The Alpha's Human Mate

Truth, Lies and Lavender Eyes

Gemma blinked as she tried to process what she saw but she had to push it to the back of her mind as she, Max, Maddie and Cindy ran behind her mother and a younger Gemma.

“Gemstone-”

“I can’t max. Not just now. Please” Gemma said, blinking her eyes rapidly to stop the tears from flowing. 

“Wait, ben’s still with the parents at the fight scene” Maddie screamed worriedly

No one paid attention to Maddie as they followed Lily, observing their surroundings and taking in as much information as they could.

Zipping and cutting through different paths and trees, Lily held Gemma close to her as she made her way home, the dread that had started at the beginning of the day intensifying. Her powerful hearing picked up the sounds of wolves behind her as they followed her home. Leaping onto the porch of the house, Lily couldn't believe that it was only a few moments ago that she,Peter and Gemma had left this house and had been on the way to the pack house. She now knew that they had been betrayed. Someone out of their small circle who knew what was going to happen and the plan, had betrayed them. 

Ripping the door off its hinges, Lily ran into the living room and started systemically pressing and moving what looked like ornaments, but were in fact concealed buttons; as the silver covered steel bar started shutting down around the room so that it created a secure room. Lily made her way to the kitchen as she looked out at the garden, making sure nothing and no one was there. Seeing it was empty, she changed back into her human form, Gemma hanging on her hip. Kissing her head in reverence, Lily touched her daughters hair, remembering the feel of her daughter in her arms as she looked at her, knowing it was for the last time.

“Ok pumpkin. We are going to play the hide and seek game ok. I need you to stay in that secret room and do not open the door and don’t come out. Do you remember how to know if you are safe to come out?” 

“Yes mummy. I have to sit in the room and if the room goes lilac colour like my necklace then that means it is ok. But daddy said I still have to wait because the door will open from the outside and because you put magic on it, no one can hear me and only someone special will be able to come get me” Gemma said, nodding her head

“Yes baby” Lily nodded in approval “pumpkin, when we get to the tree house and I put you the special room. That might be the last time you see mummy ok”

“Why?” Gemma innocently asked

“Because pumpkin. Some very bad people are trying to find us so mummy has to fight them” Lily said sadly, her eyes now awash with tears “Mummy might have to go away for a while”

“Have I been a bad girl?” Gemma asked worriedly

“Oh no baby! Never ever think that! One day you will understand but you need to know something but you must keep it a secret. You can only tell this secret to your own Vo-Suie. You remember what that is don’t you?”

“It’s like Max. The way he takes care of me and protects me” Gemma said, her face lighting up

“And do you remember why?” Lily asked even as her eyes darted around the garden area

“Because I am going to be the queen and I will have a king and because everyone will listen when I tell everyone to play nice and not be mean” Gemma said in her childish manner “and that I will be two magic and I will need to sleep to get the second magic”

Lily rubbed her nose against her daughters, knowing that Lily didn’t remember the words correctly or accurately but knowing that in this instance, it would save her life. That the incorrect wording would save her from the traitor but allow the right protector to help her. She knew there wasn’t much time left and she had to get Gemma into the tree house. Opening the back door in the kitchen, she stepped out with her daughter and walked right up the thick solid oak tree and climbed up the sturdy ladder that Peter had built and placed Gemma on the step above her own before encouraging her to keep going. 

Once they both reached the top which was pretty high up, Lily opened the little painted Golden door and while Gemma could walk in, Lily used her knees to enter. Inside, the space was pretty big.Two wooden walls were painted sparkly Gold and two painted white. On the left side from the door, there was a small childrens play kitchen with a fake cooker and sink and beside it a basket which had real packets of crisps, jelly sweets and also small juice boxes. On the right, Peter had placed three different coloured, plump beanbags and there were a couple of multicoloured fleece blankets placed on top of them.                                                                                                                                                                                               The golden wall in front of them had small frames filled with pictures taken when the children were playing games, at birthdays or even when they were out.  Each frame had Sophie in them but in some of the pictures there were ones of Gemma and Maddie arm-in-arm, three of Gemma with just Max, two with Gemma and Ben and one big one with all the kids. Each one represents an innocent, fun filled life where they were loved and together. Placing Gemma in front of  a specific picture of her and Max, Lily took out the necklace from her daughter's hidden coat.

“Ok Pumpkin. Show me what daddy told you to do”

Taking the necklace from her mother's hand, Gemma placed her right hand over the faces of her and Max, took the necklace and twisted it until the top glowed before placing it beside the top of the frame. Suddenly the frame started closing in itself into little cubes, and as she took her hand away, the full frame disappeared before a golden light started from the bottom left of the wall and crawled up quickly, the light making the outline of a door.  Gemma walked through the door and Lily crawled through until finally she was able to stand, the clear door now closing behind them. The spell allowed the people inside the room to look out through the door, as if it was glass.                                                                                                                                                                                                 Yet from the otherside, a person would think it was a plain wall as the door had now vanished and the wall with the picture frame was back in place. Lily looked around the room, a room spelled by her and her wolf to protect Gemma. It was big enough for three adults to sleep in, with a double bed and a twin bunk bed pushed to the right hand side wall. On the left, this time, there was a working kitchen that had a fully functioning fridge with dry goods in the cupboards, orange and fizzy juice stored in the fridge. There was another smaller room that had a bathroom and a working shower. There was a tv in the main room that was set up to allow for recorded items to be watched. Lily took Gemma and sat her on the bed and placed a blanket over her knees before going to get a small bag of snacks and gave them to her.

Something is coming. We must go now! Her wolf said to Lily

With her heart breaking, Lily lovingly looked at her daughter, knowing that it would be for the last time. Using her hand to sweep a lock of Gemma’s hair away from her face, then lightly touching her arms and finally taking her small, soft hands into hers; she kissed the tips of Gemma’s fingers. Committing her face to memory, Lily kissed the top of her head and looked down into her grey eyes, her own eyes now changed to lavender and her wolf spoke

“You are so beautiful my little pup. We are so proud of you and what you will become. Just remember that one day, when you are ready. We will meet again but for now, mummy needs to go”

“When will you come back?” Gemma asked 

“Not for a long time, but Auntie Luna and Carrie will keep you safe until you get your own Vo-Suie. I wish I could be there for your change but I will be there in spirit. I will speak to you soon, love. Just know that mummy and daddy love you”

“Are you going to go sleep with daddy?” Gemma asked

Taking a deep breath and trying not to cry, Lily just smiled. As she took Gemma’s hand in her’s, Kiora’s eyes flashed and she leaned down to sniff the pup before lightly growling in communication, testing to see if what she suspected was true. Gemma copied her mother, before suddenly her eyes changed from grey to lavender, her hands turning into little claws. When Gemma spoke, it wasn’t her voice but a voice that held much maturity beyond her years.

I am here. I…..WE will protect her. He is already on his way.

I always felt that she would be the one. To meet you now….protect her always and keep her hidden. We have a traitor in our midst. Kiora said quietly

We do. I already have my suspicions. We will meet again soon mother, for once our full potential is released, I will be unstoppable.

You know that in order to be fully released you will need to-

Yes. Do not say any more for it will remain in her head even if I try to block the thought. Our pup is surprisingly smart and strong willed Gemma’s wolf said with pride

She is Kiora nodded proudly. How I wish I was here to guide her and be there, but I know what needs to happen. I love you my pup, may you stay safe and well until the time is right. Until we meet again Astrid, Queen of the supernaturals.

Kissing her daughter once more before hugging her tight, Lily walked up and went to the door before crawling back out. She looked back at her daughter for the last time as tears slowly run down her cheeks, her hand sending her a blowing kiss which Gemma smiled at before the door disappearing behind her. Taking a deep breath and wiping away the tears, Lily resolved herself to her fate as she spoke to her wolf for the last time

Together Lily said determinedly

Together. Kiora replied back Our pup will bring forth the changes that will benefit the world and not just the supernaturals. Let’s help her achieve it.

Lily nodded. Stepping down from the tree house, she turned and walked towards the open door of the kitchen. Her thoughts on the traitor and her daughter's future without her, Lily acted as if she couldn’t hear the approaching footsteps behind her. She knew this person was smart since they were able to get through Peter’s safety guards, she just didn’t know who it was that was that powerful and could break the barriers.

“You know, you really should pay attention to your surroundings better Lily, but saying that; Kiora was always aware wasn’t she?” The uppity voice said behind her

Stiffening in shock, Lily turned around and faced the one person she didn’t expect. Looking at his face, she stumbled as she walked backwards; her mind trying to adjust to the image in front of her

“Bas…….Bastian? H...How is this….no...no!” Lily muttered. 

“Where is she Lily?” He asked, his voice unhurried and smooth

“Yo..you can’t be him” Lily whispered, her eyes still wide

Lily calm down. Kiora said, her voice strong in her head. See him as I do, although the shock is still not any better; he is not our dead brother

Calming her breathing, Lily focused her mind on the image of her dead brother before her eyes and realised that his outer body had a forcefield around it. She immediately knew that the image before her was a lie and was created to give off a false sense of family. 

“Reveal yourself. If you are so powerful, surely you don’t need a false image to win against me” Lily said, her voice now stronger, her body poised for battle

“You really are stronger and smarter than the seer said, which means that our little Gemma will be stronger, if not the Astrid. But see, if she lives….we will forever be bowing down to the humans; to anyone who thinks they are above us”

“You are from the the house of Fae” Lily said, her eyes finally opening to the truth

His face changed from shock, to awe before smirking. A light blue and white light hovered over his face before it changed to his actual appearance. His white hair was half tied back behind his slightly pointed ears while the rest brushed his shoulders, a mix of pleated and loose hair with silver and gold beads placed randomly. His crystal blue eyes looked at Lily with cunniving intelligence as his eyes darted around the garden. 

“Where is she?” He asked

“Far away from you Goine!” lily said

“WHERE IS SHE?” He bellowed, his eyes flashing between lavender and blue

“How could you betray our family like this! Your own brother? My father! How could you!” Lily spoke with anger

Goine laughed harshly, his voice loud in the quiet garden before he quieted down and looked at Lily with hate in his eyes.

“We were twins. WE were meant to be the most powerful beings but your father” He spat “The merciful, the benevolent, pathetic lover of life! He made us weak! He wanted to create a council where one from each supernatural body would represent their kind so they could be equality. When the seer visited after the birth of you and Jayden and she said that you two could bring about the Astrid; your father worried. Instead of rejoicing, he worried that the power would go to your head. He wanted his children to be humble when we were fae! And not just any fae but ROYALTY!” Goine shouted, his hands fisted at his side

“Having power doesn’t make you royalty” Lily responded back

“I’m not surprised your father kept this from you. Did you never wonder Lily, why we all stayed in such grand homes? Why we age so slowly? We aren’t just descendants of Royalty because we are fae. We are the royalty! The Astrid wasn’t some great grandmother; she was MY mother! Your grandmother after being reincarnated”

Lily’s eyes widened and she shook her head in denial “No, no way. Dad would have told me!”

“Your father was spineless. He thought we would all hold hands and sing kumbaya! She was reincarnated in the form of our mother and had blessed her daughter's line, my sister, Evangeline’s line with the prophecy. Apparently she wasn't going to be able to come back another time if she was killed. She went to some seer who advised her what to do. So I tried to to get Eva on my side; that we weren’t feeble, weak people and should be showing the others our power, not bowing down to them” Goine anger intensifying at each words

“But she didn’t. I remember Auntie Eva being gentle and kind” Lily interrupted even as she gathered her strength for the inevitable fight that would come to pass

“She was like our brother. Thinking that we could help turn the tide and band everyone together. Then she visited a different seer. One who was from our family and yet there was no record of him. Some f*****g original decendent. They wouldn’t tell us brother’s but when they came back, mother took me in a separate room to speak to me, while Eva spoke to your father. But it was all a plan! Mother separated us because Eva was going to pass on her power to your father because she had been told of her demise! When I realised mother was stalling for time, it was too late. I thought after killing my brother and sister, I would get the power but no. For years I believed that the power was lost until on your 40th birthday,  your eyes changed. We all had Lavender eyes yes, but that day in the garden when you thought you were being attacked; you changed. Not just into a wolf but a hybrid wolf and I knew then that Eva had passed on the power. You and your brother were twins and yet as always, the boy seems to always be murdered-”

“You killed him!” Lily screamed out

“Yes. I did because the power was always meant to be given to a male heir, and mother or the mood goddess or whoever; decided to change it and it went to a female so imagine my surprise when it wasn’t him. He changed into a white wolf and I assumed he was to be the Astrid because there wasn’t any colour on his coat; only after killing him did I realise that he had a small streak of colour on his underbelly, barely visible unless he fully turned on his back”

“He was innocent!” 

“He was a fool!” Goine spat out “Weak just like his pathetic father! It was only after killing him and your younger sister did I realise that the power must have passed onto you for your line to carry it on. So for years I kept you close, watching you and planning while playing the loving uncle until I had a brilliant idea. What if I became that future child's father? What if I, in my wisdom, planted my seed inside and that child was born to me and then I could take that power. After all, the Astrid would live with her partner for many years before her own children would be born, but while she grew up, her power would also be shared with her parents until she had her first period and became a woman. I could have harvested it and killed both you and her and the power would bounce back to me!”

He's insane! That would never have worked!! Kiora said

Do you hear him! He wanted to rape me! Lily said, her rage and disgust at her uncle's thinking making her sick

“But then there was another attack on our family from an outsider; a vampire clan who wanted the power for themselves and we all split up. You ran from us and cloaked yourself so thoroughly that for many years I couldn’t find you. It was over sixty years before there was a sighting of an almost pure white wolf. The only way I knew if you were alive was to send someone to check if a Vo-Suie was still alive and training because that means they were still waiting to protect their WiOfa. Imagine my surprise when I found not one but two of them” He laughed, his eyes crazy yet his diminuer calm

Lily looked at her uncle, her hands fisting and unfisting in agitation as she took in what he said, the implication incomprehensible.

“That’s right, there are two Vo-Suie’s which means that the prophecy of betrayal will come true. Mother tried to stop that happening and yet look at that” Goine said as he clapped his hand, opening them wide then as if addressing an audience “She couldn’t control everything. Your daughter will either be the Astrid or the child after her will and I want her. Where is she Lily?” 

“I will never tell you” Lily spat

“Give her to me and I will spare you. Give her to me and you will live to see her grow instead of being dead like that worthless human mate that you had”

“Peter was a hundred times the man that you could ever be!” Lily growled in anger “He may not have been able to shift be he knew what was important”

“Pathetic! Just like the rest of them! You could have been something great and instead you choose to be weak and I will enjoy killing you. Once I do, I will enjoy taking Gemma and making her my own” Goine smiled evilly 

“Never!” Lily said

With that, she shifted. Her hybrid form was more powerful than her wolfen one as she now stood on two hind legs, her body growing until she reached around Goine’s 6’4 height; her eyes now lavender in colour as her hands shifted into leather claws. Her jaws became powerful and her canines like razors. She let out a chilling growel as she advanced towards her enemy.

Goine looked at his niece with pride before his eyes shifted to lavender also. Using his Fae body, Goine used his fae magic to fight, his hands creating a blue plasmic energy ball which he threw at Lily as she dodged it coming towards him. Lily fought against the magic her uncle used to try to throw off her descent until finally she was close enough to take a swipe at his torso, her razor claws cutting him deep enough to make him bleed. Shouting out in anger he called forth a wormhole in which he pushed her through before opening another portal close to his hand and as she fell out of it, he punched her cheek, causing her to fall back a step, the force the impact turning her face to the side.

Fighting each other with different measures of power, each of them managed to damage the other in small ways but Lily was starting to tire. She had always believed that she wouldn’t find her mate nor have any children so all those years in hiding which should have been spent honing her fighting skills; she spent trying to keep from being found. Kiora slashed at Goine’s back and he fell on one knee before cutting one palm and placing it on the ground, using it to shake the area and shift the ground under them. Kiora’s legs trembled from trying to keep upright. She jumped onto Goine and lifted him up before throwing him away from her, breaking his energy with the ground. As he flew back, he threw out three spikes of energy, just like spears, that flew towards Kiora who managed to miss two of them, the third hitting her left shoulder.

Kiora roared out in anger and pain, her shoulder now burnt and oozing with rotten flesh and blood. Using her fae power, Lily and Kiora created their own energy blast, a mix of white and blue, sparks hovering around their fingers before blasting it out to Goine who deflected most of it. Knowing she was growing weak, Kiora knew that the time was near for the next phase; a phase her uncle didn’t know about. That Lily had to die so her daughter could live because if Lily lived, then Gemma would in fact die. But she wanted to take this fucker out with her. If she would kill him then that would be one less betrayal to worry about. 

With one mighty push, Lily gave over her full energy to Kiora, knowing that in doing so, the human/fae half of her would soon be no more. Kiora took the energy and with all the power she had left, swiped at Goine’s face, her intention to cut off his head; however, just at that moment, he opened another portal behind her and just as she cuffed the side of his head, a being stepped out from the portal and behind her; a hand grabbing her away from Goine even as the being plunged in a black dagger into her side. Roaring out in pain, Kiora instantly weakend, her blood flowing copiously as she falls to the ground. 

“f**k! She caught me! You took your time!” Goine said as he clutched his bleeding head

The claws had caught the side of his head and blood was flowing freely. He struggled getting up but once he did, he looked at Lily who was now back to her human form, her hybrid form too weak to shift. She clutched her side, trying to stem to blood flow even as more blood escaped from the side of her mouth. Goine kicked her in the stomach and sent her crashing back to the ground, her body shaking from the poison on the dagger. Pulling out the dager, Lily finally got a good look at him and gasped. He looked like her father yet he was a demon. His body red all over, his black eyes were big slits and his nose an odd shape on his big face, but his hair! That family tell-tale white blonde long hair to his shoulders.

“Meet Cocariotiues, or rather in human words - Conner. You’re half uncle” Goine laughed as he stood over Lily’s broken body

“What?” Lily gasped

“Oh father never cheated on mum” He laughed ”well, at least not willingly. I found out from another seer who was on my side and wanted to shift the balance of power, she told me that if I could get father’s essence then she could fuse it with a demon who would be willing to help us with getting the power. Since that was hard to do, I took some of his blood and hair and she was able to use her magic and altered the demon’s appearance and made her look like my mother for a whole day. Dear ol dad f****d her six ways to sunday, thinking she was his mate even as mother was dying in another room”

“Y...You..si..ck bast..ard!” Lily coughed up blood, her eyes watering as she realised how far the treachery had gone.

“It worked. His mother helps us all the time and the great thing is his talent. He’s a shapeshifter and since he is part family, he is able to do many things we can”

“N...no..” Lily whispered

“You were a fool Lily. We could have shared the power. Now you will leave her unprotected” Goine said, his breathing haggard from his blood loss.

“Her Vo-Suie will protect her-”

“Or betray her. I know the prophecy to remember” He said, his evil smile contorting his face sickeningly

“You might want to take care of that” Conner said, his hand gesturing to the blood at the side of his head”

“Where is she!?” Goine bellowed

“Fu..uck you” Lily groweled out

Looking around the garden, he saw the children's house on the ground as well as the tree house hidden by the thick tree branches. Smiling down at her, Lily tracked both of their movements calmly, secure in the knowledge that they wouldn’t find Gemma. While Conner checked the playhouse, kicking open the small door and pearing in; Goine climbed up the ladder and after a couple of kicks, threw open the wooden door and went inside on his knee. He flung out the beanbags and started hitting the floorboards. Lily saw his hand punch through the floor followed by profanities and curses. 

She is safe and he is not far Kiora said, her voice sounding far away

We have saved her Lily said

I am only sorry that I could not save you Lily. I would gladly die and leave you to live and be with our pup if there was a way Kiora said sadly

I know Kiora. You have been a true friend. I would never give you up so easily but thank you for the offer.

I, Kiora of the fae and wolf; give to you, my last power so you may try to live longer. Goodbye Lily and with that Kiora gave her life force so Lily may live a little longer

NOOOooooo KIORA! Lily shouted internally at her wolf but it was too late. Lily felt the emptiness inside of her as her wolf died and for the first time in over 200 years she was truly alone

Lily opened her eyes, not even aware she had closed them. Goine stepped up beside her, a sneer on his mouth as he took in her bleeding form.

“Why hasn’t she died yet?” Conner asked,

“Because even though she is a mutt, she still has fae blood. She is powerful but she will die soon. Know this Lily….I will find her. I will never stop hunting her and when I have her, I will feed on her essence; even if it mean I have to f**k her myself. I WILL have her power!” saying that Goine walks away as Conner opens a portal.

Just before they walk through it, Goine turns around and with a evil and sadistic laugh, he breaks Lily with his next words

“Good luck finding the traitor before you die Lily” 

With that parting shot, both Goine and Conner stepped through the portal and disappeared. Lily finally lets out the tears that she held at bay and cried for her daughter who was just an innocent in the power struggle. She cried for Peter and how he held his ground until his last breath. She cried for all she had lost on this day, her best friend and confidant, Kiora. She thought about all the happier times she had with everyone and how she had found the lover of her life, her true mate. But also how someone she loved, would be a traitor in the group.

“Auntie Lily” 

Opening her eyes to look at the beloved face of Max, Lily choked out a cry of delight even as more blood trickled out of her mouth and her side, the dagger still embedded in. 

“Max” Lily whispered

But Max wasn’t paying attention. Looking around urgently, Max started running around the garden, his face falling and pale when he saw the wrecked playhouse was empty. Looking up towards the treehouse he made his way over before Lily’s words stopped him

“She’s safe Max. But you can only find her if you know where to look”

Max climbed up and into the treehouse, his heart beating rapidly. Seeing the trashed treehouse with holes in the floorboards, he walked carefully around them and stood quietly in the middle of the room.

“Gemstone” He uttered quietly, using the nickname he privately kept for her, for the first time

“I’m here Max” He heard her voice softly in the wind

Opening his eyes further, he looked around the room, his nose picking up her scent but he couldn’t see her

“Help me find you Gemstone” Max whispered

“Max, I’m here. Find me Max” Gemma said

“I’m here” a new voice said “Let him help you find us”

Let me out Max. I can find her Maxsius said

Max was conflicted. It was unheard of for anyone so young to have a wolf or for the wolf to speak to them but Maxsius had come to him a year ago on his birthday. After everyone had finished wishing him good night, Maxsius had spoken for the first time and yet Max hadn’t been scared. In fact, he had been pleased and knew that something big was going to happen in his life for him to have had his wolf in his life so young. It was a few months later when Gemma had gotten her’s and again Gemma had also decided not to tell anyone about their wolves.

Closing his eyes, Max let his wolf take over, his breathing slow and even as Maxsius opened his eyes and saw the room change before him. He saw the enchantment on the walls and he saw Gemma sitting on the bed, her wolf in her eyes. Maxsius smiled lovingly and stepped up to the wall. Seeing an inscription that was only visible to him, he read it aloud

“Lavender eyes, behold it here,

Your mate has yet to be found,

But do not fear.

Her scent calls to you, your heart does sing

But you must find your own key within,

Take a step and place it above your heart,

Both face, not to depart,

Then whisper her name of the three sides,

And it will open, let your heart be the guide

For within these walls are the treasure you seek, 

But only a true mate that can complete”

Max stayed quiet and patient as he repeated the words in his head. Both he and Maxsius smiled as they figured it out easily. Walking up to the golden coloured wall, Max ran his eyes lovingly over the many picture frames hung up before deciding to take a step beside one where it was just him and Gemma in the frame. He placed his left palm over the picture, covering the middle of both their faces. Closing his eyes and bending his face be whispered out

“Gemma, Jianna, Evie, The Astrid you are three” before he lifted his head and opened his eyes

Maxsius was now present but so was another. When he opened his eyes, they had changed and were now lavender. Looking at the picture where his hand was placed, he repeated the name, his eyes flashing brightly after each one. Suddenly, the door opened as it had previously, the frames closing in itself as small boxes and disappearing before a large door opened and as he walked through, Gemma looked back at him intently before calling his name and running to him.

Maxsius picked up Gemma and looked into her lavender eyes. He smiled as he looked back at the two being in front of him

“Hello little mate. I have longed to speak to you”

“And I you Maxsius” Jianna said

Holding her tighter inside the room, the door closed around them just as Max’s ear picked up an agonized sound of pain from below. Hearing the numerous voices, he knew the adults had come and found Lily who sounded like she was barely holding on.

“I will always protect you. You know what this means right?” Maxsius asked

“Yes. I knew the day we both met but you also know that these humans are too young for what is required of them. I must protect her at all cost Maxsius”

“And I will help you. You are my mate Jianna and I long to be with you. They may be too young, but even now they feel the bond. They won’t be able to hold themselves back”

“Oh goddess! Where is she?! GEMMAAAA….GEMMMAAA!” Carrie shouted, her tortured voice loud.

“We should go down. I know they are family but there is a traitor among us and I do not want any of them to know about this room Maxsius. At all!” Jianna said

Nodding his head, Maxsius and Jianna let their human come back and they both held hands as Max helped her out of the room and back into the treehouse. He called out from the treehouse as he started to come down, making sure Gemma followed him safely

“I’ve got her mum, we’re coming down”

“Max?” Heather asked “W...What?...Ho...How are you here?” Heather asked, shocked.

Once the children reached the ground safely, Carrie ran to Gemma, took her into her arms and turned her so she couldn’t see her mother, before she put a glamour spell around them, stopping her from seeing her mother in that state. Suddenly Jon, Liam and Heather gasped loudly as they looked at Max

“Max” Jon whispered “Your eyes. Their lavender”

“No...No” Heather whispered, going to Max and bending down to look at her son

“It's always been him Heather. They both received their wolves this year on their birthdays” Lily said, her voice a low whisper

“Impossible. They don’t get their wolves until their 13” jon said, his eyes wide

“You know Gemma is the Astrid-”

“I know you think Max is a guardian but-”

“No Heather. He’s her mate” Lily coughed

Everyone went silent before Heather started shaking, her arms around her son even as he tried to go to Gemma. Carrie brought Gemma back to Lily who had her head in Liam’s lap. While the adults could see her true form, the children saw her through glamour

“He’s too young. There both too young” Heather whispered

“Vo-Suie, protect them” Lily’s body spasmed “an...and….it’s….Goine” 

Carrie gasped, her face pale as she shook her head “No...not possible, he’s family...he-”

“Killed my father. He wants Gemma. He wants her essence and is willing to take her”

“I don’t understand. Take her where” Jon asked

“He’s her f*****g uncle! That perverted, disgusting son of a b***h!!”

“You mean-” Jon stopped, his face deathly pale

Lily choked and this time her spasm lasted longer. Putting Gemma down beside her mother, Max ran out of his mother's arms and he sat beside his mate. Suddenly both the children's eyes changed to lavender

“I won’t leave her. I will always love and protect her” Maxsius said

“Who are you?” Jon asked quietly

“My name is Maxsius and this is Jianna. We are both maes” Maxsius says as he introduced them

“I have to go and sleep now pumpkin, but I will wait for you. Keep it hidden” She touched her daughter's clothing and indicated to the necklace “Keep it safe and only when the time is right, use it. I will wait for you”

“Mummy, I want to go too” Gemma said, her wolf in the background for now 

“Not now pumpkin. You be a good girl for me and stay with auntie Carrie-” unable to speak more Lily closed her eyes as she took her final breath, her body stiffened up and she released a last sigh before closing her eyes forever

Carrie wailed before kneeling beside Lily, her heart broken. Placing a hand over Lily’s eyes, she first said a prayer before reciting a powerful spell, promising her daughter protection and to keep her safe. She turned to look at the solem group who were pale and crying, their hearts broken at today's outcome. Max held Gemma’s hand and stood up, facing the group who took in the children and the way they conducted themselves; their actions wise beyond their years.

“I am the Astrid, I am Queen of the supernatural and this is my King” Gemma said, yet both her and Max’s eyes were lavender, their wolves still present.

The group of adults took to their knees, bowing their head. Heather looked up first and towards Max, her lips trembling slightly

“H...How did you get here?” She asked

“I heard Jianna’s call. Whenever these children slept, she and I would speak. We created our bond; these children also did. They created their own bond also. A mate is someone you will find and come to care for but love is created on its own. Max has always cared for Gemma, this caring is steeped in love and will grow so powerful and strong that nothing will break it. But as soon as they mate, a light will shine upon that day and everyone will know that their Queen has been birthed “

“I ..I don’t understand” Heather began

“Don’t worry about it just now as all things will be revealed accordingly. Right now, we need to leave. While the bigger threat has gone, there are still some rouges around” Maxsius said

“There are warriors who will stop them but yes, we must make a move. I can’t bear thinking about any more losses after losing these two. Jianna, how will Gemma cope?” Jon asked huskily

“Vo-Suie, you must visit the Apcca. She will help you to wipe all of this from Gemma’s mind”

“Wait” Liam said as he walked towards Gemma “Wouldn’t that mean that she would forget about everything, including you?”

“Yes and that is for the best. My scent is strong and it will attract many to find her. She is being hunted not just for her powers but now, Goine has expressed his desire to impregnate her and use her children to gain power. He is a sick, demented man who has the backing of a high demon. He will kill Gemma in his greed. She will need to be altered so strongly that she will never even sense me”

“In that time, I will protect her” Maxsius said

“NO!...No, please ...please Maxsius. He’s just a little boy! Please...please let me take him to the Apcca too”

“Never! I will not agree to forget my mate! How dare you even suggest this!” Maxsius said, his voice deep and threatening

“I am a mother too! I can...can’t have him being hunted. Please...Please, only until he is of age...please” Heather sobbed, her arms around herself

“With all due respect Maxsius. You are both children and vulnerable. Max will be going to alpha camp to train. If you could agree to it, we could protect you and Gemma better” Jon said, his face pleading

“You-”

“I think this may be a good idea” Jianna cut in

Whipping his head to look at Jianna, Maxsius opened his mouth in shock. His heart hurting, Maxsius took her hand and placed it to his face. 

“You would be willing to leave me? To forget about me?”

“No Maxsius. But I understand a mother's cry. Gemma will need to forget all of this. Carrie will take her in and raise her as her own. I can guide her. But I can’t lose you. You are my other half, my soulmate”

“I refuse to forget you” 

“But just think how they will feel, discovering each other again. Their love will grow anew and not because it's expected or because we have the eyes.”

“NO!. Yo-”

“For me. Please” Jianna said softly

Maxsius turned away from her gaze but not from her touch. He looked at Carrie and softley growled

“You swear that you will do everything in your power to protect her?”

“My word as her Vo-Suie. With every last breath in my body” Carrie kneeled down, her eyes now purple as the protector came forward

Looking at his father, Maxsius sighed in frustration before nodding his head once and letting his father embrace Max. When Heather came forward, he simply nodded to her before moving away to speak to Carrie, his desire to know how his mate would be kept safe, in the front of his mind. Confirming with the adults that they wouldn't split the children up, the pack warriors found the group after almost an hour and they helped to bury Peter and Lily. Taking the children with them, the adults piled into the one car and made their way home, their hearts heavy with today's outcome, the loss felt by them all.

Gemma looked on as the cars  with the young Max and herself moved away. She looked at the space where her mother had laid, in her mind's eye, blood still seeping into the ground. Looking at Max, Gemma’s eyes watered

“Gemstone. God! Baby, I didn’t know! f**k! How could they do this to us!” Max growled, his body shaking as he pulled Gemma closer to him 

Gemma couldn’t hear anything. Her head was buzzing and black spots started to appear before her eyes. Feeling like she was going to be sick, Gemma bent over; the pain in her stomach intensifying as she heard Maddie, Cindy and Max shout out to her. Max arms catching her just as she collapsed, the darkness consuming her.

Waking up with a gasping breath, Gemma started coughing, her breathing short. Max grabbed a bottle of water from the table and gave it to her as Cindy and Maddie grabbed some food and sugary goods, their own hands shaking at everything they had seen. Ben got up and started pacing, muttering about it not being fair and how he hated all of this.

“Max” Heather said, coming towards her son

“NO!” He shouted “You stay away. You did this!” he said as he helped Gemma drink the rest of the bottle while rubbing her back encouragingly “You took her away from me”

“No, baby. Please!. I was just scared. I didn’t want to lose you” She implored

“I can’t even begin to comprehend all that we saw. I have so many questions. Who the f**k was the mole because someone clearly was! How dare you push for me to forget my mate! Who the f**k gave you that right?”

“Easy son-” Jon began

“No. NO!. All throughout this process, we kept hearing how you had things to tell us but no real question has been answered. YOU TOOK AWAY MY MATE AND HER MEMORY!!” Max bellowed “And Mum, why were you even at the house? You were meant to be at home. What were you doing there huh?”

“Y...You think that i-” Heather stammered

“Well it sure does look suspicious to me. I don’t even know how or why you were there and what about the present huh, like on my birthday. Not once did any of you come to either of us and say anything. You-”

“Max. Please” Gemma said, her breathing finally under control.

Max’s attention shifted to his mate as he gathered her into his arms before standing up and walking backwards with her, his body stiff in anger. Pushing his hair back from his face, Gemma looked him in the eyes and smiled softly before kissing his lips.

“Hello mate” Gemma said smilingly

“God Gemstone don’t! Don’t try to defuse the situation! These-”

Cutting him off by placing one hand over his lips and stopping his words, Gemma waited until he stopped talking. When his eyes met hers and there was a little more calmness there, she took her hand away and kissed his nose.

“Let us please listen to what they have to say”

“For fuke sake Gem’s. They betrayed us. All of the f*****g adults-”

“Please”

That one word changed everything. Max looked at her intently before sighing. She could calm him and his wolf with just a touch or a word, calming him without any problem. But then again, that was why she was the Astrid wasn’t she? Her calm, peaceful manner had everyone listening to her and gravitating towards her. He let her body slide down against him, her body rubbing against all of him deliciously as she moaned at their bodies touching each other, even through the clothes. He kissed her roughly before moving her to stand beside him, keeping her away from the adults who were all pale and worried, looking at them in uncertainty. 

“Tell me how you could agree to keep us apart so strongly and who the f**k is the Apcca? Who was the traitor? And is that Conner the same one as the one we have now in this time? What the f**k does all this mean?” Max asked, fording his arms even as he took a peri peri chicken and salad sandwich from Cindy and gave it to Gemma to eat.

“Max, son, There is a lot to tell you. Let us all eat. Refresh ourselves and then come back-”

Cindy screamed, Maddie shouted out and everyone else gasped. But all Max heard was the gurgling sound of pain and his nose smelled blood. Blood from his mate. Turning around, he looked on in shock as Gemma was bent in a stiff upright position, her hands around the bloodied tip of a wicked looking sharp butcher's knife protruding from between the middle of her stomach. Max looked behind her as she pitched forward, falling into his arms. 

“GEMMAAAAA” He shouted, 

“NNNOOOO” Carrie gasped, her arms outstretched in disbelief. 

The room erupted even as the two warriors who were standing at the end of the room, ran towards the one who caused this and betrayed them in such a shocking way. As blood seeped from her stomach and her face became deathly pale, Gemma struggled to breath, her eyes watering and meeting Max’s pale face. He grabbed her even as she cried out from the pain the knife created when it started to pull out of the stomach before once again pushing into her. Taking one deep breath, Gemma's lips trembled before she passed out, her body cold as her mate held her bloodied form. 

Max looked up with shock on his face, his body and mind unable to believe the image before him, because the hand that pulled out the knife, belonged to the same person who had pushed it into Gemma. TWICE! And he was standing there, his face sad and pale as if unable to believe he himself had done this. Max couldn't believe he had done this either, because standing in front of him with a black butcher knife covered in his mates blood was his Beta and her brother.

BEN!