Pride and Ashes - S01 E22

Story 2 years ago

Pride and Ashes - S01 E22

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 22

In which I Eat

She wants a warrior lover.... 1

with wild eyes,

strong hands,

and a poets heart.

-N.R. Hart

I blinked my eyes slowly, un-sticking them from the long sleep.

I felt like my whole time at the castle had been a dream.

Like I had been transported elsewhere and someone else, watching from above, had taken over and narrated the events of my life in the past few days. 39

I stayed on the bed looking up at the ceiling for several more minutes. Slowly, so I wouldn't miss a thing, I retraced my journey from my Pack to the castle. From the castle to Alto.

The details of the Ceremony and the meeting all came back to me and I felt a sharp intake of breath being pulled from my teeth.

Rising quickly enough to make my head spin, I looked around frantically at the room I was in. It was too big. Not the same one I had occupied the month I had worked on at the Ceremony. 17

Panic seeped in me as my hands curled into a fist around the sheets. Until the details came flooding back in.

This was my room. Wasn't it?

I thought back to the hazy memory of the Queen showing me it and saying something how I needed a room fit for my status now. I remember I protested. I remember Lizzy and Jane were...

My eyes widened and I pushed myself roughly out of the bed, letting my feet touch the cold glossy wooden floor. I ran to the wall that was on the other side of the bed, one that was far too large, and shoved the door open.

There they were. The room was significantly smaller than mine, as were the beds, but they still seemed cozy and warm as they were sound asleep still. Though there were two beds, sometime in the night one or the other must have crawled in for comfort as Lizzy and Jane were curled together, nestled in one bed. 54

Walking slowly over, I raised the covers and allowed myself access in. Jane sleepily muttered a few words as she raised her arm, letting me snuggle there in her chest. 61

The room was silent as I listened to their breathing.

I felt tears begin to form in my eyes. Hurriedly I wiped them away. But the thoughts in my head seemed to overwhelm any self-control I had over myself.

They stayed. They stayed with me.

I never knew how great their love was for me. They left their pack. Our pack. 2

Alpha Bruno signed three papers yesterday before he left. Though mine was permanent, Jane and Lizzy both were now part of a contract to work for the King's Black Dawn Pack for as long as I permitted them to. I hope they didn't mind forever.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

I knew it was selfish. I knew deep inside my thoughts, that I should have protested more, or thought of just letting them stay for several years and then be free from it all. But I couldn't. I couldn't bear the thought of being suddenly on my own again. Of being without anyone in a strange place.

You do have Alto, a small part of me said from the back of my mind. I sighed out loud. I knew nothing concrete about Alto yet. He knew my whole life backstory. And all I knew from him was that he was a Prince. 1

Only time would tell how that would turn out.

Lizzy and Jane began to stir beside me. I turned on my side, facing them and smiled.

"Good morning," I said.

"Urrgghh" Lizzy groaned, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She reached over and found her cell phone. "Urrrggghh Fayette it's 6 in the morning, I thought we could sleep in now."

Jane giggled beside her.

I laughed with Jane at Lizzy. "Habits die hard I guess."

Lizzy groaned and threw her pillow in my direction. I caught it laughing again.

"We have to clean up from the Ceremony also."

"Wwwwhhhyyyyyy?" Lizzy moaned, muffling her voice with her pillow. "I-just-wanna-sleep." 21

Jane looked up at me, her expression curious, "Do you still have to help clean up? Your technically not an omega anymore?"

I shook my head at her, "Even if we," I stressed the last word, "are not omegas anymore, I don't think there is anyone who knows how to take down the lights."

Jane's smile brightened, "True I guess."

Lizzy groaned and slowly got up, shuffling her feet to the bathroom, "I hope your Prince doesn't glare at us for making you work." 17

I rolled my eyes at Lizzy. I've been working for a good portion of my life. A change in status or who I now dreamed about wouldn't change who I was.

What I was. The dark part of my mind voiced out.

I shook my head. I needed to stay focused.

Be the sun. 17

***********************

We were soon all ready.

I was wearing a simple white t-shirt with overalls, the ends of the pants rolled up just slightly. My ratty old converse were showing underneath. 30

Lizzy and Jane were wearing similar clothing that was loose, yet had a lot of pockets for tools to be stored and odd objects to be kept. 8

Eyes followed us as we made our way to where the Ceremony had been held. We had already missed a day of work. Luckily though, taking down was easier than setting up.

Standing on the top of the staircase was Mr. Joseph himself.

"Fayette," he said, his eyes widening slightly, "I mean," Mr. Joseph flustered around a bit before bowing slightly in front of me, "Princess."

I laughed nervously, snapping my fingers in the process. 7

"Oh no Mr. Joseph, I'm still me at the moment, no matter what rumor or piece of information you might have heard."

Mr. Joseph raised his head and smiled, "I can't say that I'm sorry to see you then Fayette. We have no idea how to take down your spectacular piece of art."

"Happy to help sir," I said, motioning to Lizzy and Jane.

Mr. Joseph shook his head. "You impressed a great many people Fayette, your work did not go unnoticed."

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

"Thank you," I said softly.

Nodding, Mr. Joseph allowed us through to work on taking down what had taken a month to set up.

It was hard work as we stood on ladders and raised platforms, unscrewing the light-bulbs, delicately taking them down and removing one by one the paneling and wiring that had been set up.

I had to go to the high spots and remove the harder pieces that Lizzy and Jane didn't know how to handle. I was there on my back, humming softly while I unhooked the wires when I suddenly heard a shout.

"Where is the Princess?"

I gulped. I hope they weren't talking about me. I wasn't even married to Alto or anything like that, so I don't see how I could have already earned the title that people were addressing me as. 1

"The Princess!" The voice yelled again with more authority.

I looked down from my platform and squinted.

Werewolf vision was nice at this time. Normally the man would have been just a blur down below, but I could clearly see a flustered Gavin looking frantically around the room.

"She's up there," someone said, pointing to my platform.

Gavin's head shot up. I watched as his eyes widened at the sight of me raised to the highest part of the room. I looked down and gave a small wave.

"Pri-Princess!" His voice came out a higher pitch than usual. "What is she doing up there?!"

Mr. Joseph walked in just then and addressed the situation in a few seconds. He walked calmly over to Gavin and said, "She is taking down the light show that was performed at the Blue Moon Ceremony."

"She is not an Omega anymore!" Gavin hissed at Mr. Joseph.

Mr. Joseph raised an eyebrow but calmly said, "No, but she did put up the light show, an extremely complicated piece of work that she and only she alone, is able to take down. I would suggest you don't shout too loudly and startle her. She is rather high up." Mr. Joseph looked up and gave me a cheeky grin and wave next to a pale Gavin.

I waved back and chuckled. I knew Gavin probably heard it but I didn't care at the moment. Working with the wires and de-tangling and unplugging the sets had calmed down my nerves. It had always been soothing to have my hands doing something. Working, building. They always seemed to ease my mind. 27

The day continued to go smoothly until I felt it. Him.

Even high up on the platform I felt the energy that was coming off of him. Something in my mind seemed to register that his eyes were looking up at me. Something in my brain seemed to send signals that he was watching.

I released air that I hadn't even realized I had been holding. I resisted the urge to look at him. I knew if I did I would be distracted. 3

Urgh but I already was distracted.

Thankfully the wiring was almost done. I had the cords all in a box. When they lowered the panel they would collect it then.

Getting up, I brushed the dust and wire grease off on my jean legs and proceeded to climb down the long ladder. 4

I felt him move to the base of it. Nervous energy was running through him into me. 1

How was that possible? 5

I kept my face straight as I continued to climb.

He can see my butt, was one thought I had when I was halfway. I groaned at my own vanity but kept going.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Finally, I reached the last few steps. I felt a pair of hands reach out and gently grab my waist. I gasped at the contact. How was it possible to feel his heat even through my layers of clothes?

His hands curled around my waist and, gently, ever so gently, supported me down the last few rungs of the ladder. I turned around and faced him.

Ah dang, why did I do that? 4

I should have evened out my breathing before turning around so quickly. I was just too eager to see him. He still had his hands around my waist.

When I looked up into his eyes though, I was not rewarded with a gentle look to match his gentle touch. He was angry. I should have noticed it sooner. People were gasping and running in the other direction of him. Most cleared the room, while others- the stronger ones- tried their best to continue with their work and ignore the angry silence that was coming from him. 5

"Alto," I whispered. 78

And just like that, the anger was gone. Replaced by something else. Some unknown feeling.

Alto's usual blank face broke as his eyebrows scrunched together showing his confusion.

"I'm sorry I worried you," I whispered, trying to appease the beast.

His blank face was slapped back on as he said, "It's okay." 1

I smiled slowly at him. Come on, I thought, give me a smile.

I was rewarded with a twitch from his lips but nothing more.

"Have you eaten today?" He suddenly asked.

"Ummm..." I had eaten a small breakfast, a banana, and some milk, but since then nothing else.

A tiny sliver of Alto's eyes flashed gold, so short and small that any person might have missed it if they weren't standing close staring at his eyes.

Oh. Which is what I was doing.

"Fayette," He said in a voice that made me sure a scolding was coming. "It's seven."

"Oh," I said, shrinking in on myself. I hadn't realized how late it was. My stomach was caving in on itself, but the sensation of it being empty was something that I felt was normal. Maybe I shouldn't tell Alto that reasoning though. 26

"Come," he said, his voice leaving no room to argue. 24

He took my hand and lead me past the workers. I couldn't help but stare at our intertwined fingers. I must have looked just as dumbfounded as the people who were staring.

Alto lead me to the kitchen. I knew the place, having worked there several times during the prep for the ceremony.

LaFair, the head chef was there, taking dishes, trying small sauces and generally being his usual bossy self.

When he saw us approach he nodded towards a girl, dismissing her, and bowed low to Alto.

"Prince August, Fayette, what can I do for you?" 5

I smiled at the fact that LaFair addressed me as my usual self.

Alto's hand tightened slightly but he did not address it. "LaFair do you have the food I asked for?"

"Of course Prince," reaching under a counter, LaFair pulled out two boxed lunches. 24

"Enjoy," he said, a slight smirk on his face.

"Thank you," Prince August said, letting go of my hand and taking the boxes.

I looked at my suddenly cold hand. Alto though was already walking out the door. I nodded to LeFair and smiled. He smiled back and waved in a goodbye gesture.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

I pumped my legs faster to catch up to Alto. He was already halfway down the hall.

Well then. Someone was impatient.

Not looking back still, Alto led me along, hall after hall. I wanted to stop and look at the artwork that came with each hall, but Alto's brisk pace left no breathing room. 31

We finally arrived at a small garden. I awed slightly at the lovely sight it brought to the eye. Small vines were trapping and encasing the wall, a single fountain was bubbling with the statue of a wolf in a howling position and bushes of multiple, brightly colored buds were blossoming. Several lights that were attached to the wall were already turned on, adding a glowing effect to the garden.

Alto placed the boxes on a small metal table. Pulling out one of the metal chairs, I sat myself down while he pushed it into place. I smiled at the polite gesture. 2

He sat across from me and prepared the food that LeFair had given him. 4

Sliding the opening of the box, he revealed small cups of assorted fruits, vegetables, some bread, a small cake, and meat. 8

My eyes widened at all the food that had been stored in the boxes.

"Eat," Alto said, pushing the box in front of me and handing me silverware to accompany it. 5

"All of this is for me?" I questioned. It was a stupid question I knew that, but I couldn't stop the saliva that was forming in my mouth. How long had it been since I've had cake? I didn't get a chance to try some at the Blue Moon Ceremony.

Alto stopped what he was doing and stared at me. "Yes," he said, answering my question.

I raised my fork and started to eat the cake. A small part of my mind knew I should save it for last, but I was just too eager. 13

It was chocolate. And amazing. 26

I inhaled it and looked up at Alto with amazed eyes. 2

He was smiling at me. 14

If I was already out of breath from eating the cake too fast, now I was practically gasping for air. 5

"Here," he said, handing his piece of cake over to me. 3

"What?" I protest. "No that's your piece." I pushed to cake back to him shyly. 23

But man did I want that cake. 86

"No Fayette," My heart seemed to explode with happiness as he said my name. He shook his head and handed the cake back over to me, "I like watching how happy it makes you."

I took the cake and split it in half. I did want it, but I didn't want to feel guilty while I ate such a beautiful creation. 4

He grinned again at me and I smiled shyly back. Suddenly he started laughing. "You have chocolate all over your teeth," he exclaimed. 77

I blushed and started laughing with him. Licking my teeth clean I leaned over and asked, "Is it gone?" 21

He laughed and nodded. 12

We continued eating, this time in a peaceful silence.

Alto placed his napkin in his lap, always proper as I observed. No elbows had rested on the table, no slouching had been done. Everything about him was neat and orderly. 32

I tried to mimic him, only earning a small chuckle at my behavior.

"You did the light show at the Ceremony," Alto stated it as a fact.

I swallowed the food that was in my mouth and said, "Yes, that was me, Lizzy and Jane." 1

"It was amazing," Alto continued. 1

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

I smiled at him, proud of my work. From everyone's mouth, his was the one that I wanted most to hear it from. "Thank you," I said softly, looking down at my hands that were placed in my lap.

"What else do you like to do?" he asked, leaning forward to place his full attention on me. 12

"I like fixing things. Gadgets and little electronics. In my pack, I often repaired the training equipment, fixed the wiring and pipes. I could fix almost anything," I said proudly. I hope I didn't come out sounding too conceited. But it was my one skill that I loved and was proud of. 37

Alto nodded, "That's impressive," he admitted.

"What do you like?" I asked. I wanted to know more about the man in front of me.

Alto looked out at the wolf fountain. "I train a lot. It is required that heirs be well trained in battle. I train the majority of the day."

I frowned slightly. "Do you like training?"

Alto looked at me confused, "like?"

I nodded and said, "I asked you what you like, not what you do." Okay, Fayette lets try to not be rude, I said to myself. 14

Alto shrugged and gave me a small smile, "I'm not sure what I like to do, to be honest." 12

"You don't like to...paint? Read maybe? Learn about a certain topic? Write?" I was grabbing at hobbies that were very universal. 19

Alto looked at me for several seconds, thinking. I raised my eyebrows at him, waiting for a response. Did he have nothing?

"I guess.." he sounded hesitant at first, almost reluctant to share. I smiled encouragingly, trying my best to show that he could be open with me. "I like to write poetry? And read history books." 177

I smiled and rubbed my neck, "I honestly am not surprised about the poetry." 1

"Oh?" Alto said, looking slightly embarrassed. "Why's that?"

It was my turn to look embarrassed as I mumbled down, staring at his chest, "Some of the things you say are just too beautiful to not come from a poet's mind." 62

There was a pause of silence as I waited for Alto's response. I looked up and had to remind myself to breathe and not fall out of the chair I was sitting in. Alto was smiling- with teeth showing- at me.

I couldn't help the little "gah" that escaped my mouth. 46

"I'm wearing the smile that you gave me," he said. 194

I rolled my eyes at the words that made my heart go into overdrive, "poet" I muttered under my breath. 4

He laughed a small chuckle. 6

"You know what I said about training?" He asked.

I looked up at him, my hand on my chest as I tried, not so smoothly, to get it back to a normal pulse.

"I need to talk to you about that." We both sat up straighter in our chairs.

"Once you are done taking things down for the Blue Moon Ceremony, you will go into training."

I nodded at Alto, waiting for him to say more.

"I, Gavin and one other will teach you. Gavin thought it a good idea that your friend also come, Lizzy was it? Since you are used to her teaching you and she was a pack warrior." 39

"Alright," I said.

We finished the meal, with small comments here and there from Alto about how the light show worked and was set up. I tried my best to explain the details, leaving Alto's eyes to widen slightly.

"I am blessed with a brilliant lifemate," he commented at one point. I blushed hard at the compliment. 17

The food was soon all eaten. 2

"Leave it," Alto said, waving me away as I tried to take the boxes back. 1

I didn't protest and instead grabbed his offered hand. 37

We walked in silence back. I savored the heat that was coursing through me, caused by the small pressure he was applying to my hand. It was amazing how one gesture could cause my whole body to grow warm and happy.

Eventually, we made it back to the front of my bedroom door.

"Goodnight," I whispered. I didn't want to let go of his hand. 3

He looked at me. Did he not want to leave either?

"Goodnight Fayette," he said. He leaned over and, softly brushed his lips against my cheek. 26

Goosebumps formed on my arm, and I felt a slight shiver go down both our spines.

"Goddess. I miss you already." He whispered. 109

We stared at each other, losing track of the time. Eventually, though the ringing of a clock broke our gaze. Giving my hand one last squeeze, Alto let go and turned away, walking down the hall and turning the corner. 4

I opened the door to my room.

Something was wrong with my heart. I put my hand over it and felt the slight pressure that was on it. It felt difficult to breathe. My chest was beating too fast. I tried desperately to breathe evenly and get it under control but the pressure wouldn't go away.

I missed him. How could I miss him this badly? 12

Breathing evenly was difficult. Swallowing was difficult. 3

As I got ready for bed, I pressed my hand back against my chest and inhaled deeply, waiting a few seconds before I exhaled.

I did this several more times, but the exercise was no use. 6

Was it because Alto wasn't here?

Tucking myself in, I laid staring at the ceiling waiting for sleep to come while one thought ran through my head.

Alto. Alto. Alto. Alto. Alto.