The Wolf'sRose

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Mikkel felt his mate's small hand jerk then tighten on his. He knew beyond a doubt that the last witch was the witch in Rose's vision. She has described her in great detail. Right down to the small dark mole on her upper lip. Straighten in his chair, he released a sudden and low growl. The entire pack felt their alpha couple's tension. Because of this, many sat up straighter. The "Others", the wolves, the vampires, even the bear and cat began to growl low in their throats.

"Really Mikkel? One would think that my delegation and I are unwelcome. After all, there was once a time that I was welcome anywhere in this keep. Especially, anywhere you were" Lady Midnight smirked at the angry expression on Rose's face. "Who knows, maybe I will be again."

Rose really wanted to get up and hit the woman and her "delegation." The only thing that kept her seated was the fact that Mikkel and HIldi had grabbed her hands and would not release her. 

"That woman was your lover, at one time?" She asked her mate in disbelief.

"Unfortunately, I was lonely and she managed to worm her way into my bed. It was only one night. But that one night made her think that she was irresistible to me, evidently. You are all I need, my love. No one else can hold a candle to you." It seemed that he could see the ideas and doubts forming in her mind, so he said, "And believe me, many have tried. I am tied to you in ways that no other woman can hope to achieve."

Leaning over, Mikkel placed a sweet kiss on Rose's lips, making her smile. She in turn grabbed the back of his head and pulled him in for a passionate kiss for all to see. When they separated, the crowd roared. Moorwyn seated close by growled in approval. Mikkel turned his head to where Lady Midnight and her three witches stood. "Why are you here, Midnight? We have no treaty to renew, and I deliberately did not send you an invitation. So, I can think of no real reason for you to be here during this celebration."

"The Dark King called on me and asked me to see if the rumors were true. That your bride is the last surviving member of the royal fae family." Lady Midnight looked over at Rose to see if any of her features were elfish in appearance.

"My mate,"Mikkel emphasized in a strong growl filled voice, "is the grand-daughter of King Aldon and Queen Aredhel. Her mother was Princess Arwen, and before you have the nerve to ask if I am sure that she is my mate, I ask you to inspect her mark. Only a true mate mark will last." Mikkel stood behind Rose and pulled the neck of her dress to the side gently, revealing the mark when Mikkel had bitten her. "Be very careful, Lady Midnight. We are aware of the Dark King's machinations toward my wife and mate." 

Turning to the servant close by, he nodded. The omega came forward. "Take these four women and put them in the East wing with Prince Marius. I have heard that the vampires find witch blood particularly tasty." At the look of outrage on all the witches face, Mikkel snickered. 

Just as the women were turning to leave, Moorwyn stood and grabbed Lady Midnight and held her close. "I claim this one as my new concubine." When she started to struggle and then to chant, Moorwyn spoke one word and she was suddenly mute. "Come, my dear. It is not so bad being my concubine. I am very attentive and will give you many gifts of great value. Your freedom however, is not one of them." The entire assemblage clapped and laughed to see the high witch humbled so readily and so easily. 

Mikkel was among them. "Lady Midnight, I believe introductions are in order. This is Moorwyn. Ancient dragon and guardian of this Keep." Watching her eyes go wide with realization was almost too much for Rose, who was having trouble containing her merriment at the situation.

Mikkel turned to the three remaining witches and said, "Please do not think that you will be any cause of trouble. Should something happen to my mate, my pack, my friends, or my allies, you will not leave the grounds of this keep alive. If you do by some miracle escape, then you will be hunted down with dogs. Your punishment after your capture will be greatly debated. For make no mistake, all here love the Lady Luna." Without another word, Mikkel took Rose by the hand and reitred to their chambers for the night.