XAVIER IS DYING

Xavier is Dying: 22

This has been a long wait, I know. I'm really sorry. A lot has been going on personally and I've only just been able to feel comfortable enough to write again. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I'd love to hear your ideas on this story.

Xanders POV

I missed breakfast.

I couldn't face everyone when I realised I'd shoved myself into a dilemma.

I couldn't leave Aries. He had a pack to run, I had a wolf population to rule. Yet, I completely blanked on the part where it physically hurts being apart for too long after baring the mark on your mate.

Not to mention now that half the ritual was complete that if Aries didn't bite me back soon then I was going to break out into heat.

I'm so stupid.

Chewing my bottom lip, I stared out into the long stretch of land where the rogue attack occurred. The only difference now is it is was peaceful.

I sat thinking of what to do for a short while until a knock sounded on the door.

"Come in!" I yelled as my voice faltered slightly.

The door opened to reveal Aries holding a plate. He shut the door behind him and walked over to place the plate of pancakes on my bed.

Looking up at him, I glanced at the mark on his neck, freezing slightly.

"You missed breakfast." He told me, stating the obvious.

I shrugged my shoulders in reply, not sure what to say to him anymore.

"Look, you can't act like this. You can't do this hot and cold thing. I fucked up, I know I did but you can't act like my mate one day then a stranger the next." Aries pleaded, sitting on the bed and switching the plate from my bed to the nightstand.

Staring him down, I decided not to shut him out.

"Aries, I don't know what to do. We both have jobs to do and mine is over a day away to get to. We can't just live our lives and meet on the weekend anymore. It's obvious we're mates now and I can't pretend it's anything short of that. I no longer have a choice on if I'm staying or going but I worry about my title which I need to honour." I tried to explain in a rambled jumble.

"Wait wait wait, firstly, does this mean there no more walking on eggshells, we are in this for good?" Aries asked, eyes gleaming like a child on Christmas Day.

I couldn't help but smile at his face, he made me so happy.

"We are in this for good. You showed me you're in this for the long game and so am I. I think I knew I was the second you said 'I love you.'" I smiled.

Aries suddenly let out a heart breaking grin as he tackled me onto the bed in hugs.

"But hey, Aries. We still have the problem of our duties." I said into his neck.

"We can work that out, let's just enjoy this. It's been too long waiting for this." He replied.

I couldn't help but agree. Although I'd only been here a short while, our history made it feel like this moment had taken years.

I realised I had never been more content than right now in this moment, it just felt right.

"Hey Aries." I mumbled into his neck, sending shivers down his spine.

"Yeah?" He breathed.

"I love you too." 

He hugged me all the more tighter as I felt his smile in the crook of my neck.

We slowly got more and more comfortable as we both sank into the bed getting comfy.

Eventually, we passed out in each other's arms.

By the time I'd woken, it was starting to get dark but daylight was still peeking through the curtains. The alarm clock next to my bed read 4:18pm which shocked me since I'd managed to sleep so long. Aries was still sleeping next to me so I carefully got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, grabbing my phone on the way.

I tried to fix my hair and brushed my teeth so I looked more presentable when my phone went off. It was a message from my mother, letting me know I needed to hurry home immediately. Freezing, I quickly typed back asking if everything was okay to which she replied no.

Sheer panic flowed through my veins. I hadn't introduced myself to the pack as Xavier or as Aries' mate but right now was not the time. I had to get home. I could sort that business after my other matters were attended to.

Aries would understand my other commitments as prince, I couldn't let the entire werewolf nation fall. I'd hope he'd understand why I haven't told him anything as I'm not fully sure of royal rules regarding mates and what they can know.

For now, it was best to keep Aries in the dark regarding royal affairs.

Quietly as to not cause fuss, I grabbed the essentials, not bothering to pack all my belongings as I assumed I'd be back soon and left. I hurried down the stairs and out of the pack house without causing suspicion but it was at this point I heard someone address Aries as he was heading down the stairs within the pack house.

At this, I quickly jumped into my car as started the engine.

Before I could even see Aries leave the pack house I was off, beginning my long drive towards the royal grounds. I had felt very guilty by not explaining anything or even saying goodbye to him but I knew he'd want to come with me and with the packs state of wellbeing currently that wasn't a good idea.

The drive, other than my raging thoughts was relatively quiet. However, by the time I reached the royal gates my hands were sweating, dread was flowing through my ice cold veins and I had never felt more sickly in my life.

The guards immediately let me through without question, letting me arrive up at the royal entrance within seconds. There stood my mother looking cold and frail as she held a tissue in her hand.

Cutting my engine, the moment I exited the car I wrapped my mother in a hug, reassuring her. She began sobbing which caused my heart to break for her.

"What's going on?" I asked her, dread flowing through me at the absence of my father.

"I don't know, son. You father, he collapsed this morning. Pack doctors aren't too sure what caused it but black magic seems to be a factor. They think it's best to prepare you for the throne." Mother explained, panic in her eyes.

"What?" I asked, utterly dumfounded.

"Your crowning is in four days, Xander. After that, you'll be king."