Prophesy 3: His Righteousness by A.E. Via
It was almost midnight, and Macauley was still too weak to stand or shift from his wolf form. His sister and betas had shifted and curled around him as he howled for his mate. He’d seen the rage in Aleksei’s eyes before his brother retreated and allowed Wrath to go after Adres. His panic had intensified, and an agony like none other had torn through him as he was forced to listen to his mate’s screams, unable to go to him. And his betas were too enraged with Adres’s actions to go to his aid on his behalf. If Macauley had been able to communicate, he would’ve explained to his family what happened. That he should not have woken Adres the way he had.
However, since he couldn’t speak, he was forced to listen to Aleksei spill all of his and Adres’s secrets to Justice when he returned. He’d not only told them about his inability to mate because of Adres’s curse, but he’d even snitched about Macauley sending Taleb to the Monstrous Reef.
I’m gonna bite you so hard, Alek, when I’m finished healing that you’re gonna see my goddamn teeth marks on your ass for fuckin’ weeks! Macauley blared uselessly through their link, knowing they still couldn’t hear him yet.
He and Adres were so close to an answer, they couldn’t give up now because of one mistake they’d both made. He was sure that his mate was packing his belongings while Macauley was forced to lie there and recover. Was he really going to do nothing while Adres ran away, thinking he was doing what was safest?
Macauley tried to untangle himself from his betas and test his strength, but Farica nipped at his ear and barked for him to stop moving and continue to rest.
“I cannot believe you sent Taleb on that kind of mission with only his betas,” Justice said quietly as he stared out the double-paned window Adres had disappeared through without opening it first or making a single crack in the glass. “He should’ve at least taken some enforcers.”
Justice wasn’t yelling or even disciplining him for his recklessness, which would’ve been better than hearing the disappointment in his voice. “Did you not trust me as your AZ… or your brother?”
I was only trying to protect my mate.
“What if something happens to your little brother because—”
The bedroom windows rattled suddenly as though a jet had flown over too low to the ground as his cabin shook on its foundation. Farica and his three betas leapt off the bed and landed in a protective stance in front of the door. Justice’s guards who’d been stationed out front hurried inside as a gale force wind blew in behind them.
“It’s the Lord of Arms,” one of the guards blurted, his eyes wide and focused on the door. The other enforcers appeared just as anxious. “He looks different.”
“Yeah. And um… he didn’t come on his horse. He just dropped down in front of us.”
Macauley was barely able to lift his head off the pillow and aim his nose towards the air. His first inhale had him struggling to get his paws under him as the incredible scent of leather, forest rain, and ripened plums circulated around him.
He came back.
“I am here, beloved.” Adres’s voice ruffled Macauley’s fur like a cool spring breeze. “Tell your betas to let me in, or I will move them myself.”
Macauley released a weak bark, trying to communicate Adres’s warning, but he was being ignored.
“What’s happening?” Justice demanded as the windows blew open, sending a frigid burst of wind into the room.
Adres stood in Macauley’s bedroom door with his hooded black cloak trimmed in gold gusting around him and his sheathed sword clutched in his right palm. The enforcers were right. There was something very different about his mate; his scent and his energy had changed. Macauley could feel it.
Adres’s gaze stayed on his as he politely asked the occupants in the room, “Please get out and leave me with my cherished.”
“Not on your life.” Justice stalked across the room, his own powerful energy rippling in the atmosphere.
“It’s about time you showed up.” Aleksei stood from the end of Macauley’s bed and urged Justice to go with him. “Come on, brother. Even Wrath is not interested in facing a Titan at the moment.”
Macauley had exceptional hearing in this form, but he didn’t quite believe his ears. Did he say Titan?
Macauley’s family filed out one at a time, each of them casting a bewildered expression at Adres. Bundy was the last to leave. Once he’d crossed the threshold, Adres waved his palm, causing a blast of wind to slam the door closed after them.
Macauley couldn’t resist taking another deep whiff since he’d never smelled so much from Adres before, including the scent of new spring and dark berries. Adres released his sword that hovered protectively near his shoulder, then removed his shawl. Macauley wished he could tell him how handsome he looked in his fancy cape-like outfit, but it would have to wait.
“I do not know if I have the correct words to express my most sincere apologies, Macauley. I have no explanation for my cowardly actions towards my own cherished.”
Macauley shifted over when Adres climbed onto the bed and nestled close to him. He sighed as cold fingers sifted through the thick scruff around his neck and then down his back. It felt good enough to make him close his eyes and lay his head over Adres’s heart. He didn’t have the strength to penetrate his core, but he knew there had been a change. Not only in Adres’s natural scent but also in the amplification of his magic.
“You still cannot communicate?” Adres laid his forehead against Macauley’s muzzle and whispered, “Forgive me, young wolf. Forgive me for leaving your side when you needed me the most.”
Macauley let his eyelids fall shut, having faith that Adres would be there when he woke. He was wrapped in protective arms as Adres coaxed him into a peaceful sleep.