Sins Among Royals

The ride to Alpha Christiansen’s home was long but this time it was not as mundane or as tedious as it was from Ebony’s home. A comfortable silence sat between Indie and Noah as the world around them became blurred and somehow less important.

Though there was continuous silence things were still being said and felt between the pair as the security and driver left them to their own devices. Everyone knew not to eavesdrop or even consider butting in where their boss and Alpha Noah was involved. Many of them were just happy to see the pair on the same page.

“Has there been any sign of your sister or Raif?” Indie questioned as the vehicle wound its way through another narrow forest road. Sunlight filtered through the treetops high above as Noah and Indie leaned towards each other comfortably. She had wondered what had become of her sister in law but had not heard a word of what happened.

For a long time Noah was silent and Indie thought to repeat her question but when Noah sighed deeply she knew he was just thinking and trying to find words. “Security lost both their scents at a waterfall. There was no blood and no obvious signs of a struggle so they think one or both went over the side,” his brow furrowed in annoyance at the situation. “I believe Raif would do anything to keep his plan secret right now,” Noah had found himself wishing that he paid more attention to Ebony during their visit but the more he thought about it the more he realised that nothing seemed off. “Did she say anything more to you?” He asked curiously as he searched his memories for anything.

Indie thought back to the day that she and Noah left with Heidi. The day Ebony apologised for her behaviour and handed her the short note. “She didn’t say much,” Indie replied with a frown, “but she was terrified of what he might do.” Recalling the memory to the forefront of her mind was not a difficult thing for Indie to do. It was so fresh that it felt like it happened just the day before. “She found me as I was leaving my room and pressed it into my hand quickly before asking if I’d take care of the boys like my own children.” The deep frown that marked her features seemed to resonate through her entire body.

“Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you tell me?” Noah asked cautiously. Part of him already knew the answer to his question however.

“We haven’t exactly had the easiest start,” Indie replied with a grim frown. “You were preoccupied with Heidi and to be honest I was I’m a lot of shock,” she had never before seen or experienced panicked terror like she had seen in Ebony.

Noah couldn’t help but agree as he frowned, “I am sorry for making things so difficult for you and I am sorry for my behaviour. You are just completely unexpected.” As he stared up at Indie he couldn’t help but feel strongly for her. He had forced her into a world that was difficult even for those that had grown up with it. “be that as it may,” he started again, “I want you to know that you can come to me with any problem or issue you might be having. If you have concerns or troubles I want to help you fix them.” Noah was desperate to make amends for what he’d put her through and the only way he could think to do that was to be there for her whenever she needed.

Indie noticed a shy smile threaten to spread across Noah’s lips but he turned away from her to hide it as best as he could, “what?” She couldn’t help but ask curiously as he shook his head in return. “What’s amusing?” She asked again.

Turning back towards her Noah recounted the lady conversation Indie and Poppy had. The boys had been in the kitchen the whole time just listening. Noah was furious at Poppy but when he realised what was going on he found himself in a rather sympathetic state. “I also wanted to thank you for your loyalty. It couldn’t have been easy standing up to your best friend.”

Indie couldn’t help but grind her teeth. The irritation she felt with Poppy would stay with her till her friend apologised.

“I also want to tell you,” Noah started again as he saw the strain in Indies jaw. He saw her tense up at his words and mention of the conversation. “It doesn’t matter what you look like to me. You could look like a supermodel or a homeless hobo I would love you for who you are.” At the realisation of what he’d just said and the look of shock on Indies features Noah suddenly found the world outside the most fascinating thing he’d ever seen in his entire life. His cheeks blazed with a heat he’d never felt before and his head pounded against his ribcage. What was wrong with him?

Indie on the other hand was flabbergasted, “Did you just say you love me?” A strange feeling welled up inside Indie quickly at the thought of what she’d just heard. The only thing she’d heard of what he said was love. Love meant many things to Indie and that made her feel many things. Many strange and new and scary things.

Noah on the other hand sat there trying to figure out how best not to ruin Indies feelings. While he felt many things for her it wasn’t love. Not yet. He mentally wanted to kick himself for even thinking that word and knew that Indie wanted and needed an answer.

Turning back to her all be did was smile and squeeze her hand. He didn’t want to say he didn’t love her because it wasn’t entirely true. He just didn’t know what it was that he felt.

To his surprise and relief Indie seemed fine with his response and just smiled happily off out the window as silence again fell between them.

The trees soon gave way to paddocks and farm land. Random houses dotted through the landscape quickly turned into streets of houses.

“Where are we?” Indie questioned as she tore her gaze from the window.

“I believe we are in Bolton,” Noah replied quickly. “If I am not mistaken there is a lovely store here to buy dresses and party attire,” before long the vehicle pulled into an empty parking space along the street and was quickly followed by the rest in their convoy.

“I only have a little bit of money to buy me a dress though so it can’t be too expensive.” in fact Indie was very light on money and she didn’t know how she would maintain an income when she reached Blackwood.

Noah fumbled around a little before pulling his wallet from his pocket, “here,” he opened his wallet and pulled a small bundle of notes from inside.

Looking at him strangely Indie cringed, “I can’t take it, it isn’t mine. I didn’t earn it.” She had always had an issue taking money she hadn’t earned and her brothers always reminded her it was a strange behaviour.

Noah too was confused at her words. He didn’t understand her reluctance. “Think of it as a gift,” he replied quickly.

“A gift for what?” All her life Indie had felt uneasy about taking things that didn’t rightfully belong to her and she put it down to the very scary, very real warning she received from Alpha Thornton after she turned Poppy. It burned an impression deep into her soul that she would never forget.

“Or think of it as an advance on a job I will give you once you are settled in Blackwood,” Noah offered when he saw Indie struggle with the idea of a gift. She had so many peculiar quirks to her that knew it would take him an entire lifetime to figure out.

“Job?” Indie queried as she stared at the money in his hands, “what kind of a job?” For him to want to pay that much must have meant it was a pretty serious job.

He couldn’t help but smile broadly and shake his head, she was damn near impossible, “any job you want!” Noah replied incredulously. Normally women didn’t need to be coaxed in to taking money but then again Indie was special. Very special.

“Fine,” she took the money from his hands, “are you coming?” She climbed out of the vehicle and looked at him curiously.

“I’ve no need to buy anything. I’ve got my suit in my bags,” Noah responded quickly, “though I am a little peckish. Shall I find us some lunch?” He couldn’t think of anything worse than going shopping for dresses and shoes.

“I can’t go on my own!” Indie protested loudly.

All Noah could do was laugh and shrug his shoulders, “you won’t be going alone, Amber will go with you.” He grinned as Amber, the driver turned towards him sharply. She was more than surprised and slightly annoyed that he would nominate her to join Indie but she had no choice.

Casting her glance towards her new charge she shrugged her shoulders, “What the hell. I know a few good clothing stores here,” she responded as she tossed the keys towards Noah and climbed from the vehicle. “The Witches Cauldron might be a good spot for lunch Master Noah?” Amber suggested before she motioned for Indie to join her.

When the two girls were far enough away from the vehicle Amber turned towards Indie slightly, “so what kind of dress were you looking for? Did you need to get makeup and anything else as well?”

The questions made Indie think. She didn’t know what she had thrown into her bag during her frustrated packing spree. “I dunno,” she shrugged her shoulders lazily. “I’ve probably got mascara somewhere.” She wasn’t a huge fan of makes, how could anyone expect her to have a full range?

“Well this will be fun,” Amber smiled broadly.

“You seem more excited than I am to be going shopping.” Indie chuckled slightly.

“When you’ve been stuck in a predominantly man’s world for five years you tend to get over it.” Walking down the street towards a row of stores Amber quickly ushered Indie into what looked like a chemist.

“What did you do before you were an enforcer?” Queried Indie quickly.

“This may come as a shock but I was a makeup artist.” She laughed casually at the thought.

“Oh well that’s super convenient because I have no idea how to use makeup.” Very convenient indeed.

Amber picked up a basket and the pair walked towards the brightly coloured displays of makeup. “Hi ladies can i-” A store assistant approached as the girls chatted away.

“Nope. We’re fine thanks.” Amber cut the woman off as she began browsing for what Indie needed. The store attendant backed away slowly and turned back towards other people in the store.

“So why’d you become an enforcer?” Indie asked again. She couldn’t help but be curious.

Amber sighed heavily and turned her head towards Indie, “okay....I am only telling you this because I like you. You’re a cool lady. I never tell anyone my story.” She frowned before turning her attention back towards the shelves of makeup.

Tossing various items into the basket she seemed to think through what she was about to say and Indie felt her stomach twist in knots hoping her story wasn’t as bad as Wades.

“So I grew up in the big city far from Blackwood. Over east in Wellsford things were only just kept in check when I was younger and there was a lot of bad thing’s going on there.” Stopping abruptly Amber held a couple of products up to Indies skin, “your skin colour is weird. Going to have to blend a few shades.” She commented quickly before continuing.

“The area I grew up was more for the privileged in town and that was how people there liked it. So when I found my mate at the age of fifteen it shocked my parents that he was three years older than me and from a bad part of town.” Indie watched Amber’s face as she spoke. She was a plain faced woman with dark blue eyes and as she recounted her memories Indie saw the trouble she went through to keep the storm raging in her eyes in check.

“My parents were naturally upset when I introduced them to a tattooed mechanic from the southern suburbs. They wouldn’t accept it.” A small smile crept across her lips, “It was too bad, I’d already fallen head over heels in love with him. He waited till I turned eighteen before we sealed our mating bond but just one week later he was killed.”

A wave of extreme sadness washed through Indie and took with it any hope she had of a happy ending for Amber. “What happened?” She asked Amber sympathetically. She wanted to reach out and hug her but couldn’t as Amber threw more products into the basket.

“He was working at his car shop one afternoon. Him and his crew were just getting ready to shut for the night when two masked men stormed in and shot all four workers. Ryder was the only one of our kind among them. The others were all innocent.” Amber motioned for Indie to follow as she walked towards the counter to pay for everything.

When they had done so and we’re safely outside she continued. “My parents didn’t own up to it and they never caught the men that did it but as soon as I’d saved up enough money I left. Even as I was leaving them they kept insulting the memory of him. What kind of fucked up parents would do that?” Her question was filled with pain as she turned to Indie with tears in her eyes. “I worked my way across the country and was eventually accepted into the Royal Enforcers. Ryder wanted to be an enforcer, he wanted to make a difference in the world so I joined for him. To keep the memory of him alive.”

Indie was in awe. Even though Amber was still filled with pain at the murder of her mate she still smiled when she spoke his name. She still looked very much in love any time she thought of him and it was both a beautiful but sad sight to see.

“I am so sorry for your loss,” it was all Indie could say to comfort her.

Before long Amber shook her head and smiled. The memories she shared with Indie were quickly suppressed and the tears stopped forming in Amber’s eyes. “It’s alright, it’s been almost six years since it happened. My parents can live with the guilt of what they’ve done.”

Ushering Indie in to another store they were greeted by a woman who smiled at both of them seductively, “beautiful ladies how may I be of service?” She bowed as Amber cast Indie an amusing glance quickly.

“She needs a pretty formal dress please. Preferably a full gown that isn’t black or any other dark shade.” Amber smiled as the woman’s eyes grew wide with excitement.

Before long the woman had many fine dresses laid out for Indie to choose from. She tried on a couple before seeing one she never thought would look decent on her. When she emerged from the change room and looked in the mirror she was floored.

“Like the look of yourself a little bit do you?” Amber chuckled with amusement. It was clear that Indie didn’t hold a very high opinion of herself from the way she stood and looked at herself in disbelief.

The dress she wore was a dark burgundy color. The high neck tied up at the back and the lace front had a sweetheart shaped bust hidden beneath. The dress was cinched at the waist and had a long flowing skirt.

Indie was speechless.

She was realising quickly that much of what she thought was unsavoury about her was all in her head. Admiring her reflection a moment longer she turned and saw Amber grinning wildly at her, “Noah will love it.”

Indie couldn’t help but blush at the statement. The attention was something she was still getting used to.

“We’ll take that one,” Amber smiled as the girls finished their business in the store and headed off to find Noah.

“Thank you for helping me,” Indie smiled warmly as they walked off down the street.

“Don’t thank me yet. I’m not done with you,” Amber smiled in return. “When I am then Master Noah isn’t going to know where to look.”

Amber couldn’t help but chuckle at Indies innocence. It was cute.