Desired Blood Princess

Chapter 7

Dad/Alpha John POV

Sitting at my desk in my office looking over possible hideouts or contacts that Wanda would utilize. I am distracted by the family portrait we took 4 years ago sitting on my desk. Grabbing the frame from its permanent place, I can’t help but notice how young the kids look. James had just graduated, Jacob had fewer tattoos, and Jack didn’t have his sideburns yet. It made me chuckle. My beautiful princess is sitting in the middle, she has a big smile and is hugging my arm. What I wouldn't give to go back to that time when all we had to focus on was mediocre day-to-day tasks. It kills me that my kids have to endure this fate. I know soon we will have to tell Jade the truth about her destiny. There is no getting around that. Last night, i decided that I would K*ll Wanda. Mate or not, she is a danger to our family. A part of me regrets not doing it 13 years ago, but I couldn’t kill her then. I loved her. I am ready now to put an end to this. My phone rings, breaking me from my thoughts.

Ring! Ring!

“Hello”

“Alpha John, this is Alpha Smith from the Rising Moon pack.”

“Yes, Alpha Smith. How are you? How's Luna May?”

“We are well, we are expecting our first grand pup in a month. May is over the moon.”

A little tinge of jealousy hits me. I would love to see my kids give me grand pups.

“Congratulations, I heard your son Alex found his mate. He didn’t waste any time

did he?” We both started laughing.

“John” Alpha’s Smith's voice got low and serious.

“I’m calling because my informant said a woman fitting Wanda’s description was seen at the Vampire colony near Fort Collins. I sent out an Alert to all the Colorado packs and I have a feeling it's her.”

I have no doubt that she would run to the vampires for aid. This was useful information. Fort Collins is directly south of Casper across the border in Colorado. Maybe we can get to her before she comes here, I thought.

“Thank you Alpha Smith for the intel, it makes sense that she would go there and drum up support. Also, thank you for providing warriors from Rising Moon to help us here.Your support all these years has never faltered. I appreciate you.”

“We are allies and brothers in arms. Our packs have always been close. Please let me know if there is anything more that we can help with.”

“Yes, I will keep you updated on the situation here.”, I said.

“Please do, John. Oh and before I forget, my niece Josephine has volunteered her unit to support. She arrives today with her team. I mention her because she is a bit eccentric,” Alpha Smith gives a little chuckle and continues.

“But I think she might fit perfectly with Jade's protection detail. Just a suggestion.”

“I think it would be perfect having a woman in her detail. Jade might be more inclined to cooperate.” Both of the men laugh.

“Good luck old friend,” Alpha Smith says.

“Thanks Smith, we will have a drink when this is all over,” I said.

“That’s a promise,” Smith said.

I hung up the phone and pondered about the info. Vampires have been hunting us for years. Of course, Wanda would align herself to be allies. This b**** is too much.

Jade POV

“Jade! Jack! Can you come down here and set the table for dinner?” Aunt Layla yelled from downstairs.

“Be right down” I yelled from my room. I have been texting with Megan. She said I'm missing the latest gossip at school. Only if she knew that I had all this drama in my life. I have no time for this superficial sh*t.

M: Jade, you should have seen how April was all over Devin. It was a b***h in heat.

J: Maybe Devin likes sl**ty girls like that?

M: Maybe, but he keeps asking about you and when you are coming back to school.

J: I gotta go to dinner. Talk to you later?

M: I’ll check in later, have a good night b***h.

Why did Devin care where I was? He doesn't even know me. If April is flirting with him, I'm sure they will be an item soon.

I got up and made my way downstairs. Aunty Layla was standing over the stove in an apron, stirring something in a pot. Dad is mixing drinks on the kitchen counter, and James is on his laptop typing away.

“It smells good in here,” I said. I walk to the cupboard and pull out plates for dinner. Jack walks into the kitchen and grabs some of the plates from me and starts setting the table.

“So kids, I was thinking after dinner I could give you your presents I brought. How does that sound?”

I love my Aunt Layla, but some of her gifts are crazy weird. One time she gave me a huge rabbit's foot, saying that I needed to keep it with me when I left the house. I have no idea where she could find such a big rabbit. Or my birthday gift a few years ago, was a green stone that she said to keep by my bed. Something about shielding my dreams from others, whatever that means.

“What did you get me, Aunt Layla?” Jake said as he finished placing the napkins on the table.

“You will all see after dinner,” she replied.

“Is Jacob home?” I asked. This caught James' attention and made him stop typing. He looked at his watch and said,

“He should have been home already. I’ll text him dinner is ready.”

A few minutes later, James's phone dings, and he looks at it.

“Jacob said he would be late. Something came up”, James says as he puts his phone back in his pocket.

“Did he say what came up?” my dad asks James.

“No, I'm sure if it was something important all of our phones would be blowing up.”

“ OK, well let's eat,” aunt Layla said.

Dinner was delicious. Aunt Layla’s chicken enchiladas with her famous enchilada sauce and Mexican rice is the best. It's cool to have her here with us. Her presence always makes our house feel homey.

I was sipping my sprite when dad cleared his throat at the other end of the table. We all turned and looked at him.

“I have a couple of announcements to share before any of you ask any questions.” dad pauses and looks at all of us.

“Jade and Jack, both of you will be partners til your 18th birthday. You do not go anywhere without the other there. Do I make myself clear?” I hesitated but nodded my head. Dad continued,

“Most of you know that the “Widow” escaped from the compound she was being held in. We believe she is heading here for Jade. She cannot do anything until Jade receives her wolf on her 18th birthday. I have called our allies from our pack and from other packs for support,”

Did dad say our pack? I didn’t know that we belonged to a pack, I thought.

“They have sent many warriors and will be running perimeter checks around town and training in the indoor arena. I encourage all of you to train with these warriors. You will meet and greet them tomorrow at the arena. ” Dad pauses again, looking for confirmation that we understood.

“Aunt Layla has decided to stay with us permanently. She will be helping Jade with her wolf and managing her abilities,” dad was cut off by aunt Layla,

“I can also read your aura and help interpret your future,” she said. We all gave a little chuckle at her comment. That's our aunt Layla.

“Yes, thank you Layla,” dad says with a chuckle.

“If there is a sighting or attack, make your way to the safe house and stay there til you hear from me. If, for some reason, we need to leave town, Tom has made arrangements for an escape vehicle and a protective convoy. If anything happens to me, Layla and James are in charge. Is this understood?”

The room was silent. It looked like everyone was processing what dad said. My thoughts were running through my head and it was turning into a headache. What did he mean if we had to leave town? Or if something happens to him? This is b*lls**t, I hate this Widow b***h.

“I need to hear that you all understand?” dad said in a serious tone.

“Yes” we all said.

After a moment of awkward silence, aunt Layla spoke.

“I think this is a good time for the presents I bought.” She stood up from the table and left the dining room. We were still quiet. I had a bunch of questions but I could just ask Aunt Layla when we were alone. I could tell that my dad was stressing about the situation. Sh*t who wouldn’t?

Aunt Layla came back in with a purple bag.

“So, James, I got you this,” she said as she reached into her purple bag and pulled out a gray Fedora hat.

“May this hat protect your thoughts and boost your links, so that you can direct from afar,” she said while walking over to James and placing the Fedora on his head. I have to admit James looked really good. He looked like Clark Kent from the 80’s. I wonder what she meant by protecting thoughts and boosting links, I thought.

Aunty Layla walks up to Jack and says,

“Jack, I got you this.” She pulls out a funny looking rod.

“This is your copper Dowsing rod. May it lead you to where you need to go. When you flick it, it will remove a disguise and show their real face.”

Aunt Layla handed it to Jack. I do not understand the riddles that she is sharing, but it sounds cool. She turns towards me and walks over with her hand in that purple bag.

“My princess, this is for you.” Aunt Layla pulled out a small jewelry box and handed it to me.

The box looked old but expensive.

“Open it dear,” aunt Layla said as she sat in the chair next to me.

I opened the box and there was a beautiful necklace. It had a long chain with a white-looking pendant of a wolf. The pendant looked like it was carved and had some words on the back of it that were in a different language. I instantly was drawn to the pendant of the wolf.

“This is an old family heirloom. The pendant is made from petrified wood, which is for protection. The words on the back are a spell that I will teach you when the time is right. Please always wear this.”

“I want to wear it now, will you help me put it on?” I gave the necklace to aunt Layla and turned my back towards her. She puts the necklace around my neck and fastens the clip. I loved it. I turned around and gave her a big hug.

“Thanks, Aunt Layla, this is the best gift.” I said to her.

As I am embracing aunt Layla, we hear the front door open and close. We saw Jacob enter the kitchen with an expression on his face that I couldn’t read.

“Jacob, perfect timing. Aunt Layla was passing out the gifts she bought us,” I said.

“Cool” Jacob says, but the tone of his voice is almost bored sounding. I noticed that he was fidgeting with the drawstring of his hoody, making him appear anxious.

“I came home to grab some clothes and gonna head back to the compound,” Jacob said.

Aunt Layla gets up from her chair, walks over to Jacob and grabs both of his cheeks with her hands and stares into his eyes. Her concerned face turns into a huge smile and says excitedly,

“You met your mate?”.