy flesh. He heard him scream in agony. It sounded fantastic to his ears. He ripped his head off and watched it fly off in the trees. The sound of his mate whimpering made him focus. Turning, he saw her standing there. Holding her neck as blood ran down her neck.
'J-James?'
'Leave.' He ordered his warriors. Stalking toward her he shifted.
He took her chin in his hand and inspected the wound on her neck. Seeing her hurt and another males mark on her sent his wolf ready to kill.
'What did you think you were doing, Cassandra?!' Gripping her upper arms he shook her. 'You could have been killed. Do you realize what kind of danger you put yourself In just now?'
She was shaking. She put her arms up and bent into a defensive position.
'I-I'm sorry. Please, please don't hurt me?' She whimpered.
Looking at her scared face made him feel protective all the more. Fatigue swept through him.
'Come now. Let's go home.' He lifted her in his arms and led her out of the woods. He carried her all the way. She craned her neck to look at the castle.
Pleased she was showing interest and the awe on her face. He stopped and kissed her head when she moaned in pain. A maid was waiting for them with clothes. Courtesy of one of his warriors. It was painful to set her down but it may make her feel more comfortable if he was wearing pants. Taking her back to the room he placed her on the sofa. Washing her wound and patching her up was an experience. It was just a reminder to him that she was fragile and vulnerable. When finished he stood.
'I'm going to shower. Then we will talk and have dinner here in the room tonight. Can I trust you to stay put or do I need to take you with me?' Secretly hoping he had to take her with him. The thought of bathing her and caring for her more thrilled him.
She nodded, meekly, looking almost like a child.
'Good. If you'd like to clean up too there is another bathroom through that door.' He pointed to the bathroom. 'I'll have fresh clothes sent up.'
He turned and went to his bathroom. The shower was warm and rejuvenating. He finished quickly while ordering dinner to be brought to the room at once. Having her downstairs right now with the pack might be too overwhelming for her right now. So they will try tomorrow. Besides, having her all to himself was a gift to him. Fully dressed he came out to see a few maids setting the table and bringing in varieties of foods.
After they left he sat and helped himself to some wine. He didn't have to wait long for her. He was wondering if he should go check on her when the door opened. She smelled fresh mixed with her natural scent. She looked stunning in her gown. Her caramel colored hair shining in a braid down her shoulder made her look celestial. He was speechless at the sight she brought. Clearing his throat he began.
'We will be serving ourselves tonight, I'm afraid. I think we need some time alone.'
She stood there clasping her hands in front of her. Standing, he pulled out a chair for her. She walked slowly and sat down. Grabbing a plate he selected a bit of everything for her. Smoked ham, roasted chicken, a steak, mixed steamed sauteed vegetables, and fresh baked bread. Making a plate for himself he carried both to the table.
It was tense and quiet. She played with her food while looking down. He could hear her heart banging in her chest. He wanted to help her. He reached and clasped her hand.
'You are alright, Cassandra. Breathe.'
She put her fork down. Her food, still untouched. She pulled her hand away. Looking up slowly at him. She finally met his eyes. A blank expression was in her eyes
'I'm never going home again, am I?'
He sighed. Knowing this was never going to be easy. An idea came to his mind.
'Maybe you can if you give me something in return.'
She straightened in her chair.
'What's that?'
'If you promise to try. Try to be my partner. Try to be happy here. Try to fill the role as my queen and see me as your king. Try and see this place as your new home. If you can do that for...six months I'll let you go back and visit.' Taking a breath he went on. 'As long as you also promise me you'll come back with me.'
The laugh she let out was dry and humorless.
'Who would I call when I got there? Where would I go?' He watched her stand. 'You fucked everything up for me! You took everything from me. I had a life! A future I was looking forward to. Plans!'
He continued to sit. Now was the time to teach her to be more submissive.
'Sit down, Cassandra.' His voice was firm. 'You need to calm down and eat.'
He saw her eyes spark with fury.
'I'm not hungry. If you'd bothered to ask. But you don't. You just do and take!'
In a flash he had her against the wall.
He pinned her arms over her head. He growled softly as his nose skimmed her hair. Then the side of her face, her throat. He whispered in her ear. 'Careful, love. Do not provoke me. If I just took, you would be on that bed.' He jerked his chin toward the four poster bed on the other side of the room. 'You, on your hands and knees and me, mounting you, dominating you.' His voice was a husky whisper. His lips skimmed from her ear then after looking in her eyes for a second he kissed her.