Bloodmoon

Chapter4

Present

I wouldn’t let whatever this is get away this time Zeus had barely said a word to me since that night. “Maybe it’s a trap by the vampires to lure us out. It could be their magic.” I said to Zeus. “Maybe but maybe not I have my theory as to what it is, but I want to be sure.” I neared the same area as before but this time the smell did not fade. It had gotten stronger; near the back side of the garden, I found the source of the amazing smell. On the bench sat a petite girl with flaming hair. The breeze blew and sent her strong fragrance hitting me like a tidal wave making unsteady on my paws, for a spare moment I heard the leaves crunch under my weight and so did she. She turned to look at me and I lowered my head to see her more clearly. All I could do was stare into her wide blue eyes; all the confusion made sense suddenly as Zeus cried the word hitting my soul. “MATE!”

Melanie's POV.

The metallic wolf stared at me through Emerald eyes, and I could almost imagine that I could hear him begging me not to be afraid of him. Ridiculous of course I can't' hear his thoughts or speak wolf. “I should be petrified right now but for some strange reason I’m not.” I spoke to the beast. He lowered his head as if to confirm to me he was indeed no threat. “Would you like me to leave? Alpha, Father Alex told me a few years ago I was welcome, but I can leave if it is a problem.” I asked hoping for head nod so I could escape; not only was I in deep crap with the wolves' pack but also my family if my brother and sister found out I had trespassed on pack land he would have my head and if this wolf figured out, I was associated with Blackheart family he would surely kill me; sending me back in pieces making a point. Wolves were not known to show mercy. Hopefully, Alex’s invitation would still be enough to save my ass. I was taught at an early age that they were vicious animals without a conscious but this majestic and beautiful being in front of me was beautiful with a much different energy radiating off him. I itched to run my fingers through his fur, it looked as if it would be soft as silk, with that thought I had officially lost my mind.

He whined and staggered slowly backwards with his ears pinned to his head. I saw flickers of sadness written across his features. He turned, darting back deeper into the woods. The second he was out of sight my heart clinched in my chest as if I had lost something. Why was I reacting this way? I was more tired than I thought, I should be thankful the beast had let me live. Not wasting the second chance I was given I began gathering my bags when I again heard the crunchy of leaves and for some odd reason, I was hopeful for the wolfs return, but I came face to face with a muscular man with those same vivid eyes, this must be his human form. He approached me quickly with a fierceness about him, much different than his wolf had been. His wolf had been almost timid like he had been afraid to scare her or, fearful of her, while this man appeared angry. She shuttered backwards away from his gaze. He slowed and put his hands up as if to say he meant no harm and sat down on the bench. The smile he gave looked painful, almost comical to the point where a small giggle escaped my lips.

He sighed relieved, “I’m Alpha Ethan of Blood moon! My father Alex’s invite is good, and I do not want you to leave.” He held his head high and motioned to the bench beside him.

I am not sure why, but I sat and just stared at him like a lovesick puppy, pun intended, I thought laughing silently to myself. “Melanie Winter "I looked down biting my lip intentionally leaving out last name.

“Melanie Winter,” He repeated my name like it was the most beautiful name in the universe. “Unique and beautiful just like you,” He smiled. “I did not mean to scare you I am shocked is all. This is not your first time here in the garden, is it?”

“I come here often I love the flowers it is not often you find those that bloom at night. This garden at the back side of this park holds some of the rarest flowers.” He was staring at me with an unknown look in his eye, a look that excited me and scared me to death.

“I am aware my father actually endorsed this park naming it after my mother and hand planted these flowers here in her honor the day they were married.” He beamed proudly. “The rarest flower here though is sitting on this bench.”

“Well now don’t you just have the big head” I smirked, “But aren’t you a little masculine to be a flower.” I giggled at the dumbstruck expression on his face and my heart raced at his husky laugh.

“Touche” He smiled. “But I am sure you are aware I was referring to you.”

“I am and thank you.” I looked at my phone as the alarm was sounding, “I must be going. It was nice to meet you alpha.” I stood If I did not get home soon, I would defiantly be in big trouble.

“Please I…” He seemed to struggle to find his words, “Meet me again tonight here.”

“I wish I could but truthfully I do not think it is wise decision.” Should I tell him who I am? Would he kill me?

“I am going to be blunt with you, you have already seen my wolf, you know what I am. I am sure you have questions; you are my mate, I smelled you awhile back and have been trying to find you ever since. I need to know you.” He seemed desperate. Questions? Did he think I was just an ordinary human?

“Mate???” Is that even possible? Could I be the daughter of the vampire king and the witch Queen and the mate of the alpha of my families' enemies?

“Mate, it's kind of complicated…”

“Oh no, I know what you mean. Listen I have a confession; apparently.” I stood pacing away gathering my courage. “I'm not your average human that happened into your park. Obviously with my knowing your father enough to have invite to come her. In fact, when my very magical brother and sister finds out I am dead anyway, so you feel free to kill me yourself. I am powerless I was born this way I am the eldest daughter of Vincent Blackheart sr. and Victoria Autumn Blackheart leaders of the Black heart coven as well as king and Queen of the vampire and witch's court.” I paused seeing his eyes flash with some sort of emotion when he did not move, I continued. “They were killed by your pack years ago when my Grams Valma Renee Black heart who herself has a reputation as an immensely powerful Vampire raised me and my siblings. I Have been held within the coven not permitted to leave and I hate it. I was next in line for my father and mothers' throne until on my thirteenth birthday my fangs nor my powers ever came like the standard witch and vampire hybrid. I was reduced to nothing more than a servant with a few select privileges where I get to watch my younger twin sister train to ascend my throne and my prick younger brother take over as leader of the covens. I want nothing to do with yours or their problems with each other. I only wanted to see the flowers and I meant no harm, honest. If you kill me, I will hold you no ill will, in fact I will be grateful my life with the coven is not a happy one. I would end myself if I weren’t so chicken…” I was interrupted by his lips contacting mine tenderly yet rough, his arms engulfing mine leaving sparks and tingles all over my skin. My head was swirling dizzily as he pulled away staring deep into my eye, I could see him so clearly Mates for sure…

Melanie POV

I paced the room looking at the clock, should I go? Of course, not but I wanted to the last few weeks meeting Ethan in the garden had made the bond come on full force. His touch sent shivers down my spine and sparks into my soul. I am in love. I know diary, I wrote. I cannot continue this it is only going to lead to me breaking his heart. The Coven won't let me go. Vincent will not let me out to see the light of day should he find out. I'll be trapped again like I was that one time when I had an attitude while Grams were out on a mission, and I told them they were not my royals, and he threw a vase hit me with it and left me unconscious on the floor of the throne room not caring if I lived or died. I woke up twelve hours later with a bit of blood around me where he and Jasamine had bashed my head in and kicked me a few hundred times. Even the other servants thought I wouldn’t live through that one. I dressed in my usual black slacks and deep red satin button up with my long back cardigan. I gather my book bags even thought I didn't’ have class no one else knew that. I made my way down the stairs and toward the entrance.

“Winter!!!” My Grams flowed as she does towards me. I hate that she uses that name, as humans Winter is my middle name but as a mystical being it is my witch and vampire name, it should have been the name of my magic form of course that I didn’t' have. I always wondered why the moon goddess gave me a mystic name but didn't bless me with any gifts not even a lame one.

“Yes Grams, what can I do you for you, my Queen?” I bowed, she gave me scowl.

“You know I hate that, get up!” She commanded yet her command didn’t influence me, but I complied no need in her knowing that. “Where r u headed?”

“To study group Grandmother, I have finals in a few short weeks and then I have a late class.” I hoped she didn’t read me.

“Okay darling, when you get back, I want the first thing you to do is to come to my chambers. There is much we must discuss with the next high council meeting coming up there shall be changes in the servant's schedule and I want you to see that they are executed, as well as your brother and sisters' coronations.” She had a perplexed look almost sad but only for a moment I could have imagined it.

“I see Grams, I will find you as soon as I get back.” I turned to leave but Grams stood tall watching me. I turn around I am going to regret asking this I’m sure, but I hate the idea of attending their coronations that day was supposed to be mine. So, I never really thought about it bothering me until now. “Grams,” I keep my eyes to the floor. “My I ask a favor of you as my grandmother not as a Queen?”

“What is it, my darling Winter?” I cringe at the name.

“Also, may I ask a question?”

“Yes, my child” She walks forward placing her cold hand on my chin raising my eyes to meet her. “You may not have any gifts child, but you are my granddaughter, the eldest born daughter of the realms King and Queen. You are a princess and at no time should a princess look at the floor in such a humble way. Also, you should never be worried to talk to me, I have told since you were a child my door is always open. I know life has not been easy Winter and I wish I could have done more and been more vigilant about that. What is it?” she grasps my hands in hers.

“My question is why do you still insist on calling me Winter? I am not a witch or a vampire. Ill not have my birth rite, my throne, I will not even be a princess if they have their way. I am nothing but a servant to this coven.”

“OH Winter,” My Grams wipes away a tear from her eye, “That is not true, and I know your siblings have an obscure way of looking at things and things may not work out the way you think they will. I believe that the goddess or whatever deity is in control works her magic in her own time. I call you Winter because it’s your first name for a reason. Do you know why?”

I shook My head no. “Your father named you that also because you were named after my mother. Her name was Winter Rose Blackheart. She was your great grandmother, and of course the name suits you so much better. Look at the cold harsh things you have dealt with in your life already, but did you perish? No, you not only survived you thrived and have grown so much. There is no doubt in my mind you would have made a phenomenal Ruler. I am not sure what the universe’s reasons are or what its plan is, but I know what ever it has instore for you shall be amazing. Do you understand?”

I was borderline crying like an infant now, I deep down loved my Grams right now she wasn’t the cold-hearted vampire queen, she was just my grandmother. The same grandmother that fought the witches for me to stay with her, the same one who told me stories as a child and spoiled me rotten the grandmother who ignored protocol and held me while I sobbed and who soothed my nightmares after my parents passed. “About the coronations, May I get preparations took care of and then not attend?”

“Are you kidding me?!!!!” A shriek could be heard from the balcony, “Grams you are not letting this twerp out of coming, are you? she must see her Queen take her rightful place. If she is not there it will ruin everything.” Jasamine leaps from the balcony and lands gracefully between us.

“Jasamine, that is no way for you talk to your sister, besides you are not Queen yet!!!” She gave a stern look. I have never seen my grandmother scold them so openly yes, she reprimanded them after they were not in front of me, I had walked in on it once but never in front of the staff out so openly. Jasamine must have noticed that as well because she looked horrified around at the two-house cleaners dusting the room, and back at my Grams.

“What the literal hell Grams?” She gestured to the two ladies who had effectively stopped cleaning to watch the commotion.

“So, it is okay for you to speak down to your sister and you knowing that she is your elder. well actually, all of your elder sibling. She truthfully is the rightful heir to the throne; after all.” Grams smiled wickedly but both girls were staring at her like she had grown three heads.

“AHHAHHAHA” Jasamine shrieked. “She is powerless!!!” her finger was in my face.

“She may have unfortunately not have any gifts and for some unforeseen reason does not have the power we thought she should have but Jasamine that is not any reason to treat her in an unfriendly way, she is your sister. She is your family and every family member as well as every part of this coven has worth. They have a job that keeps us safe and taken care of. Jasamine, you need to understand. You do not know all there is to know about being a Queen. Gifts are not everything child. Compassion and poise are important attributes as well as having the loyalty of the covens. These are things that you and your brother need to work on.”

“You cannot be seriously considering handing her my throne?” Jasamine cried.

“You need to remember the throne originally was to be given to Winter. I am not ready to retire, so you have time to adjust your self accordingly. Now I have a meeting to get ready for Winter continue to your study group dear and find me once you return. Jasamine dear go to the kitchen and see that someone brings tea to my office in a quarter hour for three.” she smirks again

“You want... me” She points at her own chest, “To see to the kitchen?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

“Of course, not” Jasamine stares me down and looks back at our grandmother who looks on in amusement as she storms away toward the kitchen.

“Grams, what is happening?” I ask, still not believing what I have just witnessed.

“I'm sorry, child, we have a lot to discuss, but perhaps after your studies. Meet me when you get home, dear. The walls have ears.” She raised her arms above her head and disappeared in clouds of smoke.

Grams, always has had a flare for the dramatic. That is the vampire genes, I guess. How she said, “The walls have ears,” makes me feel the oddest sense of Déjà vu. I feel like I am forgetting something important. I look at my phone and realized I am over twenty minutes late. I hope he is waiting for me; I turn and rush out the door.