Shadow of the Werebear King

Hidden Princess

---POV Rosemarie---

I don’t know why these women are so interested in our previous males. Once they stopped protecting us, they became what my spirit had warned me about all along. They were evil and hunger-crazed animals who couldn't care less about us. They had no reason to. Question after question, but they never strayed too far from what we were running away from. I don’t know what else they need from us, but I’m starting to lose my patience as the midday sun rose through the windows. Talking about anything else other than staying away from them is a waste of our time. “I told you so!” My spirit shouted again, as if I didn’t already feel guilty enough. Guilty that I didn’t wait for my mate, and guilty that I lured so many more women into our world only to be subjugated and crushed under the paws of the men of our rogue sleuth.

A Shelter for Women is what it said outside. Not a place to question us to death. I thought the whole point of these places was to help us. “How much longer do you think this will continue, Rosie? We need to find a safe place to hide. This place seems nice, but with all their questions, I don't trust these people. They want to know too much.” Robin said through our link, as if she heard my internal dialogue. Many took the chance to agree with her. Hell, even I agreed with her, but my bear did not.

“If I lose him because of your decisions in life, I will never speak to you again!” My bear shouted. Lose who?! There is no one to lose.

Ever since we arrived, she has smelled something here that made her feel safe. The subtle smell of eucalyptus and…I can’t put my finger on the other. The smell was faint and almost nonexistent. Either way, she wasn’t leaving. So, I had to play it cool while the others looked at me worriedly. I held my cub close to my chest, while assessing our situation. He was hanging on by the tattered fabric I had wrapped him in before we ran away from our region. Thankfully, this shelter had many options for clothing, from babies to adults. We took the offer just so we didn’t make these pack people uncomfortable. Our children were another story.

I sighed, looking down at my baby. He wasn’t a newborn anymore and his soft cheeks were buried into the fabric. They suggested we get blankets for the babies, but I’m not there yet. I will sacrifice myself before my baby. I know they have witches here and who knows what they did to these clothes. “Nothing! They did nothing! Why weren’t you this paranoid when you met Parker?! Unlike with that man, we are safe here! He’s here!” I shook my head, ignoring her and staring down at my cub. He’s been awfully silent since we arrived, and I was grateful for the reprieve while he slept soundly. One thing screaming at me was enough.

“Rosie….” I jumped and turned back to my friend, remembering what she tried to imply earlier. Even as my thoughts ran wild, I still hesitated. I still sided with my bear. Were these people asking too many questions or were we withholding too much information? I’ve never really interacted with other shifters before. I think this was the first time many of us have even seen wolves and lycans. Those witches too. I just don't know how I became the leader so fast. I’m the youngest but the other women won’t make a move without my say so. Now…. We can’t even live in peace in our own territory. Now we had to escape to this place.

I blame the humans. Last time I checked, they are the only ones destroying our lands.

“Hey Damon!” The werewolf named Emily called, shifting the conversation completely from the questions she initially asked us…about eight times. We all looked up at the biggest werebear I have ever seen.

“Another male?!” The ladies shouted in our mind link absolutely terrified.

“Hide the cubs!” The shock of the women that had the bravery to follow me on this journey were now terrified. However…I was glued to him. My eyes traveled down his massive height and jet-black hair. It was almost blue. His eyes were a vibrant honey gold, and the reality was too obvious. The subtle scent of eucalyptus is now overwhelming with a perfect mixture of mint and basal.

“Mate! Mate! Our real Mate!! The one we should have waited for!” My bear shouted.

“Ladies, this is the next king of the werebears in Bodhi Cora. My nephew, Prince Damon Oden.” Zelena called. She was the other woman next to the wolf. The Witch. Worry did not dissolve at her declaration. It grew. The screaming in my head from the others turned into gasping and praying to the goddess while I personally felt a boulder drop in my gut. A prince?!

“Mate!!” My bear screamed again as the…prince continued to search around the room for…something. Was...he looking for me? He looked over at the group and I couldn’t help it. The word just slipped out after hearing it for the hundredth time.

“Mate.” I called and the eyes that fell on me shocked me more than the word. How the hell did I decide that was appropriate? Oh, that’s right. I didn’t. My bear did.

“Rosie?! Are you crazy?! He’s the freaking prince! There is no way! I know you are young, and this may come as a shock to you, but there is no way he’s your mate.” Robin said sternly and, unfortunately, out loud for everyone to hear. If there was a word for Robin, it would be the older sister I never asked for. Well…I guess that was more of a phrase, but the same follows suit.

The prince cleared his throat and I could tell he was beyond tense now. Did she just ruin my chances or was she actually right? Was he angry that I was just some rogue werebear? I'm sure he is. Why the hell would someone of his stature want anything to do with me? I have no hidden power or mysterious backstory to me. I’m a rogue through and through. So, why is my bear so adamant that he’s my mate? “Why him?!” I begged and she scoffed.

“Don’t you dare question the Moon Goddess! Prince or not, he’s mine!” She snapped back.

“Hello, my name is Damon Oden. My mother, Ayame Oden, was one of the women that welcomed you to this facility. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but this place is a safe haven for women who have had to run from their current circumstances. Whatever those circumstances may be. We do our best to help however we can for however long is needed. I apologize for the multitude of questions directed at you all even though you have just arrived, but it is imperative that we at least know where you came from. Then my father, grandfather, and I can assist with mitigating the situation.”

His voice was so powerful even though it didn’t raise more than a decibel over normal conversational tones. Not one person dared to look anywhere else but at him. “H-how can we trust you of all people?! You are the reason why men overrule in our creed in the first place!” Robin shouted, and the prince furrowed his brow.

Lena pulled up another chair, and he took a seat, so he wasn’t looming over us, but that didn’t decrease my accelerated heart rate. Seeing his toned body arch as he leaned over, resting his arm on his knee helped with absolutely nothing. Then those eyes shot to mine before he turned back to my friend. “That is exactly what we don’t want to happen. Unfortunately, werebears were not blessed with the best leader before my grandfather’s reign. When he was inaugurated into his position, the first goal he had was to mitigate the transgressions of Prince Chaz’s tyranny. I am not pointing fingers because it is our fault that these problems haven’t completely disappeared in the thirty plus years my family has been serving our kind, but unfortunately the corrupt nature of our species spans generations, and it’s been quite the feat to mitigate. Including the hardships that many of the women have to face because the men cannot control their animal sides.”

“They wanted to…to eat our children.” Yasmin called as the tears welled in her eyes. “How can someone do that?! We are bears yes, but we are human first. That’s just….”

He turned to her and the darkness in his eyes was paramount. “That is the number one rule that can lead to capital punishment. We are not animals. Those who believe that to be so, have been severely misguided and cannot be allowed to continue their practices. Those who don’t want to try and lead by example are…removed.”

“This is the first time we’ve been in our human forms in, for some of us, over a decade. All we know how to be are, as you call it, animals for our own survival. While the royalty enjoy the good things in life, we had to worry about our next meal and the safety of our cubs from their birth!” Robin added. “Where were you and your high and mighty morals then?! Hm?!” I growled lowly and her breath hitched.

“Stop attacking my mate!” My spirit shouted, but I did my best to keep it in my own head. Just then, I could feel his eyes on me. I took a chance and turned my eyes to stare into his. The single moment his vibrant hazel eyes locked on my dull brown orbs, his poker face chipped, if even for a second.

“True, but if you were okay with that, then you wouldn’t have run away. You would have allowed nature to take its course and reproduced again, just like an animal would, but you didn’t because you’re not an animal. I do my best to use my, as you call it, ‘good things in life’ to make sure no one else has to make these kinds of decisions. Now, if you will give us a region, we can go and bring back anyone who couldn’t come with you and get the men help.”

“That’s if they are still alive. We left on the last full moon. When we left, there were only a few of us left behind.” She spat back like this was his fault. Friend or not, she's getting on my nerves.

“Of course. I will have my beta survey the area first, but as I said, our job is to fix what is broken as best we can.”

“So what? That’s all good and all but…. Are we supposed to wait around here like some damaged goods until you figure out what to do with us then throw us right back?” Another chimed in.

“No. Once you feel as though you would like to reintegrate into society, we will give you options. We can set you up with a job and accommodations until you are okay to stand on your own two feet here or in Bodhi Cora. It is your choice. You are also free to leave now if you want. There is nothing requiring you to stay here. We are not your wardens.”

The room stayed silent for a moment before Robin raised her head and turned to me. “Well, it was your idea to come in here. What do you think we should do, Rosie? He is your supposed mate.” The sarcasm was heavy, but I continued to hold my bear back as I felt my breath hitch.

His eyes turned back to me, and he grit his teeth. Those beautiful eyes…. They shifted from that golden hazel to a vibrant yellow and back again. He’s the reason I picked this place in the first place. I…I followed my nose. “We should give it a shot. We need a place to rest and eat. We won’t make it much further if we continue in our current state.” I said, doing my best to hold my head high.

“Alright, then it is settled. I will give you all some space and get the additional information we need at a later date. Since your paperwork came back with no issue, there is no rush.” He stood up again and smiled, but his eyes never left mine. “It was nice to meet you all.”

Bowing once, he turned to leave, and I stood to my feet without thinking. I wanted him to stay or to at least take me with him. Where…where was he going? The only acknowledgment I got was his eyes on me for no more than a few minutes at a time? I stepped towards him, and I guess it happened a little too fast because, without warning, dizziness overtook me. I guess I was hungrier than I thought. “Oh no.” I whispered.

I wrapped my arms around my baby and waited to hit the floor. “Aunt Em, can you please make sure they all have physicals and light food at least four times a day. I got this one.” The prince called, but he was a lot closer than I thought. I winced and tried to right myself, but there was something holding me up.

“You got it, Loverboy. I’m sure, since you told them they’ll actually listen this time. They need to eat. They won’t take a bite out of anything we give them.” Emily said with a huff, and I took in my surroundings and the warmth of whatever was holding me tightly. I opened my eyes as my equilibrium resituated itself and turned to see the chest of the man that we call the next king of the werebears, Damon Oden.

---POV Damon---

I didn’t miss her sudden movements when I headed for the door, but when I searched for her voice earlier, there was one thing I definitely noticed. Just one look at these women and I knew they hadn’t eaten in days. When she swayed, I wasn’t surprised, and I don’t think I’ve ever moved so fast in my life. I wanted to give her space but, I got her and the small bundle tucked into her body, snuggled close into mine in seconds. So, she was holding a child.

“One we will love for eternity just like we will love her.” My bear roared as I gave my aunt instructions.

“You know it bud.” I called back with a chuckle, too excited for anything to bug me today. When Em told me they hadn’t eaten anything since they arrived, I winced. I could feel Rosie’s eyes on me, and it took everything in my power not to kiss her a million times over. However, getting her fed takes priority.

Then, I registered Em calling me Loverboy and I had to tap out. She was getting all…‘Em-like’ again. I smirked and stood to my feet, pulling Rosie up in my arms with me. “Uhuh.” I finally responded curtly and headed to the medical wing.

“Wait! Where are you taking her?” One of the women shouted.

I looked over my shoulder and smiled. “Medical wing.”

“Sh…she doesn’t need to. She um...she faints often?” Huh, wasn’t that the girl that was yelling at me earlier?

“ Ha! Where’s all her vibrato from before?” My bear cackled.

“Good to know you’re not chomping at the bit anymore. It’s been a while since you’ve cracked a joke.”

“I have my mate now. I can’t get any happier than this.”

I tensed and nodded slowly, remembering I had to respond to this girl. Remembering I cannot freak out right now at her declaration about my mate’s health. Just like her declaration that she wasn’t good enough for me. Twice, I might add! Now, she’s telling me my mate’s dizziness happens often?! No way in hell I will just allow that. “Good to know.” I noted and turned on my heels, continuing my trek to the medical wing.

“I’m fine, honest…. Just…just….” She mumbled as her slender fingers wrapped around the fabric nestled around her chest, protecting her cub.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you two. We just want to make sure you don’t have any medical conditions that need to be treated. Also, I’m here for you and the baby, personally.” I said calmly. She nodded once, but the rest of her remained completely still in my arms. Fear maybe?

“Fear?! But doesn’t she feel it? The bond between us?!” My bear asked almost a little too desperately.

“Give her a minute.” I snapped back, losing what little patience I had left. I know he’s worried, sad, confused, and impatient. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel the same.

“Tell me, what’s your baby’s name?” Distraction might help.

“Arthur.” She said hesitantly.

I smiled and nodded. “Hmmm.” I responded softly while her bottom lip slipped between her teeth.

“She’s lying to us.” My spirit whimpered. “Why won’t she tell us our cub’s name?”

I shook my head. There is no trust between us yet. I cannot ask for the impossible in less than an hour. And…. Wait, what did he just say? “Our cub? No. That is something she will decide.” My spirit huffed at my, yet again, less than welcoming response, but I didn’t deny his possessive nature. I wanted her, too. Badly. “I’ll talk to her about it again at a later date when she’s ready to talk.” For now, I’ll always be ready to listen.

“That is a lovely name.” I added, realizing I was silent for a beat too long.

“Th-thank you.”

“Of course. Remember, anything you or Arthur need, please let me know. I know this is a bit anti-climactic for you, but…there is one more thing I want to say.”

Her blush deepened, and she continued to look away from me. “And what would that be, your highness?”

Well, that hurt. But we will work on it. I swallowed my pride as we turned into the medical room. “I’m your mate, Miss.Rosie. No matter what anyone else may tell you or have told you. I want you to be my mate. I’m elated that I found you. When you’re ready, I hope you are too.”

She squeaked, hearing her nickname fall from my lips and I laughed lightly at her innocent response. “You…you want me as a mate?” She asked.

I know why that was her response, but I had to ask. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because I’m –”

I didn’t get a chance to hear her finish as the nurses came with a stretcher and started asking me a hundred questions. Right. Her health first…. Our relationship second and… I looked up to see my father, grandfather, and mom staring on in shock from the entryway. I sighed, also reminding myself that I had a family to explain some things to. I’m sure Em left out some details. “Don’t forget the old geezers.” I winced at my bear finally speaking something that made sense. He isn’t wrong. I’ll have to talk to the elder council soon. Just…not now.