The Alpha prince’s true mate (Complete)

Silent Night

*Marsden*

I hear the carolers, voices lifted in song, long before they actually arrive. Every year they stroll up the road from the village, regardless of the weather. Tonight, the snow continues to fall occasionally, but the chilled winds whip over the moors relentlessly. Most of our guests are still in residence, having enjoyed an abundance of goose and trimmings earlier in the evening.

Various games are being played in assorted parlors, but I've been waiting in the front room, sipping my scotch, reflecting on the conclusion I've drawn regarding the she-wolf I want to marry. After returning home from my morning excursion with Linnie, I've given additional attention to each of the she-wolves on the list my mother provided. Exceptional candidates all. Lovely, demure, with a lineage that would make my heir proud. I've spent the afternoon listening as each entertained with the piano. I make time to get each alone, for as alone as possible with chaperones hovering, for a bit of conversation.

By the time the sun has set, I've made my decision. I know without a doubt whom I want for a mate. I've already spoken with her father, gained his permission to ask for her hand. I'm determined to do so before the night is done. I'm not generally struck with nerves, but I know it's quite likely she will turn me down.

As the carolers' voices become louder, I spy them approaching, down the last of my scotch, and set aside my glass. I've always looked forward to this moment on Christmas. As a lad, I've wanted to join them, but my mother has always forbidden it. Not proper to mingle with those beneath us. Yet I find the villagers more fascinating than those in my social sphere.

As I head into the foyer, the guests begin pouring from the other rooms, no doubt drawn to the siren chorus of ‘Silent Night.’ When I spot my mother, I open the door and wait as she leads the she-wolves out. Most stand beneath the portico to shield themselves from the gently falling snow. Once it's obvious that some are going to stay indoors, I excuse myself and ease my way through the she-wolves, edging past the tight gathering until I reach the steps and am able to quickly descend. I hear some footfalls behind me. Apparently, I'm not the only one not adverse to a little snow. My actions seem to spur others to venture out a bit more.

By the time I'm standing in front of the carolers, there's a nice gathering of my guests behind me. I'm aware of Ashebury and Greyfur on either side of me, the she-wolves they've taken an interest in clinging to their arms, no doubt seeking some warmth. As for myself, I don't feel the cold.

All my attention is on Linnie, third caroler from the right on the front row. Her father is two rows behind her, a head taller than the she-wolf standing in front of him. In all, there are probably fifteen to twenty carolers, some holding lanterns.

Only a heartbeat of silence fills the air before ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ floats around us. It's silly to imagine I can distinguish Linnie's voice from the others, and yet I could swear my ears are attuned to her. I even imagine her fragrance reaches me, when that's impossible as the cold dulls so many senses, but it sharpens my vision as I think she's never looked lovelier. She holds my gaze, and I feel as though she is saying farewell.

When the group is finished, they all stand smiling, but none as brightly as she. She can outshine all the stars in the heavens.

Our guests clap politely. My mother steps forward. "That was lovely. The servants shall be out shortly with some warm cocoa to take the chill off before you head back to the village."

"We'll have carriages readied to take you back," I say.

"We don't have enough," my mother points out.

"I'm certain our guests won't mind lending theirs, but first I have a gift for Miss Piletree."

Linnie's eyes widen. "Now?"

"I can think of no better time." I step nearer to her. "Actually, I have two gifts for you, but you must choose which one you want."

"Marsden!" She clears her throat. "My prince, you gifted me with an invitation to the ball, which I enjoyed a great deal. Nothing else is needed."

"Gifts are not necessarily about need, Miss Piletree. But rather desire. The desire to give, the desire to receive." I reach into my pocket and pull out a narrow, slender box. "Please."

She glances around, and I know she is uncomfortable with everyone staring at her. I'm even aware of a few of my guests… the she-wolves in particular..: easing forward for a better view. Linnie opens the box and stares down at the iron. "It's a key."

"To a shop in Blackrock city," I tell her.

Her brow furrows, and she looks up at me. "Whereabouts?"

"At the moment, I'm not exactly sure. It's more symbolic than the actual key. I thought in the new year, we could go to Blackrock city and scout out exactly what you're searching for."

She shakes her head, "You can't give me a shop."

"I shall front the money for it. When your bakery is successful, you may repay the loan."

She narrows her eyes at me. "And the interest?"

She would make an excellent proprietor. "None. Just one friend helping another."

"They say lending money is the quickest way to ruin a friendship." She mumbles.

"Then we shall prove the exception. You know you want it, Linnie. Don't be stubborn."

Her suspicions easing, she smiles brightly and nods. "It'll be a while before I can do it on my own. You're very generous, my prince. I thank you for the kind offer. I accept."

"Without seeing the other?" I ask.

"To own a shop in Blackrock city has always been my dream. I don't need to see the other. You can't do better than this."

I smile slowly, "Are you sure?"

"Quite."

I've expected as much, but still I've hoped she has other dreams, other desires. Perhaps she does but thinks them unattainable.

"Never settle on one thing without knowing all your options, daughter," her father says quietly.

She looks at him, before returning her attention to me. "I don't see that it can be anything I'd want more than this and people are getting cold. Can we make it quick?"

I remove a small square leather box from my coat pocket. She stares at it as though I'm offering her a snake. I shake my hand. "Open it."

She glances around, before handing the key off to her father. Gingerly, she takes the box and slowly lifts the lid. The she-wolf beside her raises her lantern so Linnie can more easily see the ring of diamond and emeralds. Or perhaps the she-wolf wants a better view for herself.

Linnie closes the box and looks at me sadly. "Marsden, I've told you that I can't accept jewelry from you. It's not appropriate."

"I know it's not. Unless..." I go down on one knee and take her hand. "I love you, Miss Piletree. I always have. Will you honor me by becoming my mate and princess?"

My mother’s hoarse croak nearly drowns out Linnie's surprised gasp. "Marsden William St. John, have you gone mad?" my mother shrieks.

"Probably." I hold Linnie’s gaze. "As I can't imagine she'd choose me over her dream of owning a bakery in Blackrock city."

"Honestly, Marsden," Linnie says, smiling, tears welling in her eyes, catching the lantern light, "you've always had such a dismal imagination. I love you so much, you dolt! Yes, I'll marry you."

Rising with a shout of joy, I take her in my arms, swing her around once, and then plant my lips on hers. I hear some claps and cheers in the distance, but mostly I just hear Linnie’s sweet sigh.

I want to take the kiss deeper, but that is for later when we are alone. Drawing back, I hold her close while I wave a hand toward the manor. "Everyone, inside for some spirits and merriment."

"You can't be inviting the villagers inside through the front door," my mother says.

"They’re Linnie’s friends. They’ll always be welcomed at my home."

My mother sounds as though she is drowning. I'm rather certain she will need her smelling salts before the night is done.

"You promised to choose one of the she-wolves from my list," my mother says, her voice seething with betrayal.

"I promised to consider them, which I did. They bored me. Not once did any of them make me laugh. None were willing to give up their warm bed to ensure that those in need didn’t go hungry on Christmas. You wanted me to choose someone based on the circumstances of her birth. I wanted someone who didn’t judge me on the circumstances of mine."

"She’ll never be accepted by pack Society."

"In all honesty, Mother, I care not. I want to be what you and my father never were. Happy. And Linnie has always made me happy."

With that, my mother harrumphs and marches into the residence.

"Are you sure about this, Marsden?" Linnie asks.

I smile at her. "I've been sure since I was twelve years old."

"You could have said something to me earlier."

"The day I met you, you declared rather convincingly that you’d never marry. Through the years, you never changed your tune on that."

She smiles softly, "Because I always thought you beyond reach."

"Yet here I am, close enough to touch."

After glancing around, she returns her gaze to mine, looks deeply into my eyes. "Now that we’re alone, could we have a proper kiss, do you think?" she asks.

As the snow floats around us, I lower my mouth to hers.