Violet Moon by Jennifer Minton (4)

“Amazingly” She replied “but I have to go, I’m probably already late.” She said gesturing to the sun shining through the windows.

“We are four hours a head of your little island” he told her. “So we have plenty of time before you have to leave.” He said as he rolled on top of her. Gemma started giggling, then there was a knock on the door. They both froze “who is it?” Malcom called.

“Alpha” Owen called. They both instantly relaxed and then Malcom rolled out of bed and slipped on a pair of pants and tossed Gemma a shirt.

“Come in, Owen” Malcom called.

“Alpha? Your room is shielded.” Owen stated. Malcom turned to Gemma, looking at her expectantly.

“Don’t look at me, I just repeated what you said the last time I was here, I don’t know how to undo it.” Gemma told him. He shook his head and smiled at Gemma ,

“Say, ’abastamine’ and extend your hand to the door. It means release.” Gemma extended her hand towards the door then repeated the word that Malcom had said.

“Vabastamine”, the soft blue light shot out of her hand again.

“You may enter, Owen” Malcom called. They heard the door in the main room open and close then Owen walked in and placed his fist over his heart and exposed his neck to Malcom.

“Alpha” and then he exposd his neck to Gemma “Süda”. He stood back up “Atticus knows of your Chosen, he saw you with her last night.”

“What? How?” Malcome asked.

“He felt the Fae magic coming from your quarters and was curious. He does not know she is also wolf. He says that she is the key to breaking the curse, that now all he has to do is a spell and then you both will be free to leave the forest.” Owen told him.

“Really a spell, thats it? What do I have to do with it then?” Gemma asked.

“He says he needs your blood for the spell.” Owen  replied.

“Blood magic!” Gemma exclaimed “No, absolutly not. The Lupa would not make the key to the curse be blood magic. He is up to something else.”

“Gemma is right.” Malcom said. Owen nodded,

“There is more. I recieved a phone call last night.” he told them.

“From who?” Malcom asked.

“Zelina.” Owen replied. Malcom’s mouth popped open and his mind started going a mile a minute. Gemma was able to grasp on to one word.

“You have a sister?” She asked.

“What did she say?” Malcom asked Owen.

“She told me that she had heard some rumors and she wanted to know if they were true. When I confirmed the rumors, she told me to tell you that she will be with the ones of the prophacy.” Owen relayed the message. Malcom fell into his chair and ran his hands through his hair.

“I haven’t heard from her in 200 years.” His eye grew large and he looked up at Gemma, “since she tried to tell me that our father was behind the Canadian pack wars.”

“What happended after that?” Gemma asked.

“She left when I refused to believe her. She went to Alaska and found her Chosen and is now the Alpha female of the Fairbanks pack.” Malcom told her.

“The Fairbanks pack? That is the pack of Mystics, it is the most magically powerful pack in North America, possibly the world. I don’t think they have a single normal wolf in the pack.” Gemma said. Malcom nodded,

“Did she leave a number to reach her?” He asked Owen.

“No, but she said she was looking forward to meeting your Chosen.” Owen said.

“How could she possibly know that?” Gemma asked.

“Apparently the old Golden Valley alpha is trying to find a place in a pack but he has been marked a traitor. He didn’t know he was talking to your sister when he started bragging about almost murdering Malcom Black and his Chosen.” Owen replied.

“Really? Who brags about almost killing someone?” Gemma questioned.

“Regardless, he won’t be bragging to anyone about it anymore. Apparently your sister, took his ability to speak.” Owen said with a smile.

“Oh, I have a feeling I am going to like her.” Gemma said. Malcom looked at Gemma completly oblivious to her and Owens jesting,

“Do you think you could get her to call me when you see her?” He asked.

“Why don’t I just bring her here so you can talk?” She asked.

“Because then she would be cursed here as well.” Malcom replied. Gemma nodded,

“Ok, I should probably get going too, I wanna be there when Hanna wakes up.” She told him. Malcom nodded then got up from his chair and walked over to her. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and kissed her passionatly. Gemma was a little dizzy when he finally pulled back

“I will miss you.” He told her. She sent him some flashes from her memory of the their night together through their bond,

“I know you will” she told him and then she was gone.

Gemma was back in her and Hanna’s room and she heard Malcom growl at her through their bond,

Two can play at that game, my jewel Malcom told her and then sent her some memories of his own. Gemma felt her cheeks grow warm and was grateful that Hanna was still sleeping. She looked at the alarm clock on her bedside table and saw that it was five in the morning. She decided to go take a shower and get dressed.

Gemma was walking back into their room when Hanna woke up. Hanna was about to ask her how her night was when she saw Gemma’s hands. Her mating markings were completed.

“Oh, Gemma what did you do?” She asked. Gemma immediatly placed hands inside her hoodie pockets looking up at Hanna.

“Don’t look at me like that Hanna, I didn’t do anything wrong.” She told her.

“You completed your mate bond! Without having a claiming ceremony or telling anyone!” Hanna exclaimed.

“I didn’t need a ceremony, besides you accepted my and Malcom’s claim to one another.” Gemma replied.

“No I did not–” Hanna started “Oh, yes I did.” Hanna said as her hand flew to her mouth. “Well I didn’t mean it like that and you know it!” Hanna scolded.

“No I didn’t.” Gemma lied.

“Well if you didn’t think you were doing anything wrong then why did you hide it!” Hanna asked. Gemma sighed,

“You’re right, I am sorry. But Hanna this is something I needed to do, not only for myself but for my pack.” Gemma told her. Hanna sighed then nodded,

“As an alpha I understand, but as your sister I am very upset that you pretty much got married and didn’t tell me or let me be your maid of honor or whatever the equivalent for wolves is.” She told her. Gemma smiled and got up from her desk and went and tackled Hanna with a hug,

“I am sorry. I love you, don’t be mad!” She cried in a whiney voice. Hanna started laughing,

“Fine, fine I forgive you! Now get your mated butt off me! Hanna laughed. Gemma laughed and jumped off the bed and went and sat at her desk,

“Hurry up and get ready we have 30 minutes before we have to be at combat training.” She told her.

“Fine, I would find some gloves though, when mom sees your hands she is going to kill you.” Hanna told her as she headed out the door to go take a shower. Gemma winced, wondering how long she could hide it from their mom.

 

~*~

 

Gemma and Hanna walk into the big yellow tent and their friends and Jared were already there sitting in the first row of seats. They smiled and walked over to them. Jared pulled Hanna onto his lap and kissed her soundly.

“Goodmorning” Jared whispered as he pulled back from their kiss.

“Goodmoring” Hanna replied with a shy smile, she felt everyone looking at them and her cheeks warmed. Just then Sabin and Cyrus came walking into the tent followed by a small group of wolves.

“Ok, everyone lets go ahead and get started, everyone get into your groups.” Cyrus said “Jared, Hanna and Gemma go with Sabin, he will see what level you are at and assign you to a group”.  Sabin made a motion for them to follow him to the back of the tent. As he walked to the back Sabin stopped by one of the groups and asked Tony and Micha to follow him as well. Once they were in the back Sabin turned to Jared.

“Are you going to be able to control yourself, while your Chosen spars with another male or do I need to restrain you?” Sabin asked.

“Why would he need to be restrained?” Hanna asked.

“Male’s are very protective of their Chosen, especially when it comes to other males touching them.” Gemma answered.

“I can control myself.” Jared answered.

“Ok, Tony is in the moderate group so you will spar with him first. If you beat him then you will spar with Micha who is in the advanced group.” Sabin told them “Jared you go first.”

Jared and Tony squared up then started circling eachother, Tony made the first move and Jared blocked eficiently sending Tony to the ground. Tony shot up and tried to kick Jared’s feet out from beneth him, Jared jumped out of the way and landed a right hook to Tony’s jaw. Tony staggered back and before he could recover Jared hit him again, Tony went to block and Jared grabbed his arm and spun him into a choke hold. Tony tried to get free but when he couldn’t he tapped out. Jared instantly released him and stepped back.

“Very good” Sabin said, "Gemma your next.” Gemma walked up and Tony smiled at her,

“I’ll go easy on you.” He said with a cocky smile. Gemma raised a brow at him and took her stance.

Don’t hurt him too bad, Hanna told her through their bond.

Gemma winked at her and then Tony made his move. Gemma grabbed his arm turned her body so he was behind her and pulled his arm down making him rolled over her to the ground. Tony got up, his eyes glowing. Being beat by Jared was one thing, even expected but being beat by a female was out of the question. He faked left then punched with his right landing a solid hit to Gemma’s ribs. Gemma grunted in pain. Tony pulled back sending Micha a cocky look. Gemma took advantage of his arrogance and planted a firm round house kick to his jaw knocking him unconsious.

“Very good.” Sabin said as Tony started to groan from the ground. “Micha help him up and get him some water. Let this be a lesson that when you become arrogrant you fail.” Micha nodded and helped Tony to his feet and led him to the chair backs.

“What about me?” Hanna asked “Who am I going to fight?”

“I think Gemma would be a good opponent for you.” Sabin said. “She is obviously advanced in her skills and I believe it would also keep your mate at ease.” Hanna shrugged,

“Ok, wouldn’t be the first time, dad put us both in all the martial art and self defence classes he could find and the instructors always made us spar together.”

 

~*~

 

Hanna, Gemma and Jared were walking into the dining tent after combat training. Madison and Nicole were at their table; telling the others about the look on Micha’s face when Sabin asked him to spar with Gemma and Hanna after they had finished sparing with each other. He had respectfully declined. They all laughed.

“Hey, I know my limits.” Micha defended himself which made the girls laugh all the more. Nevia, Gregor and his family came up and stood in front of Gemma then. They each exposed their necks to her,

“Süda” they said in greeting. Then Nevia came up and hugged Gemma,

“Owen told me that you had completed the bond, congratulations!” She told her.

“You did what?” Gemma heard her mom exclaime. Sasha came walking up and grabbed Gemma by the arm and spun her around taking her hands in hers.

“What have you done? Do you know the consequences of completing a mate bond without having an alpha accept your claim to one another? And then to do so behind our backs!”

Amara came up behind them,

“Everyone is still on the fence about Malcom not being the bad guy, this could push them over. Make them think that you don’t feel as if you have to play by the rules.” Amara said shaking her head.

“Which is obviously true since that is what you did!” Sasha said raising her voice. Everyone in the dining hall was staring at them now.

“Enough!” Hanna yelled getting everyone’s attention. “I accepted their claim to one another.”

“You what?” Sasha and Amara questioned.

“It’s true.” Nicole said Madison nodding her head right beside her. “We were witnesses.”

Sasha’s mouth was hanging open as she looked between both of her daughters. Finally she shook herself,

“Fine, no pack laws were broken. But you still chose to do this behind our backs. I am your mother, it was my right to be there when my daughter took a mate, and you took that from me.” Sasha didn’t give Gemma a chance to reply, as she turned to Hanna. “And you gave her the means to do so!” Then she just turned on her heels and walked out of the tent.

“Well crap.” Gemma said.

“Mhm, it’s gonna take a lot of groveling to fix that one.” Hanna said. Amara stepped forward, she looked straight at Hanna and completely ignored Gemma’s presence.

“Once you three have finished with breakfast, please go to tent 3 for your testing.” Then she too walked out of the tent.

“Aw double crap.” Gemma said.

“Wow, two moms, just wait until dad finds out and what about Sabin he is your step dad. Then there is Cyrus!” Hanna rambled.

“What does Cyrus have to do with it?” Gemma asked concerned.

“He has spent the last 10 years watching over you.” Hanna answered.

“Ugh, I should have just stayed in bed.” Gemma groaned.

“You would have had to come back eventually.” Hanna said as she walked up to the buffet and grabbed a plate. Gemma sighed and Nevia patted her back,

“You will fix it, don’t worry. Times are different now, we are preparing for war, and we are not always given the same luxuries as those who came before us.”

“Thanks.” Gemma said smiling at her. Gregor’s daughter walked up to Gemma and interlocked their elbows,

“Hey, come on let’s get some grub.” She said pulling Gemma towards the buffet. “I’m Mia by the way.”

“Hi, Mia” Gemma replied with a smile as she let herself be towed towards the food.

 

~*~

 

Malcom and Owen were out hunting, they had finally caught sight of a huge buck and were about to attack when Amara popped into the clearing and scared the deer away. Malcom let out a growl of annoyance, but then instantly regretted it when the Fae turned her gaze on him. He could see furry in her eyes and he had to admit that it scared him a little bit.

“Phase wolf!” Amara demanded and to Malcom’s surprise he did just that.

“What is this?” Malcom asked, but before he could even fully get the question out he was flung against a tree and held there in all his naked glory.

“My daughter is mated!” Amara shouted at him. “Without the proper ceremonies or her family present! Who are you to take that away from us, you who have only known her for such a short time?” Malcom tried to speak but no words came out. He looked over to Owen who had also phased and was staring in shock at the Fae.

“Amara” Owen called. “You need to put him down.”

“I should force your phase and skin you right now and then use your coat as the rug I wipe the dust from my feet on.” Amara shouted at Malcom completely ignoring Owen.

“I am her Chosen.” Malcom was able to squeak out.

“I am her mother!” Amara shouted “She was kept from me for over ten years and now you wish to take her from me again!” Sabin was suddenly standing next to her, whispering into her ear. A single tear fell from her eyes and then she released Malcom, who fell to the ground trying to catch his breath, and she was gone. Sabin was left standing there looking at the wolves.

“You are on thin ice wolf. I suggest you think before you make any other major decisions that have to do with Gemma.” He said to him, then he too was gone. Malcom looked over at Owen, who was shaking his head,

“Rule number one of survival, never piss off a Fae.” He told his alpha with a smile hinting at the corner of his mouth.

 

~*~

 

Gemma sat down in the chair next to Hanna at dinner,

“So I didn’t get to ask you guys during class, what level did you make?”

“I got level 3 Mystic magic.” Hanna told her.

“I got level 4.” Jared said proudly.

“What did you get Gemma?” Hanna asked.

“Level 3 Fae magic” She told them. “Which I am probably going to be in forever since there is so much information.” she groaned.

“Yeah, every type of magic stems from a part of Fae magic.” Nicole said sitting down.

“At least you will be able to meet some Fae your age.” Madison said trying to cheer her up.

“That’s true” Gemma said digging into her food. “So is class always that cool or was today just an exception since it was our first day?”

“No, Mac is always pretty chill, he gives his lecture and then lets us do our thing. As long as everything is turned in on time and you’re not failing he’ll leave you be.” Madison answered.

“I wish school back home would have been like that.” Hanna said.

“Well you weren’t considered adults there.” Nicole said. “Here you are.”

Mia came and sat down across from Gemma.She smiled shyly at everyone,

“Hi, I’m Mia.” she said to everyone with a wave. Everyone smiled and said hello. Madison took charge and introduced her to some of the other of age students. Then started asking her all kinds of questions about what it was like to grow up in the Canadian pack.

“Geez Madison, let her breath” Nicole told her.

“I’m sorry, I’ve just grown up hearing all kinds of horrible things and it turns out none of them were true so I am just curious” Madison explained. Mia laughed,

“It’s totally fine.” Then she turned to Gemma, “pardon me Süda, but I was wondering if you knew when more of our pack would be arriving.”

“First off, you can just call me Gemma when we are all just hanging out. Second I believe we are going to get more of the pack tonight during leisure time.” Gemma replied. “Are you waiting for someone in particular?”

“My best friend Erin and his family” Mia replied. “We’ve been best friends since we were pups.”

“I will see if I can find out when he will be arriving.” Gemma said and Mia’s face lit up with her smile. “Do you know what your job assignment is?”

“Um, Laundry PM–1” Mia responded.

“Cool, so do I” Hanna told her.

“I have leisure time after this so I can show you where the laundry tent is” Tony told them.

 

~*~

 

Atticus walked into Owen’s quarters without knocking. Owen was just coming out of the bathroom towel still wrapped around his waist.

“Well?” Atticus questioned. “Were you able to find anything out?”

“He told me of his Chosen, but he hasn’t said anything about a meeting and I think he might get suspicious if I ask.” Owen told him. Atticus nodded,

“That is true. I will just have to think of another way.” He looked at Owen and realized he didn’t have any clothes on. “Go change, while I think” He told him and started pacing.

Owen went into his bedroom and got dressed, then came back out into the living area. Atticus was still pacing, so he decided to just sit and wait, though it didn’t take long before Atticus came up with a new plan.

“Ok, what I really need is just the two of them together and something to heighten their bond.” He looked to Owen, “If I gave you a talisman do you think you could get it into Malcom’s room? You would have to place it under the bed. That is the one place we can be sure that they both will be at the same time. Then you will have to retrieve it and bring it back to me.” Of course Atticus just threw in that last part to make Owen think he was still working on a spell to break the curse. When in reality the talisman would just make Gemma fertile whenever she is around it causing her to become pregnant.

“I can do that.” Owen told him, he made the mistake of believing that Atticus wanted to break the curse more than anything else.

“Good, I should have it to you by the weekend.” Atticus told him and walked out of the room.

 

~*~

Saturday

 

Knocking on the door woke Hanna, she looked over and saw that Gemma was asleep in her bed and was surprised since she had been spending the nights with Malcom all week.

“Come in.” She shouted and then sat up in bed. Amara walked into the room.

“Have you forgotten today is the completion for the Attu pack?” She asked. Hanna groaned,

“Yes, I did. How long until it starts?” She sighed.

“One hour” Amara told her. Hanna flopped back down on her pillow and made a whining noise,

“Fine, I’m up.” She threw her blankets back and got out of the bed, then grabbed some clothes out of her dresser and headed to the showers. Amara turned her attention on Gemma, sensing she was awake.

“Are you not going to attend, all the other alphas are going?” she asked. Gemma rolled over on to her side and looked at her,

“If I go will you stop being so gloomy? I am sorry I hurt your feelings, and I think you trying to kill my Chosen makes us even.” Gemma reasoned.

“When you have a child, and have to be separated from them for 10 years and just when you get them back have them taken from you again, then you may ask if we are even.” Amara told her.

“But I haven’t been taken from you, I am right here! I’m not going anywhere and even after this is over, we are Fae, we can teleport to each other any time we want.” Gemma said. Amara sighed,

“I suppose you are right. Then yes, if you go I will stop being so gloomy, as you say.” She agreed. Gemma got up out of the bed and kissed her on the cheek as she passed to get her clothes out of her dresser, then headed to the showers. Amara went to sit on the couch while she waited for them to get ready. 30 minutes later they both walked out of their room, dressed and ready to go. Amara stood up and lead them out of the tent.

“Do we have time to eat?” Gemma asked. Amara pulled two breakfast burritos out of the tiny cloth purse-like bag she always had on her.

“I stopped and grabbed you these, on my way to wake you.” She told them as she handed each of them one.

“How did these even fit in your bag?” Hanna asked.

“It is a Fae bag.” Amara answered as if that explained everything. She looked at Gemma “The boat comes today” She reminded her. Gemma nodded,

“I know, Malcom has reminded three times since I opened my eyes this morning.” She said with her mouth half full of food. Malcom growled at her through their bond, which caused her to smile.

“He hasn’t spoken to her in a long time” Amara said.

“I know” Gemma acknowledged. They came upon the tent and were surprised to see all the seats filled.

“Does no one sleep in on this island? Combat training was canceled today, that alone says sleep in!” Gemma said.

“Apparently just us” Hanna replied.

“Hanna you and Jared will sit there in the middle of the alpha’s section. Gemma you may sit next to Hanna since your mate is not here.” Amara said as she led them to their seats.

“What kind of competition is this going to be?” Hanna asked as she sat down next to Jared.

How long have you been here? Hanna asked Jared though their bond.

Only a few minutes, Amara asked to be the one to wake you two up. Jared replied as he kissed her on the cheek. “You look beautiful.” He told her out loud, she smiled at him and then turned her attention back to Amara.

“There will first be a test upon their character in the form of a race through a maze. In the maze there are 10 doors. At each door the wolf will have to make a choice to open it. Each choice leads them down a different path. There are only two exits from the maze, one leads back here where they will start the next challenge the other will lead them outside the tent.” Amara told them.

“What is the second Challenge?” Gemma asked.

“Hand to Hand combat, because it is important to be able to protect those around you in any form. Then the third will be combat in wolf form” Amara answered. “There should only be five men standing at that point.

“Then what?” Hanna asked.

“They will go in the order of the most dominate” Amara replied.

“Will we be able to watch them as they go through the maze?” Hanna asked.

“No, we will just be able to see who finishes” Amara said. “We wouldn’t want anyone to see which answers get them to the correct spot.”

“Do these kind of completions happen often?” Hanna asked.

“Every time a new alpha is made and they do not already have their top five established. So not often but with your species long lives, someone could still use the answers” Amara answered.

“When do they start the maze?” Gemma asked.

“They started about an hour ago.” Amara answered. “It is a very long maze, and we didn’t want everyone sitting around for an hour waiting on nothing.”

“So we should be seeing the ones who passed soon?” Jared questioned, Amara nodded and took her seat in front of them next to Sabin and Cyrus. Just then a man ran into the arena and everyone applauded.

“Isn’t that your dad?” Hanna asked Jared.

“Yeah, it is. I didn’t know he was competing.” Jared responded. More men started to enter the arena, after about 10 minutes the door closed signaling that there were no more coming from the maze. There were 20 men standing in the arena. They each paired off and then Amara was standing in the middle of the Arena with them.

“This will be hand to hand combat. When you knock your opponent out or they submit to you, the fight is over.” Amara told them then teleported back to her seat.

“How many went into the maze?” Hanna leaned forward and asked Amara.

“103” Amara answered.

“And only 20 have the character to lead” Hanna said surprised.

“Would you say leading, and having to decide what ones punishment is, is so easy anyone can do it?” Amara questioned.

“Touché” Hanna replied. “Wait, 103 men? Why are they so eager to leave their own packs?”

“Not all had a pack, but the ones that did are just looking for advancement.” Only 10 men were left standing and Gemma noticed that Jared’s dad and Sam were among them.

“Is it wrong of me to hope Sam gets a spot in their top 5?” Gemma asked Hanna,

“No” Hanna replied.

“Good” Gemma answered.

Why do you wish one of our own to leave us, my jewel? Malcom asked. Gemma immediately put a wall up when she felt Malcom start to probe for answers in her head, but she was not quick enough and she felt his anger. She immediately felt ashamed. My anger is not directed towards you, my jewel. You did not know. He gets off too easily by just getting to join another pack. There is a reason these things are forbidden. Malcom told her.

I know, but I just really want to put it behind us. I have you now and that is all that matters.  She told him.

I cannot say that I agree with you, but I will not push the matter. Malcom replied.

Thank you. She told him. She felt his hand touch her check and she shivered in pleasure.

I missed you last night. He told her, she felt him back out of her mind, distracted by something Owen said.

She focused back on the arena and saw that they had already started the wolf combat portion of the competition and two wolves had already won their fights. Another few minutes later and all the fighting was over. The wolves phased back into their human forms and put their clothes back on. Out of the five wolves stood Nathen, Sam and Steven; Gemma didn’t know who the other two were. She saw her mom and dad stand and make their way to the arena.

“Did you know Steven was competing?” Hanna asked Amara.

“I did, he was the son of an alpha, he is to be a very powerful wolf, and what better way to learn to lead then by following your father.” Amara answered. Hanna nodded and turned her attention back to the arena. All five men were staring each other down, she could tell by their stance that they were establishing dominance. Once her parents made it to the arena all the men lined up in front of them. Amara teleported to the arena again and stood next to Sasha and Drustan.

“Beta step forward.” Amara said as she held the blade and bowl from the initiation ceremony. Nathen walked forward and stood before Sasha and Drustan. He exposed his neck and fisted his hand over his heart. He bowed to each of them and then held his hand out for Amara to prick it and let a drop of blood fall into the bowl.

“Markus, 3rd to the Attu pack step forward” Amara called. The bald, well–built man standing next to Nathen stepped forward, exposed his neck as he fisted his hand over his chest and bowed then added his blood to the bowl.

“Steven, 4th to the Attu pack step forward.” Steven stepped forward and submitted then let his finger be pricked.

“Theon, 5th to the Attu pack step forward.” Theon had long brown hair and a beard that matched. He stepped forward and submitted then added his blood to the bowl.

“Sam 6th to the Attu pack step forward.” Amara called. Sam stepped forward and unlike the others he kneeled down in front of Sasha and Drustan and exposed his neck.

Gemma saw his lips moving but could not make out what he said. Both her parents spoke to him and he replied. They both then nodded to him and he stood and added his blood to the bowl. Amara held the bowl out to Sasha and Drustan who each added their blood. Then she picked up some dirt from the arena and added it as well.

“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.” Amara said and then raised the bowl up and setting its contents on fire. “Bound by blood and earth, may the Lupa bless and watch over you always.”

Amara appeared in front of Gemma then “Is the next family ready?” She asked. Gemma nodded,

“They were cleared last night.” she told her.

“Ok, we have at least four hours until the boat comes, why don’t you go ahead and get them so we can get them semi settled before we welcome an entire new pack.” Amara told her.

Gemma smiled at the thought of seeing Malcom,

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” She said and then she was gone.

Gemma appeared in Malcom’s room, she looked around but no one was there.

What are you up to? She asked Malcom,

Out patrolling, what are you doing? Malcom replied.

Taking off my clothes, she told him.

Oh, and what pray tell are you going to do once they are off? Malcom asked

Get into your bed, she teased him.

There was no reply and Gemma wondered if he might have run into a tree or something. She was about to get up out of the bed, when a large brown wolf jumped through the open window. Gemma smiled and sat up in the bed letting the sheet fall. The wolf’s eyes began to glow and then the wolf was gone and a very naked Malcom was standing in front of her, eyes glowing just as bright. He slowly stocked toward the bed, never taking his eyes off of her. She was about to say something when he pounced and tackled her causing her to erupt with laughter which was shortly cut off.

Owen held his breath, and looked at the door leading to Malcom’s room from the living room of Malcom’s quarters. He had just walked out of Malcom’s bedroom from placing the talisman under the bed when Gemma showed up. He exited the quarters and let out the breath he had been holding. Malcom would not have been happy if he knew Owen was in his quarters while Gemma was undressing. He turned to go back to his quarters and almost ran into Atticus.

“Is it done?” Atticus asked

“Yes” Owen replied.

“And she is here now? I could sense the presence of a Fae.” Atticus said. Owen wasn’t sure if he was supposed to answer but he did anyway,

“Yes, they are in there together” he informed him. Atticus smiled and started rubbing his hands together.

“Good work Owen.” He told him, then turned on his heels and walked away. As Atticus walked away, Owen couldn’t help but feel as though he had done something that he would later regret.

 

 

 

 

Released

 

Gemma stood at the docks with Amara, nervously fiddling with her shirt. She had gotten the new arrivals back in time to give them a tour and then show them to their tents. She hadn’t had the chance to find Mia and tell her that Erin’s family and two others would be arriving Monday. Now she was waiting for an arrival of her own. Malcom’s sister, Zelina and her pack.

“Stop fidgeting, you are an alpha female.” Amara told her.

“What is she like?” Gemma asked her. Amara smiled,

“She reminds me of Hanna, mostly nice and charming but tick her off and you’re in trouble.” Gemma laughed,

“Yeah that’s defiantly Hanna. I’m glad she finally stopped shooting random items across the room, though I can’t say I minded when Nicole’s plate ended up in Sam’s lap.” She said smiling at the memory.

“Serves him right for flaunting his feeling for her in front of you.” Amara mumbled under her breath but Gemma heard.

“Nicole’s mating markings showed up yesterday.” Gemma told her “She was so afraid I would be angry.”

“Aren’t you?” Amara asked.

“How could I be angry with someone finding their Chosen?” Gemma asked. Amara just shrugged and look out over the water.

“There” She pointed “do you see it?” Gemma squinted and then she saw a tiny little speck in the distance.

“I think so” she stated.

“Ring the bell” Amara shouted to the wolf on watch. He rang it twice, which Gemma had come to learn means “Friendly approaching”. Gemma watched as a group of people came up behind them with rolling carts to unload the supplies.

“How many wolves are in Zelina’s pack?” Gemma asked.

“Only about 200, and most of them are of age, they haven’t had a pup born in 15 years” Amara replied.

“The strongest magical pack in North America only consists of 200 members. I don’t know if that makes me feel better or fear them more.” Gemma said in awe. “You know I haven’t seen very many pups at all, there has to be only about 100 on the island, why is that?”

“Well you know a female wolf can only conceive a couple times a year, unless magic is used of course, but that is strictly forbidden. Not to mention the delivery can be very difficult and a lot of babies are lost during delivery. It is just the way the Lupa made your species. I like to think it is so the young will be cherished.” Amara answered. Gemma nodded, she could see the boat clearly now and she felt another wave a nervousness come over her.

“Is it like that with Fae too? Is that why you and Sabin didn’t have a baby?” Gemma asked to distract herself.

“No, we are more like humans when it comes to conceiving a child” Amara answered.

“Then why didn’t you have another child?” Gemma ask curious now. Amara looked at her then,

“Because I knew one day I would get you back and I didn’t want you to think that I tried to replace you.” She answered. Gemma smiled then and hugged her,

“That’s not fair to you or Sabin, so much has been taken from you already, and this doesn’t have to be one. I would never think you tried to replace me!” she told her.

Amara smiled and was about to reply but then everyone started running about getting things ready as the boat docked. Gemma took a deep breath as people started getting off the boat and walking down the dock. Leading them was a man with long blond hair and a goatee; and a woman with long brown hair, that even in a ponytail it hung halfway down her back. The two walked up and greeted Amara and then the women turned to look at Gemma.

“You must be my brother’s Chosen.” She said with a smile and then pulled Gemma in for a hug. She immediately pulled back and looked at Gemma with wide eyes, and looked down at her stomach then back at her face.

“What’s the matter?” Gemma asked. Zelina placed her hand over Gemma’s stomach.

“You are pregnant. Forgive me but I would not think my brother would be so reckless to want a child right before a war is to start.” Zelina told her.

“I’m not pregnant.” Gemma responded just as Amara walked up to her and placed her own hand over Gemma’s stomach and then gasped and pulled back.

“Yes, Gemma you are” Amara told her.

“But the bond has only be in place for not even a week and I haven’t gone into my season yet. I would know, my mom talked to me after I got my markings and told me I would know!” Gemma argued starting to panic.

Gemma what is the matter? Malcom asked feeling her panic. Gemma immediately slammed a wall down on him, completely shutting him out. She couldn’t deal with him right now. She could feel him pushing but she ignored him.

“This can’t be happening.” Gemma started chanting to herself over and over again. Zelina and Amara looked at each other.

“Magic had to have been used.” Amara said to her.

“No doubt my father–” she was cut off by a cell phone ringing. They both looked around and then realized it was coming from Gemma’s pocket, who was freaking out so badly she didn’t notice. Amara reached into Gemma’s pocket and pulled out the phone.

“Hello” She answered.

“Amara? Where is Gemma, what is happening?” Malcom questioned.

“Gemma is fine, she is just freaking out right now, but she is in no danger. At least at this moment in time.” Amara told him.

“What is that supposed to mean? Put her on the phone! Or tell her to unblock me!” He demanded.

“I’m sorry, no can do.” Amara said a little too cheerfully. She delighted in ticking the alpha off. She had to pull the phone away from her ear at Malcom’s shouts and explicit language.

Zelina held her hand out for the phone and Amara happily placed it in her hand and then turned to Gemma and tried to calm her down.

“Hello brother” Zelina said into the phone.

“Zelina.” Malcom breathed, “please tell me what is happening with my mate.”

“First I need you to do something for me. Go into your bedroom and see if you can feel out any magic that shouldn’t be there.” Zelina told him

“What does this have to do with Gemma?” Malcom asked

“Just do it and I will tell you!” Zelina said impatiently

“Fine” Malcom said and then the line was quiet for a couple of minutes. Zelina looked back over at Gemma and saw that Amara had to render her unconscious and was having a male Fae carry her away. Malcom came back on the line,

“I found a weird talisman it has a carving of a women and child on one side and a wolf with her pup on the other. What is going on? How did you know this would be here?”

“Gemma is pregnant.” Zelina told him, she heard a clank and guessed that he dropped the phone. After a couple of seconds he came back on,

“How is that even possible?” Malcom asked.

“You are holding the answer to that in your hands now” Zelina told him. “You need to figure out how this happened. It has to have some type of magic to make her pregnancy progress quickly, since you two have not been mated long enough for her to become pregnant.” She told him.

“But Gemma needs” he started.

“Gemma is fine, she was in shock so Amara put her to sleep for a little bit, you can talk to her when she wakes up. But when she does, she is going to want answers and you are going to need to have those answers for her.” She told him.

“Ok, thank you Zelina” Malcom said and then hung up the phone. Zelina shook her head. “What are you up to Atticus” She asked outload.

 

~*~

 

Malcom called Owen to his quarters and waited for him to show. He was pacing back and forth in front of the fire place, talking on the phone by the time Owen got there. He let Owen in and then showed him the talisman.

“Do you know what this is?” Malcom asked.

“It is the talisman your father made to use Gemma’s essence to break the curse” Owen replied. Malcom roared in anger and then threw the talisman into the fire.

“No Owen that is not what it was for!” He shouted. Owen’s face grew pale,

“Alpha, what has happened?” Owen could feel it in his stomach that he had helped Atticus do something horrible.

“Gemma is pregnant!” Malcom told him. A huge wave a fear came over Owen that he could not explain. It was like his wolf knew something the man did not. Malcom turned to look at Owen.

“Why do you tremble with fear Beta?” Malcom questioned.

“I do not know Alpha, but this news has my wolf in an uproar” Owen replied.

“Then he knows something you obviously do not.” Malcom said as he walked over and stood right in front of Owen and looked him dead in the eye. “Speak wolf!” He commanded and pushed his power as alpha onto him. Owen’s eyes glowed as his wolf rose to the surface.

“Atticus has plans for your child. He wished for your mate to be bound by the curse as well. He knew that the Lupa would not let her be bound by the curse and would release it. Then he would steel your child and use the power of both Fae and Warlock to gain control of the prophesied.”

Owen’s wolf told him and then his eyes calmed and the man was back in control.

Malcom stepped back in shock. How could the man that raised him be capable of doing something so horrible to his child?

“Leave me.” He said to Owen, who intelligently got up and left the room without another word. Malcom started to pace the room again. He realized then that while he was still cursed he couldn’t see his Chosen, be there when his pup was born or even be able to hold his pup. Malcom threw one of his sitting chairs against the wall and then the other. His wolf burst forward and he phased instantly, he tore every piece of furniture he could sink his teeth into to shreds, then he jumped through his window and started to run, he didn’t know where he was going and he didn’t care, he just knew he couldn’t stay still.

 

~*~

 

Zelina and Amara were sitting in the living room area of Gemma’s tent trying to figure out what Atticus’ end game was, when a very pregnant Nevia walked into the tent.

“Nevia, is everything alright?” Amara asked.

“I just spoke to Owen and he told me everything. He also knows what Atticus’ plan is” Nevia answered. Amara gestured for Nevia to sit on the couch and then let the she wolf tell them what she knew. By the time Nevia had finished Amara was up and pacing the floor.

“That power hungry–” She was cut off by Nevia.

“There is more” she told them. “After Owen left Malcom he received a call from Malaki, the wolf in charge of finding Hanna and Jared. He told him the Atticus had sent for them to come home.”

“Why is this relevant?” Zelina asked.

“Malaki and most of the wolves with him, live in the village closest to the mansion. So they are going to notice that a good part of the village is missing.” Nevia explained.

“Do we know when they are to arrive back?” Amara asked.

“In three days” Nevia replied.

“Then that is how long we have to not only clear the village but the rest of those still loyal to Malcom out and find a way to get Malcom out of there too.” Amara told them. Then she turned to Nevia, “inform your mate to start getting everyone ready, we will be there in two hours for those in the village.” Nevia nodded and was quite for some time. After a little while she looked back to Amara

“He will have them ready” she informed her.

“Good, now you need to go and rest, your child is not far away from joining us in this world.” Amara told her.

“My brother is alpha to all the wolves in Canada. Do you have the room?” Zelina asked Amara.

“Even if all of his pack was still loyal to him we would have the room.” Amara assured her.

“How many would does your mate say that is, Nevia?” Zelina asked.

“He hasn’t made it to the outer most villages yet. Atticus has kept a close council so he is hopeful that the majority will still be with Malcom. Making it around 7000 wolves.” Nevia Answered. Amara nodded,

“We have the means to support those numbers.”

“Good. I will go rest now.” Nevia told them.  As Nevia was leaving Hanna came running into the tent.

“I got your message, what’s up?” She asked Amara.

“Gemma is pregnant” Amara said simply, no use beating around the bush. Hanna sat down on the couch.

“But I thought–” she started.

“Yes, yes I know what you thought. But Atticus used a magic talisman to help things a long hoping to capture Gemma with the curse.” Amara told her.

“Why would he want that?” Hanna asked.

“To have control over a child that carries Fae magic and raise it to be whatever he wishes.” Zelina stated blandly.

“Is Gemma ok?” Hanna asked.

“I had to put her to sleep, she was in shock.” Amara told her, “she will wake up shortly.”

“Ok” Hanna said as she stood up to leave.

“Where are you going?” Amara asked.

“To get my mom, Gemma is going to need her when she wakes up.” Hanna said. When she saw the sadness flash behind Amara’s eyes she walked up and hugged her. “I am sorry, but she will need you too.” Hanna affirmed and then turned and walked out of the tent. Amara looked at Zelina,

“I must go prepare things for more arrivals, then get some Fae together to help me retrieve them. Can I trust you to watch my daughter?” Zelina nodded.

“Go do what you have to do. I will send for my pack’s midwife, she is very powerful and will be able to tell us exactly what is going on with the child.” Amara nodded her thanks and then she was gone.

 

~*~

 

Owen had everyone in the main and three closest villages that were still loyal to Malcom meet in the town gathering center. He was please to find that all but a few plus the families of those of Malaki and his men were still loyal. He had given Amara the locations of the other villages so her Fae could go to them too. There had to be at least 3000 people gathered now, he had no idea how they were going to get this done. The room went silent and he realized it was because a big group of Fae had just teleported into the building, Amara standing in the middle of them.

“Listen up, I am only going to say this once. I want all the mated pairs without pups on this side of the building. Everyone else stay with your families and you will be separated into family groups and of age wolves once we get to our destination and you are given tent assignments. Each Fae will take two families or four mated pairs at a time. Once you are at our camp you will be taken to the dining hall and stay there until you have a tent assignment. If anyone tries to go off exploring or cause problems I will personally teleport you to the middle of the ocean and leave you there.” Amara told them. Once she was finished talking everyone went to their designated side of the building and waited. Owen walked up to Amara,

“Teleport them to the middle of the ocean?” he asked.

“Don’t test me wolf, or you will be the first to go swimming. Now where is Malcom, should he not be here?” Amara asked.

“I haven’t seen him since he found out about Gemma” Owen told her. Amara just huffed and walked towards a group of mated pairs. She instructed them to grab on to her arms and then they were gone.

 

~*~

 

Zelina was sitting on the couch in Gemma’s tent when Hanna and Sasha came in followed by Alexis, her pack midwife. Zelina stood then went to Hanna and Sasha.

“This is Alexis” she told them. “She is our pack midwife, she is very powerful and will be able to tell us everything we need to know about what is going on with Gemma.”

“Hello” Alexis said to Sasha and then exposed her neck to Hanna “Alpha, I pledge my services to you.” Hanna nodded, still a little uncomfortable with the whole alpha thing.

“Please just help my sister” Hanna told her.

“Yes alpha” Alexis said, “I will need to examine her, you are more than welcome to supervise.”

“You don’t have to, you know give her a lady exam, do you?” Hanna asked.

“No, alpha. I am a Mystic, I will simply just use my magic to see what I need and to check the baby.” Alexis replied. Hanna let out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. She loved Gemma but she didn’t want to have to see her lady bits.

“Ok, follow me.” Hanna said and she led Alexis and her mother into her and Gemma’s room. Gemma was still asleep on her bed. Alexis went up to her and placed her hand on her stomach. She concentrated for a couple seconds then pulled back.

“Magic was used to conceive this pregnancy and to speed up the babies’ development.” Alexis told them. “The magic is still working, we need to stop it otherwise she will have this baby in a matter of days and the process will kill her.”

“How do we stop it?” Sasha asked going to sit next to Gemma on the bed and brushing her hair out of her face.

“I am not powerful enough.” She said and turned to Hanna. “But I believe you are.” She told her.

“Me?” Hanna exclaimed “I wouldn’t know what to do, I just found out about all this a couple weeks ago.”

“I will talk you through it alpha. Never be ashamed of having to ask for help.” Alexis told her. Hanna nodded, took a steadying breath and walked over to where Gemma lay. She looked at Alexis for further instructions.

“Place your hand on her stomach.” Alexis instructed and when Hanna did she continued. “Now I want you to push your power into her and use it to see inside her. It helps if you picture yourself as the magic.” Hanna concentrated for a few seconds then nodded to let Alexis know it was working. “Now, do you see the baby?” Alexis asked. After a minute Hanna replied,

“Yes, I think I see it.” She said remember what a fetus looks like from her biology class. “It is surrounded by a weird blue sticky substance” She told her.

“Yes, that is the spell that is making the baby grow rapidly.” Alexis told her. “Do you see where it is entering the womb?”

“Yes, I see it!” Hanna exclaimed.

“Now force all your magic into it, willing the spell to die and leave.” Alexis instructed.

Hanna’s hands started shaking, a slight glow emanating from them and flow into Gemma. The small glow grew brighter and brighter until a blinding light flashed out of her hands and into Gemma, shooting Hanna across the room where she landed on her bed. Hanna shot up to the sitting position and saw that Alexis and her mother had also been thrown back.

“Is Gemma ok?” Hanna asked. Alexis got to her feet and went over to Gemma placing her hand on her stomach. She concentrated for a couple seconds then pulled back and turned around to look at Hanna with a huge smile on her face.

“You did it! The spell was broken and they are all fine” Alexis told her.

Hanna hugged her mom and then turned back to Alexis “Thank you! Wait all?”

“Yes, she is having twins.” Alexis said

“How far along is she now?” Sasha asked shocked

“She is about 14 weeks” Alexis said. Sasha nodded,

“So only 16 more to go.”

“Wait, that would only put her at 30” Hanna said

“Yes, our species only carries a baby for seven months” Alexis told her. Sasha turned to Hanna,

“I will stay with her until she wakes up, you should go find Jared and help with getting the packs settled in.”

“Ok, let me know if anything happens.” Hanna said, then turned to Alexis. “Thank you for saving my sister.” She told her and then walked out of the room.

“I will leave you with your daughter.” Alexis told Sasha and then turned and followed Hanna out. Sasha sat there on the bed, looking down at Gemma.

“You just can’t keep out of trouble, can you?” she said lovingly and brushed her fingers through her hair.

 

~*~

 

Gemma was in the field outside Malcom’s forest, she saw Malcom standing at the border banging on the barrier. As she watched a glowing yellow outline form on the barrier, the outline was of her. She looked at the outline trying to understand what it meant.

You are the key, she heard the Lupa’s voice in her head. Then she saw Atticus standing behind Malcom with a black dagger, she tried to warn Malcom but he couldn’t hear her. Atticus swung the dagger down into Malcom’s back–

Gemma shot up in bed with a shout. She looked around her and saw she was back in her room. She took a deep breath in as her mom came walking through the door.

“Are you alright?” Sasha asked as she sat down on the bed beside her.

“Yeah it was just a bad dream. What happen? Why am I in bed?” Gemma asked the last thing she remembered was waiting at the docks with Amara. Then it all came back to her. “Oh” She said and put her hand on her stomach and was surprised that she already had a small bump.

“What the? How?” she asked looking up at her mom. Sasha sat down next to her and explained everything that had happened while she was asleep.

“Now you and the babies are fine and your pregnancy should progress normally” She finished.

“Wow. How long have I been out? Wait babies?” She asked.

“Yes, you are having twins.” Sasha told her. When she didn’t respond she answered her other question. “You have been out for about five hours. Amara and the Fae have already brought a good portion of your pack here. Though they still have a lot more to go. It might do them some good to hear from their Süda, if you are feeling up to it.” Sasha hinted. Gemma nodded,

“Yeah, probably.” She agreed. Then Gemma shot up realizing what her dream meant. “But there is something I have to do first.” She told her mom and then she was gone. Gemma landed in the field, and started looking around. She was about to give up but then she saw a brown flash of fur.

“Malcom” she called and teleported to the spot where she had seen the brown flash. Malcom turned at the sound of him name,

Gemma? He asked through their bond, what are you doing here? Gemma smiled at him and then walked into the forest. Gemma No! Malcom snarled and then phased into his human form. “What have you done? Now you can never leave!” Malcom told her. Gemma just smiled and took his hand,

“I am the key” She told him and then he felt a dropping sensation. Malcom froze, he was in a room that had two twin beds and smelled like Gemma. He looked around the room and then looked back at Gemma

“Did you just–” He couldn’t even finish the sentence “Am I?” he tried again but still nothing. Gemma smiled and nodded,

“This is where I grew up” She told him. “Welcome to New Orleans.” Malcom dropped to his knees and tears sprang from his eyes.

“I never thought I would.” again he wasn’t able to finish. Gemma kneeled down in front of him.

“I thought I would bring you here before we went to Attu. I figured you would need a minute to come to terms with it all.” Gemma told him. “And to get some clothes.” Malcom smiled through his tears and nodded,

“How?” he finally asked.

“The Lupa showed me in a dream” Gemma said then she stood up. “I am going to get you some of my dad’s clothes.” Gemma walked out of the room and returned a few minutes later with a bag full of clothes and some in her arms. She handed him a pair of jeans, a long sleeve shirt, a pair of socks, boots and her dad’s leather jacket. Then watched Malcom get dressed as if he was on auto pilot. She took his hand,

“I know I said I would give you a minute. But Owen and Amara are in the middle of moving your pack to Attu and they could really use their alpha.” Malcom looked up at her then and he seemed to come back to the present.

“Of course, but first”, he took Gemma into his arms and kissed her passionately. “Thank you.” He told her and looked down when her little baby bump rubbed against his abdomen. He looked down at her stomach and then up at her face, his eyes full of wonder. He got down on his knees and kissed her stomach. “I know, now is probably the worst time to bring a pup into the world, but I couldn’t be happier knowing that you are carrying my child.” Gemma smiled down at him and placed a hand on her stomach.

“It’s really happening, isn’t it?” she asked

“Yes, it is and you will be a wonderful mother.” Malcom told her.

“I hope so” she told him. He stood then and kissed her once more.

“I know so” he told her as he pulled back from their kiss.

Gemma smiled and pulled his face back to hers. She deepened the kiss and pressed her body against his. Malcom’s arms slid down to her hips and he picked her up and carried her over to the bed that smelled like her. He laid her down beneath him without breaking their kiss. She slid her hands into his jacket and pushed it off him. He pushed himself up to where he was kneeling between her legs long enough to lift his shirt over his head and help Gemma out of hers. He laid back on top of her and continued kissing her.

Thank you for believing in me, he told her through their bond as he slowly kissed down her neck. And loving me, he continued as he kissed down her chest. He continued to thank her, and tell her how much he loved her for the next hour.

As they lay there in each other’s arms after expressing their love, Gemma felt like no matter what happened next, she could handle it as long as she had him by her side.

“We should probably get back to the pack.” Gemma told Malcom. “They could use their alpha right now.”

“You are right.” He told her and kissed her on the forehead before he got out of the bed and started getting dressed and handed Gemma her clothes. Once they were both dressed he pulled her close.

“Ok, let’s go.” he said and then he felt the dropping sensation.

They were immediately bombarded with multiple voices speaking at once. Malcom turned and saw that he was standing at the entrance of a huge dining hall. He saw his pack members in a frenzy, so many wolves in one building just wasn’t working. Two males had started a fight and the others around them were cheering them on.  Malcom pushed his power over the room and it instantly became quiet. Everyone turned to see Malcom standing at the entrance of the tent. Malcom didn’t give them time to even think about asking questions.

“You all will calm yourselves this instant!” Malcom roared “We have been given a safe place to stay during the coming war and you will be thankful and show respect.”

“Yes Alpha” the room replied.

“Good. Now sit and wait patiently for your turn.” He told them. Everything calmed and started to run smoothly. Amara walked up to them and looked from Malcom to Gemma in shock.

“How?” she asked.

“I was the key, I had to be the one to take him out of the forest.” Gemma answered. Amara sighed and then smiled,

“I guess we will have to move you to the mated pair tents.” She told them.

“What about Hanna, who will be here roommate then?” Gemma asked.

“Mia got her markings yesterday, along with her mate markings. After spending time with Steven to be exact.” Amara informed her.

“Another Chosen claim. That has to be some sort of record.” Gemma said.

“When you bring multiple packs together, it is to be expected” Amara said. “Now, let’s get everyone settled in shall we.”

“Everyone is here?” Malcom asked looking out among the crowd.

“Everyone still loyal to you. There were 180 unmated that stayed behind. Along with a few familes that belonged to Malaki and his men.” Amara told them.

“180 out of over 7000 plus our numbers is nothing.” Gemma said.

“Every single wolf lost is a misfortune.  Just as every single wolf in a pack is a blessing.” Malcom told her softly.

“Well spoken alpha” Amara told him and then turned back to Gemma. “Plus that is only 180 of Malcom’s pack. There are other packs who wish to come out of hiding, along with other supernaturals” Amara told her. “But that is a concern for tomorrow.” She said as she sighed and walked towards the group of Fae trying to get everyone a tent assignment. Hanna and Jared came walking into the dining tent and stopped in their tracks.

“Malcom?” they both asked in unison. Malcom turned and smiled at them,

“Hello” he greeted happily.

“How?” Hanna asked. Malcom wrapped his arm around Gemma’s shoulders,

“My mate” He told them. Hanna walked up to Gemma and hugger her.

“I’m glad you are awake” she told her.

“Me too” Gemma said hugging her back. “Mom told me what you did. Thank you!”

“I couldn’t have done it without Alexis.” Hanna said waving her off. “So I guess we won’t be sharing a room anymore.” She said gesturing to Malcom.

“Yeah, but Mai will be your new roommate. Until you and Jared decide to complete your bond.” Gemma told her, “exactly when will that be happening again?” Hanna looked at Jared and then back to Gemma,

“We’ve decided to wait, not the standard year required when ones of our age have found their Chosen, but for a little while. Especially since I am so new to this world and have so much to learn.” Gemma nodded,

“I can understand that.” She told her. One of the Fae brought a group of eight young men over to where they were standing. He gestured toward Jared

“This is Jared, he will show you around and then take you to your tent.” He informed the group. Jared smiled at the group,

“Welcome, follow me. We will start with the common area, which is where you will be spending a lot of your free time.” He told them and then walked out of the tent. Gemma turned to Hanna

“Do you want me to help?” She asked.

“Only if you are feeling well enough. Amara had bigger tents brought in that now hold 20 to a tent, like huge dorm halls. They also brought in second shower tent for each group. Plus she has Mac working on a new school schedule, so everyone will get those tomorrow morning.” Hanna told her.

“I would offer my services, but I think I should stay here and keep everyone in order.” Malcom told them.

“Not to mention, you don’t know where anything is.” Gemma laughed. Another Fae brought two groups over and handed Gemma and Hanna the tent assignments. Gemma turned to Malcom and kissed him once then lead her group out the door, followed by Hanna and her group.

 

 

 

 

Assistance

 

Hanna and Jared were headed towards the dining hall, both exhausted. They had finally gotten the last group settled into their tent around three in the morning. When they entered the tent they were surprised to only see about 20 people.

“Hanna!” She heard her mom call, and looked over to see her leading another women over. Her mom came up to them and looked at the women. “Hanna, this is my sister Mina.”

Mina smiled and reached out and hugged Hanna.

“I haven’t seen you since the day you were born.” She released her and turned to Jared “It is good to see you again Jared.” Jared bowed his head.

“You as well Mina”, he greeted.

“You know each other?” Hanna asked.

“She was the Mystic we were working for.” Jared told her.

“What?” Sasha asked “How is that possible, you took a forgetting potion.”

“I started remembering things seven years after you left” Mina told her. “It started off slowly then one day just all at once.”

“That’s around the time that you and dad got together.” Hanna told her mom. Mina looked at her sister,

“It could very well be, that you two being around wolves weakened the spell and that’s why Hanna’s magic was leaving a trail.” Hanna nodded not really interested, as far as she was concerned it was old news. Jared smiled down at her, having heard what she was thinking.

“Where is everyone?” Hanna asked.

“Oh.” Sasha said as if she just remembered they were still there. “Amara told everyone to rest until noon and then the new packs were to meet here and get their schedules and job assignments for tomorrow.”

“Would have been nice to get that memo.” Gemma said walking up behind them. “I could have slept three more hours.” Malcom came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder looking well rested.

“But then who would give me a tour of everything before all the hustle and bustle started?” he asked.

“Hustle and bustle?” Gemma laughed “Careful, you’re letting your age show.” Hanna laughed,

“Talk about cradle robber” she smiled at Malcom’s confused look and everyone in the group started laughing. He just shook his head and rolled his eyes.

“Shall we get something to eat, my jewel?” He asked Gemma. She smiled,

“Yes, I am starving! I thought being half Fae made me hungrier, but these babies are going to make me devour all the food on the entire island.” Gemma said patting her stomach. Hanna shook her head,

“I’m sorry but that is just too weird.” She said.

“Seriously, you just found out that supernatural creatures exists and you’re one of them, but me being pregnant is weird?” Gemma questioned.

“Yep pretty much.” Hanna answered as she walked up to the buffet and started loading up her plate. Everyone laughed and finished loading their plates then headed toward the table.

Nicole came and sat next to them looking like she hadn’t slept at all. She kept looking up at Malcom and then back at her plate. After this continued on for another five minutes Gemma nudged her in the ribs.

“What gives?” She asked.

“Malcom is here” Nicole said.

“Uh, yes I am aware of that.” Gemma replied still looking at her in question. Nicole gave her a pointed look. “Oooohhh.” Gemma said drawing the word out. “Malcom.” She said getting his attention. Malcom looked up at her,

“Yes?” he answered.

“This is Nicole. Nicole has also recently found her Chosen.” Gemma told him.

“Well congratulations Nicole, it is a wonderful thing.” Malcom smiled at her.

“Yeah, her Chosen is Sam.” Gemma said flat out. Nicole’s face became as white as a sheet and Malcom froze mid bite. When no one said anything for a good 30 seconds Gemma continued “and I would like you not to kill him, as it would greatly upset Nicole.” Malcom took a deep breath and looked at Nicole and then back at Gemma then nodded.

“I will not harm the boy.” Everyone at the table let out a breath, “But if he ever touches you again accident or no without proper cause, I will duel out the punishment he rightfully deserves.” Gemma rolled her eyes and looked at Nicole,

“I think that is as good as it is going to get.” Nicole just nodded but didn’t say anything else, though she did look a little more relaxed.

“So where is Madison?” Hanna asked.

“She still sleeping, she met the new alpha Zelina’s son last night, they stayed up until the sun came up talking. I noticed her mating markings on her hands when I got up this morning.” Nicole told them.

“I did not even know she had a son.” Malcom said sadly. “There is a great deal I have to make up for.”

“You will.” Gemma told him reaching across the table and taking his hand. Just then Mia came running into the dining hall. She stopped in front of Malcom and Gemma,

“Alpha, Süda.” She exposed her neck to them. “Nevia is in labor!” She exclaimed. Malcom stood,

“We will go to them at once”, he told her.

“We will what?” Gemma asked.

“Owen is my beta, it is our duty to be with him and Nevia during this time.” Malcom told her.

“You want me to deliver her baby?” Gemma asked her voice rising in pitch.

“No, Nevia’s mother is a midwife, she will deliver the baby, but it is your duty to be there for Nevia” he told her. Gemma stood a little shakily and took Malcom’s hand and walked out of the dining hall with him. Hanna continued to look at the entrance of the dining hall even after they had been gone for a couple minutes.

“You ok?” Jared asked her.

“Yeah, I was just thinking, that that is going to be Gemma soon.” Hanna replied.

 

~*~

 

Gemma and Malcom walked into Owen and Nevia’s tent and saw Owen pacing in front of the fire place.

“Owen.” Malcom said to get the man’s attention. Owen spun around completely surprised to find anyone in the tent with him.

“Alpha, Süda.” he said exposing his neck.

“What is wrong? Why are you not with your mate?” Malcom asked.

“Something was wrong, Nevia’s mother called for the Fairbanks pack’s midwife and kicked me out of the room.” Owen explained. “Then she blocked me from the room” the last part was a growl.

“I will see what is going on.” Gemma said as she walked into the bedroom. As soon as she passed the threshold of the room Nevia’s screams filled her ears. Gemma rushed to Nevia’s side.

“What is happening?” Gemma asked the woman who she assumed was Nevia’s mother.

“The baby is breach, and I can’t turn it.” she explained. “I have called for the Fairbanks midwife she will be here soon.”

“Why have you blocked Owen from the room?” she asked.

“If he saw me in this much pain, his wolf would take over and not let anyone near me.” Nevia panted and then let out another scream of pain. Just then the bedroom door opened and Alexis rushed into the room. She went straight to Nevia and placed her hands on her stomach and closed her eyes. After a couple seconds she opened her eyes and Gemma saw fear flash across her face. She turned to Gemma in a no nonsense manner.

“The baby is in the wrong position and it can’t be turned because the cord is wrapped around its neck, we are going to need to use magic. As her alpha I am going to need your help.” Alexis told her. Gemma nodded,

“I will help however I can.” she said firmly. Alexis turned to Nevia’s mother,

“If this does not work I am going to have to do a C–section. We are going to need some wolf’s bane to keep her from healing.”

“I will get some.” the woman said and then rushed out of the room. Nevia let out another scream and Alexis placed her hand on Nevia’s head.

“Uni”, she said and then Nevia’s head fell back onto the pillow and she was asleep.

“Ok, let’s get started. We are going to have to do this quickly, the child has been in distress too long.” Alexis told Gemma. “I am going to use my magic to unwrap the umbilical cord from around the baby’s throat and then I am going to need you to turn the baby while I keep the cord from rewrapping around the neck”

“How–” Gemma started.

“I will talk you through it.” She said as she placed her hands on Nevia’s stomach. “Place your hands next to mine.” Gemma did as instructed. “Now close your eyes and see through your magic. Picture it in your mind, as you push your magic into her.”

“I see the baby!” Gemma exclaimed.

“Good, now I am going to remove the cord from its neck.” Alexis said. Gemma was in awe as she watch the cord lift and untangle from the baby’s neck.

“Now, you turn the baby clockwise.” Alexis instructed.

Gemma pushed her magic forward gently caressing the baby and slowly turned the baby.

“Right there” Alexis told her. “Now slowly pull your magic back.” Gemma did as instructed and then opened her eyes.

“Ok, now go get Owen while I wake Nevia. Quickly!” Alexis told her. Gemma ran out of the room where Malcom and Owen were both sitting on the couch.

“Owen, it is time for you to come.” Gemma told him. Owen jumped to his feet and rushed into the room. Gemma followed right behind him. Nevia was awake and Owen went to her side.

“Nevia, the baby has been in distress too long. The heartbeat is too slow, I do not think it will survive delivery. I need to do a C–section” Alexis told her.

“What do you mean–” Owen started

“You save my child!” Nevia told her. Alexis nodded and opened the bag she had brought with her and started pulling out everything she would need.

“Gemma, you are going to need to give Owen an alpha command to not interfere otherwise he is going to have to leave.” Alexis told her. Gemma nodded and turned to Owen.

“I would not intere–” Alexis cut him off.

“I am about to take a knife and cut your Chosen open in front of you!” Alexis told him.

Owen’s eyes began to glow and a growl came from deep in his chest.

“Owen!” Gemma raised her voice and she let her wolf show through her eyes “You will not move from that spot. You will stay by your mate’s side and hold her hand while Alexis saves you child. You will do nothing to interfere!” Gemma commanded.

“Yes Süda.” Owen responded and his eyes instantly lost their glow. Nevia’s mother came rushing into the room.

“I have the wolf’s bane.” She told them.

“Good” Alexis said taking the plant and snapping one of the flowers from the stem. “Nevia I need you to chew on this, but do not swallow it. It will stop the healing process long enough for me to get the baby out.”

Nevia took the plant and put it in her mouth and started chewing. Then nodded to Alexis letting her know she was ready.

“What are you going to do about the pain?” Gemma asked as she watched Alexis pick up a thin blade.

“I am a Mystic” was her only response as she cut into Nevia’s stomach.

 

~*~

 

“It’s a girl!” Gemma exclaimed as she came out of the bedroom and was surprised to see Hanna and Jared sitting with Malcom.

“How are they?” Malcom asked, and everyone turned to see Nevia’s mother come out of the bedroom and go into the kitchenette and fill a large bowl with warm water and then head back into the bedroom with it and some towels.

“They are both fine. Alexis had to do a C–section and Nevia is healing now. She is going to need a lot food, but she will be back to normal by morning.” Gemma explained, her face was bright and glowing as she went up to Malcom and took his hands. “She was amazing! If it wasn’t for Alexis, I don’t know if the baby would have made it.” Malcom hugged her.

“Everything is fine now” he reassured her.

“I know, but what if she wouldn’t have been here? I want to learn to be a midwife! Our pack needs midwives who have magic.” Gemma told him. Malcom smiled down at her,

“Then we will make it so.” He told her then leaned down to kissed her. Owen came out of the bedroom holding his daughter, he had to most brilliant smile on his face.

“Alpha, I would like to present the newest member of your pack. Arabella.” Owen told him, his voice full of wonder. Malcom walked over to Owen and placed his hand on Arabella’s head,

“May the Lupa bless you, Arabella of the Canadian pack” he said smiling down at her.

 

~*~

 

Atticus was working on perfecting a spell to keep Gemma compliant while she was stuck in the forest with them when Malaki and his men came busting through his front door.

“Atticus!” Malaki called. “We have a serious problem.” Atticus walked into the entryway of his home,

“There better be for you to come barging into my home with such disrespect!” Atticus growled. Malaki at least had the sense to bow his head in apology,

“I apologize, but the village and the mansion are empty. The pack is gone.”

“What?!” Atticus shouted “What of Malcom?”

“He is nowhere to be found, we searched the forest before coming to you to be sure.” Malaki told him.

“Impossible!” Atticus shouted and then flashed from the room. Atticus ended up at the edge of the forest. He looked out at the clearing before him, he took a deep breath and stepped forward. When he didn’t hit a barrier he nearly shouted with joy. He could hear multiple paws hitting the forest floor and soon they were with him. Malaki phased into his human form and stared opened mouth at Atticus.

“But how?” He asked.

“When Malcom was able to leave it broke the curse.” Atticus said with his arms out wide soaking up the sun in the clearing.

“What do we do now?” Malaki asked.

“Now we prepare for war.” He turned and looked at Malaki. “We need more bodies, you and your men go and find other supernaturals that also believe it is time to make ourselves known to the world.”

“What about the prophesied and your son?” Malaki asked.

“I will deal with that, we still don’t know where they are hiding, but they will make a mistake and when they do, we will be there.” Atticus said with a grotesque smile. “Report back to me here in three moons.” He told them and then he was gone.

Atticus stood in front of the dark Warlock King’s mansion, it had been centuries since he had last been here. When he took a wolf as a mate and was banished from the colony. He shook his head and cleared his mind and then opened the door to the mansion. He smiled when he heard the magical sirens going off from the spells being broken that they had locked the door with. He heard many footsteps coming from every direction. Then he saw him, the king.

“Hello Father,” He said with an evil smile and then shot a ball of magic at the man killing him where he stood.

 

~*~

3 days later

 

Gemma walked into the new tent that Amara had set up for her. She had spoken with her after Nevia’s baby was born and Amara agreed that having Mystic midwives in every pack was very important. Amara had, had Mac take an hour off both school time and tent training time to free two hours for the midwife class. The males and other females who weren’t mystics would use this time for war strategies.

“Hello Gemma” Alexis greeted from behind her desk. She had agreed to instruct the class.

“Hello” Gemma replied, “Are you ready for your first class?”

“I am. I want to thank you for making this happen, hopefully because of what you have done there will be more happy outcomes in wolf pregnancies.” Alexis told her.

“I simply made a suggestion, it wouldn’t be possible without you.” Gemma replied.

“I have a feeling that you would have found a way eventually.” Alexis told her. “Sabin just delivered the materials for the class, they are the same as the humans use in their medical schools. Would you like to help me unpack them before everyone gets here?” She asked gesturing to the boxes sitting next to her desk.

“Of course” Gemma replied and walked over to the boxes.

“How are you feeling, by the way?” Alexis asked.

“I am feeling pretty good, though I told Amara that she is going to have to order more food to come over on the boat. I swear all I do is eat.” Gemma laughed.

“That is to be expected” Alexis laughed. Hanna and Mia walked in, followed by group of girls who were talking excitedly.

“Hello, everyone. Please find a seat, you will find your class materials on your desk.” Alexis greeted everyone. Gemma went and sat next to Hanna and Mia.

“I need to talk to you after class, Nicole had a really good idea at breakfast about school.” Hanna whispered to Gemma as she sat down. Gemma nodded and then turned her attention to Alexis.

“The first thing we are going to learn is obstetrics, we will go through how to add your Mystic abilities as we go.” Alexis told everyone.

“I guess wolves don’t have to go to college for this kind of thing.” Hanna said.

“Yes and no. We do teach midwifery and healing within the packs, since we couldn’t go to a human doctor. Though, some of us do go to college just as we go to human schools, to better integrate ourselves in human society.” Alexis answered.

After class was over Hanna, Gemma and Mia were on their way to the dining hall, when Sabin suddenly appeared in front of them. Mia jumped about a foot in the air and let out a little squeal.

“I apologize.” Sabin said with a slight bow.

“You’ll get used to it, Mia. Though, you would have thought he would have learned by now. Considering after he pops in something usually flies at his head.” Gemma said with a smile.

“If you are quite through, there is an alpha meeting that requires your attention.” Sabin told them.

“What’s happened?” Hanna asked, Sabin gave Mia a pointed look and didn’t answer.

“Oh, I will see you guys later.” Mia said taking the hint and heading to the dining hall.

“Atticus has escaped the forest.” Sabin told them once he was sure Mia was out of hearing range.

“What!” Gemma and Hanna exclaimed.

“Please, let us just get to the meeting.” Sabin said gesturing for them to follow him.

He took them through the maze of mated pair tents until they came upon one that was a little bigger than the rest and he walked in. Gemma and Hanna followed and stopped to stare at the room before them. It looked like they stepped into a five star hotel suit.

“Wow” Hanna said. “Whose tent is this?” she asked.

“Mine and Amara’s” Sabin replied. He led them into a separate room with a huge table that could seat about 20 people comfortably. The other alphas were already there. Gemma and Hanna waved at their parents and then went and sat next to their Chosen’s.

“We have received news that Atticus has escaped the forest and attacked and killed the king of the dark warlocks.” Amara told the group. Everyone started talking and asking questions at once.

“How was he able to leave?” Hanna asked.

“Why would he attack his own people?” Vanessa the McKenzie pack alpha female asked.

“Has he been named king?” Sasha asked. Sabin stood and held up his hands,

“Everyone please calm down. We will answer everyone’s questions.” Everyone quieted down and waited for Amara to continue.

“First off, we believe that once Malcom was able to leave the forest, it broke the curse. He was banished from the warlock community causing him to lose his place as the next warlock king a very long time ago. So we believe he wants to take the position as king by force to control the dark warlocks and use them in the coming war.” Amara explained.

“Wait, if he was next in line to be king, then that means he killed his own father.” Hanna said.

“And that you are a warlock prince” Gemma said to Malcom.

“No, the warlocks would never accept me, since I am not a full blood. Half–bloods are not welcome in their community.” Malcom told her then looked at Amara and Sabin, “Do we know if the warlocks have accepted him as their king.”

“There were those who challenged him, but he quickly disposed of them.” Amara answered.

“Are we able to go up against an army of dark warlocks? Sasha asked.

“The dark warlock’s numbers are great. We will need the other packs. I have sent some of my warriors to speak to the other alphas, though they might need a push from the prophesied.” Amara added gesturing towards Jared and Hanna. Jared nodded,

“We will do what is needed.” He told Amara taking Hanna’s hand.

“We have also reached out to the light warlock king” Sabin told them.

“So what are we to do in the meantime, while we are waiting to hear from the other packs and the light warlocks?” Drustan asked.

“We make sure our people are prepared for battle” Amara told him.

 

 

 

~*~

3 Months later

 

Hanna!” Gemma shouted as she entered her sister’s tent. “Come on, we are going to be late!”

“Technically we can’t be late since we are six full months early.” Hanna said as she came out of her room.

“Ok well we are literally going to be late for our own graduation ceremony if you don’t get your butt in gear. I am carrying around a small planet on my body and I still move faster than you.” Gemma said crossing her arms over her chest.

“Technically you are carrying two small planets.” Hanna teased and ducked when the remote to the tv came flying at her face, which only caused her to laugh harder.

“I swear Red, I will literally zap your butt four sizes too big. Don’t mess with me.” Gemma warned. “Alexis said I can have these babies any day now, and I rather it not while I am getting my diploma!” Nicole came walking into the room, with a rainbow streaked afro.

“I’d take her word for it” Nicole told her, touching her hair. Hanna covered her mouth to keep from laughing.

“Gemma change her hair back, just because you are crazy hormonal doesn’t mean you get to use your new found powers on the people who tick you off.” Hanna scolded.

“Then what good are having these abilities? We haven’t heard a single thing from Atticus and his dark warlocks, I’ve been doing all this training and I’m ready to kick some old warlock butt!” Gemma whined. As if on que Malcom walked into the tent and wrapped his arms around Gemma and she instantly calmed down.

“The only warlock you will be going near is me, mate.” Malcom whispered in her ear causing a shiver to run down her spine.

“Ok, I’m ready, let’s go” Hanna said. “And Gemma I was serious about fixing Nicole’s hair, it was her idea that we spend our leisure time working on school work 6 nights a week so we could graduate early and be able to focus on our trainings. All because you said you hated the fact that you were going to be a mom and still be in high school.” Gemma looked at Nicole and then lazily waved her hand at her and her hair went back to normal.

“Thanks” Nicole said then hurried out of the tent before she could do anything else to upset Gemma.

“What did she do to tick you off anyways?” Hanna asked. Gemma’s face scrunched up in annoyance,

“She said she could really tell I was caring twins.” Gemma told her. Hanna patted Gemma on the shoulder,

“Ok, so maybe she deserved that one.” She told her as they headed out the door. Jared was waiting for her and greeted her with a kiss.

“Are you ready to finally be done with high school?” he asked.

“Absolutely!” Hanna said and then they all headed to the training field where Amara had set up a graduation like ceremony. I am even more ready to announce we will be having our claiming ceremony next week! She told him through their bond.  He smiled down at her and kissed her on the forehead,

Me too. He told her.

“Now she moves, should have just sent him in to get her in the first place.” Gemma said from behind them.

“Behave yourself, my jewel.” Malcom said smacking her lightly on the butt. Sam came around the tent and stopped in his tracks when Malcom let out a growl.

“Look who’s not behaving now.” Gemma sneered at Malcom, who just pushed her passed Sam and up next to Hanna. Sam bowed his head in respect to his former alpha then turned to Nicole

“Are you ready?” He asked her. She nodded,

“Madison and Blake are going to meet us there. Zelina wanted to have a private breakfast to celebrate Madison’s graduation.” Sam smiled,

“I know this is a time to prepare for war but I am glad all this has happened. So many have found their Chosen’s by bringing the packs together. That never would have happened otherwise” he told her. Just then they heard the bell ring, they all stopped to listen and counted. One. Two. Three. They all turned and looked at each other.

“What does three mean?” Malcom asked.

“Unknown bodies approaching” Nicole answered. Sam turned to Nicole,

“Go to the dining hall and wait with the others until I come get you.” He told her. Everyone who wasn’t an alpha or a warrior was to go to the dining hall which was guarded by the strongest Fae magic in times of war. Nicole nodded and headed toward the dining hall. Malcom turned to Gemma to instruct her to do the same but she put her hand in his face.

“Save it, I’m an alpha and I’m not missing anything. It’s been way to boring around her lately” She told him.

“Gemma, you are pregnant.” Malcom tried to reason.

“Really, is that what this huge growth is?” Gemma asked as she headed toward the docks. Malcom growled and went to walk in front of her. “Seriously–” She started to protest.

“Enough Gemma! If you refuse to go to the dining hall then you will allow me this and you will like it.” Malcom told her.  Gemma’s eyes got wide and she looked over at Hanna whose mouth had dropped open. No one had ever given Gemma a command like that and not walked away with a limp. Gemma smiled and winked at her,

“He’s sexy when he’s bossy isn’t he?” She said to her. Hanna laughed and then shook her head at her sister. But didn’t say anything, she looked up at Jared,

Aren’t you going to ask me to go to the dining hall? She asked.

Nope he replied, then smiled down at her and took her hand.

I knew I got the smart one. Hanna told him and gave his hand a squeeze. They came around the bend and saw Amara and Sabin, standing at the docks looking out at the water. They came up and stood beside them and saw about 30 to 40 boats full of people coming toward the island.

“What’s going on? Who is it?” Hanna asked.

“We don’t know yet, Cyrus has teleported to the lead boat to see.” Sabin answered.

“What!” Gemma exclaimed. “What if it is Atticus and his army?”

“If it was Atticus he would have shielded his approach and the magic alarms would have sounded not the bell.” Amara told them. Cyrus was suddenly standing before them, he turned and looked at his sister.

“Well?” Amara prompted.

“Is it Atticus?” Gemma asked, disregarding what Amara had told her.

“No. It’s the vampires.” Cyrus told them.

“What!” Gemma and Hanna exclaimed at once.

“But it’s daylight!” Hanna said. Everyone looked at her with a sympathetic expression.

“The majority of the myths you have heard are untrue.” Jared told her.

“Are they planning to attack?” Sabin asked.

“No” Cyrus replied. “The queen is with them.” Amara and Sabin both looked at him in surprise,

“They would risk her wellbeing by bringing her out of their fortress?” Amara asked.

“What is so special about the queen?” Hanna asked.

“There has not been a female vampire born in 1000 years, if something was to happen to her, there would be no one to take her place.” Jared told her.

“But surely there are other female vampires.” Hanna said.

“Not born of the royal line, each queen’s memories and abilities are passed to the next. Not just any one female can be queen.” Jared explained.

“Oh. Why hasn’t there been another female born?” Hanna said.

“The royal line was cursed, that none should produce another air.” Sabin answered, “but there was one child born after the curse had been placed. The curse could not touch an innocent still in the womb.

“Sabin!” Amara glared at him.

“Sorry.” Sabin said, bowing his head to Hanna, “That’s a story for another time.” Amara turned to everyone at the docks,

“If you are not an alpha, or a dock worker please report to the dining hall.” She ordered.

Hanna watched as all the warriors both Fae and wolf turned and did as instructed.

“Why send them away?” She asked.

“They are going to be very edgy with the queen out in the open, best not agitate them” Amara told her. “Vampires are one of the most vicious supernaturals in battle. They could easily kill everyone on the island with very few casualties of their own.”

“So we are letting them come here?” Gemma questioned. Malcom placed his hand on her shoulder,

“They are also very peaceful creatures, they only fight when necessary and they are very protective of the human race.”

“Why humans?” Hanna asked.

“Because with so little female vampires to reproduce, human women are taken as mates” Malcom told her. Hanna looked at Jared and squinted her eyes at him.

“You and I are going to have a sit down later and go over all the supernaturals. I am tired of surprises.” She told him. Jared smiled,

“Whatever you say” He told her.

The boats started to pull up to the docks. A group of males got off the main boat and stood there staring at them. Then a woman emerged, and Hanna could have sworn she was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She was tall and slender, but also curvy, she had long black hair that spiraled down her back, plump lips and her eyes were ice blue.

The men surrounded her and then walked toward them stopping in from of Hanna and Jared. The woman stepped out of the circle of men and smiled at them.

“Hello, I am Catalina, and I hear you are going to war against Atticus of the dark warlocks. I wish to offer my assistance.” She said with a smile.

 

 

 

 

 

The End… for now.

Silver Moon, book 2 coming soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Currently a stay at home mother, Jennifer Minton is pursuing her passion for writing while raising and homeschooling her three boys. Proud Christian and lover of all genres of books, Jennifer discovered her love for writing at a young age but never truly pursued her passion until winter of 2015. With one title under her belt she hopes to continue writing and sharing her stories with the world.

 

For more information about the author and to see her upcoming projects, please check out her Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/jennifermintonbooks