Love to Love

The King

Being a royal couple responsibilities were immediate. The newly weds only got the night to spend together alone. The first morning as husband and wife, they have breakfast with their parents then many meetings. Ryan woke before Nadia and realized they had slept still snuggled together. He began to kiss her quietly and softly all over her back and shoulders. She stirred a bit and yawned. Waking to kisses on her naked body was pure bliss. Her eyes opened and peered down to her hip where Ryan's mouth currently was.

"Good morning princess" Ryan whispered and continued to kiss her.

"Good morning prince" Nadia smiled, turned onto her back and motioned him to come to her face. He kissed and nibbled his way up. "What a morning it is!" she said.

"Yeah, gotta say this is… I dunno, surreal? Crazy? Whatever it is I'm really enjoying it." He kissed her lips and sighed. "Ugh, if only we didn't have to go to the marriage meetings! Such bullshit!"

"Whomever decided this was clearly a miserable hag, what's the rush!?" Nadia agreed.

Like clockwork a telegram rang from the bedside phone. Ryan answered in annoyance and rolled his eyes when he heard Kie's voice. They were being beckoned for breakfast.

"Could I interest you in a shower together?" Ryan playfully pulled the blankets off Nadia.

"Absolutely!" she said as she lept off the bed.

They wasted no time in enjoying each other again. Seeing Ryan's body in the daylight was like seeing him for the first time. He had many more tattoos. On his chest, back, shoulders, arms and neck. They were mostly nature images, a few words and a name within the blue flowers. Bethany. She made a mental note to ask questions later because now her body was shaking and her mind in perfect thrill. Ryan's eyes were black again, a clear sign he was in a trance and his raw, natural instincts were in control. His wolf was in control. So many questions to ask later!

Having to stop and get dressed was painful. They were stalling, moving so slow. They just wanted to stay in bed and not deal with any royal crap right now! A knock at the door startled both of them. Ryan was putting on his blazer as he went to the door.

"My apologies, your Majesty. I've been sent to see if you and the princess need assistance?" Lizbeth asked shyly.

"We're coming right now Ms. Lizbeth. I'm surprised my father didn't send the patrol." Ryan was pleasant with Lizbeth but frustrated with his dad. "Nadia, are you ready?" He called for her from the door.

"Let me your Majesty." Lizbeth slipped past him to find Nadia.

Nadia was sitting in the closet trying on shoes. The breakfast wasn't considered formal but the meetings after were. She wouldn't have time to change so she picked a black pencil skirt, a plum blouse, a string of gold chain and clear glass beads. Her shoes should be professional yet comfortable. A short heal was probably best.

"Princess Nadia? May I offer my help?" Lizbeth said and she knocked on the door.

"Liz, it's just Nadia. No formalities, come on now." Nadia smiled as she walked towards the door. "I'm ready."

"Wise choice Nadia, you look elegant and ready to be queen." Lizbeth said.

"Queen. Yikes. I can't even settle into a wife yet huh." Nadia and Lizbeth walked towards Ryan and the door.

"It is your birthright my dear. Oh, before I forget to ask… did you two enjoy the pool out back?" Lizbeth whispered.

"Yes, we did. Thank you so much for the suggestion." Nadia squeezed Lizbeth's hand in gratitude.

"My pleasure... your Majesty." Lizbeth said and smirked.

William and Helena sat at a table along with Kenneth in the galley. They all stood as the new couple entered the room. Warm greetings, handshakes and hugs were shared. Soon everyone sat and began to make casual chit-chat, food served and drinks poured. For a split second Ryan felt sick. Her MARK! It would be visible and her parents would see. That was not the way to introduce this important information. He shot his eyes to her and coughed to gain her attention. When their eyes met he motioned to his neck subtlety. While keeping her eyes on him she moved her collar, ever so slightly to show him the mark was gone!

As breakfast wrapped up Nadia was to go with her mother and Lizbeth to discuss queen responsibilities. William, Ryan, his father Kenneth and Kie would go to the King's chamber for a similar discussion.

"Gentlemen if you would be so kind as to give me a moment with my bride." Ryan guided Nadia to a small sitting room. "We'll be along shortly." He closed the door and quickly moved to Nadia's neck.

"Ryan….what is it?" Nadia felt his strength in his grip on her arm.

"Your mark, it's gone?!" He quietly proclaimed.

"Oh, no Ryan. It's hidden." She cupped his face in her hands. She looked long into his eyes. "It's a simple veil spell. Close your eyes." Nadia took his hand to her neck and he could feel the impression from his teeth. He just couldn't see anything and neither could anyone else.

"Damn, ok. Seriously... these meetings better hurry up. We need some time together." Ryan was relieved and even proud she was so quick thinking.

"Time together with our clothes on, you mean." Nadia smirked and bit her lip playfully.

"First no clothes… then yes, sweaters, long pants, socks, gloves!" Ryan teased right back and gave her a deep kiss. "Let's get this over with!"

They made their way to the open Library that led to the many offices, private chambers and study rooms. They kissed again as they parted ways. Nadia felt a sting in her chest and Ryan showed his stress as well. Its common werewolf knowledge that anytime a wolf is away from their mate, there is physical pain. She may not be a wolf but because she was his mate and marked; she too felt the same pain.

"Gentlemen, let's get settled. There is much to discuss." William sat in a leather chair at a small table. There were just enough seats for all four men. Ryan was surprised at how intimate it was. "Ryan, are you ready?"

"Yes, King William." Ryan sat up straight and ready himself for hours of conversation.

"First things first, did you mark my daughter last night?"

"Sir?!" Ryan nearly lept out of his skin.

"Jeez William, way to give the future king a heart attack!" Kenneth placed his face in his hands "Sorry son, I didn't realize he would just spit that out."

"Wha...what is going on?!" Ryan stumbled over his words.

"My apologies Prince Ryan. Figured I may as well rip the bandage off. We, as are you and your family, werewolves too. We were turned, years ago. Thanks to your father's Keeper, Maxwell, may he rest in peace." William sipped from a glass of Scotch.

"Maxwell? Turned? Does Nadia know!?" Ryan was still trying to keep up with all the new and unexpected information before him.

"Yes son, Maxwell turned William and Helena when we were teenagers. I asked him too. And no, Nadia doesn't know. You see…" Kenneth began to tell the whole story.

POV Kenneth

…

Summer 2071 I was enjoying a wolf run. I had just shifted for the first time on my 16th birthday. Running was new, exciting and freeing. I was born a wolf. It was long since in my genes and it was finally my time to shift. The world hadn't yet discovered sub-humans so running was dangerous. I made a big mistake running during sunset and without anyone from my pack. Not even Maxwell was with me. I was alone. Or I thought I was alone. I ran so fast and far I didn't realize I wandered into a park. The woods were still thick and lush, a path shouldn't have been there! A campsite shouldn't have been there! In full wolf form I ran right into King William and Queen Helena. I saw the fear in their eyes. We all just froze. Soon the silence was broken by Maxwell. He sensed my fear and came for me. He saw what I had found and got into an attack stance. I jumped in front of him! He was going to kill them for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time!

"Maxwell, no! Stand down!" I shouted and because he is my Beta...he obeyed. "We can't harm them. It's my fault. I was careless." Maxwell was fuming, he was so angry.

"Prince, we must dispose of the problem!" Maxwell gritted through his teeth. "This is incredibly dangerous to the pack!"

"I know Max, I know. But it's my fault!" As Max and I argued I saw William and Helena attempt to run to their vehicle. I couldn't let them leave but I also couldn't kill them. "Turn them Maxwell, now!"

I watched as Maxwell restrained both William and Helena with ease and injected his venom. Their bodies thrashed and cried in agony. I felt so ashamed. I couldn't hold back my tears and sobbed at what I had just done! I would be Alpha soon and I had made a huge mistake. Once the turn was started it couldn't be stopped. They both lay motionless as their human souls changed to wolf.

"We must bring them back to the castle. They will need nourishment, shelter and…"

"An explanation." I interrupted Maxwell with my guilt. "I will explain why I chose this."

"If they survive Prince Kenneth! Not every human turned is meant to be a werewolf!" Maxwell was right.

We destroyed their campsite to mimic a bear attack and left any sort of identification. The human authorities would find the site and likely determine a tragic accident occured and move on. Meanwhile we would give them sanctuary. We carried them back to the castle and were met by the guard. We didn't have to give them any information as I ranked above them. They simply opened the gates and we entered the castle like we weren't carrying two humans. We brought them to our medical wing to be monitored. Our pack doctor examined them, inserted hydration IVs, pain medication and had some nurses clean and clothe them. All we had left to do was wait and see if they survived. The total turn time is different for everyone. I had never been so defeated in my young life. I still, to this day feel awful for what I did. For what I made Maxwell do."

…

POV William

…

I remember the sky was orange as the sunset behind the trees. I've been camping in these woods all my life and wanted to take my girlfriend to this special spot. We had just finished dinner and were settling in against a log near the fire. Watching the flames flicker and the sun move down slowly was perfect. Especially with Helena. I remember looking at her and smiling as her face glowed towards the flames and sun. I was lost in her when I heard a strange rustle in the trees. It wasn't the wind, it was heavier. It wasn't another camper, it was bigger. My heart sank as I immediately thought of a bear. Before I could even react I heard Helena gasp. I looked beyond the flames and against the sun was a silhouette of something I'd never seen before. It stopped just as fast as it arrived and seemed to be frozen in front of us. The sunlight shifted and we saw fully by the light of the flames what was there, a giant wolf. Standing on its hind legs, it's had to be over seven feet tall. It's chest moved rapidly as it breathed. It's eyes glowed yellow. Suddenly another fast sound came from the trees. The first wolf turned and looked in that direction and moved to all four legs. I held Helena tighter as my mind raced. Another wolf approached and this one was angry! We both stood to our feet!

"Get in the truck…" I whispered to Helena but before we could get two steps away the new wolf lunged at us! I dropped to my knees and yelled "run!" I saw Helena grab the handle of the truck as I felt a sharp, burning pain in my neck. My eyes became heavy as I saw the wolf attack Helena and bring her to the ground. I remember thinking at least we'll die together."

…

Ryan felt his brow start to sweat as he listened to his dad and new father in law talk about how they met, how their fate had become. They discussed how both William and Helena awoke after 3 days, fully turned into werewolves. They healed well and spent months as peaceful prisoners in the castle. Helena had a harder time coming to terms with her new life as she was only 13. Luckily for her, Bethany, Ryan's mom was the same age and became a close friend. They spent most of their time together as Bethany taught Helena how to be a wolf and Kenneth did the same for William. Kenneth was punished for his mistake by taking a daylight run but his father, the Alpha, went easy on him because Kenneth chose life over death and was able to convince the council that he instill deserved to be the next Alpha.

When Kenneth and William turned 21 in 2076, they had a double wedding to Bethany and Helena, who were 18 now. The wedding was then followed by Kenneth's Alpha and Bethany's Luna ceremonies. With so many sacred traditions happening the pack was preoccupied with their own world to even suspect what was to come in the very near future.

"Damn witches!" Kenneth said as he slammed his fist to the table. "We didn't need to come out. We were FINE hidden. We were safe!"

---

In 2078 the world was introduced suddenly and rapidly to sub-human species. Once considered mythical, fantastical and imaginary, sub-humans of multiple species came forward in an ever evolving world. The first to come out in public was the Salem Coven; Witches and Warlocks. They decided it was time and didn't even consider a discussion with other sub-humans. They thought being open with what they were and what good they do, could help the whole world. Environmental. Political. Peaceful. Like a monster tsunami vampires, fairies, wizards, trolls and subsequently werewolves too were all out.

They led their arrival with all the good they've done, for centuries. A surgeon that performed an 18 hour surgery to save a child was a vampire. A police sergeant used his werewolf strength to lift a car off a person. A group of fairies that fed the homeless. A Coven of witches that used light magic to safeguard a church from a radical gun man. Trolls that saved countless animals from wildfires. Sub-humans are full of humanity; some more than pureblood humans!

Still humans panicked. Once it was known sub-humans held positions in the government it was all over. Full on civil wars broke from country to country, state to state, town to town. Rednecks gathered their own armies, billionaires retreated to their bunkers, church folk prayed and prayed. From 2080 to 2100, it was known as the Great Divide. Vampires are blood suckers! Witches will cast spells! Werewolves will eat our young! Fairies are pranksters and trolls are thieves! The same accusations were shot back at humans. Humans are murders, liars, rapists and criminals too!

The government was gone, there was no authority anymore, complete chaos. Of course the Internet held its place. It was the fastest means of communication mostly for fear and propaganda. It was catastrophic to not have food to eat but you were able to see what was happening in Moscow and Los Angeles from your smartphone.

After much destruction, death and despair a white flag was waved at a farm in Idaho, New Years Eve 2099. A potato farmer had relied on the help of a Vampire house. He was an elderly man with his wife and daughter. Working the fields to keep his family alive. One night a big storm was blowing in. His help had run off to protect their own. He sat on his porch one night in tears, knowing there was no way he could harvest it all himself. A vampire caught the scent of his tears and silently flew above him. As if to answer the farmer's prayer he decided to show himself.

"Please. I come to offer help." holding his hands out, the vampire introduced himself. "My name is Drake Vansteel. I have 12 vampires in my house and we can work all night in your fields."

The farmer obviously scared at his first sight of a real vampire stood to his feet, clutching his rifle. "I have nothing to give you in return! I know you'll want blood!" The farmer's voice cracked.

"You're right. We are hungry. But NOT for human blood sir." He took one step towards the farmer. "You're hungry too. We can help you before the rain comes. Even as the rain starts to fall!"

"What then? If not human, then what?" the farmer gripped his rifle a bit less.

"Animal, sir. You have a herd of sheep, a prairie of deer, rodents and birds. We've learned to be excellent hunters for animals. We can also hunt for you. We can work together. We can keep you safe! If you'll allow us to hunt on your land? And perhaps seek shelter from the sun in your barn?"

"How do I know I can trust you? I've never met your kind before. I have a family in this house!" the farmer began to cry again.

"Sir, can I introduce you to my family?" The vampire gestured to the trees beside the house. "And kept the gun in your hands."

The farmer nodded as he watched movement emerge from the trees. A tall boy, a woman, and three young children clenched together stepped into the moonlight. The woman grabbed the vampire's hand and shyly brought her eyes up to meet the farmers.

"This is my family sir. We are all Vampire. This is my wife and my four children. I promise you, I mean you no harm. Please sir. Let us work your fields, along with my brother and his family. We can save all your crops. You and your family can have food for the winter. My son and nephew can go hunt and have it ready before the sun rises."

The commotion alerted the farmers wife and daughter, who had been listening from the door. "Daddy, let them help us." The farmer's daughter said as she walked through the doorway. "I trust them. That boy is Andrew. He is… he was in my class at school."

The tall boy took a step forward as he recognized the daughter as well. He looked to his father, who was already willing to make a deal and a rush of ease swept the group. He nodded to her and smiled.

"Ok, ok." the farmer set his rifle down. He walked down off the porch and straight towards the Vampire. He held out his hand to shake on this agreement. The vampire stepped away from his family and stretched out his cold hand as well. "Patrick Shepherd, nice to meet you Mr. Vansteel."

The rest of the Vampire house arrived quickly and they all got straight to work. Even the young kids who couldn't have been older than 6 were in the dirt plucking potatoes, carrots and cabbage. The tall boy and another had a very successful hunt with a large buck and several rabbits. They took them to the barn and carefully butchered the meat. The farmer worked side by side with the vampire. Showing him where tools and supplies were and where to store the harvest for canning. His wife along with the vampire's wife discussed cleaning the vegetables and fruits and the best way to preserve them. Something amazing was happening.

Soon the first snow was falling from the sky. They had successfully stocked a cellar full of food for the winter and even into the spring. They had firewood and storm windows installed too. The old farm house was full of laughter, music, joy and family, just in time for Christmas.

"We have a gift for you and your family, Drake." Patrick laid his hand on his shoulder and motioned him to follow up the stairs. "This house hasn't had this much life in it since I was a boy. We wanted to show our appreciation for all you've done to help us." He opened a door that led to a bedroom. Bunk beds for the children, new toys and a dresser of clothes. Everything seemed perfectly ordinary except the windows had been removed.

"Patrick, I don't know what to say." Drake rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

"We remodeled all the rooms on this floor, the third floor and the attic. There is a bed and windowless rooms for all twelve of you. No more sleeping in the cellar. The windows in the hall have been painted black and covered with heavy curtains. No sunlight should be able to reach any of you." Patrick called for the others to come see.

"This is...this is amazing." Drake held his wife close as they both cried in gratitude.

"And tomorrow I'm installing a flag on the bar. A white flag. It's time for others to know what life could and should be. You're my brother now Drake." Patrick reached his hand out for a shake. Drake quickly accepted and with gentle strength and force pulled Patrick to his chest for a hug.

That white flag sparked a truce among species. 2100 saw great improvements to countries all over the world. Lost technologies were found again, communities emerged and towns were restored. Society slowly found its way back. Things were different, everywhere was different. Some places continued on with a democracy or republic.

Others chose absolute monarchy and oligarchy. Some even went without any rule and a small population chose anarchy. It was no longer the world we once knew, no doubt, but we were all healing.

---

"There is peace dad! Why are you still so angry?!" Ryan shouted

"There's surface peace Ryan, don't be foolish. There is still much ignorance and fear. Just because we may have a truce with humans doesn't mean witches and vampires are peaceful!" Kenneth shouted back.

"Ok guys, let's settle down. s**t. This has gone wildly off topic." William drank the rest of his Scotch and proceeded to fill his glass again. "Back to my question, did you mark Nadia? I didn't see a mark? You must do that soon."

"Nadia doesn't know she's a wolf?" Ryan questioned.

"Her mother is telling her now. I'm sure she'll be excited, we've shared wolf stories with her since she was a kid." William confidently spoke between sips.

"Well, fathers, I have some interesting news myself. Nadia could sense my wolf. She said she knew it the moment she saw me. You'll be happy to know I did mark her. Even better, she is my Mate." Ryan stated.

"This is wonderful news son! Why didn't you tell us sooner, instead of letting me go on and on…" Kenneth droned.

"Because dad you've enlightened with some information you may have chosen to keep quiet. You say you didn't see her mark, correct? Neither did I at breakfast and I questioned her. She told me she used a Veil Spell to hide it. She used a spell because she's been turned Witch."