Chapter 13
Viviane’s POV
I feel like I’m coming unraveled at the seams, like every stitch of my being is slowly unfurling, leaving me weak and shapeless. I can’t keep up with Caspian, and I’m afraid I’ll lose myself if I try.
I’ve heard about fated mates who do not truly fit together, couples who share a physical bond but lack the emotional connection to live happily together. It’s rare, but it does happen, and I’m starting to think Caspian and I may be one of these unlucky couples.
There’s no denying I’m attracted to him, and there’s no question he feels the same. When we are together I feel safe and whole in a way I’ve never experienced before, but when it comes to our personalities I think we could not be more poorly suited.
It took all of my strength to come here today, to walk into a den of bloodthirsty wolves cheering for the destruction of their kin. I gave all to keep my promise to Caspian, but all he sees in my efforts is failure. I was not there for his trials, I was not there to cheer him on and laud his name.
He scolded me and sent me off to do his bidding, and Gods help me – that’s exactly what I’m doing. I walk towards the concession stands with his money clasped tightly in my hand, as if I’m not capable of independent thought, as if I am nothing more than a servant of the future Alpha.
What is happening to me?
And what happened to the gentle man who rescued me from that dark classroom, the one who returned my father’s necklace to me?
It’s all too much. I have more important things to worry about. My mother is getting sicker every day and my future hangs in the balance, but instead of protecting us I am mooning over a shifter who would probably kick me to the curb if he knew what I truly am.
I stop in the middle of the packed venue, ready to walk out and forget everything that’s happened over the last few weeks. So what if Caspian makes my pulse race and my insides quiver? There’s more to love than physical attraction.
My doubts loom so large I almost miss the commotion just ahead. Nerissa’s voice pulls my focus away from my conflicted thoughts and brings me back to earth, anchoring me to the present. She is pressed up against the wall, cornered by Courtney and Madison.
They are far from discreet. Even my weak mermaid ears can pick up their snide remarks. “Did you think we wouldn’t find out?” Courtney is saying. “Did you really believe you could get away with it?”
“Please,” Nerissa begs, her fear palpable even at this distance. “It isn’t what you think.”
“It isn’t?” Madison chimes in venomously, “You didn’t take that mutant’s jewelry to try and win Caspian for yourself? You didn’t plan on tricking him into falling for you?
“Of course not!” Nerissa exclaims. “I know he belongs to you. I would never stand in the way of that.”
“I don’t believe you.” Courtney snaps, dragging her claws threateningly over Nerissa’s throat.
Nerissa’s panicked gaze darts around the room, searching for anyone who might back her up. When her startled eyes land on me I don’t think anything of it, I’m the last person she would ever look to for help– or so I thought.
“Viviane!” Nerissa shouts, “tell them! Tell them it isn’t possible, tell them there isn’t any magic.”
Courtney and Madison release Nerissa so abruptly her body slumps into a puddle on the floor, sliding down the wall in a graceless heap. They turn as one, a pair of snakes preparing to strike.
My pulse speeds up as the she-wolves stalk toward me through the crowd. “You have a lot of nerve, bottom feeder.” Madison spits.
“How dare you show your face here?” Courtney adds. “I thought we made ourselves clear about your place in our city.”
They circle me like beautiful birds of prey. “We are a civilized people, your kind does not deserve to breathe the same air we do, let alone walk the same streets.”
“I don’t want any trouble.” I say, knowing my chances of defusing the situation are laughable. “I’ll leave, you have my word.”
Behind them, Nerissa has already taken off running, but now a crowd is forming.
“It’s too late for that.” Madison announces. “I think we ought to tell all these fine people what you are. I think we should show them what you’re hiding behind those glasses.”
Shifters from every rank in the pack surround us on all sides, hanging off of their every word. “My glasses don’t hide anything but poor vision,” I insist.
“We’ll just see about that.” Courtney announces snidely, striding forward and ripping the dark shades from my eyes.
A gasp reverberates through the crowd, and even Courtney and Madison look shocked. To my own surprise, I find the lights are not anywhere near as painful as they were when we first arrived in Asterion. In fact, my eyes don’t hurt at all.
Before another word is spoken a deep voice rings through the concession hall, silencing every hushed voice and astonished whisper in the room. “What is the meaning of this?”
The crush of onlookers parts like the red sea, making way for the future Alpha. Caspian strides through the throng with predatory grace, exuding raw power so menacing that many in the audience flee. In moments like this it is easy to forget how young he is, that he is only the Alpha’s heir and not already the pack leader.
From what I learned about the trials today, Caspian trounced pack members double his size and with twice his experience; seasoned fighters who should have been able to flatten an eighteen year old without exerting any effort whatsoever. If the games continue on this path, Caspian is going to become the youngest victor in half a century– putting to rest any doubts about his ability to rule once and for all.
Caspian’s POV
Over the last couple of weeks I actually convinced myself that Viviane could not possibly be as beautiful as I remembered, that her eyes were probably no more remarkable than my own; common blue rather than the vivid turquoise I imagined in the dim light of the party.
I am a fool. If anything she is even more stunning than I recalled, so lovely that I almost forget why we are here– why I am so angry.
Courtney and Madison stand on either side of my mate, guilt and fear radiating from their forms like a toxic fog. They are not alone. Fear surrounds me on all sides, the scent so heavy in the air I can barely breathe.
It is the instinctive response of any shifter amidst an Alpha’s displeasure, as natural and uncontrollable as hunger or thirst. Eyes cast downward as I pass, heads bowing and invisible tails tucking between legs.
Viviane stands at the center of it all, her arms wrapped protectively around her body, staring at me as if she cannot decide whether to be frightened or relieved. For a moment my wrath turns inward. My failure as a mate is even greater than I thought if my mate does not know that I will always be on her side.
“Come here, Viviane.” I order, extending my arm toward her. Ever the good girl, she complies and I drag her against my body once she is in reach.
Viviane cuddles close, her breathing already beginning to level out beneath my touch. I brush my lips over her hair, “Are you all right?”
She nods wordlessly, tucking her head against my shoulder as I turn my attention to the women holding her staff and sunglasses. “Explain.”
Courtney and Madison exchange nervous glances. “She’s an imposter.” Madison begins, “Nerissa–”
“Don’t.” I interrupt harshly, my temper flaring at the sound of the she-wolf’s name. “I know exactly what Nerissa thinks, and I have no patience for petty jealousies and grown women acting like little girls because things didn’t turn out the way you wanted.” I admonish. “There is no place for that kind of behavior in this pack.”
Courtney’s jaw drops, “But–”
“Not another word.” I snarl, sending out a wave of Alpha authority so strong they wince and whimper. “Apologize to Viviane.”
“I’m sorry.” They state in unison, their voices shaking.
I sweep my gaze around the room, searching for additional sources of aggression but finding none. Instead I discover that I am far from the only person appreciating Viviane’s reveal. Countless eyes are glued to her beautiful face, and a rush of possessiveness assails me all at once. Without thinking I emit a claiming growl, not ceasing until every head in the room has bowed in submission.
When I’m certain my message is understood I nudge Viviane forward, leading her towards the exit.
“Where are we going?” She asks, glancing back over her shoulder.
“I’m taking you to a doctor.” I announce. “I want to know once and for all what you are, and why you wear those glasses.”
