The Pack Survives

[5] Daddy's Little Girl

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Celeste's POV

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    Running with this man, this wolf.... MY MATE, was otherworldly. My body pumped harder than it has in decades. I have never felt so alive and I have known him for less than an hour. Our species are natural enemies, working together, however, despite certain disapproval. 

    Disapproval comes from different directions. Some in the Elder Council, within my own coven, do not appreciate the wolf-vampire alliances. Some are witches who do not like it, some are wolves. I understand, but we are in new times, and now more than ever we need to stick together. The main source of that hate comes from a family within my own coven, one I am very close to. Stella, Mario and their son Micah Romano. They are of great power and ancient lineage, and they absolutely despise Wolves. Funny enough, they do not hate other creatures, neither do they particularly care for them. The source of their hate, and all the world's problems- as far as they are concerned, are the 'filthy dogs'. 

    I have experienced their hate up close. I grew up with them, our parents close, despite not seeing eye to eye on many societal matters. Micah and I had a relationship at one time. He was tall, brown eyes, black hair. As a human, his form would have rendered him weak. With his vampire powers, he is unbeatable. The powers he yields... no one is a match for him. As we grew up together, and our parents being so close, we were destined to be married. I, would not have it. I had once been in love with him, even knowing he wasn't my mate, but he had turned into a horrible creature. 

    He became power hungry, and I was just another object for him to acquire in his quest to reach the top. Micah, who had once been as eager to learn about the world as I, my partner in crime, was now only fueled by what and who could give him more. After centuries of little more than a physical partnership, I ended it with him on the pretense we would remain friends. I was training and leading an army of warriors and had no time for his games. He took other woman while he was with me, he abused the help in our home, he killed undeserving people... I couldn't associate myself with that. 

    Surprisingly, my parents didn't object. Maybe a little shock, when in front of Micha's parents, but alone, they were thankful. "He was no good for you, amore. He would have hurt you. Your mate is out there I just know it." My mother had said, with her hand on my father's lap, looking at him lovingly. I wanted what they had, but I didn't think I was ready for it. Now, I know I am.     

    I do know, obviously, they aren't my parents. They sired me. They found me at a hospital and turned me. I know that my human parents were very elderly, and I had been hearing these voices. Back then, before mental health was treated (not like in the last 20 years it has been either), being sick was a killable offense. They did the best they could. They were kind, and heart broken. They thought they were doing the best for me. And eventually they did, as my NOW parents found me there. But what I experienced in that hospital was sickening, cruel, and inhumane. Funny, I would end up NOT HUMAN, after my stay there. 

    My vampire parents saved me, gave me a life worth fighting for, and didn't want a lazy-power hungry-vamp boy to be my mate. They knew how he bedded other women, embarrassing me, hurting me. They disliked him, but saved face for his parents. I was ok with that. His parents had been like family to me, and I just wanted normalcy. They were greedy, sure, but a lot of elder vampires were. They were the strongest. They were the most feared. They were untouchable. 

    Lost in my thoughts, comparing my ex flame to my new mate, enjoying the wind flowing across my skin, mesmerized at the way it blows through his fur, Dmitri's fur, I can almost forget where we are going. The scent of burnt wood, ashen-ed bodies, blood and magic fill my senses. I slow down with my group as we enter the area where my childhood home, for a lack of a better term, come into view. 

    Evan and his sister Erin shift back, Norah and I handing them their clothes without peeking at their naked bodies. I would say it was more for respect, but I would be lying. I don't think I could handle seeing his body just yet. From what I have already seen, I have a battle ahead of me. Mountains of shoulder's and abs to climb, his dark tanned skin is a vast land that I have yet to claim. That body...    

    "Celeste... yoo hoo... earth to CC!" Norah says, snapping me out of my daze.     

    I shook my head at my previous sinful thoughts, catching a glance of Evan, smirking. That jerk! Wait! I hope he can't read my mind. I know when wolves mate, you get a mind link, but not before, I hope. He steps over to me, claiming my hand and we walk back over to the rubble. Emily peeks around the corner grinning from ear to ear. 

    "SHUT UP!!! ALPHA!? Oh my goddess, this is a paring made in mystical heaven! Wait till the pack finds out! I am not the only outsider mate!" she screams, rushing us with hugs and laughter. And here I thought she wasn't a hugger.     

    "Well... my mind link was open, I kinda showed the hole pack already." Erin said, a sly grin on her face. "But I thought you would have seen it?"     

    Emily was brought into the pack when her and Gabe completed their mate bond. Just as I was thinking about that, Evan lifted his nose in the air and his eyes glazed over. I started to get worried and then he snapped out of it, and looked at me, "My guys are here." 

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    We went around to the driveway and stood around the cars that had amassed over the last couple hours. My parents would arrive on... well... air, but everyone else had taken cars. Except for my mate, his sister and his pack. Evan's beta and gamma were equally massive and attractive. You could tell that they took their bodies seriously, not for vanity, but for purpose. For being strong, to protect their families, mates and each other. They were gentle and playful though, slapping each other's backs and howling in laughter with each jab they made. Finally after the shock of Emily knowing us, and being mated to Gabe was over, and Gabe standing in the corner defensively over her, we got down to business. 

    "Luna, it's a pleasure," Matt bowed to me. "we've waited for you a long time." That got a growl from Evan who looked more annoyed than on the defense. Matt, from what I heard, is also mated to a witch named Nicolette. He is the Gamma. He is the most childlike, jumping and climbing trees, getting down on the ground with the kids in their pack, but when it comes to work, he is as serious as they come. 

    "Thank you, Matt. I wish it were more of a celebration, but it seems we have to work first and play later?" I replied. He stared at Evan, eyes wide. "Oh Goddess, Nic is going to love this one... " His laugh abruptly being cut short by Evan's growl. "Sorry, Celeste. I meant n-nothing of the c-comment. I jus-" 

    "It's fine, please" I said, eager to move on from a conversation of my mates possible exes. I was hissing on the inside, fighting to keep my claws in. Norah, who's been pretty quiet, gave me a look of sympathy, which enraged me even more. 

    "Luna Celeste, it is my understanding that there was a survivor, and more of your Coven are on their way?" asked the other one. Tall and lean, very athletic with gentle eyes and a constant smile on his face, was Brian. Brian was the un-mated Beta of the group. He hasn't stopped laughing or cracking jokes since they arrived. 

    "Yes, my parents and a few other's of the council should arrive shortly. For now, I only have a few of my warriors, Norah and our mutual friends here. But with the devastation, please expect an influx of Vampires on the territory's. They have strict hunting orders, with respect to your pack and surrounding boundaries. You will be able to tell them apart from rogues, or coven-less vampires, by this..." I flashed them my family ring. Norah followed me, lifting her right hand, bowing her head as a sign of respect for the family. 

    I could see he and Gabe were mind linking, I didn't know with who, possibly passing on this information. As I suspected, Evan said, "He is letting the remaining warriors we left home, and border patrol, of our expected company and showed them an image of the emblem on the ring."

    He smiled softly at me. I could tell he was trying not to undermine me, showing me that while I certainly knew what the hell I was talking about, and was strong and resilient, that what I did not know was the inner workings of a pack. I was grateful for that, and for the small gesture of not underestimating me, which so many had done in the past because of my looks. I grinned back at him, I couldn't help it. I felt like he could understand me. I could tell my face was covered in adoration for him, and he reciprocated without hesitation.  

    "It has been brought to our attention that this was the work of the hunters, and you are familiar with them, correct?" Matt asked. I nodded at him and Norah stepped in for the reply, speaking for the first time almost since this meeting started. 

    "Yes. We have been hunting the hunters for centuries. As far as we know, they have amassed many an ally. They have rogue wolves, lone witches and vampires. I can't imagine who else they have. Besides the strongest sorcerers, they seem to use the twins as the spear heads for attacks. We believe, without hard proof though, that the twins are not in control." She said, diplomatically. She looks young, her features as well as her stature are cause for people to underestimate her. They couldn't be more wrong. She has fought in countless wars, always at my side and has settled differences better than a hostage negotiator. She constantly proves herself and I couldn't be more proud to show her off. 

    With a hungry smile, I turn to our group. "The twins have evaded me for centuries, though I can not pin point their species. I can sense all kinds of magic on them, wolf, witch, human, vampire even. Their eyes though show only possession. Meaning, again what Norah said, they are not the ones pulling the strings. I have had it up to here with them." lifting my hand up to my neck. Evan stood beside me with a sharp look in his eyes. Glancing at Erin, and the rest of the wolves, they are tensed. 

    "They killed our parents, the packs former Alpha and Luna, right in front of mine and my sister's eyes." Evan spoke, his voice seething with anger and pure hatred. Looking in his eyes, I can tell that was Dmitri speaking on his behalf. Next to him, I hear Erin whimper. The rest of the pack mirroring each other's feelings: rage, the need for vengeance, wanting the blood of their enemies. I can't imagine loosing my parents, the disorganization that would ripple through our coven with their death is almost incomparable. I have had nightmares about it. It is a near impossible thought for me.

    We discuss more strategy, each group offering some sort of strength. It was agreed that we would seek the hunter's out, now that we have such a large group to do so, with all sorts of ability's. The witches offering their magic and protection spells. The wolves offering brute force and numbers, their kill switch unlike any. My vampires offering their strength and speed as well as our powers. We are going to be a force.

    "One thing we have never been able to figure out, besides hating mythical creatures, is what exactly they want. They are not wiping out packs. Sure, they are making dents in them with attacks, but they seem to be looking for something. They have no problem using the creatures they hate, but they are obviously pawns in an end-game. We can't figure out WHAT that end-game is." Brian said. We all stood silent, taking in what he just said. It's true. Each attack from this group is targeted at all different species, never wiping them out completely, only killing those who fought against them. They seem to be looking for something. And for right now, we don't know what that is. Before I could dive down that rabbit hole, a voice sucked me out of my trance. 

    "Mi Amore. Have you someone to introduce to me?"

    My parents are here. 

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    "Father. Papa. Welcome." I said, hesitantly, bowing my head in respect. Norah followed suit. The witches cast their eyes to the ground and the wolves, so help me, were bowing at the waist. I face palmed, whatever blood I had left at his arrival, was now in my cheeks. 

    "Gentleman, please, no need for such formalities. A blood oath will suffice." my father replied. Now it was their turn for the blood to rush from their faces. My father's deafening laugh shook through the group and I was 100% mortified at his joke. My mother approached from behind him, her hand smacking his back, her way of telling him he's gone too far. 

    "Please boys, forgive me, my husband here has no sense of humor. My name is Isabelle Benevenetti, this comedian is Edmond. It is a pleasure to meet you all." She said graciously with a small chuckle. She bowed her head to the wolves. She recognized that Evan was an Alpha, and humble enough to respect it. Evan finally regained composure and took her hand placing a kiss on it. My father boomed with a laugh so loud, the humans would be sure the expect lightening after. "I like him!" he declared. The breath I hadn't realized I was holding came out a lot louder than I had anticipated, bringing the groups attention to me.     

    Those who already knew we were mates had a smile on their faces, while the group who came with my parents, too full of themselves for introductions, looked at me incredulously. "I will take the warriors beyond the house, would you care to join me and discuss some strategies and training?" Matt asked, directed towards Clarence. I almost forgot he was here. He has stayed so quiet, so still, it confused me. I know he is not comfortable with other species. I shook the thought. 

    "Mama, Papa, can we speak?" I asked, my voice a little shaky. Glancing at Evan, he is standing tall and proud. His demeanor never wavered. He shot me a small, sympathetic smile. I realized that he doesn't have this chance like I do, to tell his parents about me. This is it for him. I can see it in his eyes. I feel something inside me whimper. Almost like a voice in my head mirroring the sadness in his eyes. My face, I can feel, is contorted in confusion at this. My mother's voice breaks me from my trance.

    "Yes, dear, shall we walk? Goddess knows how these lands ease my soul. I just simply can not look at this house for another second. Dear, are you joining us?" she says, looking pointedly at Evan. He nods his head and holds his arm out to the tree line, inviting her to lead the way.

    My mom is a beauty, tall, lean, long black hair. We obviously don't share similar traits, but the synchrony of our bodies and souls, from being together for centuries, you'd never know the difference. Our eyes are the same almond shape, red with hunger, but hers are an amber color in a state of rest. She wears a long leather duster, boots similar to mine, a tight fitting buttoned down shirt, and black jeans. She screams power, but naturally. She is not like the other Elders who wear ball gowns, or freaking tuxedo's all the time, or even those who wear scandalous outfits, leather jumpsuits and the like. I have worn my own fair share of leather jumpsuits, but stopped after my friends started mocking me, saying I look like Selene from the Underworld series. I personally think they based her off me, but I digress. It is a typical look for Vampires, especially warriors. Its more practical, than fashion. 

    I walk arm in arm with my father. Tall, broad shoulders. Brown hair with streaks of gray that remind me of Cruella de Vil. I laugh quietly at the memories of me teasing him for it, and him fuming with anger, storming out of the room leaving my mother and I crumbled on the floor in hysterics. "What is so funny my darling daughter?" He asked, hearing my laugh. I look at his stormy brown eyes. Specks of gold floating around. When the sun hits his eyes, it's striking. Nothing about my father is more beautiful though, than his soul. He is one of the most powerful vampires in the world. He speaks dozens of languages, he has killed countless people with the flick of a wrist, but he has saved more lives than he's taken. He has a humanitarian fund set up in Countries across the globe. He may not be able to control natural disasters, but he can assist in the relief funds and he takes that very seriously. 

     The #1 most important charity case to my stubborn father, is orphanages. He knew I was orphaned when they came across me. My parents having died of old age after I was placed in the hospital. If they could, they would adopt every parent-less child in the world. They joke that I was enough, and I took all their energy. My father and mother would have taken more from the hospital, but from what I understand, they were pretty rushed to get out of there before anyone knew I was missing. By the time they returned to that hospital in the hopes of saving more, it had been shut down and demolished. The fates of those patients, (more like hostages), unknown. He has mentally kicked himself for that delay for centuries. All those misunderstood souls. He felt he could have saved. 

    "Oh nothing, just thinking about a couple DALMATIANS...." I teased. I heard my mother choke on a laugh, Evan staring at me with an eyebrow raised. My dad, however, flicked my arm, effectively throwing me across the yard and into the ground...hard. To the untrained eye, you would think I was dead, due to the force of the fall. But that was no more than an innocent father-daughter rough housing. Because we are vampires, however, our speed and strength is unmatched. One person, who was sure that I was hurt, was Evan.     

    I was already standing up, brushing the grass and dirt off my legs, laughing with tears in my eyes, when he slid across the ground to my legs. He grabbed both of my legs, looking up into my eyes. His eyes were black, I could feel his claws pricking against my leg and he was growling. "Did....he....hurt....you....?"  He asked, practically grabbing for each word.

    "Woah, woah, woah, Alpha. Calm down. She is MY daughter, remember?" My father said, his face emulating concern, quickly changing to..... amusement?

    "Evan, I am fine, I promise." I laugh, still sensing my father's stares. "We are a lot stronger than we look, I am sure your wolves rough-housing is similar, yes?" I said pointedly, glancing from him to my dad, and back, silently telling him to cool it. He huffed, standing up and spinning me around, doing a once over. He is still not satisfied that I am not injured. I let out a breath and put my hand to his cheek, feeling my powers surge through me. My powers pushed through to his mind allowing him to feel my exact feelings at this moment. 

    His eyes flicker from his normal color, to black, and back again. I see him taking in all my feelings. Nervousness, excitement, pride, joy, love... and lastly, no pain. His eyes went wide as I let my hand drop from his face, down to his forearm, and finally down to my side. "See?" I said. 

    "What was that??" He asked, complete shock taking over his features. 

    "My power. I can sense feelings or share them. I can do quite a few things." I said with a smirk. We were interrupted by my mother clearing her throat, looking expectantly at us, and so help me she was smiling. 

    "CC, my dear, please tell me what it is you need to speak to us about?" She asked, closing the space between us, placing her hand on mine. 

    "Mama, Papa.. I have found my mate. Evan.... Alpha Evan Blackwater, he is my mate." I said with strength and intention. I felt him approach from behind me. The tingles of the mate bond are already on my skin before he touches me, which is confusing as I thought it only happened with touch. I am no expert on wolf interests, so I will have to ask Evan about the specifics. My thoughts are shut down quickly by my mother's gasp.     

    "Celeste! Are you sure?" she says, fear is taking over her face. She stares at my father, her eyes pleading with him. It's like she is asking him for help. I know, with my powers, I can find out what is going on in their minds, but I can't do that to my parents. 

    "Mother, I am positive. I could smell him, I sensed him in the woods, as I found him, he was searching for me. I heard it too. I heard the Mate call." I said. 

    "Th-the mate c-call?" she asked? Looking from me to Evan and back.

    "Yes, Mrs. Benevenetti, when a wolf finds their mate, their wolf starts to take control and screams for their mate. It's almost like a chant. My wolf, Dmitri, smelled her first. He smelled Vanilla and Sandalwood. I heard him growl as we started following the scent. Then he began chanting over and over to 'FIND MATE, FIND MATE, MATE IS HERE" . So I did." Evan said with pride, and so much love in his voice. I laughed so hard, because when he mimicked his wolf, he used a cave man voice. I looked at him in awe, that this man is my mate. The way he described my scent? I expect all wolves to call me a filthy bloodsucker, but no, not him. He was not too proud to admit his inner most feelings. 

    My father, for the first time since I told them, spoke up. "How, Celeste, did you hear the mate call? Were you hearing his wolf calling for his mate?" 

    "No Father," I said with embarrassment. "It was in my head." I might be a vampire, strong, deadly and fierce, but I do remember my time as a human. I do remember the voice in my head literally howling at me, yelling sometimes, trying to be friendly other times. It scared my human parents so much, that they felt it best to send me to that wretched hospital. After becoming a vampire, I could push away that voice, but over the last few months, it's been increasingly harder. 

    "Well, Evan, I am so pleased to hear this. This will certainly be an adjustment, but one we are happy to make and I for one, can not wait for your future. You have a wonderful mate in my dear Celeste. Please protect her." my mother said, taking both of Evan's hands in her own, putting their foreheads together in the old ancient way of acceptance. She turned to me, "and you, Celeste, I need not tell you the importance of a mate. I only hope that your father and I have shown you through your life how to love and cherish your mate. Don''t ever feel less than, or better than. Some days you might not have a 50-50 relationship. Some days you may need him to give %100 while you rest, and the same for your mate. You might need to give %100 while he rests. The value of the relationship remains, while the responsibility shifts day to day." 

    Her words choked me up. I am so lucky to have been brought up by these two, watching them bicker in the kitchen, screaming even, to finding them 20 minutes later on the balcony enjoying espresso, holding hands. It's true. Some days my father put in all the effort and some days my mother. You need to hold up your mate and they need to reciprocate. I had no doubt that my mate could do that for me. 

    "Oh! A Luna at that! CC what ever will you do?" my father said. I started to respond when I caught a glance he quickly threw to my Mother. He was telling her, with his eyes, to drop it. To let something go. I have seen that look a million times. Were they doubting me? Almost like he knew what I was thinking, Evan came to wrap his arm around my waist and spoke on my behalf. 

    "I know we don't know each other well, and I am a wolf in the presence of the Elder vampires, just now confirming our recent mating, and I promise I will spend the rest of my life proving I am worthy for your daughter. However, I can tell when something is being hidden. I have seen all your glances, your silent objections. My parents are long gone, this is it. My one time to present, and be presented, after finding my mate. I will not have this sole experiences tainted with lies, or half truths. Whatever you're hiding, we can handle it. I can handle it." he said. My knight in shining armor, speaking the words that were so near to my lips. The Moon Goddess doesn't make mistakes, that is for sure!

    I stared back and forth, from Father to Mother. They both looked sad. I have no idea what is going on. My father gestures to a bench that sits along the walking trails of our property line. A small creek off to the side that flows down the mountain into the tow-path, finally spilling into the all-consuming river. 

    "CC, we have to tell you about your lineage. Your true lineage."