The Red Wolf

Marie

It had been 3 days since Aria learned of her last name. Three days in this dang hospital bed. She was feeling a lot better, but her body was still stiff. With her wolf asleep, her healing was painfully slow. The Dr's. words kept repeating in her head. How mating would speed up the healing process. Aria tried to tell herself that was crazy talk. It was too soon to even be thinking of that. But was it? If Kaden was her mate, her life partner, would there ever be a chance of someone else? She had been fighting with the thoughts for all of the 3 days. With nothing else to do, she was going crazy. Kaden visited every morning and evening, but running a kingdom was time-consuming. Especially with the attack. Her fingers went to her lips as she thought of him. While he happily kissed her in greeting, and when leaving, they had yet to repeat the steamy scene that happened when she woke up. Surprisingly, she found it frustrating.

Throwing back the covers, she carefully sat up and swung her legs over the bed. Her body ached, but the pain was getting more bearable. She made her way to the oversized bathroom and flicked on the lights. Her broken reflection stared back at her in the mirror overtop the sink. Her hair was in desperate need of a wash, and her bruised face was a kaleidoscope of purples and yellows. Her emerald green eyes shone in bright contrast against her flaming red hair. Something she was still trying to get used to.

Looking around, she spotted a fresh set of green PJs neatly folded on top of a basket by the shower. Along with a towel. The shower/tub combo looked so inviting that Aria couldn't resist. She needed the warmth and relaxation that the tub would provide. Waddling over to the faucet, she turned the handles until steam rose from the tub. She plugged the drain and added in the bath bombs that sat in a neat little tray in the corner. This tub was huge and could easily fit two or three people. Her mind immediately went to Kaden, and she shook her head.

"Stop such silly thoughts." she scolded herself before slipping out of her gown and stepping into the water. Steam rose around her as she slowly lowered herself. Her body groaned as the heat hit her skin. It felt so good. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head back against the porcelain tile and closed her eyes. She could stay in here forever. Once the water covered her breasts, she used her toe to hit the faucet handle, and the water switched off. Quiet filled the room. Aria dipped her head back and let her body slide further under the water. She held her breath as her head sank under the surface. Her mind kept going back to Kaden and the marking. Is it something he even wanted right now? What if she asked him, and he denied her?

He is your mate, little one. He is destined to be with you. He won't deny you.

Aria sat up so fast, causing pain to rip through her side. She grabbed the tub wall to steady herself. Water splashed over the sides. She ignored it.

"Elaina?!" she aloud.

A soft laugh echoed in her head.

I am here....the wolfsbane is keeping me weak until you're healed enough to endure the shift. But Kaden is your mate, Aria. Never doubt your feelings or intentions with him. The sooner you become one, the stronger you'll become. I must sleep more now.....

Aria started to argue with her. Beg her to stay, but she knew Elaina was exhausted. Wolfsbane was not something to play with, and her wolf was willingly taking it to keep her safe. She let herself settle back into the warm water and closed her eyes. She allowed her thoughts to run rampant. To go over everything that had happened recently. Her time at her little home seemed so far away. Working at the bar....she wondered what they thought of her never returning. If they had checked her home or reported her missing. But then again, Kaden probably took care of all of that.

It was all so much. Her history, her parents, her power that finally decided to show itself, the vampire and whoever was after her. But out of everything, her newfound life as a queen to a freaking Lycan was what concerned her the most.

"How can a witch be a queen to Lycans and werewolves?" she asked the suds. "How can I believe and trust in a man I just met because we are destined to be together?" Letting out a sigh, Aria dunked her head again before washing her curls. Her shoulder screamed in protest, but she ignored it. Elainas advice floated back into her mind. Never doubt your feelings. Thinking of him made her toes curl, and her heart constrict. Seeing him every day still wasn't enough for her. She wanted to be by his side all day, every day. She wanted to touch, laugh, and get to know him.

Making up her mind, Aria finished washing the rest of her body and pulled the plug in the tub. She rose carefully and got dressed in the silk green PJs. They fit her perfectly. Using the mirror, she ran her fingers through her wet curls and dried them the best she could with a towel.

"Now let's go find the king before I lose my confidence." she told her reflection.

Aria had been wondering the castle for about 10 minutes and was completely lost. She had passed two maids, but when she tried to talk to them, they ducked their heads and ran past her. Was she that scary looking? Apparently, the hospital was on the 3rd floor. The floor she had been wondering for 10 minutes. Her body was starting to ache. Who knew walking around would be so tiresome. Most of the doors on this floor were locked. Even a stairway seemed to be eluding her. Frustrated, she closed her eyes and concentrated. She'd have to try this the wolf way.

She let her mind wonder. Looking for that invisible rope that linked her to her mate. She found it faster this time, and it entertwined with hers instantly. Kadens deep voice instantly filled her mind, and she smiled at the worry in his voice.

"Aria? What's wrong?"

"I am fine. But im kind of lost. I was trying to find you but this castle is so big."

"You're out of bed?! Where are you?"

"Yes. I can't stay cooped up forever, you know. And I'm still on the 3rd floor. It loops everywhere. Maybe you can come sniff me out." she teased.

She felt the pause in her mind and held her breath. Waiting.

"I'd be delighted to sniff you. Anytime, any day, little witch." Her toes curled at his response.

"Then I'll stay right where I am and wait for your nose to find me."

He gave a small laugh, and they ended the mind link. Aria found a bench against the white covered wall and let herself sink onto it. She gazed down the empty hall as she waited. The decor was really lacking in this place. The walls were painted a clean white. Almost blinding. The floors were gray stone, with a red velvet runner that stretched as far as she could see. How cliche. She smiled at that. A few random paintings hung here and there, but she was too far away to see what they depicted. No plants or floor decor. She half expected to see a suit of armor pop out. A castle.....Aria Pendragon, cottage extraordinaire, living in a castle. She shook her head at the thought.

The sound of footsteps caught her attention and she quickly looked down the hall to see who was coming.

She struggled to hide the disappointment on her face when a tall- blonde woman rounded the corner. She was gorgeous. Long curls framed and fell around her flawless face. Her icy blue eyes were outlined in black and her full lips painted red held a permanent pout. Her tight-fitting tank top and blue Jean skirt showed off her slender figure, which was also perfect. Arias gaze fell to her feet. How she was walking on carpet in 6 inch stilletos was beyond her, but she moved with such grace, you couldn't help but stare. She lifted her eyes to find the woman glaring at her. Aria waved in greeting and slowly lifted herself off the bench. A frown creased the woman's brow as she strutted over.

"Hello, I'm Aria....uh...I'm new here." The woman stopped before her, put her hands on her hips and raked her eyes over Arias body and she was not subtle about it all.

"Marie." she said with a dismissive wave. A look of boredom crossed her gorgeous face. "You're definitely not what I expected." Aria felt her temper flare at her tone but she held it in.

"Sorry to disappoint." she said.

Marie suddenly found her manicured nails very interesting.

"A lot of this pack, or any pack for that matter, is not going to take so kindly to a witch leading them. Before you came along, I was the chosen bride for our King, you see. A much more suitable choice." She looked up from her nails and stared Aria in the eye. "Obviously, a wolf's line is better than a witch. All in due time I guess." Aria didn't know what to say. Jealousy, anger, and hurt filled her at once. But she kept her face neutral, refusing to play into this bait. Marie gave her a knowing smile before walking past her.

"Nice to meet you Aria. I'm sure we will be seeing other again soon." Aria didn't miss the threat in her tone but gave a sigh of relief when her footsteps disappeared behind her.

Great. The first person she meets outside the hospital, she's a total b***h. A small flicker of self-doubt and jealousy filled her. That woman was supposed to be his Queen. She was gorgeous. Aria was Aria. A red-headed half witch living amongst wolves and lycans.

She absently rubbed the red ruby on her finger, and a warmth spread through her. She was Aria Pendragon. Half witch to the most powerful clan in the world.....or whatever was left. She wouldn't let anyone make her feel sorry for herself.

In the middle of her silent peptalk, a shadow fell over her form.

"Why the face little witch. If I didn't know any better, I'd say someone spit in your breakfast." His smell. His voice. Her tense body instantly relaxed, and she looked up to meet Kadens eyes.

"I met Marie. Shes......charming...." His eyes hooded over, and he glanced down the hallway like he expected her to pop out of a painting. When that didn't happen, he sighed and sat beside her on the bench.

"Marie was the answer to a problem. The kingdom cannot keep faith with a bachelor king. There must be promise of a future heir. For years I have searched for you. Years I have held balls and parties to find you. I finally assumed you had died. The elders chose her to keep the peace. But I want you to know. It was strictly business. And now that you're here, that business is over."

Aria couldn't fault what he said. She understood what he said. Understood why. What she didn't understand was her insane jealousy over it all. She lifted her hand to touch his cheek and brought his lips to hers. He instantly obliged. The sparks erupted, their tongues intertwined like dancers. Their hearts beat as one. Her hands began to explore, as did his. A sound far off down the hallway reminded her of the very public space they were sharing, and it took everything in her to pull away. She looked up at him, breathing heavy.

"Kaden....will you mark me?"