The Prisoner’s Princess Chapter 81

Isabelle

“I came here actually to get you and go home… but when I saw your sleeping face, I let you and the pups rest.” He said gently, and he stroked my hair.

“Then if that’s the case, the only thing I really need is the milk in the fridge and my pump.” I told him, and he nodded. I put the pups in their new basket, that they were determined not to stay in. Bryson laughed, but he was a great help, bribing them with bare fingers to play with. With them distracted, we could go. We went downstairs only to be greeted by everyone who could fit in the packhouse.

“I will be sure to visit soon.” Said mom, hugging me tightly, and I growled softly at her. My hands were full, so I couldn’t hug her back, but the pups tried getting out to lick their grandmother.

“I know mom, and I look forward to it.” I giggled, feeling them nibble my fingers.

Dad and Uncle Connor looked like they were relieved, but otherwise gave only well wishes. “Be safe, and call me if you guys need me.” He said biting into what looked like boar meat. I wondered when he went hunting.

“We’ll be off then.” Said my mate, and I left happily with him to the car after we said our goodbyes. The drive was so fresh and nice. The cool fall air was crisp, and the leaves were just about ready to start changing.

He drove like he usually does, but something was off. There were no black speckles in his iris…. Our wolves were always with us. The little speckles signified that we had a wolf, and that it was active, but his rubies were dull. I could only feel the man in our bond…. But what of the wolf?

“Bryson… where’s Ven?” I asked. He was silent for a while until he took a deep breath. I knew it was something he didn’t want to tell me, or admit.

“He’s dormant for the time being… but I don’t know how long.” He admitted while still focused on the road. It was like he couldn’t look me in the eyes.

“Damn… well at least you’re back, your wolf will follow.” I said with a small smile, but he didn’t return it.

“I hope he wakes up soon… I think this is how an Omega feels.” He said for some reason, and I almost laughed. I got what he meant, but I figured I should reassure him instead of poke fun…

“Bryson… you still smell like an Alpha, but he will return I know it.” I told him putting my hand on his and running my thumb across to console him. He didn’t seem too upset, but I knew what he was worried about. He was worried about the other wolves finding out, or what they would do with that information.

We didn’t know how long it would take him to revive fully, but if anyone found out before hand, they might challenge…. And whoever won would rule until he returned. They could kill him…. they could kill him before he had a chance to defend himself and that realization sapped me of the desire to laugh. I had faith in my mate though, I knew no one would defeat him in a fair fight… but lately, I’ve realized how honor among wolves and Rouges is thin.

“I faintly hear your concern, Isabelle. I will be fine. I have bested many without my form. Even now I feel as strong as I was, so I should be fine. They will remember what I have done, and fear what I will do now that they know I cannot die. The problem would most likely be that someone tries to kill me before Ven comes back and something happens during the delay.” He said turning off the exit, but I was still worried. I remembered very vividly the things he could do to his enemies, but also then he was whole… without his wolf, he was not.

“…If you say so, but for now no fights.” I warned him, and he laughed.

“There won’t be, they will be too afraid to try. Wildflower, please smile… I’ve seen too much torment.” He said quietly, thumbing my hands now.

I smiled for him, and he returned it weakly. I didn’t want to know details; he would tell me in time… He must have left out some things. “I’m sorry Bryson.” I told him gently, and he chuckled.

“No little mate, nothing really happened to me, but the souls of the damned in his realm are starving, lost, and afraid… even after their evil souls are rehabilitated, there is no respite for them.” He was upset, though I had no idea what to do about it other than be supportive as possible.

“…. We could try and help or something?” I suggested, but he shook his head pulling into the garage.

“It could make problems for the pups or the pack. As much as I hate to admit it, you all have priority.” He said this and kissed me on the forehead, and I felt a rush of sparks from him. I missed him… and as much as I couldn’t keep my hands off him, I still felt he would disappear, or I would wake up.

“I’m not going anywhere.” He said turning off the car, and I got the pups. He gave me a small look to drop it, and I would for now, because the pack didn’t need to know this secret.

“Alpha!” Screamed Alex, running up to Bryson, and hugging his Alpha, only to let go immediately and bow.

“I assume you missed me after all of a few hours ago?” He said shaking his head, but giving him a firm pat. “You smell stronger now that I think about it.”

“I AM stronger! Every day, Alpha, I was surrounded by Idiots every day on the borders! Ugh!” He complained, but Zack bowed with his family.

“Alpha the boy only complains of the fights that made him strong, he will not disrespect you again, Sir.” Said Zack, who now that I thought of it, smelled stronger too. All the warriors did. They had to be because of all the wolves that were prodding for weakness….

“Sorry Alpha,” he said sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, but Bryson didn’t show that he did mind because he didn’t want to freak them out. He’d never liked being touched.

“Alpha it really is you right?” Asked Warrior Commander Paul, who looked a little paler than usual.

“Yes, it’s me. I have a feeling that that’s going to be a common theme.” He chuckled, but I could feel that he was tired.

“Yes, and I assume that my mate would like some down time before getting back into the swing of things.” I mentioned, but he dismissed me.

“Nonsense, show me what I missed.” He commanded of Zack, who let Alpha enter first. Everyone made way for him, happy that he was back, but afraid for their futures. They really didn’t have to be. I held my head high beside my mate, who made sure to put his hand on the small of my back. It had been a long time since I had been Luna here, and I knew I would have to put the females in line later.

As much as I Loved Gabby, she was an Omega… and there would be some who would be assholes. Rose was sickly now, and I wouldn’t dare have asked that of her anyway… She wolves need order, and I’m sure the pecking order changed. You give the pack little credit. They are happy…. Let us just enjoy this. Also, Alpha can hear us.

My mate shot me a small, quick glare to drop it, and I left well enough alone. He had more faith in them than I did… We had made it to the office, followed by most of the Warriors, and everyone clapped when we sat down. “Finally, the pack is officially whole again. Welcome back Alpha and Luna.” Said Zack, who smiled wide.

“It’s good to be back, but I want the rest of you out my office for a moment.” He said, motioning for him, Gabby and napping Libby to sit, and tell him what happened while he was gone. I would finally hear what they were hiding from me.

“Now that you’re here, I think this will stop, but we have had so many challenges… from upstarts, Rouges, Alphas all the way from fucking Chicaga! It was endless, though with the Alphas we could tell them about the protection of the council, and that sent them off, but we had to deal with the Rouges…” He grabbed his hair and pulled it a little. “Then there were wolves who petitioned your body be exhumed and burned, and lastly… there was an incident.” He hesitated, looking at me.

“Continue.” Commanded Alpha.

“Well, there was an incident where Grahkes stirred… The King intervened… but now all of them are stirring. They call your name, and that of the Horned Lion.” He said quietly.

“How long do we have?” He asked but he shook his head.

“No one knows, but the Horned Lion agreed to slumber until his bride was ready.” He said a little worried. “No one knows who she will be or if she’s even born yet, but if she isn’t when he wakes up, it would make the Kings liars, and he would likely kill us all… well maybe not. Alpha you’re his brother, right? Maybe you could-” Zack was cut off.

“I already spoke with my brother; he very much wants his bride. Stop worrying. They will do nothing without their King.” He said being served a cup of coffee by a warrior. They made it black with no sugar or anything… and it was honestly very bitter, but he seemed to like it.

“What?’ He asked quietly.

“He roams the spirit world to stave off boredom and to look into the events of our world. He even knows English, though I don’t know if he would understand mannerisms of this time period.” He said looking at his computer, while I let the pups wiggle on the floor. It was slowly turning into steps… and then they would really be everywhere. They immediately gummed at Gabby’s toes, who giggled, picking up Grace.