Chapter 20: Chapter 19

Chris was beginning to relax with the people around him, the music was starting to not appear as loud as it first had, and the topics of conversation were far from anything he’d experienced before.

Sex seemed on the forefront of the group’s mind, that and ‘their rights’. He wasn’t sure really what they meant by that, but it was enjoyable to listen to. They were currently discussing gendered bathrooms. Like much they said… he didn’t really understand. He gathered males and females had separate bathrooms. He couldn’t work out if they did at home though… that would make for many bathrooms in every house!

True… the palace had ample, but would that mean Adelaide wouldn’t be allowed to use his bathroom? Did humans have two bathrooms per couples’ bedroom?

Oh, it made little sense.

Well… apart from them saying people should be able to use whichever bathroom they wanted, that made sense to him.

Chris chewed on the inside of his cheek, he had so many questions. He hadn’t much felt inclined to join in, not understanding the conversations. There was a lull in the group so he plucked up all that Hunterson courage he thoroughly possessed. “So…” he started with uncertainty. “It’s normal to like males?”

Sandy slapped her thigh while she laughed. “It’s normal to like whoever or whatever you like! Look at Stu! He likes me!”

“Why wouldn’t he like you?” Chris asked in confusion.

“’Cause I’m trans,” she replied nonchalantly.

“What does that mean?”

“Have you been living in a cult or something?” Shae asked in disbelief, “Sandy was born a guy, but she’s a girl.”

He mouthed the words “Born a guy,” as if trying them out.

“But to answer your question,” Archie started, shifting next to him until his thigh was glued to Chris’, “Yes, it’s completely normal, and fine to like a man. Just look around you.”

Chris did just that, seeing many couples, most of them were the same sex. He’d heard of human’s being a little more… free with their choice, after all, the Moon Goddess didn’t look after them, didn’t dictate a match that legend spoke from her own love. However, he hadn’t realised that freedom was so open.

He was used to open displays of affection, wolves particularly when first mated were often inseparable and some struggled not to complete the mating process wherever they may be stood. Without that pull, though, Chris hadn’t expected humans to be the same. Only… their amorous activity wasn’t due to some magical bond connecting their primal beasts.

Being surrounded by something that, to him, was abnormal, gradually settled itself to it being less strange. The male, Archie, touching him, however, wasn’t making him too comfortable, well his wolf comfortable. He ignored the discomfort to listen to Stu talk about an anecdote from work, which he appeared to do something about helping people from losing their money from something called fraud.

His wolf was beginning to grow more restless, growls were almost coming to the surface every time Archie grazed his hand against Chris’. In honestly, he was mildly enjoying the brushing contact, but his wolf wasn’t happy. He was far from happy.

The scent he was escaping punched him in the gut. As soon as he comprehended the meaning, he was up, looking for a hiding place.

Too late.

Jaxson appeared at the entrance and strode over before Chris could move a single step. “My Prince, we must go.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he hissed back.

Jaxson’s hand landed heavily on his shoulder and began pulling him.

“Uh-huh, honey, no he’s with us.” Shae placed a hand on Jaxson’ bicep.

“Your brother is on his way, I don’t think you want him finding you here,” Jaxson stated hurriedly.

“I’m not going back!” He ducked his shoulder, managing to release Jaxson’s grip.

“Your Highness, you have to!”

“NO!”

“Hmm, isn’t he a piece of alright. Come on, I’ll get you a drink and you can tell me all why Chris needs to come back. Hmm?” Oscar placed his hand on Jaxson’ forearm, rubbing up and down.

A growl ripped through the bar, an animalistic, primal roar a split second before Chris’ fist smashed against Oscar’s nose. He stumbled back, blood pouring from between his fingers where he gripped his face. “No-one touches my mate!” the gravelly harsh growl of his wolf spat from his lips. “MINE!”

“What the fuck?”

Jaxson’s hand snapped around Chris’ bicep. “Let’s go. Now,” he barked. Chris could feel his wolf wanting to surface and was dangerously close to getting his own way.

The fresh air circled them as they exited the bar, Chris hadn’t realised how close and stuffy the bar had been compared to the outside world. “How did you find me?” Chris mumbled.

“Not exactly hard to find a wolf amongst humans. Tracked you.”

Chris let out a huff.

“I know having the rumour spread was the last thing you wanted. We’ll sort it out. I’ll request that we both be allowed to accept forced mates. If that’s what you want.”

“They were all so happy,” he whispered, gesturing backwards.

“What?”

“In that place, they were themselves, didn’t matter who they fell in love with.”

Jaxson looked at him in confusion.

“Everyone’s been telling me I shouldn’t go against the Goddess. She knows what she’s doing.”

“Your Highness, I…”

“If you want a forced mate… I won’t fight it. But what if the Goddess was right? What if those humans are right? What if… this is right.” Chris felt the confused look before he saw it. The frown was written all over Jaxson’s face.

“Of course… if you don’t want me,” Chris mumbled before the rejection could be uttered.

“I don’t want to be a royal.”

Chris stopped. He wanted the pavement to swallow him whole. Sure he’d given Jaxson the way out… but maybe… just maybe a bit of him, the confidence from being around the humans had bolstered some hope within him. Hope of a happy ever after.

Sure… Chris never believed he’d have a happy ever after… but he could hope, right?

That hope was fading fast, the world closing in on him. The decision he’d made without even realising clenched at his heart. He wanted his stoic calm presence. He wanted the protection he’d felt in his dreams. He wanted his patient warmth.

He wanted Jaxson.

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