Queen Athena

05. Protected Barrier

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Athena Grace Hound

The Boundary of BloodHound Pack

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"Well,well if it isn't the mighty King" her voice sending chills down my body as I carefully lifted Athena's unconscious form on my arms. The Royal guards cautiously forming a human barricade around us.

Lifting my gaze to the black clothed woman, she sends me a disturbing grin, her teeth shining thru the dark veil covering her head.

"What business do you have here?" I growled out, my vision slowly clouding into a black haze. My wolf was barely on the edge of my control.

She laughs coldly, walking closer and closer to the pack border. Her dark aura sorrounding everything in her path, just as her feral rogue appeared standing next to her.

"I fail to see the need to tell you, your highness seeing as I am standing on free land" she taunts me, that sharp smile directed at me. Her red irises watches the woman in my arms.

"You are far too close to a wolf territory witch, it is my concern" I muttered, snarling at her. Her grin grows wider and her dark aura seem to envelop her even more. Sensing that as a threat, the royal guards and myself took our battle stances.

I indeed am able to fight her off on my own, but with the precious Queen in my arms, I don't just trust anybody to guard her. I couldn't risk it. Her intoxicating scent driving me insane, having her this close to my body is making it harder to suppress my wolf's urges.

I watched the woman closely, if we stayed in the borders of this pack , she couldn't possibly harm any of my soldiers, much less my Queen.

"You are not to harm anyone, remember our agreement witch." I mutter under my breath, close to shifting right there and then but my Queen's presence helping me.

"That contract didn't include this pack your royal highness" her voice as if seeping with acid as she uttered those words. Wanting to just rip her to shreds I inhaled deeply. If I let go of my mate and deal with her, especially her, in such a vunerable state, I'll possibly be putting her in danger.

"They are still my people hag, you cannot harm her or anyone in this pack" I said, my patience running thin. She replies a threatening laugh in my direction. My primal instincts slowly clouding my judgement as she continues to challenge me.

"As far as I could remember King, we only agreed upon the safety of your land" she told me as she stood just by the border. The rogue started pacing behind her, its saliva dripping down as it watched the guards with blood lust. "But this isn't your land my King" she smiles at me as she send her dark mist into the border, slowly surrounding us.

"You are far from home your highness, and my prey is now an unclaimed wolf." she stares at my Queen who remained limp in my arms. Cursing under my breath I carressed her now bare arm, her pack mark now missing from her delicate skin. I have yet to declare her as my own, and as the rightful Queen, by the rules of nature, she is a unclaimed wolf. A rogue.

Her familiar dark mist covering the entire forest floor, slowly turning into this thick fog that is distorting not only my guard's senses but mine as well.

I scented out my other guards, they are to far from our location to even help us with our situation. We are deaing with a dark witch, one I indeed have a conflict with. The dark fog made eveything incomprehensible, it was as if she toyed with my senses, to the point that even I was defenseless. The only thing that could help me is my nose.

"Therefore she is mine" I heard her mutter so close to my ear. The weight of Queen suddenly was ripped away from me.

My form was thrown against the forest floor in just a blink. Quickly standing up I looked around me, my guards also quick to stand in their feet. My wolf completely taking over me as I couldn't even track where my Luna was.

My vision then turned black as my wolf let out a loud angry howl.

That darn b*tch! ( I have to censor it, I don't want to get flagged )

➳ ➳ ➳

My ears perked up as we heard a territorial growl. A growl so powerful it made everyone whimper in fear.

"The Luna is in danger" The royal beta then shifted, leaving with all but one guard to guide me back to the pack. Alert passed through me as I tried my best to get this darn collar off of me.

I could tell that the guard was a new recruit, therefore easy to knock down. His scrawny arms and thin built could use a few more days in the training grounds.

Another howl was heard, coming from a lower ranking of the royal guards. Addressing the King's howl.

I eyed the guard standing in front of me. He was shaking slightly, nervously watching me with his wide eyes.

I have to get to Athena

One way or another

➳ ➳ ➳

The black looming figure stood just right by the border. She eyes the fallen Queen that layed against the cold ground of the forest floor.

The dark fog surrounds them like a thick cloud under the dark sky. Her red eyes visible, piercing right thru your soul.

She lifted her left hand, her dark clothes reaching to her wrist. Her white palm, slowly raised and pointed to Athena. The visible veins on her wrist turned a dark crimson, as if the blood in her veins turned black.

She murmurs, a ancient text of a enchantment. Foreign words spewed out of her mouth. Her voice laced with a unseen venom, static then sparked out of her hands, flashes of light streaked the clouded surroundings.

She slowly approaches, eyeing her unconscious form. Her mutt snarling, threateningly growling at the unguarded Queen.

She hisses loudly, raising her hands up in the air as dark clouds misted around her. She then let it swirl around her and into the pack border.

She couldn't physically cross the border. A significant witch holds the territory under her name, making it protected by her magic. She is unwelcomed.

Her dark aura managed to cross the border, but upon reaching a feet, it slowly fades. Her frustration then leaks out, the fog getting darker.

A faint light then started glistening from the Luna's chest, the moon pendant tucked away inside her dress.

The black lady, eyes her. She expected this, seeing as the pack was already claimed by another. Anger then consumed her, her veins turning to a shade darker.

Her mutt then charged to the border, but slamming against an invisible barrier. It growls and tries again, but ending up thrown a couple feet away.

She hisses out a laugh, gazing into the BloodHound forest knowing full well who was watching.

"I see you that already know, isn't it unpleasant to know that I'm still alive?" She sangs, her red eyes peering out the clothed figure hiding behind a tree.

"Listen full well sister, no matter what you do I will still have her." She smiles, letting the dark mist retreat, light then started to once again visit the land.

"You may have defeated me once" she taunts, backing away slowly."but mark my words, I will reign over you" she hisses, and let's herself be emersed into her own mist. Vanishing along with it.

The woman then emerged from the shadows, her eyes casted white as she silently watched everything unfold.

It was expected that Athena would attract such attention from an unwanted entity. She just wasn't certain whom.

She laid her eyes on her and let herself be immersed in her power. Athena's amulet then started to dimmer, until it lay silent on her chest.

A familiar black wolf then came out, his fur shaking, panting he cautiously approached Athena and whined lowly.

She once again let herself be consumed in the shadows.

➳ ➳ ➳

I hurriedly picked my pace as I tracked Athena's scent. It was growing fainter by the minute, the pack bond useless seeing as Athena is no longer a member of the pack.

Entering the small clearing, I saw her. Her pale skin a bright contrast against the brown forest floor.

She laid there, frail. Her eyelashes kissing her sunken cheeks. My wolf let out a small whine, nudging her head with my nose.

She stayed immobile, fully out of consciousness. Keeping my eyes of for her, I hid behind the nearest tree, shifting into my human form. Wearing the shorts that was left, hidden in its trunk.

Carefully lifting her up on my arms, I searched for any sign of injury but there were none. Looking around, there were no signs of the King or even the royal guards.

Quickly making our escape I made my way to the only person that could help us.

➳ ➳ ➳

Alpha Benjamin Anthony BloundHound

The BloodHound Packhouse

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"Alpha we lost track of the Liam's where abouts" A guard says, panting as he entered my office. He our best tracker, even if I trust Liam whole heartedly, I'm not going to let my baby girl unprotected outside.

Apollo stayed seated at my arm chair, both of his hands covering his face. He tried to stop me from removing Athena's pack mark, but it was the only way for her to stay safe.

"How about the King?" asking him with uncertainty. Surely Athena is with Liam at this moment. He shook his head and scratched the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry Alpha, but the King's trail suddenly stopped just by the border. Even the royal guards are no where in sight"

"Find my daughter please, even if their trail leads outside the border, we will ask for the other Alpha's permission for access in their lands" I ordered him. He nods and took his leave.

Apollo then stood and growled in annoyance."Father please, I can't just sit here and do nothing. I can't even communicate with both of them" he pleads, I pat his back comfortingly.

"I know my Beta can handle it, but I have to be by my sister's side."

"The Beta that took away my Queen, Alpha" The sound of his loud commanding voice, made the office table shake in its place. Guards suddenly entered and surrounded my office.

"King Xavier, you have to understand. This is for the safety of my daughter" I said sternly to him, My office door almost falling off of its hinges. He stood there, face seething with anger.

"And how do you think that might help? I am her mate, she is the safest with me" His voice went deeper with every word that he uttered. His wolf form so close to the surface, his Lyncan side taking over.

"You are violating the natural rule, Alpha. Your entire family linage could be demoted with what you have done" He taunts me, black eyes watching my every move.

"My King you have to understand-"

"We had an agreement! I followed your Luna's wishes seeing as you are her parents. But do not forget who her mate is Benjamin" He cuts me off, the distance between him and my daughter taking a huge toll on him.

"Your highness, What I've done is for the best. You and I both know that she is in danger if she much so steps out of this territory" Apollo answers him. The veins of his fist popping out from where he stood. I then approached my son, cautiously watching the King.

"Alpha, you leave me no choice" He ordered out. "With or without your permission, I will have my mate. My word exceeds yours Alpha." He commands, almost shifting out of his skin.

"She no longer bears your pack mark, she is now a rogue. She will be crowned Queen even if it's the last thing I do" he shouts out, just as he gazes at my son.

"Mark my words Apollo, you will not be given the title if she is in the hands of that wrenched witch" he then commands for his wolves to search for Liam.

. . .

"Goodness William, how?.. what happened?" She frantically opens the door and ushers us in. She was still in the dress that she worn for Athena's party. Logan then helped me as he saw Athena, clearing out the sofa for her to lay to.

"My poor Ena, I didn't expect this to happen" Poppy kneels beside her, carressing her face. Brushing away the dirt and twigs away from her face.

Logan gives me a spare shirt for me to put on, which I greatfully took. "Where is the King? What happened?" He asks handing Poppy a damp towel for Athena.

Poppy tears up as she cleans Athena's face. "I was about to be taken to the dungeons for taking her, but something happened to the King and the guards by the border" I took a seat on a recliner next to Athena.

Logan gives me a look "That must explain the howl that we heard" Poppy then sobs as he comforted her.

"Athena doesn't have the pack mark anymore, Apolli ordered me to hide her. We need to leave by dawn or they will find her" I explain, distress covered Poppy's face. Due to Poppy's persistent nature, they bought a house that was farthest from the center of the pack, deep into the back woods of the territory. This is the safest place I could take Athena, at her state.

"Why is the Alpha so opposed to the fact that Athena is mated to the King? " She asks, looking at me with concern in her eyes. Pushing my hair back I turned my gaze at Athena's unconscious form.

"I'm not certain why, but it has something do to as to why Athena is unconscious right now"

She and Logan eyes each other " She could possibly be in danger Liam, stay for a little while longer until all of this dies down" she pleads as she continues to make Athena comfortable.

"We couldn't risk it Pop's, they could possibly be on their way here. Her brother entrusted me to her care, and I don't want to see Athena tied down with someone she doesn't want to" I forced out, Poppy sadly looks at me.

"Liam... she's now a mated wolf, the Queen for that matter. You'll be charged for treason if they find out" She stabs me right where it hurts, I exhaled loudly looking out the window. "If our assumptions are correct, and she is in danger. The only person that could keep her safe is the King"

"Poppy I am capable of protecting her, I've been doing it ever since we were kids. What's the difference now?" I asked, dread filling my heart.

"She has her mate now, Liam don't make this as if you're just concerned for her protection. You and I both know that this pack and even the King are willing to risk their lives for her" Poppy ushers Logan to get a change of clothes for Athena, leaving only the both of us.

"William, please don't break your heart even more." Poppy said, looking at me sincerely. I gazed at Athena's face. I don't like seeing her at this state. I will do anything for her.

"I'm willing to do anything for her Pop's" Her eyelids still closed, her bare arm showing a burn mark where the pack mark was once there.

➳ ➳ ➳

Athena Grace Hound

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My head was throbbing, The pain was unbearable, pulling me out of unconsciousness.

An annoying tingle on my left shoulder kept me in an constant state of irritation. I wanted to scratch it but no amount of rubbing can take it away.

Then a sharp sting was felt on my left temple. Hissing in pain I cradled the sides of my head, hoping that the pain will fade away naturally.

But it didn't

"Ena, hey"

I heard Poppy's voice next to my ear.

"We're here Tena, it will be okay"

She comforts me, rubbing the side of my arm where it burns. A cool rag was then placed against my skin, cooling the burning pain.

Fluttering my eyes open I immediatey noticed the essentric ceiling of Poppy's house. Turning my attention to her, she was kneeling next to the sofa that I was seem to be laying on.

Trying to sit up I was greeted by a chilling pain on the back of my head. Liam then stopped me and made me lay down on my back again.

"Athena you need rest, the side effects will be gone in a few hours" I looked at him, confused.

"Side effects?" Just by uttering those words, the sharp sting intensified. Liam carressed my hair, pulling back the few hairs that blocked my face.

"Athena, I'm so sorry. If I had known I wouldn't even let you go" Poppy said teary eyed. "Poppy what are you talking about?"

She gave me a look. "Athena, do you not remember what happened at your party?" She asked, and by just that, everything came rushing in.

My birthday...

King Xavier...

"Liam, what am I doing here? What happened?" I asked, recieving a searing pain in my head again. I hissed and placed my hands against the sides of my head.

"I don't know either Athena, when I managed to break free from the royal guards, you we're laying on the ground unconscious and the King and his guards we're no where in sight." He informs me. I don't even remember blacking out.

"What about Apollo?...Father? What are we even doing here? I must go to them" I attempted to sit up, but bot Poppy and Liam were blocking me from doing so.

Liam gave me a sympathetic look. "Athena, you're no longer a member of this pack"

"Liam what is this nonsense? Stop this, my family needs me now and your not helping" I swatted away his hands that were guiding me back to where I lay, but I'm not having it.

I sit up and met again with the pain that bothered me earlier. "What the heck is going on? Why am I in so much pain?" I aggressively said.

"Athena, it's the side effects of loosing the pack mark" Liam tells me, giving me a sympathetic look. I felt as though everything stopped, and I couldn't comprehend what he just told me.

"What?" Dumbfounded.

Poppy turned my attention to her and cradled my head in between hers. "Athena, your pack mark disappeared. You know that, only the Alpha can do such a thing, but we don't know why " she tells me. I choked in my own breath, disbelief dawned into me. My father wouldn't do that to me.

Denial, but the pain in I'm feeling justified what they said

Loosing the mark itself was painful. In the position of a simple pack member it would be unbearable. But born into the mark, being the alpha's child. Loosing the mark meant that he dethroned you, you loose the pack, your family and your own self.

"Father wouldn't do that to me, he wouldn't" choking in my own words, tears started to cloud my sight. Liam knelt beside Poppy and spoke to me.

"Athena he did this for your safety, he wouldn't let you be with a man that you didn't want" he concluded, tears started to pour out, clenching my sides i inhaled deeply.

They did everything in their power to stop the King from getting to me. Risked their own lives and their places in the hierarchy for my wants. Worry start to cloud my judgement.

"Liam, you have to go back. Tell them that I escaped in my own will. I don't want you to loose the pack too" I pleaded to him. "You have to make sure that Father, Mother and Apollo are okay, please" I pleaded.

Liam frowned at me" Athena do not blame yourself. Your father, Apollo done this for you. We didn't do this for the heck of it. We love you, and we want you to be happy"

Sobs raked thru me, nothing could compare to the pain of loosing your family.

Poppy stood and grabbed the glass of water that was placed on the coffee table next to me. She made me finish the whole glass whilst caressing my back.

Tears were the only thing I could see, guilt and shame swallowing my entire fragile being. Sobs racked out of me, thinking about my family's sacrifices.

I dont know anything outside of my pack, being secluded from the rest of the world because of my ability. And losing that life line, losing the only thing I came to known and love, it broken me to pieces.

" Athena, we have to leave, the guards will find us soon enough" Liam exclaimed and left the room, preparing for our departure.

"I look pleadingly at Poppy, "I don't want to leave, don't make me go Pops' I said, tears were fowing down my cheeks as I looked at her.

She placed both her palms on my cheeks and looked directly at my eyes. "This has to happen Ena, The Alpha's decision is to be followed and he knows what's best for you"

"No he doesn't! he can't just banish me from my own pack like that" I denied, Poppy pulled me to her and hugged me tighty. Comforting my shaking form.

The constant sting at the side of my arm was a contant reminder of what I've lost.

. . .

"Are you ready to leave Athena?" Liam asks as I was seated at the balcony seat, overlooking the forest, pack boundary.

He was already carrying a large duffle bag across his back, full of food and basic necessities for the both of us.

"I dont think, I'm ready to go" I answered honestly, he gave me a sympathetic look and approached me.

Grabbing my right hand, he gently squeezed it in comfort. "Tena, we have to go" I looked at the floor, taking a deep inhale. I nodded and stood on my feet.

Logan then enters the room, watching me closely. "Liam, you have to be careful with her, she's in a very fragile state right now" he mentions and assessing me.

Liam nods in agreement. "Of course I will" Logan then ask "So you sure that your plan will work?" In which he just nods.

"It has to, my sister would definitely accept us in. And I cant exactly bring Tena to a different country, I'm not sure if her body can take that much travelling"

"Why? Where are we going Liam?" I ask worriedly. Liam looks at me directly in the eyes.

"We have to seek shelter in a neighbouring pack, one that the King won't think about going to" uneasiness settled to me. Rubbing my good arm I inhaled deeply.

"If you're sure, I'm in no place to argue" I said barely grasping the reality of the situation I'm in.

Never in a million years would I think that my life would come to this.

"Tena, please keep safe and take of yourself okay?" Poppy reminds me as we were walking out of their house. I gave her one last hug.

"I will, please take care of her Logan" I reminded him. He enveloped her in a comforting hug.

Liam then shifted into his wolf, I was about to too, but he stopped me, shaking his wolf's head no. Instead he made me carry the bag across my shoulders and ride on his back.

With a last short glance towards my bestfriend and her mate. We were off towards the boundary of the pack.

Million thoughts ran thru me as Liam sprinted, holding tightly on his back, I contemplated on what was my plan for the future.

Before all of this happened, I was dreaming about exploring the world. About leaving the pack and going to every country I could think of.

But the fates have a different plan. I do get to leave the pack, but leaving it as a mark less wolf, a rogue, a mutt without a place to call home.

Liam then skidded into a stop, barely making it. I looked ahead of us, and sure enough there were countless guards guarding the border line. Based on the uniform and the way they present themselves, they were royal guards.

"Liam, how are we suppose to leave now?" I whispered to him, he gave me a side look and walked slowly, concealing us behind the tall trunks of the trees.

➳ ➳ ➳

Xavier Blackwood

The Forest of the BloodHound Pack

➳ ➳ ➳

My blood was boiling, my vision clouded black as my wolves cant even track down their own Luna.

"How incompetent! How difficult is it to find a mutt and your Queen!" I growled, seething in anger as the minute passes.

The guards around me shuffled in fear as they heard me. Just then my best tracker approached me.

"Your grace, I found a trail leading towards the south of the border" he finally said the words that I was waiting on.

Without hesitation every single one of my best fighters shifted and waited for my command. I then let the others guard the border line of this pack. No one is to leave and enter this pack until my mate is found

"Here this! I want the mutt alive, I will see to him personally and punish him on his actions! The Queen will not be harmed in anyway, or so help me, head will be rolling on these grounds. Am I clear!" I commanded, they responded in a clear loud howl.

I then shifted, and lead the way with my best tracker next to me.

The mutt was smart seeing as he was going against the blow of the wind, knocking his and my mate's scent the other way. But not smart enough.

In little time we came across a small suburban home close to the border of the pack. I sniffed in and met with the intoxicating scent of my mate.

I let my wolves shift and change into their human forms. They were wearing the special uniforms crafted for the royals, it clings to the body and changes form as to not rip when shifting.

The guards then took their stance and surrounded the home. Without an invitation, I invited myself in.

Two wolves greeted me in surprise. I howled loudly. My mate's scent was everywhere, but very faint. I growled in anger "Find my mate! Before they escape!" I ordered and they preceded to do just that.

I recognize the woman, seeing as she was a member of the pack, and seem to have a deep connection with my mate.

"How dare you hide my mate from me" I sneered. The Male, who I'm assuming is her mate gulped and bowed his head.

"My King please, we do not wish harm to her, she's my best friend" she says slowly, choking in her words.

I narrowed my eyes at her, " and you think that it was a good decision to separate the King from his Queen! She's vulnerable and unmarked, the gods know what could happen to her because of your foolishness" I scolded them. I then grabbed the Male in a chokehold, with the female gasping, pleading me to stop.

"You will tell me where they are heading or I will kill you right here" I threatened, making my first tighter by the second.

"Please my King, don't do this" the female pleaded, trying to remove my hand from her husband.

"Tell me" I spat, my black eyes gazing in his fearful ones.

"I.... The Clawfang Grounds" he barely managed to whisper. I loosened my hold and let him fall to the ground to recover.

I growled in anger, "I will deal with you later" I then leave the house.

The Clawfang territory is two days away from this pack. But they have to pass the human territory just to reach the pack.

I wont let them get that far.