Chapter 129 The Servant

Chapter 129 The Servant
I felt the pain through the bond like a knife to my chest. It hit me while I was sitting in the garden with Genevive, the sudden sharp burn in my side making me gasp and double over. The baby kicked hard as if sensing my distress. Genevive grabbed my arm, her eyes wide with worry.

"Maddie what is it? Is it the baby?"

I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. "It is Alexander. He is hurt. I can feel it. He is fighting. He is in so much pain, he is wounded."

I stood up quickly ignoring the dizziness and ran toward the main house. Laila and Beatrice were in the living room when I burst in. I did not wait for them to ask what was wrong.

"Alexander is hurt," I said, my voice shaking. "I felt it through the bond. He is in a fight. We have to help him. Send more wolves. Let me go to him. I cannot just sit here while he is bleeding for us."

Laila’s face tightened with concern. Beatrice placed a hand on my shoulder trying to calm me. "Maddie, you cannot go. It is not safe. The baby needs you here."

I pulled away my hands trembling. "Then send help. Vincent can send more warriors. I can feel how bad it is. He is fighting for his life. Please."

Vincent walked in at that moment, his expression grave. He had clearly been listening. "We have already sent reinforcements. But Alexander is leading the raid himself. He is strong. He will survive."

I felt another wave of pain through the bond. It was fainter now but still there. I sank onto the sofa, tears falling freely. "I cannot lose him. I cannot raise this baby without him. Please let him come here when the fight is over. Even if it is just for a short time. I need to see him. I need to know he is okay."

Vincent was quiet for a long moment. Then he nodded. "When the raid is over and it is safe I will allow him to visit."

The hours that followed were the longest of my life. I paced the gardens. I sat by the lake. I reached for the bond again and again, sending my love and strength. Genevive stayed with me the whole time holding my hand and reminding me to breathe. Laila brought me tea and made sure I ate. Beatrice checked on the baby. The family surrounded me with love but the worry would not leave my chest.

When the bond finally pulsed with relief I knew he had survived. I felt his exhaustion. His pain. His love. I sent back everything I had.

Later that night the news came. Vincent received a message. Alexander was coming. He had barely escaped the ambush with Marcus and two others. Most of the team had not made it. My heart broke for the fallen wolves but the relief that Alexander was alive was overwhelming.

He arrived just by 10 pm. I was waiting on the porch when the chopper landed by the feild. He stepped out supported by Marcus, his side bandaged and his face pale but his eyes found mine immediately. I ran to him ignoring Laila’s warning to be careful. He caught me in his arms despite the pain and held me like I was the only thing keeping him standing.

"Maddie," he whispered against my hair. "I am here baby. I am okay."

I clung to his arms, tears, soaking his shirt. "I felt it. I felt everything. Do not ever scare me like that again."

We stood there for a long time just holding each other. The family watched from the porch giving us the moment. When we finally pulled apart Alexander looked at Vincent.

"Thank you for allowing this," he said.

Vincent nodded. "A short time only. We still have work to do, I just wanted her to see you and be sure you are fine."

We walked inside together. I helped him to a chair in the living room. Beatrice brought fresh bandages and tea. Genevive and Laila hovered nearby. Alexander told us what had happened. The trap. The ambush. The men they had lost. His voice was steady but I could feel the guilt and rage through the bond.

As he spoke one of the servants brought more tea. A new face. A quiet woman I had seen a few times but never really noticed. She set the tray down and left quickly. But something about the way she moved made me pause. I looked at Laila. She had noticed too.

Later when Alexander was resting I pulled Laila aside. "That servant. The new one. She was listening too closely."

Laila’s expression darkened. "I will look into it. I know she doesn't work in the kitchen, we may have a spy in our midst."

The sanctuary was supposed to be safe. But even here the war was reaching us. I held Alexander’s hand tighter as he talked with Vincent.