Chapter 45: Chapter 44

The next morning, Chris fussed over Jaxson but noticed he seemed much more himself. His wolf still wasn’t with him as far as he knew, but he was ready to be out of bed, still keeping Chris close by… he still seemed to have a fear Chris would spontaneously disappear.

Understandable in his eyes.

“Mark.” Chris’ wolf was being quite insistent after breakfast. He could only promise his wolf, that soon, soon they would mark. He nuzzled Jaxson’s hair while the larger male laid over Chris like a weighted blanket. He never felt being crushed would be a form of security… but with Jaxson it was different. He was glad to be pressed so far into the hard sofa that he could feel the frame below the cushions.

“Need a bigger sofa,” Jaxson mumbled, wriggling his feet that were hanging over the arm to make a point.

“I’ll see what we can get,” Chris promised, “A two-seater isn’t really ideal.”

“You sure I’m alright staying here?”

“What do you mean? Do you not want to-”

“Course. I just… not sure. It doesn’t matter. I need to get some more of my stuff soon.”

“I’ll get someone to get it… I suppose you wish to pack your stuff from your parents?”

“I will have to…”

Chris could sense an unease in the other male. “Do you feel comfortable in the palace?”

“Do you?”

“Yes and no. It’s my home… My family is here. I’m not sure I’ll ever feel comfortable.”

“I’ll get mum to pack a few things.”

“I’d like to meet your family.”

“Soon.”

“Have you… told them?” Chris asked carefully.

“Nope.” Jaxson’s fingers splayed around Chris’ ribs as he pulled himself up a little. “Suppose I should do that.”

“Nervous?”

“Nah. Be fine. We’ll mark first… make it official. Then… I’ll face the music.”

“Do you think… they’ll accept?” Chris ran his hands through auburn hair, down his t-shirted back.

“I hope so… I can only hope.”

“I can come with you.”

Jaxson gave him a soft smile, shuffling up his body before planting his lips of Chris’, “Thank you, but you don’t have to.” He caressed Chris’ cheek. “I wish my wolf was back.”

“Me too.”

“I’ve got an announcement. Can I come see you?” Jesse’s link came through.

“Hmm, Jax? Jesse’s coming over. Says he has something to tell us.”

He nodded, shifting from his position laying over him in protection. “Do you know what about?”

“No. He didn’t say.”

A knock brought the pair fully upright before Jesse strode in. “Good to see you in better shape,” he greeted Jaxson.

“Yes, Gamma, I’m grateful a search party was put together.”

“Of course, you’re one of us. We do anything for our brothers.”

“Jess. You wanted to tell us something?” Chris prompted.

“Oh. Yeah. I spoke to Laura, she admitted all of it. She managed to find some rogues who snuck into palace grounds. She hired the witch to stop your mateship.”

“She did?”

“It is what she has admitted. I can’t say what will happen to her yet, it seemed banishment did not work. For now she will remain in the cells. The guard she seduced has been suitably punished.”

“So it’s done… it’s over?” Jaxson asked somewhat dumbfounded.

“Yes. We have a confession. We will scent and search for the rogues, but for now the border has extra guards. I still want to implement that all royals have at least one personal guard on top of those within the palace. I know Former King Xander was opposed to personal guards, but I’ve spoken to Marc and he feels it’s a suitable change.”

“I don’t want guards on me.”

“Chris,” Jaxson warned calmly.

“No. I won’t have guards. I hate having people following me about.”

“Chris…” another warning, but Chris didn’t much care.

“No. I will not tolerate it.”

Jaxson grabbed the back of Chris’ neck, squeezing, “Chris. You will do what is best for your safety.”

“I can’t have people following me about!” Yes he was digging his heels in, but his mouth wouldn’t allow anything else! He wanted to agree, not need to make any fuss. But he couldn’t. He couldn’t lie.

Jaxson’s hand squeezed again, trying to calm him. “I’m sure Gamma Jesse will accept me guarding you in the day, then there will be guards outside the suite, as is the current situation.”

“I feel that may be satisfactory, if you are well with that, Jaxson?” Jesse agreed.

“Of course.”

“Chris, is that a compromise you’ll accept?”

“It’s more reasonable that being followed at every step,” he conceded. “Thank you.”

After Jesse left, Jaxson let out a chuckling breath. “Are you always so stubborn?”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing.” He grabbed Chris’ hips and transferred him onto Jaxson’s thighs. “I suppose this is improper of a royal?”

“I don’t give a shit what’s proper.”

“Good.” Jaxson nuzzled his chest,

***

“I want to go for a walk,” Jaxson announced over lunch the next day.

“Want me to come?” Chris asked, playing with his stew that the chef had prepared more than eating it.

“Do wolves have claws?” came the sarcastic response, a warm smile on Jaxson’s lips.

Chris chuckled, “Got anywhere in mind?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“I don’t like surprises,” Chris bit back instantly. This truth thing was getting old. He needed just a little more control over his tongue.

“You’re just going on a walk. The destination is where our feet carry us.”

“Think that wolfsbane has addled your mind,” Chris mumbled, scraping his plate clear of potato.

Jaxson firmed his grip around Chris’ hand as they went further into the wood. “Where are we going?” Chris asked for the hundredth time.

“You’ll see.”

He huffed, that had been his response… a hundred times.

“I don’t like surprises.”

“You’ll like this, I promise.” He squeezed Chris’ hand in reassurance. “Promise,” he reiterated. “Trust me?”

“Course I trust you.” He sped up for his footsteps to be in sync with Jaxson’s, making their way through the trees, deeper into the wood.

“At least give me a clue-”

Jaxson stopped abruptly, tugging Chris to a standstill before his chin was grasped. “Shut up, or we turn around and you don’t get the surprise.”

“Shutting up.”

“Good.” A peck pressed to his lips, “Be a good pup.” His strides lengthened, an almost hurry to get to their destination.

“I’m not a-” Jaxson gave him a sharp look, cutting off his protest. Pressing his finger to his lips, he pretended he was suitably chastised.

Walking for a further half an hour, Chris could hear water alongside the general sounds of the wood. Jaxson tugged Chris to the left suddenly, not expecting it, he stumbled but righted himself to see a babbling brook. Gleaming rock pools fed into each other before the water disappeared below. “How did you find this?” Chris asked, instantly going to the tiny waterfall that couldn’t have been more than a foot high, running his fingers under the cool fresh water. The sounds and smells instantly soothing the chaos that had occurred the last few days.

They were safe. It was over.

“Just came across it while patrolling. You like it?”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Good.” Jaxson stripped his shoes and socks, only for Chris to follow, the spongy moss felt more luxurious than carpet or pelt. Wriggling his toes, he happily watched the water rippling down in tiny ’v’s to the next pool.

“Promise I get to see you near water more often.”

“Huh?” Chris turned to see Jaxson settling himself on the moss, watching him intently.

“I’ve never seen you so relaxed. The weight you hold has gone.”

“I… well I suppose.” Easing himself onto the ground he soon found Jaxson’s hand cupping his cheek.

“You look younger. Think I’m a cradle snatcher.” Jaxson yanked him forward, before he knew it, he was sprawled on the moss, Jaxson’s weight above him. Lips collided with an instant growling moan ripping from Chris. He couldn’t help it. He needed him. Their tongues coiled in a dance they now knew well, each playing their part without a second thought.

“Safe to say your strength’s back,” Chis panted, drawing away an inch.

“Something else is too.” His eyes coiled to beast, fangs protruded beyond his lips.

“When did that happen?” He reached up, running his thumb against the ivory.

“This morning. So I have a question for his Royal Highness.”

“Yes Royal Guard?”

“Be mine. Forever.” His dark brown eyes trailed from his lips to his neck. “Bare my mark for all to see. Allow me the honour to be with you until my dying breath.”

A smile broke out over Chris’ lips. “Will you do the same? Can you cope with me for that long? Will you bare the mark of a Hunterson… me?”

“Without a doubt.”

Chris pushed his canines forward, drawing from his wolf in human form. While his eyes were always that of a beast, they glinted, a small flash. “Together,” Chris rumbled.

“Always.”

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