Traits That Define Us

Chapter 5

For the past three months, I've been stalking this power within the Regal Claws. Master Vernin would love to obtain anything I pick up, and with Byran Mars to aid with his simple-mindedness, I may not have to even lift a finger. Though I need to keep an eye out for these wolves from time to time, I realize that some things I will have to do myself. I recall my first war, the vampire Queen had taken me in during my adolescent days, trained me to hate, and gave me a Coven of my own. After I had left the Mystic Coven to discover a use for my magic and my sister Elennora Manx had taken over.

We share our Mother's red locks of flames, our magic running deep with the Regal Claws' land and cunning as we are strong in magic. Due to Elennora's kind nature, she was chosen to lead the coven, and I exiled myself. Working under the Queen, I heard that Nora had married and was with child. Envy filled me as I wished to destroy all they had, rage consumed me while their drive for peace to the Shifters and the States progressed. Queen Musa finally gave my Coven, the Mystic Rage, the order to commence with our assault a few months after.

At that time we suffered a terrible ambush, our magic blocked by a different set of powerful witches and beasts. My sister leads the attack with the Regal Claws, the beasts to aid, and my army destroyed by the hundreds. Being the last to survive, I escaped into the night, walking for miles dazed and confused. Finding the Eternal Pond among the center of the surrounding four territories, I slouched by the banks. Exhausted, still dazed and my body numbing... I lost control of my vision, sleeping for however long to regain my strength.

Coming to, my sights crossed a beauty of great stature, her honey blonde locks covering her naked bosom in the moonlight. She was cautious of me, sniffing the air around me, and rolled me over. I groaned, her gentle touch propelled waves of sparks through my hand, up my arm, and smacking my brain. "Sir...?" her soft voice questioned, "are you alright?" she inquired innocently. With her hand still over mine, I instantly grabbed it, pulling her down to my chest and forcing my last spell to take her mind.

Upon waking again, I found myself in an upscale room, naked in a huge King bed. With a knock at the door, thinking quickly, I laid back down, shutting my eyes and fixing the blanket again. I heard three sets of footsteps enter the room, "Daddy, he's my mate, I won't allow him to leave no matter what you think." that sweet voice from earlier demands as her arms are felt wrapping around my head. Her warm breath upon my forehead, my heart raced as her uncovered arms shoved sparks into my brain directly. The shock forced me to spring from the bed, my mind was in a haze as I gazed back at her. Her smile was as bright as ever, her happiness displayed through her baby blues too, I somewhat thought of my sister. Is this the reason why she had everything? One single person, that wants to spend time with you at every point of the day?

The Alpha and Luna shared a glance at each other, and then to me in bafflement. "Ahem..." the Alpha I presume cleared his throat, "We don't have any clue who you are, even if you are my daughter's mate, the Pack will need to meet you anyway." he assured me. His daughter took my hand in hers, rubbing it along her cheek in happiness while I pondered what to say. "We have nothing against magic wielders, but after an attack from the vampire Queen nearly a week ago..." he reasoned sadly. "I was helping the Regal Claws when they attacked..." I lied, rubbing my back slightly and forcing magic to form small bite marks. "The doctor checked you over, he said that you're fine, but that was two days ago." he notified. "Are you sure Daddy?" his daughter questioned.

His brow narrowed, she tilted me forward, her gentle hands tracing the faked marks. "Did the vampires attack you?" she asked from behind. "I can't remember, I do remember that my magic was blocked and my face was buried in dirt..." I lied again. "You poor dear!" the Luna bantered, approaching the foot of the bed and holding my hand as well. "What is your name young man?" she asked of me, "Maxwell Starks, Ma'am." I mentioned after hanging my head. "Please, Dax, we can't have him leaving us when he was attacked by vampires..." she reasoned to the Alpha. She then stood from the bed, her elegant gown draping back, and she approached her daughter. The gasp she expressed was my ticket of not being a target to the pack, the whimper from my 'mate' made it worthwhile.

"I don't mind if you stay, but the Pack will still need to get to know you." he interjected. Turning back to my sandy blonde 'mate' I grinned, "As long as I can be next to her, I would love to stay." I answered him. She couldn't contain her giggles, her gaze in mine made time halt, we didn't even notice they left the room. "My name is Cora," she opened through parted lips, "A beautiful name for a promising woman." I replied graciously. Her blushing just as cute as her outfit, her hair soft and begging my hands to play in it.

Months turned to years, days eating the night and with no coven here, I had to do my work alone. Taking my time to ravage the Pack of their minds, gaining their support from under the Alpha and Luna. The old Luna of course found out about my underground work, she was also killed by Cora after she raised a hand to me. I killed the Alpha, giving me the seat at the Wild Shadows pack, Cora by my side and also with child. I didn't expect to have twins though, Smythe and Max.

They left home after shifting, both strong in magic, one white wolf with baby blue eyes. The other a strong black wolf with baby blues like Cora, though Max nearly ate us out of house and home growing up... They each have a pack within this territory and established their roles with the Regal Claws. Smythe's Pack is known as Heart Howls, whereas Max owns the Night Fangs, each strong and cunning. Those two almost never call their mother, but they do manage to visit occasionally.

The call I received from my study one evening was a blast from the past. I was elated to hear my Master's voice again, "Nice to know you're alive Maxwell Manx." he greeted with a chuckle. "Master!?" I whisper shouted into the phone, "Just Vernin will suffice." he urged. "My apologies sir, I have been doing a lot of work since back then..." I immediately replied. "I lost the dragons, but I have reason to believe a powerful creature remains close by, how is her Majesty?"  I inquired. "Not so good..." he answered flatly. "If I can't get a strong enough source of power to reverse this spell, then... I'm afraid Mother will die as she recovers." he informed me.

"A spell?" I asked, "Yes, a spell that practically makes her human, have you heard from Katie?" he asks after. "During the attack, it seemed that she left a month or so after we landed, they were extremely prepared when we arrived to battle the Regal Claws, but I have three Packs under my control as we speak." I informed him. "...Good, search for Katie too, a bounty is on her head, and if you can bring the power source of great magnitude to me, then I will give your Coven back." He explains before hanging up. Excitement filled my chest, adrenaline pumping my magic to it's peak and my plans coming together wonderfully. A wondering wolf came into my territory after, I'm sure I had seen her before, may be when we raided? She was shackled in wolfsbane and silver, hysterical, all the while  rambling about something. "What is your name rouge?" I questioned her from the cells. "May Isto..." she states lowly, "Why are you in the Wild Shadows?" I asked again.

She had fallen silent, her chains still burning her skin, and deprivation settling in. Sobs filled the cells, her breathing labored, and she finally rose her head to me. Her glare was as serious as her burned skin, sniffling once and twice, her gaze in mine. "The Dragon King r***d me..." she wept, "That's quite the claim..." I assured. "I gave birth to a lizard's child, I didn't know he was my mate! I wanted to be with Jared!" she shouted, "Please just end my suffering, I can't ever go back." she whimpered. "Then don't go back and stay here, the Regal Claws don't own my territory, nor do they control me." I concluded before taking my leave. "If I stay..." she quickly spouted, stopping me at a few steps, "I will serve you until my life ends sir." she admitted to me. "Good, I need all the help I can get in order to make those Dragons pay." I promised with a sly smirk.

A few more years and months passed, August was here and nearly gone. To get things started, I called the Alpha of the Gray Beasts, and persuaded him, with the help of a spell or two, to start a marriage contract with the Regal Claws. Controlling these wolves is getting easier by the year, no one can touch my pack, and with a magic barrier erected around all the territory, I am unstoppable. An unexpected call came from my study again, Bryan Mars of the Regal Claws by midday. Begging me to help with a slave problem, striking me as odd, and wanting to meet in person. If I can attain information from him about the Regal Claws, I'm sure I can plot a new attack and search for the bone-chilling power I felt two Fridays ago.

Our conversation was an interesting one, not only is he related to the rouge that came in six years ago, but to find that she left the child there and he wants to capture her was icing on the cake. With the muzzle of entrapment and the choker of enslavement, he shouldn't have to many difficulties. He mentioned she hasn't shifted yet so that would be a plus, but should she shift before he places it on her... Well, that's for him to battle. The Beta ceremony is new, I never knew they held a ceremony for little aspects such as this and it may be the perfect time to attack.

(Ansen Bloodwing POV)

The Eclipsed Wings Herd has always been my home, my mother and father esteemed warriors that served directly under the King. They were the best of friends, upon the King's death, my parents had also vanished. The Queens' sister insisted that I come home with her when no one else would take me in. She can be lovely, rough around the edges, but she did shower me with love and a home. Dragons born of the night are more complex than those of light, as the Queen says 'Stubborn as a mule'. Following in my parent's footsteps, I was elected as second best due to Gail and his spoiled sense.

Unable to outshine him, I remained to myself and my studies. Mother is always listening in on their conversations, she can be so sneaky sometimes too, "Ansen!" she called through the mind connection. "Yes Mother?" I groaned unenthused, "Get over here right now, the Prince is scheduling a trip and I don't like you lazing about." she demands. Obnoxiously sighing as I rose from my chair, going to look for her and standing at attention by her side, clearly annoyed. They conversed, I portrayed my thoughts when needed and so did Mother.

Gail seems to have a pebble in his shoe about the conversation, a box on the desk sort of gave me an idea. Leaving in silence, I bowed to both women and took my leave to my chambers. A strong presence of magic whacked me from my studies, it drizzled lust as well as fear down my spine and piqued my curiosity of the States. Some creature was utilizing strong magic equal to us dragons and then vanished from the face of the Earth.

Our arrival to the States was indeed a much needed break from Mother and the petty squabbles of the Herd. Getting off the plane, I instantly recognized two distinct creatures and their activity. One was just as close as the other, although the other seemed in distress. "Ansen." Gail warrants, stopping me, "give me your number so I can stay in touch." he ordered. After doing so, I left him and the female he has the 'Hots' for at the house. Something is compelling me to search Somber Springs, a pull of some sort coming from my inner dragon. "Head into the City and look there." Akpel suggests from within. A small convince store caught my eye, my stomach was growling too, and a short detour couldn't be of any harm.

Upon my exit, a scent of Pine and citrus hit me. My sights in the direction it was coming from, the window was down on a black fancy car. A snazzy looking young male reflected an expression of strife as he flew down the street. Captivated by his scent, my instincts taking over my movements, and I followed the scent all the way to a park. His black hair short and in a ponytail, his posture is like that of a Royal, and the two beside him seriously contemplating something. "Mate is a Royal wolf." Akpel raves, my heart pounding in my chest, he seems to be bummed out on something important. "Go, we must introduce ourselves!" he demands arrogantly, but a ring to my cell wakes me and Gail's voice infuriates me.

Not only did Akpel loose his temper but so did I, getting worse after I lost sight of my mate. His image was ingrained in my mind, I took the loss, sure that I would find him again.Walking around the next morning, I started tracking my mate, the tacks leading into another territory. Vampires, shifters, humans and witches attended this place. An ominous source of power was here too, Akpel was restless to find that our mate was attending this place. Judging by how recant he is with the group of women around him, he seems alright. "Let's meet with the Alpha and get to meet mate sooner." he advises with confidence. Following his suggestion, I left to get more information from the other wolves. Of course, Gail has to have a wonderful debut of his forthcoming, his scent didn't hit me until I got into the Alpha's study and he was sitting behind the large desk.

"Nice to see you in a week Ansen." he greeted with a senile grin. "Your... Majesty..." I seethed with a slight bow, "Mate's scent is everywhere, I can't think straight." Akpel mentions. "My son Nick is currently at school, but if you have free time, I don't mind if you stay." the Alpha informed the room. "I'm currently free... are you Ansen?" he jest. My nose scrunched a bit, my sight on the emerald rug below me, and I simply nodded. "I'm not to busy today..." I concluded. "Good, then please help me inform Alpha Amel of the situation at hand?" he requests. "Situation?" the Alpha repeats. "Yes, is there a May Isto here?" he asked openly. "No, your Majesty, she left some years ago..." he explains. "I see..." he ponders. "Then, I believe I may have a sibling lost in Somber Springs somewhere." he explains nonchalantly.

"You believe?" I jest. "Indeed, and I would like to ask your son if any suspicious persons have been about?" he suggested more than asked. He simply bowed, a few servants came into the room and gave us a tour after Gail rose from the desk. They are a refined set of creatures, making sure all of their members are well suited for their living statuses. By the time we viewed the training fields, a car had pulled up before us and the Alpha. With his Luna by his side, my heart started battering in my chest, Akpel raging with lust to arise from me. "Mate!" he roared, causing me to release a bellow from my chest. Rapidly getting out from the car, the snazzy male I saw a day ago was gazing at me. A sense of protectiveness came over me, "Ah, Nick welcome home." the alpha greeted first. He seemed at a loss for words, his lips parted slightly, enforcing me to lick mine, and his pheromones hit me along the brisk breeze.

"Dad, who are these guys?" Nick asked with a welcoming smile to me. "They... are the Dragons from the Eclipsed Wing Herd." he answered. His amber eyes never leaving mine, Gail cleared his throat and waking us from our trance. "I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind answering them?" he questioned with a cheesy grin. Heading in, I seized the chance to walk alongside him, wishing I could hold his hand, or just admit that I want him, but something is also missing between us. With a total of seven people returning to the study, the sun setting and the smell of food in the air. My eyes remained on Nick majority of the time, "I was wondering if you may have met someone in your pack that may be very powerful." Gail started.

"Powerful, how?" Nick asked back, "Powerful to send absolute fear down you spine." Gail admitted flatly. "Not sure about that, but there is a bit of a enslaving problem..." he seethed while crossing his arms. "Salve?" Gail asked unintentionally. "Yes, our Gamma seems to have a thing for them," he hissed, "Does this slave use questionable magic, like vanishing, or causing spells to go haywire?" I openly questioned. The witch with deep red locks gasped suddenly, giving me a swift glance, she sighed. "I think Sira is not a witch, but why would you dragons be interested in her?" she asked. "She could be a danger to your pack and human kind." Gail reasoned. "She's a sweet girl that wouldn't even harm a spider, how can she be dangerous to us?" the curly cue questioned savagely. "And I also think she may be my mate..." Nick abruptly mentions, the room fell silent, two mates? Gail's mouth left wide open, ready to catch flies and a glance to me. "Wait to see what else spicy mate has to say." Akpel requests, "And is there anything about having two mates of different species either?" the smile I heard in his voice as he stood up to his father was astounding.

"Two mates? Different types? Wait... What?" Alpha Amel asked back to back. "I believe... I have two mates, Dad... But I don't want to explain anything until the Beta ceremony if that's alright?" he questioned as he shook Gail's hand, bowed to the others and grabbed my hand before leaving the room. The other two followed closely behind, we left back to the parked car they rolled in with. "How is this possible Alanna?" Nick sort of screamed at her from the backseat. "Why did you pull me with you?" I asked lowly, "Because I need to figure somethings out and that other guy looked like a Prick." he admitted. "Is it true you guys are mates?" the curly-cue asked from the backseat. "Well, the way he took me from the room, I'd say so..." I chuckled.

He parked the car at the park where I first saw him, he sighed as his head slammed on the steering wheel. "Stop Nick, you'll lose the last few brain cells you have now." Alanna pleaded. "Meh, I can't believe I have two mates, but that means nothing if we can't save Sira." he raised. "Sira?" I asked eager to know, "I think she's being abused because May Isto left her there and she isn't the child of the Gamma. The shifting abilities she has, have been progressing since she was just six years old." he explained. "She's a sweet girl that wants nothing more than to help others, as if she doesn't want to cause a ripple in the massive sea of all creatures." Alanna added. "She's funny too, good at picking and choosing her battles, she managed to put me in my place at P.E. class." curly-cue concluded. "She sounds like a Goddess." I opened, "Then will you help me save her before we go through the rest of our lives?" Nick requested of me. "I'd love to." I chimed happily, "Then that guy you came with..." Alanna asked hesitantly. "He wants his sibling killed before they make it to the herd, but with you and I being her mate, we can save her no problem." I informed sadly. "I knew I didn't like that guy for some reason." curly-cue barked.

"Why are you with him?" Nick directed toe. "He is the future King of the Eclipsed Wing Herd, even when he is a giant baby, he is still the last Dragon of creation and holds the highest honor." I groaned. "Sadly, Sira is a threat to his throne that he wants his mate to rule by his side." I concluded. "So if she's a royal..." Nick started, "my mate and slaved... I can have the Gamma's head right?" he asked through gritted teeth. "Yes but..." Alanna spoke, unable to finish due to Nick's tantrum, so adorable. He paced back and forth, snarling and scratching his head. I got out, sitting on the hood of the car, and my arms opened wide for him.Whimpering as he slowly approached, simply falling into my embrace and forcing my heart to flutter. "You don't have to face this alone." I informed him, "I know, I just don't like having to wait through the 'waiting game'... She's suffering while we just barely missed dinner." he informs in my ear. "You don't want to raise suspicion and if she is being abused, he could hide her instead of bringing her to the Ceremony where your pack has absolute say to the bond we have." I pieced together. "You read me like an open book... How?" he asked with innocents in his eyes. I smiled, brushing a strand of hair that was tickling my neck, his face in the nape of my neck, Akpel practically fainting from the lust building. "Arnt you two cute?" Alanna chimed happily. "Shut it, I still need to save Sira from Katie, and the Gamma." Nick barked. "We will, but like you said, we need to play the 'waiting game' until we are well informed on her." I reasoned. "Who is Katie?" I asked shortly, releasing Nick and gazing to them. "The Vampire Queens daughter." they all explained and my heart delved deeply into my eighth stomach. My sudden dry throat causing me to clear it, and even Akpel was uncomfortable to hear this news.

"She is in a dire situation, even if we can get close to her... something will follow us back to the herd." his quick thinking will be the death of my nerves.