Chapter Sixteen: Many Secrets

Aurora

“Those bastards plan to marry you off, have you and Archer consummate the union, and then let your wolf run in the hope of a quicker conception. They have the whole thing planned down to the second. Unbelievable.” Sawyer was barely containing his wolf.

“I don’t want his child. I don’t want him.” I gave in to tears as I threw my arms around him. My friends rushed to where we were.

“Oh, my,” I heard one of them squeak out. “Aurora, what are you doing?” Mona seemed horrified. We were looking around, “I’m don’t even want to know how this happened, but we need to get out of sight. I’m sure someone will come to check on us so quickly to the rooms.”

“This is a bit of a complication,” Mrs. Drake said with a tiny smile. “Hurry up, children.”

I couldn’t walk. Sawyer picked me up and carried me to the bridal suite where a high collared, long sleeve white of my dress had been laid out on a massive bed. On one of the thick curtain rods, pink gauzy dresses on hangers awaited my friends. He kissed me and held me as my friends watched in silent horror. He was the enemy who was clearly in love with their friend.

“Can you do anything useful?” Mona stomped her foot at looking at him.

“Not until after midnight. Not until this whole fucking ordeal is over.”

               I allowed myself to melt into Shadow, my Sawyer, and grieve my life for a moment. The time for weeping and fear was over. I told Melly I would be brave, innovative, and fight, and this was it. The facts were this: nobody in this palace could stop this wedding, no one could prevent our vows from being exchanged or keep Archer from raping me. Faerie magic prevented violence until midnight, which meant not even a challenge could be issued on the premises until then, after we exchanged vows.

               “I’ll challenge him,” at first, not sure if I said the words out loud.

               “What?” Sawyer looked at me as if I was crazy as my friends dutifully did the same.

               “At midnight. I’ll challenge my father and try to kill him. I have some training. I won’t win, but at least I will go out fighting.”

               “No. If I can’t, you,” Sawyer began but was cut off.

               “Absolutely not,” Mrs. Drake intervened. “Your mother would turn over in her grave if she knew you were thinking about killing yourself. Your father isn’t getting both of you. I won’t allow it. No Aurora, you will survive and make them pay. And you boy won’t be issuing a challenge either.” She paced the room, stopping to zone out and then go back into a silent conversation.

               “I envy their bond,” Sawyer whispered as he kissed my neck.

               “Me too. It would solve our problems,” I kissed his lips. My friends had wide eyes and a million questions. There wasn’t time, and the less they knew, the better.

               “Just to make sure I have this clear, we like this one?” Betty pointed at Sawyer.

               “Very much,” I nodded.

               “Nobody knew? How?” Brittney questioned.

               “I didn’t know who he was,” which was the truth. “And we never spoke until last night.” Heads whipped around at that one. “Don’t ask.” They all looked like normal eighteen-year-old girls for a brief moment wanting to know details about their friend. In a blink, we were thrown back into our reality.  

               “No violence until midnight, and none of us and intervene,” Mrs. Drake said out loud though I don’t think she was speaking to any of us.

               “But nothing was said about me stopping things,” I perked up. “After midnight, I can fight. I might have to say the words and go to that room, but you all know I can’t control my shift. If I’m in danger and my wolf knows it, she becomes deadly.”

“Your inner wolf is bloodthirsty,” Mona piped in, “I’ve seen you hunt. Plus, we are all in the same boat. Not a single one of us in this room except for mom, and I’m guessing Sawyer can control it.”

“That’s how we will get you, girls, out of here,” Mrs. Drake looked momentarily relieved as she figured out how to save her daughter. I couldn’t be mad at her. If my mother were here, she would be doing the same thing. “We will tell the Alphas that the four of you are unexpectedly exhibiting signs of your heat and the last thing we want at the peaceful gathering is for all the single male shifters to lose it over four unclaimed females, including the bride.”

“But that will make Archer even giddier to get ahold of Aurora,” Sawyer spat.   

“I know,” I said as the plot formed in my head. “If they think there is a chance I could be in heat, they won’t want anyone around to interfere with Archer’s claim. Everyone would witness the ceremony then quickly be sent home. Males have been known to kill over females, and no Alpha command can control the moon or its effects. I doubt even faerie magic can stop instinctual animal violence.”

“No, the protection on this place is to keep enemies from carrying out battles and going to war. But mostly from hurting the innocent. Not to stop what the gods and goddesses command as retribution for their gifts.” Mrs. Drake nodded.  

“Mrs. Drake, do it. Go tell everyone what you suspect. Tell them we are in pain and having trouble dressing. That I’m feeling weak and burning up.”

“Aurora, honey, you can’t fake that kind of pain, the flushing of your skin, or the crazed desire. They won’t look twice at your friends, but you will be closely scrutinized.”

“I know. I have a plan.” Everyone’s eyebrows raised. “Out. All of you get dressed in the room next door and leave us.” I grabbed hold of Sawyer, “He’ll help me ready.”

“Are you sure you know what you are doing? Archer will know,” said Betty, nearly in tears.

“I’m sure. He’s going to hurt me anyway. I might as well get something I want out of it.” I tried to smile.

Mrs. Drake nodded as my friends took their gowns out the door. After they all exited the room, she quietly said, “Aurora make sure no one hears a sound. Your mother had many secrets. Learn to use them to your advantage.”  Then she turned and left.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

Before I answered, I turned and made the ruins with my fingers as I had hours before so no one could hear a word. Oh, mom, what were you hiding? And what made you trust Mrs. Drake?

“Rip this fucking dress off me, and let’s finish what we started.” His eyes went wide with shock, and new power ran through me.