From Arina's POV
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Every word coming out of my mother's mouth was shocking.
"Zeno's death is something we won't be able to contain if the word gets out. The King will come seeking answers. How can we explain the last three years?" she asked in panic.
"Perhaps you should have thought about that before beating her half to death," Rick replied as he left the room.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door, and I heard a familiar voice.
"Please accept my apologies. I didn't know you were here." Nurse Calloway said, "I'll be back later."
I was glad it was her. I wanted to ask her questions. I needed answers, and she had been assigned to care for my father in his final days, so I figured she might know something.
"Nurse Calloway, I was sure you were off today, but no matter, I was leaving anyway. Carry on," Mother said as she left.
"You can open your eyes, Princess; she is gone," Nurse Calloway said as she approached the side of the bed.
I looked at her in confusion. How could she have known I was awake if she had just walked in? I thought to myself.
She smiled and replied, "I know many things, Princess, not to mention I can sense energies, and your wolf calls out to me."
"My wolf?" I asked. "I-I don't have a wolf, not yet anyway," I replied.
"Princess, you are special. You have had your wolf since you were fifteen. She came to you early. She knew you would need her before your time. But she has yet to speak to you. She has been working to help you this entire time, reaching out to those who can help you, including myself," she replied.
I was surprised to learn I had a wolf this whole time, but I was also upset. I always felt alone, like I had no one, and here I had a wolf, but I couldn't talk to her. What was the point of having a wolf that I could not communicate with or see in reflection or shift into? Had I been able to shift, I would have left long ago and wouldn't have had to deal with all this.
Nurse Calloway stared at me as if reading my thoughts. Just as she was about to speak, someone entered the room with a knock.
"May I come in?" asked a man standing at the door with his head low.
"Princess Arina, this is my mate, Bryan. He's here to help," Nurse Calloway explained.
When Bryan approached the bedside, he lifted his face, and I could see his facial features. His dark brown hair enhanced his light blue eyes, which looked striking against his tan skin color. He wore a long black sleeve shirt under his black leather Calvin Klein jacket and dark blue jeans. He finished his look with a silver Cartier watch and Stacy Adams boots. I found the shoes dated; he could have picked a newer designer. However, he pulled them off well.
He smiled and nodded at me, then looked at Nurse Calloway and spoke.
"Word of Alpha Zeno's death and attack reached the King. He plans to visit," he explained.
"How soon before he arrives?" she asked.
"Unfortunately, I do not know, but he wants to arrive within the week to settle things," Bryan replied.
Nurse Calloway nods as she glances at me. "I am not sure how long we have. Luna Eleni wants her release already. If she returns, we lose our chance to do anything." She turned to Bryan. "You know as well as I do; it is only a matter of time before they discover the truth. If they do, she is dead!" she replied.
There is no response from him other than a nod. As if seeking answers, he walked to the window and stared out.
"I heard them talking about my father, and they said something about someone giving them a child. What does that mean?" I asked.
Nurse Calloway glanced at Bryan as he walked towards the bed and stood beside her. Both had a look in their eyes that I could not describe.
"What else did they say?" he asked.
"My mother said something about a note stating that the child should be raised here and something about she wasn't the child's mom," I told them.
"But that means..." Nurse Calloway turned her gaze to Bryan, and they both said simultaneously. "They weren't MATES."
The three of us remained silent until Bryan broke the silence when he cleared his throat and asked. "Did they say anything else?"
I nodded. "Mom and Rick decided to keep quiet about everything. If anyone found out, their story would be that I ran away from home the night of my father's funeral. I had been attacked by rogues while returning," I replied.
Nurse Calloway and Bryan listened intently.
"Everyone knows a rogue would kill you if one attacked you. How can they possibly think that anyone would be that stupid to believe that nonsense?" Bryan scoffed.
I shrugged and took a deep breath before telling the last detail.
"Mom told Rick that the note left stated that the child was twice blessed. She said they never understood what that meant. She also had a blood test to see if the child carried my father's blood. The results were positive, but she never told him. Before they left, Rick said they needed to research the bloodline and be prepared if word gets out." I concluded.
They stood quiet momentarily when I asked, "Who is the child they are talking about, and why is it such a big deal?"
Nurse Calloway signaled to Bryan to check the door before speaking. When he signaled, the area was clear, she said.
"Arina, the child they speak of is you. You are Alpha Zeno's true daughter and the rightful Alpha of this pack." I gasped in realization at what she was saying, but as it sank in, my heart broke, knowing that my father would never see me inherit my birthright. A single tear escaped my eyes as I wiped them away. I asked.
"What did they mean by twice blessed?"
Bryan approached the bedside and, with absolute certainty, spoke.
"It has been said that Alpha Zeno's child has the blood of the Great Delvhen Wolves. 'The child possesses FIVE elements: fire, water, wind, wood, and earth." He paused for a moment. "It is also alleged that they have dominion over the Phoenix, although that has never been proven since there are no Phoenix left. They were killed off years ago, but if there were any, they could combine their powers and become one," he said.
"Now, that would have been a sight to see," Nurse Calloway said with profound astonishment.
Bryan stepped back towards the window and cleared his throat before turning to us and stating the obvious.
"We must hurry and either get the king here or get you out before you are released," he said. He then asked Nurse Calloway, "How long until she is cleared to leave?"
Nurse Calloway grabbed the clipboard. "According to the results, we have 72 hours. Her tests have been completed. We need to move quickly. Bryan, how long will it take to return to Okami Pack and deliver the orders?" she asked.
Before Bryan could answer, I asked, "Okami Pack?"
Nurse Calloway looked at her mate and said with pride,
"Bryan is the Okami Pack's Alpha."
From Alexandre’s POV The many files I still had to read had just been piled up on my desk, but I had no energy to read them. The information Thiago provided me regarding Luna Eleni seemed wrong. I pulled out my cell phone and looked through my contacts. I knew only one person could get me the answers I wanted. I just needed to make sure he could get them immediately. Time was of the essence. I quickly dialed the number and waited for them to pick it up. "Andre, what a surprise to hear from you. How are you?" A voice over the phone asked. "I am well, and yes, it has been too long for old friends like us not to speak. How is the family?" I responded. "They are doing well, but the boys are officially getting on my nerves. They can hardly be kept in one place with all the running around. I always wanted kids, but I swear if I ever find out who came up with that damn BABY SHARK song, I promise it will be the end of them!" he replied. I laughed in amusement at the thought of him hearin
From Arina's POV "Arina" I heard someone calling my name but couldn't see where they were. I was in a field somewhere. The sky was light blue, with no clouds in sight, and the flowers were different colors. There was a light breeze. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Arina" I opened my eyes and glanced around. There it was again, that soft voice, so magical. I started walking in the direction I thought it came from. I kept walking straight and went to a small forest. I was about to turn back when I heard it again. "Arina" "Who's there?" I called out. Although everything in me told me to turn around and head back, I couldn't. I needed to know who had called me. After taking a deep breath, I stepped into the forest. Peace was beyond words. It wasn't dark; it was beautiful and held an unimaginable sense of peace. My eyes were drawn to a small pond. My gaze was drawn to the water when I walked over to it. It wasn't long before I saw a pair of gold-colored eyes looking back at
Alexandre's POV Dealing with all this was a headache. If there was one thing I hated the most, it was drama among packs. It was a waste of time and energy that could be better spent focusing on more important matters. I always tried my best to avoid it, but sometimes it was impossible to get away from. I wanted a peaceful pack where everyone could work together in harmony. I wanted everyone to be able to trust each other and to cooperate. I wanted everyone to be able to rely on each other. "Wishful thinking," I said aloud as I turned my attention back to the files on my desk. Addressing complaints and obtaining financial approvals was Thiago's responsibility under normal circumstances. However, since I had him digging into Eleni, I was now left with the task. I had just opened a file when a knock came knocking at the door. "Come in," I said, not bothering to look up from the file. "Andre," Thiago said as he entered my office. I glanced up at him briefly and nodded in acknowledgme
From Arina's POV "Andre?" I heard Bryan answer the call. I listened silently as he recapped what we had just experienced. It was unclear who he was talking to, but he seemed to trust them. "We are about three and a half hours away from Lycan Blood Pack, assuming we drive straight and make no stops along the way," Bryan explained to whomever he was talking to. Suddenly, he said something that caught my attention. "I can't believe Zeno never told us about her, and why did he keep it secret?" he said. I could hear the hurt in his voice, hinting that he felt betrayed. And I couldn't blame him. I felt the same when I learned the truth about my mother. After exchanging a few more words, Bryan ended the call. I glanced in the rear-view mirror just as he glanced in my direction. He smiled at me. "That was Alexandre," Bryan said. "Oh, you guys seem very close," I replied. Bryan chuckled, "Yeah, we are like brothers from another mother. He's a good guy," he said. I nodded, not wanting t
From Alexandre's POV After my last conversation with Bryan, I felt uneasy in the pit of my stomach. All I kept thinking about was why Zeno kept the big secret. I kept mulling over every conversation he and I had before he died, but nothing that would raise any suspicions came to mind. Shaking my head, I tried to eliminate the thoughts flowing through my mind and mind-linked Thiago. He was supposed to set up two rooms for Bryan, maribelle, and Arina. They needed to be comfortable, especially Arina, after everything she had endured. "Thiago, have the rooms been prepared for our guests?" I asked. "Yeah, they just finished. I placed them on the king's floor. Why is everything OK?" he asked. "Yeah, I was just asking to ensure everything was set up. Come to my office when you are done," I told him, cutting the mind link. At that moment, the intercom beeped, and I heard Emmitt's voice. He was the guard on duty at the front gate. "My King, Alpha Bryan, and company request entrance," he
***Trigger Warning*** This chapter contains descriptions of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. From Arina's POV "Welcome to the family," Aella says before embracing me. I could feel her warmth and sincerity through her hug. Aella stood about five feet five inches tall, had a body rivaling Salma Hayek, and was completely natural. Her blonde waist-length hair was tied in a high ponytail. She wore teal-colored Victoria's Secret sweatpants, a white crop tank top, and a fuzzy white cashmere sweater. Long, thick eyelashes framed her blue-green eyes. Her olive-colored skin looked like it had never been exposed to the sun. She had a soft, gentle smile that lit up her entire face when she talked. Her makeup was minimal, just enough to accentuate her features. I could tell she was naturally beautiful and didn't need much makeup to enhance her beauty. "Come inside. You must be starving," Aella said as she pulled me upstairs and led me to the front door. I glanced over my shoulde
From Arina's POV "Andre, calm down," Thiago said as he rushed to his side and tried to calm him. "WHY DID HE HIDE THIS FROM US? WE WERE BROTHERS. I COULD HAVE HELPED HIM!" Alexandre yelled. "Andre, you aren't the only one he betrayed, but now is not the time. Calm down; let us get all the details first," Bryan said as he rushed to Alexandre's side, trying to calm him. I watched in horror at what was occurring before me. When I felt a hand on my shoulder, I turned to find out it was Aella. "Everything is alright. D'Artagnan is just a bit cococaho," Aella said with a slight smile. I smiled back at her and turned my attention back to Alexandre, who was now staring at me. My father's betrayal was painful to him, as I could see a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Forgive me, Arina, I didn't mean to frighten you," he said. I smiled and nodded at him as everyone retook their seats. "We can stop if you like?" Alexandre said. "No, it's OK, I can finish," I replied with a sigh as I began ag
From Alexandre’s POV Listening to her talk about her past was the hardest thing for me. Besides living through it, this was probably the most challenging thing she ever did. All I wanted to do was hold and comfort her, but how? What could I say to her that she hadn't already heard? She told us what she had endured at the hands of the people who were meant to love and protect her. I thought I was lucky to have parents who showed me love and affection, parents who would kill anyone who hurt me. The biggest shock of all was that she turned eighteen today. As soon as she mentioned that, I decided we should take a break from the discussion and showed everyone where they would sleep. Aella was elated to have Arina here. Growing up, she was always in the house alone, and now she would have someone to keep her company. I didn't want to push the whole mate bond on her because of all her traumatic experiences, but I was willing to accept her rejection if she refused. "Let us take it day by