The Mute Bride

The Roadtrip

It was barely light when they pulled out the drive. Carter was driving, letting Kylan rest in the back while her mother rode up front to keep him company. Two of his warriors took a second car, following them on the long drive to the Crescent River packlands. Their bags were loaded into the boot of both vehicles, making sure that they were prepared for whatever their journey afforded them. Kylan stared out the window as the woods faded into a gentle countryside, the steady sound of the tires rolling across the asphalt slowly lulling her to sleep.

The first night, they spent at a tiny little bed and breakfast, quite quaint in the light of the sunrise. They were really lucky to be able to get three rooms at such short notice. It definitely didn’t hurt that they were still on the Blackwood lands; the owner of the building was honoured to have their next Alpha and his chosen mate choose to stay with them. The manager’s wife was a bubbly wolf, feeding them well and sharing stories deep into the night. Carter smiled as he lay his head down that evening, thinking about the bright smile on Kylan’s face as they visited. He couldn’t wait to make her his Luna, eager although the ceremony was just around the corner. A lot could happen in six months, but it would be here before anyone knew it. Kylan would make a wonderful Luna for his pack, and better yet, he loved her. At that thought, he fell into an easy sleep, pulling his mate close.

Once they left their lands, the accommodations improved, with lavish hotels and restaurants taking the place of their modest preferences. Her eyes were bright with curiosity as she pointed out each building or attraction that caught her attention. Her fiancé laughed at her child-like glee, making jokes about how they would have to go on many adventures if only so she could see the world outside their little village. It was cute the way she couldn’t get enough of it, and he was grateful that they would be able to spend a couple of days like this before they entered Crescent Moon territory. Without knowing what was waiting for them there, he would take every moment like this along the way.

Carter was a little concerned about the visit, although he hadn’t admitted that to Kylan. There were rumours that had been circulating, quiet rumblings that said the old Alpha was cruel and there was something about the visit that was bothering him. He figured it would be fine as long as he was with her, and maybe the rumours were wrong. The man couldn’t deny that the older Alpha came from a much more powerful pack than theirs though, which was reason enough to take caution. He could only hope that nothing bad would happen on their trip.

It took a few days, but they finally arrived at a lush property, a large CR on the gates. There were uniformed guards manning the post, gruff but nice enough fellows at first glance. When they found out who they were, they had them wait while they linked the Alpha and let him know they were on their way. Having the go ahead, they gave directions to Carter, looking after the car oddly.

The car pulled to a stop in front of a four-story packhouse, complete with marble columns and flowers everywhere you could see. The show of wealth made Kylan feel out of place as she stepped out of the car, her black locks falling down about her waist in soft curls. Could she really be the sister of someone who lives…here? As if Carter could hear her thoughts, he slipped his hand in hers and squeezed gently. “It’s okay, I got you.” A smile spread over her face as she gazed up at him. There was no question of her devotion to the man at her side, her future Alpha and chosen mate.

Just then, the door opened, and an older man stood there. “Kylan Ashe?” Everyone’s gaze went to the man who greeted them, their eyes taking in his grizzled appearance. It was a direct contrast to the dignified way he carried himself, his sharp eyes taking in her small frame and the way she looked at him curiously. Her bright green eyes flicked from Carter back to the man in front of them as Carter encouraged her forward.

A smile crossed her features as she nodded, her slim hand reaching out to take the older gentleman’s. Carter spoke from beside her, “This is Kylan and her mother, Meredith. We’re here to see Alpha Markus.” Kylan smiled expectantly, tilting her head slightly as if in question. “Can you take us to see him?” Carter looked at his mate a moment and then back to the man who had yet to introduce himself.

The man ignored Carter, his bushy eyebrows bunching together as he stared at Kylan. “You’re her? You’re not quite what we expected,” he kept staring at the white streak that was forming in her hair. She self-consciously tucked it behind her ear as she nodded. “What, cat got your tongue, girl?” Rapidly, she shook her head, motioning to her mouth as if to say she couldn’t speak.

“One day, we’ll get her voice back from Ursula, but until then," Carter cracked a joke to lighten the mood of the packhouse porch. “Are you Alpha Markus?” he questioned after a moment. The man nodded, still staring at Kylan as Carter reached out to shake his hand. “I'm Carter of Blackwood pack. I came to keep my mate company while she visits your pack.” Alpha Markus turned his gaze onto Carter, something flickering in their depths as Carter introduced himself.

With a nod, he turned and started walking into the house, expecting them to follow. Kylan kept her hand in her mates as the three of them followed Alpha Markus, looking about the house as he made his way to his office.