She nudged the grumpy bear and he turned the key bringing Aurora’s beast she had named Black Betty to life. I’d never thought I’d see the day a female would name her truck a female name. Aurora fiddled with the radio till she found a station she liked. It was a bit odd that she put on some pop radio station. Dimitri visibly cringed when some female pop singer began to sing about some dark horse. The smirk that played on my mate’s lips made me just want to kiss it off her face. She’s so damn adorable, it almost makes you forget the beast within. I continue to flip through the papers mother gave me learning all that I can on the long drive to nowhere Colorado.
Twelve hundred miles is going to take forever with as slow as Dimitri drives. I know bears are slow but damn at least go five over the limit. We’re going to die because he’s over cautious. “Hey, Dimitri, I know this diesel is quick, I can see the tuner head from here. Can we bump the speed up a bit?"
Dimitri’s eyes dart to mine then he starts looking at the dash. “What’s a tuner head and where is it?”
Aurora’s head whipped around to give me a death glare. I just fucked up big time. “Sebastian is seeing things D just use the gas pedal more, it’s the long vertical one on the right side. It makes the truck go Vroom Vroom.” Aurora was in a wise-ass mood, as well as mad... Longest road trip ever. Her eyes locked on me again. Yup I’m in trouble. “So, Sebastian. As the first Lycan to need glasses how the hell are you?” She’s used my full first name twice now. Definitely in the doghouse now. Dimitri and Andre are both laughing at me.
“Well love since your beauty is so blinding it’s not shocking, I need glasses. To look at you for a long period of time is like staring at the sun. All I can see is you and nothing else matters.” Aurora narrowed her eyes again at me, I just can’t win. Then she just shook her head and turned back around to read her book. I may be safe.
“Andre take the file from Sebastian and tell me about the four sons. I’m curious.” Aurora said with a playful tone to her voice. I folded those sheets up and stuck them between my thighs thinking they were safe. NOPE, Andre reached down brushing the back of his hand against my cock and balls and grabbed the papers. The look on my face had to be priceless. I mean I was more in shock he had the stones to go near my balls. Aurora snorted as she watched Andre’s antics. My mate just let another male touch my balls! WTF! I looked from my crotch to Andre.
The Bird just smirked. “I can see why baby girl is smiling. You my boy are stacked!” He smiled sweetly at me then looked back to Aurora. “Hmm, looks like the first born is named Johan. He’s four hundred and thirty-five years old 6’6 and about 230 lbs. He’s a politician in the pack serving as Beta to his father. Johan is unmated but does have an arranged mating coming up this winter. Second eldest son is Alexander. Hmm he’s on my team so that’s a no go for you sweetie.” Andre pauses to read the next part and grins at Aurora before reading the next line.
“Now the twins are interesting. Jayceon and Dominik, they are two hundred and eighty-seven years old. Dominik is the pack enforcer standing at 6’ and 250 lbs. He has served this country as a Ghost whatever that means. Jayceon or Jayce as he prefers to be called, is a historian. He’s currently dating a packmate Sinclair and was previously involved with a Chrystina. I’m guessing he doesn’t care what gender he dates. He’s 6’1 and 210 lbs, more brains than brawn from what it says here. Elena has foot notes that she believes the twins will be the best match for Aurora.”
Andre passes the papers forward to Aurora and she starts looking at the pictures and bio’s weighing the pros and cons of all the males listed. Aurora turns around and looks right at me. Her eyes flicker between hers and her wolves, they appear to be formulating a question. “What’s your opinion of the males listed love? You are my first mate; and I value your opinion. Because if none of them are a true mate like you are, who do you think would be the best fit for the political alliance?”
I was glad to see that my gift of strategy was serving her well already. She wasn’t just looking at the pretty faces and all the muscles... she was being tactical. That line of thought will serve her well with all we have to do before us. “The beta wouldn’t be bad but I’m not sure having another potential alpha in the pack would be a great idea. There would be fights for dominance and possession constantly. The second born being gay wouldn’t help at all there, the bond at best would be weak.”
I take in a deep breath, as much as I hate admitting it the twins look to be her best option. She’s smiling looking at me, she knows her assessment is solid and is just looking for confirmation. “The twins look to be the front runners for this pack. Sadly, there are very few Dire Wolf packs left so the selection is meager.” Aurora nods slowly before turning back around.
“Fucking Strigoi” She mutters before picking her book back up.
I look over the remaining sheets in the file my mother had given us. Surprisingly she had a geographical survey of the Nankoweep Ruins. There must be hidden tunnels leading into the den from the ruins that humans haven’t found yet. Andre has scooted closely looking over my shoulder at the diagrams.
“If I fly up here.” He points to the eastern edge of the ruins. “I can catch and ride the thermals across the face of the site to get a look inside. With it carved into the cliff face I won’t be able to glide silently in and out I’d have to fly around which they’ll hear my wings.” Andre was thinking like a military man. It makes me start to question what they had done before I came to know them.
“I have a question for you two guardians. I remember the night you arrived. It was dark and storming. Both of you were wearing armor with crests on them. What was your position before becoming bound to Aurora?” I needed to know who was with us and what they were able to do to help in the final battle.
Dimitri’s eyes found mine in the rearview mirror. “I was the Queen's sword, her personal guard and her enforcer. I had my room right off her chambers when she became pregnant with Aurora. We lived in a time that King Vlad had caused a lot of civil unrest because of his treatment of the Strigoi. Lycans were originally their daytime guardians. Pets if you will. The Lycan’s began to rise in power as they discovered that the females took on their mates’ powers. It’s why Aurora now thinks strategically... it’s because of you. That was one of the gifts you’ve given her. Nothing else new has manifested yet, but who knows what other gifts she’ll gain from you as the bond grows. Andre back there was the spy master of the castle. Since Golden Eagle shifters were so rare, he could sit in his shifted form anywhere in the castle and no one gave him a second thought. Thinking he was just a trained pet. Shortly before Anca started taking mates she had Andre and I bonded. It’s similar to a mate bond but it’s purpose is more strategic than anything else. It’s why when I was bound to Aurora, Andre’s life was also extended. I’ve been teaching Aurora all different fighting styles since she was able to run. As new forms become available, I’d join the classes, learn new skills then come back and train Aurora. It’s not that I didn’t think she could handle the outside world. I don’t think the outside world could handle her.” Dimitri’s eyes remained on the road I watched his face morph throughout the conversation. He’s taken his job very seriously over the last two hundred years. You can tell he’s done his job well with how lethal and prepared my mate is.
Out of nowhere Aurora starts laughing hysterically. Like out of control belly laughing to the point the noise stopped but the open mouth laughter continued. “What’s so funny love?” The look she gave me makes me think I’m going to regret the answer.
“Well the main character Selene... she has a thing for her driver. She goes to visit him and he’s banging this chick from the gun range.” Her eyes drop to the page then looks back up again. “So, he’s going at it like a champ and from the sound of it he was getting close. So, Selene pulls out her gun and aims it at the hoe’s head. Soon as the bitch sees her, she shoots her in the head. Blood everywhere Frank is freaking out. Totally something I would do. Then again, I prefer my talons.
I’m more of an up-close and personal kind of girl.” She just fucking smiled! Smiled about a chick getting her brains blown all over the place.
I’m concerned. Dimitri cleared his throat. “Aurora, your wolf bit the head off of my one-night stand just because I forgot to shower before seeing you.” He glanced to her and she was still smiling and nodding before he looked at me in the rearview. “Goodluck!” He just fucking smirked at me. What in the nine hells have I gotten myself into? Poor Andre is fucking pale. Aurora is still laughing. She holds her hand up.
“Remember how we had to play manhunt for the missing body parts after we found the severed head in my bed. My wolf must’ve been really pissed at you Dimitri!” She's still laughing. I would almost think my mate had become unhinged but unmated she-wolves can be quite unpredictable at times.
“How is finding a severed head in your bed funny Aurora?” I had to ask, though I think I should have kept that question to myself.
“Ok, so Andre and I have a movie night at least once to twice a week. I think it was the week before that we had a Godfather movie marathon. In the one movie, the boss wakes up with a horse head in his bed. I guess my wolf decided to bring her prize to bed with us.” Aurora shrugged after giving her explanation and went back to reading her book like nothing fucking happened.
We continued to drive through the night switching off every 6 hours so we could sleep in shifts of two. I don’t think anyone honestly slept when Aurora was driving. She has a lead foot and a love of that tuner mod that made that diesel of hers fly like a bat out of hell. At this rate we should reach our destination in two days tops. Perhaps not sane, maybe not in one piece... but we’ll get there sooner rather than later.
I received an email today from Elena of the Lycan pack to the north. The old Alpha had finally fallen. To my surprise the lost Princess had done it and taken over the pack. Per protocol Elena informed me that Aurora was on her way to meet my sons. Hmm, I can finally have my revenge on her parents for the slaughter of my old pack at the hands of the Strigoi. Slowly I move to my desk and look over my prisoner list. Nicodeamus is still alive. How fucking long do damn dragons live? I’ll set him as the last opponent. I still have a Wendigo and several Dire’s that if they die it’d save me time from killing them. I’m almost salivating thinking about the bloodshed to come. Maybe I’ll let the Princess live and take her as my mate and increase my power. I’ll use her to take back her mother’s Kingdom then murder her in her sleep. That would give me the Lycan pack and keep my pack under my control. Now to plan the battle, who should I have her fight first? I’m going to start it off easy for her and let her warmup with several Dire prisoners. A knock sounds at my office door while I’m deep in thought.
“Enter!” I don’t bother looking up, by scent I know it’s one of the twins. “I need you to prepare some prisoners for battle. Pick three of our best Dire fighters, The Wendigo and the Dragon. Make sure they are fed and in top shape for Friday. We have a visitor coming. She’s supposedly the missing Marelup Princess. As far as I know that child died with the Queen. Regardless if she’s anything less than the Heir to the throne she’ll die swiftly in the early battles.”
Dominik stepped forward to look at the prisoner list. “Alpha Lucian, are you sure this is necessary for one female? I mean they are in such short supply as it is, to lose one is the loss of several potential pups.” I regarded my father’s cold calculating assessment of the list and then myself. It's clear that he’s already signed this female’s death warrant. “If I may be so bold to ask. Why is she coming here?”
Lucian drew in a deep irritated breath. “The old order of things requires the she-wolf Princess to take mates from all four clans as a political alliance. Do the math boy... that’s four mates. Three other dicks to try to race to knock her up first. The Shaman from the Lycan pack didn’t state if she has a mate yet. Part of me blames the old alpha for the deaths of thousands of our packmates. I want his seed to die. Then again if she’s not his spawn perhaps letting her seek a mate here would be to my benefit.” Lucian went deep into thought, so deep he didn’t truly notice Dom taking the list and the printed letter with him out the door.
Once out of his father’s sight Dom raced to the suite he shared with his brother Jayce. The door almost came off its hinges with as hard as Dom had hit it. Jayce almost fell off his stool from the shock of his brothers’ entrance. “Shit Dom what the fucks going on? Where’s the fire?” Jayce stood up and moved towards his brother and rested his hands on Dom’s shoulders.
“Remember the Dragon, Nico? How he used to beg to be set free to find his hatchling?” Dom raised both thick black eyebrows hoping his brother would remember.
“Yeah he was babbling about the hatchling again about two weeks ago. Something about an ascension and full access to power. You still haven’t told me what the actual fuck is going on.” Jayce was a little pissed off and puzzled by his brother’s actions.
“Jayce if she’s who I think she is. We are going to have one pissed off dragon on our hands. The Missing Princess isn’t missing anymore. She’s coming here to look for a mate. Father wants her to battle the prisoners before getting to meet any of us.” Dom looked stressed, like beyond stressed which wasn’t like him.
“Ok, so if you're right and she’s the Princess and the dragon’s daughter. Father is going to be in deep shit. Especially since dragons and dragon kin share power when they are close to each other. If she can wield her father’s ice, we are going to be ice skating in the middle of the desert.” Jayce was pacing now his nerves getting the better of him.
“Calm down brother. I’ll protect you like I’ve always done, don’t worry about a thing. I kind of hope she’s related to the dragon. Father has gone further down the rabbit hole and is losing what’s left of his mind. We have a Wendigo here! Those things are the most fucked up abominations I’ve ever seen. If she’s the dragon’s daughter, she’ll win. Her father will sense she’s his kin, and then they will turn on our father. Then his reign of terror will be over.” I said it and partially regretted it. Kind of. He’s been nothing but cruel to our brother that’s gay and to Jayce for being bi.
I do my best as a brother to protect them. Now I have a chance to free us all from the hell we are in. “Get some rest Jayce and lay low... father is in a mood.” I leave our suite and head down towards the dungeon. I pass the guards on duty, and they leave the area thinking I’m just as cruel as father. A misconception that I have had to foster in order to survive. My eyes survey the Dires and the Wendigo that the Princess must fight. They are quite sturdy but shouldn’t be a challenge. As I approach the ice dragon’s cell there’s an immediate drop in temperature. Icicles hang from the ceiling. “Nico? I have news for you.” I see his glowing silver eyes regard me.
“What is it?” Slowly the massive male moves towards the bars, his left arm missing from the war with the Strigoi. His good hand grips the bar. There’s a tinge of hope in his eyes.
“It’s not all good news Nico. There is to be a battle here tomorrow night. You are the last fighter like always." His eyes drop for a moment. “I believe your daughter is on her way here. She is coming to claim her Dire mate, but my father wants her to battle for the right.”
His head whipped up quickly and the slits of his dragon bleed through those silver orbs. “I was right, I’ve been feeling her all these years.” His gaze dropped just before he began to pace. “She has ascended, I felt her touch my power. Your prisoners do not stand a chance against her. You are a good strong male with a good heart I hope she chooses you. As for my battle with her. We will not fight. Our animals will not permit it. She is dragon kin, just by entering your den and being close to me she will be able to use my powers.” An evil grin crossed his lips as his hand moved to rub where his arm once was. “I will finally get my revenge against the traitor.” Nico slowly turns and paces around the cell. “I need to eat and regain my strength. My daughter will need me.” His eyes now back to human lock on mine. ”I feel her, she’s
taken her first mate. She has gained gifts from him. Prepare yourself as well as your brothers that may do right by her. I will speak to her once she’s within the den and share my knowledge with her.” Nico went and sat down on the edge of his bed watching me.
“I’ll send more food to you and drink. I swear on my life I will do all that I can to protect the Princess and reunite you two.” My eyes turned golden as my wolf surges to the surface, he agrees with me that it’s time to stage the coup. I bow lightly to the dragon King, my fist to my chest over my heart. He in turn returned the gesture before I head back upstairs. I walk back towards my suite and move towards the balcony. Pushing the doors open my eyes search the vast desert before me. Night has fallen and the temperatures are dropping.
Slowly I raise my binoculars to scan the desert. I see a flickering light far out in the desert. Quickly I switch to the telescope and try to focus in on that flickering light. It’s definitely a campfire and a large black truck. There are figures moving about the fire, they appear to be large bodies. So far, I’m not seeing anything that would make me think the Princess is with them. Just as I was about to walk away a large white Lycan came into view. In its maw a pronghorn hung limply. “Holy fuck!” I accidentally said out loud.
Quickly I look around to make sure no one had heard what I just said. When I was sure the coast was clear, I found myself watching the campsite hoping to see the Princess again. At about one am all the motion around the fire ceased. Bedtime for them and for me. Tomorrow is going to be rather interesting indeed.
Morning came too quickly for me today. My nerves were on edge as I knew what was going to happen. I don’t want to fight my brothers, but I will if I have to. My eldest brother has been poisoned by our father for years, he’s the only one I have to worry about standing against me. I promised the dragon King that I’d protect the Princess. I saw her beast with my own eyes, she’s dragon kin. Today’s battles will be a walk in the park for her. I dressed quickly and made my way into Jayce’s room. “Wake up Jayce! There’s a lot we must do today!” He’s curled up with his current boyfriend limbs all tangled together.
Hide Little Wolf: The Aurora Marelup Series Page 7