Let Me Live

Chapter 20 Luna Anna

Luna Anna’s POV

I try to calm my nerves as the plane descends. This is my first time flying and will hopefully be my last. Even if I am on the King’s private plane. Wolves are meant to have their feet on the ground. I had wanted to take a bus but Prince Ryker wouldn’t hear of it. Saying that a plane would be much faster. I had never flown before so I wanted to give it a shot and now that I have, I can safely say this is not for me! Although I suppose I’ll have to get over that once I officially take over the pack, seeing as I’ll be expected to travel to events and meetings in other territories. Hopefully, I could minimize the number of those trips and just stick to my region. The plane bumps a little as we touch down and I go into my breathing exercises that I had learned in therapy. Thank the Goddess we’re on the ground! I had called Prince Ryker a few days ago and asked him for an in-person meeting.

As much as I hated to, I had to plead for my mate’s life. Not for his sake, but for mine. It’s common knowledge that when a mate dies, the other mate follows soon after. The depression from the broken bond is too great. I hadn’t been ready to face anything at the time of the trial, so I had not attended, but I was doing better now and felt like I had a second chance at the life I had wanted and I didn’t want to lose it now. Also, Ameilia is smiling more than I have seen since her parents died and she is my best friend. I have to try and at least get them life imprisonment if I can. I doubt the King will listen. He seems like a good man, but after what Drake did to his mate, I can understand why he would be unwilling to let him live. My hope was that if I could convince Prince Ryker, then maybe he could talk to King Titan. They seemed very close, especially considering Ryker had punched him and received no punishment! The plane finally comes to a halt and I unfasten my seat belt and I’m at the door before it even begins to open. I don’t care what Prince Ryker says, I am taking the bus back!

As the door descends, I see the Prince on a large motorcycle with a small sedan parked behind him! I guess now I know why he told me to wear jeans and boots. As I climb down the steps, Prince Ryker walks forward to meet me. By the Goddess, this man is breathtaking! I haven’t felt butterflies over anyone since I mated with Drake. Of course, I was hardly allowed to interact with anyone, so it’s understandable. Still, this man makes my cheeks flame with just a look. Then he turns on that million dollar smile and I swear my heart skips a beat. I shouldn’t be feeling like this. I am a mated female after all, still I think this man could tempt the world’s most orhtodox nun’s into sin!

“Luna Anna, welcome. How was your flight?” He asks as he takes my hand and grazes his lips across the back.

“Fine, but I do believe I would rather take wheels on the road back home.” I replied with a shaky breath.

“Not much for metal birds, I take it?” He says with that devilish grin and takes my purse and hands it off to the men from the car, who have already taken my bags from the plane and placed them in the trunk. I also noticed that the car is a 2 seater and both seats are occupied. Damn.

“No I’m not and I’m also not thrilled with what it looks like I'll be riding on.” I said. He has my hand in his as we walk towards the mammoth bike. It’s front wheel is stretched out and the pipes and engine are chrome. The rest is back with a wolf painted on the gas tank. I have to admit that it is beautiful.

“Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?” He asks and hands me a helmet. I stared at it for a moment, not exactly sure how the straps worked. He helps put it on and fastens it under my chin.

“No, and if it’s anything like my first flight, I’m sure this will be my last.” I mumbled. He holds out his hand and easily assists me to the back seat.

“I promise to be safe. I haven’t had a lady complain about a ride with me yet.” He smirks as he throws his leg over the front. I’m not sure if he is purposefully trying to be coy or not, but damn, it is working. He fires up the machine and I instantly squeeze myself against his torso. I guess if I’m going to die, there are worse ways.

As we hit the open highway, I didn’t feel as scared anymore. Something about the wind blowing in my hair and the sun beating against my face is so liberating! I have been a prisoner for so long and this feels like absolute freedom in it’s purest form! The vibrations and power under me have my heart racing! This is way better than flying! In fact, I feel like if I stretched my arms out, I could fly! I never want this feeling to end. I have got to get a motorcycle! This is the happiest I’ve felt in a very long time and I almost don’t want it to end. However, it does as we reach a compound hidden behind a mountain! I would’ve never guessed the royal family would live so secluded in the middle of a forest. We drove through what appeared to be a small town, and stopped in front of one of the largest manor homes I have ever seen! It makes our pack house look like a doll's house! Ryker helps me off the back of the bike and removes the helmet.

“So what’s the verdict?” He asks, gesturing towards the bike.

“Much better than flying. I may have to get one of those myself.” I answered honestly and smiled at him.

“Really? Well, let me know and I’ll be happy to teach you to ride and help you pick the perfect bike.” He replied with a genuine smile. He orders the men to take my bags to a guest room and leads me inside to a small comfortable sitting room. The high walls are painted a pale yellow and there are four white lounge chairs and a small loveseat all facing towards a small wicker table in the center. It’s very cheerful but doesn’t look like the usual place for a meeting of this nature. He gestures for me to sit in one of the chairs and then sits across from me.

“So, how have you been, Luna Anna?” He asks.

“I’m doing much better, thank you.” I said with a nervous smile. Now that I’m actually here, I have no idea how to approach the subject of my mate. I play with my fingers nervously and then remember how much Drake hated that and force myself to stop. Price Ryker seems to pick up on my uneasiness.

“I suppose you’re here to discuss your husband's fate?” He asks, gently. I nod and do my best to get my nerves under control.

“Yes, your Highness. I know that…”

“Ryker, please. I’m not my brother and there is no need for formalities when we’re alone.” He says and gives me a crooked grin that once again has my heart skidding. It should be illegal for a man to look this good.

“Very well, Ryker. I know that what my mate has done is unforgivable. I understand that the law is the law but I am asking that his and the beta’s death penalties be reviewed and life imprisonment be considered. I am not requesting this on their behalf but on mine and Ameilia’s. She and I have been through so much and finally feel like we can begin to live again. We are so very worried that if our mates die, that we might follow.” I stumbled out and tried my best to keep my voice from shaking. Ryker stares at me a moment and then leans forward and takes my hand in his.

“The king and I have already discussed this matter. You should know that it will be a while before your mate’s full sentence is carried out as well as the beta’s. I am sorry to inform you that the death sentence is final but I would like you to speak to my mother, the Queen, about your concerns.” He says it so sincerely and I’m not sure what he means by their “full” sentences. I am also nowhere near acceptable to meet the Queen herself, who I was unaware was still living. I nodded in a daze. I was hoping to get them to reconsider, but something about Ryker’s smile and his calmness at the fact that Ameilia and I could die makes me feel like there is something else at play. His eyes black out and shortly after, a beautiful woman comes into the room. Her skin is tan and her thick ebony hair falls down in big loose curls to her lower back. I notice that she has the same genuine smile that Ryker does and the same black eyes. This must be his mother, the Queen! Although she is dressed in a simple beige halter dress and small heels. I immediately bowed my head to her.

“Your majesty.” I greeted her and hope my voice sounds stronger than I feel at the moment.

“Luna Anna, I presume.” She says in a sweet sounding voice. Not a hint of arrogance or snobbery. I nod but keep my head down until I feel her fingers lift my chin, gently. Kindness shining in her eyes just like Ryker.

“Please dear, I value eye contact and honesty above formalities.” She said with a smile. I smiled back and did my best to fight my submissive instincts. She and I sat down and Ryker excused himself after giving his mother a small peck on the cheek. How endearing, he still kisses his mom.

“I understand you have some concerns about your mate and what may happen to you and the beta female once your mate's sentences are carried out.”

“Yes mam. Please understand I know what my mate has done and I am deeply ashamed to be asking for this. I am deeply ashamed in many respects, really, that I would be mated to such a man.” I say honestly and lower my head again in guilt. I have been trying to work on these feelings in my therapy sessions, but it is so hard not to feel guilt and shame about what he did.

“My dear, I’m going to feel you in on something. My mate, the former King, Henry, has been dead for 11 years. Titan challenged him for the crown in a fight to the death when he was 17.” She paused to let me absorb this. I looked at her wide-eyed. She certainly didn’t seem to be in poor health. In fact, she looked the exact opposite. I had known the story of King Titan but had never given much thought to how the queen had fared afterwards.

“You see, my son was not after the crown at all. He did what he did to end our suffering. My husband was a cruel man. He treated me and his sons little better than objects. We were possessions to him, not people. I tried to keep his wrath focused on me, but Titan bore the biggest brunt of it, being he was always trying to protect Ryker and I.” Her voice took on a sad tone and her eyes told me she was telling the truth. I had no idea about any of that. The royal family was always painted as the perfect picture of grace.

“As I understand it, you and the beta female were treated much the same way.” She said this gently and laid her hand on mine. I lowered my eyes and nodded. I could feel the tears coming and didn’t have the heart to look at her.

“The reason I am telling you this is because a lot of people seem to think that the mate bond is some instant love super glue that binds you to your mate forever. That is not the case at all. The mate bond simply leads you to the person who possesses the other half of you and your wolf’s soul. They are the push to your pull, but the bond does not guarantee love. Love is what feeds the bond and strengthens it. When the mate bond is starved of love and used to mistreat a mate in one way or another, it causes the bond to weaken. Therefore, the hold is not as strong on each other. May I ask you, when was the last time you felt actual love towards your mate? Not the pull of the bond but actual love?” She asked me. I honestly didn’t have an answer. I don’t ever remember actually loving Drake. I was excited at first, after having met a moon ball in our region and discovering we were mates. That excitement quickly wore off after our commitment and marking ceremony, when I had realized what kind of man he was and, after that, all I can remember feeling towards him was fear. My eyes watered again at the realization that I had been living so much of my life not in love with the man who was supposed to be my world but afraid of him.

“When was the last time you were able to mind link with your mate?” She asked. Again I had no answer because I couldn’t remember. I can honestly say that I have never felt better since he has been gone. I had never heard of a bond being able to be weakened, but thinking about it, it makes sense. I look up at her and she smiles gently yet confidently at me.

“I do believe you will be just fine on your own, Luna Anna.” She pats my hand and, smiles warmly at me.

“I hope you’ll stay for a few days and visit with us.” I nodded. There is something else I intend to do while here and we’ll see just how weak the bond is.