A few hours? We could be finished by mid-morning. I could spend the day with Xandria. He grinned before turning to scan the tired faces of his council. They took me away from my mate, it’s only fair that I do the same. “No, we’ll press on.”
“Your highness?” Charles questioned, confused as to Tobias’ decision when he had seemed so eager to leave not too long ago.
“I said that we’ll work through the night. I’d have thought you’d be overjoyed that I’m willing to stay the night and work on my duties.”
“Yes, your highness,” Adam murmured, surprisingly unhappy with the turn of events. “But like I said, it’s late.”
“We’re wolves,” he snapped at the older man, reminded of his cold behaviour towards his mate. “Alexandria isn’t here so there’s no need to take into account her human needs. We can go for days without sleep, I shouldn’t need to remind you of that.” Adam’s face paled at the Prince’s statement, regretting that he had had a hand in sending the Princess away from the discussions. “As she isn’t here, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t work through the night to get this done. The coronation is in a few weeks and as my advisors it should be your highest priority to ensure that I’m ready. I should hope that I don’t need to remind you of your duties.”
A unified murmur swept across the chambers as the Council members realised that their Prince wouldn’t be moved on this. “No, your highness.”
“Good, then we’ll work through the night.” And hopefully this will be done by morning. “Are you staying father? There’s no need for you to.”
“Damn straight I have no reason to stay. I know all of this. I’ll be taking my leave then. If anyone wishes to find me I’ll be in my chambers with the Queen. But it’s my friendly advice that if you need me you find ways around the issue that don’t involve disturbing the Queen and I.” He grinned, standing from his seat before heading out of the chamber.
The night passed in a blur of numbers and figures the extent of which left Tobias feeling that it was impossible to remember accurately all the information that had been passed to him. The sun rose brightening the large room as its rays passed through the windows and Tobias began to feel increasingly hopeful that they would soon be finished. The ticking of his watch became his constant companion as he watched the minutes tick by into early morning.
“Well your highness,” Charles, began his voice slightly hoarse from a night of extended use. “I think that we’ve covered most of the information regarding the financial status of the clans as well as prospects for investment. Anything else can be dealt with after the coronation. So long as you have a basic understanding, that’s all that matters and I’m proud to say that you have the foundation and more. It’s more than most Princes have when they come to the throne.”
“Most Princes are also a lot younger than I am when they become King. I’ve had an extra hundred years to become acquainted with the state of the clans.”
He laughed, glad beyond belief that he was finished, though it had taken longer than he had hoped. Rising from his seat, he stood, momentarily stunned when his head began to spin. Maybe I shouldn’t have suggested working through the night. I didn’t manage to get any sleep when I was with Xandria under the full moon and then who in their right mind could sleep when we got back? Having that gorgeous woman sleeping right next to them and not being able to touch her. Torture. Probably for the best that I didn’t sleep then anyway, who knows what that wolf of mine would have done to her while I was asleep. I’ve got to get just a little bit of rest, maybe she’s still in bed right now.
The idea that she was waiting in bed for him spurred him on and he dashed out of the chambers, not even stopping to say goodbye to his advisors. Racing along the corridors he soon came to the door of their suite, stepping inside and closing the door firmly behind him. His eyes were drawn to the bed and disappointment filled him at the sight of the empty sheets. His feet shuffled forward and he dropped heavily against the firm mattress, pulling her pillow close. Her scent was fainter than usual and he found himself breathing deeper than he normally would but her calming scent easily lulled his tired body to sleep.
*****
The sound of voices woke her, forcing her mind and body from the depths of unconsciousness into the harshness of reality. The surface that she lay on was hard and cold and her body was suffering the effects of having lain on it for a long time, muscles cramping and the tips of her limbs slightly numb. The whispers that had filled her mind as of late were deafeningly silent and flashbacks of what she last remembered filled her mind. Where am I? The voices continued their discussion around her apparently unaware that she was awake. Instantly recognising one of the voices as Sean’s she struggled to place the second, convinced that she knew it from somewhere.
That must be the friend he’s made. I’ve got to stay calm. Tobias is definitely coming to get me. I’ve just got to keep Sean and his friend from taking my head before he gets here. Tobias said he could hear me sometimes, so I’ve got to stay calm and gather enough information to help him. Her body was still sluggish, taking longer than usual to respond. Probably works in my favour that I can’t move properly, better that they think that I’m asleep, I can listen better.
“You’re sure that whatever you gave her means she can’t use her powers?” the unknown voice asked.
“Positive.”
“How long will it last?”
“A few hours,” Sean replied.
“Is there any more?” The somewhat familiar voice inquired. The sound of rustling followed the question. “That’s good. How do you use it?”
“Like any other syringe, you find a vein in her arm. They aren’t hard to find if you know what you’re doing, would you like me to show you?” Silence followed but judging from what Sean said next, the unknown voice hadn’t needed assistance. “Then you put it into her arm and push down on the plunger and empty it into her.”
“That simple?”
“Yes.”
“It is very simple, don’t you think Alex?” The slits of her eyes closed firmly and her body lay still as she tried to convince her captors that she was still unconscious. “There’s no point in trying to pretend that you’re still asleep Alex, I can hear your breathing. It’s faster now that you’re awake. You don’t want me to have to test whether you’re conscious.”
Fearing the consequences should the voice approach her, she opened her eyes, stunned as she looked into deep black eyes, finally connecting the familiar voice to a face. “Elijah?” she breathed, shock running through her and quickening her body’s responses as it finally allowed her to sit up, shuffling backwards as she took in her surroundings, eyes scanning the large room frantically.
The surface she had lain on was stone, arranged in thick slabs. The same grey material was used for the walls that surrounded her on all four sides and she immediately began to feel trapped. Another quick glance told her that the room she was in was small and devoid of any furnishings leaving her alone in a weapon-less room with Sean and Elijah, and she was fast coming to fear the latter.
Though she had her suspicions, she decided to test out whether Tobias’ cousin was in fact Sean’s friend. “Elijah, I’m so glad that you’re here.”
“So you remember who I am?”
“Of course I do,” she scoffed. “You’re Tobias’ cousin, how could I forget you? Where is he?”
“Tobias?”
“Yes Tobias silly, who else would I be talking about?”
“Tobias isn’t here.”
“Where is he then?”
“He’s back at the estate.”
She frowned at his wording. “So I take it that I’m not at the estate anymore?”
“No.”
“Care to tell me where exactly I am and how I can get home?”
“I have no inclination of telling you where you are, it’s of no concern to you anyway. As for going home, I have no intention of letting you go until you’ve done something for me.”
“I’m not sure I want to know. I do have a question though.”
“What is it?” Elijah inquired, his calm voice contrasting to the slight note of hysteria that had crept into Alex’s.
“What exactly is Sean doing here?”
“Sean was doing a task for me, he had his uses. I doubt I would have been able to get you away from the estate without his help.”
“Had his uses?” she pressed. He smiled and the simple movement of his lips sent chills along her spine.
Turning his back to her, he faced Sean. “Thank you for bringing Alex here and thank you for making a sufficient amount of the drug that I can manage her. I regret to inform you that your services are no longer required. As such, I don’t see any point in keeping you around or alive.”
“What?” Sean spluttered, back-pedalling away from the taller man. “You don’t want to hurt me, you still need me!” he screamed furiously.
“I know people like you, you have no allegiances and you don’t hold up well under pressure or threat of dismemberment. If Tobias managed to get his hands on you, you’d tell him everything and that I can’t have.”
He sped forward, moving so fast that his body appeared to be a blur. When he next stood still, his hand was embedded deep within Sean’s chest. Alex gasped, horrified by the sight and she struggled against her body’s impulse to throw up. A squelching sound filled the silence of the room and she watched on in terror as Elijah retracted his hand, extracting Sean’s heart within his palm. The big man fell to the flood, blood gushing from the large wound while Elijah carelessly tossed the vital organ to the side.
“Alex?” Her eyes jerked unwillingly up to the man’s face. He appeared unperturbed at having recently killed a man, his face as calm as it had ever been. “I’d like you to help me with something.”
“What?” She croaked her voice small, her eyes unwillingly returning to Sean’s fallen body. So much blood. Elijah didn’t even bat an eyelid. My god, he ripped Sean’s heart out! He ripped Sean’s heart out. Got to stay calm. Tobias is coming. I know he is. All I’ve got to do is stay alive until he gets here. He’s coming.
“I want you help me claim the throne,” he moved again speeding to stand in front of her. “Or do you want to end up like your friend over there?” He grinned, stroking the side of her face with bloody fingers and streaking her cheek with Sean’s blood.
Her body trembled convulsively under Elijah’s dark stare and her courage took flight, leaving her trembling as she cursed Sean’s dead body for taking her only means of defence or attack from her. Tobias, help me! her mind screamed, desperate for escape.
Chapter Forty-One
Tobias, help me. Alex’s voice flitted through his mind before being abruptly cut off but the fear in his mate’s voice woke him from his slumber. His eyes shot open, amber overpowering any traces of grey. Deadly claws sprung from his nails and fangs erupted in his mouth, his body tensed for attack. Xandria! Shooting from the bed, he barrelled through the doors, fear for Alex’s safety running riot through him. She sounded hurt, where is she? The garden?
Running along the corridors, the frantic look on his face and the speed at which he was moving attracted the attention of the guards stationed along the halls who trailed after him. Desperate to catch up to him they called out his name but he continued to run headlong, ignoring their pleas. I’ve got to get to her. Maybe she fell down. No, its got to be something bigger than that, she sounded terrified. Arriving at the entrance to Alex’s garden he threw the door wide, unhinging the heavy wood with his excessive use of force. Dropping the door on the grass he walked into her sanctuary, finding no trace of her among the men extending her garden. “Xandria! Where are you?” he bellowed, walking further into the garden. Ignoring the urge to sneeze, as his delicate nose was bombarded with a host of different fragrances, he tried to sort through the scents to find the one unique to Alex. The smell of vanilla reached his nostrils but it was too faint for her to have been in the garden recently.
Grabbing one of the men littering the garden by the collar he pulled him close. “Where is she?”
“The Princess?”
“Yes. Where’s my mate?”
“I don’t know your highness, she hasn’t been in here since yesterday morning and she didn’t stay for long. She said that there were too many people and left.”
Turning to regard the men already in the garden and those that had followed him, he felt himself surrendering control to his wolf. I have to find her whatever it takes. Regaining control over himself he shouted to all present. “Find her! I don’t care what you have to do, just find her.”
“Yes your highness,” they agreed before filling out of the garden.
Closing his eyes he tried to shut out all distractions, focusing on reaching Alex’s mind. He was met with nothing and he growled at the lack of results. The only time I can’t feel her when I’m actively trying is when she’s sleeping deeply. But after the way she called out to me I doubt she’s gone to sleep, which means she must not be conscious. She sounded hurt, what if she fell and hit her head? There isn’t anywhere on the estate that she could do that. Damn it where is she? Stalking out of the garden he began to enlist any and all members of the royal clan in the search for his mate.
“The Princess is missing find her. Stop whatever you’re doing and look for her. I want every inch of this place searched, find her and bring her back to me. I’ll be in the Audience chamber. Hurry!” he screamed as he walked through the halls of the estate. Scurrying out of his way, tasks were dropped and posts were abandoned as residents of the estate heeded his call. Striding through the halls of the estate towards the audience chamber he was pleased to see people rushing to obey his orders.
Where is she?
A tall guard rushed past him and his hand shot out halting the man’s movement. “Ryan and Sebastian. I want you to find them and bring them back to the estate.” Might need their help.
“Of course your highness.” Tobias released the man’s arm allowing him to rush off once more.
I’ve got to stay calm, she’s got to be around here somewhere. She’d have told me if she were leaving the estate, she would have told someone. A petite brunette was running towards him and he stopped her much as he had halted the man. “Find whoever was with the Princess last and bring them to me.”
“Yes Prince Tobias.”
“Do you know where to bring them?”
“The audience chamber.”
“Good. Be quick.” He released her arm moving ever closer to the audience chamber doors. Where is she? Where is she? His mind raced, the wolf doing nothing to calm him, pacing its corner of Tobias’ mind in agitation.
We should be out looking for her, it growled.
We are looking for her. The entire estate is looking for her. We’ll find her soon.
And what if she’s not? What if she’s hurt? She needs us! the wolf roared.
Got to stay calm, got to stay calm, he chanted in his mind. Won’t be of any use to her if I’ve gone wild. Might scare her. Got to stay calm. Gripping both handles of the audience chamber doors he pulled hard roaring his frustration, the double doors flew off the frame crashing against the stone wall at his back. Chest heaving as he drew in short frustrated breaths, he entered the empty room sitting down on the cold steps rather than his usual seat as he prepared his body for action the instant information on his mate’s whereabouts was brought to him.
Minutes passed and no one had anything to tell him. He watched them scurry past the room through the large empty frame where the door should have been. His muscles were tense as he formed fists convulsively, the stinging from his sharp claws cutting through skin barely registering as his mind focused completely on finding his mate.
“Your highness?” His eyes darted up, locking with Charles’ blue ones, a quick glance told him that Charles hadn’t come alone, bringing other members of his Council as well as acquiring some guards.
“What?”
“The estat
e has been turned upside down.”
“I don’t care,” he spat, his gaze shifting once more to look out of the doorway, hopeful that someone would be bringing him news.
“What’s going on? I couldn’t manage to slow anyone down long enough for them to tell me, they told me to come here.”
“Xandria is missing. I can’t find her. She called out to me and she was afraid. She might be hurt and I have no idea where she is. I thought she might be in her garden but they haven’t seen her since yesterday. She would have told someone if she were leaving the estate, she would have told me.”
“You don’t know where she is?”
“Isn’t that what I just said?” he snapped. My wolf is right, I should be out looking for her. What am I doing just waiting here for her? “I’m going to find her.” He stood from the steps and began moving towards the doorway.
“Your highness, where do you think you’re going?” Adam inquired.
“I’m going to look for my mate.”
“We don’t know what has happened to the Princess, it would probably be wiser to remain here. If she isn’t on the estate then our enemies may have caught her.”
She’s human, the hunters wouldn’t harm her, he sighed trying to reassure himself that she was safe while the very idea of her being among the men who had killed his brother turned his stomach. But I’ve marked her, they’ll know that she’s one of us. “That’s even more reason that I should be out there looking for her.” She sounded terrified. Do they really have her?
Slaughter every one of them! the wolf roared.
None will survive when I’m finished. They’re a blight against our people even if they are less active that they were in previous centuries. They’re a threat to my mate. I’ll kill them all, they don’t deserve to live.
There will always be more idiots willing to take their place and try to harm what they don’t understand, his wolf added in a rare moment of forethought.
Then I’ll continue to mow them down. Threats against Xandria aren’t to be tolerated. “Move out of the way,” he snarled.
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