Come What May

“What?” we heard a startled voice coming from the entrance of the office. Charlie was standing there, looking shocked to his core.

I heard a gasp coming from Adam looking at Charlie. Well, he was covered in hickeys and looked like he was ready to faint. I instantly rushed to his side and picked him up. He is in no condition to stand.

“Why did you come out of the room? You need to rest Charlie.” I lightly scolded him. I brought him in and made him sit on my chair. He winced a little when his bottom came in contact with the chair.

“What the hell did you do to him?” Adam asked, still in complete shock.

“We’ll talk about it later.” I told him.

“Oh, hell yes! We have a lot to talk about.” He said referring about Alex and left the office giving me a stink eye. He is angry with me and he has the right to be. I hid such an important information from him but I promised Alex that I will not disclose his location to anyone. I didn’t even tell my angel about it.

“Why didn’t you tell me Luna Berry is alive? And you knew where our King is! Don’t you think everyone needs to know bout this? everyone will settle down if they know our king and queen are fine.” Charlie said in a disappointed tone.

“I’m sorry baby. I promised Alex not to tell anybody. It would put your life in danger.” That’s true. I didn’t let a single soul know about this. Those creatures targeted Berry. If anyone knows about it, I don’t know what those creatures will do to get that information from them.

“Will you tell me what is going on? I am supposed to help you in times like this but here I am, being a useless mate.”

I bent down on my knees and held is face with my palms and made him look straight into my eyes.

“Don’t you ever say that Charlie. You are the best mate I could ever wish for. You keep me sane, you take care of me, you tolerate my irrational behavior, you know how to handle me when I am not in the right state of mind. You’re a blessing to me by fate Charlie. Do you get that?”

He nodded slowly.

“But I want you to include me in things too. I want to be with you and share the burden that you have on your shoulders.”

“I will tell you everything when the time is right. I promise you that.” I told him honestly. It is not safe to tell anything to anybody at the moment. There are so many things that have to be taken care of before any secrets are revealed.

He nodded again in understanding.

“You look so attractive covered with my love marks.” I smirked and kissed his cheek. He punched my shoulder playfully.

“Shut up!” he whined.

“I can’t believe Adam saw me like this.” he covered his face in embarrassment. I chuckled at him.

“It was a proud moment for me. everyone should know that I satisfy you well and you don’t need anyone else.” I teased him.

“Are you sure?” He played along. I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Do you want a repeat telecast, Angel?” I whispered in his ear. His eyes widened and he gulped in nervousness.

“I know you are in no condition for a repeat telecast so I’ll spare you.” I laughed out loud at his scared expression.

“I’m going, I feel sleepy.” He mumbled and rubbed his eyes.

“I’ll take you there.” I picked him up so that he could straddle my waist and rest his head on my shoulder. When I reached our room, my angel was already asleep. I will wake him up after some time. He needs to eat or else he won’t be able to heal from the pain.

“Hey, Charlie’s parents sent a letter.” Adam entered my office where I was busy planning the schedule of an open assembly where I will address all the issues created by the council. What he said got my attention immediately.

“What happened? Is everything alright?”

“Everything is fine. They want to invite you and Charlie to their family gathering tomorrow.”

“I don’t think I will be able to make it there. I have so much to deal with but I know Charlie would definitely want to go there.”

“Yep, but I don’t think he should be travelling alone anywhere.” Adam said, clearly concerned.

“Do you think I will let him? I will let him know about the invite, let’s see what he says.”

“He will be jumping around.” He said, clearly familiar with Charlie’s antics. I chuckled at his response.

“That he will.”

I was standing outside Alex’s office contemplating whether to go inside or not. It’s been so long since this office has been opened. I’m sure the place also misses its rightful owner. It’s been months since Alex and Berry disappeared. Its been a chaos ever since.

When everything was normal, I used to deal with all the problems in our kingdom. I handled the riots, the violence, everything. Alex was never involved until things get serious, even the in the court hearings.

Look at me now, having difficulty in handling a bunch of wolves who think they can take decisions for everyone.

Please, come back, Alex and bring my sister with you.

I took a deep breath and opened the door. Everything is kept at its original place, untouched.

I know where everything is kept because I was the one who helped him organize it. I have a strong suspicion about the attacks by those creatures but I need to confirm it before taking any action.

I opened the lower drawer of Alex’s desk, which was never opened in many centuries, where only a few things were kept. The drawer did not get jammed which is a surprise to me. I picked up the dark green file which was long forgotten.

I could see different bookmarks peeking out which were not there before.

What the hell? Did Alex also have the same doubt? Why didn’t he discuss this with me then?

I clenched my fists at the thought. If he would’ve told me before maybe we would’ve already solved the problem.

Maybe he had his reasons but if not, I will punch him for sure.

I closed the drawer and exited the office, locking it and took the file with me.

I will examine the pages with the bookmarks first. That asshole must’ve found something.

“Baby.” I called Charlie, entering our room where he was busy folding our clothes that came back for the laundry.

His attention was on me instantly and he gave me a bright smile.

“How many times do I need to tell you that the workers can do this, it’s their job not yours.”

“I like to do it. I want to be the one helping you out with at least something.”

I sighed and hugged him from the back.

“Don’t say like that. You are useful by just existing.” I nuzzled his neck and sighed in satisfaction. His eyes closed and a whimper left his lips when I bit at his mark.

“Your parents invited us for a family gathering tomorrow.” He instantly turned in my arms facing me and gave me a wide smile, showing his pearly white teeth.

“Really? We’ll go right?” he asked excitedly, jumping in my arms.

God! Now I feel terrible. My angel is so happy but I will have to refuse.

“I’m sorry baby, we can’t.” his smile immediately faded and I wanted to punch myself in the face.

“But why?” he asked, his voice filled with disappointment.

“You know we have so much going on here right? It’s not the right time to leave the castle. Danger is still lurking around the corner, it’s better if we don’t go.” I explained him gently.

I understand how much he wants to meet his parents, after that dreaded day, I never allowed him to go out of the castle, but he never complained, completely understanding that it is for his own safety.

“Please, I want to go.” His lips wobbled and eyes were getting teary.

“Baby..” I tried to persuade him but he cut me off in the middle.

“Please, I miss them.” His voice cracked and a tear slid down his cheek which I wiped away instantly.

“No baby, please don’t cry. You know it’s not possible for us to go, try to understand.” I said as softly as possible. I really can’t go. I don’t want to deny him of anything but this is not the right time to leave the castle. I don’t want him to overhear anyone spouting nonsense about our mating. It will break his heart and I won’t let it happen.

“I want to go.” He let out a sob and I couldn’t handle anymore. I enclosed my arms around him and kissed his tears away. He buried his face in my chest and gripped my shirt as he tried refrain a sob. I picked him up and moved us on our bed and made him straddle me.

It’s the way how we always talk about thing, on our bed, with him on my lap.

“I’m sorry baby. You know that I’ll never say no to anything you want but I am helpless at the moment. Things are getting out of hand and with Alex not being here, it’s getting difficult for me to handle. Try to understand, please baby.”

He looked away from my face and leaned forward so that he could rest his head on my chest, his ear pressed above my heart.

“It’s been so long, Ryder. I never asked you for anything, please let me go and meet my parents. I will return home the next day, I promise.” He mumbled. I closed my eyes and groaned. What can I do when he is being like this?

“Fine, you can go. But promise me that you’ll call me every hour and the guards will go with you.” His head immediately shot up from my chest and he was looking at me with his sparkly, big doe eyes.

“Really? I can go?” I nodded. He shrieked in happiness and pressed kisses all over my face.

“Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” he chanted and hugged me tightly. I laughed at him.

Damn, he has me wrapped around his little finger.

“Don’t wander off anywhere alone, okay.” He nodded excitedly and pecked my lips.

With every page I read of the file, the urge to punch Alex grew stronger.

HE HAD SO MUCH OF INFORMATION AND HE DIDN’T BOTHER TO TELL ME!

I was in my office, seething. I was reading the file that I took from his office.

“Ryder.” Adam called me as he entered my office. I hid the file inside my desk drawer hastily. I don’t want anyone to know anything until I study this completely.

“Yep.”

“I tried calling Charlie’s parents as you asked me to. They are not picking up the call. I’ve been calling them since afternoon and it’s night time now.”

“What?” I have a bad feeling about it in my gut.

“Don’t worry. I have asked our spies to inform me about the situation there. We just have to wait till morning.”

“Something’s wrong. I can feel it.”

“Feelings are mutual, my friend.” Adam agreed with me. I stood up from my chair, heaving in anger.

“If I came to know that it has something to do with my Charlie and they wanted to harm him, I will slaughter them all!” I growled. The urge to kill anyone who looks at my mate with bad intentions was strong.

“Calm down, Ryder. You know Charlie can feel your emotions, he will get suspicious.” Adam tried to bring me back to my senses.

I took deep breathes to control my anger.

“Inform me whenever you get the information. I’ll be in my room.” I said and stormed out of my office in search of my mate.

I found him in the kitchen, baking a cake. He loves to bake cakes. Whenever he is free, he makes different types of cakes and distributes them on the other side of the castle where the workers go when they have break.

He is so happy today because he thinks he will get to meet his parents and whenever he is happy, he bakes a cake.

“Charlie.” I called him out. He stopped whatever he was doing and looked at me.

“Hey, you’re here. I am baking a chocolate cake. I am making it for you.” He said excitedly.

“WOW, that’s great. I’ll eat it later. First, I have to talk to you about something.” His expressions turned from excited to concerned when he noticed my serious tone.

“What happened?” he asked.

“Let’s go to our room.” I said and pulled him out of the kitchen, his incomplete cake forgotten.

I locked the door and made him sit on the bed.

“What happened Ryder? Please tell me, I’m getting nervous.” He said, his voice shaky. He could feel the tension through our bond.

“I asked Adam to contact your parents and tell them that you’ll be attending the gathering without me.”

“And?”

“They are not picking up the call. He has been trying since the afternoon, no response till yet. I think something is wrong.”

“What do you mean? Are they alright? Oh my god, what if something happened to them.” He shot up from the bed and came towards me. I immediately embraced him in my arms.

“I think we should go and check. What if they are in danger?” his voice was trembling and so was he.

“We will know about them till the morning. I know you are worried baby. I am too. But we need to know the situation over there. I think it is a trap to call you there. I know it is difficult but we have to be patient.”

“No! what are you talking about? What if it gets too late? No, no, I think we should go this instant.” He tried to get away from my arms but I didn’t let him.

“Try to understand Charlie. We have to wait till tomorrow.”

“But-”

Loud banging noise stopped Charlie before he could argue.

“Ryder!”

It was Adam. I opened the door and looked at a worried Adam.

“What happened?”

“The council took Charlie’s parents. The gathering, the invite, it was a trap. They knew that you will not have time to leave the castle and Charlie will definitely want to go. They knew Charlie would be alone here.”

“What? Oh god! See, I told you we should go to them. Let’s go. Please. What if they do something to my parents.” Charlie was close to hyperventilating.

“Hey, hey, hey, baby, shh, I won’t let anything happen to them, trust me.” I cooed. I tried to comfort him through our bond. I held him close to my chest and told him to take deep breaths.

Adam continued talking after Charlie settled down.

“They wanted to force Charlie to leave you.”

“WHAT?” I roared.

WHO THE HELL DO THEY THINK THEY ARE?

“I WILL KILL ALL OF THEM!” I will rip out their hearts and watch them die a painful death.

“I will gladly help you.” Adam said through clenched teeth. They have crossed the line and now, they will pay.

“I want to come with you.” Charlie said. There was no room for argument. I know he won’t take no for an answer.

“I have a plan.” I said to my mate and Adam.

We were on our way to the harmony pack. Charlie was seated in the car in which I travel and Adam and I were in a car behind his, with the enforcers.

I want those pathetic wolves to think that he is alone so that we could catch them red handed. I wanted to see it with my own eyes what they planned to do.

They think that if I’m not with Charlie, they will easily get him? don’t they know that I’ll never let him go anywhere alone? Did it not cross their minds that they will have to face the powerful enforcers and they definitely don’t stand against them? How stupid are they?

We crossed entered the pack land, Ethan was already informed about the situation. He did not have any idea about the situation. he said that he did not hear a single word from the council. He just knew that there was a petition being made for me to take a female as my chosen mate and start a family with her.

Charlie entered his house and came out after a few minutes with a letter in his hands.

Charlie,

If you don’t want your parents to be dead, come to the pack border from where Berenice was taken, alone.

The note stated.

“What should I do now?” he asked me.

“We’ll go to the border.”

“No, I’ll go there alone.”

“We’ll keep our distance from you. They won’t know we are there until we let them know.”

Charlie nodded.

Those seven bastards were standing at the border and smiled smugly when they saw Charlie walking towards them. His parents were unconscious, laying on the ground.

We were hiding behind the gigantic tress. It was getting harder and harder for me to control myself from mutilating their bodies.

“Look who’s here, the pathetic faggot.” One of them said in pure disgust. I held back a growl hearing the insult thrown at my mate.

“What do you want from me?” Charlie managed to speak without trembling, although I could feel how nervous he was through our bond.

“We want you to reject your mate or else we will throw your parents outside the pack border. We all know what will happen then. No one can save them if those creatures appeared.” The one who I suppose is the head of the council said, coming straight to the point.

I knew they won’t be able to harm Charlie. He wears my marks which makes his aura dominating. My scent is intermixed with his, they won’t dare to come close to him.

“Do you think you can escape after doing all this? Ryder won’t spare a single one of you.” My mate screamed angrily. It was the first time I saw my mate angry.

“Let my parents go and no one gets hurt.” My mate warned them. They all sniggered at him.

“Do we need to remind you that you are alone, Charlie? Do as we say or your parents gets killed.”

“Why do you want me to reject my mate? What did I ever do to you?”

Oh no, I can’t let them tell him anything. It will break his heart.

“We don’t have time for your nonsense. You will reject your mate formally right here, right now and no one gets hurt.” One of them snarled.

“Oh. Let’s just end this.” one of the council members got impatient and picked up Charlie’s mother by her hair and slammed her head against the nearest tree.

“No!” Charlie screamed. I was about to leap towards them when we heard a familiar, thunderous growl, which caused me to halt all my movements.

A familiar man stood in front of a sobbing Charlie, towering over everyone present there.

The pathetic wolves that call themselves the council stood there, eyes wide in fear, bodies trembling, ready to submit to their one true king.

“HOW DARE YOU?” the man roared.

I didn’t know how to react. I couldn’t get my feet moving. The only thing going on in my mind was that he’s back. He’s finally back.

Alex is back!