The Prince's Guard

Chris sat on the sofa in a state of mild shock. His brother had hightailed out of there as soon as he’d told him. ’Mate,’ his wolf whined.

Chris nodded to himself. Mate. He couldn’t just sit there. He couldn’t let his mate down.

Mate.

His. Mate.

He stood and left the room, heading back the way he had come. Marc had clearly not listened… or couldn’t be in the same room as him. Which didn’t bode well for Jaxson. He had to be brave, he had to be strong. He had to fight his fear.

It was his wolf who had surged, while he was in control, he could feel more power running through his veins, could feel the human anxiety receding, somewhat. His own determination supporting his wolf.

He burst through the door without knocking. “Chris!” Marc scolded, but he wasn’t listening. He stormed in and stood in front of Jaxson who was sat on a chair in the middle of the room.

“There is no argument for punishment here. To punish him, you must punish me.”

“My Prince, this really isn’t the place for you. Court is in session,” Advisor Paul stated gently, yet firmly.

“A court who is not needed. Jaxson has done nothing wrong.”

“That is to be seen, we are awaiting for his counter. Please, leave us for court to continue.”

“Chris, you are interrupting,” Marc stated, staring down at him.

“Please, brother.”

He felt a weight on his shoulders and when he looked around he saw Jaxson was resting his head against it from behind. “Forgive me,” he whispered into his shirt. Jaxson gripped Chris, spinning him before he crashed him down, their lips fusing together. Chris froze a moment before, at the same time, him and his wolf relaxed into the feel of home. Chris slipped his arms around Jaxson, keeping himself steady, and Jaxson exactly where he was. Jaxson’s warm hand cupped the back of his neck, Chris couldn’t help the groan in his chest. The hold was so warm, so protective…. Possessive.

Chris would have been happy to stay in his embrace with his lips all day. But… they were in the room with seven other males. Jaxson pulled away, a content look on his face as he gazed into Chris’ eyes.

“How dare you assault a member of the Royal Fam-”

“Mate,” Chris breathed loud enough for the males to hear.

A small smile spread over Jaxson's face, lightening his features, “Mate,” he agreed. “My mate.”

“Mine,” Chris growled.

“Preposterous, my King, you can’t possibly even consider this!” The ex Beta stood from his chair.

“Andrew sit down,” Marc commanded. The advisor also stood. Chris’ wolf surged forward, a simmering threat in the air as Andrew refused the sit and the advisor had death in his brown eyes. Chris grabbed Jaxson and shoved him behind him.

“MINE!” the low rumble of a wolf’s taking over his vocal chords echoed around the room. His fangs extended, his golden eyes flashed. “He’s mine. You will not touch him.”

A tiny vibration of pride thrummed through his chest, it wasn’t his own. It was barely there, but it was. He could feel it, the level of warmth from a match heating him from the inside out.

“My King! The Prince has clearly been under a lot of strain recently. I feel it would be wise to separate the two, the punishment still stands for the Guard. The Prince may need some time after his tour to re-assimilate into Royal life,” Advisor Paul stated confidently.

“Are you sure about this, Chris?” Marc asked, his jaw could cut glass with how hard it had become.

“Yes. I will fight for this.”

Jaxson’s fingers interlocked with his from behind, squeezing gently before coming forward, to stand shoulder to shoulder with Chris, their hands entwined, both glaring stubbornly at the Royal Court. “As will I. We are not the only ones, many are living in secret. We won’t. The Crown needs to know that we won’t bow. We will not stick to the shadows and love each other like some dirty secret.”

Jesse stood from his chair, “Nor will I.”

“Jess?” Trey frowned, leaning forward to see him from the other side of Wade until Jesse stood down from the platform.

“I will no longer live in secret.” Jesse stood next to Chris on his other side, his chest rising and falling heavily as if he’d run a marathon.

“I KNEW IT!” Wade jumped to his feet, but Chris couldn’t tell if it were anger or triumph. “Didn’t I tell you?!” He directed the question to Marc. “Knew it!”

“Alright, stop being like a pup that got the cream. Sit down.”

“Gamma Jesse, please explain yourself!” Advisor Paul demanded.

“The Moon Goddess declared my mate to be a male, just the same as these two.” He gestured to Chris and Jaxson.

“Pfft, lies. The human world is corrupting weak-minded individuals!”

“Calling the Royal Prince weak, Paul?” Wade rumbled.

“I think the Royal Prince has been corrupted, Royal Beta Wade.”

“Your points have been noted, Advisor Paul. I think your job is complete,” Marc announced stonily. Chris really couldn’t read him, he thought he knew his brother pretty well but he was like a stranger.

“Your Majesty?” Advisor Paul asked with a frown, clearly not expecting to be dismissed.

“Was there any more advisory points you wanted to add?”

“Well, the punishment for the guard clearly needs to be discussed. This behaviour of your Gamma.”

“That is for me to decide. This is a family matter.”

“The guard?”

“We have already discussed and agreed upon the punishment.”

Chris’ grip tightened on Jaxson’s hand.

“And the Gamma?”

“He is family.”

“I told you he was the wrong choice as your Gamma!” Advisor Paul hissed.

“You are dismissed.”

“Your father will be notified of this.”

“I will brief him myself. Thank you for your time,” Marc dismissed him.

“Very well, My King.” Advisor Paul gave a stiff bow before swanning from the room, his head held high.

Marc ran his hand over his face before straightening again. “Jess, what you do outside of your duties doesn’t really concern me… but it was a little obvious when you put two and two together. Adelaide will be annoyed you didn’t tell her.”

Jesse blinked a little dumbfounded up at the five remaining males.

“I suppose it’s not something that is spoken about. Ramifications have to be thought of. Our laws have to be considered,” Marc stated, clearly thinking aloud.

“So your mate is a male? How does that even work…” Andrew trailed off.

Jesse flushed, as did Chris and the silent male in the corner.

“Don’t think asking how bedroom escapades-” Wade started.

“Wasn’t talking about that!” Andrew snapped. “Like, who’s the female? Who cleans, and is the gentle side?”

“We both do. We both have those qualities.”

“But you’re male.”

“However their relationship works, I don’t think that is for us to judge, hmm?” Trey asked.

“I just… I don’t think it’s right.”

“You don’t think the Moon Goddess was right?” Jesse asked.

“How do we know it’s a true mateship?”

“How do we know any matehood is a true mateship?” Jesse argued.

“Well… you just… you just do,” Andrew flushed.

“Do you disagree that wolves can live any way they like?” Wade asked mildly.

“Well… no.”

“Good.”

“Alpha Foxglove?” Marc prompted, turning the attention away from a blushing Andrew.

“Are you wanting a Royal advisory answer or a personal one?”

“Are the answers different?”

“They are. For a Royal to go against the norm could lead to issues with the crown and our standing with the people. The backlash could be a concern. The belief in the Goddess has been less than in previous generations, this could play a factor in how your citizens see this mateship. On a personal note. If it is not shoved in my face on a daily basis and will not impact me, my pack and my life. They can do as they wish.”

“Thank you, Alpha Foxglove.” Marc rested back in his chair. “Jess, as this directly affects you you cannot have a vote or be included in the discussions, you are excused.”

“Shouldn’t someone who is personally involved be able to put across the points of view?”

“While usually, I would agree, not today. Thank you for your honesty and your support of my brother. You are dismissed, I will notify you of our decisions.”

Jesse deflated a little, “Very well, My King.” He gave a half-bow before leaving the room.

“Chris, go to the family wing, do not leave until I call upon you.”

Chris tensed and opened his mouth to argue.

“Take Jaxson with you. He is still under arrest.” Marc’s eyes glazed a moment, “Pete will accompany you.”

“Please, Marc,” Chris whispered, his grip on Jaxson turning his knuckles white.

“I will speak to you soon. Go.”

“Come, Chris,” Jaxson’s gruff voice cut through the pleading silence.

“But…”

“We’ve given our case. Let the process run its course.” Jaxson tugged on Chris’ hand, forcing him to move.