The Alpha's Human Mate

It Has Begun

“I’m the real Astrid and I’m over a thousand years old” Gemma whispered as she looked at Lily, her mother who was standing in front of her with tears in her lavender eyes

“Yes my love. But to me, you are still a teenager, my young daughter” Lily said as she walked slowly towards Gemma

“I...I” Gemma stopped and blew a puff of air out of her mouth, her eyes filled with shock “I don’t….there’s so much-”

“I know. Believe me, I do. I would not have approached you this way if you weren’t in grave danger my love”

“W..why have you not come for me...W..when mum died..Why didn’t you come for me?” Gemma asked, her voice hoarse “D..Didn’t you want me?”

“Not want you? Oh if you knew how much I have wanted you! To hold you in my arms every day as you took your breath. To kiss away every tear that ever fell from your eyes, to comfort you when you were lonely. I watched you everyday of your life but I couldn’t be there in person in case the traitor among your pack expose who you really were” Lily said as she caressed Gemma’s face lovingly

“Traitor….you keep saying that but..Lily, honestly. I can’t see anyone in the pack being this traitor you speak of”

“I know you can’t but I know it to be true”

“How? How could you possibly know-”

“Because” Lily cut in, holding onto Gemma cold hands “The day I gave you to Lily and Peter; it was only three hours later that a few pack members came to visit you. Within that few hours, as I made myself invincible to them; I was informed by my trusted confidante that your uncle from this realm was aware of your birth. He didn’t know it was you the original, only that a pure white wolf was born”

Gemma gasped, swaying on her feet. Lily took a hold of her daughter and helped her sit on the seat as she commanded a drink to appear out of thin air. Gemma looked at her in shock as she took the golden cup and took a sip. She smiled in delight as the taste of the sugary Irn Bru hit her taste buds.

“I know you like that, but it really isn’t good for you with so much sugar in it love” Lily said, her eyes looking at Gemma worriedly

Gemma gaped at her before she smiled, tears in her eyes.She looked away and once she felt herself be back in control of her emotions, she looked at Lily. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and stood up, sitting the golden cup down on a small side table

“So there really is a traitor among us” Gemma stated

“Yes. Just like there was on the day your parents were killed. Someone inside the pack knew of the secret trail they used and had a contingency plan for. I still don’t know who it is. I’ve been keeping a close eye on all of you and I still can’t determine who it is. They hide it so well and dark magic is being used for it”

“Erm...does that mean...you’ve seen everything?” Gemma asked timidly

“Yes. Why?”

“Y..you...erm..everything?”

“Oh” Lily said, smiling “You mean have I been looking when you have been...intimate with your ex or with you were talking about rutting with-”

“Mmmmmuuuu…..Lily!!” Gemma said in embarrassment, before she gasped out aloud. Realising what she almost said

Lily took a deep breath and looked away then looked back at Gemma, her heart beating wildly at what Gemma almost said. Gemma cleared her throat in embarrassment and walked to the crib, her hand touching the soft material as she contemplates everything she was told.

“So what happens now?” Gemma asked

Not hearing a response, she turned back around and looked at Lily standing there, contemplating her. Not sure what was happening or why Lily had stopped speaking, Gemma clasped her hands in front of her and questioned Lily

“What’s wrong? Why have you stopped speaking? Are you ok?” Gemma asked, worry lacing her voice

“You are the true astrid” Lily said reverently “Even now, when most youngsters would be upset and angry; you are standing there, so serene and mature. You clasp your hand in front of you, tall and brave and so majestic”

“I…”

Not sure what to say Gemma looked down at herself. She couldn’t understand why she wasn’t more scared or upset. Why she was able to accept what Lily said without throwing a tantrum or crying. Yes, the information was too much and yet, she had begun to process that information without much difficulty, accepting it as facts

“I guess...I mean, I don’t know why but….I’m not scared. I don’t doubt what you say. Why?” Gemma asked

“Because in your heart, you know you are my daughter and that what I am saying is true”

Gemma bit her bottom lip and nodded before fidgeting with her fingers, her eyes now sad and awash with tears. She bent her head to hide her eyes, her thoughts askew.

“And yet, you are also sad” Lily said softly, taking one step closer to her daughter

“I...just can’t think about someone being a traitor in my family, in my pack”

Lily nodded “Yes. To know that it is one of your own who has betrayed you is devastating” She took Gemma’s hand in hers again “You must stay safe Gemma. You must be cautious and aware. Look who is around you. Look who seems to always either be there or disappear when there is information being told. Above all, trust no-one”

“No-one?” Gemma asked wide eyed “N...Not even my mate?”

“He is only your mate once you have actually mated my love. As in-”

“I know what you mean” Gemma hurriedly cut in, blushing furiously

“Then you know that once mated, you would always be able to tell what your mate is thinking and feeling. When you mate, both of your heartbeat will be in tune with one another. You will feel like you both breathe as one, feel as one. For him to betray you, his very essence would need to be ripped in half and he would lose half of his soul. You would know straight away that something was wrong and if in that time he betrayed you, again you would know”

Gemma nodded “A...And mammie erm...Carrie? My Vo-Suie?”

“I will need to look into it but I am sure you have one of your own. It is possible that your Vo-Suie is either still in training or looking for you. I can’t imagine she has died”

“She?” Gemma questioned with raised eyebrows

“It is always a she. Because the Astrid would have always been a female, her main guardian would also be one so she would understand how the Astrid is feeling. She would be able to understand the Astrids point of view. Having a male guardian, while not unheard of; is rare. Only because the way men are wired is different. Be it human, wolf or fish. A male is a male regardless of species” Lily said with laughter in her voice

Gemma smiled as her eyes twinkled with understanding. She sighed and looked around the room, her eyes landing on the rocking chair again as her eyes misted. Lily walked towards Gemma and hugged her tight as Gemma’s body started to heave, crying as she finally gave into the emotions.

“It’s ok Gemma” Lily whispered

“I...I’m sorry for letting you down and crying after you told me how str...strong I was being”

“No, no love. You are still strong. You are still learning. Much was shielded from you and yet you still have taken all the information in your stride. A true Astrid isn’t an emotionless shell that only makes the right and good decisions. It’s her humanity that is the true essence. It’s her ability to learn, to adapt and to take everyone along with her on that journey while looking out for them. As long as there is goodness in your heart and the desire to do good for others….to always fight on the right and just side; you will continue to be the true Astrid.

Gemma’s heart filled with confidence as she listened to Lily guide and encourage her. When she felt like bursting and her heart became full, she frowned in confusion as she took everything in and couldn’t understand what was happening to her.

It is because you feel overwhelmed with all these emotions. But the biggest emotion you are feeling is love. Of being wanted. Of having a mother again.

Oh god! A mother...a mum! Oh Jianna! Why have you been silent till now?

Because, you were already experiencing a lot without me coming into the mix. Breath Gemma. This is our mother.

I...i...Mammie….Mum

It’s ok Gemma. It’s ok to feel like you are disrespecting the guardians you called mother and father. It’s ok to feel sad that you are unsure about calling Carrie mammie any more. You are not disrespecting any of them. It’s ok to feel like you are because so much has happened and technically, you have had two mothers and now a third is in front of you...our actual blood mother. Of course it will be overwhelming!

Jianna. I...I

Would it help if I took over for a little while. Just to let you gather your thoughts?

Gemma sighed in relief even as tears gathered faster in her eyes Yes

When Gemma next lifted her head, her eyes were clear and her orbs shined as they now shone lavender. She looked at Lily and smiled before bowing her head in respect. Lily caressed her daughters cheek before pulling her into her arms for a hug.

“Oh how I have longed to meet you my daughter”

“And I you mother. I needed you so much”

“Tell me your name love”

“Jianna”

“You have such a strong presence, just like your father”

“Where is he? I know why you gave us up. I understand. Gemma needs time to process it and I wanted to meet you too; but I would love to meet father”

“Your father” Lily sighed, a lone tear escaping from her eyes “He gave up his mortality for all you children. I gave him half of mine but since then, he has become part mortal. Five hundred years ago, he started to become ill and as he slowly started to become ill, he was put into a cryogen”

“So, he’s asleep?”

“Yes”

“Only we three can fix this illness” Jianna said with clarification

“Yes. It is not time yet so don’t worry” Lily said with a smile.“Jianna, protect her. You know there is a traitor among her group. She needs you now more than ever”

“I will. I have wanted to meet you for so long. I only became awake a few days ago”

Lily grabbed Jianna and hugged her hard. Both breathing harshly as they finally embraced after so long. The years of separation finally unting mother and daughter. As Jianna moved away, Lily kissed the top of Jianna’s forehead and ran a loving hand over her black locks. She touched the necklace that was hidden under Jianna’s clothing.

“Let this guide you both. The true heirs wills always recognise each other”

“Heirs? Mum what do you mean?”

Lily sighed, sucking in a shaky breath of air; she pushed her fingers over her mouth to stifle a cry of joy and pain. When Jianna looked at her with enquiry, Lily gave her a watery smile

“Hearing you call me mum. Hearing Gemma almost calls me mum. My ears have longed to hear those words since you were born. I have missed hearing the word mum for so many years that it is like a benediction to me”

“Oh mum!” Jianna said, grabbing Lily for a hug, holding her tight to her body. Jianna turned and took in her mother’s scent and immediately her body relaxed, her aura changing to a golden light. When Lily saw the glow surrounding her daughters body, she laughed lightly and gripped her daughters hands as she looked at her

“Your father would do that too and he would suddenly start to glow. Everyone would know he took in my scent. Of course for him it was both a way to calm him as he found comfort in my presence and a intimate act between mates”

“I can’t wait to be like this with our mate”

“Then make it soon” Lily said, her eyes twinkling “and I would recommend before the third entity appearing because you won’t be able to have pups until all three of you are present. This way, you both can enjoy the pleasure of mating without the worry of pups. Although a part of me is also excited about being a grandmother again too”

“Mmmuuuum!” Jianna whined good naturedly

When Lily gasped in pleasure Jianna understood. Lily held out her hand and Jianna clasped it as she followed Lily back out of the room. As they both stepped away from the door, Jianna could see the door lock behind them and heard the door secure itself further with unseens bolts and locks.

Lily led Jianna back down the long corridor, the light bright as it followed their footsteps. Once back on the platform, they started to move back up and before long Jianna could see the glass staircase again and the bright room. Lily looked at her daughter with affection and once again kissed her forehead

“Jianna, I must send Gemma back. Her mate and family are here in this very room, seeking her”

“Is that why the air feels different? I could tell as soon as we came back up that the air didn’t feel as peaceful as it did when we first came here”

“Yes. Her pack and mates worry is so great that their desire for her is penetrating both realms. Take care of her Jianna. Be vigilant and above all…..mate quickly”

Jianna laughed and hugged Lily before bowing her head slightly. Within seconds, her eyes changed and when she raised her head, Gemma looked up at her mother’s face.

“Lily” Gemma said quietly

“Welcome back love”

“I’m sorry. I-”

“No need love. It was understandable that you needed time to gather yourself. I was very pleased to meet Jianna. Your father would have been so proud of you. Of both of you”

“My...Father?” Gemma whispered, her eyes wide

“A story for another day love. Right now, we must send you back. Your mate is frantic with worry and beside himself. He may become feral if you stay away much longer”

“Max” Gemma whispered as she looked at her mother worriedly

“I will always be here for you and with you. Go to the Balkan Mountains Gemma. It is there that you will begin”

“Begin what?”

“Begin being you. Tonight, when you sleep, take this in a hot drink”

Pushing a small golden pouch into her hand, Gemma looked down and raised her eyebrow at Lily. Lily chuckled at her baffled look and walked Gemma to stand at the top of the glass stairs. Hugging her daughter one last time, she explained

“This is a white powder which will dissolve in any hot drink. It has no taste but it’s purpose is to help whoever takes it, have clarity. This could be in the form of a dream, feelings and certainty. It will help to guide you on who to take with you. Of course, your mate being one of them”

“As if he would let me leave him behind” Gemma scoffed good naturedly as she rolled her eyes

“Remember that there is still danger around you my love so be aware of your surroundings and the people. When you go to the Balkan Mountains, make sure you speak to someone named Naitsab. Do not show anyone else the necklace except him. Tell him your name. You will know what to do from there”

“I will?”

“Yes love”

“How will I? What if I don’t know?” Gemma asked

“Trust yourself” Lily said

WIth that, suddenly the stairs started to move. The platform twisted around as it slowly descended. Gemma looked up in surprise at Lily, her mouth forming words but Lily spoke before her

“I will speak to you soon. I will always be with you. When you are back in this house, this room will always welcome you. Be safe my darling”

“I will” Gemma smiled back

“And Gemma”

“Yes?”

“Mate with your alpha soon love”

“Lily!” Gemma gasped, her face flaming in embarrassment

Just as the dias came back to the stone floor, Lily’s laughter could be heard in the air, the light changed and Gemma found herself standing again in the room. The walls that were once bare, suddenly changed, white organza material now covered the stone walls with golden drapes falling in looped design. The fire scones were now painted golden and burning brightly, the floor now clear marble. Gasps rented the air as the group of people all looked up at the ceiling, at the glistening crystal chandelier.

“What are we all looking at?” Gemma asked

“GEMMA!” Max shouted, running towards her

“GEMMAAAA” All the adults shouted, their eyes bulging as they looked at her, making their way towards her

Gemma looked down at herself and saw that her clothes were back to her normal bottom and top, her hair once again tied with a pony behind her head instead of flowing in a curled fashion. She slipped the pouch into her pocket and looked up just as she was lifted off the floor and into Max’s arms, being hugged hard against him.

Everyone started speaking at once, both asking questions and berating her about her safety. She listened to them all for a while, letting them vent their worry while she was still plastered against Max’s shuddering body. When Max put his face against her left neck and inhaled, Gemma sighed in contentment before a loud gasp escaped her mouth and the room went silent. Gemma gripped Max’s hair a little hard as she tried to move his face away but she couldn’t dislodge him.

“Max, Son?” Jon said as he stepped closer to the couple

Max growled a little and the atmosphere in the room became somber. Carrie and Heather both stepped a little closer as well and just as they both reached out to touch the young alpha, he raised his head. His lavender eyes shining through, the slight sting on Gemma’s neck slowly disappearing.

“Maxsius” Gemma whispered

“Never leave me like that again!”

“Maxsius, I...It wasn’t intentional” Gemma said

“Gemma!” Carrie gasped as she looked at her neck “You..Maxsius; mark”

Everyone clamored around them as they looked at Gemma’s neck. Maxsius set her down and while still holding onto her hand, stepped back as he admired his handiwork.

“Where did you go my mate?” He asked

“I….You bit me?” Gema asked wide eyes, her other hand going to where the sting was now easing

“Where did you go?” Maxsius repeated “You smell different”

Carrie stepped forward once again and Maxsius growled, his body stiffening. Carrie and Heather looked at each other before looking back at the couple in front of them. Heather mind-linked the rest of the group, advising everyone to give the couple some space. When Maxsius saw them all take a step back, his growling stopped and his body relaxed

“You bit me Maxsius” Gemma said in a low voice

“It is not a claiming mark, although I do plan to do that soon” He said “It is a mark designed to know where you are, so I can feel you and know you are safe”

“What?” Jon said “Son, there is no such thing. There is only a mating mark and that it”

“No” Maxsius said smugly “There is another, but I will explain that later. What I want to know right now is why my mate smells like she is not from this world”

“What do you mean?” Heather asked her son

“I mean, that my mate smells like she has travelled to another place. She smells of fae and magic”

“That’s not possible” Carrie said with a frown “We both saw her here in this room”

“A room which changed after she disappeared. Then changed again right in front of our eyes, as if by magic. And my mate suddenly appearing in the very room we have all been in for the last fifteen minutes”

When everyone else nodded with confirmation at his words, Maxsius pulled his mate closer to him and kissed her hard, his tongue dueling with hers as he took over the kiss, his hands molding themselves around her waist as he grinded his erection against her soft body. When Gemma moaned in pleasure and gripped his hair harder, many people coughed at the erotic display, trying to bring them back to reality before witnessing an even bigger embaressing scene.

“Next time you try this, perhaps it should be where we won’t be interrupted my mate”

“Jianna” Maxsius growled in pleasure

“It seems we have put on a little display my mate” Jianna laughed before shaking her head and looking at the group around her

“Where have you been my mate. Do not ever disappear like that again. We haven’t mated yet and I could not sense you except to know you were not here” Maxsius growled in displeasure

“Jianna” Carrie said “Where were you both? How did you appear here?”

“I will explain that at another time. But right now you should all know that the prophecy has come true. In order for me to complete the transaction in being the Astrid, I need to awake my third entity and for that, I need to go to the Balken Mountains”

“What?” Carried shouted

“I don’t think so pumpkin” Both Jon and Liam said as after the shock wore off as they crossed their arms and widened their legs, their faces a mix of shock and determination

“I’ll go with you” Maddie squealed in excitement

“Don’t you think that’s something we should discuss?” Ben said, one eyebrow lifted

“Ppppfftt. You’re my mate, not my father. I do as I want” Maddie scoffed

“Well I AM your father and I say no-one is going anywhere” Jon said sternly

“Daaaddd” Maddie moaned

“With all due respect alpha, I am the Astrid and I will do what I have to in order to ” Jianna answered back

“Gemma is still a child, our child and has been sheltered. There is no chance in hell-”

“I will go with you” Carrie said quietly

“What the f**k Carrie?” Liam shouted

“I may not be her actual Vo-Suie, but I am her guardian. She is the Astrid”

“Carrie-” Jon started

“I’m sorry Jon. Her journey can not be hindered on what we want”

“She’s a child!” Liam shouted “You’re telling me that you are ok with her going to a far off, dangerous place like the Balkan Mountains?”

“It’s not dangerous if I am going with her” Carrie replied, standing in front of Jianna

“I will go no matter what. Be it dangerous or not” Jianna said

“She is not going. All your life you have protected her and just like that your letting her go?” Liam shouted, not listening to what Jianna said

“Pops-”Jianna tried to intervene

“Liam, she’s the Astrid. I will follow her wherever she needs to go”

“Carrie-” Jianna tried again

“And that means letting our daughter go on a suicide mission to a place like Serbia? What about school? What about letting her breathe and be just a normal teen?”

“Really Liam? School? That’s what you’re worried about?” Carrie asked, her hands on her hips

“Carrie” Maxsius said, his voice deep “I will-”

“Your being pig headed and unreasonable Liam” Carrie interrupted

“I?...’m being unreasonable?”

“Carrie, I agree with Liam. He-”

“Oh don’t even Jon. You both-”

“It is not up for discussion” Jianna said in a loud voice, her hand leaving Maxsius as she waved then in air in an arch.

Immediately, the fire in the scones dulled, the chandelier went off and the once bright room was now a dull room; the low fires of the scones the only source of light. Everyone looked around the room in shock as they took in the change and then back at Jianna who stood their proud and strong

“I understand your concern. For many years, she has been your child and has been kept safe within this pack, with you. But you both must understand and accept” Jianna said , looking between Liam and Jon “That she, we are the Astrid and in order for us to stop this impending war and restore balance, we must become three. We can’t do that here. We need to go to the Balkan Mountains”

“For what?” Jon asked

“Why?” Liam asked at the same time

“Because that is where my training will begin. Jon, you are the book’s guardian. Surely you have read about what was needed”

“I know a little, but the book only reveals information of its own choosing. It won’t always show me the future and what needs done unless it thinks I need to know”

“Then consult the book and read what it says now” Jianna said, waving her hand towards the raised dias

When everyone looked towards the raised dias, they all looked on with surprise. There was an opened winged stand which had a heavy, gold leather bound book, the scones of fire once again burning brightly. As Jon walked towards the raised platform, Maxsius pulled Jianna back to him and inhaled her scent, his hands securing her to him as his arms became bands of steel around her waist, his muscles bulging.

“Dad” Maddie said as both she and Ben took a step forward “What does it say?” She asked after there was a few minutes of silence when Jon looked over the book

“Well” Jon said, raising his head to look at Jianna “It seems that the trip to the Balkan Mountains is on”

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

Goine shook his head in laughter as he raised a crystal glass and took a healthy sip of the fae wine-like substance. His eyes encouraged the old councilman in front of him to keep talking while inside he sighed in boredom.

Goine

Why are you calling for me? Goine asked When you know it is the Council of Light’s gathering just now?

Remember who put you there. I would have thought you would be board about now

I am Goine said But I must appear as if nothing is more important than them. After all, it helps to be kept in the know about…..developments

There has been one

One what? Goine asked Development. Make your excuses

Goine eyes widened for a fraction before schooling his features again as he laughed at the appropriate time when the group around him were being told a joke.

“Forgive me Councilman Diammo. I am being summoned. If you don’t mind?”

“Of course, of course. Please, continue. I am sure this audience will keep me entertained” He said with a laugh.

The group around him all nodded and encouraged him with words of agreement before Goine gave a slight bow and left, his brisk steps taking him away from the lavish, crowded ballroom and out towards the long corridor of the palace. As he walked, he smiled at the many guests who were walking around in groups, drinking or laughing merrily at stories being told while gerd looked on; protecting the guest while being his ears.

Goine walked towards the stairs which would take him to the lower levels, his discreet nods at particular guards his code to let them know he was not to be disturbed. Once he reached the lower level, he walked towards the third door and took out the silver key that he wore around his neck and placed it into the lock. As the door opened, he stepped in and closed it behind him, waving his hand to lock it before placing an enchantment over the room so when one of the cleaning staff opened the door; to them, it would still seem like a bigger room they use to store cleaning utensils and items.

“Now tell me” Goine said aloud, walking up to the shimmering cloaked figure in front of him

“There is to be movement”

“By who?” Goine asked as he walked in a circle around the figure

“The girl” He said

“Are you certain?” Goine asked

“Yes. My source has confirmed it. She wants to go to the Balkan Mountains”

“Why there?” Goine asked, his face shocked

“Because that is where she will become three. She is the Astrid as I have always stated. I am sure there is more to the prophecy than we have been told”

“No!” Goine raised his voice in anger “I would have know-”

“You know nothing!” He shouted, the figure wavering a little ”I have been preparing for this day for many years. I have taken many lives and became practised in dark magic so I could be ready. We had a deal. You get the kingdom, I get her essence and we both take the power. Send your brother there. It is time”

“I can’t believe that after all these years, decades-”

“Believe it. My source has just confirmed that Jianna’s eyes showed knowledge that could only come from the previous Astrid”

“IMPOSSIBLE” Goine shouted “Lily has been missing for many years. Her last whereabouts was when Gemma was born. Even then, that took all her energy when she was at the hospital, blessing the child. Remember, she is only half mortal now. She is depleting rapidly as her remaining life force has been given to keep her mangy mutt of a mate alive somewhere”

“Be that as it may, she is still alive no matter how weak! Prepare Goine. I do not want another mistake as the last one where we lost them and then found out that they were holed up at the packhouse. It is unfeasible for us to attack there, but at the mountains...we will succeed”

“Yes” Goine said, bowing his head to his superior “I will see to it personally. I won’t let you down”

“See to it that you don’t”

Goine bowed slightly, huffed out a breath and turned around, walking out of the room. The cloaked figure disappeared, the silhouette fading and finally disappearing as their eyes followed Goine’s movements.