The Lost Goddess, A War On Mates

Chapter19

Walking out towards the training arena, Jake looked around at all the warriors sparring. Many different species were here for the specialty training. A large portion of the warriors were fairy folk and wolves. A hand full of dragons and humans were training but not a single vampire had come to the camp. Many fairies were in evasive flight training while wolves wrestled and grappled on the ground. I could only see three different interspecies battles taking place.

As I approached the field, I noticed Basil facing off with one of the dragon shifters. He was holding his own fairly well against the dragon, until the dragon did a round house kick and pulled Basil into a reverse choke hold. Basil kept snapping at the man, but he towered over Basil and outmuscled him by a lot. Shaking my head at the scene frowning, Basil submitted and was let loose. The dragon walked away, and I pulled Basil up to his feet.

“Hey, what happened during combat? Where is Adrian I cannot seem to find him.” I handed Basil a water bottle as he sighed frustrated.

Taking a large swig he sighed again, “Adrian went to the weapons training. I guess he felt that his hand-to-hand combat skills were fine. I was holding up against the damned lizard but every time I hit him, he was like a brick wall. It was like he did not feel my hits. I am honestly embarrassed I had to submit.” Rubbing the tension out of his face Basil stands.

Jake nods, “Come on, let’s go find Adrian and head to the gym. I had a dream about her last night.” Basil stiffened and growled at the mention of Aeris.

Mumbling to himself he kicks some rocks near his foot,” She is an uncaring b***h…” Jake whipped his head around catching Basil off guard when he grips his throat and throws him into a tree twenty feet away.

Growling loudly Roman lunged at Basil again and held him against the tree, “We have been training for her, you dare say she does not care and call her a b***h!” Basil whimpered and clawed at Jake’s hand but Roman was at the wheel.

Letting go Roman growls again, then walks off anger blinding his senses. He starts to run into the forest lapping the surrounding area until he tired out. He collapsed in an open meadow and panted lightly staring at the cold grey sky. Jake slowly came forward and tears streamed down his cheeks. It had been two weeks and all three of them were on edge being away from her for so long. He missed her giggles and her cooking. The food at the camp was less then edible and there was no wild game worth hunting around the area. He laid in the meadow for hours and eventually faded off into sleep.

Jake was suddenly in his parent’s house back at the pack. It felt homey with its light oranges, dark browns, and autumn reds. He could hear humming coming from the kitchen. He walked towards the pantry door and cracked it open. He saw Aeris washing dishes and she had her long hair again. It felt surreal and he stepped into the kitchen cautiously reaching out, “Aeris, what are you doing here?” She stopped abruptly and tensed.

She stayed still and set the cup down into the sink, “I live here Jake, do you not want me here anymore?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Jake’s heart broke, “Hey now, I do want you here. I am just confused is all. Do you want my help?” He reached for the dish towel when she suddenly looked up and he gasped stumbling backwards.

Suddenly Aeris’ throat was slit open wide along with her wrists. The house seemed darker, and her face seemed hollow. She shook her head no as her tiny smile morphed into an angry frown, “Why did you leave me alone with the pack? I thought you loved me, Jake.”

She stepped forward and I stepped back my heart racing, “Aeris we left to get stronger to protect you, please let me help you honey…”

I tried to reach out when she pulled away and looked me straight in the eyes, “You left me, you never cared about me. You watched them beat me, starve me, use me. I could never love a mutt like you. I Aeris, the Blue Moon Pack’s slave, reject you Jake Onyx as my mate.”

Jolting awake I am covered in sweat and start to panic looking all around me. The meadow is still calm and untouched. I sighed and closed my eyes taking deep breaths, ‘She has not rejected us, she would never hate us for leaving, she would understand it was for her…’ I kept trying to reassure myself, but that dream kept haunting me in different ways. She was always hurt, always blaming me, and she always rejected me in those dreams. I kept trying to tell Adrian and Basil that we should go home instead of finishing the camp, but they refused. Adrian wants to learn to make weapons and use them, whilst Basil continues to try and improve his hand to hand combat and stealth skills.

Standing up I start to head back to the camp. It took an hour but eventually I made it back. I immediately saw Adrian sitting near our tent, stoking a fire. I nodded at him and found myself thinking about Aeris again. I headed into the tent and sat down on the small cot.

She consumed my every waking thought, and it was starting to make me paranoid. Something felt wrong and the dreams felt like a warning. I sighed thinking long and hard, it was only early November, we were informed we could not leave the mountain range once December hit. It would be much too dangerous to traverse the snowy depths home. After the first snow fall, we would be stuck here in the Dragon Valley until May. I grabbed my notebook and pen heading back out to Adrian.

“Did you want to write her any notes or letters? I am writing her small letters.” I shifted a piece of paper towards Adrian, and he hesitantly took it. He hardly spoke anymore due to the incident with Aeris, he was still heartbroken. He pulled out a pen from his shirt pocket and stared at the paper blankly.

I rolled my eyes and started my first letter, “Dear Aeris, I miss you every day we are at this camp. We hope you can forgive us leaving and remember that we love and care about you. So far, I have been focusing my training on tracking and gaining muscle. It has only been a short while since we started training here, and it drags knowing that you are waiting back home for us. I keep dreaming of you and will see you soon, your mate, Jake.”

Smiling down at my letter I folded it and put it in the back of the notebook. I had only a few letters to her written out and saved. Every day here seemed to drag out and was monotonous. I did not think she would enjoy reading about the same thing for that many letter entries. I sadly could not send it to her, she would just get them when we returned home to her. Looking at Adrian’s blank paper I sighed. Both Adrian and Basil were in constant turmoil of being mad at Aeris and missing her.

She hurt us all by dating that Drew guy, but we knew this could happen without her being marked and mated. I walked back into our tent and laid down on my cot staring at the ceiling. It was a bit chilly, but I would just sit and think about the next year’s training plans. It felt like hours before Basil and Adrian came into the tent and laid down for the night. It had become tense between us all and I felt guilt radiating off Basil the most. I rolled over ignoring them, ‘Maybe he will think before he speaks from now on about our mate.’ Roman growled internally and I shushed him lulling into deep dreamless sleep.

Waking up in my cell I stretched out cracking my spine. I sighed waiting for Drew. He said I could leave today but I had to go and speak to the Alpha. After a few hours Drew came down and opened the door. I was excited to see him. Running, I yanked him into a bone crushing bear hug. He burst out laughing making me look up and pout at him,” Oh little love, you just keep surprising me with that strength of yours.” He smirked and gently pulled me into a sweet kiss.

Letting go he grabbed my hand and lead me up the stairs. We stopped at the top to readjust and rest. I was out of breath and weak. He smiled down at me and rubbed small circles on my back, “You ready now Aeris?” I nodded slightly and he opened the door. I flinched at the bright hall lights; it was clearly nighttime, but the halls felt brighter than the sun. I squinted as Drew lead me up to the Alpha’s office. He knocked and then a muffled, “Enter…” vibrated through the door.

Drew opened the door and went inside sitting down. Hesitantly, I stepped through the threshold. I was greeted with an overwhelming feeling of discomfort. I started to fidget and look down at my hands. “Alpha, you wanted to see Miss. Aeris.” Drew seemed chipper and happy even. I looked back and forth between the Alpha and Drew biting my lip.

“Yes, it has come to my attention that you are not doing a good job at your chores here in the pack house, along with many members feel that you get in the way and are a waste of resources. I have given you food, clothes, and a roof over your head and to find out you are not even doing your minimal tasks? I am afraid I will have to take away what I have gifted you. Having a warm place to sleep is not a right Aeris but a privilege. I will have you sleeping outside on a post from now on. I will get some chains fitted to a pole outside and have someone lock you up at night and unlock your restraints in the morning. It is only fair to take away an abused privilege.” Not once did he look up from his computer desk shuffling around paperwork.

I stood stunned and my brain felt fuzzy. Everything was crashing in on me and now I was a slave who did not even get to live in the house. Biting my lip hard I drew blood. Before I could speak Drew angrily retaliated, “Alpha, this is a bit harsh is it not?”

The Alpha froze and growled, “Do not question my authority, Drew. I may be your friend, but she is my property! If she is going to be an ungrateful monster, I will lock her outside like the monster she is.”

Drew was clenching his fists and I fidgeted uncomfortably. This was going to end badly for us both and I just left the dungeon. I did not want to be sent back or have Drew sent in my place. I flinched as Drew’s voice dripped with venom,” Alpha, if she is to continue working in this house, she needs to be healthy to a degree. She will die outside within a week. If I may be so blunt but I will care for her needs, so she is no longer a burden on the pack house. She can live with me and still tend to her regular chores here.”

A scowl was ever present on the Alpha’s face as he growled at Drew’s tone. I clenched my eyes closed tight. The atmosphere in the room was palpable. I heard a sigh and cracked my right eye open. The Alpha was rubbing his face and Drew was glaring at him.

“Fine, if she is late to the pack house for any reason her beatings will now be much worse. If I cannot withhold her food and living situation then I will control how much work, you are given and how severe the punishments will be.” I gulped and nodded afraid I will die no matter the situation at this point.

The Alpha continued, “I expect you to now cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will deep clean the entire house once a week and maintain the open living areas daily. I expect you to now watch the wolf children in the daycare and since Drew’s request is being granted, you get infirmary duty on the weekends. You are dropping out of school because you are too stupid to pass anyhow, and I expect you to still listen to any pack member that is above you.”

I nodded quickly, “Thank you Alpha, you are very gracious to spare me and grant Drew’s request.” I bowed waiting for him to dismiss me. I heard a grunt and paper shuffling. Suddenly my hair is yanked upward and I am held off the ground. I cry out and try to wiggle free tears pricking the corner edges of my eyes.

“If I find you are a bother to Drew or any pack member I will kill you, do you understand you worthless piece of s**t!? Your value is not even close to the price I paid for you. When you turn eighteen if no one wants to mate you, which is highly likely, you will become a pack w***e for my visiting warriors and anyone else who needs a quick release. Until then, mind your manners, be a good little b***h, and an obedient slave.” He hissed in my face and his breath made me sick. I whimpered trying to get him to release my hair.

I whispered out,” Yes Alpha, I am sorry Alpha!” he let go and Drew came to me on the floor helping me stand up right.

“If that is all get out of my office, and Drew…” Drew looked him dead in the eye glaring hard at the Alpha.

The Alpha smirked and growled out, “You are 35 Drew, keep that in mind.” He glanced at me, I stiffened. He had to know what happened in the dungeon with Drew. I suddenly felt ashamed and embarrassed. I had never felt shame before, it hurt more than the beatings I had received over the years. I kept my head down.

“Obviously Alpha, may we go now? She still needs to pack and move out.” Drew was tense for the first time, and he gripped my arm tightly. I winced and he loosened his grip giving me an apologetic smile.

“Get out of my office Drew. Take that thing with you.” He scoffed at me, and we practically ran out of the office. I released a breath I had not realized I was holding. Drew started walking towards my room in the attic and as we approached it, I felt sick to my stomach. Drew was comforting down in the dungeon but now it felt, awkward and wrong. Especially since the Alpha basically admitted I was going to be used to please and entertain warriors later. It felt like Drew was just using me too now, he used to be a warrior.

My anxiety grew as we ascended the steps, he opened my door, and I quickly grabbed the few outfits I owned and shoved them into a garbage bag. I also grabbed my sketch book Drew gave me and dumped all my special pictures and trinkets into the bag. I froze when I saw my cellphone on the floor. I picked it up and stared at it, ‘Did it still work? Would they still care enough to check on me?’ I shook my head and put it in the bag. It was barely a quarter full, and it was a tiny bag. I turned around to see Drew looking around my room dejectedly.

I coughed, “Um, that is everything…we should go before I get into trouble for being here longer then allowed.” He nodded and grabbed my hand. We walked out of the pack house receiving dirty glares the whole way by pack members. I kept my head down and once outside the wind swept my hair into my face. It had grown extremely quickly.

The Alpha did not seem to notice because it grew so quick. In a short three weeks my hair had grown back down to my shoulders. I hated it but I was not brave enough to cut it again since my tattoo showed up.

The walk to Drew’s house took about thirty minutes and was far away from the other members houses. It was secluded and had a huge garden in the front yard. I stared in awe at all the beautiful flowers and vines that should have been dead this time of year.

Drew chuckled and came up behind me grabbing my waist,” They are winter blooming flowers. They can survive the harshest cold and the hottest summers, but they are very picky when it comes to spring and fall. They start to wilt in the mild and comfortable temperatures, so you have to purposefully drown them in heat lamps or cold water to keep them year-round. They are beautiful, right?” I looked at him and he was staring at me. I nodded quickly and pulled away. He walked past me and unlocked the door to the large cabin.

I slowly approached the front porch and lightly ran my hand down the side of smooth wooden door frame. I smiled and closed my eyes inhaling deeply. I step forward and open my eyes gasping. The inside was full of beautiful furniture that looked like a cloud, the walls were made from wood paneling but were stained a cherry wood red. Walking further in I saw a brick fireplace and a large open kitchen with a marble top island. I ran my hand across the top feeling its cold smooth material. I let out a sigh looking towards the stairs.

Drew was leaning against the couch with his arms crossed over his chest, “Go ahead little love, it’s your house now as well.” I looked at him still a bit unsure and he nodded his head toward the stairs smiling. I cautiously crept up the stairs and saw there were five rooms. The first door I opened lead into a giant bathroom. It had a bathtub that could fit at least five adult wolves, next to it was a large walk-in shower that had a brick tile overlay. It reminded me of a water fall in its grey colors. Past that was a large vanity with two sink basins, underneath were three drawers on each side.

 A small smile crept onto my face, it was one of those him and her vanity sets. Further down was a toilet and a closet filled with different soaps, lotions, oils, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper. It amazed me that everything was organized so well, no one in the pack house was this clean or structured in the way they lived and functioned.

Walking out I entered the next room. It was a light lavender purple with black accents. The bed’s comforter had dark purple flowers and black vines along with white and black pillows. Running my hand across it made me sigh in anticipation, it was extremely soft.  I looked around the room and found a walk-in closet, a desk with a desktop computer, a television, and a vanity mirror with a dresser built in. The vanity was black with lavender and white colored flowers designed on the edges. It was calming and enchanted me, I imagined I would have had a room like this back where I came from.

Frowning I stare at myself in the vanity mumbling,” Wherever I came from…” A minute passes and I shake my head and walk out of the room. The next room looked lived in, it had to be Drew’s room, it was blue with grey accents. His comforter was just as soft as the one before but his looked like a plaid shirt instead of having flowers. His room had almost all the same things except there was no desk or computer. I left quickly not wanting to intrude on his privacy any more than I did.

Walking through the last three rooms I felt confused and found that each was a different color but were empty. They were a dusty rose pink with white accents, a burnt orange with grey accents, and a marigold yellow with sky blue accents. It felt eerie and empty in this half of the house. I did not understand the point of having empty rooms, ‘why not fill them or convert them into something useful?’ I scrunched my nose up and left the last room walking back downstairs confused.

“Well, what do you think of the place?” Drew smiled and opened his arms wide gesturing to the house.

I giggled quietly and smiled looking down, “It is beautiful here and everything is clean and organized. It makes me feel relaxed.” He broke out into an ear-splitting grin when I said I liked it here. It made my heart swell knowing I could make someone happy and smile at me again. He walked over to me and hugged me tight breathing in deeply and then exhaling a minute later. I felt odd but I was safer here then I was at the packhouse. This was my new sanctuary, maybe even my new home. I smiled slightly, ‘I have a home…’

Drew pulled away, “What would you like to eat Aeris? I will cook tonight. I had the Alpha excuse you from pack duties for two days so you could heal from the dungeon.” Walking to the kitchen I contemplated what I could want. Drew smiled back at me and gave me a drink that was a clear pink color.

“What is this?” I sniffed it and a tart scent hit my nose.

Chuckling he took a drink of his own pink drink,” Strawberry lemonade, love. Its good trust me.” Nodding I took a sip and moaned slightly. It reminded me of the day at the beach all those years ago. Tart but sweet tingling in my mouth. I smiled and drank some more of my glass. Drew leaned onto the marble countertop one arm laying on the counter while his other arm held his chin in place. He had an amused smiled on his face watching me finish my drink.

I blushed, “I am sorry, I was thirsty…”

“It is okay Aeris, here you can be you. You will never be my slave, little love!” He smiled a dashing smile at me, and I beamed a smile back. It was the first time I felt so happy. Things were going to get better this year; I was now seventeen and ready to improve myself even more. “Did you think of anything you could want for dinner?” He asked again.

I shrugged, “I do not have much food experience, is there anything you think is tasty?” He looks to be in thought when his eyes light up and he snaps his finger in realization.

“I think you would like red curry. I love Indian food and that is a staple of Indian cuisine.” He started rummaging through the kitchen and pulled out a bunch of ingredients and spices. “I want you to go upstairs and shower though love. No offense but the dungeon did not do you any favors in the scent department.” He smiled and I looked away embarrassed, I had forgotten I could wreak to these people. They would smell my sweat even if I was clean so I must be disgusting right now.

I nodded and headed upstairs to the bathroom. I closed the door behind me and stripped out of my clothes. I threw them into the tiny trash can because they were ripped badly and had blood stains on them. Looking in the cupboard I grabbed out some lavender and vanilla scented soaps. Putting them in the shower I stared at it a bit nervous. I then went and grabbed two towels for when I finished.

Walking back, I stared at the shower’s thermostat. I turned it on slowly and watched as water flowed out of every side of the shower almost like a waterfall. I was left stunned and standing outside the shower. After a minute steam started to rise breaking me from my revere.

I put my hand in and sighed at the heat. I always loved scalding hot water. It felt like it was the only way to strip all the dirt and disgusting feelings away from my skin. I stepped in and moaned out loud at the scalding hot water rushing down onto my sore muscles. I tilted my head back and stood still under the water. Dirt was visibly running down the drain making me sigh.

After a while I grabbed the soap and a rough-edged sponge. I scrubbed my arms, breasts, stomach, back, ass, legs, and v****a three times over. After each rinse I still felt grimy, I cleaned the sponge and restarted, the third time was the charm. My hair was finally back to being white again instead of its lightly tinted grey.

Stepping out of the shower I grab the towel and wrap my hair up and then start roughly wiping water off my body. Afterwards I walked back to the cabinet and found lotion that matched the scent of the soap. I smiled and coated my entire body in lotion. My skin soaked it up like it was a missing nutrient. I felt refreshed for the first time since I started living in the pack.

I grabbed the towel and wrapped it around my figure tightly. I walked back to the purple room and looked for some clothes. Fidgeting nervously, I walked back out of the room. I had no clothes right now that were clean. Biting my lip, I look around trying to think when I spotted Drew’s bedroom door.

I walked towards it and knocked lightly. I creaked open the door and peeked in, the room was empty. Quickly running to his closet, she found a large shirt and then went to his dresser and grabbed a pair of boxers. She slid the boxers up her legs and then slid the shirt over her head. She glanced in a mirror and giggled at herself, the shirt went down to her knees.

Nodding at myself I went back to the bathroom and brushed out my hair. It was soft and shiny now. She almost looked healthy if she was not so thin. Walking back out and down the stairs she smells the curry and smiles. She sits down at the dining room table yawning.

“Well, I see you found an outfit for bed.” He raised an eyebrow while smirking making me look down and fidget with my fingers.

“I can wash my other clothes and give these back before bed?” I mumbled nervously.

He sat a bowl of rice and chicken curry in front of me smiling wide, “No, I like seeing you in my clothes. Go ahead and eat.”  He sat down and dug into his food, and I sniffed it. It smelt good, taking a fork I took a tiny mouthful and groaned. Shoveling the rest into my face I heard a chuckle and looked up beet red. I slowed down after that and ate two whole servings.

I felt sleepy and could not stop yawning.

“Come on love, time for bed before you pass out on some curry.” He helped me stand up and I leaned into his chest nuzzling in. He was so warm like the sun. He smiled and suddenly picked me up carrying me bridal style.

He put me in the purple room and kissed my forehead. I smiled and mumbled a “Night Drew.”

“Good night love, sleep well.” He tucked me in and left me to fall asleep on the most comfortable bed in existence.

I went downstairs and started to clean up the kitchen humming to myself. I was ecstatic to have her in the house. I wish she would stay in my room but that would take time, for now she was with me, my heart felt full and content for the first time. After finishing the kitchen, I walked back up to my bedroom and stripped to my boxers. I laid down and could smell her scent lingering in the room from the soap she used. It was calming and her scent me put me and Rain into a deep sleep thinking about Aeris, our mate.