The Alpha prince’s true mate (Complete)

Like Cinderella

*Marsden*

We make it to the ballroom without anyone the wiser regarding our absence. I'm grateful to once again have her in my arms as we circle the dance floor. In the library, it costs me to stop. I’ll no doubt be aching all night. I want her. No, it is more than that. I need her.

However, Ashebury is correct. Even in the gallery, I saw people observing her as though she is a curiosity, yet no one approached, no one asked for an introduction. It would be worse in Blackrock city. If her father were a landowner or possessed wealth, it might be different. But he is the village baker and she is the baker’s daughter.

When the dance comes to an end, she gives me a sad smile. “It’s nearly midnight, time to return to reality. I’d like to say goodbye to your mother.”

Of course she would. While my mother’s behavior toward Linnie might be abhorrent, my friend is not one to be ugly in return. I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone with a disposition as kind as hers.

We find my mother engaged in conversation with Greyfur’s and Ashebury’s mothers, no doubt plotting their next scheme for getting their sons married. My mother moves away from her friends to greet us. Or admonish us. Her mouth is set in a hard line, her eyes flinty.

“You were gone from the ballroom for a while,” she points out.

“We went for a stroll, as many of the couples are doing,” I tell her.

She raises a slim brow, “Based upon how long you were gone you must have shown her the entire residence.”

“Hardly.” I mumble.

As though sensing the building of tension, Linnie says, “I want to thank you for the lovely evening, my princess. I suspect it shall always remain one of my favorite memories.”

“I’m glad you found the night to your liking.” My mother says.

“I found it interesting. I do hope your son’s marriage will bring you happiness.” Linnie tells her.

My mother’s gaze snaps to mine. “Have you decided?”

“Not yet. Tomorrow perhaps. Now I’m going to see Miss Piletree home.”

“Surely the maid you borrowed earlier can see to that.” My mother says.

I just give her a small smile, “She’ll be riding along, but I shall serve as escort as well. There could be highwaymen lurking about.”

My mother scowls. “Not on the road between here and the village.”

“Still, I’d best make sure. I won’t be long.” I promise.

I lead Linnie out of the ballroom, retrieve her wrap, and locate the maid. When we are settled in the coach, my dearest friend in the entire world says, “I really did have a lovely time, Marsden.”

*Linnie*

The coach turns onto the main road. There is no lantern lit this time. The moon coming in through the windows provides just enough light for me to see Marsden’s silhouette as he reaches up and bangs twice on the ceiling. The driver pulls the vehicle to a stop. A servant opens the door.

“My prince?”

“Sarah is going to ride up top to the village. Keep her warm.” I tell him.

He gives a slight bow, “Yes, my prince.”

Without a word, Sarah scrambles out and the door closes.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“I want to be alone with you.” He moves over to my bench, takes me in his arms, and kisses me.

As the coach begins an extremely slow journey, I melt against Marsden, reaching up and threading my fingers through his hair. He draws me onto his lap, angles my head slightly, and takes the kiss deeper. Eventually, he pulls back.

“I shall never be able to walk through the castle without seeing you there.” He says.

I can’t stop my triumphant smile. “Good. I want to haunt you.”

“Oh, you haunt me, Linnie, in ways you can’t imagine.” He mumbles.

“Do you think we’d be friends if you were the blacksmith’s son?” I ask.

He nods, “I should think so.”

“Would we be more?” I ask.

He looks away. “I don’t know. It wouldn’t be a very fancy life.”

“I don’t need fancy. I also need to give this back to you.” I unfasten the necklace and hold it out to him.

“Keep it. Please.”

I shake my head. “I can’t.” Taking his hand, I drop the emerald and chain into his palm and close his fingers around it.

He studies his fist as though it contains some dark secret. “My mother would never accept you.”

“I know.” I say.

“Pack Society… they didn’t exactly welcome you tonight.” He sighs.

I press a kiss to his jaw. “I don’t need them. I had you. That was enough.”

“I wish I was the blacksmith’s son.” He mumbles.

“I don’t.” I kiss one corner of his mouth. “You are who you are supposed to be: my dearest friend. And that’s enough.”

With a groan, he blankets my mouth. This, I think, will be our last kiss. I will make the most of it. So I return it with equal fervor and enthusiasm, absorbing his strength, his warmth, the scent that is unique to him. So much I love about him, so much I will miss. But it is time to put away childish dreams.

The coach has been moving so slowly that it takes me a moment to realize that it has stopped completely. Drawing back, he skims his fingers over my cheek. “Happy Christmas, Linnie.”

“Happy Christmas, Marsden.”

He slides me off his lap, moves back across to his bench, and taps the roof. The door immediately opens. He steps out, then hands me down. I’m not surprised to see my father standing in the doorway of the shop, his arms crossed over his chest.

I start to walk away, then stop. “Whoever you choose, Marsden, she will be a very lucky she-wolf indeed.”

Then I skirt past my father and enter the shop. I hear the door close.

“Are you all right?” my father asks.

With a nod, I head for the back of the shop and the stairs that will lead to my bedchamber, halfway wishing that Father Christmas was real and would bring me what I truly want for Christmas: an eternity spent with Marsden.