The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

I Like Him Pt. 1

Bjourn is Thirty-Five

Bjourn rubbed Astrid’s lower back as they sat in court. She was pregnant and due in the next two weeks. This was our last day in my parents' court before we both got to have our leave from official duties until after we were ready to return once Brenton arrived. Astrid had a feeling this time the name would match our son.

Uncle Zader announced, “We have a request for our service and the proof they could pay from someone we’ve never had before.” Interesting. He continued, “Cassandra Conners wants our help.” Now, he had my attention. The Conners never requested our help, and as a former Luna it should be her son requesting our help instead of her.

My dad asked, “On behalf of Black Mountain?” He answered, “No, it’s her personal account that will be paying us. She’s asking us not as the former Luna of her pack or on their behalf. Technically it’s on behalf of a pack that doesn’t exist anymore, her home pack.” I raised an eyebrow. Kriton explained, “It came from her family's accounts after Nathan’s father wiped out her pack. She never combined what she got from their passing with her husband. She’s requested this be kept secret from everyone.”

Kashe snorted, “Christ, what did she do? It’s going to be covering up something she did.” Kashe did not care for Cassandra. He answered, “She wishes for us to save Luna Stephanie from her mate.” Kashe frowned, “Alpha Max? He adores her.” Astrid gently reminded her, “You haven’t seen them in a few years.” More than that at this point.

Kriton explained, “It appears he suffered a mental break when his parents died. Alpha Eric has been pressuring people to save her. Luna Stephanie’s former Alpha will not side with him even though he has evidence she’s being mistreated. Since he does not have his backing and Alpha Max refuses to let anyone see her so Alpha Eric cannot do anything.”

That was dumb. I’d imagine Alpha Eric was pissed off then. I would be if I were him. Kriton continued, “As it happens Alpha Max is currently refusing to return two pups from Alpha Steven McDermont’s pack for crossing into his lands. Alpha Eric is finally getting to make a move on him with his allies. They are meeting for peace talks with him per their bylaws.”

Kashe argued, “They are allies with Alpha Max.” Kriton said, “According to what she supplied they haven’t been for years.” Kashe pursed her lips and Dawson rubbed her back. True to form she was also pregnant and due any day. Kriton handed out Alpha Eric’s evidence. Kashe’s face fell. I had to say her former Alpha was a cold hearted bastard. He’d walled off Stephanie’s father from his account.

I looked further and found it was rumored he wanted to pay us to get her years ago. I’d guess the Alpha and Beta were no longer friends. He’d even put off their children taking over the pack to avoid having them get her back. Jesus Christ. The dad was barely the Beta at this point. His son was doing the work just not in an official capacity. Her dad’s mate had passed and he was wasting away worrying about his daughter. His other children’s mate’s pack had cut ties. This was a big mess.

My dad agreed, “We will go kill the mate and free Stephanie and her children.” I asked, “What does she do then? Go home to an Alpha who wouldn’t help a man who had no reason to want to save her since he barely knew her?” I’d be furious if I was Stephanie hearing that. She has to know at this point too.”

Kriton supplied, “Cassandra Conners is willing to pay to give her the option to have new identities for her pups and herself if she chooses not to return home. Her son will keep the pack until her oldest can run the area.”

Kashe scoffed, “He doesn’t even know she’s doing this. She can’t make that call.” I’d observed the man though through his files and dealings. My mom wanted him for Haley, and so did my dad. He was the top choice. I told her, “You know he’d do it.” She pointed out, “He’ll be worried about her. He would want to make sure she’s ok. Besides, Cassandra is not handing over millions of dollars out of the goodness of her heart. Why is she doing this?”

Kriton answered, “She’s the reason Luna Stephanie doesn’t have many friends according to her. Cassandra got upset with her over something she now sees as trivial and because of her lack of friendship many Luna’s barely speak to Stephanie.”

Kashe rolled her eyes, “I assure you whatever it was in fact the dumbest reason a person ever boxed someone out in the history of time. Besides, Cassandra’s not forking over millions because she cost Stephanie some friendships.”

Kriton chuckled, “I agree. I looked more into this and it seems Alpha Max’s parents died after she refused to let them stay at the house after a party. Her mate, Former Alpha Nathan, agreed to let them stay the night along with Alpha Eric.”

“After he and his son left to check someone out on the border she insisted they leave. As the houses are Luna’s domains they must have caved. It was very hard to get that information too. She buried it and told everyone they decided they wanted to see Luna Stephanie because they missed their daughter in law. She was running the pack for a week at the time while Alpha Max and his Beta were at a conference in California.”

My jaw actually dropped. Kashe sneered, “So, she’s actually responsible for him blaming his own mate because she lied. That doesn’t make sense though. He was a really good person.” Astrid squeezed her hand, “Grief does weird things to people.” Kashe stated, “I get that, but he didn’t have that streak in him. It’s hard to hurt your mate and only crazy sadistic people can do that.”

Kriton replied, “He was grief stricken, but he never harmed Luna Stephanie until after the funerals. He left for a meeting afterwards alone and returned a completely different person according to reports from pack members who left after meeting mates.”

Kashe snorted, “Was it with Cassandra where she blamed his mate for their deaths?” He admitted, “I can’t find who it was with, but I do know it wasn’t her.” She must blame herself though. Kashe didn’t think she was a good person to me meant she probably wasn’t. She was going to spend millions of dollars to help, but it was to ease her guilty conscience not out of the goodness of her heart. Or because she thought Stephanie knew she’d lied about why Alpha Max’s parents left. She wanted her out of the way so her lie couldn't be revealed.

Astrid sighed, “I say we do it and charge her every single penny we can. She could’ve asked for help when her son went to the former Alpha with proof and he didn’t give it. She’s only asking now because something happened and she can slip it in. She probably knows Luna Stephanie will choose new identities so her secret will be safe forever. Out of sight and mind.” I agreed with that.

My dad chuckled, “We’ll do that. Now, the question is who do we send?” I wanted to go and meet Alpha Eric, and he’d definitely be there for me to see in person. I wasn’t going to leave Astrid this close to the end of her pregnancy though. Astrid sent me her acceptance and basically told me to go. I stared at her and she nodded.

I offered, “I’ll go.” My dad raised an eyebrow. He said, “You’re more than qualified but you’re about to be…” Astrid cut off, “We have time before this little one arrives. He can get this done and be back well before my due date.” I added, “If she goes into labor someone can be ready to come as my backup.” My dad agreed and Logan volunteered to be my backup. He winked at me as court was dismissed.

He teased, “Astrid, can you go into labor early so I can scope out the man mom says is right for Haley? I do feel like we should get to know our future brother in law.” I snorted, “You don’t know it will be him. He has to be agreeable and so does she. She doesn’t know him. Besides, she doesn’t mind Iblis.” He was my choice and second on the list. He was taken with her already.

Logan pointed out, “She doesn’t talk to him.” I snorted, “She barely talks to Heath and she’s known him longer.” Logan flinched. I felt his pain in his bond. I reached out for him, “Are you ok?” His eyes blazed, “I haven’t killed Heath’s Lieutenant or told Heath the truth of what happened. I told you I won’t kill him and I promised mom not tell him the truth about the weasel he calls best friend. I think you should’ve let Haley kill that fucker.”

I argued, “You like Lexi. Just talk to her.” He snorted, “I talk to her all the time. I’m the reason she’s eaten for the last week. She’s going out as her moniker in a few days. I don’t think she’s ready. Her string ceremony just happened in the human realm. It’s only because she’s been here it’s been longer.”

I assured him, “We will make sure she’s ok.” Logan scoffed, “He didn’t deserve her.” I replied, “Well, you know she’ll come back here after her mission. Make your move, little brother.” He shrugged, “I’ll have to talk to her about it and her feelings. I’m not going to take advantage of her and I’m not looking for a girlfriend. I don’t want her to get hurt.” I replied, “Well, you should still talk to her.”

Harper joined us, throwing out, “I agree.” Logan scoffed, “You literally have no room to talk.” Harper glared at him. I agreed, “He’s right. Gunner’s mate died in front of you both.” His guilt hit hard. I grabbed him, “You did everything you could, and Gunner knows that.” Harper shrugged, “He will get a second chance.” I argued, “He could. It’s not a guarantee when Aesir himself has to know who the best options are. He’s just waiting for you to get a clue.” Harper shrugged again and walked off.

Logan snorted, “What if we just held him down? Or asked Haley for a charm to stop making him be so dense?” I snorted, “She wouldn’t do that. She thinks we are all the smartest people alive. Which includes Harper. She thinks their relationship is beautiful. If she figures out they are dancing around marking each other she will fix it.”

It made us all quite happy she thought we were so smart. She was very bright and enjoyed observing us. She was getting better at being around us and everyone else though. She still went numb more than we liked, but she was so much better. I found it curious that she was nervous around Oragon the most. She was ok with Dawson, Gunner, and most of our friends. Not him though. I wondered if he bore a resemblance to a fairy she knew.

I shook that off and portaled Astrid to Dawson and Kashe. Dawson assured me, “I’ve got her while you’re gone.” I told her, “If you go into labor and you pull me. Logan can handle Luna Stephanie.” Kashe wiped her tears, “Can you just observe Alpha Max before you make the call? He was so nice and he loved Stephanie. I know he did.” I agreed, “I will.” She whispered, “Give him a quick death if possible.” I promised, “Kashe, I swear to you if I can make his death fast I will. The wolves will not torture him.” Even if he may deserve it. Kashe’s happiness mattered to me more than their need for justice. She nodded.

I kissed Astrid, “I’ll see you soon.” She winked, “I’d better. I can’t wait to hear what you think of him. Kashe always speaks his praises and thinks he’s great.” Kashe perked up, “He is! Haley and Alpha Eric would be so striking together too. He deserves someone good for all the awful women his mother paraded around. He didn’t give in even once, and that man gets more ass than a toilet seat. None of her choices though.” I chuckled, “I’ll go say goodbye to Marcus.” The group flinched.

My brother had stepped into s**t big time last year. He’d dated a GOD AWFUL she wolf, and he’d fought with every member of our family about it. He and Torvi were getting back to normal. He even went with Haley when she charmed Noah’s things for hurting Lexi at her string ceremony. That was a positive step for them. It killed me to see them so close but far apart. They’d been attached at the hip since she arrived.

I said, “He’s broken himself still.” Astrid sighed, “That woman is god awful.” I agreed, “I know.” Kashe huffed, “He still won’t let anyone say anything about her god awful ass either.” I chuckled, “I say things about her whenever I want.” Kashe rolled her eyes, “Well, he still needs his head out of his ass. He hurt my girls and I’ll get him back after this nugget makes her entrance.” I chuckled, “Then you’re asking Haley for help to prank him.” She grinned, “And I think it might just be a little mean.” Probably it still hurt her feelings they’d fought over Claudia. I kissed Astrid again and portaled to Marcus.

He was in his wing alone. I asked, “What are you doing?” He tossed a stress ball and caught it. He answered, “Nothing much.” I sat down, “Brother.” He retorted, “Brother.” I raised an eyebrow. He said, “Everyone is still mad at me. I thought Haley and I were ok after I went with her to the Shroud, but she’s back to being skittish around me. Torvi and I have been in couples therapy and are finally ok. My sons are pissed at me. Hell, everyone is still. I don’t blame them though. It’s my fault it’s just all a mess.”

I reasoned, “You only apologized to Torvi. Maybe try that approach with everyone else.” He winced, “My boys won’t sit still around me long enough to hear it.” I went over and touched his shoulder, “This will pass, brother.” He shrugged but I felt his need in the bond. I pulled him up for a hug and felt his tears on my shoulder.

He whispered, “I still don’t understand it.” I asked, “Understand what?” He shrugged, “It doesn’t matter.” I didn’t agree with that. He looked and felt lost and adrift. He’d been better with Torvi around, but he was isolated if she wasn’t. I had to fix this. I said, “I’ll see you when I’m home and let you know if you should go observe the man.” He chuckled, “I have nothing else to do. I might as well go see Alpha Eric.” I nodded to him and walked out of his room.

Then I opened a portal to Haley’s room, but she wasn’t there. I opened a portal to the ocean and found her with her horse. I greeted, “Hello, little sister and Pirate.” He made a noise I took as hi. He was actually very temperamental. I was surprised my dad chose him for Haley, but his prickly nature worked with her. He never let anyone near her if he was around that she didn’t like. He’d kicked his fair share of people. Which I found hilarious.

I gave him a pet as Haley dismounted. She greeted, “Hello, brother.” It still made me happy to hear her say that. I said, “I need you to do something while I go on a mission.” She frowned, “I thought you weren’t going out until after Brenton was here.” I replied, “It’s going to be fast and I need a favor from you while I’m gone.” She agreed, “Anything.”

I winked, “I need you to set up something for Marcus, Torvi, and our nephews in their core family group.” She pulled back in the bond. She shrugged, “He probably wouldn't like that. I’d have to use my powers.” I closed my eyes. He’d made her promise not to use her truth seeking power on Claudia and it made things go from bad to worse between them.

I told her, “He needs help.” She questioned, “What do you mean?” I encouraged her, “Feel him. Pull his bond closer to you as you can and go through his feelings.” She looked in the distance and I felt her astonishment. She asked, “Why is he so hurt?” I answered, “Everyone is still upset with him and he feels very alone. His boys won’t talk to him.” She nodded.

I pressed, “He misses how you guys were.” She shrugged, “He doesn’t believe in me like I thought he did. He thinks I’m a bad person.” My jaw dropped for the second time today. I replied, “That is not true. I don’t know what came over him with his attitude about Claudia, but he loves you.” She reasoned, “Love and believing in someone are not the same thing. Plenty of people love someone who is bad. I’ve seen that my entire life. Aiden and Arion love Fabian. He is a bad person, but they don’t see that.” That was not comparable really.

I told her, “Loving someone can blind you to their faults, but Marcus does believe in you. Claudia’s irrational fears made him react. Sometimes when you think it’s you against the world our blood reacts.” That had her attention. She asked, “What do you mean?” I explained, “Our blood as the protectors of the realm worked against him in this case. She was so afraid…” Haley rolled her eyes, “Because she’s guilty.” I agreed with that, but deals had been made between our dad and hers.

I continued, “His instincts to protect her when everyone was against her because he believed she was innocent.” She rolled her eyes again which made me happy. Before she was afraid to even look at me. She really had come such a long way. I told her, “I know that him feeling this way hurts you and it hurts you that there's a divide between you.”

She admitted, “I do. I think I relied on too much and he resents me.” I chided, “Haley Melody Cambridge, that is not true. You can feel the bond with him. It’s one of the things I love so much about our people. We cannot hide these feelings from everyone.” She could, which was maddening. It had to be something with her fairy side. I dove into my bond with her and what I found shocked me.

I said, “You think it’s your fault this happened. That he was away from Torvi because of you and you pushed him at Claudia.” I was instantly shut out of her feelings. I pulled her in for a hug. I told her, “Marcus spent time with you, yes but he still spent time with his family, a lot of time. We don’t sleep as much as you did.” Something flickered in the bond, but I couldn't decipher it before she shut down again.

She said, “I never saw the dreadful Claudia, but I heard people say she’s not his type.” I was going to ring someone’s neck. I agreed, “She’s not. He’s always appreciated a curvier woman and Claudia could stand to eat a cheeseburger.”

I actually wondered if Marcus wasn’t so protective of her because she was quite literally fragile. She was thin for wolf standards. I wondered if she had a problem. That would explain his protectiveness over her mental state. I knew she wasn’t ill because she was a wolf, but the earthly realm’s perception of beauty was skewed to make plenty of men and women feel bad for their bodies. I didn’t know though but I had Gunner getting me a file on all things Claudia Harden.

She asked, “What if it is my fault and that’s why he got so mad at me? It was my fault Torvi wouldn't speak to him.” I told her, “It’s not. I promise.” That always got her. I told her, “Go fade into the background and observe our brother and his family. They need help and I think you’re the only one who can accomplish this particular task.”

She agreed, “I’ll observe. You are never wrong so I’ll probably end up helping.” I chuckled, “No one is infallible, but I’m not wrong here.” She nodded and I felt her determination. I helped her mount Pirate who looked at me like I ruined his fun. This damn horse. I watched her take off with Blade running after them.

I called, “Are you coming out boys?” My children emerged. I chuckled, “You all watch over for your mother and unborn brother.” Hugo agreed, “We will dad.” They left except my oldest. I asked, “H?” He said, “Oligar isn’t going to forgive Uncle Marcus over some charmed family day Haley does for them.” I replied, “You need to forgive your Uncle one day too, but I won’t get into that. I just want them to start healing. Holding onto this anger is going to hurt them all. I don’t think her plan will get them to sing kumbaya and hold hands together. I just hope it’s a starting point to getting back on track.”

Hastein admitted, “It’s hard because he’s not like the man we saw during that time. He’s an amazing man and Uncle that I have always looked up to. I don’t understand why he acted the way he did.”

I replied, “Nor do I. He is remorseful and he’s working on fixing his relationships. Forgive him in your own time as Oligar will but think of how your cousin feels. It would be hard for you to be that upset with me.” Hastein looked down, “It is hard for him.”

I put a hand on him, “As the oldest sibling you know as I do, there is nothing I won’t do for my siblings. Just as you would do for your brothers. I fix what I can when I can. This is Marcus’ path to walk, but I’ll help him because he is my brother. Letting that wicked woman tarnish and ruin the relationship you have with your Uncle means she wins. I personally refuse to let her win any longer with this family.”

His jaw ticked, “I didn’t think of it like that.” I reasoned, “I’ve been around longer than you have, son. Many will come at us from all sides to hurt this family. It’s what being a Cambridge is. Marcus has paid for his actions and is remorseful. He’s punishing himself because he knows he was wrong. I just won’t let that woman ruin our family bond. Many have tried and I’ll be damned if someone like her succeeds. I’ll use anything and everything in my arsenal that I can to restore it all.” He nodded, “I can see your point.”

I told him, “I’m not saying forgive him today. He should earn it. I’m just saying give him the chance to do so. It hurts him to feel like he’s on the outside with us all. Torvi forgave him and they worked on their relationship. They are back to where they were. He was wrong, and I’ve called him on his bullshit. We all have, and now he understands that he was wrong. He has for a long time. Hell, I think he knew it while it was happening.” He nodded and sat down in the sand. I said, “I love you, Hastein.” He grinned, “I love you too, dad. I’ll watch out for mom and over Haley’s charm plan.”

I grinned, “I didn’t even have to ask.” He chuckled, “Even if you hadn’t asked I would’ve. You know Aunt Haley would be sad if they didn’t go along with her plan.” I replied, “She’d think of something else.” He agreed, “Yes, she would. I just don’t want her to be sad either. She is cautious around Uncle Marcus in a way she never was.” I replied, “I think I got to the bottom of that. Hopefully, this helps. Now, I’m off to free a she wolf.” He nodded, “Good luck.”

I opened a portal to the location I knew the meeting was taking place for the wolves. They were still setting it up. I checked out the camps they had. The only one prepared was Alpha Eric. No one had food or tents beside him. I easily stole food from them and observed he Black Mountain pack. Alpha Eric was running patrols, and he was yet again the only one. He was a cautious man. I liked that, and he was prepared. I hadn’t seen him yet, but I listened to his men talk. They respected him.