Queen of Creatures

Michigan

Avery’s pov

“ Get your ass outta here before we destroy you, Alexi. You of all people should not talk about who belongs in the dungeon. Leave before I tear into you.” I spit at Alexi my fist balling up. I hated every single person from that godawful pack. I hated the higher-ups and their shitty children more. “You dare speak to me like that. I’ll have you whipped with silver. Hold your tongue you despicable urchin.” Alexi growls at me. He talks so uppity when he is more like common filth. His stupid face turns red and blotchy with unsheathed anger.

“Say one more thing about my sisters and I’ll rip your f*****g heart out you s**t stain of a man,” Carter growls getting closer to me once he gave Genevieve over to Julianna. Julianna stands by the couch ready to bolt if need be. “I demand you all come back to Dark Mist at once, so you can pay for your crimes.” He spits at us again. I roll my eyes at the delusional psychopath.

I mean if any of us should be locked up it’s him and his perverted father. Little does Lexi boy know his father has a penchant for men and not very willing men most times. I found that out a couple of years after we left and I went out on my own for three months. I scoped out the Dark Mist pack and watched as Alpha Hendrix went insane.

I watched as Beta Hawkins became the alpha. The pack just became more and more unhinged. Pack members starving and doing despicable deeds. Warriors slacking and doing drugs. Their patrols and training were laughable with how many times I walked in. I helped many of the women and children escape but not enough in my opinion.

I’m snapped out of my thoughts by the sound of choking. Looking up I see the super tall black man pinning Alexi to the floor by the neck. His other hand claws extended at his throat ready to slice into him ended his existence. I smile to myself what a way to go out.

False bravado and an inflated ego are what have this asshole in this position. Not to mention enough drugs running through his system to get him all ramped up with confidence. He reeks of the stuff. By the way, the man has him pinned with his nose scrunched I can tell he smells it too. There’s a bunch of growling from all of us as he continues to sputter out insults. Just digging himself a deeper hole.

Darius pov

I tamped down my anger once I knew my mate was safe but that slick tongue walking hemorrhoid of a man just had to open his mouth. Next thing I knew my hands wrapped around his throat while my other holds my claws ready to slit the damn thing. My brother and sister are seething along with me. I can hear the rapid beat of Alexi's heart. His pulse ticks under my palm. It wouldn’t be hard to crush his windpipe and rid the world of him now.

The only thing that stops me is my mates calming scent of honey and strawberries. She seems to have woken up and is now standing behind me heavily leaning on the young blonde. “He’s not worth it. Let him go please.” She says again this time with more strength. Coming closer to me laying a hand on my back. Instant calmness travels through my body. “ Be thankful she’s here. That’s the only thing stopping me from ripping your head off. I suggest when I let you go you walk out of here calmly and continue with your business.” I growl lowly at him as I lift him from the floor hand still wrapped around his neck. Finally releasing him with a push.

He straightens himself up taking in deep gulps of air a little blood trickling from his neck. I don’t even realize I held him tight enough to draw blood.“ Watch your back, Hawkins. If you ever threaten my mate again, I’ll rip you in two and let the birds feast on your entrails.” Nikolai adds as I let him go. He stumbles back turning around. The curtain opens revealing my Beta and his mate. Not even having to mind link I give them a simple nod. They follow the foolish Alpha out updating me on when he’s out of sight. I turn and Genevieve stands beside me.

I grab onto her waist letting her lean against me as much as possible. Not even having to ask Nikolai takes up on her other side holding onto her hand to help steady and calm her. “We started on the wrong foot and I would like to apologize for my earlier threats. I am Alpha Darius Underwood of the Midnight Moon Pack. My counterpart is Lord Zamir of the Zaminoff Vampire clan in Russia. We can discuss more once we get to a quieter and more comfortable place. Our mate is tired and needs rest .” I say nicely. The blonde looks angry immediately and try’s to protest but is interrupted quickly by the witch.

“Don’t even think about arguing Avs. I’m Julianna, that’s Carter and the angry blonde is our sister Avery. We can conjoin in our hotel if that’s okay. I know our mom would like to be close to Vie while she goes through this.” Julianna says trying to placate both groups and pointing to each person's perspective. I can already tell she’s the level-headed motherly type. Carters is the strong silent type and Little Avery is fiercely loyal and doesn’t take s**t from anyone. I like this group they are good for my mate.

None of them look alike so I presume they are a rag-tag group of orphans or cast-outs. “ That seems like a good idea. Let’s get going though we’ve already given these people enough of a show. I believe getting her home as soon as possible would be best.” Nikolai answers. I would much more like going to our hotel and getting my mate comfortable since she has already fallen asleep standing up and leaning against my shoulder. Her small body was hot against my side. Scooping her up into my arms to let her rest easier nothing more is said.

No more speaking or arguments occur not even when we tell them we must split into three cars. Avery rides with us in one car as my brother drives. Genevieve nestled between Nikolai and I. Carter rides along with my Beta and his mate. While Juliana rides with hers my sister and Olique. My father would kill me if he found out Valentina wasn’t in the car with me but this is a mate problem. He’d understand eventually.

We make it to the Mark Hotel. Lord, they must have a lot of money because there staying in a better place than us and I’m not poor but dang. Allowing Nikolai to carry Genevieve we make our way to a presidential suite of all things. As soon as we walk in an older woman is up and greeting us at the door. Nikolai lays Genevieve on the couch the woman just cleared for us. Sticking out our hands and shaking this older blonde woman’s hand we learn her name is Aria Simmons. She’s the aunt of the Avery girl but most of them call her mom since she use to take care of them all. She has no scent and that concerns me a lot but I trust her all her actions scream she cares a lot for Genevieve and her other children.

Finally taking a seat next to Genevieve’s head the woman begins to bathe her brow with a cool cloth. “Julianna dear change her clothes to something lighter. I don’t want to move her too much so do a spell please dear. Also congratulations on finding your mate. I always knew a special woman would take care of you one day. Glad it’s a lovely dragon.” She says rising to allow Julianna to work. How does the woman know any of that I highly doubt they mind-linked her. We’ve been here all of two minutes and she correctly guessed mates.

Ms. Simmons pov

I knew this day would come. Sweet little Genevieve’s dragon would finally wake but she needs more than us here for this. She needs her family especially her mother to guide her young dragon out. As soon as she completes the change she going to go into heat and it’s going to be brutal. I pray my sweet girl won’t hold anything against us but her change is going to mature her faster than what she’s ready for.

She went looking for a good night to enjoy her birthday but instead found Mates. No one has spoken but I know. Her aura has been slipping out and getting stronger these last few weeks I just assumed we had more time. Her mates are strong men an Alpha and a lord. Both of who I know and have met before when they were both mere children and visited California to see our pack. Little Genevieve met them when she was but 5. I don’t even believe they remember her. I make my way into the kitchen to heat some tea.

Both families had made a rare appearance traveling the states to an alpha summit not far by. Alpha Hendrix had invited them to see our land. They never crossed paths till the last day when Genevieve had fallen and scraped her knee playing. A young Darius had scooped her up rocking her back and forth as she cried. Nikolai strode over and laid a kiss on her small knee telling her kisses to make the booboos go away. One of the sweetest moments I’d witnessed until that maniac of a little girl Jenna came along. Screaming about how the alphas wouldn’t play with her. She grabbed onto a scowling Darius arm practically dragging him away along with Nikolai. I remember how she’d run up to me saying she was going to marry them one day since they were so nice.

I’m snapped out of my musing by someone crowding me on the countertop. The scent of oranges and smoke surrounds me. Mate my old wolf Nala growls in my mind. “You can hide your scent from lesser people but not me mate. I’d know that honeysuckle vanilla smell anywhere.” A roughened voice whispers in my ear. Turning around I’m awestruck. The most handsome man I’d ever laid my eyes on stands before me.

Long white hair tied at the nape with intricate braids tied to it a strong jaw and angular nose graces his face. Wide shoulders and body with drool-worthy muscles. I have to crane my neck back to stare up into the most cerulean crystal blue eyes staring down at me. I’ve never been weak in the knees but mine practically buckle at the feel of him against me.

A foreign feeling of arousal and animalistic possessive need take over my body. His hands have moved to my waist pulling me impossibly closer to him. Nala is whimpering in my mind ready to climb him like a tree and give ourselves away. I tell the hussy to relax and give us a minute. His Smokey orange smell makes me dizzy with want. I need to mark him now but lord I’m soo old I can’t take this young man. He’s probably 25 at the most and I’m damn near 100.

Genevieve

“Nooo uh uh there is no freaking way. That’s my aunt ya sicko. Lord almighty get off of her. Well, she’s more like a mom so that makes this worse ya nasty.” Avery’s disgusted angry voice is the first thing I hear waking up. They’ve changed me into a pair of silk pink pajama shorts and a matching camisole. I sit up more getting myself more comfortable against someone’s side. Wait not some on my mate Nikolai’s side. I’m practically in his lap the way I’ve pushed myself against him. Darius stands near watching me as I look around the room.

I look over to Avery who’s staring into the kitchen. Her face is all pinched up and she looks pissed. I look to see what has her upset and damn. Mom(ms. Simmons) has the tall white-haired man wrapped around her like a second skin. He’s the brother of Julianna’s mate Olique I believe is his name. And by the way, he’s holding onto her, I’m guessing her mate.

“Damn everybody got to find their mate tonight. Congrats Mom but on a serious note please let my mother go in front of us. I’ve already had to deal with y’all taking two of my sisters tonight and now my mom.” Carter says throwing his hands up and plopping down dramatically in the chair across from me.

Avery just continues to look gobsmacked at this newfound situation. Julianna, Mom Aria, and I all found our mates tonight. The Goddess works in mysterious ways. Breaking through my thoughts Mom Aria speaks up. “ No, there’s no way we can be mates I’m not a cougar. Lord, you’re barely old enough to do anything what are you like 25-26? You’re a boy I’m damn near 100, I’m 94 for goddess sake.” She practically screeches out trying to remove herself from his grasp but just ends up turning herself around. He now stands with her back to his chest his arms firmly around her waist. They look so cute together. She’s just really small compared to him it’s comically cute.

Julianna’s mate Olina and him bust out in laughter. Not just any laughter like full belly laughs. “ I assure you you’re not a cougar. If anything my dear twin brother is a cradle robber. We are 400 years old so Oli over there is 307 years older than you.” Olina finally lets out a laugh. Julianna’s chin practically drops to the floor as she sputters out

“ 4-4 400 years old. You’re calling him a cradle robber I’m 25 for the love of god. How many women or men have you two been with? That’s a long time to be alive and alone.” Julianna says her mouth opening and closing. “ I can assure you we have been on this earth far longer than you but have remained loyal and waited for our mates. Dragons don’t mate with others for fun. Our inner soul wouldn’t allow for that seeing as we are higher dragons a part of the queen's guard. Our loyalties lie with our flames and the Royal family. We do not stray from our set path.” Olique says grabbing onto Ms. Simmons tighter.

That’s a long time to be without someone I think to myself. Most wolves wait for their mate but others don’t care. I’d prefer if my mate waited but it wouldn’t be bad if they didn’t they have lives and I can’t control the past. Cater looks uncomfortable along with Avery at this information. I hope they are okay with all of us finding our other halves. “Okay well, that’s amazing for both of you. Congrats but we have bigger business to discuss. Our mate will be coming back with us to Michigan while she goes through this change.” Darius announces to the room bringing them back to the original problem.

I’m floored by his comment because I don’t remember discussing this with him or agreeing to go anywhere. “That’s funny because I don’t remember saying that I was going to Michigan with you or anybody else. How about let’s ask me what I want to do.” I say standing up and looking at him pensively. “ This is not up for debate you need to come with us. We can’t be apart and aren’t leaving you with anyone else. They cannot protect you as well as we can.” Darius growls crossing his arms over his chest. I look back to Nikolai to see if he has the same thoughts. He stands mirroring Darius and nodding his head to agree. I ball up my fist ready to attack because now I’m pissed.

I don’t even get to attack because Julianna is quick to defend me. She’s usually the level-headed calm one and it’s Avery to strike out but they just pissed off my entire family. “First and foremost Alpha assholes we have been taking care of Vie since she was in diapers. We aren’t just anyone we are her family and don’t forget that. We will not be dismissed as anything else. I’m happy y’all want to protect my sister but never underestimate us again.” Julianna says aggressively.

Darius goes to open his mouth but I cut him off. “ No nothing up for debate. I’m going back to Canada with my family and will meet y’all at a later date since you wanna be rude.” I begin to say but now Nikolai has cut me off getting closer and towering above me. “ You will do no such thing little girl. We are your mates and you will be staying with us end of the discussion. I won’t have this type of disobedience and disrespect. Your mates have said something and that’s final. I don’t care what these people say or do. Your ass will be with us in Michigan.” He growls out to me. “Oooooh s**t dude you did f****d up big time. What type of flowers do u want on your casket man? Little girl is a trigger and not a good one.” Carter says standing up.

The room goes completely cold and tense with the anger dripping from every pore of my body. Carter and Avery take a step closer to each other. Julianna pulls herself from her mate's arms and walks around my mate to move the lamp from near me. Good on her because it was the first thing I would have thrown.

“ Who the hell do you both think you are? I’m not your property I bear no mark so screw that. Don’t ever disrespect my family again you oversized Neanderthals. I’m not a dog who's going to sit and obey my masters every whim so get that outta your heads and show me some goddess damn respect. I’m not a little girl, I’m a fully grown woman who can make her own decisions.” I practically scream poking my finger into his hard chest. Slapping him on the chest to get my point across.

I am livid with the way they spoke to me as if I wasn’t here and had no choice. My finger hurts from poking his hard chest along with my palm. He grabs my hands kissing my fingertips. I try not to melt at the sensation of his Kiss. Darius has made his way behind me and is at my back. His heat made me want to lie back down. “ You are correct little red. I apologize to you and your family. We would feel more comfortable with you coming with us to Darius’ home, please. If you don’t want to come with us we would just follow but remember we can’t be away from our people too long.” Nikolai says calmly keeping my hand in his. I hear Avery mutter real smooth under her breath. I let out a little giggle at that she was not wrong. His words and kisses have successfully calmed me down enough.

Darius' hands slide around me to hold onto my hips pulling me back into his chest. My body feels heavy so I lean more into him taking in his warmth. “Well, your best bet is leaving with your mates Genevieve. You’re starting your full shift and it’s best to be by your mates and other dragons to help coax you along. Sweetheart you’re gonna have to listen to them for now they are going to help you along the way.” Ms Simmons says rubbing her hands together in worry.

I sit there silently for a moment before speaking. Moving out of my mate's grasp I move closer to Carter grabbing onto his hand. My mate's growls fill the room making me glare at them. “Fine but I’m not going without you guys.” I finally say. “Oh Please princess you’re not getting rid of us that easily. Even if your mates don’t like us. We are family we stick together no matter what.” Carter says reassuringly petting my hand. He kisses my forehead to my mate's displeasure and walks out of the room. Avery and Julianna nod at me also. “ I’ll charter the big Jet to take us to Michigan tomorrow around 2. I’ll just give Ryan a call. “ Julianna states making Olina squint at her. She probably wondering who Ryan is. That’s Mr.Lions her boss who has a massive crush on her.

I watch as Julianna and Olina leave out of the room a little tense. Olique scoops Ms.Simmons up into his arms striding out of the room. Avery follows behind them looking green in the face. I giggle at that I mean she’s our mom none of us want her to be getting laid. Eww why did I even think of that now I’m going to have nightmares. I’m happy for her though she deserves to be loved by someone. I can tell by the way Olique and Olina look at their mates, they will be cherished. Soon my inner thoughts are interrupted.

Darius and Nikolai crowd my body sandwiching me between them again. Darius at my back while Nikolai towers over me my head barely hitting their shoulders now that my heels are off “ Don’t do that again little red. You hurt yourself slapping my chest. Now let’s go to your room. You need to rest.” Nikolai says inspecting my hand again. “ uh uh you two aren’t sleeping with me in my bed. Find the floor or the couch. You were mean to me and my friends so sleep alone.” I say turning my back to them and walking out. Ember, Azaria, and Gaia surprisingly agree with me. They long for their mates but don’t like the disrespect.

Darius pov

I watch as my mate swishes her hips down the hall. She looks over her shoulder blowing a kiss just to continue. “She’s going to be a handful and a half. She’ll have tonight but let it happen again and I’m taking her over my knee.” Nikolai grumbles following after our mate 15 minutes later. I shake my head at him I thought I was obsessive and protective. But man he might just take me for a run.it’s about 1 in the morning and I should be getting some rest because the moon goddess knows what trouble tomorrow brings.

Before I follow after them I give a call to Isaiah checking in on him. He informs me that my warriors followed Alexi and he’s no threat right now. I send a text to Declan to make sure he and Valentina got home. I get a text back from Val saying they are good and she wants updates on everything. Declan tells me he has two warriors posted outside the door and two on the street to ensure our safety. I thank him and tell him to get ready because come tomorrow we will be Michigan bound. Sighing I send an update to my father to say we will speak once I get home. My mother is going to have a field day once she finds out I have a mate.

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