The Viking Alpha

Seer

James POV)

Why was it, the worst news, had to come at the best time? When he caught her giving herself pleasure his wolf snarled in jealousy. James himself felt jealous yet impressed she managed to put one over him.

Snagging her from the bathroom, he dumped her on the couch. Intending to start her punishment over, then spank her with an inch of her life.

Waking this morning with her not in bed sent him in a panic. What if she left? What if she was in danger again? But seeing her through the hallway window while he was running down the stairs, calmed him. He watched her sit there on the bench. She just looked so sad and alone. It broke him to see her like that. His wolf urged him to go to her and make it better. Later while bathing her he thought back to her necklace and the way it shocked him when he touched it. Almost as if it was protecting her. She didn't seem to know anything.

The books he read talked of talismans and spelled objects used for protection or mind control. Nothing too specific about her necklace though.

His hand brushed down her body and he could smell her instant arousal. He tended to her and had full intentions of giving her full pleasure. But remembering the panic and emptiness just for those few moments when he couldn't find her this morning, changed his mind. It's time she learned. Her place was with him. If she needed something she should come to him. He would fix whatever it was that was wrong.

He had her. Right where he and his wolf wanted her. She was there for them to take. She wanted it.

But his mate fought back. It turned him on more than he's ever been turned on. Her strength when she flipped them over and then was straddling him, actually surprised him. But it just made his wolf want to dominate her all the more. He flipped her back over and had her on her stomach. He managed to unbuckle his belt with one hand while holding her still. His c**k was ready to sink into her. Ready to mark and claim her in every way.

His canines grew and he was about to plunge into her neck the same time his d**k was into her body. Then that damned knock sounded at the door. It was enough to break the spell they were under. Thinking about it now, it probably wasn't the best way or position for her to lose her virginity. She deserved more. Flowers, candles, seduction. Everything in his experience, women liked. Not on the carpet, on her stomach, in a frenzied moment.

The bad news that was delivered right along with breakfast was the prisoner that bit his tongue out, managed to jump from the tower. He should have looked through his mind when he had the chance. The only reason he didn't do that was because mind linking can be a risk for both parties involved. Not only would James see what was in the old man's mind but the old man could see what was in James's.

'What's wrong?'

He broke his train of thought when she spoke. She looked so beautiful. Smelled amazing. She went through enough yesterday. He didn't want to burden her with this. Besides she had enough to think about what she seemed so determined to do. Learn the roles of a queen. It was best for now to keep her in the dark. Smiling at her he just assured her all was well besides a little complication. Quickly changing topics, he mentioned her tutors.

'Well, maybe I can help.'

He couldn't bear it anymore. Seizing her sweet angelic face he kissed her.

'No, thank you. You need to start learning about your kingdom and your role here. Now let's eat.'

The tension could be cut with a knife as they ate. He was mulling over what to do now and she no doubt had everything to think about.

After breakfast he kissed her and sent her to the library where her tutors would meet her. He on the other hand has to think. Prioritize. The old man was his last link so far to the possible threat on him and Cassandra. So without him there was nothing to look into for now. His new mission was to find out about Cassandra. When he kissed her he managed to unclasp the necklace and slip it from her neck. It shocked him. He managed to slip it in his pocket. He didn't want to tell her anything yet because of the same reasons as before.

He was afraid that if he pushed too much on her it could devour her. The human doctor, Dr. Kruse's words came back to him,

"My advice is to try to keep her calm. Too much stress after what she has been through can bring on a mental break. In more ways then one."

So, ignorance is bliss for her.

Carefully taking the necklace out by the chain he examined it more closely.

Nothing about it looked special. Other than that it looked old. Ancient even but still in amazing condition. The torch symbols on the band looked vaguely familiar. He just didn't know where he had seen them.

'Rexton. Were going into town. Tell no one. Meet me by the gates quickly.'

'Yes, sir.'

James put the necklace back in his pocket and went outside to the gates.

Rexton was already there. They made their way past the village and out of viking territory. The next town, he knew, had a seer. He had seen her many times before for her advice. She could maybe help.

The small house was lit only by candle lanterns and the natural sunlight from outside through the windows. It was filled with crystals, candles, herbs, and smelled of sage. A man wearing a tan, hooded wool gown was standing in the front looked maybe about twenty years older then James. His hair was showing gray at the temples but dark at the rest. His hazel eyes were starting to have crows feet on the sides. Smiling, he greeted them.

'How may I help, gentlemen?'

'I'd like to see her. Please. This may be of great importance. It concerns my mate.'

'I'm sorry but she is not feeling well. You'll have to come back later.'

James's patience was wearing thin. He wanted answers, damn it!

'Look. I'll pay whatever. But I need to see her.'

The man's face remained calm.

'I apologize. But as I've just told you, she is-'

'It's alright, Bartholomew. Let the young man through.'

The old withered voice spoke behind the man. James peered behind Bartholomew, at the old woman who appeared from behind a red curtain. Her eyes were white with blindness. Her hair was white with silver strands. Her robes were thick and dark blue. The cane she leaned on was carved from a tree branch with magical runes. He should know. He made it himself as a gift for her.

'Thank you, Willow.' James addressed the old woman.

Bartholomew, now looking irritated protested.

'Mother, please. He can come back. You need your rest.'

'Nonsense. I can tell this young man needs my help. Rest can wait. If you'll follow me, gentleman. Bartholomew, will you make some tea for our guests, please?'

Without waiting for an answer, Willow showed him in the back room. It was dimly lit. Books were neatly put away on shelves. Talismans and witch artifacts were in glass cases. A circular table was in the center of the room. It too had runes carved on the outer edges.

'Sit, please.' Willow demanded as she sank heavily into her chair at the table.

'Thank you.'

'I saw you coming. I also know why you're here. That mate of yours. Cassandra. Beautiful woman. Headstrong. I'm glad you found her. She's from the human world.'

James wasn't surprised that Willow had "seen" Cassandra. But it's what Willow said shocked him.

'You knew? Those times I came here asking you for your advice? Your visions? You knew I was going to meet Cassandra.'

Willow cackled. 'Of course. But too much knowledge of one's future could ruin it. Besides, if I told you, you wouldn't have believed me. Or you would have tried to change it. Correct me if I'm wrong.'

James knew she was right. Had he known his mate was human, he'd have done anything to change his future encounter with her. That was of course before he met her. Now he couldn't imagine life without his mate.

Bartholomew came with a tea tray. He set it down with a glare toward James and then left.

James poured the tea for them and served Willow then himself.

'What do you see of her?' He asked before sipping the tea.

Willow drank slowly before answering.

'I see her as a powerful leader. A fierce protector of those she holds dear. But I also see misery and grief. But it's because of that, she becomes powerful and fierce.'

James was intrigued. Grabbing the necklace he held it out to her. Willow already had her hand out. Placing it in her weathered hand, he waited. He saw her close her eyes and then heard her mumbling to herself under her breath. He saw her suddenly, still then tense. After a moment of silence a cry came from her. The candle flames shot up all around the room. The artifacts glowed in their cases. She dropped the necklace on the table. Willow slumped to the floor. James caught her small frame before she made it to the ground. Her eyes opened. Unseeing but they stared right at him.

'So much power. So much pain. She will destroy us all.' She croaked before her eyes slid shut as she became unconscious.

After he called for Bartholomew, Willow was bundled quickly off to bed. James stayed. To much of Bartholomew's displeasure. He had to know! Exactly what Willow has seen. She couldn't have meant Cassandra when she said, "She would destroy us all." And who was "us"? Him? His people? The fae world? He couldn't see Cassandra hurting anyone. At least not intentionally. He had seen Cassandra's tenderness toward children, women, and to him. The worst he'd seen her do was s***h him with that silver letter opener. But she was only defending herself. She was frightened and didn't comprehend yet on who exactly he was. Then, he was just a psycho crazy stalker. Now she understood. Right?

James now placed inside the small house. Hours passed. He was just thinking about leaving when Bartholomew came from the back room.

'She wants to see you. Be quick. She needs her rest '

James wasted no time and hurried back there. Willow now was nestled on her cot. Her small body was covered with quilts and she was reclining against a small stack of feathered pillows.

'Come closer.' She croaked.

James kneeled by her bed.

'Cassandra. She will grow powerful once she meets him. He will teach her how. She will be like a child learning. When she gets angry she will lash out. She will not know any better because she will not have control yet. I see...she will be so angry with you. I see so much pain and betrayal. You must fix it. You must...before she grows. Go now.' Her voice trailed off as she went back under. Her breathing so quiet and slow.

Who was "he"? Pain and betrayal? From him or for him? He wanted to shake Willow awake. He now had more questions and no answers.

Bartholomew cleared his throat behind him. Signaling it was time to go. James stood. He'd go back home. Be with Cassandra. Try to learn more with what he had. But he didn't have much to work with. Maybe he could ask a witch. But who could he trust with his mate?

Him and Rexton left. Almost to the castle a thought occurred to him. Willow said, he. She also said pain and betrayal? What if Cassandra met someone else? What if she hurt James by a betrayal?

His wolf whimpered and snarled at the thought. But still, if that were true, why was Willow so upset by it? How would Cassandra destroy them all with just that?

When they returned he sought Cassandra out immediately. He found her still in the library reading a book while curled in a chair. A half eaten sandwich was on a tray on the side table beside her. An old gramophone playing a record in the corner. Walking behind her slowly he studied her. She looked so innocent and sweet. Her feet bare and her toes twitching to the song's beat. Her hair pulled to the side to drape down one shoulder. Her brow furrowed as she read. She must have sensed someone else was there because she looked up at him and smiled.

'Hey.' She put the book to the side and stood. Stretching, he heard her joints pop as she stretched her back and neck.

'Hello.' He couldn't resist. He gathered her in his arms and buried his nose in her hair.

'What are you listening to?' He asked, not really caring.

'Oh. Well I asked Eva if there was any music that could be played. She brought that down from the attic.' She explained while pointing to the record player. 'Cab Calloway. St. James Infirmary. Luckily, I've heard his music before. I like it. Apparently your mother or father had impeccable taste.'

Without hesitation he gently took her hands.

'Dance with me.'

'Here? Now?'

'Why not?'

She smiled shyly. 'You're so crazy.'

He smiled back. 'Crazy can be good.' He defended.

They danced to the rhythm slowly. Her head on his shoulder as they swayed together. He dipped her and she giggled. Seeing her like this he couldn't picture her hurting him. Or reverse. Hoping everything Willow told him was a misunderstanding. If not, all he could do is try to change what he did not know. Do the impossible. Change fate.