by Jen L. Grey
You sure? His emerald eyes searched mine. I don’t mind.
It’ll be fine. I’ll catch up in a second. I gave him a reassuring smile.
Okay, but hurry. He winked at me and followed the rest of the group into the house.
"We're going to stay out here." Kassie's eyes were already scanning for any threats. "We can't let our guard down, especially with the witch and vampires who know so much about you here."
"Rose is a friend." She'd helped me for so many years. "I'm sure she won't be a problem."
"I'm afraid you're about to learn a hard lesson, dear." Kassie frowned. "Whether you like it or not, being royal changes things.”
I wanted to argue and ask more, but now wasn't the time. We had to focus on Dehlia.
Forcing myself to walk inside the house, I let Kassie's words replay in my mind. I wasn't quite sure how they related to Rose. The witch hadn't known I was a royal, so why should I doubt our alliance?
I hurried to catch up with the group. When I walked into the bedroom and my eyes landed on Dehlia, I startled.
The last time I'd seen her was just a couple months ago, and so much had changed between then and now.
Her eyes were sunken in and closed. Her long, gorgeous, thick hair was thin and greasy. Her skin was no longer the warm olive color I remembered. It was almost pure white like a porcelain doll. She was worse off than I had expected.
Ella leaned over and gave her mom a huge hug. “I’ve missed you so much.”
Despite her daughter’s voice, she didn’t even move in acknowledgment.
"Do you have any clue what happened?" Teague stepped right over to her and began touching her skin.
"One night, about a year ago, she was cooking in the kitchen. She clutched her chest and fell to the ground." James paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "We rushed her to the hospital."
"You took a shifter to the hospital?" Louis's eyes darkened to the steel color that was just like his father's.
"Well, our king didn't answer our calls." Mason's voice growled. "So, we didn't have much of a choice."
"Yeah, we aren't here to criticize our family." Ella wrinkled her nose in disgust. "How tasteless when my mom is lying on the bed in front of us, dying." Her eyes narrowed at Louis.
He was decent enough to glance at the ground and nod.
"Please, continue." Teague reached over and touched her chest.
"She’d had a mild heart attack, but they were surprised at how well she was already healing." James stared at his mate's face. "I thought we were home free. For a week or two, she seemed to be getting back to normal." His voice broke.
"But then one night, about two weeks later, she started feeling off again." Mason picked up where his dad left off. "She stumbled and fell to the ground. Within a month, she couldn't walk anymore."
"The humans had thought that she was healing?" Teague dropped his bag on the ground and leaned over Dehlia as he essentially ran his hands all around her chest and head. "That's the problem with shifters. You're half-human and supernatural."
"My dad had said it was a blessing." The words popped out of my mouth before I realized what I was saying. "That's why we were the ones chosen to rule, to keep all supernaturals in balance. We had the empathy for humans and animals, so we were more equipped to rule all others. We protect both of our kinds." I'd forgotten that. My dad had taken me to the beach in the Hamptons one morning to watch the sunrise. It had felt like there was only him and me -- alone in the world. As the sunrise peaked, he said those words to me. Somehow, that moment had held so much significance. "Our reign should resemble a sunrise full of promise and possibility as we are like the sun, keeping everything centered."
"Yes." Teague lifted his gaze to me for a moment. "Most supernaturals either don't agree with that point or disregard it. But that is the reason for your reign in this world."
"That's beautiful." Ella gave him a small smile.
"Anyway, her wolf side tried to repair her and succeeded for a minute until the heart couldn't be completely healed." Teague closed his eyes as his hands ran over her body. "When her supernatural side couldn't repair her heart, it essentially began attacking it instead."
"Is there anything you can do?" Mason's voice sounded rough.
I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around his waist. He leaned back into my arms.
"Yes. No other healer can except me. The fae can heal almost all ailments except for a broken heart." He reached down to take out a clear crystal and wrapped it in his hand. "This quartz crystal helps to strengthen my power." After a few seconds, he closed his eyes, and the air began to stir inside the house.
A white glow poured out of his hands, and he placed them right on the skin above Dehlia’s heart. The glow poured into her body, and the wind began to circle the room.
"What the ..." Ella started, but Louis reached out and covered her mouth with his hands.
"Movf yur hnd," she tried speaking through his hands.
He stared directly into her eyes as he removed his hands slowly and placed a finger to her lips.
It wasn't long before the wind died down, and that's when I noticed the glowing of Teague’s hands begin to fade. When I looked at Dehlia, I had a hard time believing what my eyes were seeing.
Her face was a healthy olive color, even more so than I'd ever seen. Her hair was once again thick and gorgeous.
"Oh my God." James rushed to her bedside and took her hand. "Dehlia?"
Her eyelids fluttered at the sound of her name, and when she opened them, the jade in them was vibrant. "James?" Her forehead lined with confusion, and she glanced at the fae before she scooted over to James's side. "How did I do that? I haven't moved in..."
Ella shoved Louis off of her and jumped in front of her dad. "Mom, thank God." Tears ran down her cheeks. "I thought we were about to lose you."
"Did you find me a healer?" Dehlia's eyes flickered back to Teague. "He smells fae."
"No, we didn't find you a healer. Elena did." James took a deep breath and turned toward me. "Thank you for doing this."
"I know what it's like to lose loved ones." That was an understatement. "I wasn't willing to let another family be lost if I had the power to fix it."Go hug your mother.
Mason chuckled as I let go of him, and he scooped his mother into his arms. "I guess that means you'll be cooking my favorite dinner tonight."
"I wouldn't miss out on that chance for the world." She grinned and hugged him back just as tightly.
"It would be best if you keep this crystal. It’ll help keep your heart strong so your wolf won’t attack it again.” Teague picked up his bag and pulled out a thick cord. He touched the top of the crystal, and a small hole appeared. "Wear it like a necklace."
"Thank you." She let go of her son and stared at the man. "I never thought a fae would heal our kind."
"It's not normal, I agree, but wolves have done more for me than my own kind." He nodded his head as he held the crystal out for her to take.
"Thank you." She placed it over her head and let it drop around her neck before glancing at everyone in the room. "Is that the European Prince?"
"Don't start." Ella lifted her hand. "He's got a big enough head as it is."
"Ella…" Dehlia scolded her daughter.
"What?" She shrugged her shoulders.
"He's a prince, for God's sake." She shook her head.
"You better get used to it now that we have a queen in the family." James beamed at me and bowed his head. "She's been in the position for less than a couple of weeks, and she's already cured you. I’m honored to call you our Queen.”
“I … I didn’t heal her.” All of a sudden, something tugged inside of me, and I could feel a pack connection with James and his pack. I could feel their happiness and contentedness even though Ella’s link was filled with annoyance. I hadn’t been expecting an onslaught like this or for him to submit to me.
"That was not me. That was King Adelmo and Teague's doing."
I wasn't about to take credit for something I'd only coordinated.
"You did more than that." Mason came back to my side and pulled me into his chest. "If you hadn't asked, then this wouldn't have happened." You are the most amazing person I’ve ever met.
Between the new connection and all of their kind words, I was beginning to feel extremely uncomfortable. "I'm going to go outside and get a breath of fresh air."
Are you okay? Mason narrowed his eyes, taking in my expression.
Yeah, just need some air. I'd been a loner for most of my life, so receiving all of this attention didn't sit well with me. I'll be right back. I promise.
Okay, let me know if you need me. Mason could probably feel the struggle inside me. He kissed my forehead before letting me go.
I will. I headed out the door and took a deep breath once I was alone.
"You okay, kid?" Mona leaned against the house as she scanned the area for any issues.
"Just needed to get away." I hated to feel this way, but I needed space for a minute. "I'm going to take a quick run."
"Now ..." Mona tilted her head at me and glared.
"Please." I pointed to the woods right next to us. "I won't be long."
"If you tell Kassie, I'm going to kick your ass." Mona shook her head. "I know this is wrong, but you've been through so much. You have ten minutes, and if you’re not back by then, I'll come looking for you."
"Thank you." I raced to the tree line before Kassie or Mason could see. As soon as I was in the woods, I stripped down and shifted.
Within minutes, I was pushing my legs, getting some air and distance. The birds were tweeting all around, and the squirrels were running through the trees.
I loved everyone back there. That wasn’t the problem. It was still hard for me to not have any time alone. All of that attention was too much. I needed to break free if only for a moment.
I connected with my wolf and enjoyed just being one with nature. Suddenly, the back of my neck tingled. I spun around, and that's when I finally noticed that all the animal noises were gone. A sweet, sickening smell hit my nose. Holy shit, a vampire was near. Right when I turned in the direction of home, a tall vampire stepped directly into my path. His familiar cold blue eyes met my own. Holy shit, this was the same vampire who had been tracking me when I worked at the Flying Monkey. He'd obviously been stalking me for a while now, and I had no clue what he wanted.
Chapter Five
"Well, hello. Queen Elena." He arched his eyebrow as he took his time scanning me. "That auburn fur looks ravishing on you."
I hated that I couldn't talk to him. However, I wasn't about to shift back to my naked human form here.
"See ... we have a huge problem." He licked his lips as his eyes focused on my neck. "Your uncle had an agreement with us. A verbal contract if you will. He provided us with royal blood to drink and allowed us to run as we saw fit."
What? I had always been told that our blood killed vampires, and here he was, wanting my blood. How was my uncle able to do that? He wasn’t the rightful king. I growled at the vampire. If he thought I was his personal walking food supply, he was going to learn how wrong he was.
"And now, our supply is getting diluted. To be honest, that isn't acceptable." He began to circle me as if I was his prey. "Obviously, you can see the problem we're facing."
I had so many questions. He must have smelled my blood that night he came into the Flying Monkey with his business party. At some point, he had even left me a vampire marble with the ancient symbol of danger etched into it.
Staying here was just encouraging him even more. I turned to head back in the direction of the others, but he appeared right in front of me. This wasn't going to end well. Mason, I need help. I hated to pull him away from his mother, but damn ... I was in a bad spot.
Where the hell are you? His voice was tense.
In the woods. The vampire that was stalking me at the bar is here. He wants my blood. I refused to freak out as I stared calmly into this asshole's eyes. I'm about five minutes away from the house.
I got your scent. His voice was strained.
He must've been shifting into his wolf.
"If you give us what we want, then there will be no further problems." He held out a hand as though he meant it as a peace offering. "After all, I'm the prince."
Right, he had left me a note not too long ago. Prince Nicholas. Even his name made him sound like a douchebag. Another warning growl left my throat.
"I'm taking your growling demeanor as you are not willing to cooperate." He tsked and shook his head. "You'll regret that decision. So, let me be clear on why before you finalize it."
I bared my teeth at him. I didn't give a flying fuck what his reason was. I wasn't going to be his or anyone else’s blood bag.
"I do love your conviction." He chuckled and closed the distance between us, running his fingers through my fur. “It’ll make breaking you that much more fun.”
His touch was cold, an icy caress. I jerked back, but I needed to know what he planned to do. He was so eager and willing to share the information with me. I needed to know what we were up against.
Is he hurting you? Mason linked back to me. I'll be there in another three minutes or so.
"I hear your dog catching up to us." He lifted his finger and moved it from right to left. "You shouldn't have called him. Obviously, you're going to make our relationship challenging and more exhilarating. To be honest, I love a good cat and mouse game."
Yeah, all vampires liked the chase. It's the predator in them, but there was no other alternative.
"I'll be a little nice. I'll give you till tomorrow to consider it." He took a deep breath and nodded his head. "I'm way too fair for my own good. Anyway, as you know, vampires are all over the world just like wolves. I'd hate for some of your packs to start getting attacked."
No, he wouldn't care in the slightest. Both sides would wind up hurt and dead. The only thing he'd regret would be reducing his own army.
"What a disappointment. Darren was wise when it came to these types of dealings, but I can already see vehemence in your eyes. You're going to be more like your father. An idealistic fool who will die too young at the hands of someone more calculative. It'll be a shame. You're very easy on the eyes." He huffed and circled me as he moved back to where he'd first appeared. Suddenly, he vanished from my sight. Before I realized it, he’d grabbed my throat, lifting me in the air.
Fear coursed through my whole body.
“That smell?” He took in a deep breath. “So delectable. It makes your blood that much more appealing.” He brought me closer to his face as his incisors began extending. "What a pity. I'd hoped this conversation would go differently with a prince talking directly to the queen, but it's fine. If you don't show up here tomorrow alone at noon, vampires will declare war on you and all your kind."
By now, I could hear Mason's paws on the ground.
"Remember, right here tomorrow at noon." He emphasized his threat once more. "Or your world is going to get a hell of a lot more complicated." Then, he turned and vanished back to wherever he'd come from.
Why was my blood so valuable to vampires? It didn’t make sense. Though he clearly wanted it for something important. I needed to figure it out and quickly.
Mason crashed on to the scene, his dark black wolf scanning the area for the intruder.
Gone. He just left. I wasn't quite sure what I'd have done if he hadn't been able to get here so fast.
What the hell did he want? Mason ran over to where Nicholas had disappeared.
My blood. It was that simple.
I thought it killed them. Mason's breathing even in that form was rapid. Is he on a suicide mission?
No. Darren and he had some kind of arrangement for royal blood. They must be running low on supply. It shouldn't surprise me that my uncle had worked with vampires. I'd at least hoped that our people were somewhat important in his mind.
You told him hell no, right? Mason trotted ove
r to me and rubbed his face into my neck.
Well, I couldn't really respond with growls and bared teeth, but I think he got the hint. Now, I had another situation I wasn't quite sure how to handle. But he's threatening my packs, all wolves. It's weird how I'd already started thinking of them all as my pack.
We'll figure something out. Mason licked my face and then nodded his head in the direction of the house. Come on, let's go before he comes back.
Yeah, we better. I took off running, and Mason caught up, staying beside me.
It didn't take long before we were close to the edge of the woods. Right as we came to within only a few feet away, Mason tackled me, causing us to roll together the rest of the way out of the woods.
"Elena Hawthorne." Kassie's loud voice yelled my name.
Hell, I hadn't heard that tone since the last time I got in huge trouble back when I was younger. It was when she found out I'd continued to go to the witch behind their backs.
"Why the hell did you think it was a good idea to run out there alone and unsupervised?"
For some reason, this made me giddy as hell. At least, in this exact moment, I felt like the prior me before taking the throne. I needed to get dressed before I could respond to her though.
I ran back into the woods where my clothes were stashed and quickly changed. When I appeared back in the yard, I found Mason, still in wolf form, entering the house. Traitor.
No, I'm coming back. His voice shook with laughter. I ripped my clothes off, trying to get to your stubborn ass as fast as possible, and would rather not be reprimanded by your guardian while completely naked. Besides, I need to tell Dad what happened. He’ll want the pack on extra guard.
Okay, that was fair. "I'm sorry. I hadn't meant to worry you. I just needed to get away for a moment."
"Mona, you know better." Kassie shook her head and lifted both hands in the air.
"She was freaking out. I didn't expect anything to happen. I told her ten minutes tops." Mona sighed as she leaned against the car.
"Did anything happen out there?" Kassie took a few steps closer to me, staring into the woods, making sure we were alone. "Mason ran out of the house like a bat out of hell."