Chapter 49: Chapter 48

Almost two weeks later, their lives had grown into a routine that would soon change. This was the last day before Jaxson went back to work, back to training. Chris would miss him but knew Jaxson was itching to get back to his job. Not that he had to work, but he wanted to. It seemed Jaxson didn’t do too well inside.

Chris stretched in their position on the much larger sofa; Chris had mentioned to Klara that his sofa was too small, low and behold, two days later, this comfortable four seater had arrived. It was much more suited to Jaxson’s size and Chris’ height. “Want some chocolate?” Jaxson mumbled, sliding from behind him to stand.

“Nah, I’m good.”

But he did want some… he blinked as Jaxson disappeared. He wanted chocolate and he said no…

He sat up, forearms on his knees as his mate walked back in, a few squares of the milky cocoa goodness the chef had brought round the day before. “Alright?”

“Yeah, I’m going to go have a shower.” Chris stood, he was going to go run a bath. Jaxson shrugged, plonking back down on the cushions. So Chris left the room, muttering to himself, “And my hair’s black… and the carpet is purple… and the sky is maroon!” He cackled in triumph, turning on his heel to run back to Jaxson. “I can lie!”

“And that… oh!”

Chris slammed himself on the other male’s lap, bouncing in excitement. “The spell’s lifted!”

Jaxson gripped Chris’ hips, stilling him. “Are you going to lie to me though?” the warning growl clear.

“No. Never.” He smiled. “And I don’t think I need to anyway… my wants are still important, I just need to compromise sometimes… and that’s OK.”

“Very true. Now, what were you going to do?”

“Have a bath,” Chris supplied easily.

Arranging Chris more securely on his lap, Jaxson stood easily, knocking Chris’ legs around his waist. “I think that’s an activity I can get behind.” He winked. “Got to tick off all the rooms.”

He chuckled, resting his head on Jaxson’s shoulder as he climbed the stairs, “We’ve done the bathroom,” Chris argued without bite… he wouldn’t complain.

“Not done the bath though.”

***

The next day, Marc called Chris to his office. With some worry in his belly, Chris went. While Jesse had said they could have longer together, Jaxson had still headed out to train that morning leaving Chris to keep himself occupied

He knocked on his brother’s office door, knowing that’s where he was. “Yes,” Marc called, so Chris entered, sitting on one of the wingback chairs. “How’s it going?” he asked, shifting his chair behind the desk.

“Yeah, well,” Chris replied. He didn’t even need to think about lying. It was true.

“Good, and Jaxson?”

“He’s gone back to training today.”

“So soon?”

“Not everyone needs months off when they’re mated. They’re not you,” he teased.

“It was a few weeks, you cheeky sod.”

Chris grinned, glad to just have a laugh with his brother, tease him like he used to.

“How was meeting Jaxson’s family?” Marc asked with interest. That had been a meeting Chris had been dreading, with Jaxson’s uncle’s… demise.

“They’re an interesting family. I think they support Jaxson. Nervous around me… but I suppose that was to be expected. I hope they relax at some point.”

“They will. His sister?”

“Unhappy Jaxson didn’t tell her. They’re close, she’s coming round to visit at the weekend. Wants to see where her brother is living.”

Marc smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You happy?”

“Very, hate to say you were right… but you were. Having a mate is great.”

He chuckled, “You are different. I like it.” Marc straightened, picking up a sheath of paper, “I did have a reason to link you. Thought you’d want to know what was going to happen to our current prisoners.”

“Oh?”

“I’ve had to really think about this, and consult the Alphas. It was the largest council I think we’ve ever had.”

“And?” Chris asked apprehensively.

“Death. Alpha Huntermoon gave permission for The Crown to be in charge of the punishment even if one of the prisoners is from his pack. He apologised that your… status was leaked. He found out a friend of his youngest brother had overheard. As rumours often do, it soon spread. The female is currently in their cells for a few weeks as punishment.”

“How did they know it was her?”

“She admitted it. The Alpha’s have agreed on a truce. I don’t think all are in complete agreement with the Goddess… but we cannot go against her. For those… unwilling… I have agreed same-sex mates are welcome to reside within Royal Packland. Foxglove, Celestine and Palterson have also extended that invitation to their packs. The others… did not,” Marc’s words were careful, a glimmer of concern over Chris’ reaction.

“At least, for now, there is somewhere for those to go. I hope in the future all mateships will be accepted… every wolf free to live wherever and however they please.”

“I agree. Did I do the right thing?”

“What do you mean?”

“… Just… To an extent I’m representing you. Are you glad with the route I took?” Marc’s apprehension palatable, his brother was always so sure, but now? Asking Chris his opinion? A warmth started in his belly… pride.

He wasn’t a pup anymore.

“You’ve done fine. At one point I thought you’d banish me, I feared your reaction,” Chris admitted.

“I’ll always be your brother first.”

“I know that now. Thanks.”

“You never have to thank me.” He nodded to the door, “See you later, titch. I’ve got stuff to do.” Marc stood and moved around the desk, embracing Chris in a strong hug as soon as he stood. “I’m proud of you,” Marc mumbled.

Chris wrapped his arms around his brother in contentment, warmth spreading through his chest at the compliment. “Thanks… you too. You’re a good king.”

“Not always.” Marc squeezed before releasing, taking a step back. “Go be with your mate.”

“Gladly.”