The Mute Bride

A Meeting with Alpha Markus

His office held several bookcases and one oversized desk. The room itself was sparse, as if no one could be bothered to decorate it. Her bright eyes took in everything as she came to stand before the Alpha’s desk, remaining standing until the man took his seat. Only then did she sit in the proffered seat. She felt small in this space, uncertain. Pulling out the letter, she passed it across the desk. Tilting her head, she watched his face. “I’m glad you got the letter. We weren’t sure what to do if you didn’t come. My Luna doesn’t have much time left and we are still hoping to save her before it’s too late. We believe you are meant to be here to ease her through this illness.” He seemed earnest enough, helping set the room at ease. Turning to look at the older woman behind her, Markus cut right to the chase, “And who are you?”

“I’m her mother, Alpha Markus. Maureen Ashe.” The older woman swallowed, unsure of what to expect considering what she knew of losing her daughter. Would he try to kill her after all these years the way he destroyed her pack? A nervous glance at Carter reminded her that they were not without protection and she relaxed. “Kylan’s never been away from home,” Maureen stepped up next to her daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder, grateful for the gentle squeeze Kylan gave her.

Alpha Markus raised his eyebrow at that. It was his understanding that she was living with the Alpha and his family after her family had had some sort of accident. He didn’t know that anyone had survived. “How…fortunate that you were able to come with her. My Luna’s sister is blessed indeed to have such support.” He smiled, the words falling flat as he did, his gaze moving to Carter who had taken the seat beside Kylan. Looking back to Kylan, he called out to a maid that was waiting by the door. “Make sure you prepare rooms for Luna Lisette’s sister and her entourage. Give Marcy the updated numbers for dinner.”

Kylan tilted her head, turning to look at Carter. It felt strange to have to use Carter to speak, having gotten used to using the packlink the last couple years. He didn’t mind; he liked when she made him feel needed. “She thanks you for the hospitality, Alpha Markus. She is curious though why you think she’s your Luna’s sister.”

“Don’t you speak?” the words came blunt, his tone harsh. His demeanour so far had been gruff but pleasant, but in that moment, his face seemed almost thunderous. Her eyes flicked to Carter’s, nervous at the reaction. She knew it would be different in a place where she couldn’t rely on the pack mindlink, but she wasn’t prepared for the question. Kylan had grown up mute, so she didn’t even consider that someone might ask her questions about her “condition”. After a considering moment, she shook her head timidly. Using her hands, she did her best to convey that she was sorry for the inconvenience. Although she was there for her unknown sister, the girl really did not want to be a burden on her hosts.

An awkward smile tugged at her delicate features as Carter spoke, “No, she’s unable to communicate in the traditional sense. We use the mindlink to talk, which sadly is in short supply for her here. Besides, it’s her kindness that makes her a great Luna, not her voice,” he looked lovingly at his mate, meaning every word. Kylan was as kind as she was patient and these qualities would make her a wonderful Luna. The pack already adored her, having grown up with her. He didn’t even hesitate, his heart honouring their chosen bond. Even Lucio, his wolf, was over eager just to be near her.

“Hm,” Alpha Markus sat back, observing the group before him as he considered the new knowledge. She couldn’t speak? Finding his Luna’s sister had taken so much of their resources, but finding that she was mute, that had to be the Goddess rewarding him for his dedication to the cause. If they hadn’t heard the rumours that Lisette’s parents had escaped the m******e, they would never have found the young girl sitting before him. “Well, even so, she’ll want to see her sister today. I’ll introduce them after dinner, I should think,” he murmured just loud enough to be heard. She nodded emphatically at his words. “Very well then, after dinner. My beta’s mate will show everyone to their rooms so they can rest up before dinner. Come in,” he called to the door. “Make sure everyone is comfortable. Luna Lisette’s sister and her mate are to be shown every kindness while they are our guests. This is Jordan; please let her know if you need anything before dinner.”

The meeting obviously at an end, Carter helped his mate up from her seat and threaded his fingers in hers. They followed Jordan to their accommodations, with her mother having the room just down the hall from them. Thanking Jordan, they tumbled onto the white bedspread, his arms firmly around her as they lay there in thought.