Orion:

“Sure, let’s hear it,” said Fox with a smile.

I slipped out into the hallway and Fox dutifully followed me without being asked. His name surely suited him. He knew how to be stealthy when necessary. He followed me to my office. I shut the door and looked through the peephole. No one in the hallway. I turned back to Fox who was now sitting on my desk, wearing a concerned expression.

“If I suspect someone I am close to of conspiring against my mate or even me or someone else…how can we use magic to replace out the truth without making a scene,” I said, knowing I was being quite vague.

Fox frowned. He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Would a simple truth serum suffice? We trick them into drinking a beverage laced with the truth potion and then we just ask them outright,” suggested Fox.

“No,” I said quickly.

I could not do it so openly without irreversibly damaging my relationship with my mother. I knew my mother well enough to fear her wrath. She was vengeful by nature.

“I can’t do that without this person knowing that I suspect them,” I explained.

Fox nodded.

“This person is obviously important to you,” commented Fox. “Is there anyone else less important to you involved? Someone else we could target.”

The Marys.

“The Marys,” I blurted out without thinking.

“Oh, those two noble ladies that were skulking about,” said Fox.

“You know them?” I asked, surprised.

“Hardly,” said Fox. “But I felt a bit uncomfortable being the only wizard present so I went out to the hallway. I saw two she-wolves, richly dressed, both calling each other Mary. They were acting strangely. I asked them if they were heading back in as I left the hallway and they simply shook their heads which made me think they were uninvited.”

I nodded.

“They weren’t guests. My mate and those two don’t get along,” I said.

“I see,” said Fox.

I sighed.

“Perhaps, I could spy on them for you right after I deliver Kat and Daisy back to their realm?” Offered Fox.

I paused, thinking it over carefully.

“Yes, spy on them and then the moment you have reason for suspicion, I will invite them here and we’ll slip them the truth potion but spy on them first. We could miss things if we don’t know what to ask. There could be more people involved so I want to catch them in the act. It would also justify slipping them the potion. No one could fault us then. I don’t want to slip them the potion only to replace that they’re innocent. It will make me look like a paranoid leader,” I explained.

Fox nodded.

“If you are this worried, they’re not innocent,” he assured me. “But, yes, I’ll spy on them first. How long should I give it?”

“Three days,” I suggested.

Fox nodded and just like that he was gone. He disappeared into thin air. I had hired the right person. He was made for a job like this. There was a knock on my door.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened and Bisa hesitantly stepped in.

“Oh, hi,” I said cheerfully.

“You gave orders to ensure Orchid did not leave the party until her final surprise. You didn’t say what the surprise was ands my Lady is getting a bit tired,” she said apologetically.

“Yes! Thank you for calling me. I’m coming. Keep her there though,” I instructed.

Bisa looked around my office.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“Oh,” said Bisa, jumping a little. “Might I ask who was here with you?”

“I was alone,” I said quickly.

Bisa stared at me.

“It must be my imagination, Alpha. I came across this…very pleasant smell and there was a very appealing voice. I followed the smell down the hallway and then I heard the voice. Please, forgive me from eavesdropping. If I knew it was leading me to your office, I would have exerted more caution,” Bisa said all in a rush.

She was breathless when she stopped speaking. Fox’s voice and smell drew her here. That was odd.

“Did you meet the wizard at the party?” I asked.

“There was a wizard at the party,” said Bisa excitedly. “I love magic! Was he here?” She asked, looking at my desk.

“Bisa, you are not to speak of this to anyone. I have hired him to do a series of jobs of the utmost importance,” I cautioned.

“Yes, Alpha,” she said eagerly.

“If you continue to be discreet, I would be happy to introduce you to the wizard when he returns,” I offered.

“He’s coming back?” She asked excitedly.

“Yes, he is. In a few days time,” I said, not giving specifics.

I was not sure how everything would go with the spying. I could need him to stay longer than three days.

“Thank you, Alpha. I look forward to meeting him,” she said.

I nodded. She reluctantly left with one last wistful look at the room. I returned to the party. Orchid was dancing with Talus again. I politely waited for the song to finish and then I cleared my throat, getting everyone’s attention. All eyes were on me as I walked towards my beautiful mate.

“I want to thank you all for coming. I have one more surprise for my Luna, Orchid,” I announced.

Orchid looked up at me curiously.

“When I first laid eyes on my mate, I knew I would be forever changed,” I said. “It has taken time for my Orchid to adjust to this life.”

I glanced at the guests who had formed a loose circle around us. Daisy and Kat were noticeably absent. Fox must have teleported them out when he left. He really was impressive.

“Orchid, my love, I know I don’t deserve you,” I admitted, caressing her cheek.

She blushed a little from all the attention. Bisa was beaming nearby. I spotted my mother, stone-faced, clutching my father’s arm. Orchid’s mother was in the crowd. Orchid’s human father was there, standing far from Talus. Perseus winked at me. Rose nodded encouragingly. They were the only two people I had confided in about my plans.

“Please let me devote my life into making you the happiest woman alive. You have already made me the happiest man,” I said, getting down on one knee.

Orchid’s eyes widened. I took out the little velvet box and opened it, showing her the diamond engagement ring. Orchid gasped as did several others present. My little mate clasped her hands over her mouth. Her eyes trailed over my face and then the ring.

“Orchid, my everything, will you marry me?” I asked, looking up at her.

I had never been more anxious in my life. I felt like Orchid held my heart in her hands. She could crush it or care for it. I would accept it if she wanted more time but I really wanted her to take this leap of faith with me. She seemed stunned into silence.

“Orchid?” I prompted gently.

She removed her hands from her mouth.

“I…” she began.

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