My bottom lip trembled over what the Moon Goddess, Selene was saying. My heart hurt at her words as I stood in the field gazing up at the clouds overhead. My entire life was a farce. I couldn't believe the severity of what she was telling me.
"I messed up, Nia. Neither of your dads is your bio father. Your bio mother betrayed me by pretending to be a surrogate for your father, Xavier. You are still a hybrid of both a Lycan and a vampire. I'm assuming that your bio mother must have needed you to disappear. My study to find a perfect combination of vampire and wolf was the ideal opportunity for her to pass you off as one of the other children I'd created for Xavier and Ashton. You don't have any of Xavier's DNA within you, Nia," she repeated softly. I wiped my fingers across my damp eyes and looked up at the sun, searching for some sort of warmth for my sudden cold spirit. I didn't know my real bio father or mother.I had always felt something was off due to my having blue eyes and ebony hair. The rest of my siblings were blonde and with yellow eyes."Can I have the woman's name that carried me?" I questioned the Goddess. She pinched her lips together and told me that since the peace treaty was signed vampires came and went freely from their realm to ours and she only knew that she had recently passed. I rolled my eyes knowing that it was bullshit, she knew more."Are you telling both my mated fathers?" I asked bluntly and she huffed out a yeah. I frowned and turned away from the woman to continue my chores."Your birth mother did ask to be called Maria Petrova but that could have been an Alias," Selene yelled out and I nodded feeling my gut twisting. Heading to a boulder I jumped up on it and wrapped my arms around my bent legs and rested my chin on my knees. Feeling like a complete outcast I didn't hear my name being called as I wallowed in my self-pity. I acknowledged my brother's presence when he lightly flicked the side of my temple. I side-eyed Galen with a scowl."I found another portal to another realm hidden in the outcrop of stones in the woods near Noah's. Do you want to go explore it like we did the numerous other ones we discovered when we were children?" He asked with a hopeful gaze. I slid down from the rock I was perched on and shrugged."Sure, I need something to clear my thoughts," I mumbled sourly and Galen asked me what was wrong. I told him that I wasn't Xavier's child or Ashton's for that matter and he chuckled. I punched him in the arm, growling, "not funny.""Ouch, sis…it's not that big of a shock. I mean Inaria and I are blonde-haired with yellow eyes, like Xavier and you're black-haired with stunning blue eyes…no resemblance whatsoever," he growled firmly, rubbing where I'd hit him. I nodded and grinned at him because he was correct."Are you going to try and discover your real bio family?" He asked curiously and I shook my head."My mother didn't want me and has died so I don't see the point," I said sourly and he nodded and told me he was still my brother no matter what."Also you're my best friend," I added and he smiled knowing that he was my only friend."Hope there are no trolls in this portal, or you'll piss your pants again," my brother teased and I swept his feet out from underneath him, making him fall to his ass."I was a twelve-year-old child, Galen, I'm nineteen now and not so easily frightened. Plus I know how to fight and take down cocky smartasses," I winked as I strolled past him. Galen got up quickly and brushed his butt off."Hold up sis, you are heading in the wrong direction," he growled firmly and yanked me to his side, and pointed off in the distance."Remember where the human realm is? This new one is near there but a few yards further off to the right, hiding in plain sight," he explained, waving his hand in the general direction."Well, I certainly hope it is not another portal to those smelly humans," I grunted firmly as I strode onward."Their blood is delicious though," Galen said softly and I nodded with a chuckle. I glanced over at the portal for the human world and stepped around it carefully as Galen growled to keep moving forward. I did and was curious about where this new distorted area would take us. I stood in front of it. It was considerably stranger and darker looking than the others we had discovered as young children. Galen came to my side looking excited."You ready?" He asked curiously and I nodded as I stepped forward and into the distorted portal. When I opened my eyes a dark forest with gnarled trees came into view. Bats were flying overhead in the darkness. The smell of blood was wafting in the misty night air causing my stomach to growl."Quiet that, geesh Nia, didn't you get enough for breakfast?" Galen scolded as his head turned taking in our odd surroundings. Both our eyes were glowing and Galen complimented my amazing eye color. I thanked him as he started to follow a worn dirt path in the foliage."There's a village up ahead, I can hear people speaking a foreign language," he turned to tell me. Shrugging I followed him down into a well-lit older style village with homes and buildings made in the traditional Romanian style. My eyes widened as my heart fluttered. My flesh tingled as if it was getting an electric shock. I pulled on my brother's sleeve in a panic."This is the vampire's realm. I'd bet my life on it," I told him sternly and he chuckled. "We are a half vampire, sis. We are only visiting," he replied nonchalantly and my eyes narrowed at him. "We don't even know the language, stupid," I growled bitterly and he ignored me as he grabbed my hand and pulled me down the main street."Does anyone here speak English?" Galen shouted and I shrank back in embarrassment. A few hands went up into the air and Galen waved over a well-groomed gentleman who had his eyes glued on me. The scent of rich cashmere and musk filled my nostrils and I watched the man with dark steel blue eyes and thick dark hair come closer to us."What do you and your beautiful wife need, sir?" He asked curiously. Galen shook his head laughing and said, "This is my sister Nia Grayson and I am Galen Grayson. We are visiting hybrid Lycans from that realm and are curious if this is the vampire's realm." The gentleman's eyes narrowed at him then landed on me."Yes, this is the vampire realm. I am Lucian Sokolov or better known as the Falcon. This village consists of what you would refer to as rogues. They are without leadership and follow no one's rule here," he growled low. I swallowed nervously and Galen grunted."Very well sir, sorry to have intruded. We will leave here immediately. Thank you for taking your time explaining that to us," Galen replied kindly and started to turn. Lucian's hand fell onto his shoulder turning him back around. "Don't be rude, come and have a drink with me. Over at the outdoor café. You and your sister will be my guest, I insist," he said staunchly. "We need to return, sir. We left our work and snuck into the portal," I mumbled softly and he exhaled deeply and sighed."Alright then, but I insist that you return when you can visit longer. I'm certain that you and I would have much to discuss, miss Nia," he said firmly to me and I grinned slightly at him trying to compel me. Lucian looked startled for a moment then smiled transforming his face into a remarkably handsome man. My heartbeat started racing in my chest. Galen gave our curt farewell and pulled me with himself. We both headed back to the portal taking the same dirt pathway. I glanced back several times to see Lucian gazing up at us rubbing his chin in deep thought. I chuckled and Galen asked me what was funny."That guy tried to compel me," I laughed and he frowned. "He couldn't?" He questioned sourly and I shook my head. "Let's hurry and get back. I don't like it here," he growled roughly and I told him he was the scared one now. I was a bit miffed when he glared at me and told me to haul my ass."The vampire didn't compel you either," I mumbled and Galen grunted, "because he didn't try.Galen pushed me through the portal and I stumbled down on the grass and yelled at him."Why are you acting like such an overbearing prick?" I growled bitterly and he glared at me."Because when a vampire can't compel you that means something!" He shouted back. I stood up and brushed the dirt off my worn blue jeans as I thought about what it meant. My wolf, Eva, was chortling loudly in my subconscious. I asked her what she found so humorous."Galen is jealous because he believes that vampire fellow is your mate and wishes to take you from him," she whined and I curled my lip."Galen is my brother, gross," I replied to her."Just in name, you are not related to him or any of your family here," she whined. I glanced over at my brother stomping ahead of me and shook my head. No way in hell."Did you know Eva, that I wasn't Xavier's or Ashton's child?" I questioned my wolf sourly."I only sensed that you were different from the others, dear. You know that we have discussed why you felt lik
I ripped off the necklace from around my neck and tossed it to the ground as I headed for the front door. Stepping out into the night I felt a weight lift off of me. Those people were trying to control every aspect of my life. I heard quick footfalls from behind me and soon manly arms wrapped around me. I glanced back to see Galen looking worriedly at me."Did you know what Selene was planning?" I questioned sourly and he grunted and looked away from my accusing eyes."I love you, Nia. I have for a long time and I was so happy to learn that we weren't blood-related. We aren't mates in the traditional sense but we can grow to become a happy couple," he said and I shook my head."And when or if our true mate comes then what? We go our separate ways and say oops no hard feelings but I gotta go?" He frowned as he thought and said, "or we will never. It's difficult finding your destined mate in this small realm." My stomach was twisting in knots. I looked at him with so much confusion."How
I opened my crusty eyes to see the sun shining through the lace curtains, wondering where I was."Oh right, I don't have a family and I'm at Jaxon's and Noah's," I muttered, tossing the throw from myself. I stretched and yawned before going to the connected bathroom to do my business and wash my face. Looking at my red eyes I exhaled."I look like crap," I growled bitterly and Eva chortled within my subconscious. Feeling unworthy of life in general I headed downstairs to the kitchen. Jaxon was up and bright-eyed. I growled low at his chipperness."Oh dear, did the princess rise from the bitch side of the bed this morning?" He questioned with a raised brow."I'm just hungry. Does your mate, Noah, store blood?" Jaxon chuckled and showed me his wrist."He takes it directly from the source, sweetie," he winked and I dropped into the chair at the kitchen table."Oh stop your moping, Nia. Mister hot lips dropped off several bags of blood and some of your things earlier this morning…I hope t
My cheeks reddened when I realized that Lucian was aware of the image I had of the two of us in a compromising position."I am happy that you are so responsive to those images. That is a great sign," he growled happily. Being oblivious to what he meant I took the glass of what I thought was red wine and brought it to my lips. The scent of rich blood tickled my nose and I tipped the flute back and made a surprising sound of approval. Savoring the unique taste of blood I eyed Lucian over the glass to see him watching me closely. I licked my ever-present fangs and lips."That is amazing blood," I said softly and his grin widened to a big smile taking a sip of his glass."Only those of high standing and royalty flowing within their veins can consume this without perishing…another check mark on my list that you have passed," he smirked and I growled."And if I weren't who you think I am?" I inquired bitterly."You would be convulsing and foaming from the mouth…and then dead," he mumbled mat
"Very intriguing," Lucian chuckled as he ran a finger across my bottom lip. "This is Sasha's room," he growled low and opened the door to a lovely feminine decorated bedroom suite. He pointed toward a walk-in closet and told me to wear anything I liked. Walking into the huge room my eyes widened at the sheer number of immaculate gowns and clothing. Sorting through them I found a simple lace dress with shimmering gems sewn into the fabric. It was perfect and holding it up against myself I grinned. After removing Noah's borrowed clothes I slipped the dress over my head and shimmied it down myself."Can you help me with the fasteners on the back?" I yelled out not thinking that it was an odd request to ask another male because I asked Galen all the time in the past. Lucian stood looking at me with shining eyes and asked me to turn. I watched in the mirror as he closed each button in stern concentration. He moved my long hair to the side as he continued up the back of the sleeveless dres
I woke suddenly with a throbbing headache and a horrible taste in my mouth. My eyes narrowed at Lucian sitting before me shirtless holding a cup out toward me. My eyes traveled down his pecs and abs. He was put together very well for his age."Drink this, it will cure the hangover I'm certain that you have," he said softly and I sat up and groaned holding my head. Grabbing the cup I thanked him."That little wolf makes some mean liquor. I even felt its effect this morning," he mumbled casually and leaned back showing more of his fine flesh.I sipped on the tonic and Lucian grinned at me."Sorry for locking you in my room but I figured we would all be safe with you behind closed doors after what your friend Jaxon told me about what you did the prior moon festival," he said softly and I grimaced."Yeah, I recall…I stripped, flaunting my naked self before shifting and challenging all the men to fight me," I mumbled sourly and he chuckled."I'm sure it was an unforgettable scene. Like the
I followed after my brother feeling distraught about Galen. I wanted to know why he had come and hoped Lucian would talk to me about it once he returned. Micah opened the patio door for me and I lowered my furry head to step inside. My father Nikolai was standing in the kitchen staring at me with a frown."You shouldn't shift outside Nia. It isn't safe for your kind," he grunted in disappointment and I looked down in guilt."Go find your baby sister some clothes," he added and Micah nodded. He grabbed my elbow and told me to go to Sasha's room."She has casual clothes in the mahogany dresser," he mumbled softly and I thanked him as I stomped myself up the stairs and went to the room I'd been in before. I rummaged through the clothing and grunted, none of the pants would fit me. I noticed a pair of sweatpants and grinned. Grabbing them I hurried to Lucian's suite and grabbed one of his black tees. Shifting back to my normal self I quickly put on the borrowed clothes. I took out the bra
I looked down at my shredded fabric and grimaced. Galen glanced over at me already knowing what I was thinking and pulled off the t-shirt he wore."You can wear this but I'm not taking off my pants and letting you see my stiff dick," he growled low, tossing me the shirt. I caught it and shook my head as I chuckled."Don't want to see your unit bud, so thanks for sparing me the horror," I mumbled sarcastically back. Galen rolled his eyes and cupped himself as he turned around so I could shift and change."The shirt is long enough to cover your lady parts," he said over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of side boob. I noticed and covered myself quickly."Stop being a perv and find a way to get us out of here," I said firmly. Galen thrust his hips and grinned," let me give you my seed and we can both get released." My eyes narrowed at him."What? The moon Goddess keeps asking my wolf if we've joined…she's being annoying," Galen mumbled sourly and I rolled my eyes."She has been bugging m