“Not all, but some. Many Fae are stationed in the human world to keep the balance and make sure the supernatural world stays behind the scenes.” Amara answered.
“So how many people would that make? Sasha asked
“All little over 1500” Cyrus answered. “With more coming every week.”
“Ok” Gemma said pushing her empty plate away. “well on that note I am going to get as much sleep as possible before I have to be up at– what time is breakfast? She asked.
“From 5 to 8” Amara answered.
“And what time is it now?” Hanna asked.
“2:30” Cyrus answered which received a groan from everyone at the table.
“Gemma is right, we should all get to bed.” Natalie said “we can talk more at breakfast.”
“Um, before we all head off to bed I have a very important question.” Hanna said and when everyone turned to look at her, “Where is the bathroom?” Everyone laughed at that then Amara answered,
“Each set of tents has their own communal bathroom and shower. It is in the center of each tent group.”
“Ok” Hanna nodded “I can work with that. Ok well see ya’ll in a couple hours.” Everyone agreed and got up and placed their empty plates and cups in the designated area outside the kitchen. Jared walked up and put his arm around Hanna and walked her and Gemma to their tent. When they got there Gemma went inside waving goodnight but Jared held Hanna back.
“I just wanted to check on you, we haven’t gotten a chance to speak since the attack and I wanted to make sure you were ok” Jared said. Hanna smiled up at him and then hugged him and sighed,
“I am better now. I hate this whole separate tent things though” she admitted.
“We could always fix that.” Jared said leaning down and grazing his teeth over the spot between her neck and shoulder. A shiver ran through her body and then she took a deep breath,
“I think we should wait and have a claiming ceremony. If we are going to lead these people then we have to set an example for those around us. No matter how much I hate it” She told him. Jared nodded and smiled down at her cupping her face,
“I agree with you. We do need to start thinking like leaders. Now stop being such a bad example and go to sleep.” He teased her and kissed her on the forehead. She smiled,
“Good night” she told him then turned and walked into the tent.
Friends
The alarm sent Hanna shooting up out of bed in a panic, when she realized it was just the alarm clock she groaned.
“Ugh, seven o’clock” She looked over at Gemma who had pulled the blankets over her head. Hanna got out of bed and walked over to where their bags were then grabbed her shower kit. “Come on Gemma! I hear that they run out of coffee after the first two hours” Gemma sat up in bed and glared at Hanna,
“That better not be true or I will teleport my caffeine addicted butt right back to New Orleans and take my chances with the wolves” she threatened. Hanna grabbed some clothes with her shower kit then opened the door and headed toward the entrance of the tent.
“Better get up and get ready so we can find out” Hanna called from the living room as two girls were coming back in through the entrance. One had Carmel skin with straight brown hair and the other had pale skin with short black chin length hair. “Oh, hi! I’m Hanna.” She greeted. The Carmel skinned one smiled,
“Hi! I’m Madison and this is Nicole.” She told her.
“Hi” Nicole said. Hanna could feel a small mental pushing coming from Nicole. Hanna turned her head to the side confused,
“What are you doing?” she asked. Gemma walked in then and stopped in her tracts when she felt the push to. He eyes started glowing and she pushed pack causing Madison and Nicole to shrink back and bare their necks.
“It is rude to try and push your dominance before anyone has had any coffee” Gemma growled. Then turned and headed towards the exit with her clothes and shower kit.
“Wow, she’s an alpha! How is that even possible she is so young?” Madison asked.
“She is the Chosen of an alpha” Hanna explained. She still felt Nicole pushing her and started to get annoyed. “Could you stop please, that is really annoying.”
“I’ll stop when you submit” Nicole answered.
“Why does it matter are we even in the same pack?” Hanna asked.
“We are sharing a tent, so it doesn’t really matter who is in what pack.” Madison answered looking down at the floor. When Hanna felt Nicole try and push harder she sighed and then looked her in the eyes and let her wolf show.
“Enough.” She commanded. Nicole instantly dropped her gaze and bared her neck,
“Yes alpha” she said. Madison stood there looking at her in shock,
“You gave her an alpha command! But you are not our alpha.” Madison reasoned.
“Gemma did the same thing” Hanna replied
“No, she just pushed her dominance showing that she is above us, you actually gave a command.” Madison told her.
“You’re the one they have been talking about aren’t you?” Nicole asked.
“Ok, can we not make a big deal of this, please? I have had a really crappy couple of days and I’ve only had maybe four hours of sleep. I just want to get through this day so I can go back to bed” Hanna said.
Both Madison and Nicole nodded and Hanna headed after Gemma to the showers. When she entered the big tent she was glad to see that there was a door for the men and a door for women. She went through her designated door and saw what looked like a giant locker room with two doors leading to different rooms. There was a Fae standing by the door and she walked up to her.
“You must be Hanna” she said handing her a lock. “Your locker is 33A. You can keep your shower things in there and whatever else you need. The showers are through the right door, towels are provided over there” She pointed to the wall opposite the lockers where there were shelves of towels. “When you’re done with them toss them in the laundry carts by the door. Oh and the toilets are through the left door.”
“Thank you” Hanna told her. The Fae nodded and exited the room.
Hanna let the water run over her and she probably would have fallen asleep if it wasn’t for Gemma continuously hurrying her along. Threatening to teleport her naked butt to the middle of the dining hall, if she didn’t hurry. Hanna got out of the shower with a sigh. She grabbed her towel and started drying off. Gemma was already in a pair of skinny jeans and a dark purple shirt. Hanna went over to where her clothes were and pulled on a pair of jeggings, and a white long sleeve shirt then topped it with a long green knit sweater. She stuffed her feet into her boots and then followed Gemma back to their tent.
Once in their room Hanna went to her mirror and started putting on her makeup, then started drying her hair, it was about half way dry when Gemma finished with her hair and makeup and started rushing her again.
“Ok Red, you’re beautiful, just let it be wavy and lets go” Gemma told her. Hanna laughed and grabbed a hair tie and headed for the door,
“Ok, let’s go.” She told Gemma. Madison and Nicole came out of their room. “You guys ready to head to breakfast?” Nicole asked.
“Yep”, Hanna said and she and Gemma followed them out of the tent. Where Jared was patiently waiting.
“Good morning” Jared said as he walked up to Hanna and kissed her. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yeah what little sleep I did get. How about you?” She asked as she stood on her tip toes and kissed him.
“Good, but I’m starving” He told her.
“Me too. Not to mention I think Gemma is planning on murdering us all if she doesn’t get coffee into her system soon.” She joked and turned to her room mates. “This is Madison and Nicole” She gestured to each of them in turn “and this is Jared my Chosen” she told the girls.
“You both already have a Chosen? And you’re not even out of high school yet.” Nicole said shaking her head as she started towards the dining hall again.
“Trust me, our situations are not all gumdrops and roses.” Gemma said grouchily.
“I didn’t mean–” Nicole started,
“Ignore her.” Hanna said “She is just having caffeine withdraws.” Nicole nodded and continued walking. “So what pack are you in?” Hanna asked them trying to brighten up the mood.
“Well I was born in the southern Canadian pack” Madison said. “but then the Northern pack alpha took over. So my family went to Montana, where my aunt lived with her mate and joined the Golden Valley pack. And Nicole was born into the Golden Valley pack.”
“Did your entire packs come here?” Jared asked.
“Yeah, our pack came when Malcom started having the winter solstice balls” Nicole answered.
“You know everyone keeps talking about how bad those are. But if you think about it; if it wouldn’t just be all the unmated females, but the males too, it would be the perfect way to help everyone find their Chosen.” Hanna said.
“I never thought about it that way.” Nicole said as they entered the dining hall tent.
They all headed to the buffet and loaded up their plates. There were all kinds of different breakfast foods, Hanna grabbed some steak and eggs, along with French toast and fruit salad. “Where do they get all the food?” She asked.
“There is a boat that brings in supplies every other Saturday from the main land.” Madison answered.
Once everyone had filled their plates and Gemma got an extra–large coffee they followed Madison and Nicole to a table with group of people that looked to be about their age. They sat down and Madison started introducing everyone. Hanna did her best to remember everyone’s name. As usual Jared fit in with everyone and started talking to two guys who Madison said their names were Tony and Micha. She listened carefully and discovered that they were actually his tent mates.
Once Gemma drank about half of her coffee she started to wake up and started talking with Madison and Nicole. She was about to start eating when she was interupted
Good morning my Jewel, Malcom’s voice flowed through her mind. Do you have a moment; there is something I must speak to you about. Gemma smiled to herself. It amazed her how just hearing her voice sent warmth rushing through her veins.
Good morning to you too. Its Sunday so there is no school today, I am free all day. Maybe I can sneak off to see you later. She told him.
You make me feel like such an old man when you talk about going to school. He told her with a laugh.
Well ok old man, what do you need to talk to me about? She asked,
My beta was able to verify everything you said. I have him watching my father and learning his plans. He is worried for his mate should my father find out he is not loyal to him. She is in her last months of pregnancy and he wants her to come stay there. I am also worried for my pack. I don’t want anyone to get caught in the crossfires. He told her. Gemma didn’t reply for a minute as she thought everything though.
Ok, I will talk to Amara. This place was made for that reason, but you would have to make sure they are loyal to you and not Atticus. She told him.
Loyal to us, he corrected.
What? She asked.
You are my Chosen and will soon be my mate. You are their alpha female, so I must make sure they are loyal to us. He answered.
Ok, I’m going to go find Amara now. She told him. Gemma looked around the room until she saw her. She leaned over to Hanna,
“I have to go talk to Amara real quick, I’ll be right back.” Hanna just nodded because her mouth was full of food. So Gemma stood up and took her untouched plate to the designated area in the kitchen, then headed over the table she saw Amara at. Amara smiled when she saw Gemma walk towards her.
“Good morning, Gemma” She said when she reached the table.
“Morning. Um I need to speak with you.” Gemma said looking at the others sitting at the table. She waved to Sabin and Cyrus but she didn’t know who the other Fae were or how she just knew they were Fae.
“These are my warriors, you may speak freely in front of them” Amara said.
“Um, Malcom contacted me” She told her. Amara took a deep breath,
“What did he say” she asked.
“He found out his father’s plans and he is worried about the safety of his pack” Gemma said.
“And” Sabin urged,
“He wants the ones that are loyal to our cause to come here for safety” Gemma answered.
“Absolutely not!” Amara answered. “How can we trust him. He could send in spies to learn our weaknesses and–” Gemma cut her off,
“You can trust me! I am to be alpha female of the Canadian pack! They are my responsibility now and I am not going to leave them to be killed and tortured by that crazy warlock. Either they come here or I go there.”
“Gemma–” Amara tried.
“No, she is right” Cyrus said. “This place was made to protect those who believe in our cause and to ready them for war.” Gemma nodded,
“His Beta’s wife is in her last month of pregnancy, and she will be first.” She informed them. Amara sighed,
“Ok, I will get everything ready. When will she be arriving?” she questioned.
“Thanks. I don’t know yet, I will let you know as soon as I do” Gemma said and then turned to leave.
Ok, it is taken care of. She told Malcom.
Thank you, my jewel. I will let Owen know, he answered. Gemma headed toward their table but the bulletin board caught her eye. She walked over to it and found the job assignments. She found her name with “PM–1 kitchen duty” next to it. She shrugged, got another cup of coffee and decided to grab a cheese Danish before heading back to the table.
“Everything ok?” Hanna asked.
“Ugh, I’m already on kitchen duty” Gemma whined “what’s next laundry?”
“Probably” Madison laughed.
“What shift do you have in the kitchen?” Nicole asked.
“PM–1, whatever that means.” Gemma answered as she took a bite of her Danish.
“Well the kitchen is open 24/7 for the round the clock guards. So PM–1 is 5:00 to 9:00. Each shift is four hours. I’m on PM–1 too so I’ll be able to show you the ropes” Nicole told her.
“Cool” Gemma said and took a swig of coffee. “Wait, so that means we can come in and eat whenever we want?” Everyone laughed, Gemma was about to tell them she wasn’t joking when Hanna cut in.
“So what is class like? Do we just work on our computers the entire time?” Hanna asked.
“No, it’s pretty much like normal school, except all our work and tests are online.” Nicole answered. Just then a tall muscular man walked into to the dining hall.
“That’s our instructor.” Madison gestured to him. If Hanna had to guess, she would say he was in his late twenties; but that could mean he was anywhere from 28–400 years old. He had long blond hair that he had in a low pony tail and a full beard.
“That’s Mac, he is 5th in command of the McKenzie pack” Nicole said.
“5th in command?” Hanna asked.
“It exactly like it sounds.” Gemma said “You have the alpha, then the beta, the 3rd, the 4th, 5th and then the 6th”
“Why stop at 6th?” Hanna asked.
“It doesn’t really. It’s just like wolves in the wild. The alpha and the strongest five wolves are the main protectors of the pack. Then the rest of the wolves figure out their place in the hierarchy their selves.” Jared answered. Hanna rubbed her temples,
“There is no way I am going to be able to learn all this. I am already 17 years behind.” She whined as Mac walked up to their table.
“Hi, I’m Mac, I’m the instructor for the school. I wanted say welcome and give you these,” he handed Hanna, Gemma and Jared each a piece of paper. “This is your username and password to log on to the online classroom and there are instructions how to pull it up on your computer. You’re a week behind so you’ll have to finish week one during your free time. I’ll leave it open until next Monday seven AM.” When they nodded that they understood he clapped his hands together, “Ok, I will see you all tomorrow morning.” Then he headed to the buffet.
~*~
Owen was on his way to speak with Nevia and let her know what was going on when one of the lower wolves stopped him and told him Atticus had summoned him. He headed to Atticus’ quarters and knocked on the door.
“Come in” Atticus’ voice called from inside. Owen opened the door and walked in,
“You summoned me?” he asked.
“Yes, I have spoken with my contact, Felix, and he has confirmed that they are being aided by the Fae. Though he doesn’t know where, apparently only Amara and her warriors are privy to the location.”
“Has he said if he would help us?” Owen asked.
“He wants to think on it, I made him an offer that should be worth betraying his kind.” Atticus replied.
“Atticus, I have a request to ask of you.” Owen said.
“Really? Well this is certainly a first, do tell me what is it?” Atticus asked.
“With Malcom becoming more and more unstable, I worry for the safety of my mate. I would like to send her to stay with her parents until Malcom is taken care of.” Owen told him, knowing that Atticus would see this as a confirmation in his loyalty to him.
“I think that would be a wise decision. I would hate for something to happen to her and then have two crazed wolves to deal with.” Atticus answered “What will you tell Malcom?”
“If he even notices, I shall simply tell him that she is preparing for the birth of our child. Her mother is one of the pack’s midwives.” Owen replied.
“Perfect. I have instructed Malaki to follow up with you from here on out. I expect you to keep me informed to what is happening. I have some things at my mansion that I need to get ready for when our guests get here.” Atticus said dismissing him.
“I will not let you down.” Owen said as he placed his fist over his heart and bowed then left the room. He headed to his quarters where he was about to tell his very pregnant, very emotional mate that she was going to be taking a trip.
~*~
Hanna, Gemma, Jared and their tent mates were all walking toward the common area, for some much needed down time.
“So, what levels are you two?” Hanna asked Madison and Nicole.
“We are both level 3, though we aren’t Mystics, they still want us to learn about it, incase Malcom’s army has Mystics. That way we know how to fight them.” Madison replied
“It’s Atticus’ army, not Malcom’s” Gemma said. “Malcom isn’t a part of his crazy plans to rule. He didn’t even know Atticus was evil until recently.”
“What? How would you know?” One of Jared’s tent mates asked, Gemma thought his name was Steven.
“Because he is my Chosen.” she answered simply. Everyone stopped walking,
“What?” Steven asked. “You’re his Chosen?” His eyes started to glow and he took a step towards Gemma “How do we know you aren’t some spy?”
“Oh don’t be so stupid, do you really think Amara would let me be here if I was a spy.” Gemma replied.
“I don’t know, does she even know you are Malcom Black’s Chosen?” Steven asked. The rest of the kids that were heading to the common area had stopped when they heard this.
Everyone started asking questions at once and getting riled up. One girl came up and started questioning Gemma as well and accusing her of being a spy too. Then the girl pushed Gemma to the ground and accused her of being a murderous monster just like Malcom. Gemma shot back up with her eyes glowing, her canines and her claws extended and she lunged for the girl.
“Enough!” Hanna shouted, the wind started to pick up and she pushed her power out on everyone around her. Everyone except Jared instantly dropped to their knees, necks bared in submission. “What is the matter with all of you? Is this what being a wolf means? There is an evil warlock planning to enslave our race to fight in his war to control this realm! Is this how we are going to fight against him by fighting with each other? If so, then we might as well give up now.” She turned to Steven “You know only the rumors that have been floating around about Malcom. No real proof. Amara herself said that she never saw Malcom when she was imprisoned there.”
“I know he killed my alpha and he deserves justice.” the girl who had pushed Gemma said.
“He was my father, so if anyone will be getting justice for his death it will be me.” Hanna told her “And he broke the most sacred pack law, by taking one that is not your Chosen before the age of 500. A crime punishable by death! We have heard so many things about Malcom and his pack. I wonder what they have heard about us. If he was such a horrible alpha would he still have the biggest pack in North America? His people are staying for a reason and it is obviously not because he is forcing them, since so many here were able to leave.” She let that sink in then continued,
“Gemma is my sister, she only found out recently that she was Malcom’s Chosen so I can guarantee she is not a spy. And if anyone accuses her of such things or anyone else who might come here from her pack, then their punishment will be banishment from the packs. For one who attacks their own shall not be welcome in the pack. Is that understood?” She asked as she pushed one more wave of power over them.
“Yes alpha” they all replied in unison. Hanna pulled back her power and went over to Gemma, interlocked arms with her and then they continued towards the common area.
“Don’t take this the wrong way Red, but I think I am in love with you right now” Gemma told her.
“Get in line” Jared laughed as he wrapped his arm around Hanna’s shoulder and kissed her on the temple. When Gemma saw Steven and his little group of followers head into the common area she stopped,
“Hey, I have a better idea. Let’s go running!”
“Can we?” Hanna asked excitedly, looking to Madison and Nicole.
“There is a small forest, and we can always run the perimeter of the island” Madison answered.
“Let’s go!” Jared said.
“Can we come?” Tony asked.
“Yeah, we don’t feel like being around Steven either.” Micha said.
“Sure” Gemma said “Where to?” She asked Madison. Madison led them out of the tents and to a small tree line, there was a small row of lockers right at the entrance of the woods.
“Those are for our clothes.” Nicole said. “They are locked with Fae magic, so only the owner of what’s in them can open them.”
“That is so cool!” Hanna said, then turned to the boys “ok boys, turn around so we can phase.” All three boys turned in unison.
Maybe next time we can come out here just the two of us, Jared told Hanna through their bond, I would like a repeat of last time. Hanna came around in front of Jared in her wolf form and barked at him wagging her tail.
Why wait, I’m sure we could sneak off, she told him. He smiled down at her,
“Will the ladies please wait in the woods, so we can phase?” Jared asked and heard the barks of agreement. Hanna followed after them as Jared replied, As much as I would love to do that, I do not want to take the chance of anyone catching sight of you naked.
Jared, Tony and Micha all phased and then headed into the woods after the girls. Hanna trotted up to Jared and nuzzled him, then nipped at his paws and jumped back lowering her front to the ground with her rear in the air tail wagging. Jared barked and then pounced, he missed by a hair as Hanna jumped to the side, they played for a couple more seconds when Hanna turned to see that the others were just standing there watching.
What’s up? She asked, all of them except Gemma jumped in surprise.
How can I hear you right now? Hanna heard Nicole’s voice.
We are the alphas of alphas, we are everyone’s pack, so we can talk to all of you and you can talk to us. Jared told them all. They each gave a nod in understanding.
So, why are you all just standing around? Hanna asked
You are the most dominant here, you lead the run, Madison told her.
Oh, ok, Hanna said. Gemma’s wolf came up beside Hanna, making sure she kept her head below Hanna’s and nipped at her feet.
Let’s go Red! Gemma said eagerly.
Hanna barked with excitement and then took off into the woods, Jared right behind her, followed by Gemma. Madison’s grey wolf was running behind her with Natalie’s golden wolf with white socks shortly behind her. Tony and Micha took up the rear, they were both grey wolves, though Tony was a couple shades darker and Micha had a white patch on his chest. First Hanna took them for a run around the perimeter of the island and then she led them back to the forest and started a game of chase dodging back and forth through the trees. Hanna wasn’t sure how long they had been running and playing but when her stomach started to rumble she suggested that they head to the dining hall.
They ran back to the lockers and the guys waited in the woods until the girls had phased and were dressed. Once everyone was dressed they all headed back into the maze of tents, laughing and joking around. They walked into the dining hall and then both girls were attacked by a small flash of red.
“Hanna! Gemma!” Sophie yelled as she ran up and hugged them. Caleb and Lucas came running up behind her hugging them both as well. All three started talking at once about how they got to teleport here and everything they had seen and done since last night. Sophie pulled on Hanna’s arm excitedly,
“Hanna you get to be a wolf too now and mommy too! Daddy said so!” Hanna laughed and picked up her little sister,
“I know, we are going to have so much fun, huh?” she asked. Sophie wrapped her arms around Hanna’s neck and gave her a big hug.
“I missed you Hanna! Aunt Silvia doesn’t read bedtime stories. She just tells us boring pack history” Sophie whined.
“Well it is important to know our history.” Hanna said “But bedtime stories are important too, we’ll have to read some tonight after I finish my job assignment.”
“And Gemma, you have to read more Harry Potter with us. Aunt Silvia wouldn’t let us read it, she said we were there to learn about being wolves not wizards.” Caleb told her.
“Wow, Aunt Silvia sounds like a party pooper to me.” Gemma told them. “Come on let’s get some lunch and you can tell us all about what you did this summer.” Caleb looked up at Jared
“Who are you?” he asked suspiciously.
“I’m Jared, Hanna’s Chosen” He answered.
“Do you like Harry Potter?” Caleb asked.
“Are you kidding? I’ve read all the books and seen all the movies!” Jared replied, Caleb smiled at him,
“Ok, you can be her Chosen.” he concluded, making them all laugh.
“What do you guys do after lunch?” Hanna asked the boys as they walked up to the buffet line.
“We have normal school.” Lucas answered grabbing a plate and piling food onto it. “In the mornings we have wolf school, like what we were doing at Aunt Silvia’s. They told us Caleb and me are gonna have our first phase soon! So we have to go to school every day to make up for the three weeks we will get off once we phase. Isn’t that cool!”
“Caleb and I.” Sasha corrected as she came up behind them. “And it is very cool.” She turned to Gemma and Hanna “how was your morning?”
“It was good” Gemma answered, she grabbed a plate and followed behind the boys “We went for a run around the island.” Sasha laughed,
“Why does that not surprise me? I have Kitchen duty shift PM–2 and your dad is on guard duty then as well, so I’m going to need you girls to watch the kids ok?”
“Yeah, where is your tent though?” Hanna asked as she set Sophie down and handed her a plate and took one for herself.
“We are in the green tents number 13” She answered. “Jared, your mom was looking for you” she told him. “She is sitting at that table” She pointed to a table near the door.
“Ok” Jared said and he piled some more food on his plate and then headed towards his mom. They all finished filling their plates up and then followed Jared. Sophie was going on and on about what she did all summer and the friends she made. Hanna just shook her head and smiled. She had truly missed her younger siblings over the summer. Gemma had just started eating when she heard Malcom through their bond.
My Jewel, my father has gone to his mansion for the time being. Now would be the perfect time for you to retrieve Nevia. Gemma sighed and looked at her food longingly,
Ok, but you owe me two meals now. She heard him chuckle and warmth flowed through her. She turned to Hanna and Jared “You all feel like going on a little field trip?”
“I’m always up for an adventure” Hanna said.
“Where she goes, I follow” Jared told them with a smile.
Spelled
Gemma, Hanna and Jared all landed in the field right outside Malcom’s forest.
“Ow, hey! What happened? I thought you got the landings down.” Hanna complained and she stood up and brushed her pants off.
“I did. I don’t know what happened, I was picturing Malcom’s room not here.” Gemma replied tiredly.
“Maybe it’s because you haven’t had anything to eat except coffee and a Danish.” Jared suggested.
“Yeah maybe, I’ll let Malcom know.” She said but froze when she heard a vicious growl come from behind her. They slowly turned around and saw three wolves, with their hackles raised and teeth barred.
“Gemma talk to them.” Hanna said.
“I can’t, we don’t know who’s side they are on.” She answered,
“Do you think you could teleport again” Jared asked. Gemma tried teleporting closer to Jared and Hanna and nothing happened.
“That would be a negative” Gemma looked around. “We have to get to the woods!” She told them.
“What? Why?” Hanna asked.
“Just trust me.” Then one of the wolves lunged for Gemma, she kicked out her leg and caught it right in the muzzle sending it skidding backwards stunned. “Now!” Gemma shouted as she took off across the clearing, she leaped and phased midair. She chanced a glance and saw that Hanna and Jared were right behind her in their wolf forms and the other three wolves were right behind them.
Malcom! Gemma screamed through their bond. The woods were only a couple feet away she pushed herself harder and then they were there, they had made it to the woods. She didn’t even have time to sigh in relief, before she was brought to the ground by a huge grey wolf. He had pounced on her back pinning her, his teeth sinking in to her back. She yelped in pain and rolled onto her back effectively dislodging him. He attacked again slamming his body into hers and knocking her to the ground.
He went for her stomach but she racked her back paws across his face and bit into the back of his neck, she shook her head back and forth shredding his skin. He whimpered in pain and then bit into her chest and used his body weight to flip her on her back. He grabbed hold of her throat and bit down closing off her air way. She started thrashing her body back and forth, she felt his teeth break her skin and she knew this was the end.
~*~
There was a knock on Malcom’s door,
“Alpha?” Owen called from behind the door.
“Enter” Malcom called. Owen and Nevia walked through the door and Owen closed it behind them. Owen carried a bag in one hand and set it by the door.
“Nevia, you look beautiful, the glow of motherhood shines brightly around you.” Malcom greeted.
“Alpha” Nevia greeted exposing her neck, “you flatter me. I am as big as a moose.” Malcom waved her off,
“Has Owen told you everything?” he asked.
“Everything except who is coming to retrieve her.” Owen replied. Malcom nodded and then looked at Nevia,
“Her name is Gemma, she is pack but also half Fae.” He explained.
“I do not believe I have met her or know of any wolf who is half Fae” Nevia responded.
“You are correct you have never met her. She does not live in Canada” Malcom replied.
“Then how could she possibly be pack–” Nevia froze and her eyes grew round, “She is your Chosen?”
“Yes” Malcom confirmed with a smile.
“Oh praise the Lupa!” She exclaimed.
“Yes, she should have already been here by now though.” He said and concentrated on Gemma. “She is in the clearing. Why would she be there, she was supposed to come here?”
“Alpha, the patrols!” Owen cautioned. Malcom looked up, panic filled his eyes.
Malcom! He heard Gemma scream through their bond.
“I must go! Go to the cottage we will come for you there” he ordered.
“Yes, alpha” They said in unison.
Malcom opened his window and jumped out, phasing into wolf form. He took off running towards the clearing, Gemma’s panic pushing him faster. He was there with in a minute but he didn’t see anyone in the clearing. Then he heard it, wolves fighting off to his right. He ran towards the noise and when the wolves came into view his heart stopped.
~*~
Gemma vision started fading, she could hear the yelping from Hanna and Jared fighting off the other two wolves trying to get to her but it was too late. The wolf tighten his hold on her neck, and she pictured Malcom’s face in her mind. He would be the last thing she saw. Then the wolf was gone, and her lungs filled with air.
She rolled onto her belly and saw that a huge brown wolf was attacking the grey one. He was ruthless as he tore into the other wolf, who didn’t seem to be fighting back at all, he was actually submitting but the brown wolf didn’t care. Then she knew, the brown wolf was Malcom.
Malcom! She shouted through their bond. Malcom stop! He doesn’t know! She stood and started to walk towards him, but she fell to the ground with a yelp at the pain in her chest and throat. Malcom immediately stopped his attack when he heard her yelp, with one last growl at the grey wolf he turned and went to Gemma. She let out a little whimper as he nuzzled her,
You are hurt, my jewel. He stated.
Nothing that won’t heal. She answered him and then looked to the other wolves that had attacked them. She saw that everyone had stopped fighting and was looking at them. You need to talk to them; they don’t know who I am to you. Gemma told him.
That can wait; I need to get you to a healer. Malcom argued.
You need to talk to them, I am already healing, I will be fine. Gemma told him, he knew she was right but he didn’t like it and growled in frustration. He turned to his wolves and phased.
“Phase all of you!” He demanded. They did as they were told, the grey wolf who had attacked Gemma took a little longer but he did as was instructed. He was covered in bite and claw marks, how he was able to stand was a mystery to Gemma.
“Christoph, go get everyone some clothes, speak to no one you come across” Malcom ordered.
“Yes alpha.” the one with black hair said and then took off into the forest. Malcom turned to the wolf that had attacked Gemma,
“Gregor” He spat his name. “My Chosen believes I owe you an explanation for my actions. Do you feel the same?” Gregor’s face went ashen as he looked to his alpha and then to Gemma and back to his alpha. He fell to his knees and exposed his neck.
“No alpha, I except whatever punishment you set forth” he replied. Malcom nodded,
“The only reason you still breathe is because of my Chosen and the sake of your own. To kill any wolf brings the possibility that they are someone’s Chosen that is why we do not kill our own kind except in times of war, to protect one’s own life or one’s pack. Tell me Gregor, are we at war?”
“No alpha” Gregor answered.
“Then explain yourself” Malcom demanded.
“I only meant to cut off her air supply long enough for her to become unconscious, alpha. Then we were to bring them to Atticus as ordered” Gregor explained.
“Who’s orders?” Malcom asked. Gregor looked back at him confused and then answered,
“Yours alpha. We were told that you ordered any and all trespassers to be brought to Atticus” he replied.
“Who gave you my orders?” he asked already knowing the answer.
“Atticus” Gregor replied as Christoph came back wearing a pair of pants and carry more clothes for everyone else.
Christoph first handed a pair of pants to Malcom and then to Gregor and the other wolf. He then placed a pair in front of Jared and then a plain sweater dress in front of Hanna. Who was looking anywhere but at the three naked men before her. He took a step towards Gemma with a dress but stopped short at the growl rumbling from his alpha’s chest. Instead he handed the dress to his alpha and then went to stand next to Gregor and the other man.
“How often do we have trespassers?” Malcom asked.
“Not very often, mostly just humans getting lost. We were told to just chase them out of the territory. But any other wolves or Fae are to be brought to Atticus for questioning” Gregor answered.
“Questioning for what?” Malcom asked.
“We do not ask questions” Christoph answered.
“How long has this been going on?” He asked.
“Years” Christoph replied
“Years?” Malcom questioned.
My mother was prisoner her for years being tortured and questioned by Atticus and his men. Gemma told him through their bond. Malcom turned to look at her, opened his mouth to say something then thought better of it and nodded turning back to his men.
“You have all been deceived, along with myself and Lupa knows who else. I gave no such order. Atticus has betrayed us and has made himself an enemy of the pack. Tell me Brent, how often Atticus gives orders by my command.” Malcom turned to the man with brown hair and a beard.
“Almost daily alpha” He answered. Malcom nodded,
“You will speak of this to no one! No one is to know they were here or of my Chosen. Is that understood?” He said to them.
“Yes, alpha.” they all answered and placed a fist over there heart.
“Owen is already weeding out all those loyal to Atticus over me and they will be banished along with him. They will be marked as traitors to their kind and be forbidden to enter pack territory. You will assist him in this task.” Malcom told them.
“Yes alpha” they all answered again.
“Atticus wishes to start a war. A war he shall get.” Malcom said.
“Gregor, since you owe my Chosen your life, you will serve as her guard until you breathe your last breath.” Malcom commanded “Do you except this?”
“Yes alpha” Gregor answered and cover his heart with his fist. “By the Lupa I swear to protect and die for the heart of the alpha.”
“Brent, take Gregor to the healer, Christoph, I want you to get a feel of who is with us and who is against us. Report back to Owen tomorrow morning. Gregor once you are healed you will go to your home and have everyone pack an away bag. Only the essentials, you and your family will be traveling with the Süda and Owen’s mate. ” Malcom commanded.
“Yes alpha” they all replied and then headed off to complete their tasks. Malcom turned back to Gemma, who was laying with her head on her paws looking up at him. He kneeled before her.
“I am sorry if this is an inconvenience but you will be taking more than just Nevia with you tonight.” Gemma turned and looked at Hanna,
You might want to have lover boy turn his head, she sent through their bond. Jared immediately got up from where he was sitting next to Hanna, picked up the pants he was given in his muzzle and walked behind a tree, Hanna followed him. Gemma looked back at Malcom and phased back into human form. Malcom sucked in a breath when he saw the bite marks on her neck, chest and back.
“I should have killed him” He said as he took her into his arms.
“No you shouldn’t of” She told him sucking in a breath when he touched her wounds. “I am fine, the bleeding has stopped, give me a couple hours and I will be as good as new. Now, help me put this dress on” she told him. Malcom smiled down at her and helped her slip the dress over her head.
“Are you able to teleport?’ he asked her.
“No, I am too weak” She replied.
“Looks like we are walking to this cottage then” Hanna stated as she stepped around the tree. “She is covered” she said to Jared, who came and stood beside her. “Hopefully it’s not the same cottage you killed my father in, because I just don’t think I could handle that right now”
“Hanna!” Gemma exclaimed and then coughed when she inhaled blood from the bite on her neck.
“It is alright my jewel,” Malcom told her then turned to Hanna, “the crimes your father committed were punishable by death, but I did not kill him.” Malcom said.
“What?” Hanna and Gemma said in unison.
“He was my best friend, I couldn’t do it. So instead I had is magic bound and banished him from the pack.” Malcom told her.
“He is alive?” Hanna whispered.
“I would be happy to explain everything, but there will be another patrol soon and I would prefer to have as little people know you are here as possible. Atticus’ magic can make them talk even if I have commanded them not to. This used to be the Northern pack territory before I took over both packs, there is a cottage that their Mystic used to live in before she left the pack when I took command.”
“Ok, let’s go.” Jared said wrapping his arm around Hanna, who still seemed to be in shock. “Gemma is going to need food once we get there, she hasn’t eaten actual food since last night and using her Fae powers was just too much for her. Is there anyone else you can trust to bring us some or should I go hunting?”
“Eww pass” Gemma wheezed.
“You do know that you are a wolf right?” Jared asked laughing.
“I will have Gregor send his son, he is training under his father as a warrior and guard. And to guard the heart of the alpha is the most important and prestigious of duties.” He said smiling down at Gemma who rolled her eyes. He helped Gemma to her feet and when she sucked in a pained breath as she tried to walk. Malcom gently leaned down and picked her up into his arms, gently cradling her against his chest.
“I can walk” She protested.
“Yes, but you cannot walk without hurting yourself. I pledged to protect you, even if that means from yourself.” He replied. She went to speak again, “be still, my heart, and let me take care of you.”
“So are they going to call her ‘heart of the alpha’ all the time?” Hanna asked trying to distract herself from the information she had just been given.
“Yes and no, they will call her Süda, which means heart or they will call her Alpha” Malcom said as he lead them to the cottage.
“Süda?” Hanna asked.
“Do you not know your own history?” Malcom asked surprised.
“I just found out I was a wolf three days ago” Hanna replied. Malcom stopped and turned towards her,
“How is that possible?” he asked,
“My mother bound my wolf and my magic at birth” Hanna answered. Malcom’s eyes began to glow,
“Bound. Your. Wolf?” he asked through gritted teeth. “Such a punishment is worse than death and your own mother did this to you? Because of me? Because of my father.” He turned in disgust and continued leading the way.
“I told you this yesterday” Gemma reminded him.
“Yes, sorry. I was a little distracted by other things” Malcom said giving Gemma a pointed look. She just smiled up at him innocently.
“So why Süda?” Hanna asked again changing the subject.
“Süda means heart in Estonian and since that is the language all magic derives from, that is what the first wolves decided to use when naming their alpha females. Since both alpha male and female are usually together they needed a way to address both of them without confusion. And since ones Chosen is truly their heart personified in another being what better name.” Malcom answered.
“That’s actually really beautiful” Hanna said.
“We are here” he told them. Hanna froze when she realized where she was. She looked at Jared and he too was staring wide eyes. It was the cottage from her dream, but why would she see this cottage.
It is the cottage where your wolf was bound, Jared told her through their bond. Hanna’s wolf growled at that. Everything is going to be fine, I won’t let anything happen to you. Jared told her.
“I don’t see anything” Gemma said looking around.
“It’s right there between the trees covered in vines” Hanna said.
“Wow Red, good eye” Gemma told her. Malcom set Gemma down and waved his hand across the door
“Avage” he said and it opened. At Gemma’s look of shock he said “it means open, I had it spelled so the young wolves couldn’t get in and mess with anything that could help lead me to the cure for this curse. I’ve been coming here for years going through everything in here trying to figure it out. Little did I know that you were the answer all along.” He kissed Gemma on the forehead. She put her hand on his cheek,
“We will get you out of here” she told him.
“Soon but it is not yet time.” He told her as he lifted her back up and carried her into the cottage. As soon as they entered the cottage Malcom laid Gemma on the couch. Hanna stood in the middle of the front room. The power that still lingered was almost palpable.
“There are herbs for healing over on that shelf” He told Hanna as he went over to start a fire in the hearth. He handed Jared a bucket,
“There is a stream behind the house” he told him.
Jared turned and opened the door and came face to face with a huge blond haired man. He had a full beard and a petite, very pregnant, women with him. When the man pushed the woman behind him and his eyes started glowing, Jared put his hands in the air showing he was not a threat.
“Uh, Malcom you wanna tell your friend here that I come in peace?” Jared said.
“Owen stand down” Malcom said as he examined Gemma’s wounds more closely. Owen’s eyes stopped glowing but he still tried to push his dominance on Jared. Jared pushed back and he let his wolf show through his eyes. Owen took a step back and placed his fist over his heart, bowed and exposed his neck.
“My apologies alpha” Owen said and then stood, “This is my mate Nevia.” Nevia stepped forward and barred her neck as well,
“Alpha” she greeted. Jared nodded,
“It is nice to meet you, though I wish it was in better circumstances.” He lifted the pail, “if you will excuse me I have to get some water.” He told them, then walked out the door.
“What has happened?” Nevia asked as she saw Gemma on the couch and rushed over.
“Just a little misunderstanding with the patrol.” Gemma answered as she patted Malcom’s hand and closed her eyes.
“Why isn’t she healing?” Owen asked as he came up behind Nevia.
“I don’t know, the healing process just stopped and the bleeding has started again.” Malcom said as he got up to get a rag.
“Her body does not have what it needs for her to heal, she needs to eat.” Jared said as he came back in with the water.
“Place it over the fire” Malcom told him. Hanna came over,
“I found some yarrow leaves, they will stop the bleeding and act as a bandage.”
“Good” Malcom said. “Owen do you have your cell phone?”
“Yes alpha” He replied.
“Good, call Gregor and tell him to send his son with some food immediately.” Malcom told him. Owen nodded and went outside to make the call. He was gone only a minute before he came back in,
“He will be here shortly. May I ask what happened?” he said.
Jared filled Owen and Nevia in as Hanna placed the Yarrow leaves, Thyme, Lavender and Witch Hazel all in a bowl and crushed them together. She went over to the hearth and took a ladle full of the boiling water and added it to the mixture turning it into a paste. Then walked up to where Malcom was kneeling next to Gemma and handed him the bowl.
“I added Thyme and Witch Hazel for pain and some Lavender to relax her.” She told him. He took it and started placing the mixture on her neck wound.
“I am going to have to undress her to get to the wounds on her chest and back, the females may stay and help.” He told them. Both Owen and Jared nodded and went outside.
“Gemma” Malcom said brushing the hair out of her face, “I am going to need you to sit up, my jewel.” Gemma opened her eyes a nodded,
“This can’t be just because I haven’t eaten anything.” she said looking up at Malcom and then she went unconscious in Malcom’s arms.
“She is right.” Nevia said as she waved her hand over Gemma’s head. “At most it would just slow the healing process not stop it completely.” Nevia closed her eyes and concentrated,
“She has been spelled.” She looked to Malcom “as an attack on you.”
“What how could this be? Atticus doesn’t know!” Malcom told her.
“Not Atticus, this is Mystic magic.” Nevia told him.
“Then why is not effecting Malcom too?” Hanna asked.
“He is protected within the forest from outside attacks. I was one of the Mystic’s who put up the protection after the curse.” Nevia said. “She is half Fae so we will need Fae magic to help heal her, I will do what I can.”
“Jared!” Hanna called and he and Owen came rushing in.
“What’s the matter?” he asked looking around for danger.
“We need to get Amara here now!” She told him. “And we are also going to need to dress her wounds to help stop the bleeding the paste will not be enough.” she said to Malcom as she started to lift Gemma’s dress up. Malcom growled at her and she pulled her hands away. “Move away!” she commanded and both Nevia and Owen’s jaws dropped when Malcom did as commanded against his will.
When Hanna and Nevia started lifting Gemma’s dress, Malcom pushed both Jared and Own back out the door and slammed it shut. Every time he tried to go back to Gemma’s side there was like an invisible barrier like the one around the forest. He growled in frustration and started pacing along the barrier.
“Nevia, help me sit her up so I can apply this to the one on her back. Malcom stop growling and get some bandages so I can wrap her.” Hanna ordered. They worked quickly to get Gemma’s wounds cleaned and bandaged. Malcom becoming more and more angry with not being able to be near Gemma.
“You have finished dressing her wounds, let me come to her.” Malcom practically begged Hanna. She turned and looked at Malcom,
“She may be your Chosen, but she is my sister! You cannot care for her alone, you need help. So except my help or the next time that you growl at me I will make you sit in the corner with your thumb in your mouth like a petulant child who got their favorite toy taken away.” Hanna threatened. Malcom’s eyes grew big and his mouth popped open. Nevia had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. When Malcom nodded in understanding, Hanna nodded back and moved out of the way so he could get to Gemma.
“Thank you” Malcom whispered and then he was at Gemma’s side holding her hand.
The door burst open with a loud bang and Amara, Sabin and Cyrus walked in.
“What has happened” Amara demanded and then Malcom was up against the wall being held there by some invisible power. “What have you done to my daughter, Malcom Black, alpha of the Canadian pack?” Malcom’s eyes looked as if they would pop out of his skull and his face started turning blue.
“Amara!” Hanna shouted “It wasn’t him! She was spelled by a Mystic.” Amara turned her head to face Hanna,
“You are sure?” she asked.
“Yes, now let him go before you kill him!” Hanna shouted and Malcom fell to the floor taking in deep breaths. “She is his Chosen, why would he spell her?” Hanna questioned looking at Amara. Amara turned and looked at Jared who had followed them in,
“You did not say that she was spelled.” She accused.
“You hung up the phone as soon as I got out ‘Gemma’s hurt’” Jared reminded her.
Amara nodded and then went over to Sabin and Cyrus who were both standing over Gemma with their eyes closed and their hands out above her body. A faint yellow glow came from their hands as they concentrated. Amara placed her hand on Gemma’s head and closed her eyes for a few seconds and then she removed her hand and looked at Hanna.
“She it was a Mystic, an alpha at that. No one off of Attu knows she is Malcom’s Chosen. Besides you and Jared there is only one alpha who is a Mystic at Attu.” Amara told her. “The Golden Valley pack alpha.”
“Steven’s dad” Jared said looking at Hanna. Hanna shook her head,
“Can you help her?” she asked Amara.
“Yes, they have already broken the connection to the spell. If you wouldn’t have caught this, she would have been dead by morning. Sabin and Cyrus are helping her body to start the healing process again. Though she is going to need rest and something to eat” Amara said. “How was she injured in the first place?”
“She couldn’t teleport the entire way. We thought it was because she hadn’t eaten.” Hanna explained “We ended up in the clearing and Malcom’s patrol wolves thought we were trespassers and she wasn’t able to teleport again to get us out of there.”
“Not eating can affect our abilities, but she would have to not eat for two to three weeks before she lost the ability to teleport” Amara said.
Malcom was able to stand up then, he seemed very calm but Hanna could tell by the way his eyes were glowing, that he was not calm at all. He kept quiet and started pacing back and forth, never taking his eyes from Gemma. Hanna looked around the room and at everyone in it. She walked over to Owen, Nevia and Jared,
“I think it would be best if everyone who wasn’t absolutely necessary waited outside or in another room. I think all the people around Gemma is really getting to Malcom.” Owen nodded,
“I would be the same way with Nevia.” He said as he took Nevia’s hand and led her outside.
Jared touched Hanna’s arm so she would look at him,
“I am going to wait outside for Gregor and his family. I don’t think it would be safe for him to be around Malcom right now.”
“I agree, his son should be here soon with food too.” Hanna reminded him. He nodded and kissed her forehead then went to stand outside. She noticed how he did not close the door though. Sabin and Cyrus lowered their hands and backed away from Gemma and walked out the door without a word.
“With some food and rest, she should be back to normal in a couple hours.” Amara said brushing the hair off of Gemma’s face. She turned and motioned for Hanna to follow her out. Hanna followed and shut the door behind her. Amara turned back to Hanna,
“What are you going to do about this?” she questioned.
“Me?” Hanna exclaimed.
“You and Jared.” Amara confirmed. “You two are the alphas to the alphas and one of your alphas has attacked another. It is your responsibility to set forth a punishment.” Amara told her,
Hanna stared blankly at Amara then took Jared’s hand and looked up at him.
“In real wolf packs the alpha male does all the work” She teased him.
“Actually, a good part of the time the alpha female will lead while the alpha male just protects the pack.” Sabin said “It’s the same way with your species, sometimes the alpha male takes the lead and other times it’s the alpha female. They work as a team.” They all turned their heads when they heard twigs snapping to the right. Owen breathed in the scent of the new comer and relaxed,
“It is Gregor’s son Sam.” he told the others as a young man with Sandy blond hair and green eyes carrying a huge picnic basket came into view. Hanna froze, panic began pulsing through her.
“Oh crap.” was all she said before the boys eyes landed on her. Confusion washed over his face,
“Hanna?” he asked and then took a deep breath in and his eyes became saucers “you’re a wolf?”
“You know each other?” Owen asked Sam,
“Yeah, we met when I went with my dad in search for the Mystic who cursed the alpha, in Egypt.”
~*~
Gemma opened her eyes and saw the most brilliant chocolate brown eyes looking right back at her.
“Hi” she said. Malcom let out the breath he didn’t even know he was holding and smiled down at her,
“Hello” he replied.
“What happened?” she asked him.
“Someone spelled you trying to get to me.” He told her, “you are fine now though, you just need to eat something and rest.” As if on cue Amara walked in and handed Malcom a giant picnic basket. She looked down at Gemma and smiled,
“I’m happy to see you are awake.” She turned back to Malcom and was all business when she said “Sabin and Cyrus are going to take your beta’s wife along with the other family now. I am going to take Hanna and Jared. I have shielded us but I still don’t feel it is safe for us to stay much longer. I will be back for Gemma once I get everyone settled. I trust you can actually do your job as her Chosen and keep her safe while I am away.” Malcom’s eyes started to glow again.
“She will be safe.” He told her stiffly. Amara nodded then turned on her heals and walked out of the cottage shutting the door behind her. Gemma looked at Malcom then at the door and back at Malcom,
“What was that about?” she asked. Malcom patted her hand,
“Nothing you need to worry about.” He told her and then opened the picnic basket. “I do believe you said I owe you two meals.”
~*~
“I never thought I would see you again.” Sam said to Hanna, “How is Gemma?” He asked and then looked down at the ground, “I am sorry I had to leave the way I did–” He started but was cut off by Amara walking up to him and taking the picnic basket from him.
“You all can catch up later.” Amara told them and then headed into the cottage with the basket.
“Where are your parents and your sisters?” Owen asked Sam.
“We are here.” Came a tired voice from the trees. Then Gregor, a women with a girl who looked to be Hanna’s age and another younger one who looked to be the same age as the twins, came around the side of the cottage”. Jared was staring at Sam,
Who is he to you? Why are you panicking? Jared questioned through their bond.
He was Gemma’s first. Hanna replied. Jared spun to face Hanna,
“What?” he questioned and then when he realized he had said that out loud he smiled at everyone then took Hanna’s hand and pulled her away from everyone.
When you say her first? Jared questioned.
Yes, she lost her virginity to him. Hanna replied. Sam walked up to Hanna and Jared,
“Hey, so about Gemma” he started.
“Did you know she was a wolf?” Jared asked. Sam looked down at the ground,
“Yes, but she didn’t know I was.” Sam said,
“What?” Jared questioned, “You knowingly slept with a wolf who was not your Chosen?”
“I know, I know!” Sam said putting his hands up “but I honestly thought she was my Chosen, I fell for her so hard and so fast, what else could it be. It was just like the stories I heard growing up.”
“But there were no signs.” Jared argued.
“I know, but neither of us were of age, so no mating signs could appear” Sam responded.
“So what happen then? If you thought she was your Chosen why did you just up and leave.” Hanna questioned.
“I finally got my markings” Sam said “but I didn’t have any mating markings. Your mating markings appear when you are around your Chosen even if they aren’t of age yet but are close. My dad got his markings when my mom was only 16, he had to wait two years until she was of age”.
“So instead of explaining yourself, you just disappeared” Hanna said in an accusatory tone.
“I was just so ashamed and crushed that she wasn’t my Chosen” Sam said. Amara had come back out of the cottage and was talking to everyone. “Looks like we are about to go” Sam said. “Is Gemma gonna be where we are going? I really want to apologize and explain everything.” Hanna and Jared just looked at each other trying to decide what to tell him, but before they could decide Amara came over.
“Sabin and Cyrus are going to take you, your family and Nevia to the island.” She turned to Hanna and Jared “I am going to take you two back.”
“But” Hanna started but Amara stopped her by holding her hand up.
“I think everything needs to be taken care of before she returns to the island.” Amara said.
Hanna nodded, then Nevia walked up with Cyrus who place his hand on Sam’s shoulder,
“You ready to get out of here kid?” All Sam could do was nod and then they were gone. Amara looked at Hanna and Jared,
“How do you and Gemma know that boy?” she asked. Hanna shook her head.
“That is a conversation for Gemma and one you should have when Malcom is nowhere around.” She answered and then headed toward the cottage to say goodbye to Gemma.
Judgment
Amara teleported them back to the dining hall. Hanna looked around and saw that it was mostly empty.
“What time is it?” she asked.
“Almost three” Amara answered.
“Really? We have only been gone for three hours? It feels like days.” Hanna replied.
“Everyone will be assembling at the training field at three thirty.” Amara told them. “You have until then to figure out your punishment. You have the complete support of the Fae.” Hanna nodded,
“Ok” she sighed.
“I will leave you two, to discuss it.” Amara said as she walked towards the exit,
“Amara,” Hanna called. “Are the Fae able to make someone forget the location of a certain place? Say a top secret camp where they are training wolf and Fae alike for war?” Amara smiled at Hanna,
“Yes, yes we can.” She said then exited the tent. Hanna looked at Jared,
“What do you think?” She asked. Jared shook his head,
“I am a warrior, I can lead an army and destroy an enemy. I will protect our pack, but the politics of it…” He shook his head “I will support you no matter what.” Hanna nodded,
“By protecting the pack you have to protect them from my bad decisions. So promise me, if you disagree you will tell me.” She replied.
“I promise” He told her.
“Ok, let’s go ahead and eat something and discuss it. Then we can walk over to the training field, wherever it is.” Hanna said.
“It’s in the big orange tent.” Jared told her as he led her to the buffet.
By three forty five everyone was seated in the stadium like bleachers around the training field. Amara stood with Hanna and Jared,
“Are you two ready?” she asked.
“Almost” Hanna said. “What is the alpha’s name?”
“Dalton Weathers” Amara answered.
Hanna nodded and walked to the middle of the training field, Jared right behind her. She pushed her power out and around the entire tent, everyone became silent. Hanna let her wolf come forward a little,
“Dalton Weathers, alpha of the Golden Valley pack come forward.” Hanna demanded in a much more powerful voice then she was feeling. A single man rose from the left of her, he was sitting in the second row. He came down and stood before her. Hanna looked him right in the eye and saw that he knew why he had been called. “You have been accused of crafting a spell in which you placed on one of your own. A spell meant not only to kill the one it was placed upon but also that of their Chosen.” There was a collective gasp from everyone in the stadium. “Do you deny it?” Hanna questioned.
“No” Dalton said without hesitating.
“Did you act alone in this?” She asked.
“Yes” Dalton responded. Hanna nodded,
“Dalton Weathers, alpha of the Golden Valley pack, you have been found guilty for the attempt upon Gemma Stone’s life and that of her Chosen. Before I declare a punishment will any who support this act come now and stand with him.” She said to the crowd. His top five came and stood with them, also the girl who had pushed Gemma earlier came. Hanna looked around the room until she found Steven, Dalton’s son. “Steven Weathers do you not stand with your father?” Hanna asked. Steven stood and stared at his father,
“I do not.” he stated and turned his back to his father. Everyone in the stadiums started talking at once then.
“Silence!” Hanna shouted and pushed her power out among them again. She turned to face the seven wolves in front of her. “From this day forward, you will be known as traitors of the pack. You will be banished from the island and your memory of its location wiped clean. Dalton, you will be stripped of you title as alpha and the Golden Valley pack will no longer exist. You shall bear the mark of the traitor on your neck, so any wolf or pack you come across will see and turn their backs to you.”
“Who are you to be able to set forth such a punishment?” Dalton demanded and he took a menacing step towards Hanna. Hanna threw her hand out in front of her and Dalton and the six wolves around him were on their knees, neck exposed. Hanna’s wolf came to the surface then and her voice took on an otherworldly tone,
“I am the alpha of the alphas, I was the first wolf to walked upon this earth and born to the first Fae-witch to gain their powers and I will be here when the last of us is nothing but dust. I have seen what is to come and have learned from what has been. Who are YOU to question me?” As she spoke new markings appeared on each of the wolves necks. The marking was bright red claw marks slashing across the mark of the Golden Valley pack. The pack markings on their shoulders disappeared.
“You will regret this!” Dalton shouted at her, then a Fae appeared behind each of the wolves and they were teleported off the island. Hanna turned in a circle so she could see everyone in the stadium,
“Let this be a warning to you all, we do not attack our own. Gemma Stone and Malcom Black are one of our own. The evil we fight is the Warlock Atticus. The Canadian pack is not our enemy! Is that understood?”
“Yes alpha” the entire stadium replied. Hanna felt her wolf calm and leave the surface.
“As for the remaining wolves of the old pack, you will join a new pack lead by Sasha and Drustan Tremblay. Which consists of the remaining members of the Southern Canadian pack that fled here, and will from this day forth be known as the Attu pack.” She searched the stadium until she found her parents, “Will Sasha and Drustan come forward.” She watched as her parents rose from their seats and came to stand next to her. “It is important that the strongest and most dominant be the protectors of the pack. So this Saturday there will be a competition to establish who is best suited as the top five. Anyone who wishes to enter may do so. Now, everyone who is not in the Attu pack may return to their job assignments. As for the rest, you have been excused for the day for the pack initiation.”
Once everyone who was not in the Attu pack left, Amara came forward with a large bowl and a knife. She stood in front of Drustan and Sasha,
“Do you pledge to lead and guide this pack? To protect them with your wolf, your weapon, your blood and your life?” she asked.
“We do.” They replied, then Amara held out the knife and each pricked their finger and let a drop of blood fall into the bowel. Amara turned to the rest,
“By adding your blood to this bowl you are bonding yourself with this pack. You will be leaving the old and embracing the new, you will live as one, you will fight as one, you will run as one and you will hunt as one.” One by one, each member came and pricked their finger and let a drop of blood fall into the bowl. Once the last person added their blood to the bowl Amara held it up high above her head and it caught fire. Then she poured it on to the ground,
“Bound by blood and earth may the Lupa bless this pack and watch over it always.” Amara chanted.
Drustan stepped forward and threw his head back and howled. Sasha followed and then each member of the pack joined in. They all phased into their wolf forms and followed Drustan and Sasha out of the tent.
“Where are they going?” Hanna asked.
“They are going to run around their territory.” Jared stated. Amara smiled,
“You did well” She told Hanna. “I am going to go get Gemma now.
~*~
Gemma patted her stomach contently and placed her plate on the floor next to the couch,
“That was amazing.” she told Malcom. He smiled and sent a thank you to the Lupa for not letting Gemma die.
“I am glad you enjoyed it” he told her. Gemma saw that his smile did not reach his eyes,
“What is it?” she asked.
“Someone tried to kill you today. I have never felt such terror in all my years than what I felt when I thought I might lose you.” He told her. Gemma sat up and crawled into his lap, put a hand on each side of his face and looked him in the eye,
“I am not going anywhere. I still have to help save our species, there is a whole prophecy about it and everything” she told him smiling. He smiled back at her and kissed her forehead.
“I will hold you to that” he warned. Gemma lay her head on his chest and snuggled up close to him and closed her eyes,
“I could stay like this forever” She told him.
“As could I.” he replied a he started rubbing her hair. She was almost asleep when there was a knock on the door. “Come in” Malcom called. Amara walked in and smiled at Gemma,
“You look much better” she told her.
“I feel better” She replied.
“That is good, a lot has happened today. I never really paid much attention to human traditions but I am beginning to agree that Sundays should be the day of rest.” Amara rambled on trying to hide just how worried she was about Gemma. Gemma saw right through her though and stood up, walked over to her and hugged her. Amara sighed and hugged her back then pulled away and placed her hand on Gemma’s cheek. “I have just gotten you back. You are not allowed to die, I forbid it.” She finished with a smile. Gemma smiled back and then she realized what Amara had said.
“Wait, today is Sunday?” she asked.
“Yes, why?” Amara asked
“Today is Hanna’s birthday. I can’t believe I forgot. Did everyone else forget too?” She asked. Amara smiled,
“It is all being taken care of.” She assured her.
“What do you mean?” She asked
“You and Hanna were asked to babysit your siblings tonight, correct?” Amara hinted.
Gemma caught on and smiled,
“Yes, yes were” she replied.
~*~
Later that evening Hanna and Jared were walking towards her parent’s tent so she could babysit.
“I hope Gemma is doing ok, I expected her and Amara to be back by now” Hanna said.
“I am sure they are fine”, Jared reassured her. They made it to her parent’s tent and stopped, Hanna turning to Jared.
“Thank you for coming tonight, I know this probably wasn’t your first choice of ways to spend your down time.” Hanna told him looking down.
“Hey” he lifted her chin with his finger, so she would look at him. “There is nowhere else I would rather be” he said leaning down and kissed her.
“Ew gross!” Caleb whined. He had come out to see what was taking them so long. “Dad says stop smooching and come in they have to get to their job assignments.” Then he disappeared back into the tent. Both Hanna and Jared laughed, he took her hand and led her into the tent.
“SURPRISE!” Everyone shouted. “Happy Birthday Hanna and Jared!”
“It’s my birthday?” Hanna asked taken completely off guard. “I totally forgot” She laughed. “Wait it’s your birthday?” she asked Jared.
“We were born the same night.” He said with a smile.
Hanna looked around the room and saw her parents with the twins and Sophie, Jared’s parents, Madison and Nicole. Along with Jared’s tent mates. Then off to the side she saw Gemma. She went straight up to her and hugged her; “I am glad you are ok.” She told her and squeezed her one last time before she released her.
“Forget about me Red, it’s your birthday!” She leaned in and whispered “and I might have made a little trip while I was “showering” and gotten us a little something special to celebrate with back at our tent later” she told her then winked. Hanna laughed,
“Yep you are totally fine, nothing to worry about.” Then she remembered Sam and was about to tell Gemma when her dad came over and gave her a big hug.
“Happy birthday Banana.” He told her and she smiled at the nickname he had given her when she was little. “What are you two over hear whispering about, you’re missing out on the party.” He told them as he ushered her off to her mom.
“Happy birthday sweetie” She told her and hugged her close “I am so proud of you.”
“Thanks mom” Hanna replied and hugged her back. She went over and greeted Jared’s parents, then Madison and Nicole who were talking with Gemma by the food. Which Hanna noticed was half Cajun cuisine and half hot wings and pizza, which she knew was Jared’s favorite.She smiled and loaded up her plate and joined the girls. They were telling Gemma about the initiation ceremony and then how the entire pack ran the territory together.
“It was so cool”, Madison said. “I wasn’t of age when my family moved to the Golden Valley pack so I didn’t get to go to the initiation.”
“Why not?” Hanna asked.
“I was still under my parents, not yet my own wolf.” Madison explained.
“So now that you are of age, you could join a different pack than your parents?” Hanna asked.
“Yes” Madison answered, Hanna shook her head.
“Is there a book on all this? I am good at reading books, give me a book and I’ll know all there is to know in three days” She told them.
“Sorry Red, no book” Gemma said.
“Yeah I didn’t think so” Hanna said as she popped a shrimp from her gumbo into her mouth.
“Did you see the Canadian pack members?” Nicole asked “There are six of them, and the older boy is so cute.” Hanna looked to Gemma who just shook her head,
“No, I haven’t got to see them yet” she told them.
“Who is going to lead them while they are here since Malcom is still stuck in the forest?” Madison asked.
“Well Gemma of course, she is the alpha female” Hanna responded.
“Not technically” Nicole replied “She may be their Alpha’s Chosen but she doesn’t become alpha female until they mate.”
“What?” Hanna asked looking at Gemma.
“It’s just a formality, I don’t think they will challenge me.” Gemma said.
“Maybe not the ones that are here, but what about the ones to come?” Nicole asked.
“But who would accept their claim?” Madison asked “People are still a little unsure about Malcom, even though they know that Atticus is really the one behind all the horrible things.”
“I would” Hanna said. “I have seen them together, and Malcom looks at Gemma like she is the first sunrise after and eternity of night” Hanna said.
“So you accept their claim?” Nicole asked.
“Yeah, why not?” Hanna asked her.
“You’ve only seen them together once and you don’t even know him or what he is like.” Nicole stated
“I know Gemma and if she says he is ok, then that is all that matters” Hanna replied.
Nicole just shrugged obviously not in agreement but not wanting to argue. Then Madison chimed in trying to change the subject,
“How cool would it be, if this new guy is someone’s Chosen?” she asked excitedly. Everyone smiled and laughed at that,
“Such a romantic” Nicole said.
“What? Why should I have to wait until I am 60 or older until I find my Chosen, both Hanna and Gemma have found theirs.” Madison argued. Nicole put her hands up in surrender,
“You’re right, I’m sorry. Anything is possible” she agreed.
“Uh, yeah speaking of the new guy, Gemma I need to talk to you.” Hanna said as she took her by the arm and led her out of the tent. “We’ll be right back” she told everyone.
“What is going on Red?” Gemma asked.
“The new guy is Sam.” Hanna blurted out, not knowing how else to say it. Gemma’s smile faded and she looked right at Hanna,
“Sam, Sam? Like Egypt Sam?” she asked.
“Yes” Hanna answered bracing herself for a full on Gemma freak out.
“He is a wolf?” She asked.
“Yes” Hanna replied again.
“Did he know I was?” She asked. Hanna nodded.
“And he still chose to sleep with me knowing I was a wolf and that it was forbidden.” She asked.
“He thought you were his Chosen.” Hanna explained, “He said he fell for you so hard and so fast that he thought that had to be the reason. But when he got his markings and no mating marks he knew he was wrong.”
“He thought? He thought! So instead of telling me he was a wolf and telling me he thought I was his Chosen, someone who deserves to have their claim accepted by an alpha and a proper mating, he decides to keep it a secret! Taking my decision out of it completely. I was with another’s Chosen!” Gemma exclaimed. Hanna didn’t reply, she just stood there with her. And then Gemma started walking in the direction of the dining hall.
“Gemma what are you doing?” Hanna asked, when she didn’t answer Hanna continued “Gemma stop, don’t do anything you are going to regret. Gemma!” When she still didn’t answer all Hanna could do was follow her.
When they got to the dining hall Gemma stopped and looked around. Just as she thought, Sam was sitting there with Sabin and Cyrus. She could hear them telling the new comers about the island and what they could expect and what would be expected of them. Gemma started walking right for them. Sam was laughing at something Cyrus had said when he caught site of Gemma and his face fell. Gemma was almost to the table, her heart was pounding. Sam stood up,
“Gemma” He started.
Gemma smacked him and it echoed across the entire dining hall. Everyone at the table froze. “You have shamed me and shamed your pack!” Gemma seethed “With an act that is punishable by death!”
“Only if you are of age.” Sam argued and the next thing he knew he was looking up at the ceiling. Everyone at the table stood when Gemma punched Sam, Gregor was the first to speak,
“What is going on? Samuel what have you done?” he asked looking between the two. Sam stood up and rubbed his jaw.
“It was two summers ago, we weren’t of age.” He started to explain.
“You kept yourself shielded! I had no idea you were a wolf!” Gemma shouted.
“Would that really have made a difference?” Sam asked. Gemma lost it then and pushed all her power on to him. His back was on the table and her hand was around his throat. No one moved or said anything, they just watched with wide eyes.
“It would have made all the difference. I would never touch one who belonged to another. I was hiding in the human world from my kind, I never thought I would find my Chosen, so being with a human was acceptable. But knowingly being with another wolf who is not your Chosen, of age or not is completely unacceptable and is disgraceful.” Gemma hissed at him then she released him. “You have until the next full moon to find a new pack, or I will banish you from this island!” Gemma told him in the calmest voice she could muster, then stormed out of the tent, Hanna following closely behind her. Gregor looked at Sam,
“You have shamed us all.” he told him shaking his head.
“Dad, I honestly thought she was my Chosen.” He argued.
“Then you should have presented your claim to your alpha!” Gregor shouted “Have you learned nothing about how you honor your mate! Would you have some wolf treat your sisters as such?” Sam hung his head,
“No” he whispered. Gregor shook his head,
“I had such high hopes for you in the pack, but now that can never be. You must find a new pack.” He told him.
“What? You agree? She can’t make me leave!” Sam argued.
“She is the Süda! Do you honestly think Malcom Black will let you stay in his pack once he finds out you have touched what is his? You will be lucky if he does not kill you!” Gregor shouted. Sam’s face went ashen,
“But where will I go?” he asked.
“There is a competition this Saturday for a place in the top five of the Attu pack” Cyrus told him “I suggest you compete and win one of those spots. But considering that the alpha is Gemma’s father, I am thinking you shouldn’t mention this to him.” Sam placed his head in his hands,
“I really did love her” he told them.
“And that, my boy, is the only reason you are still breathing” Cyrus said patting him on the back.
~*~
Hanna followed Gemma back to their tent and into their room.
“Gemma are you ok?” she asked.
“I was ok with it before I knew he was a wolf, so I should be ok with it now. But I just can’t help feeling tainted now. I mean what if I would have been of age. I didn’t know he was a wolf so I probably would have done the same thing but would he? She answered as she plopped down on the bed.
“Are you going to tell Malcom?” Hanna asked.
“Not until Sam is in another pack.” Gemma answered and when Hanna gave her a questioning look she continued “I don’t want him dead Hanna!” she exclaimed. Hanna nodded,
“Good point.” then Hanna went over and sat next to Gemma. “Want me to make him dance naked in the dining hall tomorrow?” she teased. Gemma laughed and nudged her with her shoulder, then she finally realized that Jared wasn’t anywhere in sight.
“Where is Jared? I don’t think you two have been apart this long while you have been awake since your first phase.” Gemma told her.
“He is back at the party, I told him you needed some girl time. And it’s probably good he isn’t here now anyways. Because not going to lie, after seeing you take down Sam like that, I have a serious girl crush on you right now.” Hanna answered hoping to cheer Gemma up. Gemma started laughing and shoved her a little. “No seriously, I wanna have your babies, so Jared and Malcom are just going to have each other because I’m not in to sharing.” she teased her some more barely able to keep a straight face when saying it.
At the image of Jared and Malcom holding each other crying, Gemma lost it, she laughed so hard her stomach started cramping. She sent the image to Hanna through their pack bond and she too started laughing uncontrollably. Madison and Nicole walked into their room then.
“Wow, did you all start the after party without us?” Nicole asked. Hanna calmed down a little and wiped a tear from her eye,
“Gemma just needed some cheering up” Hanna explained.
“We wanted to see if you two wanted to come to the common area with us?” Madison said “I think the new Terminator is on in the movie room.”
“That actually sounds really good. Jared and I didn’t get to watch it the other night.” Hanna said “You wanna go?” She asked Gemma.
“You all go ahead, I am still feeling a little tired. I think I am just gonna head back to mom and dad’s tent to get some more food and some cake then go to bed.” Gemma answered.
“Jared is still there and about to head over, you want me to have him bring you a plate?” Hanna asked.
“Yeah, that sounds good, thanks Red.” Gemma answered.
“I’m going to pop some popcorn to take with us.” Hanna said and headed into the kitchen area.
“They have all that stuff there.” Nicole told her following her out of the room.
“Yeah it’s literally like a mini movie theatre.” Madison added, following them out. Gemma sighed, today was crazy but one thing was still bothering her,
Hey, brown eyes. Gemma called to Malcom through their bond. Can I ask you something?
Of course, he responded. Is all well, you closed the bond but I still felt your anger.
Yeah, I’m fine. But one of the girls here said, that I am not really the alpha female of the pack yet, because we are not mated. So I won’t be able to control our pack here. Is that true? She asked.
Technically yes, but I don’t think anyone would challenge you. If nothing else, you are the alpha’s Chosen that alone requires their respect. He responded.
Ok, any more news about your dad? She asked.
No, but I do have two more families getting ready to come there. We are starting with the wolves in the outer villages. My father never goes there so he will not notice they are missing. He told her.
When will they be ready? She asked
They can be ready at a moment’s notice, but I want you to rest after the day you have had. He told her. Hanna popped her head into their room,
“Your food is her Gem, we are going to head on over now. Are you sure you don’t want to come?” She asked. Gemma nodded and stood up and followed her into the kitchen area, where a huge plate of food was waiting on the table.
“That looks amazing! Thanks Jared.” She told him. He was standing by the entrance of the tent.
“No problem.” He replied and held his hand out to Hanna and she walked toward him.
“We’ll see you later Gem, let me know if you change your mind. Madison was talking about playing some pool after the movie.” Hanna told her.
“Ok” Gemma replied with a mouth full of food and a wave. Once they were gone Gemma hurried and finished the food and then went back into her and Hanna’s room. She went over to her bag, which she still hadn’t unpack and pulled out her silky red night dress, she had gotten on sale at Victoria Secrets.
“This should do.” she told herself as she changed into it. She checked her reflection in the mirror on her dresser. Then she started concentrating on Malcom, she saw him sitting in the chair in his room in front of the fireplace. She felt the drooping sensation in her stomach and then she was there standing behind him.
He didn’t even notice her. She looked at the door and remembered what Malcom had said to shield it the last time she was here. She knew that all magic started with the Fae and since she was half Fae she decided to give it a try,
“Kilp” she said and waved her hand toward the door. She was ecstatic when she saw the faint blue light flow out of her hand and to the door.
Malcom shot up from his chair and faced her, and froze. She felt his gaze travel up and down her body. He opened his mouth to say something and then closed it again.
“Hi” Gemma said with a smile.
“Hello.” He finally got out after clearing his throat. “W–what are you doing here?” he asked.
“What do you think I am doing?” she asked back as she slowly walked around his chair so she was standing in front of him. He reached out and ran his hands up and down her arms,
“You look like you are up to no good.” He told her as his eyes started to glow.
She smiled at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She twisted her fingers into his hair and pulled his head down and met his lips with her own. Malcom wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her even closer and deepened the kiss. Gemma moved her hands to his chest and gently pushed him back into his chair, then straddled his lap, without ever breaking their kiss.
“Gemma we shouldn’t.” Malcom said between kisses.
“Why not?” She asked pulling back.
“Because, I want to do this right. We need an alpha to accept our claim to one another, and the ceremony. Not to mention we have only just met each other.” He stated.
“The ceremony is not a requirement. And an alpha has already accepted our claim to one another.” Gemma told him.
“What? Who?” He asked.
“Hanna. She told me tonight. And I don’t want a ceremony and if we wait for all this to be over it could be years. I almost died today, I don’t want to wait.” She told him.
“Is this because of what your friend said about not truly being alpha female?” Malcom asked.
“No, but this would clear up any conflicts about it.” She told him.
“Forgive me, I don’t want you to think I don’t want to, because I do, but again we have only just met and usually when one of your age has met their Chosen it is custom for them to court for a year, we have only known each other a couple days.” He told her.
“We are not your common wolf pair, I do not need a year courtship.” She told him.
“but–” he started and then she placed her finger on his lips.
“I am yours and you are mine, I promise to protect you and love you, to never leave your side unattended and to be everything you need, I shall lay my life down before I let harm come to you or see you unhappy” She quoted “Is that not what you said to me?” she asked.
“It is.” He replied smiling, then the next thing he knew he felt a dropping sensation and was laying on his back on his bed with Gemma on top of him.
“Well here I am, love me. Be what I need.” She told him. Malcom sat up so they were nose to nose his eyes glowing.
“My pleasure.” He told her and then he kissed her.
He ran his hands up her thighs, to her back then into her hair, where he knotted his fingers and gently pulled her head back to expose her neck. Gemma moaned as he gently bit the spot beneath her ear. He kissed his way down her neck until he got to the spot where her neck met her shoulder and he felt his canines lengthen.
Are you sure, my jewel? He asked through their bond.
Yes, she replied and then he sank his teeth into her skin.
Gemma let out a moan and grabbed onto Malcom’s shoulders. She had been expecting pain, but had gotten the exact opposite. Malcom pulled back and licked the wound clean. He looked Gemma in the eyes and she could feel the magic of the bond starting to work. She grabbed the hem of his shirt and lifted it over his head. She rubbed her hands over his muscled chest and then placed a kiss over his heart. She slowly left a trail of kisses until she was at his neck where it meets his shoulders. She felt her canines growing and his hands on her back pressing her closer. She bit into him then and he growled in pleasure. She was surprised by how good his blood tasted, it was almost like a spiced rum but without the bite of the alcohol. She wasn’t sure how she knew when she had, had enough to finish the bond but she did and pulled back and licked the wound clean like he had done for her.
Malcom kissed her then and held her close as the bond completed. Gemma could feel a slight burning on her hands as her markings were completed. Malcom pulled back and looked her in the eye,
“We don’t have to do anything else.” He told her “We can wait as long as you want.”
Gemma smiled at him and then lifted her night dress over her head and threw it on the floor as an answer. She didn’t think it was possible but his eyes started to glow brighter and then he was on top of her. He kissed her passionately then moved down her jaw to her neck. He told her how beautiful she was and told her of the future he saw for them, going back and forth between English and French. He had promised to fulfill her every need and never leave her unattended and he kept his word.
~*~
Atticus, walked into the mansion and straight to his son’s quarters. He went to knock and was surprised to find that his room was shielded. Not very well, whoever had shielded it was new with magic. He waved his hand across the door and was surprised to find that it was Fae magic. “Avalduma” he spoke as he waved his hand across the door again. Which alowed him to get a glimps of what was going on inside. All he was able to see was the bareback of a female with blond hair.
Good, he needs something to keep him distracted while I work, he thought to himself. Then he saw Malcom’s hand cup the back if her neck and he saw the markings on his hands. Atticus staggard back losing his consentration and the shield went back up.
“His Chosen!” he gasped. Atticus turned and headed towards Owen’s quarters, if the beta knew about this, he would make sure he suffered along with his mate and child. Atticus pounded on Owen’s door then entered without being invited. Owen was coming out of his bedroom,
“What has happened? Did they find them? I haven’t recieved a call.” Owen told him.
“No they haven’t found them, this is much more important. My son has found his Chosen!” Atticus told him. Owen’s mouth popped open and he stared at Atticus in disbelief. He closed his mouth and then opened it to say something but then closed it again.
“But how?“ He finally asked. Atticus relxed, he could tell that Owen was surprised and knew nothing of Malcom’s Chosen.
“I do not know. She is Fae though, I felt her magic shielding his room. A Fae has never been a wolf’s Chosen before. Imagine how powerful their children will be. Part wolf, warlock and Fae! With the proper influence they could do amazing things.” Atticus said as he thought of all the possibilities. “But first we need to figure out how to break this curse.”
“The curse?” Owen asked “What does she have to do with the curse?”
“She is the key to breaking it.” Atticus replied.
“But how?” Owen asked.
“The Lupa is the one who cursed myself along with my son to this land. Do you truley think she would let one of the Fae be cursed here as well?” Atticus questioned.
“No, but how will you curse a Fae?” Owen asked.
“By having my son get her pregnant. Then she too will be curse here and the Lupa will have to lift the curse. Then I will be free and also have control over the most powerful baby in the realms.” Atticus smiled.
“You would steal your sons child?” Owen questioned. Atticus looked at Owen carefully realising he had said too much, he waved his hand towards Owen,
“Unustama” he said causing Owen to forget everything he just said about his son having a child. “I want you to go to Malcom in the morning and see if you can get him to tell you about his Chosen and possibly arrange a meeting. I need to know what she knows of his curse and I will need some of her blood.”
“Her blood?” Owne asked.
“Yes, I will need it to cast a spell to remove the curse.” He told him.
“I will not let you down.” Owen told him fisting his hand over his heart. Atticus nodded and headed for the door, he had to go back to his home and gather some ingredients for some spells. The idea of finally getting out of this forest thrilled him like nothing ever had before.
Mated
Jared walked Hanna, Madison and Nicole back to their tent.
“Am I the only one completely amazed that the Fae are able to fit a movie theatre, arcade, video game room, billard tables and Lupa knows what is beind the other doors all in one tent!” Hanna exclaimed.
“It is pretty awsome” Madison replied. “But its proabaly more amazing for someone who grew up not knowing anything like this even exsisted.”
“Well there is one plus about the whole situation” Hanna said. “Too bad Gemma missed it though.”
“We can always go back tomorrow, though they won’t be showing a new movie until Saturday” Nicole said.
“They play the same movie all week?” Hanna asked
“That way everyone will get a chance to see it. With all the different job assignment schedules” Nicole answered.
“I get that” Hanna said nodding. They came up to their tent and Madison and Nicole waved by to Jared and headed inside. Hanna smiled and turned to Jared,
“Want to come in and work on the schoolwork we missed last week?” She asked.
Jared smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close,
“Do you really think we would get any work done?” he replied.
“Depends if Madison and Nicole stayed in their room or not.” She smiled back before leaning up on her tip toes and kissing him. Jared deepened the kiss as Hanna wrapped her arms around his neck. Some one cleared their throat and they pulled apart, it was Amara. She smiled at them,
“I was just coming to tell you that after todays events with Gemma and how well you all reacted, you will be testing tomorrow to see which tent training would best suit your needs.” She gestured towards the tent “Is Gemma inside?”
“Yeah, Jared brought her some left overs from the party and she succesfully ate her way into a food coma.” Hanna replied.
“Food coma?” Amara asked raising one eye browl. “You have spent too much time with the humans” she smiled shaking her head. “Ok, well I will leave you to tell her in the morning. You should probably get some rest too, Gemma is not the only one who needs it.” She finished,
Taking the hint Jared kissed Hanna goodnight and headed toward his own tent. Hanna smiled after him and looked back at Amara,
“Good night” She told her.
“Hanna, where is Gemma?” Amara asked.
“What? She is inside.” Hanna said gesturing towards the tent.
“I can not feel her presence” Amara said. Hanna stared back in shock,
“You didn’t know?” Amara questioned.
“No, she said she was tired and going to bed.” Hanna replied.
“Can you try and sence her or comunicate with her? Since you are the alpha to all alphas you should beable to” Amara said.
“Yeah I’ve done it before,” Hanna said consentrating on Gemma. She felt a huge wave of emotions, emotions she only felt when she was with Jared. Realizing what was happening Hanna imediatly pulled back,
“Oooohh.” She said dragging out the word “Um, well she isn’t in danger” she told Amara.
Amara raised both her eye browls waiting for her to continue, when she didn’t she asked,
“where is she?”
“Um, no offense, but she is safe–” Hanna started.
“She is with Malcom isn’t she?” Amara asked.
“Yep” Hanna answered as she headed into her tent. “See you in the morning!” Amara shook her head after the girl.
“Thats it? You aren’t going to tell her to come home?” She called after her.
“Ha! Yeah right! Not even if the Lupa herself asked!” Hanna replied from inside the tent. But Amara didn’t think she was meant to hear it. Cyrus walked up behind her then.
“Word has gotten out to the outside packs that the Prophaside couple have been found and the fact that Malcom Black is not the true enemy.” He informed her.
“And?” Amara asked.
“The Fairbanks pack has contacted us. They are willing to join with us.” He told her.
“The Fairbanks pack? But that is Zelina’s pack.” Amara replied.
“Turns out when she found out we were no longer after her brother but her father she was more then willing to join.” Cyrus replied “They will be on the next ship” he told her. She nodded,
“We are going to need more tents.” she told him.
~*~
The sun was shining through the window woke Gemma. She opened her eyes and for a second didn’t know where she was. Then she reliazed that she was laying in Malcom’s arms and all the memories from the previous night came flooding back. She smiled to herself and stretched her arms over her head. She found even though she probably only got a couple hours of sleep that she felt more rested then she had in a long time. Malcom stirred next to her and opened his eyes. He smiled down at her,
“Good morning mate” he greeted.
“Good morning” She smiled up at him.
“How did you sleep?” He asked her.