Taming Her Beastly Mate

The woman with the green hair turned around, in her arms she held many of the pinecone-looking creatures, skints, tree spirits. Her eyes were like green gems that almost sparkled. She was a petite young woman with skin that was a beautiful almond color.

“My name is Novalie and, as Shiva mentioned, I am a dryad. I am temporarily looking over this part of the forest. There are a couple of shrieks that I have been looking for. They change color and are intelligent. They have been eating the tree spirits and need to be eradicated.” She looked over at Aiden and smiled. “I feel the royal lines in your veins.”

“He is the Lycan Prince,” Jamie said proudly as the woman shook her head.

“I’m talking about fairy royalty. I could care less about the beasts of this world. If memory serves me… you should be Aiden.” She watched as he nodded his head, looking at her curiously.

“You can sense my bloodline?”

“Yes, I know what all of you are.” She then looked at the woman whose feet were starting to thaw. “You may wish to detain her before she runs.” Kurt and Kai grabbed onto the woman at the same time. They glanced up at the other and began to laugh.

“Great minds.” Kurt said with a grin.

“Please don’t…” The woman whimpered as she tucked her chin against her chest.

“We aren’t going to harm you.” Kurt said softly, thinking how this woman knew his mate. Maybe they were friends. “What is your name?”

“Audrey.” Her voice was barely a whisper. The woman’s brown hair had mud clumped in the strands. Her body was dirty and she had cuts that were not healing.

“Audrey, what were you doing in the woods all alone? Surely your pack knows how dangerous it is.” Diana straightened up and the woman’s eyes widened.

“Princess.” Audrey turned her head bearing her neck to Diana. “I wronged the Luna. I am here so that I may learn to do better. If I died, then it was what the goddess deemed fit as my punishment. But she brought me to you so that I could live. Now I can repent and do better.” The woman’s voice quivered as her brown eyes glanced back at Diana.

“You were sent out into shriek infested woods because you wronged your Luna?” Conner asked, arching a brow incredulously.

“I tripped and spilled her tea and snacks.” The woman muttered in shame.

“It was just an accident. There shouldn’t have been any punishment.” Diana sighed and glanced over at Clover. Clover’s eyes were glazed over, and she was fixated on Audrey.

“You can change things however you like. You’ll become the head, Luna.” Audrey said, with a sense of pride.

“Wait… you already have a Luna…” Kai glanced back at Sion, who looked to be mentally communicating.

“Our Alpha has several Luna’s. Women worthy of bearing his pups.”

“Well, the princess has a mate already.” Aiden watched as the woman shook her head.

“That won’t matter to him. He has taken women who were mated before. Since their mates were inferior, he was the better match.”

“Well, this is a topic I will happily discuss with your… Alpha.” Aiden’s eyes darkened for a split second, but then he instantly regained his composure. He didn’t want to frighten the skittish woman.

“Audrey, did you know a Colleen?” Kurt asked and felt the woman’s body become tense.

“She was judged and sent to the next life. She was impure and tainted. A plague that she could spread through the pack—”

Kurt snarled and the woman began to shake. “Kurt, step away. This is too personal for you,” Aiden commanded. “Colleen is alive and well. She now lives in the Diamond pack and has found a lycan mate. There is nothing impure or tainted about her.”

“That’s impossible. They brought back her remains and scattered them in the bog.” Audrey shook her head adamantly. “You must be mistaken.”

“Colleen has a son who is part fairy. This was the reason she fled from the pack. The reason she was called unclean. Your pack members did pursue her but they were met by our lycan officers. They fled, leaving her with us.” Aiden watched as the woman began shaking uncontrollably. Her lips were quivering, and her eyes were widened with hysteria. Then suddenly she stopped. Her whole body seemed to relax. He glanced back at Clover, who then nodded her head. It was nice having someone around who could calm someone down.

“We won’t let them punish you, Audrey. You are safe now. We are here to fix things in your pack… by whatever means necessary. I know you don’t believe it. I know you don’t trust us. You’ve been conditioned not to trust others. Your leaders are clever. They knew they had to keep the pack isolated or else there would be trouble.” Clover felt Sion’s hand come to rest on her back. She had seen a lot digging into Audrey’s past. It was horrible. This poor woman had been beaten, r***d, and starved. Sadly, she believed she deserved it all. Everything that happened to her was her fault. Though it seemed there were a few who spoke against the pack. In one of the memories she had seen a young man speaking out against the treatment of women and lower ranked males. The memory faded before she could see more, but this gave Clover hope that not all were lost.

“Colleen is… alive?” Audrey whispered, looking up with watery eyes.

“Yes, and she is doing great.” Jamie said as she watched the woman sigh in relief.

“Thank the gods… but the pack can’t know. They will come after her and—”

“Let them try to come for her.” Kurt challenged as Aiden shot him a look full of warning.

“Colleen is very safe. They can know she is alive and well. We will not let them touch her.” Diana went to take a step forward and noticed a bunch of little skints around her feet. She smiled and squatted down to look at the little tree spirits closer. Instantly, they climbed up her arms and perched on her body. They let out little chirps and nestled against her skin. She was shocked at their soft texture. The cones were not cones at all but uniquely shaped fur that camouflaged them. A few of them hopped onto Aiden and began to chirp happily. She noticed chirping above them and glanced up to see hundreds of little skints in the branches.

Novalie smiled and nodded her head. “They want me to go with you. I guess they think I should be helping our kin.”

“It may be dangerous,” Aiden said and she laughed.

“Just a moment ago you were in more danger than I was.” She flipped her green hair behind her shoulder. “Besides, with most of the shrieks taken care of, this seems to be my obvious path now.”

“Novalie, thank you. We would love to have someone with your skills.” Diana turned her attention back to Audrey.

“Your Alpha has several Lunas, but one in particular isn’t treated like the rest, right? She actually has a lot of say.” Clover furrowed her brows as she tried to focus. “Erin?”

“Erin doesn’t leave the pack house much. She doesn’t mingle with those of us who are unworthy. She is the Diamond Luna. They Lunas are ranked with Diamond being the highest to Bronze being the lowest rank. There is one below bronze but she is an unranked Luna.”

An unranked Luna… are you hearing this s**t?! Jamie mind linked to Kurt.

Yeah, the more I hear, the angrier I get.

Lock it up, Bro. Aiden already has his feelers out on you. He will pull you from the mission if he thinks you are too emotionally connected.

I know. I need to be here for Aiden and Diana. Gods know I can’t leave them alone in your hands.

Bro!

“So your… unranked Luna… which is weird since Luna is a rank but whatever… what authority does she have?” Odell asked, folding her arms over her chest.

Audrey shook her head and looked down at the ground. “She doesn’t. The officers have more power than her. She is just chosen to have the Alpha’s children. That is her privilege and purpose.”

“Oh THAT is a privilege? I see, well, who wants to do me the privilege of peeling the skin off of my body with a knife, then tossing me on an ant hill.” Odell spun around and pointed a finger at Conner. “Shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything.” He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I think you misunderstand. It is a great honor to be chosen by the Alpha. It means you have the right qualities to have his pups. Our Alpha is just. He disciplines us to make sure we don’t stray from the path.”

“And punishing someone for having a fairy mate or being pregnant with a hybrid is just?” Kurt watched as the woman’s eyes flipped up at him.

“Our Alpha is keeping us safe. Vampires destroyed the three packs years ago. We all came together under our Alpha’s ancestors. The Children of the Moon pack protects us from those who would destroy us.”

“I can feel the warm reception we are going to get.” Jamie chuckled, shaking his head.

Diana sighed and looked up at Aiden. She knew they couldn’t convince Audrey to join them, not yet at least. They needed to build trust and show her that there was a better way. It has taken Colleen a while to finally begin to trust again. Audrey was a reminder of how hard this transition was going to be.

Maybe we can speak with the Diamond ranked Luna? Perhaps that is a good place to start? Clover mind linked Diana.

I don’t know. If she is second in command next to that crazy Alpha, then she is probably just as disillusioned. Though I don’t want to think of everyone as a lost cause. However, there are some that can’t be redeemed. Clover, I will be needing your help to see what I can’t. If you can, get a list together of those who must be punished. Either by exile or death.

Clover nodded her head, understanding the gravity of the situation. It was never an easy task to decide who should live and who should die. But it was a necessary one, especially when dealing with a pack that had become as twisted as this one.

“Audrey isn’t the first pack member they kicked out to the shrieks. They have done this a few times. It’s weird. I feel like the shrieks are both a barrier to keep others out and a way to prevent anyone from leaving.” Novalie took a few steps towards a large tree trunk where she placed several little tree spirits. They scurried up the tree, high into the branches until they disappeared.

“That is a very interesting observation. One that I have to agree with.” Sion turned to look at Aiden, his face full of concern. “This pack may be more than meets the eye.”

Aiden nodded his head, his eyes looking down at his mate. Maybe he should have left Diana in the Diamond pack. As if sensing his thoughts, she smiled up at him and prodded his nose lightly.

“We have a lot of ground to cover and a lot of work to do once we get there. It is time to move out.” Diana then looked at Audrey. “I understand you wouldn’t feel comfortable leading the way. How about you give us a brief explanation on the fastest way to your pack? I understand that a mountain surrounds one side of it. Which way would be the fastest?”

“A mountain isn’t going to block our paths. A quick shift is all it takes.” Jamie said as Diana shook her head.

“If we enter the territory in our feral forms it will be looked at as a hostile act. Our best chance for communication is to arrive in a non-threatening manner.” Diana watched as Audrey looked out into the forest.

“If you go straight that way it is the fastest way to the pack. But they have look outs hidden in the forest. They will know you are coming long before you arrive. Visitors are not welcome. Only the princess would be welcomed.”

“Whether they wish to die or live is up to them. It will be their choice.” Odell snorted with a crooked smile.

“Right, and we have the express lane open for souls to move on.” Conner chuckled as he winked at Sion.

Audrey looked over the group and confusion washed over her face. “You are all severely outnumbered. The Children of the Moon are skilled fighters. This isn’t their death sentence but yours.”

Jamie smiled as he stretched his fingers above his head. Tiny sparks of lightning jumped from his fingertips as he smirked over at Audrey. Jamie’s mother was a witch, and his powers came to him easily. More so than his father ever thought possible. “Thanks for the concern and warning. It is noted. Anyone want to turn back?” He said looking over everyone. “Eh, guess not.”

Novalie sighed and then clicked her tongue. “The fastest way to the pack is actually that way.” She said, lifting her finger to a different direction.

“No, it isn’t.” Audrey’s voice began to tremble slightly.

“Yes, it is. The skints know exactly where your pack is located since trees surround it. You were leading them towards the undead bog.” Novalie walked ahead and then looked back at Aiden and Diana. “I’ll lead the way as long as you trust me to.”

“Yes, please do.” Aiden glanced at Diana with a small frown. She was leading us into a trap. Maybe Colleen was right and no one can be saved.

I think they just need help. They are so brainwashed that they can’t see we are here to help. Best to keep this in mind. No one there is an ally. Everyone is potentially dangerous.

“Kai, keep her in your grip at all times. We don’t need anymore surprises from our new friend.” Sion said in a low tone as his hazel eyes flickered at the woman.

She just needs help, Sion.

Well, her needing help could have hurt you. Clover, we will do the best we can but you need to prepare yourself… we might not be able to save anyone but the children.

Sion, I can feel her emotions and see her memories. She isn’t a bad person. She has been conditioned and needs help.

If they try to hurt you there is no one who can help them. I will give them eternal peace.

“Hey Novalie, my Luna’s pack was called the Nova pack. Kind of interesting.” Kai said thoughtfully as Jamie clapped his hands together.

“I love it. Supernova Girl!” Jamie said as he began to hum.

Novalie glanced behind her to look at Jamie. “Do you have a mate?”

“No, I am still young and haven’t found her yet.”

“She is probably hiding.” Novalie smirked, turning back around as the others chuckled.

“Yep, we are going to be great friends.” Jamie trotted up to her and shot her a wide grin.

Diana, I don’t know what we are heading into. Please be careful. Aiden felt Diana’s fingers interlace with his.

As long as you’re also careful. She linked back to Aiden, squeezing his hand lightly. This time, she wasn’t going to lose the people important to her… no matter what.

__

“Let me explain!” Rogio yelled as Lycaon came after him. Aken leaned his back against a tree with a small smirk resting on his lips. “Look! This was his plan… now wait!”

“Is it a lie?!” Lycaon growled.

“No, but—” Rogio started to say as Lycaon grabbed his shirt.

“You have a skill, Aken. You are here for less than a minute and look what you’ve caused.” Gaia sighed as she walked over to Lycaon and Rogio. “Alright, that’s enough. How about you hear him out first? Come on Ike.”

Lycaon glared at Rogio but slowly released his grip on him. “You have one minute to explain.”

“Diana is not part of the royal family. She isn’t one of the elite guards… so this skill is considered a gift. Since she was given such a gift it comes at a price. Yes, it does inflict injury but… now wait… let me explain… she can’t die from using it.”

“Really? She was soaked red with b***d.” Aken added as Rogio growled at him.

“Ike, it is just the nature of the skill, but I promise it won’t kill her. Not a strong hybrid like herself. She will heal too quickly. It is an asset to help protect her in a desperate situation. It is a rare skill, something only she can wield because she isn’t a pure-blooded vampire.” Rogio listened as Lycaon growled and turned away from him.

“She might have vampire in her… but she is mine. Don’t mess with what is mine again. Or else I’ll give Lucy a gift of my own.” Lycaon listened to the dark chuckle coming from the side. He glanced over to see Aken straighten up, his green eyes locked onto him.

“I’m not on Rogio’s side. Hell, I’d love to see hell brought upon him. However, I can’t allow you to touch Lucy. Pick another vampire. How about Alaric… the king?” Aken watched as Lycaon waved his hand.

“Fine, Alaric then.”

Rogio growled and stomped towards Aken. “There you go again. You would have thought you would have learned your lesson.”

“Oh, I’ve learned my lesson…” Aken’s eyes darkened as a smirk rose over his lips. “I’ve learned that next time you throw a temper tantrum to silence you before you can cry to the council.”

“F**k you, Aken!” Rogio growled as he swung his fist towards him. His hand collided with another hand that glowed blue.

“Hey!” Aken growled as his brows furrowed at Levi. “I was waiting for this moment.”

“I’d think about what move you want to make, Rogio.” The blue light around Levi’s hand pulsated over Rogio’s. The man clenched his teeth and then stepped away. He then felt a hand land on his shoulder. He glanced over to see Reapus’ crooked grin.

“Levi just saved your life. You owe him a fruit basket or something.”

“Shut up Pus!”

“One minute… you were only here one minute without me. Aken, you have a gift…” Levi sighed, shaking his head. “Did you even tell Lycaon about what happened?”

“I was trying to but as soon as I mentioned Diana’s new skill—” Aken shrugged with a grin.

“What else should I be aware of?” Lycaon asked, turning his attention to Levi. Leviathan wasn’t the hot head that Aken was, and it was easier to talk to him.

“We think there is a chance that the overabundance of shrieks in the woods has to do with Eris.” Levi watched as Lycaon’s jaw set. His fingers curled at his side as his gaze darkened.

“Diana also thinks she caught a whiff of her scent,” Aken said, and Lycaon reeled around angrily.

“And you left her?!” He growled.

“Shiva is still there—” Levi said as Lycaon interrupted him angrily.

“No! I won’t risk losing her. Take me to where it happened.” Lycaon growled.

“Idiot.” Aken snorted. “You think Eris will just prance out of hiding if you are there?”

“I’m not waiting for her to come out of hiding, Aken. I am going to hunt her down and shred her apart.” Lycaon watched as a grin spread over Aken’s lips.

“Hard to argue with that.” Aken shrugged as he looked at Levi. “Let the hunt begin.”