Queen, Alpha, Mate

Chapter 5

Diana POV

Finally, the final guests are about to leave and go back to their respective territories, or to their assigned rooms for the night in our packhouse. It's quite dangerous to travel at night these days as there are some rogue packs that are active during those times. Though most of the alphas are good fighters and can fend these packs off, spilling blood is never fun.

Of course, Joshua stays behind for me. We'll have a lot of things to feel, discuss and learn if this is going to work. Sitting next to him, I stare at the table in front of me. I feel so awkward all of a sudden, wasn't I the one constantly saying that I didn't need any man? I mean, of course I don't need him, but why do I want him so badly? I could have never imagined the mating bond to cause feelings quite this strong. Of course, I never really saw the mating bond in action that much as my mother passed away when I was still a little girl. I was only five when she died of a strange and unknown heart disease, but I remember her eyes and her arms. She was such a warm lady and she used to sing to me all the time. I still remember the song. 

Suddenly, I feel a hand on mine and when I look to Joshua, I see him smiling softly at me. 

"Penny for your thoughts?" He says.

"I was just thinking how silly the mating bond is." I reply. "One second, I don't know about your existence, the next, I couldn't imagine mine without it. I don't think I want to be apart from you." I reply.

"I feel you on that one. I was feeling so awkward that I met your father as your mate, but I didn't even know your name."

We both blush and chuckle, before I take his hand. "Let's take a walk outside, get a drink somewhere and just talk. I want to get to know you, at least a little bit." His relieved smile is answer enough. 

Together, we walk around the main village and the woods beyond. Initially in silence, enjoying the sparks just touching the other's hand sends through our body. At some point though, I find it hard to stand the silence. "Let's play 21 questions, but with open answers, does that make sense?"

"So basically, an interview" Joshua laughs.

"Sure, if you want to call it that. Tell me about your pack, what are the dynamics? How is everyone?"

"It's been quite rough lately. Lots of rogue attacks, but the king won't send more reinforcements. I'm guessing it won't be too long before they break through. It's been scary times. Did you know about this? I'm guessing not, since you had to ask."

"No, I hadn't heard. I'm so sorry and will make sure to talk to my dad about it. No way am I letting you or yours get hurt. How many rogue reports have there been in the last year?"

"To be honest, we count them by month now. Only last month there were two. We managed to keep them off, but we lost quite a lot of good men and women. Still, let's not turn this conversation into a report. I was quite happy to forget those worries for a bit while holding your hand and seeing you, my beautiful mate." 

That word, mate. It sends butterflies storming into my stomach and my heart flutters. I lean my head on his shoulder and sigh. "Okay, so it's your turn now."

"What do you like to do?"

"Oh that's easy, I like to hunt and find new places in our forests. There are so many good spots to swim! Also, I try to visit the primary school and nursery often to help take care of the children. I also study law and history, but I do that mostly online. Mythology is also a passion of mine. Did you know I'm named after the Roman goddess of the hunt?" I reply excitedly, hoping we have some things in common.

"Haha! Your eyes gleam when you get excited. I love that!" Joshua says. "I also love to go for a swim in my spare time and I have a decent background in mythology."

"Okay, then what's your favourite story?" I ask him.

"That would be the story of Orpheus and Eurydice." He replies.

"Ahh, so you're a bit of a sap huh?" Joshua jokingly hides his face in his hands. "It's okay, I love that myth too. Have you seen the musical adaptation Hadestown? There's a theatre in one of the nearby Fae cities and I think they still play it at times."

"I've heard of it, it's supposed to be great. Never had time to go there though. It's one of those stories that, no matter how many versions there are, always just strikes a chord with me. Imagine going to the actual end of the world, overcoming so many obstacles, to be defeated by your own insecurity and faith in the end."

I throw my arms around him. "Finally, someone to talk with about these things. My dad always says that he's too busy for stories, but I think we have nothing if not stories to tell and recall." I say.

He nuzzles his face in the crook of my neck and inhales deeply. "You smell delicious, my princess." He breathes as he nips at my ear and kisses my neck. I feel myself getting a little hot inside. He lets out a low chuckle before spinning me out of his embrace and walking on. "I have a question for you, my love. It's about your wolf. I can sense she's there, but she's so far away. Have you met her yet?"

"I haven't, actually. I've been noticing her presence more strongly lately, but there was even a time when I didn't think I had a wolf. That caused quite a bit of panic. Imagine a wolf queen without a wolf."

"I get it, Rhys was a little late too, but it's okay. She'll come when she's ready. I can't say my better half is quite as patient though. I'll let you meet him once he's calmed down about finding you a bit." Joshua responds.

"Shall we go back inside?" I say, it's getting cold out and I think dinner will be served soon. Besides, you need to get word back to your gamma that you're going to be back a few days later." Joshua nods and we head back inside.