Mark of the Goddess

Chapter 2- The Promise

Eldwin’s POV

The drive down the mountains to the edge of the Sunstone Pride’s territory had been a long twelve hours. I recounted the phone call yesterday morning when the Pride Father himself called my office. He wanted to discuss the more than frequent attacks on his borders and was reaching out to nearby Were-beast territories. From my knowledge he has Clan Elder Barnaby Bernstein, the bear leader of the Pinepaw Clan, and Flock Arrowhead Nascha Moonbeam, the owl elder of the Moonbeam Flock. All of our territories were larger than most and had the largest groups. So it made sense to try and figure out what these Varg were doing. 

I’ve had more Cryptids at my own borders to deal with. So I had to leave my strongest warriors behind to tend to my territory. I had my Delta, third in command, Alexander and two of my second best warriors with me. I don’t expect to be attacked, by any of the other leaders, but I wasn’t about to risk being attacked by other creatures out there. 

Looking out at the dull scenery, I instantly missed being back in my forested home. All this was pretty deserted and dusty. The smell of Lions and Vargs were mixed together. Seems Lionel wasn’t lying when he said he’s been having trouble with Vargs. 

“Damn, this place stinks,” Alexander growled as he covered his nose. 

“Just make sure you watch that mouth of yours when we are around the lions, Alex,” I said with a chuckle. He scoffed. 

“What?! Me? I’m charming and loveable. I bet those Lionesses will be all over me,” he chuckled. We all shared a good laugh before my heart rate sped up and a sharp pain caused me to lose my breath. I clutched my chest and my eyes almost rolled back from not being able to breath. 

“Eldwin? Dude, what’s going on?” Alex’s voice broke through the voice in my head. I looked into his ice-blue eyes. 

“Mate,” was all I could say. Alex’s eyes went wide and his curly auburn hair bounced when he looked at the other two warriors in confusion. 

“That can’t be right?!” There shouldn’t be any other wolf packs coming here today!” Alex said as the pain in my chest began to subside, but my heart rate was still racing. The wolf in me was desperate to find my mate. The one who I have waited for for almost nine years for. Once a wolf turns eighteen they usually find their mate instantly. That was not the case for me. I’m twenty-six and still haven’t found mine. Now that I know she’s here, there’s no way I’m leaving this territory without finding her and bringing her home. 

“I’ll speak to the Pride Father, when we get there. We still have another two hours before the meeting. That should be more than enough time to get answers. If there is another pack here, there’s no way we will be able to smell them with that stink of Vargs’ blood,” I said as I took in deep breaths and tried to recompose myself. Great, now we're all going to be on edge. The Misty Mountain Pack has been waiting for their female alpha. Their Silva. Bringing her home would be more than a joyous occasion, but will she accept me? 

~~

Tesla’s POV

L.J. ended up helping me walk all the way back to my secluded cabin. Luckily it was at the edge of the forest, so all we had to do was walk through the back door. By the time we arrived, I had better control over my breathing. My heart wasn’t beating as rapidly and my chest stopped hurting. I can’t believe this was happening again. I don’t think I could handle another rejection. It would kill me entirely. Skald and Tally refused to leave my side. 

Find him! Skald growled.

Moon needs mate! Tally whimpered. 

No, I can’t. Not again. Just finding out my last name will make him reject me. I began to shiver uncontrollably, regardless if I had my clothes on or not. The shower I took wasn’t enough to calm my nerves. Maybe I should take another one. This one was way stronger than my first mate. 

“How is this possible? I thought wolves only got one mate?” L.J. said as he stepped out of the spare room I had for him and Cassie.

“Usually, that’s the case, from what I remember,” I said looking at my phone for any missed messages. I had thirteen messages from my were-fox friend, Cassie. Five missed calls from Lionel and two messages from my were-bear friend, Kosovo. “I haven’t been around wolves for a long time, so things might’ve changed.” Kosovo is the son of Barnaby Bernstein. We used to play with L.J. and Cassie a lot when he would visit us with his father, who would come here for business reasons. Apparently, him and his father are in the territory and at the Pride house. I sighed and sent him a quick text. 

“Well, this dude, better not kill the only sister I can tolerate. I’ll kill him if he thinks about breaking your heart!” L.J. all but growled as he slipped his t-shirt on. I scoffed. 

“Yeah, then start a war with werewolves,” I said as I rose. Rubbing my temple in circular motions at the headache that was starting to form because Skald and Tally can’t shut up. 

“Enough you two!” I snarled at them. They whimpered, tucking their tails between their legs and lowering their heads in submission. L.J. looked at me with shocked eyes. 

“UH....”

“They want me to go find my mate. They want to go find him,” I said in a softer tone. L.J. huffed comically. I only shook my head and sat back down on the stool and buried my face in my hands. I could feel tears starting to form as memories of my last mate came to my mind. 

“Yeah, well, you always told me that if they say something like that, then they are usually right,” he said with a nervous chuckle. I heard him fall silent. His warm hand resting on my shoulder. “Are you ok, Tes?” I shook my head.

“I can’t do this again. Not again,” I spoke with a cracked voice. I did everything in my power to prevent myself from breaking down. I hated crying. L.J. brought me into a hug and I accepted it. Still trying to hide my face as tears began to trail down my cheeks.

“I just can’t bear it. The rejection will do me in. I know it will,” I growled back the tears. L.J. just rubbed my back. 

“I won’t let that happen, Tes. Neither will father. He took care of that traitorous bastard and he can take care of the second one,” L.J.’s voice made his chest rumble. His scent wrapping me in his brotherly love. 

 Before I could say anything else on the matter my phone began to buzz. I broke away from L.J. as I quickly wiped away tears. I pulled my phone out. Looking at the screen I saw Lionel’s name pop up. I rolled my eyes. 

“Ugh… now what?” I grumbled. I cleared my throat and answered the call on the third ring. “Yes, Father, we are fine and no, we aren’t injured… well… not anymore.” I only call Lionel ‘Father’ when I speak around, near, or to him, but not when he’s not around. 

“Put Lionel Junior on the phone. Now!” His deep voice almost rumbled through the phone. As if he were right there in front of me. 

“Ok, ok, jeez... “ I said as I handed the curious L.J. my phone.  I mouthed to him that I’d be outside. Any werebeast can hear a phone conversation from across the room, so I always left a room to give those individuals privacy. Regardless of my peaked curiosity. I learned a while ago to not eavesdrop, even if it was unintentional. 

Skald and Tally had moved out onto the porch with me. Rubbing their heads against my thighs apologetically. I rubbed behind their ears, apologizing to them in return. I shouldn’t have snapped at them. They were far more excited about meeting my mate than I was. I had a reason though. They didn’t feel the pain I had felt. For months I felt broken. 

Lionel had gone through extreme measures to make sure the werewolves didn’t find out I was an old member of the Silverblood pack. They were once feared and then quickly became enemies of the King of Wolves. Ever since I could remember, I never wanted to be a part of who they were. The horrors I witnessed. The torture I endured. Nothing compared to my first mate finding out who I was. 

He used me, then rejected me, and then betrayed me and the Sunstone Pride. That rejection was the worst feeling I ever had. Worst than anything the Silverblood pack had done to me. Lionel made sure he died and set it up to look like Vargs had taken his life. After that Lionel made sure to keep me away from any visiting wolves. He always made me go on patrols or go to training. I guess that’s why he does business with the Pinepaw Clan. 

“Tes?” L.J.’s voice broke through my thoughts. I stopped rubbing Skald and Tally and turned to look at him. Lifting my eyebrow questioningly. 

“Uh, my father wants you and I to be in the meeting. Apparently we’re the only ones who know the Varg patterns better than any of the patrols. My mother will be there and will more than likely back you up on this. She’s been… extra nice about you, apparently.” He chuckled. Truly was surprising. All of it. 

“Did you-”

“Yes. He said that it would be beneficial.” Great. Nice to know that the man who claims to be a father figure is using me to make alliances. 

~~

L.J.’s POV

Once Tesla left the room, I spoke into the phone. “Whaaaat?” I couldn’t help but speak like an annoyed child. My father was already annoying me about taking over the Pride one day and I had a feeling that I knew where this conversation was about to go.

“Watch you tone with me, boy,” my father’s voice emphasized, “boy”. I rolled my eyes. 

“Listen, I don’t know what Ma told you but-”

“She told me that Tesla and you took down almost a whole pack of Vargs. Nothing but good things, son. Don’t worry. I know your mother dislikes Tesla, but she’d never lie about her accomplishments,” he said matter-of-factly. I sighed. 

“Then why are you calling?” I asked as I leaned against the kitchen isle. 

“I would like you and Tesla to attend this meeting about the Vargs. Both of you, whether on your own or together, have taken down more than any of the lioness patrols. The information that you both give to us will be valuable,” my father said with confidence. 

“Dad,” I said nervously. “W-who all is going to be at this meeting?” 

“Alpha Eldwin Feathermane, Clan Elder Barnaby Bernstein, and Flock Arrowhead Nascha Moonbeam. Why?” Eldwin Feathermane. More than likely he’ll have a few wolves with him. No telling which one is Tesla’s new mate.”Lionel Junior?!” My mind came back to the situation at hand. 

“Dad, Tesla’s just had that mate thing happen again. One of those wolves is her mate,” I said nervously. My father fell silent for a moment. Knowing him he was deep in thought. “Dad?” He chuckled. 

“Alright. Well this meeting should be interesting. Beneficial even,” he said with another added chuckle. 

“Are you serious right now? Tesla is an asset to us!” I almost snarled into the phone. “Have you forgotten what happened the last time?”

“Calm down, son. I do have Tesla’s best interests at heart as well. The Misty Mountain Pack is full of more than good warrior males. The fact that one of them could be her mate, fills me with joy as a father.” At his words I slightly calmed down, but he’s still using her to his advantage and I know he is. “Either way, bring her. If this wolf denies her, I’ll do to them what I did to the last one.” With that he hung up. I couldn’t help but gulp. 

“No father. You might just kill her too,” I said to no one in particular, and made my way to the front door. Well, here goes nothing. 

~~

Eldwin’s POV

Upon entering the Pride house, it reeked of Lions and food. Glad that damn Varg smell was gone. It was starting to give me a headache. My body had broken out into a sweat after finding out that my mate was somewhere on this territory. I couldn’t help but look around and see all the different were-beasts that were bustling about and some mingling. I didn't care for them though. Not yet. As I looked around, I noticed that the main area was wide open with a marble fountain in the middle. The ceiling went up six floors, with a marble, spiral staircase. It truly was beautiful. Wisteria flowers graced the walls with their purple radiance. Giving a perfect contrast to the gold trim. 

 I felt a strong hand on my shoulder and I turned to see the Pride father himself. Lionel Sunstone. We were the same height. Roughly 6’7”. He had a few stray grey hairs and a large golden beard. His dark brown head was bald and his cheeks were rosy, regardless of his skin tone. He stood tall and proud, dawning a white suit that fit him perfectly. His golden tie was pinned with the Sunstone Pride Mark. 

“Pardon me, Alpha Feathermane. I wanted to personally welcome you to my home. As I do with all my guests of course,” Lionel said with a warm voice. Still didn’t make me feel comfortable, what with my mate being so close, yet so far. I looked down at his hand for a moment and saw that the cufflinks matched the pride mark pin in his tie. Although much smaller. 

“Pride Father Sunstone,” I said with a quick bow of my head. 

“I’d like to introduce you to my first mate, Amana Sunstone,” he said, not lifting his hand from my shoulder. I was going to get irritated if he continued to touch me. Alex could sense this and stood very close to my side with the two warriors flanking us. Lionel held out his hand to greet a woman who approached with such grace, it would’ve swooned any unclaimed male. There were other things I had on my mind. 

“Welcome, gentlemen,” she spoke with a heavy african accent. I’m not familiar with the native tongues of Africa. I apologised in my head for offending her even though it was just in my head. She held out her hand but I didn’t take it. Lionel laughed. 

“That’s right. Wolves don’t dare touch another individual's mate. Am I right?” Lionel spoke. How could he know our customs? As far as he knew wolves were just a pack of dogs running around chasing squirrels. Either he did his research or he was being given this information. Either way, I didn’t like the lions. They were far more manipulative than foxes. Foxes I could tolerate more than these p***y cats. 

“I do apologize. We see it as a challenge, rather than a greeting. Unless it is given to us with permission from the other mate. Whether it’s a male or female,” I said as calmly as I possibly could. 

“Yes. Yes. I have heard about that from our adopted daughter,” Lionel spoke with a smile on his face. As if it were normal. “She has been a very great asset to us.” Wait, did he just say that on purpose?

“Pardon?” I said as I tilted my head. Apparently my question sparked his curiosity. Was he testing me? What’s going on? “You have an adopted daughter?” 

“Yes. O’course. We taught dat everyone would’a known dat,” Amana said with a fake smile. Something didn’t sit right with her. It was clear that they knew my mate had found a mate, but did they know it was me? Lionel’s eyes were looking amused. 

“Apparently not, darling,” Lionel chuckled. “How long has it been since our warrior princess came to us, Amana, dear?” Amana pretended to count in her head. 

“‘Bout eight years now,” she said as she looked me straight in the eyes. Now I know they are testing me or testing each of us. 

My mate is their adopted daughter. I packlinked the wolves that were surrounding me. I heard them all begin to growl with irritation. Lionel chuckled. 

“Yes. It seems that one of you has piqued our daughter’s interest,” Lionel said as he turned to his mate. “Why don’t we get this meeting started darling. Round up everyone for me?” He placed a kiss on her lips before she walked away. Lionel turned towards me and leaned in close. His damn hand still holding onto my shoulder. “I don’t know which one of your wolves is mated to her. She’s getting a second chance and if they so much as betray her or harm my best warrior, then I’ll make sure your entire pack dies before the next full moon. Slowly.” The power in his voice was a challenge and a promise. He was making this threat a damn promise. 

He stepped away from me and looked at me with a warm smile. As if a light switch turned on his bright, cheerful self. 

“I shall give you boys some time to yourselves. To discuss your… battle plans,” Lionel said as he stepped away and welcomed the rest of his guests. Amana was busy getting some of the lionesses ready to begin escorting some of the guests to the hallway. I assume that the conference room was somewhere down there. Some were carrying trays of wine and some trays of snacks. I turned to my pack. Making sure to packlink them so we wouldn’t be heard. 

Damn him!! I snarled through the packlink causing all three of my wolves to jump. 

Alpha, calm down. We have to play our cards right. Obviously he knows that your mate is destined to be mated to one of us. Luckily he doesn't know who yet. Thomas, one of the warrior wolves chimed in. 

He’s right. If we play it cool, we can still bring her home. Our pack needs her. He knows that. She’s obviously been telling him about wolves. We can’t exactly blame her. Alex spoke up. 

Even if we played our cards right, who’s to say that she doesn’t jump him right there in the conference room?! Thomas teased. 

Why was she adopted by lions?! Something doesn’t add up. Armond, the other warrior wolf spoke up. Why do the lions have her? It doesn’t make sense. I mean no disrespect to our future Silva, but something is off with this whole thing. I agreed with him on that. Why would a lion take in a wolf? We all practically hated each other, other than when we are forced together for the betterment of their Prides and our Packs. There’s something we are missing. Ideas of what Lionel could’ve done ran through my head and it was just riling me up for the worst. I looked around the room and saw all the leaders being led down an adjoining hallway. I saw Lionel watching each one of us. I struggled to contain myself, but suspicion was glinting in his eyes, before he turned away. 

“Damnit,” I said mostly to myself. 

“Let’s get this over with,” I said as a lioness approached us. 

“Gentleman, the meeting is starting soon. I will be your escort and server. Anything you need, simply use this buzzer to call me into the room,” she said with a shy voice. She was shorter than I was by a foot. Her caramel skin seemed to shimmer in the morning light that pierced through the open windows. Her black hair was pulled back in tight braids and tipped with beads. She handed me the tiny device. It looked more like a detinator of some sort. I held my hand up, and rejected her services.

“Thank you, but I think we will be just fine, ma’am,” I said. She nodded with disappointment and backed away. 

“Understood. If you would follow me this way, please.” She turned and led us down a large hallway. To my left was nothing but windows looking out into the town square and to the right were paintings of lions and men fighting side by side. I would guess that it told a story but I didn’t care to figure it out. Felt like an eternity, before we approached double doors that opened into a large conference-like room. The table was set in a crescent moon shape. The elders were all seated with their favored acquaintances standing behind them. There simply weren’t enough seats to seat everyone.

Lionel was whispering something to Amana, looking a bit irritated and this brightened my mood very slightly. As the were-beasts talked amongst themselves in their divided groups, I took the opportunity to scan each of them. Barnaby Bernstein, was a large man. Larger than Lionel and myself. With not just muscle but fat as well. His skin a caramel color and a white mustache. It was curled up and his eyebrows seemed to double as his eyelashes. Looked almost like he was asleep if I hadn't caught his lips moving. He was wearing a dress shirt and with an extra button open. 

To my right, just a few seats down, I saw Nascha Moonbeam. Her hair was a silky, smooth black and her skin looked as if it were made of porcelain. She was very skinny and had maybe A-cup bust. She had an off the shoulder light blue dress with a white trim. Her eyes were of amber color with a hint of yellow around the iris’. Her nose was far pointier than a normal woman but she was nonetheless pretty. Although, nothing would compare to that of my mate's beauty. Of that I was sure. That's when the scent hit my nose. Honeydew lilies on a rainy day in the forest. That’s the best way I could explain her scent. 

“Fellow leaders!” Lionel’s voice broke through the chatter. “We are just awaiting my son and adopted daughter. They have much information about the Vargs and their actions. They will be but a moment. Once they arrive, we can begin our meeting.”

~~