The Alpha's Mate--Cursed Heart

When A Soul Meets Its Equal

Chapter 15: When A Soul Meets Its Equal

I set the beautiful seed chest on my bed after Katelyn and I reached my room, continuing to take in the beauty of the gift made for me by Marcus. My fingers tracing the beautifully scrolled M in the center, I was in awe that even after my refusal, he would create something so special just for me. It touched my heart in a way I couldn’t even describe—my eyes taking in every minute detail of the box and feeling for the first time in my life...someone loved me so wholly and completely. If only I could feel the same way about him...

Continue to look deep inside, Moriah. The voice sang out in my head, confusing me further. Always choose love over fear and kindness over cruelty.

“Are you alright?” Katelyn gently asked, placing her hand on my arm, “You look so downhearted, Moriah. Talk to me.”

“I suppose I’m just wondering why the Moon Goddess would want to hurt Marcus in such a way,” I softly thought out loud, smiling as I continued to run my fingers along the edges of the box, “Giving him this connection with me. Someone who’s cursed with...” My words trailed off as I suddenly realized I reeled my thoughts back inside my mind. 

“The illness that plagues you,” Katelyn sympathetically replied, wrapping her arm around me comfortingly.

Tears welled in my eyes as I uncomfortably murmured out, “Marcus has told you then.”

Katelyn shook her fervently, “I will be honest with you, we asked about your wolf. While he did say that there is no wolf within you, Marcus said nothing more. He was fiercely protective of both you and the confidence of the conversation between you.”

Continuing to stare at the box, I went through all the thoughts and feelings I had since the gala, finding myself drawn to confide in Katelyn now, “I would like to tell you about my illness, Katelyn, and maybe get your thoughts on something.”

“I would love to help in any way I can, Moriah,” Katelyn earnestly replied, “For both you and Marcus.”

I nodded and proceeded to tell Katelyn about my illness and what Lenore had done to save me—killing my wolf—or so I thought.  I then told her that I had been left quite perplexed, wondering if my wolf was still within me and what danger that could present to my health—and if it was within me, would I too feel the connection with Marcus.

“I can’t deny that I do feel something inside for Marcus, which makes me feel like if I just had my wolf, it would all be so clear,” I exasperated out, “Instead of continuing to feel so cursed!”   

I heard a weary laugh beside me as Katelyn stated, “I can’t help but feel you and Marcus are two such similar souls.  Both of you feeling you are cursed, yet both with so much love in their heart.  In fact, I can show you Marcus’ heart right now.”  

Lifting the box lid and laying it gently on top of my bed, Katelyn removed the inner seed boxes before smiling brightly as she pressed gently on the side, which silently popped open to reveal a small secret compartment within. My eyes widened in both surprise and shock as a breathless gasp passed from my lips.

Slowly reaching down, my fingers delicately wrapped around the glass encased stem to pull out the most beautiful flower I had ever seen in my life. The white rose pedals with splatters of red that looked like they had been painstakingly painted to create a work of spectacular heartwarming art.

A wide smile crossed my face as I whispered out in awe, “A Red Dragon Rose. H-How did Marcus ever...where did he get this?”

“From his garden,” Katelyn proudly boasted, obviously excited about my reaction, “Marcus has the most beautiful flowers there, Moriah, with several varieties of roses, including the Red Dragons. Knowing these were your favorite, he wanted to gift you with one that you could admire whenever you wanted.”  Reaching back into the compartment, she pulled out a small note, handing it to me as she sat on the edge of my bed.

I unfolded the paper, my eyes eagerly taking in the neat script...

May this always make you smile and bring happiness to your heart.

Because your smile and your heart illuminate the world, Moriah.

Always, M—

Looking down at the cherished gift, I twirled it between my fingers taking in every small detail of the pedals as my eyes brimmed with tears of heartfelt emotions, “I can’t believe Marcus would still feel it in his heart to do this for me knowing that our mate connection is one-sided. I don’t know what to say, Katelyn.”

“I think just the description of your reaction will make him very happy, Moriah,” Katelyn sweetly returned, “I’m so glad you like it.  I understand the difficulties you face and hope that you can keep your mind open to the possibilities with Marcus. He has such a beautiful heart, as reflected in his gifts. Just make sure to keep the rose a secret for only your eyes to behold and enjoy.”

“I will, I promise,” I instantly assured her, carefully placing the rose and my note back in its home before reluctantly closing the door, “I so desperately wish I could return Marcus’ affection. Perhaps you are right and if I keep my mind open, all will be made clear.”

“Indeed,” Katelyn happily grinned, “Would you like me to pass along any messages to him?”

Looking over, I sincerely requested, “Yes. Please tell Marcus that his gift truly means the world to me, Katelyn and that I hope somehow to get the opportunity to tell him in person just how much.”

Katelyn peered up at me, her green eyes distraught as she sighed out, “While it makes my heart happy to hear you say that Moriah, I’m afraid it may prove rather difficult for reasons we are both aware of.”

Suddenly, my door opened, startling both Katelyn and I as our eyes darted to the doorway to find Xavier smirking at us, “Perhaps it may not be as difficult as both you ladies might think!”  

Walking into my room, he bowed slightly at Katelyn, warmly greeting, “I apologize for intruding on you both, but I wanted to introduce myself and thank you for your ability to get our Little Miss out of the castle last evening. I’m Xavier.”

“X-Xavier?” I anxiously murmured, standing up as Katelyn took his hand, nervously grinning at him as he assisted her up from my bed, “You heard—”

Peering over at me with a soft knowing gaze, Xavier quietly interrupted, “That you are Marcus’ mate? I’m afraid so, Moriah, which admittedly explains a few things from our conversation earlier.”

Katelyn curiously looked at him before cautiously inquiring, “If I may ask, what did you mean it may not be as difficult as we think, Xavier? Are you not planning on telling Alec?”

“I don’t think that would do anyone any good,” Xavier generously replied, “Unlike Alec, I have never held any ill feelings towards Marcus. In fact, I admire his leadership very much. I’ve never met him in person, but as he is connected with Moriah and obviously cares about her a great deal, I feel like both of you do...we need to keep this amongst us, at least for now.”

“Xavier,” I solemnly breathed out, “I can’t ask you to go against Alec in this way.”

Taking my hands in his, Xavier affectionately returned, “You aren’t asking, Moriah.  I care about you a great deal, you know that.  Your happiness means more to me than anything.”

Taking in a sharp breath, I apprehensively replied, “I appreciate your willingness to protect Marcus, Xavier. As I hold no feelings or connection with him—”

“You are wrong about that, Moriah, something I think you already know,” Xavier tenderly broke in, taking my hands in his, “We both know what you have been through and the toll this illness has taken on you. You said it yourself!  What if that is the reason you are unable to feel anything for Marcus? You have always fought through your illness. Do not stop fighting on me now!”

My eyes pleading for answers, I implored, “Even if that is the case, Xavier, you and I both know that having a connection with Marcus would end with dire effects. Alec will never accept it.”

“She’s right, he will never accept Marcus as Moriah’s mate,” Katelyn reluctantly agreed.

“Perhaps,” Xavier breathed out thoughtfully, “But I can’t help but feel that you need to explore this connection more, Moriah. At the very least, I have an idea that will enable you to thank Marcus for your gift and talk with him more. If Marcus is your destiny, then we will figure this out, Moriah. I promise!”

*********

MARCUS

While I had been distracted waiting for word from Vincent and Katelyn following their visit, I was completely caught off guard by Katelyn’s news as we sat in my office. I was elated to hear that Moriah appreciated my gift and in turn, wanted to thank me personally, but as Katelyn discussed the devised plan to meet with Moriah, I was both nervous and anxious. My wolf was excited at the prospect of seeing our mate, excitedly howling in my head to do whatever it takes to have her in our sights again. Vincent and Seraphina, however, looked incredibly concerned as Katelyn finished the details of the proposed plan.

“Other than knowing he is one of Alec’s warriors, I am not familiar with Xavier,” Seraphina lightly warned, “What if this is a trap?”

“I have to agree,” Vincent concurred, “Which is why I told my romantic wife I don’t think this is a good idea, Marcus. Meeting Moriah in Alec’s territory is too dangerous in my mind.”

“I do not deny it is dangerous,” Katelyn defended, reaching over to take Vincent’s hand in hers, gazing down as she intertwined their fingers, “But after Moriah told me that she feels something and wanted to see him—I just can’t help but feel that if Marcus could only talk with her more—”

“So, Moriah continues to take a potion that Lenore provides as a means to prevent her wolf from causing her this supposed harm to her?” Seraphina inquired.

“Yes,” Katelyn confirmed, “But Moriah is now wondering if her wolf isn’t still somewhere inside.”

“When she was in your garden,” I recalled, “She had this moment of pain. I saw it in her expression.”

“I still feel the danger is too great,” Vincent tried to reason, “If you get caught, you give Alec the reason he has been looking for to attack you. Why don’t we just make another attempt to have Moriah visit?”

“We both know why,” Katelyn hesitatingly replied, her expression downhearted, “Because Alec will undoubtedly accompany her, which means she will be heavily guarded.”

I understood infiltrating on Alec’s territory held incredible danger, but the thought of seeing Moriah again and knowing she wanted to see me...I knew there was no way I would deny her.

“You have the information on where we are supposed to meet?” I asked Katelyn, who immediately handed me a small piece of paper. Opening it, I stared at the information for a long moment before looking up at my closest confidante to delicately ask, “Seraphina? Can you get me to Moriah safely?”

“Of course,” Seraphina calmly replied, “If that is what you truly desire. Perhaps if she will allow it, I can evaluate Moriah’s condition as well.”

“Marcus, my brother, I want this for you more than you know,” Vincent sighed out, “But please be careful. This risk you are taking—"

“I know how risky this is, Vincent,” I resolvedly interrupted, “But if there is even the slightest chance for Moriah to return my feelings, I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

**********

MORIAH

Xavier had shown me all around the little town during our outing. It was so relaxing and pleasant as I took in all the quaint little shops and homes during our walk. But as we neared the forest where Marcus was to meet us, I began growing anxious inside...

“Your cheeks are already blushing slightly, Moriah,” Xavier humorously teased, “That tells me there is more to this connection with Marcus than you think.”

“Maybe,” I hesitated, my eyes dropping to the ground, “or maybe I’m just feeling embarrassed that on both of my recent outings, I have become quite the rebel!” Laughing under my breath, I added, “Although as I think about it, both of my rebellious moments have involved Marcus.”

Laughing out loud, Xavier then assured me, "Your illness has robbed you of enough during your lifetime, Moriah. I won’t let it rob you of love too, even if it means we have to face an incredibly difficult situation with your brother.”

“I have made things quite complicated, haven’t I?” I reluctantly exhaled out as we neared the small clearing, “For you especially.”

“Let’s just hope it doesn’t get more complicated, huh?” Xavier murmured under his breath as Marcus came into view, “If it gets too complicated, we may have to go with your earlier suggestion—running away!” Nodding towards the clearing, he told me, “You go ahead. I’ll hang back for a minute.”

Walking out into the clearing, I couldn’t deny that Marcus looked so handsome, standing before me in a maroon t-shirt that outlined every firm muscle of his chest and jeans, his brown eyes filled with the same anxiousness I felt as our gazes fell upon one another. 

“Hello, Marcus,” I called out to him, “Thank you for your willingness to meet today. It means a great deal to me. I know the risk you are taking.” 

“Of course, Moriah,” he grinned, “And I can assure you, we are quite protected here thanks to a little help.” Turning to the side, Marcus kindly said, “Allow me to introduce you to Seraphina, who is very much family to me.” 

Just then, a beautiful blonde-haired petite woman wearing a stunning green velvet dress suddenly appeared next to Marcus, a kind smile across her face as she greeted, “It’s nice to finally meet you, Moriah.”

I heard Xavier take in a sharp breath before he slowly walked out of the shadows of the trees behind me. As I turned to introduce him, I noticed his face was full of shock, his eyes wide as they stared out at Marcus and Seraphina. Instantly, my head snapped around to find Seraphina’s expression filled with the same stunned expression just as Xavier breathed out, “MATE!”