The Alpha’s Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 147

Chapter 147 

Maia

As Kadva and I reach the bottom of the stairs, arm in arm, I immediately notice Magnus isn’t in a pleasant mood. However, he was happy when I spoke to him earlier in the hall. So, something must have happened since then. He stands leaning against a beam with arms crossed and a scowl across his face. Alec gives Magnus an odd look, wondering why he is in such a temperamental mood.

I mind-link Magnus, ‘Is everything okay? You seem a little angry about something?’

“Why would I be angry, Nina?’ He replies sarcastically, ‘Is there something I should know about?’ He scoffs.

I give him a confused look and realise everyone is watching Magnus and I pull faces at each other through mind-link. I clear my throat and focus on the pack. I can worry about Magnus later.

“Are we ready to celebrate the midsummer solstice?’ I shout.

Everyone cheers and follows Alec and Magnus’s lead. We all step into the portal one at a time behind the blacksmith’s workshop and appear at Moon Crest Castle, where Sir Hugo and other guards greet us. Like us, the men wore white tunics and trousers, and all the women wore White flowing dresses. Women hum and skip around, men chase the unmated women, and children make a swing from vines, flowers, and a wood plank. A guard helps the children assemble it and ties it to a long thick branch from the willow tree. The children line up and take turns on the swing. The girls have pockets full of petals they toss into the air once they swing high enough. Maia, Damon, Amber and Vivian appear and greet us. Amber hyperventilates with excitement and lines up for a turn on the swing.

‘Isn’t she getting a little old to be playing on swings,’ Violet says to Maia.

Maia covers her lips as she giggles and gazes at Amber, ‘Her body maybe not be that of a child’s, but her mind remains of one, and besides, look how happy it makes her?’

I guess so, Vivian murmurs, ‘It’s just not very ladylike to be acting as a child,

‘Lady or not, it shouldn’t matter, Maia retorts, ‘Besides, I wouldn’t mind a go either, Maia beams.

“You need not do anything strenuous since we found out the wonderful news,’ Damon smiles.

“You have good news?’ I ask.

Maia gently places her hand over her stomach, ‘I have found out I am with child,’ she says, and her violet eyes twinkle with joy.

Congratulations,’ I say and give her a gentle embrace, ‘How far along are you?’

“Around ten weeks along,’ she smiles.

‘Looks like you won’t be having any of the fine wine then?’ I say.

‘No, but there will be lots of sweet and savoury food and grape juice. Sir Hugo can have my share of the wine, she laughs.

Sir Hugo looks pleased with her words, ‘Anything for my Queen,’ he says and bows.

‘Shall we go and begin the festivities then?’ Maia says to us all.

‘Yes! Let’s go! I’m so excited, I say, looping my arm in hers.

Not far from the castle, a Maypole is set up along with long wooden benches and log seats. The men fill their goblets with Meade and bite chunks from herbed bread and cheese while watching the women gather on the grass and thread

flowers together. We make the flower garlands and place them on our heads like crowns and then make flower chains to make necklaces and bracelets. A fairy plays the harp while a vampire plays the flute. Once draped in flowers, we join the men. I sit between Alec and Magnus and smile at them both. Magnus still seems annoyed, but not as much as earlier. Alec pours me wine while Magnus fills my plate with an assortment of food. We clap along to the music and enjoy the feast. After a couple of wines, I notice women dance around the maypole with ribbons and join them. We skip to the music around the pole and watch the ribbons twist and turn.

We witness a few werewolves find their mates while a vampire finds their blood flame. Watching how sweet they all are towards each other is endearing. Other male vampires, humans and werewolves playfully chase untaken women. Once caught, they frolic around and flirt, whispering the sweetest of words to one another.

I see Magnus approaching as everyone begins dancing, but Kadva jumps in before him.

‘Luna, I was wondering if I could take this dance with you?’ He says, giving me a look as I see Fern and Lilac shoving each other over as they run towards Kadva. I manage not to laugh and nod, only to receive a glare from Magnus. I shrug my shoulders and mind-link him.

“Magnus, it’s Kadva. It’s no big deal. You can have the next dance with me.’ He doesn’t reply but storms back to a table and eats more food agitatedly.

Kadva and I begin to dance. Now I’m receiving glares from Fern and Lilac, but they quickly brush their annoyance away as a handsome vampire and werewolf ask them to dance. They vigorously shake their heads yes and dance.

‘It’s been such a fun celebration so far’ I say, noticing a young guard watching us with curiosity.

‘There are many handsome lads around too,’ Kadva says with a mild blush.

We both laugh, and I hear a growl coming from Magnus.