Chapter 25: Chapter 24

Chris snuggled deeper into the warmth surrounding him, he’d never felt so blissful in years, never slept so soundly and uninterrupted. He stretched, finding he couldn’t. He frowned, still half asleep. He didn’t feel ready for his eyes to open, but his nose instinctively nuzzled, the addictive sweet and smokey smell alerted him to why he felt so secure.

Security. That hadn’t been something he’d felt for a long time. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this safe, this relaxed. He hadn’t even noticed he was lying on a hard dirt floor. Hadn’t noticed the chill in the air. The body next to him was wrapping him in so much heat, so much relief.

His eyes shot open. He was still in the cell. He wrestled out of Jaxson’s hold, looking wildly around to see if anyone was watching from beyond the bars. Chris scooted along the floor. “Make a habit of watching people sleep?” he snarled, jolting Jaxson from his slumber.

“Couldn’t help it, didn’t think I’d ever seen anything sweeter,” Trey replied with a shrug from his place in the corridor. “Literally just got here anyway. Anyone told you breaking cell doors isn’t really the idea?”

Chris looked away in shame.

“Good job it was me that decided to bring the news, your punishment has been decided, Jaxson.”

Jaxson sighed, getting to his feet. “Do I want to know?”

“There’re two possibilities. Demotion with no chance to rise again after three months down here.”

“That could kill his wolf!” Chris interjected fiercely.

“Or,” Trey continued, “You can plead mitigating circumstances and admit your mateship.”

Jaxson paled considerably. “How would that help?” he asked, a small quiver in his voice.

“The individual was insulting your mate. Everyone heard what Craig was saying, plenty would corroborate his words about our prince. There’s already been some leniency for that, you should have arrested him, not pummel him. Your actions make sense for a mate, not a Royal guard.”

“And they don’t know I’m your mate,” Chris mumbled.

“No. Rumours have no place in the royal court.”

“I…” Jaxson looked between Trey and Chris, a conflict in his brown eyes.

“You don’t have to admit it. I don’t know the reaction and it could be worse to admit it,” Chris declared with much more confidence than he felt.

Jaxson was silent, his expression blank.

“What would be the punishment if he admits it?” Chris asked.

Trey looked apologetic, “… I don’t know,” he admitted.

“Why did you come, shouldn’t you be with Hunter?” Chris asked, seeing Jaxson was not ready to make a decision.

“Knew you were here, Hunter’s fine, just a bang.”

“I’m really sorry.”

“I know. He’s fine, he woke up after five minutes being in the infirmary. It was a tiny cut.”

“I didn’t mean to.”

“We’ll talk about it later, you coming out?”

“Suppose so. Jaxson?” He wasn’t sure who he was asking or what about.

“He needs to stay here, I’m afraid.”

“Can I have an audience with the council?” Jaxson asked quietly, a fearful, hesitant note in the whisper.

“I’ll arrange it. Come, Chris.”

Chris hesitated, looking to Jaxson, “I’ll be fine,” he reassured.

Reluctantly, Chris squeezed out of the gap he’d made the night before. He was unsure what Jaxson’s plan was, unsure if he really was going to be able to accept his mate… or was he going to be back at square one?

“Craig’s slander should be made an example of… he’s supposed to protect us, guard us, be in our home,” Chris announced as he made his way up the steps, knowing Jaxson would be able to hear him.

“Understandable. As soon as he’s healed, we will hold court.”

They walked through the cell house out to the open air, Trey fell in step with Chris. “What if people don’t accept our mating?” Chris asked quietly.

“Everyone will just have to get used to it. If this is what you want, we will support you.”

“You mean you will, you can’t speak for anyone else.”

“Sometimes, we just have to jump into the deep end of fear.” Trey placed his hand on Chris’ shoulder, “As long as it’s a true mateship.”

“Of course it is, I wouldn’t choose this.”

“But you do want to accept?”

“Yes.”

“Time to talk to Marc.”

Chris stopped midstep. He wasn’t ready for that… no way was he ready for that.

Sure he was close to his brother, he was close to both his siblings despite the rather large age gap, but to admit what was going on? Confirm the rumours?

It made him feel sick.

“What are you worried about?” Trey asked gently.

Chris started walking again, not having an answer. He couldn’t put into words what was worrying him. It was like admitting a massive secret, to admit meant it was true, meant he had to face it.

Yes… he was a walking contradiction.

“You admitted it to me.”

“I didn’t mean to… it just came out.”

“And what happened?”

“You said you’d sort it out.”

“I think it would be better coming from you. But I’ll tell him if you want?”

Chris’ stomach twisted and knotted. While Trey telling Marc would help the immediate issue… but would that be worse? Would his cowardice cause a bigger issue later?

The stress was pounding his head into a thudding headache. The decision was swirling around him.

“I don’t need help.” Chris declared. A hint of stubbornness in both his tone and posture. He wasn’t a pup, he was a full grown, he could deal with his own issues.

Or not deal with them.