Chapter 38
Caspian’s POV
“I can’t forgive him. Not until he stops treating me like a toy, and starts treating me like an equal.”
I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.
Well, that’s not entirely true. I did intentionally stay within hearing distance of Viviane’s rooms after bringing Kiera to her door, but only as a precaution. I wanted to be near, just in case things went poorly.
Of course, I got what I deserved. My stomach is in knots after hearing Viviane describe our relationship in such a way. Apparently even recognizing me as her mate didn’t change the mermaid’s perception of my character. The worst part is that I know this has nothing to do with my being a wolf, and everything to do with my personality.
I thought I was doing all the right things: loving her, protecting her, providing for her. That’s what mates do, isn’t it?
My wolf whines in my head, objecting to the notion that we’ve treated Viviane as anything but the treasure she is. I know. I respond silently, but it doesn’t matter what we intended, that’s how she feels.
I’ve shown Viviane affection the only way I know how, but I didn’t exactly have great role models when it comes to matters of the heart. I don’t want to retrace my father’s footsteps; I don’t want to smother my mate with unwanted affection and force her away.
I thought I didn’t have to worry about that with Viviane because she shares my feelings, but I suppose I should have known tackling our mating with the same aggression and dominance I use as an Alpha would be a mistake. I’ve always known Viviane needs a gentle hand, but I haven’t had the patience to let her come to me.
I have to do better.
I’ve thought this countless times since meeting my mate, and in some ways I have grown as a person. My eyes are opening to the needs of this city, to the plight of the people I will one day rule. I’ve begun to take that responsibility seriously. Yet it hasn’t been enough.
I have to give Viviane what she needs, not what I want.
Unfortunately, I don’t see an end to this tension in sight anytime soon. I don’t mean to take her choices from her, but with Mordred on the loose and a burgeoning trafficking ring targeting her kind, I cannot leave her unprotected. Marina needs medical care and they both need more stability than selling pearls on the black market could provide; it wouldn’t be right for me to leave them in such a precarious situation.
The only thing I can change is how I approach the matters with Viviane. Instead of telling her how things are going to be, I’ve got to include her in the decision process, even if it’s one she doesn’t like.
You know what eavesdropping gets you, brother. Chase’s voice comes to life in my mind, interrupting my brooding thoughts. He approaches in my periphery, a knowing gleam in his eyes.
You never hear any good of yourself? I reply.
And that nothing good has ever been learned from it. He elaborates
I disagree, I sigh, guiding him away from the door before he can overhear the girls’ conversation.
“Is that Kiera in there with her?” Chase asks when we’re a few meters away, an odd expression on his face as he scents the air with interest.
“Yes.” I answer simply, an intriguing idea sparking in my thoughts. “Why?”
“It’s nothing.” He says, giving himself a little shake. “Listen, I came to get you for a reason.” He continues cryptically, “We have a visitor.”
Nerissa stands in my study, her bearing defensive and chaotic at once. Her eyes flash when she sees me, not with fear or excitement, but some emotion I cannot place.
“Nerissa,” I greet her as politely as I can, “To what do we owe the pleasure?”
I know what she’s going to say before she opens her mouth. For one purely irrational second I hope she’s come to share information about Mordred’s whereabouts, but that optimism leaves as quickly as it came. There is nothing contrite or earnest in Nerissa’s demeanor.
“I heard a rumor you’ve moved Viviane and Marina into the Pack House.” She begins stiffly, “I came to see if it was true and to warn you–”
A growl rumbles in my chest, and Nerissa falters, but only momentarily.
“I know you told me not to, I know you think I’m making it up, but I cannot ignore my duty.” She persists, bowing her head in submission. The strange thing is that there is a hint of truth in her words. I don’t believe for one moment that she’s driven by altruism, her malice is as transparent as her jealousy. Still, I think part of her does believe she’s helping me somehow, that she’s protecting me from some threat.
“I can prove to you that Viviane is a mermaid.” Nerissa proclaims, “There are ways to tell, I know if you’d just give me a chance to show you–
“You never learn do you?” I thunder, cutting her off. “It was bad enough you disobeyed me once, but you have a lot of nerve to come here tonight casting such aspersions.”
“But–”
“Close your gods-damned mouth and show your future alpha some respect.” Chase interjects, watching me as if I’m a live grenade bound to detonate at any moment.
“I’m showing my respect by fulfilling my obligation to the pack’s wellbeing, Viviane is–”
“One more word and I will throw you in the citadel.” I threaten harshly, “I’ll even give you your father’s old cell.”
Caspian. Chase’s warning tone sounds in my head.
The she-wolf in front of me visibly quells, folding in on herself like a startled turtle.
“I don’t care what you believe, Nerissa.” I snarl. “Your contempt for authority, for me, is unacceptable. You may think these are just words, but every time you defy me you show me how little respect you truly have for my position.” I continue, pulling up to my full height and towering over her.
“Your duty was fulfilled the first time you brought your concerns to me – something I encourage from all pack members – but anything beyond that, when I have told you I want to hear nothing else on the matter, is pure insubordination. The moment I gave you my orders, your duty became following them, not beating a dead horse.”
“Your duty is to trust your Alpha to do what is right for the pack, to trust that I might know more about the situation – about my own mate – than you do!” It takes a minute, but I watch as Nerissa processes my declaration, then unravels my meaning. Her eyes widen in surprise and outrage when she realizes I already know she’s telling the truth – I just don’t care.
It’s a bitter pill for the she-wolf to swallow, and I watch it go down with nothing but pleasure. She gradually finds her voice, croaking out, “Forgive me, Alpha. I won’t defy you again.”
“Be sure that you don’t.” I command. “Or I will make good on my promise about the citadel.”
She shrivels further, turning toward the door, but I stop her.
“Speaking of duty,” She freezes where she stands, “You do know that you are obligated to notify me if you make contact with your father, correct?”
Nerissa turns back, apprehension lacing her every move. “Of course.”
“Good.” I murmur, “because if I find out you know where he is and did not come forward, you will be charged with aiding and abetting a fugitive.”
Her chin tilts up, “I haven’t heard a word from him, and I don’t know where he is.” She enunciates, “Even before he left, he wasn’t exactly father of the year.”
“On that front you do have my sympathies.” I concede honestly, letting her relax for a fraction of a second before pulling the rug out from under her once more. “And Nerissa?”
She looks up at me hopefully. “You’re the only person in Asterion who doesn’t believe Viviane is a shifter, Courtney and Madison might have made accusations, but they were merely repeating information you gave them.” I remind her, “So if these rumors spread, if I hear anyone repeating the things you said tonight, whether they heard them from you or someone else, I will hold you personally responsible.”
Nerissa nods, slinking out of the room with her tail between her legs. Part of me worries coming down on her so hard might motivate her to seek retribution, but the other part knows Nerissa will only respond to a firm hand.
I’ve been so focused on Nerissa, I didn’t notice Chase’s reaction to our conversation until he closed the door behind the chastised shifter. My Beta is looking at me oddly, suspicion and curiosity painted across his face.
He strides forward, waiting until Nerissa’s footsteps have receded down the hall to speak his mind, “Is there something you’d like to tell me, Caspian?”
Fuck. It’s been a very difficult dance to protect Viviane’s identity from my men while also employing them to protect it, and I have a bad feeling Nerissa just undid all my fancy footwork with Chase.
I arch my brow, daring him to continue. If the situation were not so serious I’m sure he would have rolled his eyes, instead he stares me down with cool intensity. “She’s not lying is she?” He finally surmises, “Viviane is an unregistered mermaid.”
