Traits That Define Us

Chapter 3 Untitled: Gail Pyrin POV

Many moons have passed since the conflict with the Vampire Queen. My father fought hard to keep our herd from meeting our demise, only to ensure his. Her Majesty and my Mother, Queen Ira Silverwing has lead us to the Alps to keep us from meddling classes. Dragons are always hunted due to our strong magic ties, our gemstone scales that conform to our powers sell for billions, tough as they are fashionable. Our infertile eggs too, fetching trillions once sold in the market and fueling us for year's end. "Lord Pyrin...?" came Sonja over the mind connection, my heart a flutter upon hearing her voice. "Madame Ira summons you," she instructed narrowly. Maybe something wrong with servants in the kitchen... I didn't bother to respond, just made my way through the extravagant halls under the towering ceilings to my Mother's chambers. "You summoned me?" I inquired with my head held high. "My baby boy, I do hope you understand, but your Father left something for us and we need to finally view it." she reasoned. "What if it's something that is upsetting?" I openly asked her. "Then we shall go through it together." she beamed brightly, her gaze spoke volumes, any shifter to lose their mate will one day succumb to the 'madness that follows.

Judging by the wrinkles along her sun-kissed hue, under the sun's rays showed her age and the stress of her labor. She is a wonderful mother, but I believe that whatever my Father left in this box will tarnish her spirits. I can't bear the thought, she sighed which woke me from my thoughts, she then opened the velvet crimson red box lid. In an instant, I averted my stare to anywhere but the box. Somber sobs came from my mother, I turned to see she was holding a photo. An unknown pregnant woman, I think I recall her as a pup at an old Gala my Father sponsored, meant to announce our ties with the Lycans in the states. Dragon King Nova Rosminof, the only purebred Dragon of creation and guidance. Fell to the venomous siphoning of his powers in an ambush returning from the Gala to the old country. A wizard that we came to know as Maxwell Stark aided with the Queen of Vampires Conquest, sadly going into hiding from our data banks too. A comment to the back of the photo caught my attention, reaching for it from Mother's hand, I examined the words. 'The mother of my second child, May Isto', was printed on the back, my eyes widened to this news

"What should I do Mother?" I asked impartial to her sobs. "Find this child..." she sniffled. "Find the child and bring them here, they need to know their kin and how things are different from other shifters." she urged. "Should I deem them unworthy of being in our herd?" I asked with venom to trace my voice. "Then I shall send someone else to retrieve them." she spat. Calm was my face, anger forced my heart to pump faster, a gruff snarl escaped my chest. "Despite your suspicion of me for this mission," I trailed with a grin. "Sonja will support me..." I chimed. "Then please bring my son along too." we heard a familiar disdaining voice, two sets of footsteps to add. Mila, the sister to my Mother and a nuisance to the herd with her spending habits. "Ah, sister, lovely to see you today." Mom chimed. "Sister, you flatter me so, but I truly meant it, Ansen here has nothing but time on his hands, luckily my sweet boy can help," she suggested. "Sonja, ready three for a trip," I requested of her. "Yes, Sire," she responds before cutting the connection, she's always listening, I tend to miss her from time to time.

Aunty Mila is a cringe-worthy woman, she can be spiteful to anyone near, her ties run deep with the herd as well. Though we wouldn't put it past her hazel eyes of unquenchable appetite to usurp the throne. "Sire, the trip is set for two months from now due to high demand," Sonja advised. "if you'd like I can set up the jet?" she suggested otherwise. "Two months, huh?" I stated aloud by accident. "Is that how much time it will take?" Mila questioned me. Her crinkled soft brown locks fell around her face, her light make-up allowing her green eyes to pop and her elegant gown of black and gold foretold her status. I gulped, "No, we leave around that time..." I exchanged correctly. "So long?" she inquired with haste. "To begin, I have no leads except this photo, for all we know, Maxwell may still be alive and searching for anyone close to the dragons too," I explained. "So, if he finds that dragons are looking for a potential dragon, he may retaliate or stalk and take the herd." Ansen cut in. He's identical in height to me, dressed in all black and gold trim like Aunty, but I can tell for a dragon his age he isn't especially intrigued to search for Royalty. "At least your smart..." my retort. "Then why not fly through the night and cloak your bodies, money is no issue here." Aunty tried to play. "As Ansen stated earlier, we could end up making ourselves targets, from here until we have Maxwell, or Ms. Isto, or even my siblings' whereabouts we are at square one," I explained. "The Regal Claws Pack!" Mom blurts as a thought came to her. we turned our attention to her in question. "Not only did your father help them with the war, but they housed him and the treaty still stands, it could be a great start!" she offered as she went to the metal file cabinets and pulled a file free. Within the file, a map folded four ways and spread across her desk. "They reside in the center of Somber Springs City, Alpha Amel and his son should happily take you in." she chimed excitedly.

"That's fine, I'll make preparations, but Mom I need you to take it easy while I'm away," I advised. "My boy, just brings the sibling here, whoever they may be, they will need guidance before they bring calamity to humans and our treaties broken," she informed. I slightly bowed my head to her, taking my leave from her study and heading back to my chambers. Not long as I lounged in my room alone, a knock came on my door, Sonja's blessed scent came to my nose. "Come in," I ordered, the sounds of my door opening and footsteps coming to my bed. I was peering through the database to try and search the Regal Claws Pack and see if any could be of great use. From behind my phone, crawling up my bed and legs, Sonja straddled me with a bright smile and forced me to fix my posture. Using my magic to shut, lock, and barrier the door; my hands slipped along the sides of her ass and body. "Sire, are we really going to the States together?" she whispered lovingly in my ear, unable to control my desire, I began to kiss passionately along the collar of her neck. "I can't leave this place without you," I assured her, tinder sweet giggles as I toyed with her gorgeous body. "Then is two months enough time to pack?" she inquired openly, "No, we actually leave in a month, but I need to contact the Alpha first and gain a passport," I informed as I rolled over top of her and gazed into her captivating charcoal eyes. My love couldn't be contained for her, I plastered kisses all over her face and began to strip her of her clothing. "Sire, mm...There!" she begged arching her back as my kisses caressed her exposed skin, her moans causing a ripple effect of my mind. The sensational sparks between us were setting my body aflame, her scent astounding and she was its reason. Mating for dragons is said to be more passionate than any other, due to her poor status, Sonja and I can't be together until I take the throne and bring peace among the herd. Being a dragon of Light and she a dragon of the night, we are said to be incompatible, but I'm not afraid of the dark as long as she is with me.

Our lovemaking went on until the wee hours of dawn, though she hates being snuck into my room and waking alone, I hope this trip will provide a cover for us. As I slept through the last moments of the darkness of dusk, a flash of magic coursed through my veins and a vision came to me. So vivid was the vision as I was taken through the gritty and pouring alleys of the States. Rundown, my feet on the garbage infested sidewalk, and a silhouette of a young girl came to me from the darkness. My eyes widened as the girl held up her opened palm and rendered a wolf of some kind lifeless. Her eyes shifted to me, a chill ran down my spine, and a set of pale silver eyes challenged me. The savage aura this creature was giving off, the magic spewing from it's body was on a different magnitude from both Mother and me, unfortunately. My hand started to quiver as I watched in horror, another small girl that bared her fangs and smiled evilly at me. Trying to stop them, I roared as loud as I could, opening my eyes again, I was appalled to see my younger sister was muzzled now, her eyes exchanging a darker and more cold glare down at me. I awoke with a start, getting dressed quickly and going to the physical training field. Sadly, sleep eludes us as time draws on, it can cripple our enemies when it comes to torture.

Ansen was already there, throwing some heavy punches at the bag, and then forcing it off the chain to explode after hitting the weights. "I wanted to use that." I expressed as I wrapped my wrists, "A little magic should repair it, your Majesty." he scoffed back. "I didn't come to play with my magic, I came to test my strength," I acknowledged openly. "I wonder if you will spar with me?" I gave a sinister grin to him. "All you had to do was ask, your Majesty." he chuckled as he put up his Dukes. Back and forth, swing after swing, the jolts forcing our inner dragons to roar with might! I admit my adopted cousin is well trained, his powerful blows would make any land shifter quake in their pelts. Backing away from his close encounter, I countered his punch with a death-dealing kick, sadly we didn't falter. "Something seems to be bothering you my Lord." he grinned, bowing to submit the fight. "I had a vision at dawn..." I expressed through seethed teeth.

"A vision is rare..." he replied, seemingly interested. "The vision shed some light on what I must due to about my rouge sibling." I answered. "An assassination before we return?" he implied in general. "If it's the way my vision depicted, then I want them dead." I ordered. He bowed, I took my leave, going to see mother, "Something calls you there too!" he harked and stopped me. I turned to face him, but his scent vanished from the brisk breeze before I could bother. I snarled, blue flames escaped my nostrils and I continued storming to Mother. I found her in her lounge, giggling at the tv and wanted to speak to her about my vision. Everything Ansen and I spoke of while sparing, my feeling of Father and the damage he caused her. "My wonderful son..." she sniffled. "I understand you, but at least find out why she has done these things, you may be upset..." she reasoned, hugging me as she sniffled more. "I want dragons of all types here, we are kin." she believed. I lowered my head to her, nodding instead, 'madness' evidently settling in. "If that makes you happy Mother..." I said flatly, standing over her and kissing her forehead. Leaving her with the servants, I left to my room. "Sonja," I called through connection. "Y-yes, Sire?" she was startled. "We leave in two weeks, to the States and within the Regal Claws Territory. Somber Springs City to be exact." I ordered. "On it!" she boasted gratefully, "We leave on the thirtieth of this month." she chimed sometime later.

I made a call the week before everything was confirmed in systems, "Hello?" I heard a gruff voice over the phone. "Hello, this is Prince Gail Pryin, son to Nova Rosminof," I explained shortly. "Prince Gail?" the Alpha awoke. "Yes, I'm visiting for a short while in honor of my Father, would we be able to have such audience?" I inquired boldly. "I don't see why not... please meet at the main Pack mansion and I will ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible." he assured. "Thank you, Alpha." I thanked before hanging up. The day of our departure, Mom sobbed as I left, Aunty waved happily and the three of us were off on the plane. While in the air, we were able to set our identities, Sonja seemed young enough to be a teen in high school.

Sadly to say Ansen was practically on call, it was terrible getting a hold of him, to the point one day. Two weeks before the Ceremony, he completely snapped at me over a lead he was following and called me a 'Lazy Bum'. How dare he, the thought of me of all Dragons lazy, that's absurd!

(Bryan Mars POV)

Everything wasn't all that disastrous until the day Moms left. Sira, was a new addition right before I was told she was gone and took my sister with her. Informed the morning before school ended for that week, she was always doing the dishes, minding her manners and not bothering me. I pushed her down all the time, away too when she only wanted to help. I hate her for trying to replace my sister and Mom, she never said anything to me or Dad. I thought I was a good son, becoming the best as the Gammas' son and may be taking spot as the Beta. I know I'm older by four years, but a stronger and wiser Beta with an Alpha she wolf as a mate and being the Gamma's son, well... That's a climb of it's own, after Nick mentioned about Sira, I couldn't help to wonder why a slave would pique his interest. Though his tone of voice angers me, I called up Mika Howls, daughter to Miles Howls and the first born Alpha she wolf with a Lycan Father.

We are fated mates, I realized that when we were heading to the Whispering Isle School for Royals crossing into the Moon Demons Pack. The Betas in choosing had to attend according to the Board. She was attending another Camp when we locked eyes on each other. I was excited to get to know her, one thing leads to another and we shared an amazing night together. Having her over while Sira was at school and Dad was out. I hadn't seen her in two months, I wasn't remotely keeping track of time when it came to her and Sira bursts in anyway. "Leave b***h!" I barked savagely while plowing deeply into Mika. The door slammed, my climax at it's peak, but Sira is a thorn in my side. "FILL ME BRYAN!" she begged, with a low growl and a bellow from my chest we climaxed together on the couch with her dress still on. She was the first to get up, a sigh escaped her, the air in the room seemed heavy. "Mate is not happy, find out why." Bruno suggests. I gulped loudly, turning to her as she fixed her clothing and made herself more stunning as when she first walked in. "I-is something wrong?" I asked hesitantly and reaching for her. "Yes," she started while turning her gaze back to me. "Whats-" I was stopped as she knocks my hand away. "Word is out that you won't be Beta," she expressed with a stern tone, "I can't make you Alpha if you can't even get a Beta position, and lastly..." she rose from her seat. The tears in her eyes was a clear warning, I couldn't believe my ears as the hurt broke my heart. "I, Mika Elaine Howls, Alpha shewolf to the Gray Beasts Pack reject you Bryan Eain Mars of the Regal Claws." she announced before stroming off with her stuff and not even saying 'goodbye'.

My rage untamed as I threw everything, allowed my wolf to voluntarily disintegrate, destroy and let off steam. "Maxwell deals in mind control, let's pay him a visit?" Bruno mentioned in my head. He suddenly seemed so calm, and since he is the only one I can trust... I grabbed my cell phone, making my way to my car in the garage as I put my shirt on and left the house a mess. Dad would love to take his anger out on her anyway, I quickly dialed while driving, Maxwell's cell. "Hello?" he inquired nervously. "Hey, this is Bryan Mars, the Gamma of the Regal Claws son..." I informed with a smile. "Yes, what can I do for you?" he asked, the smile in his voice was welcoming. "I was wondering if I could personally meet you and ask my questions? I heard that you used to dabble with the Hunters and their traps for Shifters and such." I boasted. "That is true, but it will cost a very high price." he informed. "Money is of no issue, I assure you." I assured with a vile grin. "Then please come by and I can see what I can whip up." he charmed.

The drive exceptional to view, long as it was winding and passing the vast a rousing forest. Growing up here all my life, I want this land and a pack of my own, to have others under me and begging for me to save them. I was better than any Alpha without Alpha blood to run in my veins. "But we can't have a little slave getting in our way," he added. Indeed, Sira has been building up some attention, but she is still a slave and raised that way... She has no choice but to follow orders. "Skip college and ask your Dad for more money," Bruno demands in my head. The drive ending, I got out and noticed the packhouses. A red-haired man that could almost pose as Alanna's father appeared with a warm smile and open arms. "Dear, Bryan, glad to see you made it," he greets me. "Please follow me." he requests as he walks along a dirt path that leads through the pack homes. The scenery changes, now within the halls of the main pack home he occupied, scents changed too. The room had no windows, dimly lit candles that provided some assistance to a normal human. "Now tell me more of this creature your trying to snag." he replied.

"A pain in the ass... She cost me my mate." I bellowed behind him as he leads me through the storage room section to a trap door. "She's a slave to my Dad, I was told my Mom left her with us and took my baby sister with her." I informed. "Oh?" he interrupted. "The Gamma's fated mated left him and me," I explained through seething fangs. "May I ask what her name was?" he suddenly exposed interest. "May Isto... Originally from the Regal Claws Pack..." I answered. Turning back to the stairwell below the door, we descended into the darkness, a hallway was then revealed and just as dark. "The name strikes me as familiar." he states. Narrowing my brow to him, I sighed, "I guess life has things in store for everyone, my boy." he replied. A back lit doorframe came into view as we walked the hall. He reached for the knob, turning it and we entered at the same time.

Entering a showroom, I was stunned to fully witness his tools and creations. Reaching for a ball and chain weapon, "Ahem..." I was stopped. "The tools to capture your beast should be over here." he mentioned as he reached for a few items. Presenting a gold box with black trimming, a pair of shackles and a pair of gold glowing rings. The box had my interest, a soft hum coming from it and my gaze stuck. "Want to know what's in the box?" he asked with a grin. "It's calling to me." I answered. "Ah, yes, said to : have been created by the Moon Goddess herself, " he foretold. "I believe it goes; Made under great strife, a mask to tame the fiercest of beasts, the mated will plunder should the muzzle render the newly mateless it's host." he summarized for me.

"I haven't tested it yet, but I'm sure it may come in handy." he informed happily. I reached for the box again, he turned and pulled something else from his junk stash. Dangling from the tips of his fingers, a collar of sorts. "If you buy that, this little cutie will be a great assecory to accompany the control of this slave." he added. "How much?" I asked. "Any information you may have about Dragons, a rumor or a good lead... I would like for you to contact me directly." he requests. "Therefore, as an added bonus, if I succeed with capturing this slave will you send someone to haul her off?" I inquired with a lowered head. "I don't need any slaves in my Pack, but just give me the call when she is tied completely." he advised. I nodded with a bright smile to him, taking my leave right after and ready to commence with my plot. Arriving back at the house, a little after dark and I noticed Dad's car parked in the driveway.

Upon entering the home, glass was being shattered before the wee slave and an infuriated Dad. "I don't know why the house is this way sir!" she whimpered as she huddled in a corner. "What, you threw a house party and didn't tell me?" I joked, working to my advantage, Dad snarled. "No, I did-!" a slap to the face to shut her filthy mouth. "You were here when I got here, what took you so long to get home when I told you to ride the bus!?" he yelled at her. I loved the fear that displayed on her face, a smile I couldn't hide as she did her best to reason. Only to be grabbed by the throat, dragged to the basement door and thrown down the steps. "I expect you to spend all week cleaning and replacing everything, even if you need to get a JOB!" he bellowed, slamming the door after. From behind the basement door, her cries soothed me, I wanted her to suffer more.

By Friday, I was lazing on the couch, watching tv. Sira in the kitchen doing the dishes before Dad leaves for work. A scent came to the door, damned witches, not that Maxwell was a magic-user but I can't stand magic. I can't use it, so I hate it, and my plan to catch Sira using magic, I'll put that muzzle on her. Even from my room I can hear it calling to me, Dad doesn't seem to hear it, but he works evenings and nights. A gentle knock came to the door, not surprising to hear Alanna's voice. Dad answered the door in a wife beater and black jeans. His brown short locks disheveled from leaving his bed, of course while they conversed I noticed Sira putting up plates. I got up, walking into the kitchen and as she was putting the last plate up, I kicked her ankle, forcing her to drop it and a ridged growl came from Dad. Sira's eyes were on me as she swiftly picked the glass up, rushing to get to Dad's call and greet Alanna. Coming back into the house after shutting the door, Dad was pushing Sira further from the door and pointing to her chores. "Just cause that witch wants to be buddy buddy, don't let her touch you or talk about your home life," Dad orders. "Your a slave and nothing more Runt." he assures. "Now take your ass downstairs before I go to work." he demands and forcing a smile across my face.

By Saturday, before the rain started, I left the house for some snacks and alone time. My thoughts on the plan were slightly overwhelming. "We need to be patient, she will be ours very soon." Bruno assured. Once I got back to the house, a ring came from the phone, killing my lazy vibe. "Sira!" I growled. "b***h!" I yelled, no one was home. "Hello?" I finally bothered to pick up. "Hello Gamma Jared, this is Alanna." she answered openly. "Play along..." Bruno advised. "Yes?" I replied. "Due to the rain I will have to cancel and reschedule." she offered. raising just an eyebrow to this, I instantly hung up. Pulling free my cell from my pocket, I made a call to Dad. "I'm at work Bryan..." he stated. "I know, but the slave has snuck out." I informed, flicking on the tv and starting to munch on my snacks. The line went dead, a grin from ear to ear had plastered my face and I knew that waste of space was going to be dealt with as soon as she got home. later that night, Sira got home just shy of an hour before Dad, and I was in the kitchen with the sink light on. Waiting for the show as she stopped, gasped and noticed me. "If I were you, I would rethink your sneaking out." I advised coldly. "If I were you, I would keep my nose out of a petty slave's business." she responds, a growl escaping my chest and my hands now fists. "Watch your mouth, piece of filth!" I barked, Dad entering as I finished. Sira was still by the front door, Dad reached for her but she had ran. "Trip her before she reaches the basement!" Bruno barked savagely.

In so doing, I shot towards her direction with inhuman speed and the sound of her face smacking the floor was priceless. She slowly rose, sitting on her heels, Dad snarled, and raced to her. For a straight hour, he roughly kicked her in the gut, laying a punch or two to her face, grabbed her throat and once again, threw her down the flight of twenty-four steps that led to the basement. "If I EVER hear you snuck out again, I promise I will end your LIFE!" He assured, sinister is his promise as he slams the door and goes to his room. I couldn't stop the smug smile from creeping on my face. Going to the bathroom, brushing my teeth before bed and gazing at myself. my brown eyes appeared unfazed by my dirty dealings and hatred for that waste of space. "New plan..." Bruno calls me. "We put it in the enchanted muzzle before we go to the Ceremony." he implies happily. Dad will already be there, everyone else too, her birthday is the same day in October. My plan was giving me chills of excitement, all that is left to do... Is to wait, "Then, waiting... We shall." Bruno yipped. The phone rang again, Dad answered and informed whoever it was that Sira had snuck out and won't be leaving the house ever. Hanging up instantly, he sat next to me and sipping his beer. "That slave is going to be the death of me..." he announced. "Me too..." I reasoned.