I Don’t Want A Mate

Mila's Arrival

Mila Karlsson

Daughter of the Moon Goddess, one of seven long-lost daughters of the Moon Goddess

The sun brushes over my skin as I breathe in the salty breeze whipping around me. This would feel peaceful and nice....If it weren't for the fact that my wolf has been driving me crazy the whole ride here. I turned to leave the boat that brought us to Vircarres Islands, the Islands of the Lycans, but my poor twin Eva was heaving up the contents of her stomach...again. I awkwardly pat her back. Not sure what to do. Eva is the maternal one between us. I should be better at this. What would Eva do if I was throwing up? Probably find some soda and crackers, maybe a wet towel. I turned to do just that, but Alice, one of my older "sisters", came up with all that and gave me a soft smile, while she allowed Eva to lean on her as we got her off the rocking ship. Alice is expecting and didn't get sick, beyond her normal morning sickness. Thank the goddess. We were only on the cruise ship here for a day and a half. and Eva got sick enough for the five of us

At one time in history, we would have grown up together as cousins, but this was many generations ago. Our grandmothers from many generations were scattered all over the world for their protection. We all have the same golden hair and golden eyes, but our heights, weights, ages, and accents vary depending on where we grew up. Eva and myself are the youngest at almost twenty. The oldest of us is Camilla, who is in her early thirties and runs two packs with her mate.

Currently, we're at war with an evil wizard named Godric Flagg. He has gone by many names throughout history, but that is his current name whispered in the wind. Last year, we went to war with him and won...barely. He forces us back into the open and doesn't stop until we are dead, not just us, but every shifter and those born with magic. Werewolf, Lycan, Mermaid, Witches, and Wizards. He's hell-bent on removing us from existence. Either for a power trip because he can or because of an old grudge. Now we're trying anything and everything to build an army and allies for a war that could come to us at any time.

I walked up to Amber, who was taking in the island around her. She might only be in her mid-twenties, but this war has aged her. It has aged all of us. But Amber, being an Alpha by nature and Luna in name, and a natural born leader, takes this to heart. All of it. Taking responsibility from her is nearly impossible. Even though all seven of us were forced to take this burden.

"Hey," I say.

"Hey," she says, giving me a strained smile.

"You aren't alone in this. This will work."

"I know, but we need this alliance desperately. Lycans have fought and won against dark magic throughout the years. We haven't... or not without help."

"You speak of Lycans like they're separate from us, but we are Lycans, we are the queens they've been waiting for."

"We were Lycans."

I rolled my eyes before responding,

"We are Lycans. We have Lycan blood running through our veins. Even if it's mixed with werewolf blood, our heritage is here. We belong. You belong."

"Maybe in blood, but you know this alliance is...fragile. They might be looking for us, but they don't need us, and, if anything, we're bringing a f*cking lot of trouble to their door."

My lips twitched up in a smile, "Well, at least we're coming in with a bang."

Amber sighed deeply, before shaking her head and saying "I guess we are.".

We descended onto the docks. Striding towards us in a dark Maroon suit was a taller, beautiful woman. She had dark black hair and crystal blue eyes. She looked feminine to the naked eye, but maybe it was the warrior in me, but I had a feeling this woman wasn't just beautiful. Something about her muscular frame gives her away.

She gives us a small wave and a smile before saying, "Good afternoon! My name is Cahira, I am the regent prince's second in command. I have been sent to escort you to the royal residence. It isn't far from here now. If you'd follow me."

She led us down the docks onto a long wooden path that seemed to go down the coast. Leading from the docks to an area with a beach and pier.

"Is this your first time in Vircarres?" Asked Cahira.

Andrea, our "sister" closest in age, was the first to answer

"Uh yes, mostly. My mate has been here previously, but this is all of our first time here."

"Who is your mate?"

"Cole... he's the son of Hades. I believe he has met your prince before."

Cahira's eyes lit with recognition before saying,

"Regent Prince, but yes. It was on Cole's word that this meeting was arranged...I apologize for the difficulty... It hasn't been uncommon for us here to receive shifters claiming to be the Moon Goddess' daughters, but they're nothing but liars.".

We walk along this beach path until we come up to a large wall that spans the side of the beach.

"I know this isn't... aesthetically pleasing, but on the other side is the royal residence, and we needed to ensure there was some protection....even though someone could just sail to the other side... but these walls to make a private beach and residence were built way before my time. So who am I to question?"

I snickered at the sarcasm dripping from her tone as Cahira waved to someone, and the distinct sound of the gate opening reached my ears.

I gaped at the large structure before me. I couldn't quite call it a castle, but it wasn't a home either. Before stood me a home of white concrete, stone, and wood. It's like a sculptor took the home and built it into the hill and landscape around it. Lush palm trees and a large beach where the entrance, and closer to the home, there was an overhang built with wood. Large stone pillars were nearest to us, and in between them were sheer white curtains blowing in the breeze. The residence was massive and beautiful, but somehow looked like it belonged here.

I've seen the wealth of werewolves, but nothing like this.

"When our ancestors moved here...they had to build everything from scratch. They didn't have many tools. So they built this home right into the landscape. Using the same white sand on the beaches and stones from the mountains to build it. It's had a few upgrades in recent years, mainly A/C, but yeah, for what little they had with them, it's an impressive feat," said Cahira as we started to walk up the stone path to the front of the home.

As we walked closer, we walked through the sheer curtains. A casual room greeted us with plenty of furniture for lounging. Even a few fire pits. It looked like a space for holding parties or enjoying the ocean without directing being in the sun.

"This looks more like a beach retreat..." Said, Amber.

"What were you expecting? An old and stuffy castle?" said Cahira.

"Well... yes."

"This is so pleasant," said Andrea.

"You're dying for swim, aren't you?" I asked Andrea as we walked further into the home. Her father is a mermaid, and the entire cruise ride here, she was dying for a swim, but she didn't want to scare the tourists. Humans know we exist, but depending on their exposure level, they aren't always comfortable with a shifter.

She's far kinder than I am. I'd just say f*ck it and shift. But to be fair, humans are more comfortable with werewolves because of our wealth and influence.

"I am for sure," she said wistfully.

As we went into the home, the decor stayed the same. Almost earthy and elegant. We came into a room with a wall of pure windows facing the ocean. Almost like a formal meeting place. Standing near the wall of windows was a man with graying hair and skeptical eyes. In his hand, he held a staff to support himself. Those skeptical eyes turned warm as he bowed his head.

"My Queen's, I'm so thankful that you have returned to us."