Sargon and Marie walked slowly to Marie's room. They were both tired from all that took place for the day but enjoyed each other's company. So, they took their time walking through the halls.
Marie was lost in her thoughts after meeting Harold and Vianna. Something didn't sit right with her.
"Are you alright? You seem a bit distant." Sargon asked.
"There is something about that little girl that I am sensing. I cannot figure it out completely, but it is there.
It is like something is attached to her. When her mother walked in, she had this strange look in her eyes. I am hoping I am wrong, but I have never been." Marie said, concerned.
"Are you sure it is not her wolf? She may be having the beginnings of her first shift. Maybe it is something trying to come out of her and not attached to her. Sometimes shifting happens earlier for some children." Sargon said, thoughtfully.
Marie grew quiet again. She thought about what Sargon said.
"No, I can sense wolves. This is different." She replied as she tried to make sense of what she was feeling.
"Vianna has been through a lot these days. She was angry with herself and hurt. She thought she would lose her father. As you can see, they are very close." He said.
"I understand completely, Sargon, but please pay attention to her while I am gone. There are forces around us that may try anything to destroy your family.
Have someone who is familiar with her behavior stay close to her. Have Hannah pay attention to her as well if she will be taking care of her." Marie instructed."
Sargon moved closer to her and took her hand in his. Her concern for his family made her more beautiful than she already was.
"I truly appreciate everything about you. All will be well. I think my son would be helpful in this. Alaric is always with Vianna. He knows her better than anyone." Sargon said, as they stopped at a set of double doors.
"Yes, a child is innocent and can see things that adults cannot always see. Keep them close to each other. I also have not met his son of yours, the heir to the throne." She said as she squinted at Sargon.
"That is even more reason for you to stick around." Sargon winked as he opened the door and walked into the room, leading the way for Marie.
Marie's room was beautiful with rose gold and cream colors. The marble floors were accented with throw rugs. The bedding was fluffy and lovely. Candles were lit in strategic areas in the room casting a soft light on the aesthetics.
On the opposite side of the room were double doors that led to a large balcony.
Sargon took Marie's hand in his as she followed him towards the balcony that overlooked the lush garden.
The moonlight was so bright and amazing tonight. They both stopped and gazed at it for a moment hand in hand as Marie leaned her head, resting it on Sargon's arm.
"The moon is extra beautiful tonight." Marie said as she gave a little bow and thanked the moon goddess. She made sure to always show gratitude as much as she could.
"It is very beautiful, almost as beautiful as you." Sargon said as Marie blushed.
"I wonder how the moon goddess would feel about her wolf and her witch together." Marie said, then opened her eyes wide as though that comment was supposed to stay inside her head.
"Was I supposed to hear that? Sargon teased, realizing she didn't mean to say it out loud.
"I guess so." Marie replied, nervously.
"Well maybe we should find out." Sargon said as he released her hand and turned to walk back into Marie's room. Marie could feel her body turn warm at his words.
"Is everything alright for you here?" Sargon asked.
"Everything is almost perfect. Thank you. She smiled.
"What would make it perfect for you? Do you need something else?" He asked with concern in his voice.
"You may get the answer to that question when I return." She teased, as she walked back into the room and closed the doors leading to the balcony.
"Very well, I look forward to learning the answer to my question." He said, walking towards Marie.
He gently tipped her chin with his forefinger and thumb, angling her to look at him. Marie's stomach grew tight as butterflies fluttered.
"Meet me in the garden tomorrow he said in a low voice. "Let's have breakfast. I would like to know more about the mysterious woman who saved my Beta and will take on evil witches to make him whole and save my kingdom in the process." Sargon said, not giving Marie the option to say no to a breakfast date.
He leaned into her neck, breathing in her scent deeply. Marie closed her eyes enjoying every moment. Her scent was intoxicating.
Sargon fought to keep his wolf calm. This couldn't be possible. She is a witch. He thought.
"I honestly cannot let you leave without spending more time with you." He said, as he regained his composure.
"Well, how can I refuse, your majesty." Marie said, with a little curtsey.
Sargon smiled as he caressed the side of her face. Marie closed her eyes at his warm touch. He gently kissed her on her cheek and slowly released her.
"Good night, Marie. If you need anything, I will be down the hall. See you in the morning." He said.
Good night, Sargon. Marie replied as he walked out of her room closing the doors behind him.
As soon as she heard him walking away, Marie ran and jumped onto the bed, stuffing her face in the pillows. This man was completely controlling her emotions, but she liked it.
She rolled over and lay on her back, staring at the ceiling. She never found the time to date anyone much less become serious with someone.
She was always training before she left the coven. Her mother would never have allowed her to do anything else anyway.
Marie closed her eyes, replaying images of Sargon's body, the way he walked, the way he blushed, his gentle touch and how he paid attention to the little details about her.
She wondered what was different about the Alpha compared to other men she met. Why was she so attracted to him? She just met him but felt like they had known each other.
Since she left her coven, she had met other men, but none had this effect on her. She would grow bored of them before anything could develop between them.
Maybe it's how determined the Alpha was to help his friend. He was a very caring person. She had never experienced that in her life. Her mother was not exactly the most affectionate or caring.
When she saw the love that Sargon and those he kept close to him had for each other, it warmed her heart. It was proof that blood doesn't make you family, love does.
When Dr. Brinks found Marie, he offered her land, money, and nearly a quarter of the kingdom on behalf of the Alpha to come there and help Harold.
Marie settled for a piece of land so she could start a new life. She wanted to live simple and peaceful. She liked where she was currently living, but she wanted to be near a lake and have a nice garden. This was the perfect deal for her.
She was confident that she could find the witch who cursed Harold. She still had ties with a couple of the witches who left her coven and witches knew witches.
The witches she was still acquainted with were not corrupt like the others. They had no choice but to start anew somewhere else.
She would have to go to each location for each witch and convince them to help. It would be easier and safer than trying to find random witches.
Marie's only fear was coming face to face with the witch who cast the spell. If it was who she was thinking about, she would have her work cut out for her.
She wasn't as confident in her powers as she needed to be in order to take her down. If she was, she wouldn't need the other witches to help her.
When she was a child, her mother told her that she descended from a very powerful ancient witch. Her powers far exceeded every other witch she could ever meet. Her powers even exceeded her mother's powers.
She would need to practice and build her confidence along the way somehow. The kingdom depended on her.
With her thoughts running wild through her mind, the exhaustion caught up to her as she drifted off to sleep.