Chapter 75 Stop Being Childish
The morning sun rose clear and bright over the northern keep, casting long shadows across the central courtyard where the carriage waited. The vehicle was sturdy and comfortable, painted in the pack's deep green with silver wolf emblems on the doors. Horses stamped impatiently, harnesses jingling, while drivers checked the wheels one final time. The countryside estate lay three days away by road, a peaceful retreat with modern medics and hot springs known for healing deep wounds.
Alberto stood beside the carriage steps, his small leather bag slung over one shoulder. He wore fresh clothes, the bandages hidden beneath a loose tunic. The lashes still ached with every movement, but the pain was bearable. Samael leaned against the carriage wheel, arms crossed, his massive frame wrapped in a traveling cloak. He looked better than the previous day, the poison's grip eased by the medicine, though his face remained pale.
Fernando, Mira, and Darius had come to see them off. The courtyard had cleared of other wolves at Fernando's quiet order, leaving only the five of them in the open space.
Fernando stood closest to Alberto, his hand resting lightly on the keeper's lower back, thumb tracing small circles through the fabric. His usual commanding presence was softened, eyes fixed on Alberto with open reluctance.
"You do not have to go," Fernando said quietly, voice low enough only Alberto could hear. "Stay. I will have the medics come here."
Alberto smiled and placed a hand on Fernando's chest. "You arranged this. It is good for both of us. Samael needs it too."
Fernando pouted, an expression so unlike the fierce Alpha that Mira hid a smile behind her hand.
Samael pushed off the carriage and grinned. "If you do not want him to leave, why arrange the trip in the first place?"
Fernando shot him a glare. "Shut your mouth."
Samael chuckled but raised his hands in surrender.
Darius stood beside Mira, arms folded, watching the exchange with quiet amusement.
Alberto leaned in and kissed Fernando softly, lips lingering. "I will be back soon. Three days."
Fernando nodded slowly, his pout deepening. "It feels longer."
Alberto kissed him again, deeper this time. "I will miss you."
Fernando wrapped arms around him, holding tight. "Write if you can. Or mindlink. Every day."
Alberto laughed softly. "I will."
Mira stepped forward, handing Alberto a small satchel of herbs. "For the road. And extra bandages."
Alberto took it. "Thank you, Mira."
Darius clapped Samael on the shoulder. "Take care of him."
Samael nodded. "Always."
The drivers signaled readiness.
Alberto pulled away from Fernando reluctantly. "Time to go."
Fernando held his hand a moment longer. "Be safe."
Alberto squeezed once and climbed into the carriage. Samael followed, settling opposite him.
The door closed.
Fernando stood watching as the carriage rolled forward, horses pulling steadily. He raised a hand in farewell.
Alberto waved from the window.
Mira and Darius stood beside Fernando as the carriage disappeared through the gates.
The courtyard felt empty without them.
Fernando stormed back inside the keep, his boots echoing sharply against the stone floors as he made his way to his office. The morning farewell to Alberto and Samael had left him in a foul mood, the bond tugging at him like an invisible chain pulling him toward the departing carriage. He had watched until it disappeared beyond the gates, his hand still raised in a wave that felt more like a plea. Now, the emptiness gnawed at him.
Darius followed him at a steady pace, shaking his head with a mix of amusement and exasperation. He had seen Fernando in many moods, but this petulant sulk was new. The beta kept silent until they reached the office door.
Fernando shoved it open and entered, slamming it behind him. Darius caught it before it closed and stepped in, closing it softly.
Fernando went straight to his desk, dropping into the chair with a heavy thud. He pulled a stack of reports toward him and began flipping through them, his movements sharp and angry.
Darius leaned against the wall near the door, arms crossed. "When will you and Mira make up?"
Fernando did not look up from the papers. "I do not need to make up with someone who wants to steal my mate."
Darius burst out laughing, the sound deep and genuine. "Now you are claiming Alberto as your mate? Before, you were acting all mighty, keeping him at arm's length."
Fernando rolled his eyes, slamming a report down. "I have always claimed him. In my way."
Darius pushed off the wall and walked closer. "Your way was punishing him for saving lives and letting the pack think he is nothing more than a slave."
Fernando glared. "I will not make up with her. Let her suffer with the bond."
Darius laughed again, louder this time. "You truly are a big baby. Do you not know Mira cannot have a mate? She is the last of her kind. The moonstone bearers carry a curse. They are bound to serve, not to bond."
Fernando froze, disbelief washing over his face. "What?"
Darius nodded. "The white healers, descendants of the moon goddess's direct line. They bear the moonstone mark. It curses them. No true mate bond. Only service. Mira claimed Alberto to protect him from you, not to take him."
Fernando leaned back, feeling stupid. "She said he was her chosen mate."
Darius smiled. "Chosen, not fated. She lied to force you to see what you were losing."
Fernando stared at the desk, the pieces falling into place.
The office fell silent.
The office felt heavier after Darius's revelation, the air thick with Fernando's stunned silence. He sat behind his desk, staring at the scattered papers as if they held answers he could not find. The curse on Mira, the impossibility of her claim—it all crashed over him like a wave, leaving him feeling foolish and small. Darius watched him from the chair opposite, a faint smile playing on his lips, waiting for the Alpha to process.
Just then a knock came through the door, soft but firm.
Fernando cleared his throat. "Come in."
The door opened, and Mira entered. She carried two large leather bags slung over her shoulders, filled with herbs, vials, and books. Her healer robes were travel-worn, a cloak draped over them for the journey. She bowed low before Fernando, her expression calm but distant.
Fernando's eyes flicked to the bags. "Where are you going?"
Mira straightened. "To a secluded place to cultivate. The other healers can manage the pack in my absence. If fate wants me to return, I will surely be back."
Fernando nodded his head slowly, guilt twisting in his gut like a knife. He had accused her, threatened her, all for a lie born of misunderstanding. The words Darius had spoken echoed in his mind: she could never have a true mate. Her claim had been protection, nothing more.
Darius stood cheerfully. "Safe travels, Mira. If you encounter any problems, mindlink me. I will come help."
Mira nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "Thank you, Darius."
She turned to leave.
Darius pinched Fernando's arm hard.
Fernando blurted awkwardly. "Stay safe."
Mira paused at the door, glancing back with a faint nod, then left.
The door closed softly.
Fernando rubbed his arm. "Ouch."
Darius laughed. "You deserved that."
Fernando sighed. "I did."