The Mute Bride

The Alpha's Request

It wasn’t long before things fell into a pattern, a new normal. Kylan and Maureen got to know Lisette, learning of her life since coming to the Crescent River pack. Even though Lisette was medically fragile, she was coming out of her room more, even joining them occasionally for dinner. Alpha Markus seemed to always be watching them, more in the background than a part of things. At first, they weren’t sure what to make of the Alpha, but it didn’t take long for Carter and Kylan to feel comfortable with the situation. Kylan loved getting to know her sister and see how things happened in a bigger pack than the one she grew up in, just wished she hadn’t lost out on so many years with her. If she could make her better, she would do it.

After a month away, Carter’s father called him back for pack business. There was a lot to be done to prepare for Alpha Cole to step down as Alpha and Carter to take his place. It was time to prepare for the life they were to lead once they returned home. He left Kylan and her mother there in good hands, knowing when she came home, it would be to take her place as his Luna.

Not long after he left, Alpha Markus called Kylan to his office. “Come on in, Kylan. I just wanted to talk to you about your sister.” Her mother kept her company, still acting as translator for the quiet girl. Markus ran an assessing glance over the older woman, not sure he liked having someone with them every time he spoke to Kylan. Although, it wasn’t like he could communicate properly with the little mute. “Maureen. It’s good to see you again.”

She nodded politely. “Hello again, Alpha Markus. Kylan and I are very pleased to see you this morning. How can we help you?” Kylan smiled as her mother spoke, giving a small incline of her head in greeting. They took their seats, turning to focus their attention on the man behind the desk.

“To the point, I see. I like it. If only every she-wolf were such,” Markus smiled, the gesture falling flat, almost as if she were actually annoying him with her directness, in contrast to the words he spoke. “Very well. To the point, then. Our healers have worked a long time to help my Luna, with no real answers to what she is going through. Without some kind of intervention, she will die.”

Kylan tilted her head, as her mother spoke, “What kind of intervention are you talking about, Alpha?”

“We want you to let our healers look at you. We’re hoping that a relative might be able to give us some answers and maybe, if we’re lucky, we’ll find the answer to healing your sister.”

Her mother cut in, her voice betraying how startled she was. “Wait, is that possible? Is there a way for Lisette to get better?”

“They seem to think so, yes. We just need the two of you to agree to let them look at you and run a few tests,” the answer came quickly, like he was expecting her reaction, banking on it almost.

“I would be happy to,” she spoke slowly, almost as if deliberating her answer with each spoken word. “I am her mother, after all. Kylan has a couple questions first.” His nod encouraged her to continue, “such as what kind of tests and how long will it take? She does have to start heading back soon for her ceremony. As much as she would like to be of assistance, Kylan has responsibilities to Blackwood pack that she must attend.”

“You would have to talk to our healers for specifics, but I’m sure it won’t take long. It’s just a couple tests and then you can be on your way. You’ll be back in Blackwood before you know it,” he said, his tone not concerned at all. He spoke as if she had already agreed, as if there wasn’t a choice to be made.

Kylan put her hand up, giving pause to the conversation. Holding up a single finger, she looked at him insistently as her mother spoke, “The ceremony is in less than one month, Alpha. I have to be home before the next moon, so unless you can promise that these tests won’t take more than a week, I will have to decline.” Maureen paused, conflict showing in her wizened gaze. “Alpha, Kylan may need to return, but I would like to stay behind and help in her stead.”

He cast an assessing glance over Maureen, his eyes unreadable. She stood awkwardly, trying not to show her nerves as she resisted shifting from one foot to the other. Waiting for him to speak seemed to take forever, but it finally came. “Devoted mother, I’ll give you that. Very well, you can stay as long as you like.” He turned his gaze back to Kylan, a quiet thoughtful look in his eyes. “When do you leave?”

Kylan looked down at her hands a moment, then back up to her brother in law. It was so weird to think of him in those terms, especially being so much older than even her sister. A look passed over her face as she thought about everything her mother had told her before they came. “Are you sure you’ll be safe if you stay behind? Remember we don’t really know what happened back then,” she gently reminded her mother through the link.

Her mother turned to look at her, a gesture not missed on the Alpha watching them. “Yes, I’ll be fine. It’s been a long time. Maybe I…well maybe I misjudged him. Maybe he had nothing to do with what happened in the past. I need to be here for Lisette, Kylan. Please understand,” her mother beseeched her a moment. A heavy sigh left Kylan, but it seemed to settle things between them. Both turned to face Alpha Markus, a pleasant smile on Kylan’s face to match the hope on her mother’s. “In a week, Alpha,” she answered him finally.

“That’s not long at all. If you can see the healers first thing in the morning Kylan, we’ll do our best not to keep you,” he sighed, unprepared for losing her so soon. He would have to adapt. “But perhaps you can return once your business is tied back up?”

“That would be delightful, thank you Alpha. Shall we be seeing you for dinner?” Maureen responded as Kylan sat forward, as if to prepare to leave. He nodded, watching them as Kylan rose gracefully and followed her mother out.