Hate

by K. A Knight

  Because she is ours.

  And we are hers.

  And that is what you do for those you love. You love them so completely, so fully, even when it’s hard or it hurts, especially then. It’s when they need you the most. It’s not always easy or pretty, but I’m learning that love is both selfish and selfless. You can’t love without both.

  “You should let her in, you might be surprised what she can do,” I whisper to him, not wanting to wake her.

  “Is that right, forest god? Or maybe she would destroy me,” he rumbles from the dark, his eyes glowing.

  “She could, but to burn in her flames would be better than to burn alone. Think on that before you break whatever bond is between you,” I advise as I walk by.

  “And if I chose to walk away?” he calls.

  Sighing, I look down at the precious woman in my arms. I never thought I would be here. Offering another man my love’s heart, but she needs him and what she needs, I give her. Always.

  Selfless.

  It doesn’t mean I won’t kill him.

  Selfish.

  Got to have both.

  I leave him to think on my words and what he will do as I head back to the room. We will need to make it home if this is where we plan on staying, I want her comfortable here. She is the leader, after all, she needs a place she can come to when it gets to be too much.

  We all need a home, it’s what we searched for.

  I wonder if this could be it.

  Laying her back on the bed, I climb in beside her. As I position her, the others reach for her, awake and aware of what happened. Jealousy and anger fill our bonds, but they settle as soon as they touch her. Yes, a hard road. Let us hope we are strong enough to traverse it.

  Together.

  Brushing her hair back, I curl a silky lock and stick it in place with deft fingers until her hair is styled in a style suited to a queen. Who knew having to do Isla’s hair when she was little would come in handy with my mate.

  Dawn slept so long we had to wake her, and the ceremony is soon. Somehow, Jair and Dume found her something to wear. Griffin helped her bathe, and Aska aided in dressing her, adding jewels and treasures to her frame that someone called Jean Paul delivered. Each one had a story, a tale, and he had to tell her each as he placed them on her body. It took a long time, but we understood. After, he regarded her and declared her the best treasure he has ever found, then he bowed and left her to me to finish off the look and make sure she is ready.

  They all seem to defer to me in that way, and I wonder why. I never wanted to lead anyone or for anyone to look to me, yet they do, as does my mate. I hope I am enough. That’s when I realise she must be feeling the same way, and right now she needs me to support her, to comfort her. To be her rock, the man standing behind her.

  Every great woman has one. But a woman like this? She has a number of them.

  “You are ready, and beautiful.”

  She sighs and turns to look at herself in the mirror. This brings back some memories for her, so I wrap my arms around her waist and press my head to her shoulder. “You okay, Little Monster?”

  “What if I can’t do it?” she whispers, meeting my gaze in the mirror. “What if I’m not good enough?”

  “Dawn, look at me. No one, I mean no one, could have done what you did. You brought this world together, all its monsters and misfits, and got them to not only listen to you, but to fight for you. Look at your mates. They are some of the fiercest, most rare creatures in the world, and you got them to get along and sleep in the same room. You can do whatever you put your mind to. I promise you. And we will be here, behind you, ready for whatever you need. When those stares and stressors become too much, we will block them. We will stop them and give you time to rebuild.”

  Tears fill her eyes as she watches me, showing such weakness from such a strong creature. The fact she shares them with me only solidifies my love for her.

  “Nos—”

  “Always, Little Monster. Now, let’s show this world and your new people just why we love you. It is time you took your place in history.”

  “Together,” she whispers.

  “Together,” I agree, and take her hand. I kiss her knuckles and raise my eyes to the beauty who is my mate.

  The dress they chose is stunning, highlighting the magnificence of her. It’s black, pitch-black like her eyes, but the top of the bodice twinkles with gems, white like my eyes. It’s low cut and skin-tight, bisected right down to her navel where it flows out into a silky gown, which trails behind her on the floor, sparkling with yet more gems.

  Her pale skin peeks through the lacy long sleeves, which cut off at her wrists. The lace is not a normal lace, no, it has trees, vines, skulls, and such sown into the fabric. It’s delicate, yet deadly. Like her. The dress is backless, only showing off her perfect, unblemished skin. I want to rip it from her and sink into her wet heat, but I don’t.

  Not yet.

  Jewels adorn her neck. Black stones with purple highlights, Aska’s touch. There is a choker at the top with one, giant stone in the center, but smaller ones trail down her cheek and between her cleavage.

  Her fingers are filled with rings they chose, some red like her mates’ eyes, some golden like her other mates’ features. We dotted more gems, red, black, white, gold, and silver, in her hair. And on her forehead is something incredible.

  I don’t know how he found it, but he said he felt the pull of it years ago. Its black beads trail to her forehead where a silver, iridescent crescent moon hangs, matching her wolf’s.

  It was meant for her, brought by her dragon.

  Her black eyes are kohl lined, only highlighting their starry beauty, with red and purple makeup delicately swirled around them. Her lips are painted ruby, like blood.

  She looks regal and monstrous.

  Perfect.

  “I’m ready,” she declares, her voice strong and confident as she tilts her chin up, a lesson from her dragon.

  Yes, yes she is.

  I watch the radiant creature that is Dawn head my way. They seem to forget I am here and happily believe they have privacy with her despite my presence—apart from her, she never forgets. Her eyes are always going to me with a private smile, her confusion clear in her gaze as she watches me trying to figure her out.

  If I was a man right now, I would gasp at her splendour.

  She is stunning when covered in blood and gore, naked and draped in power.

  But in a gown? Cleaned up? She is a regal beauty.

  I can’t decide which I like more. One calls to my man, who’s used to dining with gods in riches, and one calls to my wolf, who wants to take her under a full moon. The forest god grasps her hand and tries to lead her from the room, but she stills, watching me. Turning to him, she kisses his cheek, leaving a red stamp of her lips. I wish I had that on me to prove I was hers. Strange.

  “One minute, wait for me outside?” she requests, and he nods, his eyes sliding to me.

  He also looks contemplative when staring at me, but he abides by her wishes and leaves, the door shutting behind him, giving us privacy. She kneels before me, watching me, those eyes meeting mine. “I don’t know if you can understand me, but I think you can. Something tells me you’re more than can I imagine...but thank you. For staying, for fighting at our side. One day, I will discover what you are—” Her eyes go far away for a moment. “Somehow, it seems important, but until then, join us. It would make me feel better having you at my side today.”

  I press my nose into her hand in affirmation. Where else would I be? I need to ensure she is safe before I leave. She smiles and pats my head before brushing her fingers through my fur. A rumble of pleasure escapes me as my wolf stretches under her touch, brushing himself along her body. But he’s too big and she falls backwards from his strength, laughing as she lands on her bum.

  Whining, he lowers his muzzle in apology, and she leans forward, kissing his nose. “It’s okay, thank you.”

  He preens at t
hat as she gets to her feet, her hand tangling in his fur, almost like she is holding his hand as we walk out the door. We catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror, and I realise I have a red lipstick stain on my muzzle. The sight makes my wolf way too happy and he preens, trotting from the room at her side, pleased to show it off.

  That his mate marked him.

  Mate.

  It echoes through my head.

  No, I can’t be.

  I can’t stay, to do so guarantees all of our destruction. I have a path I must walk, and it leads me away from her. Even as the thought settles in my stomach like a lead weight. I have the present, that is all.

  I stay pressed against her side, even as the male they call Lucy bows to her, his red eyes locked on her with fierce intensity, as if he cannot look away. “Ready, Regina?”

  “As ready as I will ever be.” She smiles and he shivers under her gaze before straightening.

  He steps back and runs his eyes across her, seeming unable to speak, which is understandable. As a man, I would be the same. She is simply too much to behold. Like a flawless diamond. Finally, he meets her gaze again. “A true leader, you look the part, little walker.”

  “Yeah? It’s okay?” she asks, teasing him, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

  He steps forward, mist flaring around him. “Okay? Who told you that you just look okay? You look magnificent, even the angels would weep. Perfection in a dangerous, beautiful package, Regina, that is what you are,” he snarls defensively.

  She giggles, the sound tinkling and making me press closer. “Nice to know what you think. Come on then, Lucy. Lead the way.”

  His eyes narrow as he tugs her closer, his expression closing down to something dangerous, but despite that, my hackles don’t rise, so I stay still. “Do. Not. Call. Me. That,” he snarls, sounding deadly.

  She pats his chest. “Sure, Lucy, let’s not keep them waiting.”

  He stills, stops moving completely as if he’s frozen. His eyes flicker like flames and then he lets out a breath. Eyes narrowed, he cups her hand and leads her away, his back straight.

  I stay next to them and the others follow behind us. It feels right to be at her side, but I know that won’t last forever. Nothing does, not even when you wish it would…

  Everything ends. Everything dies. Everything destructs.

  And I will be the key.

  Lucy leads me downstairs and towards the throne room. The bodies and blood from yesterday are gone, it looks spotless apart from some holes in the walls and doors. It makes me wonder who cleaned it all up, but I guess I better get used to that type of thing now.

  He stops in front of the closed double doors where we can hear the muffled voices of the crowd gathered beyond. “They voted for this, show them why,” he murmurs to me, and then blows open the doors without even touching them.

  He’s right, I might not understand why they think I can lead, but they chose this. I have to show them I can be what they need, at least right now. Give me a battle or someone to kill and I’m your girl, but when faced with a room full of expectant supernaturals all looking to me, I hesitate.

  But I can’t afford to.

  Every eye swings my way and the crowd slowly quiets, then they all get to their feet. There are thousands of faces, some I recognise, some I don’t. But they all know me. Some, most, bow their heads. Some stare, waiting, watching, analysing. They are all expecting me to mess up, to prove I’m like Amos and his men. It won’t happen. I’m not.

  I raise my chin and step into the room, and as Lucy leads me through their masses, murmurs go up. People shuffle to see, to get closer, but my mates keep them from stampeding or getting hurt, and when I view the thrones, I have a brief flash of panic.

  You can do this, little regina, no one but you. Look at their faces, you give them hope. Hope for change, for the future. Embrace it, embrace your past. Let it guide you, let it build you into the queen they see...that I see.

  I glance at Lucy as his voice floats through my head, but he doesn’t look at me. I swallow, his confidence filling me so when we reach the throne, I turn with him, in sync, until we face our people. I don’t know what to expect, there wasn’t a lot of time to explain, but I do know Lucy isn’t one for traditions and laws, so I’m betting it’s going to be a quick, no frills ceremony.

  Good.

  Just my style.

  Standing on the podium before the gaudy thrones, I let Lucy take the reins for now. “Today we are gathered to crown our new council head. The rest will follow. This moment is about stability and structure. We will keep this short, since everyone is anxious for what is to come. Change is…change is always hard, even if it is for the better. But this woman, Dawn, she has the backing of the sleeping council, and more so—you.”

  He turns to me then, watching me closely, so I give him a small nod. I’m ready for whatever the future brings. I’m scared, that’s true, but some of the best things in life are scary. Without fear, how can we truly appreciate something?

  “Dawn—” He cuts off, blinking in confusion. What’s your last name?

  Smirking, I let the answer drift to him. My mother’s last name was Agana, it means blood.

  Fitting. He smirks.

  “Dawn Agana, do you accept this role? Do you swear on your life to uphold our laws and to protect those who may not be able to protect themselves? Do you, as an extension of our council, vow to represent our races with dignity, strength, and understanding? Do you promise to exact swift justice on those who deserve it, and accept the role of judge, jury, and executioner?”

  “I do,” I vow, my voice strong, and something wraps around me—a rightness. It’s warm and caring, it pulses around me, pride filling...it.

  “Kneel,” he orders, and I do so before him, bowing my head. He places his hand there, his power encasing me, sinking through my skin, coating my veins. I gasp as I feel it lock around me, chaining me to not only him...but this role.

  “Then as a representative of the sleeping council and those who govern the races, I hereby proclaim you head of the council. You are to do your duty without fear or prejudice. You are the new protector of all our people, called upon to service by need and trust. Dawn Agana, you may now rise and take in your people.” The scent of blood fills the air and then his blood-covered hand is at my mouth. “Drink, let our power fill you, let our people be yours now.”

  Gripping his hand, I raise my eyes to his, meeting those red depths as I lap at the blood he’s offering. He grinds his teeth as I watch, and I can’t help the clenching of my pussy at the taste…at the ultimate power. He observes me darkly, his eyes firing with each lick of my tongue until he yanks his hand away and steps back.

  At first nothing changes, but then I feel it moving through me, setting me ablaze. Then all at once, lights start to turn on in my head. Like fireflies in the dark, growing brighter and brighter. More and more appear until I’m almost blind. I nearly fall to the side with the force, with the vastness of it. My mind expands, white-hot pokers stabbing into my brain.

  “Rise,” Lucy demands. I blink to try and push the lights away and concentrate on what’s happening. I can’t mess this first thing up, I can’t.

  Lifting my head, I let him assist me to my feet. A roar of applause and screams go up among my men and the gathered crowd. The room shakes with their stampede of approval. Pride fills my mind from all my mate bonds, true pride filled with love, and I almost stumble. The belief they have in me is astounding, and as I turn and smile at them, their eyes reflect the truth I felt in our connection.

  Whatever this role entails, wherever it takes me...they will be there. That’s when I realise these people need the same promise. They need the truth. They are staring at me like I stare at my mates, for help and assurance...for strength.

  Turning, I face the crowd again, scanning them as they slowly become quiet. All eyes are on me, waiting to see what I’ll say or do.

  I stand, knowing they are waiting for a speech, some reassurance.
Taking a deep breath, I gather my mates’ and my strength. “I know you wonder who I am, and the truth is, I am nothing. No one. But I have been through hell and back to get here. I have fought every day of my life. I know what it means to be beaten, tortured, and thought of as nothing.” I look around, meeting each and every gaze that I can. “I never gave up, not once, and I never will. This was a big step, razing the council, but their reach, their rot, is still pervasive, and we, together, need to get rid of it. They thought we were nothing but pawns.” I shake my head. “They were wrong. Even the youngest, even the least powerful of us have a place, a reason...a destiny. I’m finding mine, and I don’t know if I belong here, but I want to help, and I hope that’s enough.”

  Sucking in a breath, I hold my head high. “I will try my best, that’s all I can do. I might make mistakes, I might fumble, but I promise you I’ll never give up. To those who followed me into battle, you are up here with me. I may be the voice, but I’m fighting for you. For everyone who ever felt mistreated or unseen, who was sick of the power plays. The games and the injustices. We are all one people. Despite our differences, they are what make us strong. Together we can stop everything, this is our—your choice. We can live as they did, nothing can change, or we can fight and never give up, and maybe, just maybe we can be great again. Maybe we can find our destiny together.”

  Cheers go up and my heart slams in my chest at the hope, at the pride, and fierce devotion in all their faces...and my mates’ minds. When they start to calm, I look about once more. The lights are drawing closer, so I know I need to end it soon before it overwhelms me. “It starts now, no empty promises. I’m not better than you, not above you. I’m one of you. You are one of us. Together, as one. So let me begin with the truth. The human hunters are still out there, as are some of the witches who helped Amos. Titus also made it clear he has other experiments. We start with them. I will have others combing through the wreckage the council left behind, scouring their notes and plans to see what else we are unaware of, but until then, I ask this—who here will help me? Who here wants to change this world? I can’t do this alone. This is a war, not a battle.”