I could not describe the feeling I was having right now but it made me sick to my stomach. Only Xavier temporarily calmed this feeling as I rested my head on his shoulder while holding hands with him in the car.
Alpha Roman was true to his word and requested a trial with the Elders. If I refused to go then I would be executed in front of the entire pack. If I were to die I wouldn't want it to be in front of everyone I used to call friends. Technically this was a pre trial, usually the trials were taken place inside the sacred place of the moon goddess, usually Alphas, Luna's, Betas and Delta's were taken here if they failed pre trials and their souls where released in the sacred place to quickly find the moon goddess herself.
Everything was making me tense and I couldn't help thinking about it. Xavier groaned and shifted so that I was now sitting up.
"Anaïs please relax, your feeling of tense and anxiety is leaking through the connection so now I feel it. There is nothing for you to worry about." He kissed my forehead and rested his chin on the top of my head.
No we weren't together and I didn't forgive him yet but being so close to him and being in the same pack with him made it harder for me to stay away.
"Xavier I'm on edge, I can't stop thinking about everything, definitely my little Rosalina, what if I fail the trial? She won't have a mother to grow up with and that breaks my heart." I said quietly.
I couldn't bring Rosalina on the trip, no matter how much I shouted, begged, threatened and cried they just wouldn't let me bring her. Raven was out of the hospital and she promised to protect and care for Rosalina with her life.
"Anaïs nothing will happen to you, your negativity is not helping the situation. Instead think positive thoughts to help you calm down." He said frustrated.
The car we were traveling in was like a small limo. We had a driver in the front and we were in the back, only separated by a sound proof partition like the ones surrounding us.
I rested my head back on Xavier's shoulder as he began rubbing circles into my back. For some reason that was driving me over the edge with desire. Feeling his soft touch on my skin, his delicious smell wrapping around me, it was just too much. He removed his hand from my back only to travel down to my thigh. I held my breath as I looked up to see him staring out the window. This man was going to be the death of me.
He began drawing soft circles into my thigh which increased my desire. Before I could stop myself I let out a small moan and gripped his wrist for him to stop. He whipped his head around in amusement and confusion.
"Did you just moan?" He asked with a smirk.
"Yes I did, could you stop touching me, it's driving me crazy." I said embarrassed.
"Is it a good crazy?" He asked seductively.
I wanted to tell him to leave me alone. To stop touching me and that we still weren't on good terms but all it took was one sexy smirk to make me forget about everything and climb onto his lap.
He tensed up in surprise as I placed my hands on his chest.
"W-what are yo-ou d-doing?" He stuttered.
I placed my mouth upon his to shut him up. My wolf began leaping for joy as he responded to the kiss and wrapped his arms around my waist. My skin touching his skin was complete bliss, our kiss that was once passionate and slow soon turned heated and hungry. I felt his tongue evade my mouth as he took control of the situation. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he gripped hard on my waist. I never felt this way with anyone and I was glad to feel this way with Xavier, even if he hurt me multiple times.
But he is trying.
I broke away from the kiss only to leave little ones around his jaw, trailing down towards his neck. He stuck his head in the crook of my neck and inhaled my scent like he was getting high off of it. I was exciting him and I could tell by him poking me on the inner thigh. He groaned when I found the soft spot on his neck and began sucking on it. I trailed my hands down toward his belt and began unbuckling it.
That's when he grabbed my wrist as his head shot up from my neck.
"No I took it too far, we shouldn't be doing this." He said with a hint of disappointment in his tone.
"Why not?" I said annoyed.
"Anaïs I hurt you and I want to make it up to you the right way, not just by having sex with you. That wouldn't be fair to you and wrong of me." He said sadly.
I felt stupid. My mind was clouded by lust and I didn't think about the situation we were in. I climbed off his lap and scooted to the opposite side. I was embarrassed and didn't know what to say.
"Don't be embarrassed, it happens to all mates. Every once in a while their smell is so intoxicating and their touch drives you up the wall that you just want to fuck them right there and then." He said.
I cringed at his language. I wasn't the type to use foul language a lot and tried to avoid it but to Xavier it was like a second language he was fluent in.
"You could have just said sex instead." I said
"Sorry sometimes I forget how innocent you are." He said amused.
I frowned and crossed my arms over my chest.
"Let's not talk about innocent since you are the first male wolf I met to still be a virgin at the age of 18 almost 19." I smirked.
He groaned and placed his hands over his face.
"You know most she wolves would be extremely happy and grateful for a virgin mate." He growled.
I giggled and removed his hands from his face.
"I am very grateful but it's still fun to mess with you." I smiled.
"It's all fun and games until your mate sticks his dick in someone else."
"Stop with the language!"
"Well would you prefer for me to say penis?"
"Oh my gosh Xavier this is uncomfortable, you shouldn't have said that at all."
We sounded like a old married couple fighting over the weirdest thing but to me it was actually adorable.
There was a knock on the sliding glass. Xavier slid it open and was welcomed by the driver of the vehicle.
"Alpha we have arrived at the location." He said.
Xavier nodded and and slid the glass shut.
The nerves that had disappeared began appearing again. Xavier must have noticed because he grabbed my hand and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.
We got out of the car and was welcomed by this giant castle like building. I noticed there were cars next to ours and I looked up at Xavier.
"All 6 council members are here since killing the future Alpha of a pack is the worst crime. My father and mother were asked to come as witnesses." He explained.
"So who is watching the pack?" I asked.
"My grandparents Rosy and Ryder." He said.
I nodded my head as we walked toward the gates. We were greeted by a man in a butler like outfit. He opened the gates and allowed us to step in.
"Are you Ms. Felicity Anaïs Blackwood, member of Bloodrose Woodland pack?" He asked professionally.
I nodded my head. He beckoned us to follow him into the castle. We entered and were welcomed by a grand hallway, giant chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Antique furniture covered in dust and wooden floors covered with dust mites.
"This way Sir and Madam." He said in a bored tone.
We followed him through double doors and were welcomed by a giant round table with 9 people sitting around it.
"Aw Alpha Xavier, Ms. Blackwood, how nice of you to finally join us." Council member Edward said.
"I shall introduce you to Ashlyn, Madison, Blaze, Joseph, and Michael, we are the Official Council of the United States, chosen by the moon goddess herself." Edward announced.
We all bowed in respect and sat down.
I noticed Alpha Roman glaring at me as Luna Abigail tried to get his attention.
Council member Ashlyn cleared her throat.
"We are all gathered here today to determine if Felicity Anaïs Blackwood caused the death of Daniel Lucas Astor, who the future Alpha of the Bloodrose Woodland pack." I felt Xavier tense up next to me.
She continued. "Alpha Roman stated that Felicity Blackwood took Daniel Astor out for a late night walk to the lake. Felicity and Daniel were gone for a few hours and were not found. Felicity Blackwood was later found covered in blood clutching onto Daniel Astor's body in the bushes, there was no sign of rogues nor was there a report from the late night watch about rogues entering the territory."
I felt tears forming in my eyes as she read off the paper. I hated thinking about that night. If only I didn't bring Daniel to that lake, sure there would be problems once we all turned 18 and I found out Xavier was my mate but I would have chose that then all of this that has happened to us.
"Miss Blackwood in a clear description please describe what happened that night." Council member Blaze asked.
I felt Xavier hold my hand under the table as if telling me it was going to be alright.
I took a deep breath.
"The lake on our territory was a special place for Daniel and I, we used to go up there every night and just talk about our day. It was a normal night I decided to take him up there. We were laying down talking to each other when we heard rustling in the trees. He told me to stay behind him while he checked it out. A rogue appeared from the bushes and immediately began attacking him. I tried to help but another rogue jumped from the bushes and threatened to harm me. The rogue dragged him away into the bushes and I heard his screams like he was being tortured. When they both ran away I rushed to his side and tried to help him but he was losing so much blood I just couldn't-"
"How do you know the wolves were rogue?" Council member Michael asked.
"I, uhh I'm not sure. I just assumed they were rogues." I said quietly.
"But there was no report from the night watch about rogues entering the territory and if there was a report wouldn't they be stopped?" Council member Michael asked.
I didn't like this man at all. He was a tall man with a bored expression on his face. He was bald from shaving his head but he had a full black beard. He had brown eyes and bored into your soul.
"It wouldn't make sense if a pack member attacked Daniel, he was loved by everyone he talked to." I said defensively.
"Then your story makes no sense if there was no reports about a rogue attack and the reports clearly state that his body was covered in stab wounds and not wolf bites." He growled.
"Alpha Xavier, as the current Alpha of the Bloodrose Woodland pack and having read over all past pack reports have you ever encountered a document about a rogue attack on August 24?" Council member Ashlyn asked.
Xavier tensed up and looked at me with sorrow in his eyes.
"No I have not seen such document." He said sternly.
I wasn't mad at Xavier, if he would have lied he surely would have gotten in trouble with the council for lying, they base every trial off of facts and reports and whatever makes sense. Lying to the council was the last thing a wolf wanted to do.
"Reports state that Daniel's bodies were mainly covered in gashes and stabs wounds even though no weapon was discovered at the scene. But there are still a few things in the story that connect to Miss Blackwood, her story does not add up with the documents and facts so-"
"I loved Daniel with all my heart! I would never lay a finger on him even if he did cheat on me!" I shouted out.
I covered my hand over my mouth. I never told anyone that ever. I tried to bury that in the back of my mind and tell myself that it was a accident and all boys do it. I guess I was wrong.
The council looked at each other and then down at Alpha Roman and Xavier.
"Did you know about this?" Council member Blaze asked.
Both Alphas shook their head as I felt Xavier began to shake. I knew he was getting mad. He was going to lose control because of his anger.
"Well this brings new light to the situation. Even more fingers point to Miss Blackwood with a motive. A girlfriend that finds out her boyfriend is cheating could lead to drastic things. We cannot prove with facts that you are guilty but there will be a consequences." Council member Blaze said.
"Miss Felicity Anaïs Blackwood will be placed in the front of the pack where everyone can see her and she will receive 50 lashes." Council member Madison declared.
My heart stopped. My mind froze. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, no I wasn't going to die but I might as well. Yes if I were a human I would definitely die but I am a wolf so I have a higher pain tolerance. Tears were falling down my face and I couldn't control myself. I needed Xavier's comfort but instead he was standing up.
"Felicity Anaïs Blackwood is my mate. I have indeed mated with her so the connection is strong." Xavier shouted.
His parents gasped and the council looked around at each other. However I was confused. I didn't understand why he was lying to the council. That could cost him his life.
"Very well then, Alpha Xavier Louis Astor, you will be placed in front of your pack where everyone can see you and you will receive 50 lashes. The decision is final, we will be sending someone and they will arrive tomorrow to give the lashes." Council member Madison said.
We all stood up and bowed as we left the room. The minute we walked out to the car, Alpha Roman grabbed Xavier and pushed him against the car.
"What are you doing?! You can possibly die and all for her?! You know you're not mated to this woman but you said it anyway!" He roared.
Xavier pushed him away.
"Well that's what you do for love, but of course you wouldn't know." He growled as he straightened himself up.
"I'm not losing another son Xavier." He growled.
"Well then you better hope I don't die because you wouldn't dare tell the council about my lie." Xavier threatened.
Alpha Roman turned pale as he turned around and ushered the Luna to the car who was currently crying. I was still trying to figure out why Xavier lied and why did it work?
"I'll explain in the car Anaïs." He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair.
We got into the car and took off toward the pack.
"Why did you lie Xavier?" I asked immediately.
He sighed and turned his head toward me as he held my hand.
"There is a rule with the council. If someone who is already mated to their mate commits a crime then their mate either dies or gets the punishment. Since there is a completed connection between mates when they are mated then they both would feel the pain. That would cause more pain to the person who committed the crime because they endure the pain and watch their mate in pain." He explained.
I found myself crying while he explained. He was doing this for me, he knew we weren't mated yet so I wouldn't feel as much pain but I would still feel emotional pain watching him. I couldn't let him do that, he could possibly die and I would lose him.
"Xavier you can't do this." I cried out as I hugged onto his torso.
"Anaïs I'm doing this for you, I can't bare to watch you on the verge of dying, it would be too much. I'll sacrifice myself so that you can survive for the sake of your daughter." He smiled sadly.
"Please Xavier you can't-"
"Felicity please listen to me, it's decided that I'll do it, no one needs me as much as your daughter needs you." He pleaded.
He never called me Felicity no matter how angry or upset he was so this was new for me.
I looked up and noticed that he was silently crying. It was a heartbreaking moment, watching the toughest man you knew crying in front of you. I reached up to wipe his tears away.
"Xavier I need you more than ever." I whispered.
He reached down to caress my cheek and smiled sadly.
Two months while you were gone, I would hide out in my bathroom and cry for you. There was nothing but the shower to muffle my loud cries. I would scream and shout but I still felt empty. Sometimes I would fall asleep crying on the bathroom floor, the only person to help me was your mother, Stacy was never there for me, my parents were oblivious but your mother knew instantly and helped emotionally as much as she could." He told as he rested his cheek on the top of my head.
We sat in silence and enjoyed each other's presence.
We were going to make it, I just knew it.