The Mute Bride

The Garden

Kylan found herself sitting in the garden a few hours later. She had made some excuse, wanting to talk to Carter. Carter was a sweet man, raised to be Alpha after his father, and her entire world at this point. As much as it was her father’s wish that they marry, she had fallen in love with him years ago. With Richard gone, he had become her source of strength, her comfort. It was only natural that she wanted him right now.

She reached for him as he entered the area, already using the link. “I was just thinking about you…I’m so glad you’re here.” He pulled her into his embrace, her body melting as she soaked in his comfort, breathed in his scent. Sandalwood. A soft sigh left her as she nestled her face into his neck.

“Mm, I finally got a break. Studying has been brutal and we got that game coming up at the end of the week. I had to come see my best girl,” he kissed her collarbone, his arms secure around her. She never tired of this, unable to wait for their marking ceremony any longer than she had to. Her birthday was soon, and their ceremony would be shortly after that. Until then, every waking moment was spent in preparation. It was hard, but she knew the long days and stolen moments would all be worth it.

“I uh, got a letter today,” she settled, her back against his front. “From Alpha Rivers.” Her eyes drifted closed as she continued, “He wants to meet me. Well, he wants me to meet his Luna.”

“His Luna?”

“Well, yeah. Apparently, he thinks that I’m her sister or something?”

“Uh, what?”

She laughed, “And that was my reaction.” She told him about the letter, offering to show him later when they went by the room. “But, I don’t know what to do. This seems impossible, and my birthday is in a week. We have so much to do before the ceremony.”

“Well, do you have to go now? We can go together if you like after the ceremony.” Her brow furrowed as she thought about her answer before she hesitantly nodded. She had no idea what to think, so why shouldn’t she wait? Carter could go with her and help her figure out what was even going on. That took some weight off of her - the last thing she wanted was to travel to an unknown situation with that pack.

“You’ll really go with me? You won’t be too busy then?” She looked up at him, her eyes large with her worry over what this letter could even mean, what this trip could mean?

“Of course. We’ll figure it out. Besides, your birthday is in a week and we have your birthday to plan. Sam has been burning her credit card at all the stores getting ready,” he laughed, watching her face. He loved Kylan, and wanted nothing more than to erase any worries she might have. “You deserve the best. Want anything special?” His mind flicked to the surprise he had planned for her as he dipped his head into the crook of her neck, nuzzling gently.

Shaking her head, Kylan was just looking forward to meeting her wolf and running under the full moon. Everyone knew that her birthday was set to be the party of the season, but for her, the real party was after. Her whole body almost vibrated at the thought. “Just you and me under the moon.”

“Deal, my sweet. After your party, just you and me.” The girl smiled at that, feeling better already.

“Hey Carter?”

“Hm?”

“What do you know about my mom and dad moving here?” Kylan never thought she would ask, having grown up perfectly happy in the pack. She loved everything about their little village at the edge of the forest, from the packhouse bustling with activity to the calm, beautiful cottage with the prettiest of roses trailing over the thatched roof. Thinking about them now, she was overcome with a feeling of warmth, her hand finding its way to wrap her fingers around the pendant she wore about her neck.

Carter looked at her thoughtfully, running his fingers through her hair. “Not much, I’m afraid. No one talks about it much. As far as the pack is concerned, they were always a part of us. If Alpha and Luna had heard anything else, it would have been squashed. My parents loved your parents.

Mom talked about it once. She was kind of drunk and we never talked about it again. She said that Beta Richard used to be an Alpha of another pack, but something happened. They found your dad at the edge of the pack grounds, near death, your mom crying for help. Dad couldn’t leave him like that so he brought him back to the packhouse and Mom nursed him back to health. All I know is Dad says he more than earned his place in the pack and nothing could ever change that.”