Hybrid Princess

Chapter 13

The weather outside had begun to shift, summer was coming to an end. The fall colors had started taking over and the time of the witch had begun. The sanctuary had been filled with buzzing excitement in the weeks leading up to celebrations. The halls filled with decorations. Familiars filled the halls accompanying their masters. A small leopard made its home it Tori’s room, Noah had made no exception for her room. Fall was her favorite time of year. She would have loved everything they had selected for her room. Over the last few weeks Ezra has floated in a out checking on her progress. Terrifying everyone in his wake. Our mating marks had started to show in the last few days. Her wolf was ready, she was strong enough to complete the shift. The small cat had become rather attached to my mate. Very protective of her. If he wasn’t such a good guardian, he might be a nuisance.

“Sir, he is here again.” I chuckled. He is coming more often lately.

“It’s okay Seraphina, let him pass.” Moments later a large black wolf walked through the doors. Shifting behind the curtain. The leopard hissed.

“I see you have allowed that thing to stay here. I guess it would be to much to kill it right?”

“Don’t be so cruel, he has developed a bond to her. It’s odd for a familiar to bond with a wolf but not unheard of. He has been her protector while we have been gone.” Ezra glared at the little clouded leopard perched at the foot of his sister’s bed.

“And of course, it would be a cat.” It hissed. “Easy sassy cat, one bite and you’re a goner.” Noah laughed at their bantering.

“Who knew such a large wolf would be so scared of a little leopard kitten.”

“Easy prince boy.” He growled in return. “You are still in the proverbial dog house with me.”

“Lighten up.” I laugh. “Anything new on the Council?”

“Nothing. They found out I am hiding her location, so they have banned me from meetings as a punishment. I told them that it was in their best interests that she remains hidden. They still hold that they had nothing to do with her attack, but I don’t believe them. I have had some feelers sent out among the few that I trust. They found a young wolf. A rouge exiled from his pack. He was in the area the night of the attack. I have sent others to find and bring him to us.” Noah listened taking in the new information.

“…Noah….” Dead silence filled the room. Noah and Ezra looked at each other. Then to the door. “No..Noah…” They both looked at the bed. The leopard had turned toward looking at her. He licked her hand nuzzling his face against the palm of her hand. Her eye open looking around the room. Her voice small and raspy. She tried sitting up and failed. Noah ran to her side. Ezra ran for the door to get Seraphina.

“Right here baby, I’m here.” His voice was shaking, she was awake her beautiful eyes were open. He helped her sit up. His wolf running circles in his mind. Her wolf reached out rubbing along him. His wolf lost his mind. She was awake. He held her tightly to him, forgetting that she had been laying there for month. She whimpered in pain and reached for her shoulder. She looked at him and then to her shoulder the wounds had healed but the scar would always hold phantom pains. She touched the scar marks, wincing with each reminder. “Tor…”

“I told you she was awake.” Her head snapped to the door he eyes linger on Ezra and her face fills with confusion. He smiles at her and she looks away. Seraphina comes to stand next to her.

“Sir I need you to step back.” He reluctantly let her go. “Miss? Can you tell me your name?” Tori looked at her, confusion filled her face.

“My…my name?” Her voice was weak. She lay back against the pillow. “Astoria…Astoria Rose Bl…” She shook her head. “…Astoria Rose Turner.” She looked at the woman standing next to her bed. Her voice seemed strange to her ears. She looked towards Noah, he was different. Everything looked clearer.

“Do you remember what happened to you?”

“Happened? What happened?” Her voice fell, her eyes glazed over as she tried to remember what had happen. She clutched the sheets, her body trembling. “Wolf.” She looked at me then Ezra. Finally, her gaze fell onto the leopard perched between her legs. It looked at her at first, she gasped and pressed her back against the pillows. Then the air stilled, her eyes flashed blue, she lifted her hand to his ears scratching behind them. A smile spread across her face and the tenseness eased from her.

“You…” Her voice filled the room. The cat nodded its head. “Why are you a cat?” A few moments passed by. And she smiled. My heart sang. I reached out to touch her cheek and she flinched. Her eyes flared purple, the anger radiating off her confused me. My wolf whimpered at his mate’s reaction towards us. Her gaze fell back to the small cat.

“How are you feeling dear?” Seraphina interjected her voice filled will concern. Tori looks at her smiling. She sat closer to the middle of the bed. Her limbs still weak she moved as slowly as she could.

“I am fine. A little weak but fine.” She smiled at her nurse. Petting the leopard that lay next to her. Seraphina checked her vitals, and had some food brought to her. Ezra and Noah stayed close but near the end of the room, as many people came in to check on her and run tested making sure everything was within normal limits.

“Start small and slow you should be full strength in no time.” Seraphina said, she nodded before leaving the room. Her attention finally directed its way towards to two staring at her.

“So…someone want to tell me why the Council tried to kill me?”