The Alpha's Human Mate

The Actual Truth

“That’s like the 100th time he’s called” Max grumbled, seeing Connor’s name flashing up on Gemma’s phone

Picking up her phone, Gemma answered before it went to voicemail again. She sat down on the bed in their room; her body stiff and feeling anxious.

“Hey Con”

“Hey? Hey? Are you kidding me?” He shouted, his voice loud through the phone “I’ve been calling for a week where, at first you were ill and then apparently sleepy due to meds and I kept missing you!”

“I’m sorry” Gemma said as she sat cross-legged on the bed, her manicured toes peeking out.

She felt the bed dip as Max sat beside her, his presence and angry mood radiating out from his body. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes before sighing. Using hand gestures to tell Max to go out, she frowned when he shook his head, folded his arms and stayed on the bed.

“Sorry?” sputtered Conner “What’s going on? We went from being happy, to being excited at our engagement to nothing! And in such a short time frame”

Gemma bit her bottom lip as she tried to think of how to say what she wanted to. She was aware of Max and his temper as he unashamedly eavesdropped in her conversation, his arms flexing with his moods. His black levi t-shirt defining his muscles and thick arms beautifully, his perfectly groomed messy hair making his chiseled jaw more prominent.

“Con look. I...I wasn’t sure how to say this before but” Getting up, she started to pace “I..I think we need to re-think this engagement”

“Re-think? What the f**k?” He whispered in a shocked voice

“Connor, I...i’ve been thinking-”

“Why?” He cut in “What’s changed from our engagement which has been less than three weeks ago to now?”

“I-”

“You know what, forget it. I’m driving out today and we gonna talk” Conner cut in

Gemma’s eyes widened, turning to look at Max as she tried to shush him silently when he started to growl. Max stood up, opening his palm towards her to ask for her mobile phone. She looked at him as if he was insane and scoffed silently at his command.

“No! Don’t. Look Con, when we had that family issue and I was away; it made me realise that I want to travel, to explore more and that maybe I’m too young to get so serious like that just now. I need some time on my own; away from people”

“Bullshit. Has your mum made you question all of this? She hasn’t exactly been warm towards me. You’ve been about family. You’ve always been about family. You fell ill because some…..wait...SHIT!...Is he on the scene now? Is that why you are re-thinking this?”

“What?” Gemma pretends “Look, there’s no one else on the scene! I just need space. To think”

“I’m coming down and we are going to talk about this. I’m not letting it go this easily!” He said as sounds of shuffling could be heard in the background.

“Connor, listen to me! I’m not even at the house. You can turn up but no-one is there”

“Why not? Where are you then? I’ll come there!” he asked, irritated at her refusal

“No. I...I don’t want you to. I’m going to go away for a bit and I need to think. I...I’m going to send you my ring back”

“f**k that s**t! We are still engaged Gemma! We-”

“No Connor we are not! I’m sorry but...I need...WANT a break. I won’t be in Scotland if you come here and the ring will be sent back to you 1st class” saying that, she hung up on him and switched her phone off, his angry voice echoing out as she put the phone away from her ear.

“f*****g dickhead” Max said aggressively

“Maxxxx” Gemma said, amusement in her voice “He was bound to be shocked and unhappy about this”

“Don’t care. Who the hell does he think he is, dictating that you guys are still engaged” He said, his eyes flashing at her

“Well I’ve told him no. Mammie had re-cast a cloaking spell stronger than the one she had before; without needing to harm her own health. Even if he turned up, no-one had been home for days so there was hardly any scent there. And he doesn’t know about this place. Beside, the Astrid’s essence that is here will protect me from any detection”

Max walked over to Gemma, his open palm stretched out in front of his body. Gemma looked down in confusion when he wiggled his fingers.

“Ring”

“What?” Gemma asked

“Give me the ring and I’ll ask one of the omegas to have it posted out recorded delivery and away from our town so he thinks you are somewhere else if he investigates.

“Hmmm” Gemma teased, her eyes becoming playful as she put her ring hand behind her and put on white flat shoes “I’m not sure I want to give it back so early. I like having such a shiny ring”

“Oh really mate” Max said, his body stalkerher around the room

“Yes. In fact, I may even keep it as a moment-”

She cut off when she heard Max growl before he leaped for her, his hands missing her body. Gemma squealed and darted away from him as she tried to evade him Max growled louder playfully and ran behind her, knowing he could catch her if he really wanted, but letting her win for now.

“Give me the ring mate”

“Make me” She says

With a surprising leap over the bed, she dashed out of the room, screaming in delight as she dodged the guards dotted around on the landing. Max charged and ran behind her, his speed now faster to what had been in their bedroom. He laughed delightedly as he caught both sight of his mate and her slight arousal.Gemma screamed when she almost collided with Carrie who had just been coming up to see them, her feet just touching the landing when Gemma grabbed her arms and kissed her cheek before turning to put her in between her escape and Max.

“That’s cheating my mate” Max good heartily growled, before he too kissed carrie’s other cheek and ran after his mate

“Be careful on the stairs!” Carrie shouted after them

But they didn’t hear her. Gemma had already taken the steps and jumped down every third one. By the time she cleared the landing and ran towards Ben who was walking with Maddie and both were eating hotdogs, Max had jumped all the way down in one leap.

“You’re both going to get hurt jumping around like that. And Gemma! Love you have just recently come back to us” Heather said with her hands on her hips

“It’s Max’s fault auntie Luna” Gemma shrieked as she ran faster.

“Max! Honestly-”

“Love you mum” Max interrupted.

He heard Ben shout out that they two were being juvenile and that Gemma needed rest not a marathon; but he ignored them. He knew deep down that Gemma wasn’t just healed, but needed to be energised. Why? He didn’t know, he just knew she did

He blinked and tried to focus when he realised that Gemma was not in sight. He stopped abruptly and felt a body hit him from behind. He turned around and saw Maddie rubbing her face from the impact before Ben ran to her and checked her over.

“Sorry magpie. I just lost Gem’s”

“It’s ok. It means my best friend is winning “ She said smugly

Max growled playfully before trying to sniff her out. His father suddenly opened his office door and both he and Liam walked out, talking to the enforcers and warrier who trailed out after them. They all stopped in the middle of the hallway and looked at the trio, their eyes lifting in enquiry.

“Uh Sorry for being loud alpha” Ben said “We were actually-”

“Found her” Max growled after a sniff

He moved forward, smiling at the group before running faster towards the kitchen. He mind-linked Ben and Maddie, telling them he wanted some space for just him and Gemma and that he would see them shortly. The five staff members in the kitchen looked up in surprise before laughing before then went back to cooking what looked like a feast. He smiled at them and almost walked out of the kitchen when he spotted something on the table. Picking up the plate, he walked towards the dark dining area. He knew she was in here even though it was dark. His mate was clever. She had hidden in the smaller dining area, thinking he would look at bigger spaces; but her scent called to him. He knew where she was.

Placing the plate on one of the tables, he turned his back to the table before he picked up the sandwich and took a bite, moaning at the taste, exaggerating the sounds.

“Hmmmm. These are damn good” Max said, smacking his lips

Mind-linking one of the kitchen staff, he asked them to act out a part once they came into the dining room. He smirked, knowing it was cheating and childish but he couldn’t help himself.

“How are the sandwiches sir?” A female omega asked

“Excellent. Could you just make sure there are some more fish finger sandwiches so when Gemma ask’s, she doesn’t know that I have eaten them”

“Of course sir” the omega said as she walked away

Under the table and two tables from the left, Gemma gasped silently as she saw him eat her fish finger sandwiches, She quietly and slowly crawled towards the table where Max was. Every few seconds, she would stop to make sure she wasn’t heard as she watched him devour one sandwich after another, his moan of appreciation making her feel hungrier each time. She finally got under the table where he had placed the plate in. Reaching up slowly, seeing that Max was distracted, she managed to grab one sandwich; eating it within two bites as she tried to keep silent when her taste buds erupted. Reaching up again to grab one more, she edged forward a little bit to get a better hold on the sandwich, when suddenly her wrist was caught and she was gently lifted out from under the table

“Caught ya” Max said triumphantly

“Max!”

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resit the sandwiches” He said smugly

“Maybe I just couldn’t resist you” Gemma whispered

Setting her down by sliding her down his body, they both moaned out as pleasure tangled through them at their bodies contact. Each enjoying the sensations in their own way. Max leaned down and kissed her, his lips demanding over hers. His tongue seeking entry to what he felt was his. Gemma gripped his head, her fingers threading through his hair as she kissed him back. Her body rubbing against his suggestively. Lifting his head up to catch a breath, Max looked at Gemma with lust filled eyes.

“Max” Gemma moaned

“I need you so much! We need some time to ourselves” Max moaned

“Are you two decent?” Maddie said

They both turned to look at her. Maddie had her eyes covered with her hands, her blond hair up in a messy bun, Her black leggings and long pink t-shirt molded to her body like a second skin. Max chuckled as he let Gemma go.

“We’re decent…..for now” Max laughed

“Good!” Maddie laughed

Turning on the light, she smiled “Ben’s going to help dad with something. Gem, We still have an hour or so before meeting auntie Carrie for some training”

“Training?” Max asked

“Yeah. Mammie says there something I need to learn and she has to show me a room where I have to do all this reading” Gemma explained

“So we only have a short time then huh?” Max asked “Well then, guess you better give me the ring so we can get onto the more important stuff”

Gemma put her hands behind her back, her eyes sparkling as she teased him, her body poised for flight. She made a show of slowly taking off the ring, her fingers hovering over Max’s open palm. Just as she was about to drop the ring into his palm, she turned around and took off running, laughing hysterically at Max’s surprised face

“Oh not again you two!” Maddie huffed in amusement as she watched her brother chase Gemma out of the room.

Gemma’s laughter reached everyone who was in the house, their smiles and amused expressions were a welcome change since it had been days, no! Years, since light heartedness and happiness had been around the pack like this. The day Max had left for alpha training, life in the pack had gone on as normal but there had been a subtle shift in the air. Gemma’s heartbreak had been felt by the pack.

As Max ran behind Gemma, he could see her dodge around people as well as darting in and out of various rooms. Just as he got close to her, she would dodgy away again, laughing as her tied ponytail flipped in the air. Gemma kept running and thought to lose him in the basement. She knew that if she managed to leave his sight for just a second, she could confuse him as to where she was. Spotting the basement door, she opened it and ran down the stairs. Suddenly her heart picked up speed, almost as if excitement or fear pushed at it, the adrenaline making her feel dizzy. Not understanding the sensations, she continued down and walked briskly past the empty cells.

“Gem’s. Where you going babe?” Max’s voice could be heard behind her

Gemma couldn’t answer. Her voice froze in her throat; her hand’s clammy. She felt a warm breeze tugging at her senses. Hearing a fluttering of what sounded like wings, Gemma followed the sound on an invisible path to a locked door. Just as Max saw her in front of him, the door opened, the room alight with sunshine and warmth, becoming her in.

“Gem’s! Wait!” Max shouted, his pace quickening towards her

Gemma was in a trance. She took a step into the room, her body swaying to an invincible sound, to music that wasn’t heard by all. Gemma stepped into the room, the room suddenly shifting to welcome the new comer. The fire scones on each wall, light up systematically, one-by-one, before the raised platform in the middle changes from wooden flooring to clear glass and starts to rise higher, moving in a circular motion. As it did so, stairs started to appear in a spiral formation and as it raised up, it too changed to glass. Gemma gasped at the beauty in front of her and when a crystal white chandelier appeared above the raised dias, Gemma marveled at the intricate glass flowers appearing in between the frames on the staircase.

She couldn’t help herself, she stepped forward and had just placed her right white, summer ballerina shoe on the first step; her Blue and white midi summer dress gently flapping in the breeze, when Max reached outside the door and called out to her. Just as he took a step to go into the room, a gust of wind pushed him away and just as he fell back on his backside, he held out his left hand; calling out to her before the door closed shut in front of him. His last vision of Gemma was her face, looking shocked at what happened as they both called out each others name

“Gemmmmmaaaaaaaaaa” Max shouted loudly as he rushed at the door, trying to burst it open.

The door barely shook as he called for his father, Mind-linking his parents, Carrie, Ben and Maddie. His urgent and frantic feeling being blasted out to everyone

Dad! Gemma’s gone! The door’s locked her in!!

Where are you both? What door?

In the basement. The door third on the left when you go past the cells

WHAT? That’s not possible son!

I swear. Just get here!

Maddie and I are just nearly there! Ben said back

“What’s happened Max?”

“Cin! One minute she’s in front of me, next; the door is open and she steps through it. I got such a weird feeling and tried to stop her going but as soon as she stepped through and I got to the door, I got blown back and the door closed on us” Max explained, his worry etched into his face

“Max, what’s going on?” Ben asked as both he and Maddie approached.

Just before he could open his mouth, his father, mother, Liam and Carrie rushed to where they were, worry on their faces. His mother went to him and started looking at his shoulders and started rubbing the redness she saw from him hitting the door. Carrie looks around for Gemma, her eyes stormy. When she saw her daughter, she frowned.

“Cin honey, what are you doing here?

“I was following this little bird. I couldn’t see it, but just kept hearing it’s wings flutter. I think I caught a red tipped wing but I bumped into Ms Snow when she was putting out the food and lost sight of it. Then I just started hearing it and followed it near the basement”

“Where’s Gemma?” Ben asked worriedly, ignoring his sister’s explanation

Max explained what had happened and how Gemma was behind the locked door. When his father turned towards the door, he frowned and shook his head.

“That’s not possible Max” Jon said “There’s only one key and I have it. No one else can get in”

“Dad, I’m telling you, the door was open!” Max said, his body walking up to the door

“No Max, your father’s right” Carrie said with a frown “There’s only ever one key that gets passed to a new keeper. This is that door we told you about, the room that helps us with a book. As a fail-safe, the door automatically closes and locks itself. It’s enchanted to do that”

“Gemma!” Ben shouted as he banged on the door “Gemma are you ok?”

“Gemma!, Can you hear us” Maddie said as she too banged on the door

“Max. I don’t hear anything” Ben said as he looked between his friend and the door

“Dad. I promise.” Max shouted out “She’s in there. Maybe the door is too thick and she can’t hear us but she’s in there”

Grabbing his son’s shoulder in solidation, Jon walked up to the door and took out the key. Everyone watched in awe as the little stick transferred into an intricate detailed key. Maddie and Ben both swore, earning frowns of disapproval from both their parents which they apologised sheepishly. Once Jon put the key into the lock, he pushed open the door and entered the dull room.

“What the f**k?” Max asked, his eyes incredulous

The room was bland. There were no light’s and no stairs. In the middle of the room, a raised circular dias made of wood was the only other item there. As everyone poured into the room, they took in the dusty, grey brick wall and stone floor. The wooden raised platform the only other colour in the room. Max turned round in circle as he took in the size of the room and all that was in it, which wasn’t much

“Gemma!.....Gemma where are you?” Max shouted, cupping his hand around his mouth

“Son. I told, you. She couldn’t have come in here. Not without a key

“I know what I saw. This place looked different. There was a bright light with a chandelier. The scones on the walls were all lit. The platform wasn’t wood but glass and-”

“Glass?” Carrie asked, her voice a whisper

“Yea. The room was bright, white and gold. I’m telling you!” Max shouted

“I think he’s telling the truth” Cindy said quietly

“Look, I get that you kids think that it was this room, but it’s not possible-”

“Forgive me alpha” Cindy said, her voice sounding more mature than normal, She turned to face the group and opened her palm “But If it’s not possible, then why have I just found her engagement ring on the platform?”                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------

Gemma gasped when the door shut with a bang, calling out to Max. She could hear Max calling her name and just as she decided to walk down the platform, a gentle voice called out to her.

“He is safe my child. Don’t worry”

Whipping her head around, Gemma gasped in surprise. There, in front of her, stood a lady as regal and poised as could be. Her slim frame glowing with a golden light, as if the sun was directly behind her, basking her in a warm glow. Her black hair perfectly placed in an intricate bun above her head; a small simple tiara in white diamonds a sparkling contrast to her midnight black hair. She smiled at Gemma and held out her arm, her hands open in invitation. When Gemma looked towards the door, she gasped at the change of decor. Whereas before, there had been just plain walls, now they were painted brilliantly white with white and gold organza see-through material gathered and tied together, creating a false arch way. There were now three windows on each side and again, they had the same archway design with two windows which seemed to be big balconies, their doors open to allow the air in which smelt like fragrant pomegranate with a hint of roses.                                                                                                                      There was a big, twelve tier bright chandelier hanging down in the middle from the ceiling with smaller ones on either side, their shine almost blinding. The ceiling seemed to go on forever, not just in height but also width. The scones on the wall were burning brightly, adding a nice warmth to the room. There was a white, gold and light grey mix of colours in the marble flooring which looked like it had been polished recently since she could see her own reflection in it. Turning back to the patiently waiting lady, Gemma hesitantly put one step forward on the next glass step before quietly asking.

“Who are you? Where am I?”

“Come my love. Let us have a moment to rest before the question begins. I am sure you are tired and thirsty from all that running you did” Her voice musical and sweet

Grasping the glass banner of the spiral staircase, Gemma walked the remainder of stairs up to where the lady stood, still her hands open in welcome. As she reached the top stair, the platform which had been made of glass, now had two long white chairs, along with plump golden cushions and a gold table in the middle. Behind the chairs were gold and white material interwoven in an intricate design before falling in drapes onto the floor, creating mystical looking clouds.

Gemma placed both her hands into the lady’s own and with wide eyes looked down at herself. As soon as she had touched those hands, Gemma felt sparks run along her nerves and her body started to vibrate. Looking down, her mouth opened in shock as she took in white little sparks that floated around her whole being. Before her very eyes, her clothing changed; A light gold tunic flowed from her shoulders, falling to mid-thigh while nipping in at the waist to give her shape. A gold and white twisted belt tying in an elegant bow at the side of her hip.

Below the tunic, a sparkling white, airy, soft trousers fell to the floor with splits at sides to the knee and golden sandals on her feet. When she looked at her arms, she noticed that like the lady who’s hand she had placed her own in, she had on a white and gold intertwined bracelet. While the lady had a small crystal ball in her’s; Gemma’s was plain. When she looked up to her guess’t eyes, she felt peaceful even as she pulled Gemma to sit down in one of the chairs.

“Who are you?” Gemma asked as she settled into the soft seating.

“Call me Lily for now” She said

“Lily” Gemma whispered. Her heart beating erratically.

“Are you my grand or great grandmother?” Gemma asked, even though her heart knew the answer as soon as she had uttered the words

“No my love” She said, pausing before sitting down herself.

She raised her hand as if to wave, and suddenly the door which had previously been made of a steel like substance and wood colour; now opened. The white doors silently glide open to let in three people, all dressed in a similar fashion, their appearance calm and peaceful, quiet. They walked towards the raised platform, each carrying silver trays with coloured closhe’s. Once they placed both feet on a step on the spiral staircase, the staircase moved on it’s own and brought up each person at a time. Gemma gasped, impressed at the display of magick. They neared the table, the first man placed two dessert sized plates in front of each of them before adding two teaspoons each beside them along with a white porcelain teapot, a white and gold jug of milk and a gold sugar canister before he bowed to both and walked away. The stairs now working in the opposite direction and taking him down.

The second person was a female, her face serene as she placed a gold closh in the middle of the table before lifting the lid. Gemma gasped as she looked on wide-eyed to see that under this small closh was an afternoon tea style three tier tray in the middle. The Bottom tier was filled with an assortment of sandwiches, bagels and rolls. The middle tier held various cheeses, crackers and relish or chutney on them while the top tier had small desserts such as little hand made, individual trifles, cheese cakes and oh my! Was that a shot of chocolate?

Once again, the lady bowed before moving away. The third man came forward and placed a single small plate in front of Gemma before placing napkins, glasses, A gold jug and a cold glass bottle of Irn Bru on the table, before he too bowed and moved away. She watched as they left the room, the place quiet and peaceful once again. She knew Lily watched her quietly and when she saw Lily indicated that she should start, Gemma lived the covering over the small plate beside her, curious to see what was under there; before she gasped in delight, her hand reaching over to grab the fish finger sandwiches which were surprisingly warm

“How-?” Gemma asked

“We have been watching” Lily said with a soft smile “Now, I think you should eat. More questions later. Let us enjoy a little sustenance first”

Gemma nodded, eating the fish finger sandwiches. She had finished the plate of six when she realised that she was still hungry. Feeling embarrassed, she looked away, biting her lips.

“Eat Gemma. Transforming and transferring here takes a lot of energy. You will find that, until you have changed fully, each journey will take a lot of energy out of you. To not let yourself be weak, you must eat”

“I transformed and transferred? What is that” Gemma asked even as she reached for a cucumber and tuna sandwich

“It means that you found a way in because you used your abilities or a key. Which allowed you to use your FAE heritage to come here” Lily smiled as she finished eating her own small sandwich.

“I did?” Gemma said in awe

Lily nodded but encouraged Gemma to eat more before speaking. Gemma happily moved onto the cheese and crackers as Lily drank a glass of water. They both moved on to the desserts, both smiling delightfully when they both took a chocolate related dessert. Lily took some Chocolate covered strawberries which Gemma was surprised about since she didn’t see those at first. She took the small shot of chocolate and sipped it lightly, knowing it would be slightly cooler. She was pleasantly surprised when the chocolate was just as warm as if poured fresh out of the chocolate fountain.

Reaching for the hot of tea, she poured herself a generous amount in the white and gold decorated porcelain cup before indicating to Lily who only shook her head and waited until Gemma put the pot down before picking it up herself. Gemma frowned, wondering why when suddenly the tea changed colour and a red coloured tea came out. Gemma looked up in shock.

“Magik. It’s called a Hibiaie - The pot will pour what the person wants to drink at that time. So, you wanted regular earl grey tea. When you poured it, as that was what you desired, it gave that to you. But, as I wanted a red berry herbal tea, I had to touch the pot so it could read my desire and pour accordingly” Lily chuckled

“So can it be anything? Like hot chocolate, or just chocolate or a fizzy drink or wine? What if two people wanted the same thing but not the third or say, a hundred people wanted different things” Gemma asked, her excitement like a live wire around her

“Yes and no. The Pot in front of you allows for twenty guests to take drinks. If, say, I am holding it and I know five people at my table wish to drink the same things and rest differently, then I can pour the correct hot drink. But, as you didn’t know my preference, then a person has to touch it themself. There are pots which are coloured to entertain guests according to numbers. There is a jade green one for up to fifty guest, a royal blue one for one hundred guests and then an amethyst which allows for up to three hundred at one table”

“T...T..Three….Hundred?” Gemma gaped “Where would you even get a table that big!”

“Now this golden jug” Lily said, pointing to the one on the table “is called a Tigoie. Doesn’t have limitations, but it does the same except in terms of non-alcoholic drinks. So milk, water, what you call, fizzy drink, ice-tea etc. You then have a...a...hmmm I guess what looks like your human version of a heather table vase; this again is limitless and has unlimited type of alcoholic drinks and pours the same way”

“So what if it is a non popular almost non existent drink?” Gemma asked, adding milk and sugar to her tea

“If it has ever existed in this world. It is available. Even if it was a drink made up and shared by only two people”

“So what is this then?” Gemma asked, touching the little jug of milk

“Just a jug of milk” Lily chuckled lightly “Usually the person pouring the drink knows how they take it, such as black coffee, with milk sugar or cream etc. so it pours out made. Because you didn’t know, they placed a jug of milk for you here”

“Oh” Gemma exclaimed, impressed

“And as to the chocolate shot. The chocolate or anything in that form will stay warm or to the temperature you would like. It’s the same for food. Our food does not go off or by its sell-by-date unless we, ourself lose our other half and have become fully human”

“That’s possible?” Gemma asked

“Oh yes. But very rarely and even more rarely for the FAE queen unless she willingly gave up her mortality” placing her finished tea down, she helped Gemma up “Now, I think there is some very important information we need to discuss”

Walking Gemma to the stairs, they both stood on the first step before the spiral staircase started to move downwards. Lily kept a hand on Gemma when she thought to step foot off the landing and encouraged her to wait until she moved. Before long, the spiral staircase moved down below the level Gemma had originally stepped on

“Why am I not afraid and so accepting of all of this?” Gemma asked as she twirled a lock of her loose hair

“Because your heart knows that it is among friends and family. That what I speak of, what I represent, is true and light” Lily replied before finally stepping off the glass staircase.

The room was white and lavender in colour with more scones in two meter distances, all the way down the corridor. There were many doors on either side and the floor was made of marble here too but with silver and grey swires. As they walked and Lily spoke, Gemma felt at peace, as if she had been to a message and had a great body cleansing treatment done. Her body felt relaxed, joyful and yet she didn’t know why.

“What I am about to share with you is shocking but true. If we had time, I would not have approached you until then but you are being hunted for even as we speak and for you to train, you must know the truth” Lily said as she stopped in front of a golden painted door.

Looking down the corridor, Gemma could see they had passed several doors before coming to this one. When Lily stopped at this one, Gemma’s heart thudded, her palms becoming sweaty. A feeling of overwhelmedness ran through her body and she started breathing deeply. Lily looked at her with tears in her eyes

“I am sorry for this” She said softly, touching Gemma’s face “Use the pendent my love”

“Pendent?” Gemma asked

“The one given to you by your mother”

“OH” Gemma took the pendent hidden inside of her clothes, and pulled it from under the tunic, the chain appearing around her as the cloaking spell allowed her to see it.

“No, no. You don’t need to take it off. Just rotate it as you do then place your right hand on the door and the door will absorb it by touch” Lily explained, stopping Gemma from taking it off

Within seconds after doing as she was told, the door parted sideways and they both stepped into the room. As the door closed behind them, Gemma’s eyes widened as she looked both in wonder and confusion at the room in front of her. The room was awash with bright white and gold light, as if the heavens bathed the room in blessings. On the left side was a golden coloured bassinet, standing on a gold folding frame. A white rocking chair sat beside it along with various coloured baby toys and teddy bears. On the right hand side, there was a wardrobe which she knew would hold baby clothing, along with more toys. Straight ahead was a big window and she could see a stone balcony.

“I….I don’t understand” Gemma said with a frown

“You have been lied to Gemma. But in this lie, your life was saved” Lily whispered

“Lied to? I don...don’t understand”

It was necessary. Your wolf didn’t know either. This lie was kept from your memory, wiped on the day you were originally born on”

“Who are you? What’s going on? I want to go back!” Gemma said, her breathing exacalating

“Forgive me” Lily whispered

Coming closer she took Gemma’s hand and led her to sit on the rocking chair but Gemma refused. Sighing, Lily caressed Gemma’s face and spoke in a soft tone.

“You know most of the prophecy and your heritage. But you don’t know it all”

“Mamm...i mean Carrie told me about how my mum-”

“Even Carrie does not know and you could not tell her” Lily cut in

“Because just like when this prophecy was foretold, there had been a traitor then, there is one now. There has been one in your mist since the time your parents met. The traitor has been around you all your life and they are seeking you out even now”

“NO!” Gemma whispered

“You know it’s true Gemma. That day your parents were attacked; they were betrayed. Someone told Goine and the rogues where your parents’ secret trail was. That person is among you now. I can smell it from your skin”

“W...who is it?” Gemma asked, terrified of the answer

“I do not know. I have not been among your kind or the human kind for a long time. Gemma, you must be cautious”

“What...I….god! I can’t think” Gemma said, rubbing her forehead in worry

“I will guide you and -”

“Why? Who are you to me” Gemma asked “You said I was lied to. What part?”

“You know the prophecy, that the Astrid line was always attacked and that when the last wolf with a little bit of colour was born, after her would be the Astrid, born to her mother; the last link”

“Yes and that I had been born and I was born with a white coat” Gemma repeated the line Carrie had said

“Yes, but there is a part of the story that you, that no one except the original people who know”

“Original?” Gemma asked

“A long time ago, a thousand years, seven months, thirty nine days, 4 hours and eight seconds to be precise. A fae princess fell in love with a werewolf on the day of her coronation and arranged engagement-”

“Oh yes! Carrie said that they didn’t have any problems until-”

“That was a lie. A lie told to prevent the secret from coming out before it needed to” Lily cut in

“W...what do you mean?” Gemma asked, her eyes now wide with fear

“This princess and werewolf met on that day in the garden and then went back to the part. At that time, there was no prophecy because they had yet to mate. The Royal court were disgusted and disapproved of the mate, of the interspecies mating, creating beings too powerful to control. So there was a plot. An arranged assassination”

“By her intended who she ditched?” Gemma quessed

“You would think so but no. The princess spoke to Prince Edward of the Monsie Fae Court, another royal FAE but from the USA. She explained how they feel in love and how both she and her mate never expected this. He was understanding and sympathetic because the girl he loved was part wolf and part human and he also knew she was his mate but he couldn’t have protected her if there was an attack due to her human side. The chances of her surviving were slim. He in turn was going to speak to the princess and ask her for her help as he knew her power was great, after all; she was the Astrid”

Gemma listened intently, her mind absorbing all the information even as some part of her knew that the ending of this story would be either sad or shocking. As Gemma finally sat on the rocking chair, Lily paced up and down as she continued to explain the story

“The princess met with the girl and they became fast friends. Deciding she would help them, she made a plan to help the two lovers escape, but told the princes that her power would make them both equal. Fae and werewolf. They both agreed, after all; it was the best of both worlds. The princess settled them both in what you now call France in the human world and not the FAE world”

“There’s two worlds?” Gemma asked, astonished

“They’re actually eight, all with different entry points in and out of earth” Lily smiled.

“Wow” Gemma exclaimed

For a while everything was quiet. Gradually everyone got over the princess and the wolf incident and even celebrated their mating when it happened but not everyone was truly happy about this. The prince was missing and people had thought that it was he who didn’t want the alliance. The princess managed to keep the peace for a long time until the day she became pregnant with her first child. Her mate was thrilled but on the day that her mate had planned to have a special dinner party for the princess, due to a bad storm; they gave shelter to a passing seer. This seer was cold and unloving unlike others. This seer didn’t like to help people much and she was well known for her surliness; but on this occasion she told the princess and her mate of treachery within their midst. That an assassination attempt would be made on their child and mate to stop any further power mixing. The princess and her mate tried to find out who the traitor would be and slowly they dwindled it down to three people, her father, her uncle and her mother’s sister who had been jealous of her beauty. But they would never find out because when there was an assassination attempt, The had used a maniquines body and altered the appearance to look like the princess. The wolf’s beta told them of a plot to kill the child and so she was placed with a human family to mask her Astrid scent”

Gemma looked at Lily in wonder as she settled in comfortably in the rocking chair and nearly gasped aloud when a warm blanket appeared out of thin air and settled around her shoulders, wrapping her in warmth. Lily smiled and touched Gemma’s black hair, touching her blanket covered shoulder in support

“She was brought to the human world and their scent masked the princess well. Her killer’s looked for her everywhere but couldn’t find them. They had a son and on the day he was born, she met a seer who seeked her out. A friend of the family who had originally helped her escape. She told her of the prophecy and told her a secret so big that it broke her mates heart”

“What was it?” Gemma asked, engrossed into the story

“Shhh. Let me tell you how it was first. Her son was four when she sent word to the prince FAE and his mate, asking for their help. They had lived in the human world for so long that they two had forgotten how it used to be, their mind cloaked to protect them. The princess remembered her kindness and travelled back to Scotland where the princess and her mate lived with their boy” Lily walked to the bassinet and lovingly touched it, her hand lingering over the white blanket inside “The year before they decided to help them, the Astrid princess gave birth to twin girls”

“Twin girls! B...but…”

“She had been so happy, ecstatic. Until, her mate’s beta found them. He came bearing bad news, his demeanor changed. He took his alpha out to the woodson a lie and took him to a trap where he attacked him, his greed for the power he know the alpha had due to being mated to the Astrid”

“Nnnnoooo” Gemma cried

“Yes. Leaving his alpha to die, he went back and attacked the Astrid, seeking her children for his own. To devour their power.” Lily sobbed “She fought with all her might and she would have won, but she was betrayed. Her human father who was fragile and dying, wanted immortality. And so, he took one of the girls for himself”

“No...please…” Gemma begged, her eyes closing in pain

“And killed her” Lily cried, her hand covering the sob escaping from her “The Astrid felt the tearing of motherhood when the soul of that child left this world. The beta went mad when he realised this and tried to get the second one but suddenly her alpha mate appeared and they fought. He killed the beta, but he was severely injured, would die. She took a part of her mortality and gave it to him. Now she was only part FAE. Her small son had taken his surviving sister and hidden her in a small fake cupboard that no one knew was there. It was two days later when another seer visited because she was a friend of the family and she risked her life to come warn them….as the prophecy had now been written with the death of her second born”

“A…..and the baby?” Gemma sked, crying softly

“Was taken and buried out near a special hibiscus garden behind the house….or so we thought”

“I don’t understand”

“The human who betrayed the Astrid was killed by his wife, a woman who was a mother to the princess for a long time. She had taken an already dead baby and instead, put that baby in the place of her real daughter”

“Why?”

“Because the seer told her a big secret” Lily whispered

“What secret?” Gemma asked, her body shivering slightly

“That this second born child, was born to have her line continued but not as a powerful FAE. You see, the first born daughter was to be the Astrid after her mother. Even more powerful than her mother actually and so she would be seeked out, her line murdered for their power. The second daughter, by the name of Lily, lived. She grew up and it is her line that went on until you’re mother Lily and father Peter”

“So, I’m the direct descendant of Lily? That means I’m not the Astrid? Wait...what happened to the first daughter?”

“Let me explain. The princess and the alpha found out a week after all this happened that their son would be a powerful seer, an immortal seer and that he would guide his sister to becoming the Astrid. The alpha found out that his second daughter was now taken back to the FAE world to be trained as if she was the Astrid. The alpha tried to bring his daughter back but he was ambushed. When he was once again on death’s door, the seer who helped them with the prophecy advised them to cloak themselves until it was time for the Astrid to grow, to live and take over. She told them that due to the alpha’s power, the cloaking herbs only helped so much and his scent would get stronger as his daughter grew older and once again, assassin’s would seek them out. And so, the alpha sacrificed his immortality to become human”

Gemma gasped, her heart beating wildly. Her eyes leaking tears she didn’t even know she was shedding.

“Gemma. The prophecy was deliberately written wrong so that the real Astrid could arise when it was time” Lily said “There is a traitor in your midst and what I am about to tell you now; you can not utter to anyone. Not even to your mate. At least not until so go to the Balkan Mountains where you will be trained and protected”

“WHAT?” Gemma shrieked “How could I go there?! Mammie won’t let me without her. She'll have a fit! and Max. Jeez, not to mention the rest!”

“You must find a way. It’s the only way. Your Vo-suie-”

“I don’t have my own Vo-Suie. Carrie was mum’s but when she died, Carrie became mine”

“No, that’s not possible” Lily whispered, her eyes wide

“It is. Carrie thinks my Vo-Suie is either still in training or dead” Gemma explained

“I will look into this. There has to be an explanation. But we are getting off track” Lily said “You asked what happened to the first daughter. The princess took on all the advice of the seer and agreed that her soon would also train under her. But in order for the Astrid to pass and be safe, she was told that Lily’s line, the last wolf with any colour would be the mother of the Astrid in the human world”

“Meaning me. Mum was called Lily”

“Yes, you’re mother was called Lily but she wasn’t your mother”

“I...I don..n’t understand” gemma stammered

“The seer had prophesied her death, the first born. The Astrid’s, if she was to grow old and alive then. The only way to make sure the Prophecy worked was to hide her”

“Hide her how?”

“She was taken back to this place, the FAE world, her room decorated to show that she was hearso we could trick her would-be killers and betrayers”

“This is her room” Gemma exclaimed, jumping up

“Yes”

“Then where is she?”

“She was hidden in a secret playhouse, in a capsule. Enchanted not to awaken until the time was right. Put to sleep as a week old baby. Until her mother could lift the spell and allow her to be born again”

“T...that doesn’t make sense”

“For a thousand years, seven months, thirty nine days, 4 hours and eight seconds to be precise” Lily repeated “The princess kept her daughter under an enchanted spell. Through the ages, Lily’s line continued and finally the last werewolf was born with very little colour on her coat and the princess knew it was time for the Astrid to be re-born and she was”

"I...Please...I don’t understand. You say i’m the Astrid but then this sounds like I am not. Just tell me the truth” Gemma cried out

“Your mother Lily and Peter were approached by the seer many years ago, telling them that it was time, that you were ready to be born….again”

“Again?”

“For a thousand years, seven months, thirty nine days, 4 hours and eight seconds I had been waiting for you to be born. Your temporary mother Lily wanted you so much even though she knew her fate. Even though I knew that MY daughter Lily’s line would end with your mother Lily”

“WHAT?” Gemma whispered, her face pale “A...are...you-”

“The first daughter of the princess Astrid was called Gemma….for a thousand years, seven months, thirty nine days, 4 hours and eight second I have waited to meet you, my love” Lily said as she caressed Gemma’s face lovingly

“No” Gemma whispered

“Yes. You asked me who I was and if you are the Astrid. I am that princess that I spoke about. I am your true mother and you have been asleep until I took you out of the enchantment my love. It was your sister Lily’s line that continued on until your other mother. You were the first born who was born without any colour and Lily with a black dipped tail. You were never a reincarnation nor ever needed essence to grow into your power’s because it is you who is the original” Lily bent down and lovingly caressed her daughter’s face, her eyes now awash with tears as her lavender eyes came out of their hiding “you are the true Astrid. The true Queen of the Order-to-be and i am your blood mother Princess Lily, the Queen of FAE ”