"Well, you look comfortable." Sargon teased. Marie gave him a wink as she leaned back into the arm of the large leather couch in Sargon's office, kicking her feet up and crossing them at the ankles.
"The pregnancy may be a good thing for them. It may strengthen their bond." Marie said.
"All we can do is hope for that. Would you like something to drink?" Sargon spoke as he reached for a glass and poured himself a glass of whiskey.
"Do you have any water?" She asked. Alcohol was not something she drank often. She liked her mind to be clear of any influences while she worked.
"Water? After a day like today? Either you have amazing will power or there must be some reason you prefer water." Sargon teased.
"How about you give me water and a glass of wine." She said.
"Sure. Now I won't feel odd, sipping alone." Sargon said, reaching for a bottle of water and a wine glass for Marie.
He reached for a new bottle of his favorite red wine and opened it. After pouring a glass of wine for Marie, he placed the glass on the coffee table in front of her then handed the bottle of water to her.
"Thank you." She replied, reaching for the bottle and staring at the tattoos on his forearm that peaked out from his rolled-up shirt sleeve. The image was of some kind of demon and words in Latin, it seemed.
"You're welcome." He replied as he turned to walk away. Marie grabbed his arm and took a closer look.
"What do these mean?" She asked, curiously as he turned his arm over and pulled down his sleeve.
"That is a conversation for another time." He replied with a smirk as he sat down on the other side of the couch angling himself towards Marie.
"Fair enough. So, I plan to leave tomorrow to begin the search. I am hoping I can find help quickly. With Catelyn being pregnant, I don't want to leave Harold in this condition. He needs his strength." She said, gazing into space as she thought of her next move.
"Do you have to leave tomorrow? I was hoping you had a an extra day or two before you disappear to go on a witch hunt." He said, studying his whiskey glass.
"The sooner I leave, the sooner we can help Harold. Honestly, I am not sure how long the magic will keep his wolf alive. It could be months or a year. I do not want to take any chances." She said.
"You are right. I was being selfish. I wish there was more I could do to help but without a Beta in the kingdom, my hands are tied. You will be on your own. I can send a few pack members for your protection on your journey if you wish."
"Thank you but pack members may not be the best idea. Witches don't like your kind, remember?" She said.
"Right." Sargon replied, then became quiet. "What about you? How do you feel about 'my kind'?" He asked her.
Marie took a moment to reply. "Well, that is still to be determined." She smiled and took a sip of water as Sargon gave her a slight grin.
"I guess I will have to be on my best behavior." He teased as he looked into her lavender and green eyes, causing her to blush.
"Yes, you will." She replied, looking away to hide her reaction.
Sargon felt so drawn to this woman for some reason. He began to feel nervous. A woman had never made him nervous before.
"Wait, an idea just came to me." Marie said suddenly. I can mask their scent. A witch can sense a wolf's scent. You can send one of your most trusted guards but any more than that and witches may become suspicious. I can misinform them and say the guard is my fiancé or my partner." She said.
"Hmm…Sargon became thoughtful. I am not sure how I feel about one of my guards being your temporary fiancé." He teased. Marie giggled, covering her mouth. The Alpha had a sense of humor. She thought.
Sargon moved closer to Marie, reached over and removed her hand from her mouth.
"Don't cover it. I love your smile. It's beautiful." He said, gently releasing her hand as they locked eyes.
"I may be able to leave the counsel to handle the kingdom issues. Harold is recovering well and the guards are on high alert. No one is allowed to come into the castle or leave the castle. Dr. Brinks will also be here the entire time." Sargon said.
"If I didn't know better, I would think you really want to come along with me." Marie smiled.
Sargon looked away, combing his hand through the back of his hair, feeling a little embarrassed.
"I just want to make sure you are ok." He said under his breath.
"I am a witch Sargon. I could weaken you right now if I wanted to. Do you need me to prove it to you?" She asked mischievously.
Sargon became intrigued. He had witnessed Marie's healing powers, but he had not seen her weaken anyone.
"Show me." He ordered as he stood up and walked towards the middle of the room.
"As you wish, Alpha." Marie replied as her eyes grew dark and she began removing her gloves. She stayed seated in place as comfortably as can be.
"Debilis." She whispered as the alpha's knees weakened and he dropped to the floor in a kneeling position.
The Alpha tried to stand up but couldn't. His eyes turned red as he prepared to shift. Marie released him from her powers before his wolf reacted. She only needed to give him a taste of what she was capable of. She looked at him quietly as he stood up and staggered to the couch.
"Well, there goes my ego." He said bashfully and breathing heavily.
"So, you are telling me there are witches more powerful than you out there?" He asked, concerned at how this small, beautiful woman controlled his beast for an instant.
"Yes, there are. Especially those who practice in covens. They strengthen each other. I grow stronger every year, but I have not been as consistent with training since I am solitary. However, there will always be a stronger witch at some point in time, no matter how strong I become. The witch that cast the spell on Harold is very strong. Because she is a wicked witch, her powers grow rapidly as she absorbs the darkness. She uses her magic more often, strengthening it. Magic is like muscles. The more you work on it, the stronger it becomes. If you add a powerful bloodline, you can be nearly invincible." She informed him.
"I understand. So, you have been a lazy witch." He teased as Marie's eyes opened wide at his accusation. She took a pillow and threw it at Sargon, nearly knocking his glass out of his hand.
"Very funny, Aphla." She said, rolling her eyes. Sargon smiled. How was this woman not the least bit intimidated by him? Everything felt so natural with her. He thought.
"How did you become a solitary witch? Did you not have a coven at some point?" Sargon asked curiously.
Marie reached for a lock of her hair and began moving it through her fingers.
"I was a part of a coven when I first began. My mother put me through the training and initiation. I was to be the strongest of my kind and lead the coven. They turned on me when they realized I was not like them. I did not want to hurt wolves or anyone else for that matter. I felt like they wanted to abuse my power. That is part of the reason I haven't been practicing like I should. I just wanted to live life my way without rules or restrictions. Being on my own is where I find peace." She said.
"Where is your mother now?" Sargon asked.
"My mother disappeared, and the coven was separated. I was told she was killed by witches from another coven, but I never believed that. My mother was a very powerful witch. After my mother was gone and I left, some witches went solitary, and others joined other covens that would accept them." She said, with no emotion behind her words.
"I am sorry you went through that." Sargon said."
"Thank you, but it is ok. I have moved past it all. Now, I feel happy about being able to help." Marie replied. Sargon bowed his head slightly, raising his glass to Marie. She raised her wine glass and tipped her glass with his.
"Cheers to saving Harold." Sargon said.
"Yes. Cheers." Marie agreed.
"Well, shall we have dinner before I take you to your room?" Sargon asked her, standing up and reaching his hand out to Marie.
"That would be lovely." She replied, placing her hand in his as he lifted her from the couch. She stumbled a bit at his strength, landing against him as he caressed the small of her back to steady her.
Marie's breath hitched as she felt the warmth of his body against her as her own body became heated.
He held her firmly as they became lost in each other's eyes. Breaking the connection, Sargon released his hold and guided Marie to the dining hall.