The Hybrid Queen Mother

Chapter 5

“What the hell?” I shouted when I turned around.

“A simple hello would have sufficed.”

“Where have you been? This place was in chaos!” I hissed.

“And whose fault was that? This place is no longer my responsibility.”

“Really, Victoria? So you’re just going to abandon everyone since we won the war?” I regretted my words the moment they left my mouth.

“Isn’t that what you did? Threw yourself a little pity party and left everyone who needed you?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re supposed to be the Queen. People look up to you. They look to you for guidance.”

“I know, but-”

“There are no ‘buts’, Marcy. You are the Queen. You are the one chosen to lead the supernatural in this world. There is no escaping it. Yes. You lost your mate. But you carry a piece of him inside you,” she said firmly.

“I know you’re still young. And I know this is hard. But you have me, Celeste and Gaia to help you. Not to mention your friends and family.”

“I know. That’s why I came back. I’m ready to start being the Queen I am supposed to be. I’m going to start planning my coronation.” I explained to her and her face softened.

“Good. Now let me explain to you what to expect,” she patted the spot next to her on the bed and I took a seat.

“Some of the powers you possess will slowly fade away. Not all, just some. They’ve served their purpose,” I nodded in understanding.

“Normally, your pregnancy would be shorter than a human’s. However, because of your immense strength and power, your pregnancy will be prolonged.”

“How long?” I asked, scared of the answer.

“About 25 months.”

“That’s more than two years!” I shouted as I stood up.

“I know. But it is for good reason,” she said calmly. I don’t know how she can be so calm. I was freaking out.

“How am I supposed to be pregnant for two years?” I yelled.

“I know it sounds like a lot, but let me explain.” She patted the spot I was sitting on and again I sat down.

“For the first year, you will not show any signs of being pregnant. You can train, shift, drink and do all the things you normally do. During this time, the concentrated power within you will form a sort of… protective sac. The sac is meant to protect the pup from hurting itself.”

“Hurting itself, how?” I was already confused. My mind just kept going back to two years of pregnancy.

“Your pup will be incredibly powerful. The pup’s strength will be second to your own. And like how your vampire genes fought against your wolf genes, it’ll be the same for your pup, so the sac will protect it. The second half of your pregnancy will be the formation of the pup’s physical form. It’ll be extremely slow at first, but when you get to the last six months, it will be like a normal pregnancy. So treat it as such.”

“I guess that means I don’t have to rush my coronation,” I mumbled.

“Your coronation will take place on the night of the blood moon. You have two months to prepare. Celeste and I will both be there.”

“Are you no longer trapped here?” I asked her.

“No. Thanks to you. Killing Markus satisfied the other Gods and they lifted the ban. I am returning to my realm. I'll be watching over you, so don't worry too much.”

Without giving me time to ask any more questions, she vanished. There were a dozen questions swirling through my mind and no answers. One thing I do know is that if I only have two months to plan my coronation, I need to start now.

***

I didn’t sleep at all, instead I spent the whole night planning. Not planning the coronation, but instead, planning my visits to the alphas and clan leaders. I also planned on visiting the covens that aided in the protection of everyone.

When the bright orange light of dawn started peeking through the curtains, there was a soft knock on the door. I didn’t have to pick up on his aura to know it was Jordan on the other side.

“You’re up early,” I said as I opened the door to let him in.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“Same.”

I moved out of the way to let him in and watched as he waddled in, wrapped in a large blanket. We didn’t talk for a while. We just sat there in comfortable silence, watching the sun rise above the lake and then above the trees.

The room I was in was large, almost like an apartment, and I had yet to explore it. It didn’t feel right. I had no need for a room this big by myself. But, the perk of it was the mini kitchen. I made a cup of coffee for myself and Jordan as we tried to find solace in our reality.

“So, how are you holding up?” He asked me as I handed him the hot cup.

“To be quite honest, not too well. But I have to push through,” I said as I sat in the egg chair on the balcony. It was warm out and the soft breeze slowly rocked the swinging chair.

“Yeah, same here.”

We made small talk, both avoiding the conversation of our feelings. I couldn’t face them right now. It was too much. Instead, I needed to focus on everything else I needed to do. Jordan went over the plan I put together last night for my visits and made sure I didn’t miss anyone.

Once we started seeing people walking around outside, we decided to go back in. I had no motivation to cook, so we decided we would see if anyone else was making breakfast. In the closet, there were men's and women's clothes. I assumed someone stocked it for both James and I, but I was the only one to return.

I offered some of the men's clothing to Jordan, which he accepted. He took a shower and freshened up while I found something to wear myself. When it was my turn, I took my time. The shower was where I could cry peacefully, with no one who could hear me.

After getting dressed and stepping out of the bathroom, I saw Jordan sitting on the edge of the bed, staring down at his hand. He looked hopeless. Like he didn’t know what to do, and I saw how not okay he was. I couldn’t bring him comfort, no matter how much I wanted to.

Frantic banging on the door pulled my attention and I knew it was Stella. I could feel her worried aura through the door and I knew it was because of Jordan. I opened the door and Stella rushed past me distraught. She couldn’t get her words out and tears stained her face. She was a mess.

“Jordan is gone,” she managed to say, clearly not picking up on his aura.

“Shh, I’m right here. It’s okay,” Jordan said, as he snapped out of his daze and held her.

You should have told her where you were going. I mindlinked him.

I know. But she was gone. I should have left a note.

I’ll leave you two alone. I’m going to the kitchen.

He nodded at me and I left. As I made my way down to the first floor, I picked up on the smell of breakfast. Following my nose, I found the kitchen where a group of people were cooking.

“Good morning, Your Highness. Breakfast will be served shortly,” one of the older ladies smiled at me.

“Is it a group setting?” I asked, a little confused. I knew how dinner worked, but I wasn’t sure if breakfast was the same.

“Yes. We cook for everyone in the tribe. Just like with dinner. Those who don’t want to join are more than welcome to do their own thing, or pick up breakfast to go.” Another lady smiled.

“Oh. That's good. Sorry I didn’t know,” I smiled softly.

“No need to be sorry. This is your first time spending the night here. We’re glad you’re here.”

I smiled, then followed one of the nice ladies to the dining room. I had never explored the whole palace before. Dinner was usually held in the courtyard, but breakfast was inside. I wonder why?

I took a seat at one of the tables in the front. It wasn’t long before others started joining me at the table. Everyone was so nice and greeted me with smiles and enthusiasm. It was a nice change.

Len came running into the dining room full of energy. The woman who was taking care of her was following right behind her, trying to get her to stop running around. But when Len’s eyes locked on mine, her smile grew, and she ran straight up to me. I smiled and picked her up, sitting her right on my lap.

“Len, you can’t do that to her Highness,” the woman called as she caught up. “I’m so sorry your Highness, please forgive her.”

“Nonsense. She’s just excited. It's good to see.” I smiled.

“Miss Marcy! Guess what?” Len shouted excitedly.

“Sweetie, you shouldn’t call her by her name.” The woman said.

“No, it’s okay. I actually prefer to be called Marcy instead of 'Your highness' and 'Your Majesty'. I’m not the Queen yet. Plus, I’m not even 20.”

“Of course, as you wish,” she bowed.

“Miss Marcy! I have a new mommy and daddy,” Len smiled brightly.

“Really? That’s good news. I’d love to meet them!” I said, just as excited as she was. I’m glad she doesn’t have to be alone anymore. Too many hybrids were left to fend for themselves at such a young age. It was heartbreaking.

“Silly, you’ve already met them,” she laughed.

“I did?” I asked, not knowing who they were.

“Yes,” she pointed to the woman who was with her. “That’s my mommy.”

“Oh,” was all I could say.

“My name is Ruth,” she introduced herself.

“Ruth, thank you for being her mom,” I smiled with tears in my eyes. “And who is your dad?” I asked Len.

“Ethan!” she exclaimed.

“Ethan is great. I’m so happy for you Len,” I smiled and hugged her tightly as she giggled.

More people entered the dining hall and soon the space was buzzing with chatter. Ruth and Len left to find Ethan, while I made small talk with others who passed by. After a few more minutes, I saw Stella and Jordan walk into the hall hand in hand.

Stella looked stressed, and Jordan looked no better. My heart hurt for my friends. I wished they would be as happy as they were before all of this. But it was hard. When they spotted me, they made their way over and sat next to me. My parents came in, followed by Farrah and Josie.

I didn’t see either Farrah nor Josie last night, so I was a little surprised to see them here today. At the same time, I was a little happy to see them. We had built a friendship once I got over the fact that they were lying to me about who they were.

Almost immediately after they took their seats, the nice lady from the kitchen announced breakfast was ready. It was served buffet style. I waited until everyone filled their plates before filling my own. It was nice seeing the variety of food prepared, and I thanked the ladies in the kitchen for all of their work.

“I am preparing to leave. I am taking Jordan with me. But I need you all to stay here and take care of things until I am back,” I explained, and I could see Stella getting ready to protest, but she stayed silent.

“I know you just got him back. But he is my guardian. And James is no longer here to stand by me. I need Jordan. But we will be back. And Stell, your people need you. When was the last time you checked on your coven?” I asked her.

“I understand. When do you leave?” She asked, ignoring my question.

“Tomorrow. I don’t have much time, so I’ve got to leave sooner than I would like,” I explained.

“What do you want us to do?” My mom asked.

“I need you and dad to stay here and take care of the tribe. Devyn is focusing on his own pack, so he will not come back,” I explained.

“Farrah, Josie, I need you to plan my coronation. It will take place on the blood moon in two months.”

“Stella, check on your coven. Inform them I will be visiting soon. Does anyone know where Vasilia is? Or Claudia?” I asked out loud and no one answered.

“If any of you hear from her, let me know.”

I waited for the objections I knew were coming. But instead, I was met with silence. Everyone nodded in agreement, and I was satisfied with that. I needed to find Vasilia and I needed to find Claudia. They were the ones who might know the whereabouts of the dark witch who ratted us out to Darius. I needed to find her. And quickly.