The Alpha's Human Mate

The White Wolf's Journey

“Gemstone, babe” Max said as he looked down at Gemma who was sleeping soundly with her head above his heart; her body tucked into his side. 

Max puffed out a breath of air as his eyes took in her naked shoulder, the softness of her skin brushing against his and instantly; his c**k hardened. After the first couple of times, Carrie and Ben had tried to get into the room but for some reason the door had repelled them. They weren’t able to come near enough to even knock on the door. Carrie had mind-linked them and within seconds, she had blasted him as she worked out they had mated.                                                                                                                                                                                               Ben had been worse. He went from comedian beta being glad his best friend had mated to being a concerned big brother who couldn’t handle knowing what his younger sister did with his best friend. It had taken his alpha voice telling them both that he wanted time with his mate, before Carrie had convinced Ben to leave them two alone.

They had spent the better part of three days mating because after the initial first time; Gemma had gone through her first heat. A time where a female wolf will  need her mate to mate with her over and over until it subsides. Nature's way of making sure that life takes hold and the pack lives on. A female would only go into heat if she found her mate, if it took her a hundred years, even if she had s*x with someone else, she wouldn’t go into heat until she allowed her mate to mate her.                                                                                                                                                                                                  It had been both exhausting and pleasurable and Max was feeling pretty snug about it. Maxsius was howling in his head with happiness and glee, his instinct telling Max to inpregnate her while she was ripe. Max refused. He knew his Gemstone had a lot of trials to go through and he didn’t want to bring a pup into it yet. Not that he would mind. Gemma round and swollen with his pup was a fantasy he had kept hidden inside since the day he knew she was his mate.

The human part of him acknowledged they were too young, but the wolf side; the alpha wanted pups. He wanted to see his mate round and big. He wanted his pups to be running around while he loved and chased them...while raising the next alpha. Feeling his c**k twitch at the thought of impregnation, Max looked at the ceiling and tried to distract his thoughts as he thought of a way to wake Gemma without taking her again

“Or you could just take her again. I’m sure she won't have any objections to that”

Max growled when he heard the voice and whipped his head to the right and saw a tall, almost elf-like female standing there. Making sure not to disturb his mate, Max growled threateningly at her even as he started to ease his way from out under Gemma’s body.

“Who arrree you?” Max asked, his voice coming out as a growl “How did you get in here?”

“My name is Lily. Don’t worry. I mean no harm young alpha” Lily said as she held out her right hand face up

“Lily?" Max questioned, his eyes took in waving appearance

“A friend. I am not really here. I am still in my world. Only my projection is here”

“And where is your world?” Asked Max as he got out of bed in his naked glory

“Far from here” Lily waved her hand and Max gaped as he looked down at his body.

White chinos with a billing white, soft shirt covered his nakedness. His body felt as if it had washed and been refreshed as if from a long hot shower. He took a discreet sniff of himself and was surprised to find that he even smelled like he had a shower. His body had carried the scent of their mating but now, while it was there. It wasn’t as strong

“You took my mate’s smell from me” Max growled in anger

“No young alpha. You two have mated. No-one can ever take that combined smell of mates away from either of you. All I’ve done is given you a shower. The smell is ingrained into your blood now. It will always be there, just not as strong as when you two mate”

“I ask again. Who are you?”

“Lily?” Gemma said, her voice ending on a gasp.

Waving her hand once again, Lily smiled as Gemma looked down at herself and saw she was covered in a white floating nightgown. Leaving the bed, she started to walk towards her when Max grabbed her wrist and pulled her back to him. He placed her behind him as he kept a watchful eye on the wavering image in front of him.

“Why is your image not solid?” Max asked with a frown

“I told you. I am not really here”

“Max. Let me go” Gemma said as he held her wrist when she tried once again to walk past him

“I can’t smell her. I don’t trust her” 

“Well I do. So let me go”

“You do?” Max asked in shock “ you know who this is?”

Gemma nodded before pushing past him. He let her wrist go but followed behind her before standing in front of her a little; protecting her. Gemma rolled her eyes as she shook her head. Max grabbed her wrist one again and placed a kiss to the pulse all the while not breaking contact with the female in front of him

“You’re father used to do that to me too. It’s a wolf thing. It like they reassure themselves we are alive and well” Lily said with a sad sigh

“You knew her father? Uncle Peter?” Max asked, his eye alert but confused

Lily shook her head slightly before addressing Gemma.  “You both have mated now. You will find yourself being able to connect on another level. Make sure Jianna and Maxsius get a chance to bond as well”

“How do you know about my wolf? What the f**k is going on?” Max growled

“Max please” Gemma turned back to Lily and took a step forward “I feel changed. I feel restless. When I’m in Max’s arms i’m fine but otherwise…..why?”

“Because something is coming. Something big” Lily said “Gemma, You were already speaking to Jianna, she is a part of you but now….Now you will see her too. Tomorrow you will change into your wolf and my darling, everyone will know who you are”

“Tomorrow?” Gemma asked, wide-eyed

“Yes. You are the astrid. While others need to wait for a moon sighting for their first change, you as the astrid; need no such thing. The others need the moon's power to help them transform. You will only need yourself”

“She’s going to change into her wolf tomorrow?” Max asked “Without a moon? How do you know who she is? What are you?”

“Can I tell him?” Gemma asked

“It is up to you. Feel his honesty through your bond. Know his heart. If you deem it worthy, Jianna will tell him. You will always know the truth from within because of the mate bond” Lily explained

“Gemstone-”

“Do you trust me Max?”

“What? What kind of question is that? Of course I do” Max grumbled as he looked between the two woman

“Then I will explain but Max….you can’t say a word. Not to mam...Carrie, not to Ben...not to your parents…..no-one Max” 

“Gem’s” Max said as he grabbed her hands and pulled her back once again, his eyes darting towards the female in front of him and the one beside him “What’s going on? Who is she? How the f**k did she get in here?”

Looking him in the eyes, Gemma took his hands and placed a kiss on his wrist much like he did to her. Feeling calm and collected, Gemma closed her eyes and called to Jianna, asking her to help guide her with her mate. Feeling Jianna’s pleasure at Gemma involving her in the process, Jianna immediately sought out their bond and followed the intertwined strand. She helped Gemma to follow the journey in her mind as she saw a multitude of colours expand behind her closed eyes. Jianna latched on the golden coloured strand and followed it, showing Gemma what she saw and followed the colour through the body.                                                                                                                                                                                                    The gold then turned to a blinding white and it twisted and turned, illuminating the area of her heart. When Gemma opened her eyes, Her pupils showed a deep purple as she saw the strand from her body wrapped around Max’s heart and a similar one in gold, wrapped around her’s. There was a red hue around both hearts but more so prominent in Max. There was a deep silver coloured thread that seemed to be increasing towards Gemma and seemed to be growing with every second.

That is his worry, his anxiety. He worries for our safety and see’s Lily as a threat. He and Maxsius don’t want her near us. He is trustworthy Gemma

I always knew he would be. I just didn’t know how he would take this news 

We should tell them. Our mate is strong and can protect us. We need him

“Gemstone?” Max asked as he looked at her 

Opening her eyes fully and letting the purple change back to her own eyes, Gemma smiled and touched his cheek lovingly. She takes his hand in her’s and let’s Jianna speak to Maxsius, asking him to bring out his true mate's eyes. Maxsius suddenly becomes present even as Max is there. His arms expand and his eyes take on their lavender colour even as his eyes change shape. Brushing her forehead against his, Gemma allows Jianna to take over completely as she shows both Max and Maxsius all that she has learned. While Maxsius growls in acknowledgment, his body bowing slightly in acceptance; Max gasped in shock, his body trembling as Jianna finally released them from all the visions she showed him of her time with Lily.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Breathing as if he had run a marathon, Max looked wide-eyed towards Lily before looking back at Gemma; his hands clashing hers to him even as he tried to process everything. 

“Yo...You’re the true astrid? You're not a reincarnation” Max said, repeating it allowed him to admit to what he had seen “A...and...over a thou...thousand years old and she is your true mother?”

At Gemma’s nod, Max shook his head, his breathing erratic as he used one hand to rub his forehead. Seeing Gemma bite her bottom lip in worry, Maxsius immediately spoke up

She speaks the truth. Can’t you feel it

I….it’s just….so unbelievable! He said to his wolf

We must protect her. There is danger and we have traitors in our midst 

Hearing the word traitors, Max growled deep as his eyes flashed, changing between his wolf and his own as he took in what that meant. Knowing that someone trustworthy and someone who had always been with their pack was out to get them made Max want to kill someone. Just how far did the betrayal go? Could he even trust his own parents? After all, they did lie to him and the truth! Could he trust his sister who knew Gemma’s secret but chose to hide them from him….just who could he trust?

“That thinking will surely get you killed young alpha” Lily said “You must think strategically. You must accept everyone as traitors but treat them like friends. It’s the only way to let the traitor think they are still winning” 

“You have the gift of thought. You are able to read minds” Max said reverently “I can’t put Gem’s in danger. I can’t let them near her!”

“But you can’t let them know that you know all this” Lily said. “Max, if you act too differently, you will alert your enemies. They are always watching”

“If you can read minds, surely you can see who it is” Max grumbled

“I can’t. When I gave half my mortality to my husband, I lost some of my abilities. A sacrifice I was willing to make for my mate. This was one of them. But also, someone is using dark magik...very dark. The kind that requires blood sacrifice in order to get the upper hand”

Max paled at that as he understood what this meant. Someone had willingly sacrificed and killed one of their own, a direct blood relative; in order to become powerful. Shaking his head at that, he hugged Gemma to him, his body wrapping around her like a second skin as he took in her scent into him to help centre and bring him back to himself

“I’ll never let anyone hurt you Gem’s. I swear it” 

“I know Max” Gemma whispered “ I trust you, I believe in you” Taking his face into her hands, she kissed him long and deep; their tongues colliding, duelling as Gemma tried to reassure him “I love you” She whispered

“I love you too my Gemstone” Max replied as he broke the kiss

“Now” Gemma said as she took his hand in her’s and stepped towards Lily “I would like you to meet Lily….my mum”

Lily gasped before tears gathered in her eyes, her body trembling slightly even as she tried to hold herself steady. Seeing the longing in her eyes, Gemma smiled at Lily softly before bringing Max with her to the shimmery image. Lily held out both her hands towards them, asking for their trust. Max hesitated as he looked at his smiling mate who’s radiance and happiness gave him confidence and with a sense of peace and well being, he reached his hand out at the same time as Gemma as they both held onto each other too. As soon as their hands connected with the air above Lily’s outstretched hand, they all disappeared into a ball, their lingering scent the only indication that anyone had been in the room

                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “Stop pacing Ben. You’re giving me headache” 

“A week mum! They’ve been at it almost a week!” He said throwing up his hands

“It’s not almost a week. Stop exaggerating. You know when we mate that more often than not, the female goes into heat”

“After she has shifted mum” Ben said as she shoots his mum a look of confusion 

“But Gemma is not just a regular wolf. She’s the Astrid. You heard with the alpha said. He checked his book as soon as he got a sign they mated. He said that nothing about her change will be normal” 

“I can’t believe that sonofabitch touched her! He promised to wait until she -”

“Ben!” Carrie shouted as she got up from her place at the table, her tea forgotten as she addressed her son “Watch your language! You may be the beta-to-be but you are still my son and I gave you better manners than that”

“Really? You’re going to lecture me about my swearing? When Max-”

“Max is her mate. You already stopped them when you shouldn’t have. All you did was delay the inevitable Ben”

Huffing out a breath in anger, Ben resumed his pacing back and forth. Hearing the clink of cutlery and a trolly, Ben turned his head just as the livingroom door opened. Seeing the elf some in with various things on the trolly, Ben raised his eyebrow in question, his anger momentarily forgotten

“What’s this?” Ben asked the elf

“Food. Things that will be required for tonight” He said as he put the plates on the table along with two baskets

“What things?” Ben asked

“What’s going to happen? Carrie asked

“Your Luna will be shifting to her wolf tomorrow night”

“WHAT?” both Ben and Carrie said in shock

“No. There’s no full moon tomorrow. All previous bloodlines have always shifted at the full moon” Carrie began 

“She is the Astrid. She doesn’t require the moon. The moon helps the shifter, It gives it strength and calmness so that person can shift without the wolf completely taking over. The Astrid require no such help. She is the complete being. It is she who guides the moon, not the moon guide her”

“God!” Ben said as he touched his forehead in confusion “If she changes here where there are enemies, mum - what if she’s attacked?  We need everyone else here”

“I’ll call them now, but I doubt they will make it in time!” Carrie said even as she reached for the phone

“Wait a god-damned-minute! You know she’s the Astrid?” Ben asked as he turned to the elf

“I do” He answered with a nod

“How?” Ben asked, scratching his head

“Because, My family has always served the Fae Royalty since the beginning of time. Just like that bloodline that has always come here for training, mine has always taken care of the princesses until which time the Astrid would arrive. It is my honour to be here at the time of the Astrid”

“But how do you know?” Carrie asked “After all, she could be another princess”

Laughing, Pontus wiggled his ear “Because when the Astrid was born, we as the keeps of the house of Fae; here, felt her presence. Also, Her mother Lily told us”

“Lily” Carrie whispered, a small sad smile on her face “You thought of everything”

“What do we do?” Ben asked

“Nothing. The Astrid can only transform into her wolf after her mating heat passes. She will go with her mate and the few she selects and there; it is said, that the moon goddess will present herself to the Astrid; not as a goddess - but as a friend”

“And then?” Ben asked wide-eyed

“Nothing. There is no more. To preserve her safety, no other details were given. Everyone else is equally waiting to find out”

“Everyone? Who else knows that she is the Astrid?” Ben asked worriedly

“My boy” Pontus said “There were many before you who knew of her arrival. The elders of this place, the professors and some of the older houses like the den of dragons, the house of wolves; the school of Mer. Old families who have kept her hidden without any acknowledgment; they all know. Will they be there at her transformation; well that I do not know”

Seeing their nods, Pontus carried on with his duties, taking out all the items from his trolly and placing them systematically on the table. Carrie called her mate, asking to be put on the speaker. After both Ben and Carrie heard Jon confirm the finding from the book and how it was all related to Gemma; they agreed as a group that the adults and remaining teens would travel immediately while the alpha would leave the third in command along with two of the most powerful warriors in charge. They didn’t want to miss Gemma’s shift.

“How much longer are they going to mate for god's sake!” Ben said a few minutes later

“Ben. These things can’t be rushed” Carrie tried to explain

“It’s not that. Geez mum, how can you be so calm. This is Gemma!...Gemma!....The same Gemma who you freaked out, if she spent more than a few hours with Conner. Now, she’s spent so many days holed up...being...doing...ugh!”  Throwing his hands up in the air he sat down heavily on the black sofa near the low burning fire.

“He’s her mate Ben” Carrie said, as if that explained everything.

“I miss my mate too. God! I stopped myself from mating her because back at the house he said not to. Now he’s with his mate and I’m not”

“And I shouldn’t have stopped you then Ben” Max said

Holding Gemma’s hand, they both walked slowly down the last few stairs as they approached Carrie and Ben who had both gotten up from their seats. Rushing over to them, the mother and son hugged each of them, with Ben fist pumping his friend before remembering that it was with his sister and because of his sister, the alpha was projecting a powerful and lustful vibe

“Dude, come on” Ben groaned good naturedly “That’s my sister”

“Ben” Max said as he gripped his left shoulder “I never knew how bad the mating heat could hit when it did. While, like you it kinda grosses me out that you and my sister will mate; I promise I won’t stop you both. Mate her. Know happiness. Our mate completes us in a way I can’t explain”

“Gemma, baby. Are you ok?” Carrie asked as she hugged her daughter.

“Yes mammie. I...we..erm” Gemma blushed as she looked at Carrie who smiled back knowingly. 

With tears in her eyes, she choked back a sob. But even then, a small sound escaped from Carrie’s mouth. Gemma noticed as she took Carrie’s hand in hers and squeezed them in comfort.  

“What’s wrong mammie?”

“It just feels so wrong that I am here, experiencing your mating when you’re mother should have been here too. And now; I’m told that you are going to shift tomorrow?” Carrie asked. After Gemma nodded in confirmation, Carrie sighed, a lone tear escaping “She longed to see your coat again. The pride in her eyes. Oh Gemstone! If only you could see how proud, how much love she had in her eyes for you”

“But I am seeing it mammie. I’m seeing it in your’s. I feel like mum is here with me because you are the one who has been taking care of me, who always looks at me with love and pride. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on her feeling because they are coming from you so strongly”

Grabbing Gemma in a hug, Carrie sobbed quietly as she hugged her daughter, her hands playing in the flowing locks of her hair as her fingers teased her curls. She looks at both Max and Gemma, a slight frown on her face as she takes in what they are wearing

“When did you two get matching nightwear? Carrie asked, as both Gemma and Max shared a look, their smiles holding secrets only they were privy to.

                    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pontus walked quietly to the door and opened it as the figure soon followed through. The white and gold robes following behind the echoing footsteps as they made their way towards a spinning blue ball, floating in the air

“After all this time my prince” Pontus said

“After all this time my old friend” The voice whispered “So many years, waiting for her. For her power, her abilities to shine. For her eyes to open”

“You are glowing sire” Pontus said in admiration

The figure chuckled “Yes. All down to her. Soon, we will be reunited after so long. I feared, after so many years of living. It would never happen. I couldn’t help how the course took one away from me; but with Gemma; I will make sure her fate is different”

“B...But sire! To interfere...when you have such a gift….It could  be catastrophic!” 

“But it would be worth it to see her take her place beside me as she was meant to. To hold her as I once did; to protect and love her as I once did….before encasing her in a tomb for a thousand years”

Nodding his head, Pontus walked behind the figure in contemplation, his head bowed in concentration. His thought took him back to the day the real Lily, Gemma’s actual mother, told him of the Astrids arrival. The hidden queen had selected the room herself with and selected everything; from the covers to the wall paint. Even things such as nik naks and throws. She had been so proud of her daughter’s achievement that she had glowed...and glowed so strongly, that the room had lit up as if the sun itself was rising in the room.                                                                                                                                                                                                He had felt such honour at hearing his queen say her daughter was coming. Pontus had spent a whole week cleaning and polishing everything, his heart hiding in his chest when she had taken a step on the first boulder on the mountain; her power that greatly felt!

“What has gotten my friend so quiet that he has not said a word since we started to walk?”

“Thoughts sire. Thought’s of what is to come; of the journey she must take. The pain she must endure”

“Yes” The figure said, nodding “But with that pain, comes the ultimate power. She will be a being not like others. Come pontus. The time is near and we must prepare. And I believe someone has used very powerful magic granted by a very power Fae queen to be here in enough time for her change”

Saying that Pontus smiled as they both touched the spinning ball, disappearing as it sucked them into the orb

                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Aarrgghhhhhh you b***h!” Maddies screamed “You mated! And you never told me!”

Gemma laughed as she hugged her friend tighter. After distracting mammie when she questioned them about their matching outfits, Gemma had learned that uncle alpha, pops, Maddie, Cindy and two other warriors were going to arrive the next day to be here for her change.  Lily had explained that through her own magic, she gilded the alpha on how to be there before sunset so they could help her prepare. Not that they knew it was Lily who helped them with the information. Ben had been a little awkward with his hugs as he tried to not think about Max and Gemma mating but all-in-all, he had been supportive; although Gemma did slightly die of embarrassment when he teased that he hoped they had been safe since he wanted to be an older uncle thank you very much and that pups right now would mean he had to grow up too soon.                                                                                                                                                                                                  Max had cuffed him on the ear and growled that if Gemma had been pregnant; then he would have been happy. But then laughed and confirmed they had been safe. Gemma’s cheeks had burned for hours after it. Max had spent the night in her bed and after making love two times, they had fallen asleep in each other's arms; secure in their love.

They had just been about to sit down to their saturday afternoon lunch when the door had of the dorm room announced that they had guests and the guests were safe. Pontus had welcomed them in and before she knew it; Gemma had been engulfed in a tight hug, two bodies almost crushing her in their rush to get to her. She had cried when she had seen her family; getting hugs from everyone. Gemma had been happier when she saw Ben’s face light up at the sight of his mate and he had lifted her up in his big arms and held her to him; his lips finding her’s as he tasted her after so long.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Carrie had hugged her mate who had unshed tears in his eyes but that he composed himself. While Max had been getting attention from his parents who fluctuated between proud parents and the alpha pair, asking about a progress report; pop’s had made his way over to Gemma. He had looked at with such love in his eyes that Gemma had tears falling down her face before she knew it. He had opened his arms wide and like a child; she launched herself into them, her body shaking as sobs took over. He had kissed her forehead and told her how he felt proud like her father would have; yet his concern at her….mating took over. He didn’t know how to feel about it. She was so young and had so much more to do in her life and that this meant he would lose her since it made her next journey a certainty 

It had taken a great amount of time for him to let her go after expressing concern on everything, to her mating, to protection, to her studies and battle training and for her to meet everyone else. It had been almost two hours later when Pontus had interrupted and guided the family to the table and explained how magik worked. Maddie and Cindy looked around wide-eyed as they tried to wrap their head around the drinks magik, while food appeared out of thin air and to each person's specification. It was now just two hours before sunset and the girls had finally made it back to Gemma’s room with a promise to everyone else that they would be ready to go in one hour.

“And...omgggeeeee! You're sharing a room with my brother?” Maddie said with her mouth open in shock

“Yea” Gemma said with a laugh

“No way! And mum let you?!” Cindy squealed

“Welllll, she didn’t have much of a choice” Gemma giggled like a schoolgirl “It just happened and then, I went into heat and the door wouldn't let her in and-”

“Wait...wait..wait! You went into your heat? But If you haven’t shifted, how can you go into your heat?” Maddie asked

“Wait...what do you mean the door wouldn’t let her in?” Cindy asked at the same time

“Guyyys!” Gemma groaned “We have so little time. Ok, ok...listen. So. Apparently things will happen differently for me because i am the Astrid. I went into my heat so that Maxsius could mate me. BUT he can’t claim me properly until after my shift because then it will be Jianna who will be out, or rather; present so; Maxsius will need to show her that he is her equal mate”

“WOW!” Maddie whispered as she sat on the plush bed

“And this place is full of magik. I’m going to have to learn it while you guys are here and to be honest, I don’t know how all this school stuff is going to work out but….When we mated, because of my heat and it leaving me in a vulnerable place; it locked out anyone looking to interrupt us. Max and I would just need to think of what we wanted to eat and drink and it would just appear in the room. We didn't even need to leave the room and had everything we wanted”

“But Max could have deffended you guys” Maddie said with a frown

“He could have...if he was in the right frame of mind. Max….we...Lets just says every two, three hours was the norm” Gemma said, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment

“HOURS! Omg! You guys went on a s*x marathon! Was it good? Was it sore. Oh my god! Tell me everything!”

“Maddie what the f**k?!” Cindy said as she shoved her, making space for herself on the bed “That’s you’re brother. How could you even think of it”

“I’m not thinking about my brother obviously” She said as she rolled her eyes, shifting to the opposite side of the bed “But neither one of us has had s*x yet. How could you not be curious?”

“I-”

“Girls!” Heather said as she opened the door “You have half an hour”

“What?! No way mum. We only just got here” Maddie exclaimed. When she looked down at her watch, she realised that they had spent the time squealing and talking over each other in excitement. Sighing, Maddie nodded to her mum before closing the door and turning to her friend

“I want details! I don’t care that it’s my brother but I want to know all the good s**t! And tonight, we have a sleepover” Maddie said, pointing to Gemma

“Max-”

“Has been playing house with you for the last few days! Do you realise it’s been almost two months since we have been together...bordering on three month actually! That's the longest we have ever been apart and I can tell I have missed some crucial details. Max can deal”

Gemma laughed and nodded as the girls all stood up and came closer together. Gemma reached out and hugged both of them together, tears gathering in her eyes. Sniffing, she smiled at them.

“I’m really glad you guys are here. I thought I’d have to do this without you guys”

“Pfftt” Scoffed Maddie “As if i'd have let them leave us out of this. I’d have eaten dad’s head. We better get ready. Baggsy the shower first” Maddie laughed as she ran to the en-suite

Gemma laughed at her antics as she collected towels and a nightshirt to give to Maddie and placed them into the bathroom. As she walked out, she walked to the closet and took out a black hoodie and blue jeans

“Here Cin. There’s another shower on this floor-”

She cut off as Cindy hugged Gemma hard. Her body molding itself to her. Gemma smiled as he felt Cindy tremble, her arms shaking as she took deep breaths

“What’s wrong Cin?”

"It’s all going to change isn't it?” Cinday said “After you become the Astrid”

“Not everything Cin. You will always still be my family”

“But it will be Max who will really be with you” Cindy said, her face bent down

“He is my mate and you” Gemma said, lifting Cindy’s face up to look her in the eyes “Are my sister. He could never take your place”

Smiling quietly, the sisters hug before laughing when they hear Maddie sing ‘one love’ off key in the bathroom, her timing perfect. 

The image of this moment started to waver as it was being viewed by someone else through a floating ball, one invisible to the naked eyes. As Lily looked on from her own throne room; so too did another. They looked on in sadness as they knew what had to happen next, knowing that they were the cause. Their electric blue eyes taking in each girl as she experience her own excited state

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“I’m so frigging cold” Cin whispered as she huddled into her jacket

“Seriously Cin. Your a werewolf. Try to act like it some time” Maddie teased as she laughed

“Girls, shush” Heather said, standing next to them. Maddie rolled her eyes and made faces to Cindy who covered her mouth so not to let her own laugh escape. 

They had all left the dorm twenty minutes ago. Along the way, a few people joined them, their powerful auras blending as one in protection of Gemma. Cindy and Maddie had looked on in awe as they saw being they had only ever heard about. The dragons were different in their appearance as could be. Their noses were shark and angular, their stature big and bulky. Even the women weren’t petite, wispy creatures. In fact, they all resembled athletes. Toned, sleek, muscular with sharp reflexes….and tall...very tall. Everyone she has seen so far of their kind were at least 6 foot. Even the . The Mers or rather merfolk were the shock. Maddie had believed in the disney version where they all had fins only and went everywhere in short bikinis. She had always assumed that if there had been mermen, then they all walked about topless.                                                                                                                                                                                             She only had a cartoon to go on. Merfolk magik and its people weren't really taught in school. Mainly because their magik was a guarded secret and they seldomly interacted with other species. So it was a shock to her when the men, while muscular, were actually formally dressed. There various shades of blue adorned with crystal shaped stars. The women were elegant in their own see-green robes white their own blue swatches of material interwoven. And yes, their hair floating around them, as if they were actually in the sea. Maddie kept stealing glances at them before being poked by Cindy who shook her head at her.

More people had started to join them and while it looked like hundreds of people, Maddie realised; not one of them was a pupil from the school. When she had asked her mother who they were, the dean of the academy had explained that they were the council who would sit in accordance with the Astrid’s wishes once she brought order to their world. That most of these people were those who had helped to keep her safe. So imagine her shock when she started seeing large fires appearing as they walked and saw demons coming out of them, their gait matching there's as they all walked together towards the northern forest.

Once they had gotten there, everyone seemed to know what they were doing because; as if rehearsed, each being mingled until there was one different species, one different being standing beside another in circles, creating larger circles around them. In the middle of the circle stood an older man, his pepper coloured hair unruly as the curls danced in the slight breeze. Fire lit lamp post gave off a much needed glow as it illuminated everyone faces, warming them at the same time.

“Friends” He said as he addressed the group “Today, we are blessed. Not because we are about to receive a gift that is much needed in our time. But because the gift we are about to receive, comes with a heart. A pure soul that has feelings, that cares. That is so like her mother” He said as he looked at Gemma “That she could have been standing in her place”

Opening his palm he called Gemma forward to the middle of the circle. Gemma bit her lip, looking at Carrie who smiled encouragingly at her. Gemma moved silently, gracefully to where he indicated; her eyes connecting with the people she loved. Max stood behind her, even as Maxsius growled at him to stand with her. He knew she had to do this on her own, he couldn’t hold her hand  no matter how much he wanted too.

“To other’s I am Alrick. The Keeper of Fae. Meaning, that It is my responsibility and that of my bloodline; to keep records of all Fae’s and their offspring; to protect the royal bloodline. But to you, my princess” He said, bowing slightly “I am simply, Papi. You’re grandfather”

“G...Grandfather?” Gemma asked, stuttering

“Yes my child. I am, by blood; your grandfather”

Shocked murmurs could be heard around the crowded  area as this new, shocking revelation was revealed. Carrie smiled and nodded, indicating that she knew this all along. But everyone else, including Max, Ben and Jon looked shocked to their core. Alrick walked to Gemma and held out his hand. When she placed her own into his; immediately, she saw images and moments of time in which Alrick had been present in her life. Images danced in front of her eyes as she saw him hold her and her sister, his face joyus at his grand daughter’s birth. Another image of his sorrow when his daughter explained the prophecy and his disagreement with hiding her away. So many different images, visions of her life with and without him, some showing his loves; others his sorrow at losing his family. Especially when she was taken away and placed under hiding. 

You were our future. I was being selfish. An old man wanting to spend time with his granddaughter; instead of thinking about the great good she will bring to others. Do not disclose everything my child. For they think I am Lily’s father; And I am…..but I am Lily; your actual mother’s father

Gasping in shock, the images fade just as suddenly as they appeared

“Gemstone?” Max called out, his worry clear in his voice

“I’m alright.” Gemma replied without breaking eye contact with her grandfather

You are safe my love Lily’s musical voice sounded in her head in a dream like stance I am here

You're here? Where? Where are you? I can’t see you. 

I may not be by your side, but I am here.

Gemma’s eyes darted around the place as she took in many faces; but not finding the one she wanted to see. She sighed and closed her eyes when suddenly, an image came to her. Lily, walking towards the forest, wearing a white and purple, what looked like a fur coat. A large hood covering her head and falling over to cover her face. Her slim hands covered in lavender gloves. She stops just before the gathering and lifts her head, her eyes connecting with Gemma; her red lips lifting in a loving smile as she whispers her name. Gemma smiled back as the image faded, her body poised as she grew confident in herself.

Alrick once again addressed the group, his voice clear in the night as he spoke with confidence about who Gemma was and the blessing of the moon goddess. He spoke about the passing of time and the prophecy; of the war and the peace to come. Through it all, Gemma felt a stirring inside of herself. At first it was like the wings of a butterfly, soft, gentle and delicate. Then suddenly, the feeling grew, it became powerful. She felt powerful.                                                                                                                                                                                                    Her eyes started to blur as spots danced in front of her eyes. Before, when Alrick spoke, it was clear. Now the sound became distorted and muffled. Suddenly she heard people's shouts of distress and she worried, thinking they were being attacked. As she stumbled, a ring of fire cut her off from the people around her and she found herself short of breath, her heart thudding painfully in her ears

Easy my love Lily said It is just the change. Father was testing you to see if you would be patient for him to finish or command your own transformation

It hurts! Gemma cried out in her mind

I know it does. But It’s only Jianna. She’s only looking to come out and meet you. Let her out my love.Stop fighting it

I don’t know how! Gemma said in a panicked voice

Just close your eyes and let go. Don’t be tense. Let it all out with a breath

Following Lily’s advice, Gemma let out a deep breath and consciously unlocked all the tightness in her muscles, relaxing her body. She whooshed out a breath and felt as if she hiccuped; a slight tightness in her chest before that too went away. He became aware that the murmurs she had been hearing before were now crystal clear. She could make out sounds of the woodland animals scurrying across the soil, running to their burrows. The sound of wings from the sky let her know that the owls were on the hunt for food, even as the pitter patter of mice scurried to hide away.                                                                                                                                                                                               Gemma opened her eyes in disappointment as she realised she felt no different to how she felt before; Her eyes connected with a smiling Alrick who seemed to have shrunk slightly. In fact, everyone seemed to have shrunk somehow. She whipped her head around her as she took in everyone who was looking at her in open administration and shock. Suddenly they all bowed on one knee and Gemma shook her head.

“But Alrick everything is still the same. I haven’t changed yet” Gemma said

“Haven’t you princess?” He replied with a smile before he too bowed

Look at your hands my love Lily whispered

Gemma’s gasp could be heard across the forest as she turned and looked at her body. She still stood on two legs but her body wasn’t human any more. White fur covered her body; so pure that it sparkled and gleaned; It was so white that iridescent colours bounced off her fur and created light on the surrounding trees. Her once beautiful nails were now razor sharp claws; their pointy shape a testament to their danger.                                                                                                                                                                                                  Her eyes were shining lavender, bright and bold for all to see as the proof of her bloodline shone through. Feeling overwhelmed, Gemma fell to her paws as she stood on all fours; looking at her people, her court as each person kneeled down. Feeling the righteousness of the situation, Gemma huffed out a puff of air as she accepted their devotion, their loyalty to her. Throwing her head back, Gemma howled to the shining moon, her melodic sound sending a call, a promise to all that she was here, that she had arrived

That the war would begin with the capture of those who betrayed the royal fae family