Alpha King and I

Chapter 15: Seeing Shadows

It wasn't until I was halfway across the grass toward the field that I realized I had forgotten my boots. My feet stung like hell and we're bloody, but I didn't really care. I just continued to run to where Cadeth was at. I could already see the target range from here. I'd been running so fast I was sure I'd get there soon. My body felt hot as confusion and anger continued to sweep over me.

Why didn't he tell me?! Why doesn't he tell me anything?! I'm tired of waiting for answers, finding out from other people!

Even I know what mating is! It's like marriage or something right? You don't marry someone and then keep it a secret!

I must have been spending too much time around Cadeth, cause I could hear a small growl coming from my own throat. Admittedly, the sound was more reminiscent of a cat purring than the usual more threatening guttural noise.

More quick steps as I reached the range. The growl had worked like some type of stress relief, and as I got closer to Cadeth, I began to feel calmer. He was holding a large bow with a long arrow and aiming for a far target. The muscles on his arms, flexed in a somewhat distracting way. I felt my face get warm in a different way. I was barely a foot from him yet he still didn't acknowledge me. So focused on the target. I could see it in his eyes, as they shimmered with the sun's reflection. His lips pursed together. Any anger I had left was gone now, replaced with questions and hurt.

Suddenly I saw a shadow coming toward Cadeth. Whatever it was, it was going to hit him.

I reached out to grab it, but missed. Or at least I thought I missed.

In my hand was an arrow, covered in my blood.

I whispered, "It hurts." It was then Cadeth turned in my direction. Immediately he put his bow and arrow down, then snatched the arrow out of my hand.

"How did you catch that? I didn't even see it." I stared down at the arrow. To stunned with myself to respond.

Cadeth spoke again, scolding, "Don't do things like that Selese. I won't heal you unless its serious."

I questioned, "Like when you marked me? Then kept it from me?"

"Let's talk."

I snapped, "Please let's!" He glared into my eyes. For a moment, my blood felt like it was boiling, I fell to the ground. The sensation stopped, but I understood the message.

I stuttered out, "I'm just up-upset... Please don't do that again."

He calmly responded, "You know now that we are mates; then it'd be good to remember that I am also the Alpha of Devaleon and therefore your Alpha. Our relationship does not supersede that. It is equivalent to death, to challenge me." I averted his gaze. Choosing instead to look at the grass below. I could feel it cutting into my legs. I shouldn't have let my temper get to me. But I need to know what's going on.

I was about to get up, but before I could Cadeth picked me up, placing me in his arms as he sat down in the grass instead.

"It'll cut you."

"I'm fine Selese. Let's just get this over with. I've kept it from you too long." At least he's honest. Regardless, in rebellion I wrapped my arms together cross instead of laying them against or around his. He seemed not to be bothered by it. The first question begging to be answered pushed it's way out.

"Why did you Cadeth?" With one hand he played with the hem of my dress. He looked forward, ahead of us. Staring off at something unknown.

He answered, "In a moment I had forgotten that you did not know our ways or who I was to you. You couldn't feel the pull like I did. I marked you too soon, in error. When I realized, and suspected it may overwhelm you, I chose to keep it from you." My hands dropped in front of me. I gave in to his chest. Deciding to rest my head there as I took in what he said. I could hear his heavy breathing. More questions spilled from my lips.

"What does marking do? Is it magic? How does it work? Like a marriage right, or something?" He laughed. Startled I almost jumped out from my spot, but he lifted his arms and held me there. Keeping me in place. It was comfortable and eased me a little bit. Though I could still feel anxiousness tingling my skin.

"It just makes it where other creatures know we are bound to each other and quells the pull. It's magic which is normally reserved for ones true mate, like you and I. It connects our energies. Mating? Yes it's like a marriage, but more so a marriage between two people who fit perfectly for each other."

"Like true love?" I could see a flash of soft green around Cadeth's arms. We were still for the moment. As the green dissipated, he answered.

"No. You don't need to love your mate, and being mates doesn't guarantee love. It just guarantees you'll work best." His tone was sharper and back to the more authoritative speaking that I'd gotten used to with him.

"So it's like an arranged marriage?" He pulled me tighter. I could feel a deep pain at the bottom of my ribs. Like rocks filling my chest.

His answer came out quick.

"Yes."

Author Note: Enjoy my homies, just a quick note about the song choice. It's by Johnny Craig, really good artist. A little subliminal messaging in the song too. ;)