The Viking Alpha

Marked

James POV)

'Do you want me, Cassandra?'
'Yes.' She sounded breathless.
'Now? Like this? On the forest floor?' The image in his head turned him to stone.
'Yes.' He felt her legs spread wider. Then her body moved against his. Taking his time he removed her clothes. He wanted to do this slowly. He wanted her to remember everything about this one moment.
'Let me check, love.' Kissing her he checked between her legs. Her heat was so enticing. She was so wet. He smiled as she clenched around his finger.
'Please. Now. Please.'
'Not yet.' He slowly stretched her with two fingers then three.
'Oh, James! Oh it…Oh!'
He saw her mouth open in a scream. Not wanting anyone to come this way he covered her mouth to stifle her screams. He felt her body go lax as she came. Positioning himself between her legs, he gripped her hips and held them higher. Angling her fir a smooth entrance.
'This may hurt, love. But only for a second. You'll feel better soon.'
He entered her slowly. He felt it. He questioned himself just for a second. After this there was no turning back for either of them. But he didn't want them to.
Looking into her eyes that were still unfocused, he surged forward.
'Ahhh.' He felt her tense and then she bit him. Squeezing his eyes tight against his wolf instinct to just take her like a beast. He shakily stroked her hair.
'Shhh. It'll be alright love. Breath.'
He gave her a moment before moving again. He felt her start to relax. His wolf begging him to go faster. Still trying to not hurt her, he focused on her. Her inner walls embraced him. Beckoning him to continue.
'Oh, love.' Gently going deeper he then felt her go with his rhythm. He couldn't control it anymore. Moving faster she wrapped her legs around him.
'Yes.' He heard her whisper.
He groaned. His concentration was lost. His wolf was coming forward. The growl that came from him was pure ferrell. He was about to come. Trying to hold back for her he then felt her come. He allowed himself to finally let go. He felt his teeth lengthen. His wolf now had complete control of his mind as he looked through his wolf's eyes. He saw her on the forest ground. The long caramel colored hair sprawled out around her. Her eyes half closed.
Her skin was flushed and warm. Breasts going up and down as she tried to catch her breath. He had to mark her in every way to seal the bond. Now was the time while she was distracted. Sinking his teeth in her neck, he bit gently.
'Ahhhhh!' He heard her gasp in pain then whimper.
'It's okay, love.' His voice sounded rough even to him. His wolf was howling in his head at his mate, finally being claimed by him.
Licking over the wound to seal it he levered himself back. Her eyes were closed. Blood dripped out of the bite mark.
Scooping her up he covered her with her cloak and started walking back to the castle. People were gathered all around with their kill. They all gasped when they saw her in his arms. And the bite mark now on her neck. They erupted in cheers as they let him pass with her.
Making it up the stairs he cleaned the wound. He was starting to worry. He made sure not to bite too deep. He saw her eyes flicker.
'James?'
Stroking her hair and her face he soothed her.
'Love, I'm right here. Sleep now.'
It looked like she was struggling to speak.
'No, love. Rest.'
'I feel…' Her voice trailed off before she was unconscious.
He left to get hot water and a clean cloth. Taking his time he cleaned the dirt and blood off of her. Starting with her face, then her neck. He stopped between her legs. Slowly he washed the inside of her thighs. Smiling when he saw his seed there. His claim now was deep in her. She was his in every way now.
Rinsing the cloth he continued.
He tried to keep a distance from her. Ever since he saw Willow he wanted to just watch her. See if he saw anything remotely non-human about her. It was hard. To him, everything about her was enchanting and magical. When she asked him if she did anything wrong earlier, she looked like a child. So vulnerable and irresistible to cuddle. She looked the same when she couldn't bring herself to kill the stag they hunted. Seeing the gentle look in her eyes confirmed even more that she couldn't bring harm or destroy anyone or anything. Again, thinking back to what Willow said he was stumped. He had tried to get more information out of the seer but she was so weak now. Bartholomew wouldn't allow it. Since his royal status did not reach that community he was powerless.
He has to speak to his people. Tell them that they could continue the festival tonight. It was tradition that both be there. But one ruler would have to do it for now. They'd understand their queen needed rest. Leaving her was so hard. He covered her body with the duvet. Kissing her one last time softly on the lips.
'Rexton. Come stand outside the door. If she wakes before I get back, tell me.'
'On my way, your majesty. 'Congratulations to you both.'
'Thank you. Also, bring my clothes will you? They're still where we left off.'
'I have them now. On my way, sir.'
James went back outside once Rexton appeared and he put his clothes back on. Again the crowd cheered. He climbed on stage and silenced them.
'My people. Your queen has been marked. Make no mistake now, she is one of us. See her as you see me. Give her the same respect you've shown me. I caution you all now, anyone who questions her status will answer to me. Please, while she is resting, enjoy the rest of the evening.'
The crowd applauded and bowed. He sat back down at his throne and watched the rest of his people enjoy themselves. He was most eager to get her back to Cassandra. Being away from her now especially was painful. The mate bond had now taken root.
Being away now felt like he was missing a bigger piece of him.
He felt a light smack against his shoulder.
'Congrats bro. You finally got laid.'
'Thanks, I guess.'
'So how was it?'
Glaring at his brother he rolled his eyes.
'Oh come on. I want to know what to expect when I meet my mate. What are older brothers supposed to be for if not experienced advise?'
'I think, little brother, that you are more experienced then the both of us.' James teased with lightly punching him in the arm.
'Sure. But not with mates. Come on!'
'Well, it felt just how father described it. Your souls feel connected. You feel like you finally found the piece you never knew was missing.'
Johnathan rolled his eyes.
'I meant the sex.'
'It's more then sex! It's...all consuming. Intense. It goes more then just gratification. You want to care for her in every way. Shelter her. But you also want her to rely only on you.'
'Sounds far too complicated for me. But I'm glad you found her. I just hope she returns your sentiments.'
He glared again at his brother.
'What are you saying?'
He shrugged. 'Nothing I haven't said before. Just be careful. You're my brother. You're all I have left. I just don't want to see you hurt.' He tapped him on the shoulder before leaving.
'By the way,' Johnathan turned back slightly around and spoke. 'The council wanted me to tell you. They are arriving after the ball in two days.' He turned and continued walking.
James just sat there and thought about what his brother had just said.
It was clear now he didn't trust Cassandra. He understood. He himself didn't think much of humans before Cassandra. James was going to tell Johnathan about what Willow had seen. At least what little he had been told anyway. But he thought now that might add further suspicion.
No matter. Him and Cassandra would prove him wrong. Him and the council.
The rest of the night went according to plan. The kills were taken to the butchers and the kitchen staff would begin to prepare them tomorrow.
When he was relieved James ran up the stairs. Rexton was still standing outside the door.
'Go. I'll take it from here.'
Rexton bowed slightly.
Entering the room he saw her still in bed. Slumbering like a princess in a human children's fable.
Climbing on the bed he gathered her close. She was so hot to the touch. Feverish.
'James.' He heard her whisper so softly.
'Love? Are you alright?' He looked at her face. Her eyes were barely open.
'I saw something. He's beautiful.'
He stilled. He?
'Who?'
Her eyes weakly opened.
'I want him.'
His heart felt like it was breaking.
'Want who?'
Her eyes were still trying to open.
'I dreamed...he's perfect. You'll love him too.' He heard her mumble. 'Just so perfect.'
Her eyes won the battle as they slid closed. Her breathing turned slower.
He stood back from the bed.
What the hell was she talking about? Who the hell was she talking about?
Willow words haunted him.
"Cassandra. She will grow powerful once she meets him. He will teach her how."
Confusion and frustration warred inside him.
'Focus.' He growled at himself.
He has to get the fever down. Call for the pack doctor?
Looking at her and touching her head again. She was burning to the touch.
'Rexton! Get the pack doctor now!'
Picking her up he gently put her in the tub. Turning on the cold tap he let it run over her body.
She convulsed. Her eyes opened wide and she clawed at everything blindly. Binding her hands with his he kept her still.
'We have to bring down your fever.' He tried to soothe but when a heartbreaking cry came from her he broke. Gathering her while she was still in the tub he held her from behind the tub. His arms wrapped around her chest.
'James.'
He heard her voice so clearly. But her face still looked out of it.
'I don't want to leave. I love you.'
His heart that was just broken now pumped back to life.
Kissing her softly on her damp head.
'I love you.' He whispered.
He held her close. The fever was cooling. Saria came in quietly.
'Get her wrapped and on the bed.'
He did as she instructed. He watched as she took her pulse. Thinking numbly, he wondered if she had anything specifically for humans. If not in future they should stock up. He felt like he should do something. But he felt helpless.
'Sire?'
His attention went back to Saria.
'She's fine. I think since she's human her body is just fighting the bite. I did take the liberty of having antibiotics brought here. I just gave her a shot of antibiotics. I'll come back in a few hours to give her another round. Keep an eye on her in the meantime.'
'Thank you, Saria.'
He stayed awake. Watching her. After Saria came by to give her another dose. After she left he cuddled Cassandra close. She still felt warm but not as hot.
'I'm so sorry I did this to you, sweetheart. Please fight this. You're strong. Prove them wrong.'
His eyes were about to close when he felt her warm lips touch his. Opening his eyes met hers. Startled back in surprise. Her face was blank but her eyes glowed blue.