Chapter 47

Dinner is a whole ordeal. Julian sits at the head of the table with his mates on either side. Customarily the Beta sits to the Alpha’s left and the mate is on the right. However, Annie sits in Gilbert’s chair as he’s absent from the dinner. Next to the Luna is the Gamma, and next to Annie is the Enforcer, which she seems to be comfortable with as she sits slightly closer to him. His mate is beside him with their pups. Jeremiah sits to my left while I take the other end of the table as I’m the honored guest.

The food is placed on the table in serving dishes and we fill our plates, except for Annie. She has a small bowl of soup. I catch Jeremiah’s eye. “She’s not eating much.”

“That’s probably why she’s so tiny. Lucinda will fix her right up. I’m sure she can give her something to help get her appetite back.”

I keep watching her take slow bites then stir the contents of the bowl. “Anna. Would you like a roll to go with your soup?” I ask since the rolls are in front of me.

Her mouth ticks up in a slight smile. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” I pick up the basket and hand it to Jeremiah to pass forward. She only takes one, but it brings me a little comfort to see her eat more. She rips tiny pieces from the roll to dip into her soup. I get back to eating and conversing with Enforcer Laurent about the training of the pack.

Once finished with her meager meal, she wipes her mouth with the napkin then folds her hands in her lap. I catch her eye and raise my brow at her then look pointedly at her bowl then back to her face. Her cheeks slightly turn pink. She removes the bowl and scoops a small chunk of roast onto her plate. Cutting the meat into small bites, she begins to eat though still slowly.

With dinner concluded, Laurent and his family leave to their floor followed by the Gamma. Annie helps the housekeeper, Maxine, clean up leaving me and Jeremiah with Julian and Ellen where we make little small talk until the clock chimes that it's 9 o’clock. “We should head to bed. We have an early flight.” I stand and Jeremiah follows my lead.

Julian doesn’t bother to get up from his couch but holds his hand out. “Thanks for the visit.”

I firmly grip his hand. “You’ve been most hospitable.” He squeezes my hand, but I’m not about to back down from a challenge. I squeeze tighter, if I add any more pressure, I’ll break his hand, which wouldn’t bother me. A trip to the hospital could be the perfect opportunity to get the hell out of here. He loosens his grip and I release him. “Alpha.” I nod to him. “Luna, it’s been a pleasure.” Jeremiah shakes everyone’s hand then we make our way to our rooms.

I shower then decide to step out on the balcony. I’m surprised to find Annie waiting, leaning against the stone railing. “Annie.”

“Hi, Toby. Ellen told me she talked to you.”

“Yes. We’re leaving to pick up Xavier at 5:45 then leaving as soon as he’s settled into the SUV.”

She takes a deep breath then lets it out. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to go with you?”

“Of course, Annie. I would do anything to make you feel safe.”

She nibbles her lip as she looks pleasingly at me. “Did you mean it when you asked about the honeysuckle?”

“I could’ve said red rose, but I figured even that jackass would know what that means.”

She shakes her head and tears leak from her eyes. “You’re very sweet, Toby, but you have a mate somewhere. Maybe going with you isn’t the best idea.”

I look at the space between the balconies. It’s not far so I take a few steps back then hop the railing, landing beside her. She gasps in shock. I look at her hand pointedly before taking it in mine. My whole body ignites and I almost sink to my knees at how strong my body craves her. The spell is blocking her from feeling anything, so I wonder if it’s all directed at me or if it’s normal for the sensations to be this strong. “Regardless of my feelings, you asked for help. I’ll do everything I can to help you. If you want to leave once you're safe, that’s your choice. I will never force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.” She swallows deeply then nods. “We’re packing up at 5:30. Wait for Julian to leave for his training, then come out to the SUV. Don’t wait for an invitation, get in and hide yourself if you need to. If you have a bag or anything just drop it at the trunk and I’ll get it for you.”

“What if he catches me?”

I shrug my shoulder. “So what? If he comes for you, I’ll kill him.” She gasps. “I’ll break his legs so he can’t walk, how does that sound?” She slightly smirks. “I’ve missed you, Annie.”

Her eyes meet mine. “I’ve missed you too.”

It’s almost like the dream I keep having. “I know there’s no music, but would you like to dance with me?”

She smiles, truly smiles. Then it drops. “This is just a dream, isn’t it?”

I shake my head no. “It’s not a dream, Annie.”

She takes a step back. “If we dance, I know I’ll be dreaming. Dancing with you in my dreams is the only happiness I’ve had in months.”

I have to force myself to release her and it stings. My mate is frightened, frail, and has no idea that she’s mine. “Let tonight be the start of finding your happiness again. We’ll dance when you realize you’re no longer in a dream.” I take a step back then clear the balconies. Her hand holds her chest and she lets out a strained breath. I almost smile at her concern. “Goodnight, Annie. I’ll see you first thing in the morning. I won’t leave without you.”

I don’t sleep. I’m too am ped up, worrying about Annie. It’s not only her safety but the damned spell. She’s so scared, how am I going to break it? I could never force a kiss out of her, that would be the worst thing to do. Plus she’s worried about my mate. Goddess, she’s too sweet for her own good.

My pacing is not helping so I opt for fresh air. On the balcony, I say a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess, that everything will turn out right for Annie’s sake. She was never meant for that jackass, she was meant for me. She was meant to be my queen.

“No please.” I hear her whimper. I hadn’t noticed that she left her doors open. “I don’t want this.”

I jump the balcony and peek into her room. She’s alone, thank the Goddess. She must be having a nightmare. I slip inside and kneel by her bed. I reach for her hand but she flinches at the contact. Damn it, what did he do to her? I have a pretty good idea, but I’ll let her tell me on her own if she ever feels the need to do so. “Annie.” I softly speak. “Annie, it’s Toby. You’re having a nightmare. Wake up, Annie. Please wake up.”

She turns her body to face me, but she’s still asleep. “Annie. I’m just going to keep talking to you until feel safe enough to dream. Dream of me Annie, not him. He’s not your real mate, I am. I’m your real mate, Annie.” She slightly hums then I see her let out a deep breath. “Dance with me, Annie, in that pink dancing dress. I dream of dancing with you too. You’re always in a pink dress. I don’t even think there is a pink dress in your closet, but I’ll get you one.”

Her face is relaxed and a smile adorns her lips. “That’s it, Annie. Sweet dreams.” I say with a yawn then rest my head on her mattress watching her as she dreams.

“Toby?” Jeremiah whispers and I wake up. Annie is still asleep in her bed. “Toby.” I look out on the balcony. Jeremiah’s face pops around the door.

Wiping my face as I stand, I join him outside. “What’s up?”

“It’s 4:45 am.”

“Alright. I’ll wake Annie up then meet you at the SUV after I’m ready. Can you drive, please? I didn’t really sleep.”

“Yeah, of course.”

“We need to grab Xavier before we head out.”

Jeremiah nods then jumps the balcony to my room. I silently pad to Annie’s side. “Annie. Annie, wake up.” Her eyes slowly blink. I stand back so as not to scare her. “Annie, it’s Toby. Are you awake? It’s almost time to go.”

She opens her eyes then sits up. “I need to get ready,” she whispers.

I nod then hop the balcony and quickly shower and dress. I hear the front door close then grab my bag and head out. Jeremiah already has the trunk open. “Julian hasn’t left yet.”

“I heard the door close.”

“That was Laurent.”

“Shit.” I rarely curse, but sometimes it’s warranted, like now. “I uh, need to use the bathroom,” I say and Jeremiah smirks. No one is around when I open the door and peek in. I hide out under the staircase, in front of the bathroom, and wait.

“Julian, go. You’re going to be late,” Ellen giggles then I hear some sloppy kissing. Leave, damn it.

“I want to make sure that pathetic excuse for a king leaves.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. He has an early flight. Besides I already heard his Beta leave while you were in the shower, now go. You have training to do.”

“Vance can handle it.”

“Isn’t he on patrol?”

“Ah, fuck, you’re right. Gilbert needs to hurry up and get his ass back here.” He grumbles then I hear him coming down the steps.

I flush the toilet and wash my hands before walking out of the bathroom. Julian is at the door, hand on the knob. “Alpha Julian.” I greet groggily.

“Not a morning person?”

I shake my head and he smirks. He really does think so highly of himself. “We’re loading up, then going to pick up the pup and we’ll be out of your hair.”

He opens the door, allowing me out first. At the SUV, he watches me put my bag in the trunk. “I have to hit the toilet,” Jeremiah says and I close the trunk then slip into the front seat.

“Make it quick. We have to go pick up the pup.” I call out and Jeremiah waves that he heard me. I look to Julian and yawn. “No need to wait around on our account,” I tell him then throw on my shades and rest my head back. He turns and leaves without another word.

Once he’s out of sight, Jeremiah and Annie rush to the SUV. She slips in then ducks down in her seat. Jeremiah starts the SUV and we make it to the orphanage without incident. I look around as I step out of the SUV. It’s still quiet being so early in the morning. I only have to wait a short moment for the door to open. Flora has Xavier’s hand as he holds his stuffed T-rex. She kneels in front of him. “You be a good boy. Remember your manners. I love you. I’ll miss you, but you’re going to be with family now.” She gives him a hug and a kiss on each cheek.

“And Annie,” I tell her and she looks up at me with her mouth open. “She’s in the SUV. We need to go before Julian catches on.”

She nods then guides Xavier to me. I pick him up and hold him close to my body, watching around me the entire way to the car. I slip him to Annie who’s arms are stretched out to receive him. She buckles him in as I take the front seat and Jeremiah hightails it out. Just as we’re about to make it out, I spot Julian watching our vehicle from in front of the training center. I give him a nod, but something catches his eye and he starts running toward us. “Floor it.” Jeremiah does and gravel kicks back at Julian causing him to cease the chase, but only for a moment. He shifts and chases us down, but the vehicle is too fast and we speed past the guards at the edge of the territory.

Annie is gripping her hair as she looks over her shoulder. “He saw me. I’m so sorry, I was trying to hide Xavier and he saw me.”

“It’s alright, Annie, you’re safe now. You both are,” I tell her. Annie holds onto Xavier and he holds tight to her.