Draegan House

"Griffen! Thats- cheating," I puffed out blocking his advancing attack. "Naw, babydoll, you're just a sore loser," he taunted lunging at me again. We bantered back and forth, each trying to off set the other. He cracked me in the back with his staff, causing me to drop to my knees. His eyes gleamed with victory as he went in for his kill. I grabbed his legs as soon as he got close enough, flipping both of us over, knocking the wind out of him. "Kraven, well done!" "I never lose." Grinning down at him, I helped him to his feet. "Great work Kraven, you are dismissed. Not you Mister." Rayne narrowed her eyes at Griffen as he protested. I packed up my gear and began the long drive back to my house. Hi, my name is Kraven King-Draegan, I'm 17 and my life is a mess. A royal mess to be exact. My family is royalty, and I'm a Protector. Weird right? This has never happened before, at least in my House anyway. I'm also kind of a werewolf. But thats the least of my problems. My phone ringing drug me from my daydream about my crazy life. Prince flashed across my screen. Speaking of "problems". I clenched my teeth and sent it to voicemail. Boys! Ugh. I mean, it doesn't help thats he's a total a-hole who likes to hurt me, but that's beside the point. Pulling into the driveway I smile as I see my mom in the doorway waiting for me. "Hi honey. How was training?" "Still undefeated!" I whooped. She chuckled as I ran up the stairs to my room. I showered and sat down to write a letter to my brother. "Kraven." "Yeah mom?" "Phone, its Oracle." "Coming!" I hurried downstairs to pick up the phone. "Yes Oracle?" "Kraven, your assignment has been decided. I want you here bright and early for orders." "Yes ma'am." The line went dead and I slowly placed it back on the receiver. "What did she say? Another training with Rayne and Michael?" "I've been given orders Mom. Oracle said to be there early." The smile dropped from her face while tears sprang to her eyes. "Oh well, thats wonderful honey. I'm sure your father will be pleased as well." She rushed from the kitchen. I returned to my room in a daze. I finished writing to Rame and lay on my bed staring at the ceiling. I knew one day I would be tapped but I didn't expect it so soon, most weren't called until after they had graduated, I still had a year to go. My mind raced, was I ready? Would I be a good Protector? Oracle was never wrong about these things. That's why she's in charge of all Protectors. The Gods pair us up, and she does the rest. From the bonding ceremony to the day one of us dies. Usually our royal goes first and then the heartbroken Protector. I tossed and turned all night, my mind a jumbled mess, getting up as soon as I heard movement in my parents room. I dressed in Draegan House's traditional grey and made my way to the kitchen. "You ready for this kid?" My father stared at me, sadness in his eyes. I took a deep breath before answering, "Yes." The car was pulled around and we headed for Headquarters. As we arrived my stomach twisted in knots and I felt sick. My mom held my hand giving it a quick squeeze. Michael and Rayne sat in the office, each giving me a bright smile. Oracle came to stand in front of me. "Jem, Kaine." They nodded hello. She fixed me with piercing eyes. "Are you ready to hear where you're going, Protector King?" My unease dissipated. Oracle knew I preferred to just be a King, not a Draegan. "Yes Oracle, I'm ready." Her eyes took on a lively sparkle. "Princess Cairo is being sent to live with the Jamison family, as her House greatly fears for her safety. You Kraven Marie King have been selected to protect her." My mother tightened her grip as my father put his arm around my shoulders. "Where is she being sent?" "Nevada. Draegan House is preparing for your arrival. You will stay with Aura and Draven until Cairo arrives." My mom sighed in relief. "At least you'll be close," she whispered to me. That is the hardest part in all of this. Once assigned you are expected to leave family and friends behind. "There is a jet awaiting you. I'm sure your parents won't mind packing your things for you, as time is of the essence here." "Of course not Oracle. It means a sooner visit." I hugged them goodbye and headed for my plane. "Breathe, just breathe Kraven. How bad could it be?" I mumbled to myself. "It's just a new school, with new people to judge and gossip about me. What could go wrong?" "Miss? We're here." My driver cut into my small tirade. I opened my eyes and smiled at Jamie. "Thank you for driving me." He politely returned my smile and went to open his door. "Oh I got it." I quickly exited the car and turned to face my new school. It was quite a bit smaller than I was used to, as it only served the Seven Houses and their Protectors. Several students, standing in front, watched the limo pull away and turned to stare at me. "Great." I brushed at my hair self consciously and entered the builiding.