The Shattered Court

Pelle~Earlier that day

I know I don't work in the kitchens but today is all hands on deck. Mallory's Son Ethan returns from Alpha school with his mate. So the Celebration is goin to be huge.

I look across the kitchen as Kayla continues combining ingredients for several desserts for the banquet dinner this evening.

I am oddly on oven duty because cooking is not my strong suit. Luna Mallory's Kitchen has 8 ovens and my only job is to listen to the timers and pull out whatever is finished cooking, then place the next pan in.

I suck at cooking, and hate kitchens ever since my life fell apart. I belong outside either training the new Warriors or in the garden. Being in the kitchen unsettles me and reminds me of everything that went wrong in my life. Today is important so I can suck it up and I'll continue avoiding this room tomorrow. Right now I don't want to mess up any food even if everyone is more or less patient here I don't want to hinder the preparations when I'm only trying to help.

"Kayla how on Earth have you gotten so good at cooking and baking and stuff?" I asked while looking around to see Chloe slices apples with more precision than I think I could muster, I may be a warrior but working with a knife so close to my fingers is not what I do on a regular basis.

"When someone like me loves to cook and dreams of being the head cook here someday... Nah I think I'm just that awesome!!" she boasts and chuckles a bit.

I admire her confidence and skill, most days though, she has no idea how amazing she is and how lucky she is that she's able to dream and work for it without worrying about monsters day and night. With all this preparing for Ethan to return, I can't help but wonder... I mean, he's bringing his own mate home and even though I don't plan on leaving this pack, I can't help but wish that nothing had changed back home.

What would my life be like if Isaac never killed our parents and didn't lay siege to the palace with vampires at his Beck and call. Henrik would still be alive today along with Mrs. Harden too. The one person I was never able to find out if he made it out alive or not was Daemon Gray. He had emerald green eyes that sparkled like gems, and messy dark brown hair that would fall in his face in waves. His father at the time, the Alpha of the Silver River pack were on one of their many visits to the palace that dark day. I never got to see much of Daemon when he visited but I always knew that he would be a great leader. He somehow always made a little time for me and I couldn't quite figure out why. Back then Silver River pack was a strong ally to the Royal pack for eons, both our leaders always hoped that they could be joined to the Royal pack through a mate bond blessed by the moon goddess, but it never seemed to happen.

After Isaac took of the throne and Hendrik died to get me to safety in secret, Sliver River has kept to it self and remained silent. Daemon being 3 years older than I he's probably Alpha by now and doing everything in his power to keep the vampires off of his land. I can't help but wonder if he found his mate yet and if he's happy.

I have ensured that to the world, Cadence may be dead but even in my new life as just simple Pelle, I can't ever seem to stop missing his smile and the company he gave me every time his father took him to visit the palace. I remember having such a big crush on him with his handsome physique and laughter that never stopped ringing through the hallways and empty corridors when I would mimmick my Dad's Alpha command bellows.

I never thought about the growing feelings for him as anything serious and when I think back on him it's always calming. I was rescued that day his dad and Hendrik saved me in that throne room. Daemon had been sent home and I never knew what happened to him.

The worry and uneasy feelings inside me keep growing the more I think about that cursed day. An ache a hole that that I've so desperately tried to hide, to fill opens up around me like a great chasm just swallowing me whole..

No!! Stop!! you're going too deep!! we're not ready Cadence!!! Stop!! Glacier howls in my head, desperately trying to save me. From what? though??

DING** DING**

The safety alarms in the oven nearest me pull me out of yet another terrifying trance only this time I've set fire to the oven!!

Scream and move away now!! No one can suspect you!!

I instantly scream and move away as Kayla rushes over with a fire extinguisher and Chloe shouts fire and wolves come pouring into the kitchen.

As soon as the flames are out Kayla turns to me "Oh my gosh!! Pelle!! Are you okay?? How did those cinnamon rolls set fire they weren't even in there long enough burn!!"

I instantly stand up straight and gather myself, shaking my head still reeling trying to figure out how my harmless healing magic manifested into fire...

Because we also have fire magic i***t!! we weren't ready for that, and I'm still not sure how you broke through that barrier without our mate.

Well damn Glacy!! I'll remember to ask for permission the next time I'm about to relive the past, oh wait it wasn't on purpose.

"I don't know what happened, one second I was zoning out and then there was fire!!" I say, shaking my head. "These ovens are new right??"

As everyone erupts into many conversations at once overwhelming my senses I immediately drop my head and focus on breathing.

“SILENCE!!” A loud voice booms over the crowd, Alpha Eric Stanley. “Now, What happened here?” He asks as everyone quiets down. I’ve got to figure my way out of this one, but How?

“It was my fault Alpha,” I begin, “I had just put the cinnamon rolls into the oven and in less than five minutes they were burning and somehow on fire… I’m not sure how it happened” I look down ashamed that I put everyone behind and that I ended up drawing attention to myself but I can’t let Kayla take the fall for it.

“Oh, Pelle. What are you even doing in the kitchen? You don't belong here, and honestly I don't think it is your fault that the oven short circuited, if anything we’ll just be down an oven for the rest of the preparations, Honey?” Alpha Eric calls for Luna Mallory.

And like the reliable wolf she is, she appears beside him. “Ah, yes. Everyone back to your assigned jobs we all still have work to do, I’ll have our maintenance guy look at the oven to see what happened, and we’ll replace the oven. Did anyone get hurt??” She looks to me inquisitively.

“Oh, no Luna I am fine just a bit startled.” I say, “I can help out elsewhere if that is okay.”

“Indeed, come Pelle, I'm moving you to something you are far more suited for”

As we walk through the house I receive confused and curious looks from most of the pack members. Damn it all!! I’ve tried so hard to be unnoticeable and now all these male wolves are looking at me with sudden interest. Perfect.

“Also, Pelle.. I know that you exclusively teach basic self defense to our younger wolves and train privately but I am going to have to move you from laundry duty to training with the rest of our warriors at dawn from now on” States Luna Mallory. “It’s come to my attention, that you may very well be our best warrior, and I believe that the rest of our more accomplished wolves could not only learn more from you but also help you feel as though you belong here.”

“Wait, but Luna.. I like training the little ones once a week, and who will help Kayla?” I ask feeling unsure.

“Oh, sweetie. It's more than that. Both you and Simon will turn 18 in two days. He is our future Gamma and needs the top warrior assisting him in border protection and training since his father will be stepping down in a month when Ethan and his mate Sonny take over the pack. Seeing as both you and Ethan train together most of the time I want you to get to know your soon to be brothers in arms, and show them that I am making the right decision in choosing you as my son’s top warrior.”

My heart stops dead in my chest. Top warriors are only for the best of the pack fighters. Even though I have learned to fight with the royal guard since I was young, I was never given an option to actually protect anyone seeing as I was always the one being protected. “ I am more than honored that you believe in me so much Luna and I accept the task. Although, I am curious since our top warrior Cass stepping down does that mean he is taking my old job of training the little ones?”

Yes, it is about time that he gets to have some fun and have a laid back atmosphere, I believe he will deeply enjoy only teaching on Wednesday evenings” Luna Mallory says with a smile and we walk out the double doors onto the large celebration area in the back of the Pack house. “He can still train with you in private as well since you have a title to work towards but all of these changes will begin as soon as Ethan returns.”

I look around and notice all of the warriors that I’ll soon be very acquainted with hanging lights in the trees, setting up the many tables in the 800 square foot reception area of the Luna’s massive gardens. We’ve been working, tending, and landscaping this whole area to her liking for the past 5 years in hopes that we could welcome many other packs for parties and host as many wolves as possible. Not to mention, impress Ethan’s mates pack with our combined eye for detail and style. The work and dedication both the Luna and I have put into this has paid off. Fruit trees, Ginkgo, the Willow by the pond, rose bushes, lilies, tulips, Peonies, Marigold, Sunflowers, Zinnia, Daffodils, Cosmos, and my personal favorite the several beds of all different types of Dahlia’s.

We have all 42 species of Dahlia, as one of the hardest flowers to grow, needing to be replanted every year and having specific soil needs I’ve used my healing magic almost too often. The insects stay off them and the Night Butterfly’s specifically shimmer in the sun and hold a bit of my aura. Even though the Gardens are very popular in the pack none of the pack members ever go near the Night Butterfly’s, since I hide bits of my aura in them most wolves refer to them as alpha flowers.

“We have done such an amazing job with this garden Luna.” I can’t help but say, “This garden has been my favorite place to be since we began this mini conquest of these grounds”

“Yes, mine too. I can’t believe that just yesterday we finished planting the last bed of flowers by the Moon fountain.” Luna Mallory said in disbelief. “I hope the moon goddess loves our tribute to everything she does for our kind”

“I suppose it’s my turn to say me too” I laugh. “So what shall I be doing out here? It looks like these guys have everything under control.”

She laughs, but points to the Weeping Willow “That they do, except Simon over there is trying to add lights over there for any of the couples or soon to be mated couples to get away, I’m afraid he’s taken it too seriously and fears his future Alpha and Luna will find themselves there tonight, he’s getting anxious and could use a hand.”

“Oh, wait a minute! He told you that we fought yesterday didn’t he?” I start to feel embarrassed. Instead she bursts into laughter, surprising me.

“No sweetie, you just did. Anyway, when ever the two of you aren’t on good terms he gets stressed out quite easily and you break things” She stated between chuckles.

Huh, and I thought that Simon was the only person that watched me. On a brighter side, maybe my paranoia could get lost, if I was going to be discovered it would’ve been in the first three years being here. And it’s been five years now, maybe we could make real friends and have a good life Glacy..

I know you want to stay but this is a sign that no matter how much work you put into a place won't matter if it's people aren't safe from Isaac and the vampires. Our fire ability that you somehow got without our mate could end Isaac's reign Cadence... We need to train it like you've practiced with our healing magic.

How?? Fire is unpredictable and alive... It can consume. How do I learn control something like that??

Mate!! We have to find our Mate he'll know what to do.

I'll think about it, okay??

"I'm going to leave you the make the right decision sweetie, I've got to pick out my son's attire for this evening." Luna Mallory says and walks away.

Well, here we go.

I walk through the garden and stop by my Night butterflies, a fraction of my aura is somehow all around this area. My magic awakens as if in answer but along with the healing another well opens that's full of wildfire deep with me. I wonder what it would feel like to be open with my aura and not suffocate it all the time...

I shake my head that would be devastating. Every single supernatural being within mere miles of me would crumble and fall into a submissive stance letting my Aura just go would send a pulse of energy into the world that I'd never be ready to let go of and Isaac's spies would know it was me.. they would find me.. No, tiny releases are the way to go.

I release a small amount to help with my anxiety and make it to the Willow to see Simon talking to the tree.

"I will make your delicate leaf holding things hold these nature friendly lights if it's the last thing I do!"

I can't help but laugh, "Simon you should really see yourself, it's like that tree is your new enemy!!"

He whips his head around to see me and I can tell that this'll be an easy make up talk, his Brown eyes are wide with surprise and his cheeks are reddish from all the effort he's put into the tree. Being 6ft has it's benefits but he has the attitude of a 5'3" girl with anger issues.

As he sees me his shoulders slump and he gets an annoying smirk on his face, "Oh it's just you, I thought you were someone important."

"Me? Not important?? On the contrary, my dear old friend, haven't you heard?? I'm officially gonna be in your top warrior circle and have a spot called top warrior with my name on it" I boast, giving him a hard jab in the arm as he looks at me in surprise.

"Really?! That's amazing!! I-- oh man, I can't believe it, Luna convinced you to do something more with your life than just garden!!"

"Hardy-har, asshat. You're the one that'll be stuck with me from now on." I begin to smile, as soon as the teasing starts I know that we'll be okay. Kayla may be my only other friend but Simon has always been my closest companion.

"Well then miss sticky, get over here and help me with these lights"

~~~

"Alright!! Everyone listen up!!" Cass yells into his megaphone. All of the warriors are just now meeting back in the reception area after cleaning up and getting ready for Ethan and Shane's arrival.

"We've got a list of 6 names that the Luna has given me that states who will be standing with Simon to welcome your future Alpha home in less than 20 minutes, the rest of you will be on high alert like always but may enjoy the celebration. Under no circumstances will any of you have a single drop of alcohol, am I understood!!"

"Yes sir!!" we all say in unison.

"Now those that I read on this are free to enjoy themselves as they please, you have been hand picked by our Alpha and Luna to be on warrior Squadron and the last name I call will take my old job."

"Now those wolves are; Jackson, Kyle, Emily, Terrin, Gleidon, and Congratulations Pelle. The rest of you are dismissed."

I look down at my icy blue party dress that matches my eyes. I haven't dressed up like this in so long and straightening my hair was a pain but when I looked into the mirror I saw Cadence there looking back at me. I feel beautiful and ready to celebrate Ethan's return with his mom.

Simon then steps outside from the pack house and locks eyes with me. He seems to clean up well too. His brown hair has been cut and and faded. And to say he fills out that suit well is an understatement, it fits and shows of his body perfectly, broad shoulders... Kayla is gonna fall even harder for him.

"Ethan will be here in a couple minutes guys, go ahead to the front, and Pelle? Can I talk to you a moment?

The others begin to leave, and Simon more or less corners me by a table.

"You clean up too well for someone who just wants to be a warrior her whole life" Simon says in a dark husky tone. Where is this coming from??

I can't stop myself, my thoughts moving a million miles an hour. "And what makes you say that Simon?"

"I need to tell you the truth, I don't want you to be my top warrior, and before you ask it's not because you aren't a good enough fighter and I can't stop you but... I wish you wouldn't be"

This hits like a brick to my face. "I'm a bit confused, what reason could you have for hoping I don't accept??" I state irritated. There's no reason under the damn sun why he wouldn't want me to have the position, I am more than capable and he's right it wouldn't stop me.

"Because I'm hoping that you'll turn out to be my mate, we both turn 18 in two days and you need to know that I've been in love with you since the moment you walked into those doors 5 years ago."

I froze, what could I say? That I am attracted to him? That there's no way I'd ever see this coming?

"No way, we've always been-"

"Just friends, I know. Seeing you in this dress, seeing all the other male warriors noticing how stunning you are... They were looking at you with lust. And I don't like it."

How could I have missed it? The way he's always looking out for me, always happy to be the only one I train with outside of lessons with Cass, always teasing me with light banter...

"Simon, I..." I'm at a loss for words. But I remember my bloodline after I turned 13 I've been able to scent out my mate, I know Simon isn't going to be mine. "Simon there's no way we are going to be mated"

"We were born on the same day, I've been in love with you since you walked in those doors, are you saying you have no feelings for me?"

I have had feeling for him but Kayla... She's known and loved him longer, is he blind??

"I... I can't Simon... Kayla has loved you and I'm also her friend too. It doesn't matter"

He moves closer and touches my cheek as his chocolate brown eyes search mine. "But I don't love Kayla, I want you, it's always been you"

My skin heats as I feel his hot breath near my lips, I've always thought about what it would be like to kiss him but never in a million years would I think this to be real. I part my lips as he looks at them with an unspoken hunger and my breath hitches as I reach for his hand that's caressing my face. We're not Mates, we'll never be mated. I should move away, put distance between us..

"Pelle, I've wanted to kiss you for so long, can-- "

I cut him off as I break the space between us and kiss him with an unexpected urgency, both of my hands move to his strong shoulders as I deepen the kiss. He immediately responds by grabbing my waist and pulling me into him while the other twines in my hair.

I break away for a breath after what seems like too long yet not nearly enough and he's upon me again kissing and nipping a bit at my lower lip. Holy goddess. I can't seem to get enough... As his body presses against mine I can't help but let out a soft moan, more I want more...

"OH MY GOD!!!" I hear Kayla shout from the double doors. "Simon?? Pelle?? No... No. You... You just-"

I break away from Simon putting a healthy distance between us as Kayla is shaking with rage. How could I just forget about the feelings she's had for Simon all these years?!

"Kayla.." I begin but she cuts me off.

"NO!! I TRUSTED YOU!!" She cries as tears begin to fall. In a quiet broken voice, "How could you?" Then she turned and ran the other way.

"Kayla!! Wait!!" I shout and begin to run after her but Simon catches my hand.

"Pelle wait, Ethan will be here anytime. We have to welcome him first, then we can fix things with Kayla. C'mon"

Dazed, confused, and ashamed of myself I nod as he leads me to the front yard were we arrive just in time to see a black SUV drive up the long path way towards the welcome precession and a crying Luna Mallory. She must be so proud of her son.

The SUV comes to a stop and after a short moment the door opens a blonde hair brown eyed girl steps out hand in hand with a smiling Ethan. As his Mom steps forward his attention zeros in on me and a look of total disgust washes away the smile that was there a second ago.

What the hell?? Why is he looking at me like that?