The Ties That Bond (Love Conquers All Book 1)

by Riki Bishop

  “I thought vampires couldn’t have children or even create them?” Levi asks.

  “That is a myth. Vampires have been having children for centuries. Not all of them are turned but born. So, your pups are going to be the first to bewitch, from my side of the family, wolf, from you and Levi, and vampire, from your mother's side of the family. They are destined to do great things, in the right hands. There are members from both your mother’s side and my side that would want such power and to control them how they see fit. Especially your little Moon Goddess. I went to see a seeker years ago and she told me that one of my daughters would carry the beings that could either grow or destroy what we have built as wolves. I know that you and Levi will make sure that they grow it instead of destroying it, but if this threat were to succeed, it would doom, not only the wolf species but all of them. Human included.” He explained.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: NEW BROTHER

  “So, do you know who this threat could be?” Levi asks.

  “I have a suspicion. It could be one of two people. One being your uncle, on your mother's side, who has fallen from the grace of the Vampire King, your granddad. Or, it could be the woman that I haven’t spoken to in almost twenty years. It’s time you know that your brother from your mother isn’t your only one. After your mother left with you and your sister, I got another pregnant. I threw myself into my work and didn’t know she was pregnant until I ran into her and her son twenty years ago. She was not happy that I did not make her my mate. She is upset that her son wouldn’t be my heir if anything were to happen to me because that would go to my oldest child, which is you. So, she could also be behind it. I have kept in contact with my son, Nathan, over the years and he has a good head on his shoulders and tells me he and his mother have recently had a falling out. He is on his way here and will be here sometime tomorrow evening. I was hoping that you and your sister and your mates would be here to meet him. I know you would get along great.” Josiah says.

  “So, this Nathan guy, won’t be a threat in the future? I don’t think I could get close to someone else and be betrayed again. I mean my own brother that I have known my whole life has been moved across the country to live with my grandparents on my father's side. Who knows when I’ll see him again? Not to mention that I’m gaining a brother in Jason and since you and his mother are, I’m assuming, going to become mates soon. I can’t go through the betrayal of family or anyone again. It’s bad enough that my babies are in trouble and they’re not even born yet.” I’m starting to have a panic attack. It’s getting to be too much. I can’t catch my breath. I look at Levi and he’s right by my side. “Breath baby. In. Out and repeat. Breath to the sound of my voice. We’ll get through this. We always do. Calm down for me baby girl. No one is going to hurt you or our babies. There you go. That’s my girl.” I calm down and he holds me in his arms and kisses my forehead.

  “I can assure you, sweetheart, Nathan is a good man and will do anything to protect those babies and you, even though he hasn’t met you. You would be correct about Sheila and me mating soon and that is why Jason and Alexis will be joining us tomorrow as well. I hope you; Levi, Shay, and Ryder can join as well.” Josiah says. “It’s been a long night and you have been given quite a bit of information. Why don’t you two go rest, and we’ll discuss what to do in the morning?”

  “I’ll give Ryder a call after I get this one in a nice warm bath to relax.” Levi says, picking me up to carry me to our room for the night. He sits me down on the bed and heads to the bathroom to run the bath.

  “How are you so calm about all this? Our daughter is set to be the next Moon Goddess. Our sons are going to be wolves, witches, and vampires. They could either make or break everything that our ancestors have worked for. Not that I’m going to let that happen, but that’s beside the point. We haven’t even picked out names!” I say when Levi comes back into the room.

  “I’m calm on the outside, but I’m freaking out on the inside. I didn’t know there would be so much to your bloodline. Honestly, we will make sure our babies are raised to be the great leaders they are destined to be. We will do everything we can to keep them on the right track. It’s out of our hands when destiny comes into play. Maybe that is why I’m not all that shocked about it. I’m terrified of the unknown. Baby, we will get through this. We are going to have some amazing babies and more to come. Now, let’s get you in this bath and I’ll call Ryder and fill him in on everything. Then, we shall go to bed.” He says kissing me before I go to the bathroom.

  LEVI’S POV

  That was a lot of information. I honestly don’t know how to process it all. I knew Willow was strong, but I didn’t know she was from not only the second strongest Alpha bloodline but from the Moon Goddess. Our daughter is set to become the next Moon Goddess, so she’ll have those powers along with wolf and vampire. She’s going to become the strongest of the three. My boys are going to be the strongest leaders and I know they’ll keep their sister safe. I just can’t believe that my pups are going to be that powerful. I’m one proud dad and I can’t wait to see them grow into the leaders they are meant to become. To do that, we must make sure we keep them safe at all costs. Even though they aren’t wanting to kill them, but whoever is after them will use them to do their dirty work and gain the power from. I know they won’t stop at just using them for the power that they wield, but I know they’ll kill Willow and myself. Hell, whoever is doing this will kill whoever gets in their way. We have two possibilities that we need to follow up on, but first, we need to meet this brother. Maybe he’ll have some insight on his mother and if it could be her.

  Time to call Ryder. I don’t know how I feel about them coming as well since Jason will be here. We’ll have to find someone to watch over things as we are here for at least tomorrow night. I call Ryder and he answers on the first ring.

  “Levi, what’s up brother?”

  “So much. The short version is Willows bloodline comes from the second strongest Alpha line, the Mood Goddess line, and Vampire lines. She also has a brother through Josiah, and he will be here tomorrow. We have two possible leads. One is the brother's mother and the other being Willow and Shay’s uncle that has fallen from the grace of the Vampire King. Josiah would like you and Shay to join for dinner tomorrow evening to meet the brother and Jason and Alexis will be here. We need to have Bryson keep things in line while you are both here.”

  “Wow. That is a lot to take in and I’m sure there is more to the story. Jason and Alexis left not long ago. Shay and I will leave in the morning after I talk with Bryson. This is getting intense. We need to get this under control and fast.”

  “You think I don’t know that? My children are in danger. My daughter is supposed to become the next Moon Goddess and my sons are supposed to become powerful leaders that could make or break all species around us. Not to mention, all three are going to be tribrids. Wolf, witch, and vampire. Who knows what Willow and Shay are complete? Maybe they are full wolves and it skips a line. I don’t know. There are many unanswered questions and all we can do is follow up on the leads. We will discuss this when we leave either tomorrow night or the next morning.”

  “This is more than anyone thought. Alright. I’ll fill Shay in on everything that you’ve told me. She might freak out and want to leave tonight. I’ll send you a text if that happens. Don’t worry brother, we’ll figure it out and your pups and mate will be safe.”

  With that, we hang up and I go to the bathroom to check on Willow. I walk into the bathroom and she’s asleep in the tub. I smile and walk over to her and it amazes me how beautiful she is, and pregnancy just makes her that much more beautiful. “Baby girl, let’s get you out of the bath and into bed.” I say shaking her slightly. I know she’s tired, she’s been more tired since the babies have started growing faster. She’s not just carrying one so, it makes it that much harder I suppose.

  Hell, I’m tired just looking at how tired she is. I have a lot of work that I must do daily, as does she, but she also
must carry three pups. She’s my wonder woman. “Come to one Wills, let the water out so we can get dressed. I know the water is cold by now.” She groans and pulls the plug and lifts her arms. I help her out of the tub and dried off. I get her into her shorts and tank top and lay her down under the covers before I strip into just my boxers. I normally sleep naked, but I don’t want anyone walking in and seeing my goods. Jason should be here in a couple of hours. I’ll fill him in on everything in the morning. I’m exhausted, more mentally than anything. I climb into the bed and pull Willow close to my chest and rest one arm under my pillow and the other on her belly. She sighs in content and snuggles closer. I mindlessly rub soothing circles on her belly while succumbing to some much-needed sleep.

  WILLOW’S POV

  When I wake up I roll over and see Levi sleeping peacefully. I didn’t have it in my heart to wake him since he’s not been getting much sleep as of late, so I decided to let him sleep in. He deserves it. I slowly get out of bed and head to the bathroom to shower. Once I get out of the shower I get dressed in leggings and a t-shirt and throw my hair in a messy bun. Levi is still sleeping when I go to leave the room. I go into the kitchen and I’m met with my dad, Sheila, Jason, Alexis, Ryder, and Shay. “Good morning everyone.” I say heading to the coffee pot. They all look at me and smile and say good morning. “When did everyone arrive?” I ask going to sit at the table.

  “We arrived this morning and Jason and Alexis arrived last night, but you were already asleep. I had to talk to Bryson before coming and I wanted to fill Shay in on everything that Levi told me. Don’t worry Will, we’re going to find out who is after the babies. Levi was worried as all else when I talked to him on the phone last night.” Ryder explains.

  “Yeah, I could feel it through the bond. I wish he would talk to me though. I know he doesn’t want to add to my worries and stress, but I wish he would open more than he does. That’s why I left him sleeping. I would appreciate it if no one woke him. He’s not been sleeping well lately, and I want him to get the rest he needs.” I say and they all agree. They know how hard he’s been working and understand that he needs the rest. He’s not going to be any use in a fight if he doesn’t take care of himself. “Anyways, when is Nathan set to arrive? Speaking of new brothers.” I say looking at Jason who ducks his head.

  “Yeah, sorry for not telling you. It wasn’t my place.” Jason says.

  “He should arrive anytime now.” Josiah says and as if on cue, the door opens and a man that looks like Josiah walks into the house. “Ah, Nathan! Glad you made it. How were your travels?”

  “Yeah, they were good. I brought someone with me though. I hope you don’t mind. This is Sierra. I met her when I stopped for gas and it turns out she is my mate.” Nathan explained. I turned to look at Nathan and he has dirty blonde hair, around six foot, he has Josiah’s strong facial features and green eyes. Then I look at Sierra and did a double take. Sierra Hamilton, Levi’s high school girlfriend, and the girl that went out of her way to make mine and Alexis’s life miserable. I look at Alexis and turn back to Sierra and let out a ferocious growl. Everyone looks at me weird, except for Alexis who knows. Sierra just gives me a smirk. I growl louder and Alexis growls as well and when I start to lunge after her. Before I make it to her, Nathan steps in front of her, and arms wrap around me holding me back.

  “Look what we have here. Willow Thompson and Alexis Santiago. Been a long-time ladies.” Sierra says and has the nerve to step towards us from behind Nathan. “I didn’t think I’d see you again, considering what your parents did.” I try to yank myself from Levi, which doesn’t work. Alexis gets free from Jason, but only for a short second.

  “ENOUGH!” Josiah says, but that doesn’t stop Sierra.

  “How is my sloppy seconds Willow? He has always been a good fuck. You know he used to love me until you showed up. He was going to make me his Luna and I was going to bear his pups, but you came along and did that. Now, I met your brother, so I guess I’m going to be in your life once again. This should be entertaining.” She sneers.

  “Levi. LET. ME. GO. NOW.” I say, trying to get out of his hold again. I growl in frustration. She cackles. “Great mate you have there, brother. So sorry we had to meet like this. This skank has always had it out for me, and she knew exactly what would happen if she showed up here.” I say to Nathan.

  “Don’t call her that.” Nathan sneers. Of course, he would defend her, she is his mate, even though he looks disgusted on how she’s acting, but any mate doesn’t want to hear anything bad said about their mate.

  “ENOUGH!” Levi says this time using his powerful Alpha tone. “Everyone in the meeting room! I’m going to let you go, but I will grab you again if you try anything. I love you, but we need to keep level heads as the Alpha King and Queen. The same goes for you Alexis. Get your shit together.” Levi lets go of me and Jason lets go of Alexis and we all make it to the meeting room. “I’m sorry for overstepping Josiah, but they wouldn’t have stopped. There is bad blood between them all that’s been there since high school.”

  “That’s no problem Alpha King Levi. Hell, of a way to start a meeting!” Josiah says taking a seat at the table.

  “Now, we need to discuss some things and before we do that, apparently we have to deal with childish shit.” Levi starts.

  “Before we begin, I would like to introduce my daughters to their new brother. Nathan, this is Willow and the woman beside her is Shay. Levi is Willows mate, as you all know, Ryder is sitting next to Shay and he is her mate. He is also the Royal Beta. Beside them is The Royal Gamma pair and your stepbrother, Jason and his mate Alexis.” Josiah said.

  “I have heard plenty about each of you and I’m glad to meet you all. Granted, I wasn’t expecting that as our first meeting, but I’m glad I finally got to meet you.” Nathan said. He seems nice, it’s his mate that I don’t trust because I know how she is.

  “It’s nice to meet you as well. I’m sorry for acting out the way I did. I didn’t expect to see her again and it brought back bad memories and when you tie my hated for her with my heightened emotions from being pregnant you get a deadly combination.” I say and Sierra snorts.

  “Enough of that. I will reject you right now if you do not treat them with the respect as your Royal leaders and my family.” Nathan says and I’m shocked. Sierra whimpers and sits back in her chair and crosses her arms over her chest and glares. I just smirk.

  “Now, shall we get to business?” Josiah asks.

  “Yes, but she leaves. I do not trust her and as of right now from her actions from this morning who knows if she has ulterior motives for coming here knowing who would be here. She’s not mated to Nathan yet, so she is not part of the family until she bares his mark.” I say.

  “Very well, Sierra if you could step out so we can begin with our meeting.” Levi says. What a way to meet your new brother that you learned about not twenty-four hours ago. Sierra doesn’t look happy, but she can’t fight against Levi’s command.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: DINNER

  LEVI’S POV

  I woke up when I heard Willow let out a ferocious growl and instantly got dressed and headed to the kitchen to see what was going on. When I walked in I saw Sierra and a male, that I assumed to be Nathan, and Willow along with Alexis wasn’t happy. Willow went after Sierra after she said something, and I had to grab her before she did something that couldn’t be undone. This is not how I expected our morning to go. Now, we’re sitting in the meeting room to get an idea of what is going on. “This room is soundproof, so no one will be able to hear what we discuss. I do not want anything said in this room to be transferred to anyone.” I said and everyone agreed. “Now, Nathan, it’s nice to meet my mates brother, but we need to know about your mother.” Nathan took a deep breath.

  “I figured as much. The last I seen of her; she was going to the UK. I’m unsure as to why, but she told me she had some business to attend over there.” He explains.

  “That’s where the Vampire King resides
. I wonder if it has any connection to the threat on my grandpups. It can’t be a coincidence.” Josiah said.

  “So, it seems as if our two leads are going to be in the same place. Looks like we are going to the UK.” I said. This can’t be good. It seems that we not only have one threat but two. Vampires are tricky and with us not knowing anything about this woman, we can’t be sure what is going through her head. “Okay, tell us everything you can about your mother.”

  “Well, she was content in her life up until the news of Willow becoming pregnant. She overheard dad talking to his Beta at the time about what a Seeker had said. After he left to be with his mate and she left him, my mom went back to try and work things out with Josiah. She overheard that your pups would be more powerful than this world has known. She ended up leaving and when she found out it was Willow that was carrying the triplets she changed. She started talking about how she would be the most powerful woman and would get Josiah back. That’s when I found out about who my father really was. Then two weeks ago, she went to the UK to meet with someone.” Nathan said.

  “This is worse than we thought. We only figured it would be either your mother or the vampires. Who knows who they have aligned with them? We need to hold a meeting with the Alphas of the surrounding packs that are our allies. We need to get those who are not our allies to become them. Willow needs to be protected at all costs. She may be strong, but she cannot shift. We need to set up a trip to go to the UK tomorrow after I get Willow home.” I said.

  “I’m not letting you do this alone Levi. I am not going to cower when my life is in danger. My babies come first, and I will do anything that I must in order to keep them safe. You will not keep me out of this.” Willow said. I knew she would fight me on this, but this is one thing that she won’t win with me.

  “My priority is to keep you and my pups safe. You will not be going with us. Your job is to make sure you stay calm and get those pups to term. Willow don’t fight me on this. Please. I don’t want to fight with you on this. I know you will do anything, but I can’t have you in anymore danger than you already are. You will be going back to the Kingdom tomorrow and after we get you settled, myself and Jason will be going to the UK with some warriors to scope out what is going on. Ryder is going to be staying so he can oversee the Alpha duties. You still have Luna duties to uphold. Please, baby, just…please.” I say.