Lycan's Affection

"Have you made your decision, Alpha Alexander?" Conaan asked, settling back to his previous position. This time, he was even more relaxed, his smile small as he watched Alpha Alexander. He didn't turn to Eleanor, though. He knew what he would see, and he didn't really want to see it.

"Have mercy, Conaan. Please, have mercy."

Conaan seemed to think about it as a large bottle of grape wine was brought before him, with gold cups decorated by strings of threaded stones. They set them before him and he looked up to Alpha Alexander.

"Come here," he said to them, his hand gesturing to the space before him. Reluctantly, all three came to sit there, and he straightened.

"This wine was brought all the way from the human kingdom. I always thought it was too good to have alone, and I would bring it when I have important visitors. Who knew this visitors would be you three?" He laughed, shaking his head like he couldn't believe it.

"Conaan. Stop playing around with us like this." Eleanor said, her voice steely. His smile wavered as she suddenly grabbed the cup nearest to where she was sitting, then hurled it over just above his head. Conaan listened as the cup hit the wall, then fell down with an almost noiseless sound.

With a small sigh, he pulled the wine and poured some into his cup, then brought it to his lips. "I understand," he murmured.

It only served to make Eleanor even angrier as she grabbed another cup, this time aiming at him. Alpha Alexander however, held her back, his eyes wide.

"What are you doing?"

"How can he toy with us like that? How can you let him juggle us around like that? We are wolves too, for goodness sake who cares if they are so strong? How can you beg him for mercy when you are also an alpha and he is talking about some stupid wine?" Her voice broke, and Conaan kept his eyes on the cup, feeling his fists lightly clench.

He was getting tired of it. He wouldn't come out to blatantly say he wanted Eleanor left behind, but he would hasten it up and drive him to a corner.

"Oh my. I apologize, Eleanor. I did not mean to juggle you around. So I will get straight to the point." He let go of the cup gently, then stood up, his hand clasping behind him.

As if on cue, four soldiers walked in, closing the entrance and assembling behind Alpha Alexander and the rest.

"What are you doing?" Alpha Alexander yelled, his veins popping from anger.

"You didn't want me to waste your time, so I am hastening up your decision for you. Which one should I take?"

"Conaan..."

"The brother?" It hardly left his mouth when two of the soldiers circled around Matthew, holding his body down to them.

Matthew squirmed hard, trying to reach out to alpha Alexander.

"Please, let him go. Please." Alpha Alexander said, and Eleanor turned to him, her teeth biting down on her lips. She would have been surprised had he chosen her. But in the same situation, she probably would have chosen Matthew too.

"So...you are giving up Eleanor?" Conaan asked, and his eyes turned to Eleanor.

She had also turned, and their eyes met. For a brief second, she thought she saw pity flicker in his eyes, and a bit of disappointment. She quickly turned away, her teeth gritting hard against each other.

Alpha Alexander swallowed hard, turning to Eleanor who had her head lowered. "Please, don't kill her. I will do anything, I will come back..."

"So you are giving her up?" Conaan asked, somewhat impatient.

Alpha Alexander swallowed, hesitating, but the shrill yelp of his brother motivated him. "Yes. I will...I will leave Eleanor behind."

Eleanor closed her eyes as the tears streamed down her face, her lips pursed together. She had expected it, but now that he said it, it was even more heartbreaking. She parted her lips to breathe, the tears staining her beautiful rosebud lips.

"I am sorry, Eleanor." Alpha Alexander said, turning to her. Slowly, he moved his hands to cup her face in them, the feel of his skin sending her over the edge of heartbreak once more.

She struggled not to break down, and brought her hands to hold his.

"I am so sorry I am this sort of a coward."

Conaan's eyes thinned, and he took in a deep breath. "The decision has been made, then."

The sound of his voice distracted Alpha Alexander, and Eleanor sniffed.

"Congratulations, Alpha. You have secured your pack from...slaving away under the lycan's rule. I assure you, I will keep you safe."

Alpha Alexander swallowed, then nodded slowly. "I hope you keep your promise."

"We are honorable men, Xander. Now send her to me."

Alpha Alexander swallowed, finally coming to terms with his decision. He had just given up the woman he was going to marry. The woman he had thought he wouldn't be able to live without. But to him, it was honor. As a brother and as an alpha. It was his honor and he had done the right thing.

He started to let go of her, but she held his hand back, looking up to him. He stopped, his eyes sweeping over her face. Silky smooth skin, deep swirly blue eyes and lips that offered a taste that he could never find anywhere else.

"I love you," he whispered, and the tears flooded her eyes again.

"I love you too, Xander."

None said anything about the impending doom, and Alpha Alexander, unable to control himself, started to lean in closer to him. Eleanor closed her eyes, expecting him. She would at least have one last taste of him, whether she died or lived.

Suddenly, they heard the steely swishing of sword unsheathing, and alpha Alexander opened his eyes. The blade was right between them, reflecting their surprised eyes on each side.

Conaan was holding the sword, his eyes thin, the other hand holding the sheathe tight.

"I believe you gave her up, Alexander." His voice was cold and steely, and Alpha Alexander dropped his hand from her face.

"I was just.... It was a farewell..."

Conaan dropped the sword, then smiled. "Do it, then."

Eleanor's brows furrowed. "If you do, I assure you I will kill both and send you back with their cremated ashes."

Matthew gave a yelp and Alpha Alexander immediately recoiled. With a satisfied smile, Conaan extended his hand to Eleanor. She looked down at it, her eyes filled with tears. She had no option but to take it, and his hand immediately clasped around it, almost possessively.

He pulled her gently to his side, and sheathed his sword again.

"I believe you have gotten what you wanted. You can be on your way now, Alpha."

Alpha Alexander turned to Eleanor. She was a weeping mess, much like Matthew. Without another word, he started to back away, his brother crying hard after him.