Sins Among Royals
Chapter 8

The air was electric as Noah took Indie by the hand and began leading her through the ballroom and out into the back entertainment area where the rest of the pack and other visiting packs waited.

“Tell me again, is this necessary?” Indie groaned as she suddenly found herself reluctant to be presented to everyone in her world as his mate. “I mean, if we know isn’t that enough?” She was hopeful that he would change his mind and that she would be allowed the keep her anonymity as his mate for a little while longer.

“Is what necessary?” He replied with an unreadable tone. In the short time he had known Indie he found her both fascinating and downright frustrating, to say the least. Though her reluctance bothered him a little bit, he found her to be quite refreshing. Noah had grown up in a world where everyone who wasn’t his immediate family or Leo agreed with everything he said there were many instances where he found himself wishing that someone would challenge him mentally and physically, until now that hadn’t happened.

“The entire ceremony?” Indie whispered harshly, “could you not have just gathered all the eligible girls in one room without all the dresses and said, yes you! You are the lucky girl I am to marry!” She complained in one long breath.

“I think it’d be rather inappropriate without the dresses don’t you?” He replied with more dignity than all noblemen put together. “I mean, nudity among our kind is acceptable, but I think in that situation it’d be damaging to have you all standing there naked.” The tiny smirk that hid at the corner of his lips was something he couldn’t hide as he saw Indie’s mouth open in astonishment.

“That isn’t what I meant!” She protested quickly but felt his humour lightening her mood; she didn’t know he could be humorous and had only ever heard terrible things about him. ” What I was trying to say,” she giggled a little then before trying to straighten herself out.

“I know what you meant; I am just teasing.” He grinned mischievously, “do you not like fun?” He was curious to see that “Being around me isn’t that bad is it?” Her actions made Noah wonder briefly if there was something wrong with him. The one person that was supposed to be attracted to him in an instant seemed to be fighting it.

For a moment Indie pondered his question and wondered if she had the right words to reply. “Put it this way,” she began carelessly, “when I imagine my future it is me, alone, laying on the beach in some tropical paradise with a never-ending supply of cocktails as company.” The image was clear in her mind, but if she were to accept her new future, it would take some time for her to get there.

“Well, that sounds like one hell of a life, if it really did please you, then we could replace an island somewhere and spend a week sunbathing.” He chuckled at the thought, “it may take a year of planning, but we could do it.” If doing something like taking Indie to an island after

“But you’ve only just met me,” Indie stated quickly, “why would you do something like that for a complete stranger?” She didn’t know if there would be a cruel twist to his offer, but it seemed a little too much to be offering when they barely knew each other.

“For the right person,” Noah breathed nervously as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, “I would give the world.” That was something Noah could offer to his mate, to Indie, but she wasn’t too sure about his grand gestures, she wasn’t sure about any gestures.

His generosity overwhelmed Indie in an instant as she shook her head and stopped walking, “I don’t deserve that kind of gift, that kind of kindness.” She admitted to him truthfully.

“Why?” Her reluctance piqued his interest, and he found himself staring down at her both concerned and curious about her answer. “You’re not a murderer are you?” Though his question was meant to lighten the mood it had the exact opposite effect as Indie seemed to shut down and retreat within herself. He watched as a clear sheen covered her eyes quickly, tears were forming, and the hand that he held shook almost uncontrollably.

“I, no not murder,” she started but hesitated, obviously scared for what might happen should the truth of what was bothering her came to light.

“My Lord Noah,” a voice suddenly interrupted the pair as Noah held a hand up and silenced the person trying to talk to him.

“Whatever you have done I am sure it is forgivable. If it were as serious as you think it was then my family would have been informed, and you would have been dealt with much sooner. Put it from your mind and please accompany me this evening so that I may have the honour of dancing with you this night.” He smiled as warmly as he possibly could to reassure her that nothing was wrong and that she did not have to live with the fear of being punished for whatever it was she had done.

Indie held back her tears and nodded her head, “Okay, I’ll do it.” She sniffled and giggled and tried to put her mind at ease. That was easier said than done while she was standing next to someone who held so much power. “The sooner this is over the sooner I can get out of this dress the faster I can get into a pair of comfy, baggy sweatpants.” Just the thought of comfortable clothing lifted her mood, it shouldn’t have, but Indie’s love for her sweatpants almost rivalled the love she had for her family.

“Sweatpants?” Noah questioned her gently as they continued walking, “that’s a thing?” He couldn’t help but shake his head in amusement. Though he owned many shades and different types of gym wear he didn’t own a single pair of sweatpants.

“What?” Indie growled playfully, “did you expect me to parade around in a thong? Perhaps a corset with stockings?” She didn’t know what kind of women he was used to but she sure as hell was not going to change herself to suit him.

Noah was speechless, but that lasted for only a minute as he began laughing, “the things you say to me is a little concerning. Is that a rumour you heard? That I enjoy making women wear next to nothing to please me?” It wasn’t the first time Noah had been confronted by rumours that were completely untrue.

“Yes,” Indie answered him as her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. She should have known better than to believe Poppy. Indie hated gossiping but the irony was that her best friend was the biggest gossip in town, it had always been that way.

“Don’t believe everything you hear Indie, especially when it comes to my family and me.” He seemed wounded at her thoughts of him but said no more as they came to stand in front of a set of large carved wooden doors that led out to the back entertainment area of the Thornton home where everyone was gathered. “Are you ready?” He asked with a cheeky grin.

“I will never be ready,” Indie admitted as her head began spinning with the thought of what she was about to endure.

Taking a deep breath in the pair emerged out on to the large back patio of the Alpha’s home and into the presence of the packs that had gathered for the event. At first, there was total silence which made Indie shrink a little in shame. She was the Alpha King’s mate, and everyone was shocked. Some even disappointed. After what felt like an eternity the crowd roared with approval as they clapped and cheered and smiled at the awkward couple. Indie went rigid as all eyes seemed to be focused on her. She couldn’t help but laugh internally when she saw Madeline pouting from the side.

‘Karma is a bitch!’ The thought lingered in her mind like the taste of her favourite food lingered on her lips, and it was delicious.

“May I present our future King, Alpha Noah and the young woman who is destined to be his mate, Indie Jones,” Alpha Thornton announced the pair’s arrival as the crowds cheering died off a little.

“Oh Indie my darling,” Rita approached her daughter and took her in her arms. “I never thought you’d be the one!” She couldn’t help but chuckle nervously as the realisation of what it meant for their family dawned on her. “The future Alpha Queen,” silent tears began slipping down Rita’s cheeks before she could stop them, her only daughter had been chosen for such a special path in life. “When Madeline was dragged outside by her father I thought that perhaps you might have been chosen,” Rita began sobbing uncontrollably. She was joyful but also sad, sad that her daughter would undoubtedly be moving away very soon.

Indie blushed at her mother’s words; no one thought Indie would leave Aspen and her job in Stoneden. To the pack, she was just another no hope pack member that would serve as a drone for the rest of them.

In a second Rita snapped out of the sad giddiness she was feeling and turned to look at Noah more than a little mortified, she bowed to show her respect, “my Alpha King, please forgive me.” She almost begged of him, “I just, this is so sudden, and the thought of my baby leaving just breaks my heart.”

“Is she your only child?” Noah asked as he tried to comfort her in some way.

Shaking her head quickly Rita sniffled before answering, “no my Lord, she is one of three, but she is my only daughter.” There was no keeping Rita’s emotions in as she began sobbing.

“Oh mom,” Indie wrapped her arms around her mother and swayed with her softly. “It isn’t like I’m moving to another country you know, you could always come visit me, or maybe I could come back and visit you guys.” Though Indie didn’t know the protocols that surrounded visiting packs and people she was sure there would be an exception made for her.

“I should go and check on Chase, I’m sure I just heard him say he as going to spike the punch bowl,” Rita tried to disguise her pain by laughing, but it only seemed to make the situation all the more awkward. “Well, enjoy your evening my Lord Noah. Despite the tears, I am delighted that you have found the person you are destined to be with.” With that Rita turned and disappeared as Noah looked at Indie with a questioning look.

“Spike the punch bowl?” Noah asked with great amusement.

“My little brother, he’s thirteen and thinks he is the coolest guy around. He’s also going through a phase where he thinks anyone that so much as looks at him is interested in being with him.” Chases often frustrated everyone with his antics, and it usually got him into a lot of trouble with Alpha Thornton. Indie just hoped he was sane enough to keep his stupidity to himself, at least for one night.

Though the evening started off promising it soon deteriorated for Indie as she was left sitting in one of the two seats set aside for Noah and his mate while Noah paraded around talking to everyone. Their personality differences were a stark contrast to one another. While it looked like Noah loved being social and spoke to as many people as he could, Indie was the exact opposite. She relished the few close friendships she had and kept her relationships with people to a minimum. She found it was too much work to maintain many bonds at the same time.

From where she sat Indie could see that many people were tiring, there were loud yawns and lots of eye rubbing and even a few people that had fallen to sleep where ever they could replace. The hour past midnight before Noah made himself known to Indie again and by the time he did she was tired, grumpy and hungry.

“You don’t seem to be enjoying yourself this evening,” Noah commented on Indie’s attitude as he sat next to her.

“Yeah well that’s what happens when you’re abandoned by someone who promised to dance with you,” she leaned away from Noah as he raised a curious brow in her direction.

“Are you mad at me?” The seriousness on his face soon disappeared when a grin threatened to spread across his lips.

“Yes I’m mad, you abandoned me!” Indie responded feeling more than a little angry as she stood from her seat, “I’m going home to bed, I’ve had enough fun for one night.” Though if she were honest she’d had enough to last more than one night.

“You will be staying here with me this evening,” Noah stated quietly as he looked at her with a look of arrogance to him. It was as if he was begging her to challenge him.

“I don’t think so, buddy. If I am going with you, then I am going to spend every night until we leave sleeping in my own bed in my own room.” Indie shrugged and looked at him, “besides,” she chuckled, “I am not sleeping in the same house as Madeline. I may never wake up.” No one knew what Madeline was capable of in her grief. Indie got out of her seat and looked down at him with some annoyance.

“I don’t think you understand. You are my mate and you will stay in my presence at all times.” Noah growled as people that were gathered around them now began giving them a wide berth as Noah looked at Indie with great intensity.

“I’m not your’s to command,” Indie growled right back. “If I want to go spend the night with my family, I will.” Indie began wondering if he thought she would be so easy to command and control and wondered further if this was how it would be. She would not let him dictate what she did and where she went without putting up a fight first.

“You won’t be going anywhere,” Though there seemed to be a finality to the tone of his voice Indie was more than used to pushing her luck with everything.

“I am going, and you can’t stop me.” She stepped away from him, but Noah was too quick. In the blink of an eye, his hand shot out and took hold of her wrist tightly. “Really? Are you going to resort to manhandling me to get your way?” Indie didn’t know what kind of people he dealt with, but she was not going treat him treat her like that.

In an instant, he released her wrist and glared. “I don’t think you understand the seriousness of the situation,” he growled quietly. He wanted to avoid a confrontation, but she didn’t understand why he was doing it.

“It’s all in your head!” Indie cried trying to keep herself in check. “I am in my own territory, with my own people. There is no reason for me to fear being around my own people. I am safe!” She knew she would be safer in her own home than in the Thornton mansion.

Indie caught her mother’s attention and beckoned her over. She wanted to leave. Walking back towards the back door of the Alpha’s home she turned when she thought she heard her mother walking behind her, much to her surprise it was Noah. “Where are you going?” She questioned him with a tone to her voice. What more could he possibly have to say?

“Since you are determined to go back to your family home I will accompany you and stay the night.” At least Indie couldn’t fault his loyalty. They barely knew each other but he was determined to be stuck to her like glue though she questioned whether it was loyalty or possessiveness.

“I don’t think you understand personal space,” she couldn’t help but groan with annoyance. It seemed like he just didn’t understand Indie and her needs. Yet.

“And you don’t understand how serious I am. You are no longer a common peasant. You are to be my wife one day do you know what kind of danger that puts you in, immediately?” He retorted with the same annoyance.

“You two are perfect for each other. Hurry up Indie I’m sure Mister Buff and Gruff can follow us in his vehicle.” Rita was beyond impatient by now, she wanted nothing more than to be in the comfort of her own bed and in the warmth of her husbands arms. Though her evening had started off well she was reduced to watching the Alpha King treat her daughter poorly from a distance. Seeing an opportunity to have a few private words with him come morning Rita couldn’t help but want him to stay in their home, she’d even give up her bed if it made a difference.

The trio walked out to the front where Hunter was still standing at attention at his valet stand. Seeing his mother first he smiled and motioned towards her car that lay on the far side of the driveway, “I thought you’d be wanting to leave soon so brought the car around. Dad said he’d be right back and Victor said I can leave too.” Hunter looked tired but extremely happy. He’d heard his sister was the Kings mate and he thought that seeing them together would bring the same joy but as Indie descended the stairs towards him she looked miserable. The Alpha King behind her looking just as foul.

“Don’t ask,” Indie groaned as she stared at Hunters questioning face. She didn’t have the patience or the coherence to string together a sentence and make sense.

“We shall take my vehicle and leave yours here,” Noah commanded suddenly as the Jones clan exchanged odd looks.

“Honestly I am so tired I don’t care. Hunter, leave the keys for your father, or you can wait for him and catch a ride.” Rita dragged her heavy feet towards the first black vehicle in the driveway, she knew one of them would belong to Noah so hopped into the back seat of the first one.

Noah gave Indie a strange look, he really was out of touch with his people and the longer he spent with the Aspen pack the more he saw that.

Noah waved the driver of the first vehicle off and he and Indie jumped into the second vehicle quickly before pulling out towards the gate and off towards Indie’s family home.

Before long Noah pulled in to the driveway of a simple home along the main road at the top of the Stoneden Hill. He noted the guards standing outside and acknowledged them and as one approached Rita she turned her head quickly and glared, “my fucking house!” She yelled loudly. All the pomp and ceremony had now grown old and she was more than a little annoyed by it.

“Leave her be,” Noah sighed wondering if it was all worth it. He thought about his choice suddenly and decided it better that he not stay in the home, it seemed he had caused a lot of tension already. “I believe I should say good night here and return to the Alpha’s home. I will leave guards posted outside till morning, I will return to speak with you in the morning.” To say he was feeling awkward was an understatement.

“Thank you,” Indie turned and smiled warmly at him. She was more than a little relieved to hear that he would not be spending the night.

“Understand I am not happy about leaving you alone but I see that I am perhaps not as welcome as I hoped I’d be,” but if he was being totally honest he needed time alone to contemplate and better plan how he was to tackle this situation. “Mrs Jones,” he called to Rita as she headed in through the door, “may I join you for breakfast?” He queried gently.

“Yes,” was the only word to fall from her lips as she paused at the door before slamming it behind her.

Indie giggled at her mother’s temper, what woman didn’t get mad when sleep deprived? Though she had been furious on the way home part of her felt sorry for Noah, it was more than obvious that he didn’t have a family like she had, he didn’t grow up with the kind of love she did and that made her sad, it made her feel even more for him when she knew she shouldn’t. At least not yet. “She doesn’t mean to be so grumpy. I get my hate of high heels from her. After a good sleep she’ll probably apologize, tell you that you are too skinny and try to fatten you up with bacon and pancakes,” it was Rita’s specialty and Indie knew it would be one of many things she’d miss about home.

“I look forward to all of that,” Noah smiled and took Indie by the hand, “but for now I shall walk you to the door and leave you here.” A cringe-worthy looked suddenly developed on his face, “I hope come morning we can start again? Perhaps in a situation you are more comfortable with?” He asked her hopefully. Noah was one for formality and routine but he had a strong feeling that Indie was one for spontaneity and casualness.

“I think I’d like to start again.” Indie smiled as he kissed her hand and took his leave. Walking in through the door she closed it gently behind her and waited. She heard Noah’s vehicle start and as the engine roared off down the street she sighed content. Though her evening had been a total drag it looked as though everyone else enjoyed it. Apart from her mother.

Looking around for Rita quickly Indie called to her, “mom he’s coming for breakfast! He wants to start again.” Indie couldn’t help but smile happily. At least he knew he was at fault and was willing to do something to fix it.

Heading up to her room she removed her dress and shoes and replaced them with thick socks, a pair of baggy track pants and a baggy t-shirt. Not bothering to remove her makeup or brush her hair Indie climbed into her bed and drifted off to sleep. It didn’t take long before she was snoring her head off.