Seeking The Present

Chapter 5 - The uncomfortable dinner Part 2

Jensen poured another glass of wine for Arnold.

“Now please, continue. You and Arnold are kidnapped. How is that? Are you not very powerful? Or have I heard the rumors wrong?” He asked.

“Well Erik could drain my magic and he could de-spell my barriers. I wouldn’t say I’m very powerful but others would disagree.” I looked at the guys.

“Well? Would you?” King Barion asked them. They both nodded. He turned back to me. “Continue.” He demanded. I decided a run down would be the best way to get through it all quickly.

“Well we were kept at the old Redmoon pack house. Erik revealed part of his plan to us. Then we-“ Barion cut me off. For a man that didn’t like to be interrupted, he sure liked to interrupt others.

“The plan?” He asked. I looked at Arnold and Arnold nodded at me.

“Well he planned to bribe or tempt Arnold into deflecting, joining the rouge army, and some how that would make me listen and follow them too.” I said to King Barion.

“I don’t follow, how was he going to tempt him.” He looked at Arnold. “How did he plan to bribe you?” Arnold looked at Lee. “Come now! I’m sure this story is old news! Why is everyone so shy? Lee, you tell me.” Lee took a deep breath.

“He planned to remove Hannah’s mate mark and have Arnold mark her. If Arnold refused he was going to mark her.” King Barion nodded. He motioned for Lee to continue. “So Arnold promised Hannah if it came to that, he would. Erik removed her mark and Arnold did.” Lee looked down.

“That must’ve been hard on you Lee, I apologize for asking you to tell it. Now what happens next?” King Barion turned to me.

“We escaped with the help of a deflect. We hid out in a bunker and waited for troops to arrive. Once rescued we headed to old Redmoon.” I did a quick rundown and hoped King Barion wouldn’t ask for more information.

“The old Redmoon battle is one I have received multiple reports about. Tell me about it in your own words” King Barion’s full attention was on me.

“I will tell you what I can remember.” I looked at Lee who looked concerned. It was too hard to talk about last time. “We arrived and there was a exchange between the Alphas. Alpha Jean and Alpha Ashnard both brought their troops. He said something to Alpha Jean, then Erik killed him in front of all of us. He called it a mercy killing.” I looked at Lee and I was surprised to see Arnold saying something to him and rubbing his back. I continued. “The pain I felt from myself and Lee, I knew I had to go to him. I made it out of the crowd and Erik was holding down both James and Lee. There was screaming and fighting around me. I knew I was losing control and…” I stopped for a moment. King Barion was quiet.

“And?” He asked. I took a breath and continued.

“I lost control, the magic took over me and I heard most the rogues didn’t make it, but I can remember Erik approaching me and telling me to take his hand. That we would rule together or something. I did take his hand.” The whole table was hanging on my every words. “I watched his flesh melt away down to bone. He begged me for his life. The same way I begged him to leave my mate mark. I wanted my revenge for what he did to us. We all got our revenge. I let them tear him apart while I held him still. The last thing I can remember was destroying old Redmoon. I couldn’t think of that place being a prison for anyone else.” We sat there quietly.

“She almost died, but she woke up two weeks later and could barely move.” Lee said.

“Well she tried to heal herself so we know she still has her power, but the doctor said another time like that could kill Hannah.” Arnold looked at King Barion.

“So the rumors were true. You destroyed a army of rouges by yourself. Hearing you melted someone’s hand is truly shocking though. I wasn’t expecting that part of the story.” King Barion held his hand up and clicked his fingers. “Food now Jensen!” Jensen nodded and I could see him linking someone. “One more question, you said Arnold marked. So is that his mark or is that Lee’s mark since you said Lee was your mate?” I smiled at King Barion

“It’s Lee’s.” I looked over and Lee smiled back. Servers came out placing plates of food in front of us. A large steak adorned with shrimp and lobster on the side. A side plate of steamed broccoli. I looked up watching all of them eagerly eating. I was glad for the silence for a moment.

“You are not eating. Is it not to your liking?” King Barion said to me. Everyone stopped and stared at me. He held up his hand clicking his fingers and Jensen ran forward. “Hannah isn’t pleased with this, get her something else!” He demanded.

“No no! I was just enjoying the sight of everyone eating. I’ll start now.” I started cutting into my food and eating. Everyone started back up eating their meals. I was the only one left still eating after awhile and it was the most uneasy thing I have ever experienced. They all just watched me. I couldn’t eat with this audience. I put the fork down and looked at them as I wiped my mouth.

“All done? You still have a lot left.” King Barion asked me.

“Yes I’m pretty full.” He stared at me.

“Interesting.” He looked at all of us. “Well I expect to see you all tomorrow at noon sharp.” He stood up and walked up to me. “Hannah this has been a wonderful dinner, let Jensen know if you get hungry later.” He took my hand and kissed it again. The little tingles from before fluttered up my hand. “Good night gentlemen.”

“Good night King Barion.” I said after him. He stopped and turned around.

“Hannah, just Barion please.” He walked out of the room.