Alpha’s Black Furred Slave Mate
Chapter 33

Alex wanted to help Mateo and me escape?

If Marlon found out about this, he would have Alex's head. He would also probably have my head too. There's no telling what would happen to Mateo.

Then again, if I left, it could give Mateo an actual chance at having a real life. I could take him far away from here and raise him on my own terms. While I continue to work at ending slavery for everyone else. I could make his world a little bit better, one day at a time. However, would I be able to do that if I didn't continue my studies?

I could feel my inner wolf being taken back by my own thoughts. She couldn't believe I was thinking about taking Alex up on his offer. She didn't want me to leave because she was so convinced that Marlon was my mate. But that was a load of crap; there was no way Marlon was my mate.

Marlon was the kind of guy that could have his way with me without a second glance. He didn't care what was at stake just as he didn't care what would happen to slaves after he signed the king's treaty. My skin was crawling just thinking about the possibility of a man like that being my mate.

Deny it all you want. But deep down, you know it's true.

My wolf's voice came through in my head; I was growing aggravated at hearing her so often. I spent most of my life without her and now she wants to be loud.

I already told Alex that I would go along with his plan, just to get him out of here. But I'm not entirely sure how he was going to pull off obtaining the key to the cufflink when Marlon has it on lockdown. I also wasn't sure how he was going to pull off sneaking Mateo and me out of there undetected.

He said he had a way and to trust him in the process. But I wouldn't trust him even if he was the last wolf on the planet.

Before I had more time to think, Marlon was rushing in through the doorway. I hadn't noticed until that moment that it was raining, and the sky was turning a dark grey as though a storm was brewing.

Marlon was covered from head to toe in the water, as if he had just jumped into the riverbed, in his human form, fully clothed.

He was breathless from running.

"I came to check and make sure you and Mateo were okay," he told me, catching his breath.

I frowned because it was odd that he was checking on our well-being. Even after everything, we've been through, and the number of times he's saved my life, I was never going to get used to his form of kindness.

At least I think it was kindness. With Marlon, it was always hard to tell. Usually, his kindness comes attached with favors that are usually sexually related.

"I appreciate that, Mr. Roessler," I told him, trying to remain as form as I could.

I held Mateo close to my chest as Marlon came closer to us.

"As he been good?" Marlon asked, staring at Mateo; his expression was hard to read.

"As good as an infant can be," I answered.

I thought about telling him how we were discovered by his son. But there was another part of me that was screaming at me to keep my mouth shut about it. Escaping the manor grounds and this kingdom might be the best thing for Mateo. Despite what happens to me, I need Mateo to have his best chance at life.

What kind of mother would I be if I took that away from him?

Then again, if I left here and took Mateo with me, it could also be the worst thing for his life. If we got caught, there was no doubt in my mind that they would take Mateo and bring him to the slave farm. They loved newborns on the farm because they can shape and mold them how they want. They eat, breathe, and sleep slavery and nothing else.

Once they turn 18, they are molded into perfect slaves and prove to be prime candidates for a royal family.

I didn't want that kind of life for Mateo. I didn't want that kind of life for anybody. As long as I remained alive, I was going to do everything in my power to make sure no child has to suffer like that again.

Back on the slave farm, I promised the younger children that their days in chains are numbered and that there is a light at the end of the dark tunnels. I intend to prove that to them and break them free from those chains.

"I brought this for you," Marlon said, reaching into his coat and pulling out a thick book with a blue cover.

The World of Politics.

I stared at it with dismay for a few moments before placing Mateo down in his crib. I took the book from his hands and rubbed my fingers down the cover. It was a brand-new book; it looked to never be opened.

"It's so you can continue studying. Even if you aren't in school. That doesn't mean you can't still learn," he told me.

His tone was hard to read; it didn't seem like this was out of an ill manner.

"Thank you..." I told him softly.

"I also got something for Mateo," he added; I looked at him surprised.

Out of his coat, again, he pulled out a small stuffed wolf. It had peachy blond fur, of course. I wanted to roll my eyes at the light-furred wolf Marlon was presenting to Mateo, but at the same time, it was kind of a sweet gesture. Part of me couldn't help but smile as he showed Mateo the wolf. Mateo, being too young to understand the concept of a toy, had it in his mouth almost instantly.

Marlon stared at him silently for a long while; his expression was still hard to read but I could see the hazy outline of his silvery aura illuminating through his skin. It was making my wolf pulsate and bring out her own aura. She wanted to dance with him and get entangled with him once more.

"Why would you bring him a toy?" I asked; it was difficult for me to keep the suspicion out of my voice.

He glanced over at me.

"Because every child deserves a toy," he told me gently without missing a beat.

I frowned. His words don't line up with his actions. If he truly believed that "every" child deserves a toy, wouldn't that mean the dark-furred wolves as well? The dirtballs? Why would he sign a treaty that disallowed slaves to reside with the commoners and get them sent to the slave farms?

"Tell that to the children on the slave farm," I heard myself muttering before I could stop myself.

He shot me a stern look.

"What?" He asked.

"The children on the slave farm," I repeated. "The ones that were taken from their families. They don't have toys. They don't have an education. They don't have rights. They were stripped from all that since the king's new treaty."

"The king had that treaty placed for a reason. The dark-furred population was getting too out of hand. There needed to be order brought upon the kingdoms," Marlon argued back.

"By sentencing us to death?" I asked; I had to keep myself from shouting.

"You weren't sentenced to death. You were sentenced to become stronger versions of yourselves so you can become working slaves and tend to your master and mistress's needs," he said.

Showing from his facial features, it seemed as though he actually believed the crap he was spitting out of his mouth.

Even my wolf was growing annoyed with his arrogance.

"Mr. Roessler, we were sentenced to a life of torture, rape, and shaming. We couldn't speak unless spoken to or else it would result in a severe beating that nearly left us for dead. If we grew sick, we had no medical attention. If we didn't pass the examinations at the quarantining station, we would be sentenced to death by hunting." I had to pause to gather my thoughts. "We weren't taught to be strong; we were taught to survive. We were taught that in a world of nobles and royals, we will always be at the bottom of the barrel. Gutter trash. Dirtballs."

He was silent for a long while; I still couldn't read his expression, but he looked to be lost in thought. He stared around my face, as though he was searching for something. He glanced down at Mateo with a timid frown on his face; Mateo was still holding the stuffed wolf and looked to be half asleep.

I wanted to ask him what he was thinking about, but I knew better than to do that. I needed to keep my stance and keep my mouth shut.

"There's going to be a storm," he muttered.

I frowned as I continued staring at him.

"You shouldn't stray too close to the door, in case the wind picks up and knocks it open," he added.

I nodded slowly. Unsure of where he was going with that.

But before I could ask, he was out the door without saying anything more.