My Secret I Never Knew

A Journey Begins

Candice POV

“I woke up to the sun peering through the window. I sat up thinking about everything that happened, and my life. My parents had talked more to me after everyone left, they apologized again and I had to admit that part of me always knew I wasn’t really related to my family. I knew deep inside so I wasn't as hurt as I thought I would be. I’m not even that upset that I was never told I lived in a mystical town full of witches. I don't even think I was really mad at Nikki, just hurt and confused.

My parents felt that we all owe her an apology, but I wasn’t sure if I agreed with that completely.

I lashed out, I know I was wrong and I know that now but I had a lot being thrown on me at once, plus she did almost kill me multiple times. I acted as anyone in my place would have. I heard a knock at the door and I yelled for whoever to come in, it was Neesh.

“How are you doing today Candy Cane, you had a lot of information thrown at you?”

“I cried it out and I feel better, honestly the part that hurt the most was that no one believed I could handle the information of being adopted. I always knew I was different from my family. Then Nikki almost killed me multiple times and I am still upset about that”

“It's not like she tried to, she was just trying to help. She believed what she was doing was right. You can’t really be upset about that, and why did you have to say that about her parents that was low”

“ I don’t know, I just lashed out and it came out like word vomit. I didn’t mean it. I mean I know you and I always used to talk about her feelings but I didn’t mean to say those things.” Even though every word was true I should have kept my comment to myself. Nikki and her parents were supposed to be out of town on a family vacation but Nikki had a FEELING something bad would happen and the vacation was canceled last minute. No one knows for sure what caused them to die but I used to hear my parents say all the time it was foul play. No one could prove anything though and I just feel like if they would have gone on vacation they wouldn’t have been home for someone to hurt them.

“Let’s go get some food, Candy Cane.” Neeh said and I smiled and went to the bathroom to get dressed.

“Hey so you’re a witch, do you have any special abilities and when did you start learning spells oh and was your dad powerful?”

“I am half which but yes I do have magic, I am ok with my magic but nowhere as good as my mom though she tells me I should be.” There was another knock and she answered it, turned out to be Holly and Anthony saying breakfast was ready downstairs. We all walked downstairs and out of the cabin. There were picnic tables set up outside, and one long table was full of breakfast foods buffet style. We grabbed plates of food and found a table to sit at.

“Are Nikki and Eric Joining us?”

“No they’ll be here later though, when Mrs. Lee comes back. He said they went to The Clubhouse for a little space and they’ll be there until it's time”

“How do you know? Eric left his phone here in the conference room. Did you see them, is Eric still angry with me?”

“Well we have always been able to open our minds to each other to communicate, I think it's a twin thing.”

After breakfast we went to the Willow to visit Athena, and I met Hank. He was a Red-tailed Hawk that was Anthony’s familiar, I was amazed how he and Anthony were as one. It reminded me of Athena and myself. We spent the day going over simple spells and basic coven rules, nothing too big, we also he’d to comfort the little ones and keep them occupied. Time actually flew by today, and we had hadn’t noticed it was time for the meeting until we say Mrs. Lee and a strange woman walking towards the cabin.

“I assume everyone is ready, please head to the conference room.” she stated as she walked past us. I looked around for Nikki and Eric but couldn't spot them, maybe they were running late I thought as I shrugged and walked into the building.

I was shocked once I made it into the room to see Nikki and Eric were actually already there sitting in the two chairs against the wall away from the conference table, Eric was going through his phone and Nikki was watching. Both of their clothes looked to be damp and their hair was wet, like they just went for a swim.

“How, when did you guys get here?” I asked

“They arrived once I arrived at the front of the Cabin, I teleported them here since technically I am about two hours early.” Mrs. Lee stated, “Now let’s get to business. This is my dear friend Angel and she has traveled here to meet you six because I believe my dear ones there is a connection between y’all, a bond.” Mrs. Lee signaled for her friend to speak. “Yes, a very clear connection but a weak bond. I think, well we think that you are Guardians and you are here to restore and maintain peace.” Angel said

“What about me? My parents said that I am a descendant of Princess Rose. Is that my connection to everyone?” I asked looking at Angel

“I don’t know until whatever is preventing your magic and memory has been completely removed. I will say that I have heard many things about you including your reactions to certain situations and from my knowledge of the Princess you do not seem to have inherited her bravery or true heart nature. You don’t seem to even show the bravery that Guardians poses, that may be because of whatever spell is on you but I fear it is a part of your character.” Angel looked me in the eyes and said. I huffed she doesn’t know my character. She just met me, she knows nothing truly about me. I volunteer for multiple organizations, I have held multiple fundraisers and charity events. My heart is true and pure. Mrs. Lee has told me on many occasions. I looked to Mrs. Lee, pleading with my eyes to tell her friend that I am a Princess but she didn’t notice me. She was busy looking at Holly and Anthony who seemed to be focused on Angel, who seemed to be watching Nikki, who was now biting her bottom lip while staring at her shoes.

“Nicole, is there something you would like to say?” she asked Nikki and Nikki lifted her head to look Angel in the eyes

“No, I’m just listening and thinking” she said, Angel looked her in the eyes as she said “You should always trust those feelings you get, you may not understand them yet but that will come with practice and I will be more than happy to assist you. You will train with me personally and I will make sure of it.” they shared a gentle smile

I was ready for this meeting to be over, clearly this lady knew nothing of us and for some reason. Ugh I felt like crying, this lady was the worst in the short time I’ve known her, who is she to talk down to me. My whatever many greats suffered a tragedy and was tortured for years, my real family sent me away blocking any memory I may have of them, and I can’t do magic until whatever stupid magical bock is off of me. I felt the tears were ready to fall from my eyes and I noticed Nikki was about to get up from her chair when Eric gently grabbed her arm and she sat back back down. I looked around to see if I was the only one that noticed that but it seems like I did because everyone was watching me. Holly passed me a tissue for my eyes that I hadn’t even realized started to leak. I thanked her quietly at least somebody knows how to be a real friend to me.

“Hmmm, interesting. Well I think we should all be heading out now.” Angel said while standing up and holding her hands out.

“Oh it must have slipped my mind. The town is safe so everyone is returning home while we are taking you six to the Blood Moon Pack and then Crystal Heart. We need answers that I can not see, and your bond needs to be strengthened if you are Guardians as we suspect. So grab hands we don’t have time to lose, we will teleport.” Mrs. Lee said

We did as we were told, I watched the purple mist surround us then instantly disappear leaving us standing outside of gates with trees surrounding us. Two men approached with two wolves following closely. Saying I was nervous at this moment was an understatement.

“The conference room has been prepped and is ready for you all, please go ahead Alpha John will meet you shortly.” one of the men said as he bowed to us

We walked into what looked like a gated community surrounded by forest. This place was huge and it seemed like we had been walking for at least 40 minutes before we reached a huge mansion. It was a beautiful white mansion with two howling wolf statues on either side of the door. People were going in and out of this place. We walked up the stairs and through the doors, I followed closely behind everyone as I looked around I noticed people staring and whispering. RUDE.

We finally made it to a conference room at the end of a long hall and it was stocked with snacks and water. Thank goodness. I grabbed a bottle of water and began to take a seat but Holly stopped me.

“You can’t sit there, that chair is reserved for the Luna. You need to sit over on that side of the table where everyone else is taking seats.”

I noticed everyone sitting closely on one side of the table.

“I don’t see any signs that say reserved, besides it's kinda tight on that end and there are like eight empty chairs on this side.” I was confused, sure I could sit on one of the chairs against the wall like Nikki, Neesh and Eric were doing but there was so much space.

“I know this is all confusing for you but it’s the way things work. If I had known we were visiting my home today I would have briefed you on how Werewolves and how things worked with us.” Holly said, still looking at the chair she said was for the Luna.

“Wait, werewolf, I thought you were a witch.” I said trying to register her words and before she could speak a man walked through the door.

“She’s not just any Werewolf, she is the daughter of the Alpha.” He stated before walking over and hugging her

Holly's POV

I wish I would have known we were coming to my pack today, I could’ve braced myself. As we walked through the Packhouse towards the conference room I could hear all the whispers about the Alpha’s daughter. Do you think she found her mate yet, who are the people she’s with, do you think Alpha is happy she didn’t return to the pack yesterday. Goddess it's like they have nothing better to do than sit around and worry about someone else’s life.

I rolled my eyes and continued to the conference room where everyone began to take seats. I wanted to sit by Anthony and was debating to myself when I saw Candice was about to sit in the Luna seat so I went to stop her.

“You can’t sit there, that chair is reserved for the Luna. You need to sit over on that side of the table where everyone else is taking seats.” I told her and she looked over to the other side before responding, “I don’t see any signs that say reserved, besides it's kinda tight on that end and there are like eight empty chairs on this side.”

Goddess I wish I would have known we were coming here, being new to this world you would think she would just follow suit but no not Candice she wasn’t used to things like being told no for instance.

“I know this is all confusing for you but it’s the way things work. If I had known we were visiting my home today I would have briefed you on how Werewolves and how things worked with us.”

“Wait, werewolf, I thought you were a witch.” Yup this was one of the things I needed to brief her on before we came here, before I could say anything the door opened and I smiled, as his scent filled the air.

“She’s not just any Werewolf, she is the daughter of the Alpha.” My father said to her as he walked over and hugged me.

“Hi daddy, I am sorry I haven’t spoken with you today”

“No worries love but your mother is not too happy about it, even though Silvia informed us of everything that happened. Your mother feels you should have allowed your brothers to escort you as planned.”

“Daddy I have Alpha blood and I have trained since I was a pup, you know I am more than capable of protecting myself I don’t need my big brothers babysitting me. Besides, they need to concentrate on the Pack since they’ll be taking over soon.”

“Well trained or not you went to a town full of witches that you are not stronger than and you’re 18 now you should be trying to find your mate so that you are stronger, and can help your brothers protect the pack.” My mother said as she walked to sit in her chair, I didn’t even sense her come in. My brother Zack followed behind her and gave me a hug before sitting in a chair that was behind our dad’s seat. Mack came in next patting me on my shoulder before standing behind dad as if all the empty chairs on that side were made of Lava I rolled my eyes. My brothers and I were triplets Mack came first followed by Zack only two minutes later, then I came later by a full two hours. It’s normal for Alphas to have twins and that’s what our parents expected with the boys. The pack doctors didn’t see me hiding behind the boys, none of the ultrasound machines did either so imagine everyone’s surprise when little old me was born.

My brothers and I shared our Mother’s dirty blonde straight hair but I liked to make mine wavy and my brother’s kept theirs cut like dad. I had our moms deep blue ocean eyes while the boys got dad’s forest green eyes. Outside of the Pack the boys did occasional modeling jobs, mom used to be a model before she became Luna. Dad runs a law firm downtown in Chicago, although he could have easily been a model.

Behind Mack came Brian and his wife Shelly, they were our current Betas. Followed by James and his wife Angelic the current Gammas, the our Delta Edward, Silvia’s Husband. Everyone took their seats and I walked to sit by Zack. Since everyone was here the meeting could start and we can hopefully leave soon.

“You know mom isn’t going to drop the mate topic, why don’t you just grow a pair and tell her?” Zack mindlinked me. Our parents were aware that my brothers had found their mates, but no one but Zack knew that I met mine.

“Shhh it's a delicate situation and I don’t want to upset anyone.”

“Did you really just shh me in a mindlink like anyone else could really hear us. Wow and here I thought you were the smart one, I guess it's true after all you really can’t have brains and beauty.”

Zack chuckled out loud and I put my face to my palm as Mack slapped him on the back of the head and told him to be serious. My brothers were identical on the outside, but one took almost everything serious while the other took almost nothing serious. I don’t even think I’ve ever seen Zack sad or Mack smile for that matter. I was pulled from my thoughts by Candice’s whiny voice.

“What I don’t get it how can you be Neesh’s dad if you’re a werewolf and why do you guys stay so far apart if you’re married?” she asked Edward

“Simple, she had obligations to her coven and I had them in my pack. She can also teleport in the blink of an eye so there’s that. It doesn’t feel like we are apart except maybe a few hours a day. As for being Neesh’s father I am sure you should know how reproduction works.” Anthony and I chuckled at his response to her and I for a moment I caught myself staring into Anthony’s eyes wanting him closer.

“Young lady I understand that you are fairly new to our world and you have many questions but they will have to wait. Right now we have the matter at hand.” My dad’s powerful voice cut through the room making me focus. “The group that attacked you all last night are known as The Scourge, and apparently they were after a girl because they believe she may be the key to finding and entering the Crystal Kingdom. It's was thought that Candice is one of three whom might be the girl needed. We got this information from interrogating one of the wolves that attacked Silver Lake last night during the young ones birthday celebration. Now the prisoner is unsure of how the girl is the key, he was only told that she was and if they succeeded he would have immortality once they entered the Kingdom.”

“That’s ridiculous, you can not be immortal just by setting foot into the Kingdom.” Mrs. Lee said

“He says they were being led by a Seer and she is the one who assured them that they can gain immortality once in the Kingdom, but did not give specifics before she died. Now they are being led by someone known as Gemini, this was who the Seer appointed to lead them before her death. She told The Scourge during her last meeting that she had given all necessary information to Gemini and to stay on course following their new leader if they wanted true power.”

“Father, do we know how many of them there are or where they are located?” Mack asked

“No, unfortunately we don’t have locations. The locations move and the only way a member gets to know the new location is if they meet at the old location at a specific time after each mission. He missed his window because he was captured. He doesn’t know the exact numbers, only that the organization is made up of different species including witches, werewolves, and vampires. We need to train and prepare for war, and as much as I hate to separate you from your duties Silvia we need you here as well as Neesh. We need our pack strong, you are our Gamma female and your daughter is my son’s mate. We need you and I don’t think I can agree to this arrangement much longer, I know Edward acts as if he’s ok with it as well but I can see the difference in him when you are away and when you are here.” My father was right, it's clear when the mate bond is being stretched and weakened. I see it in Zack as well as Edward, they were managing but it was taking a toll. Zack hasn’t marked Neesh yet so it’s not as difficult for him but it’s still hard.

“Well John it just so happens I was panning on requesting my rightful place at my husband’s side after this meeting, so thanks for ruining that surprise.” Mrs. Lee said with and eyeroll and giggle as if she was a school girl. I looked between Neesh and Zack. They were staring at each other grinning from ear to ear. We all turned 18 earlier this year and had a joint birthday party here at the Pack, that’s how we discovered Neesh was Zack’s mate. We had a separate birthday party for Neesh and I the next day downtown at a rooftop skating rink so Candice and our other friend’s who weren’t allowed to know of the pack could celebrate with us.

Mr. Lee was DEFINITELY surprised about Ms. Lee's confession and jumped up kissing and hugging his wife while asking about her family home and why now.

“Well the home will remain mine but it will be vacant except for when we occasionally have business to attend to in Silver Lake. I have always told you my love that once I am no longer needed there I would leave. Nikki and Candice were the ones that needed me so I stayed now I am here. Angel will train Nikki and I, while Candice learns from me whatever I am able to teach her. Neesh has been wanting to join the Pack since her birthday and I kept trying to push her to follow her heart but last week she informed me that she didn’t want me to be alone. My sweet child was putting me before herself and I couldn’t have that. We were planning on coming next month but I figured today is as good as any.” Mrs. Lee said while taking the female Delta seat next to her husband and Neesh walked over to my brother and gave him a deep passionate kiss. Then sat on his lap, Zack immediately nuzzled her neck and took a deep inhale of her scent. It was a beautiful sight and I was happy for them even if my heart ached a bit for myself.

“Excuse me Alpha John.” I heard Nikki say, I looked towards her and she was standing

“If Neesh and Mrs. Lee are to stay here does that mean you fully accept them with no prejudice?”

“Of course, Nikki you know this. They are always welcome here just as you are if you ever decided to stay with us. Especially if the mate bond was involved, what’s gotten into you why would you ask such a thing?”

“I just have a feel……., I think there is a bound here that is being ignored because of misunderstanding. I think it is a strong bond and can be stronger and even more beautiful if it was recognized and accepted.” Nikki said looking between my parents, my heart began to race. What the hell was she doing, for a girl who didn’t want attention she sure put herself in the middle of it often. I felt my face turning red, Zack must have noticed because I felt his hand rubbing my back trying to comfort me. Goddess please make this girl shut up.

“Explain yourself child, what are you talking about?”

“All three of your children have mates, but your daughter is afraid of her bond. I think its because Luna pushes and advocates for mates to have wolf blood in order to be strong.”

“EXCUSE ME LITTLE GIRL, I HAVE NEVER.” my mother stood and growled at Nikki but she didn’t move, not even a finch. Her eyes held no fear of this woman that could literally rip her into two. Nikki stood firm and turned to look at me and smiled, nodding her head gently, telling me to be brave without using words.

"Mom, dad" I stood up and started walking towards Anthony, he got up from his chair and held my hand. "Anthony is my fated mate. I found out once we returned to school and I was afraid to tell you."

"I don't understand why, you know how I feel about fated mates. They're a blessing from the Moon Goddess, why would you think I wouldn't accept your bond?"

"Well not you but mom. Mom you have to admit that you always talk about how you prayed about our mates having wolf blood. You even praise Neesh because she is half wolf but you always complain and voice your distaste for uncle Ted's human mate and aunt Jackie's warlock mate. You even said their lives would be better if their mates were wolves"

"My dear child, I am so sorry. I meant their lives would be better because IF they were wolves they would have to follow wolf law. Your aunt and uncle wouldn't have to fight them on everything. Those two are horrible not because they aren't wolves but because of their personalities. I have no problem with Silvia, she's a wonderful woman who raised a wonderful daughter. Oh and Mack's mate is a wolf with Beta blood from both parents and I very much dislike her. Why do you think she has yet to come into the Pack House? I used my Luna command and made her stay with her own pack until she learned proper manners."

"Honey please tell me you didn't, is this about the Omega in the kitchen?"

"I did and she was very rude and I would rather her stay away until she has learned manners."

"Mom, I'm sorry I should have been more open with you and dad."

"I apologize as well honey for the confusion. Now let's bring this meeting to a close, dinner is ready and I'm sure everyone is hungry. Also, honey call over to Crystal Heart and let Antonio know that we will be hosting his boys for two months instead of them returning home tomorrow. Let him know we will make sure they attend school but do not tell him about the mate bond. That's up to our children to do when they are ready. Now let's go eat."

"You would think that she's the Alpha with the way she's always throwing commands at me"

We all laughed at my parents. Everyone left before Anthony and I, once they were all gone and pulled him into a long passionate kiss before we headed to dinner.