The Alpha and His Hunted Kitsune Princess

What am I? Pt. 1

Piper is turning Fourteen

Piper felt nervous. Mom rubbed my arms, "Everything will be fine.” I snorted, “You don’t know that. You don’t know what type of Supernatural my dad is and the voice in my head said she can’t tell me her name until the clock strikes midnight.”

Mom agreed, “Ok, that’s all true BUT it’s nice that your other half shows up twelve hours ahead to give us warning. We’ve made arrangements since she contacted you and now we have a few hours left.” I huffed, “Dad would’ve known and told me before there was a twelve hour deadline..”

The voice in my head said, “You should have known your whole life.” I sighed, “I’m sorry you’re getting a human that doesn't know anything.” The voice replied, “You are my first human so we can go with what I know about us and learn together.” I was happy my counterpart wasn’t upset with me. I just wished I knew her name. The voice replied, “Shortly, you will.”

Mom winced, “I know, sweetie. I’ve never stopped trying to figure out how to contact him.” I knew that was true. Alpha’s around in the packs we lived in tried to help mom too. No one knew of anyone named Pernell Rhoades. Mom put him on my birth certificate and my last name was hyphenated. I was Piper Grave Rhoades Harris. Mom wanted us to have the same last name because her plan was always to move around.

Mom always said she felt we were safer if we were moving around. The voice in my head agreed, “You are.” I asked, “Do you know where our dad is?” The voice answered, “I do not know where our sire is. I cannot contact him since you do not know him.” I argued, “I do know him. His name is Pernell and I have his picture!”

The voice apologized, “I’m sorry, you are correct. I misspoke. I mean you have to have met in person for me to contact our sire.” I groaned, “That’s not your fault.” It wasn’t anyone’s fault. Except I had someone I blamed. I didn’t know his name, but I blamed my grandpa.

Mom never said she did but I knew we agreed there. My grandpa on my dad’s side showed up and whisked dad away from mom. Maybe he even blocked mom’s number or something.

Mom rubbed my arms, “Piper, the Alpha is going to be there for your shift with me and the Gamma. We have this warning and that’s so much more than a lot of hybrids that don’t know they are Supernaturals get.” I whispered, “I know.”

Mom hugged me, “It’s ok to wish your dad was here, sweetie. I do too. I know in my soul Pernell would love you. He’d be here if he could. I’m sorry I can’t give that to you.” I groaned, “Mom, it’s not your fault and we’ve been over that.”

Mom looked sad. I pulled back from our hug and squeezed her shoulders, “I mean it, mom. You’re amazing. Heck, you’re my best friend. You balance the line of friend and parent so well my friends are all jealous of the relationship we have. It’s always been us and everyone else.”

I added, “I know you put my happiness above yours. I know you ended relationships because they weren’t ok with you having me. I’ve seen countless step parents and dating situations where the kid from the prior relationship felt pushed aside. “

Mom scoffed, “I would never let anyone push you aside. You’re my miracle baby.” I knew that too. It’s why my middle name was Grace. Mom felt whatever god or goddess Pernell worshipped gave me to her because she sheltered my dad and gave him safety.

The voice told me, “God. We have a god.” I gasped, “MOM! My counterpart said whatever Supernatural I am, we have a god, not a goddess.” Mom snorted, “Then maybe that god is why I always know when it’s time for us to move on.”

Mom and I hung around smaller packs. They were all accepting of me and my mom even though we didn’t know what I was and mom was human. My mom had this unique ability to make wolves feel comfortable around her. No one could make a Werewolf friend like my mom. Especially not most humans. Nudity didn’t bother my mom and she loved pack life. I did too. I just knew I wasn’t like any of them. They were never weird with me though.

Mom asked, “Where did you go in that beautiful head of yours?” I admitted, “Just thinking about no one is like me, but they’ve never been rude to me.” Mom grinned, “Yes, as I told you Princess Luna Haley Conners really paved the way for hybrids. Packs always accepted hybrids though.”

I grinned knowing the story, “Yes, but Princess Luna Haley paved the way for packs accepting all types of hybrids even if they don’t have wolf blood into packs. Because she did and they have the strongest pack, all the other packs adopted that.”

Mom winced, “Well, the ones that are good did. There are bad ones, but I know which ones those are. You know I have a sense about that.” I acknowledged, “I do.” Mom would never expose me to someone or people that weren’t any good. Being an unknown Supernatural was dangerous in this world.

There was a group we’d learned about called the Ring. They wanted unknown Supernaturals. Mom was convinced that was who took my dad and she’d never risk them catching a single whiff of me.

I asked, “Do you think I’m some unique Supernatural?" Mom answered, “I know you are unique. The air between your dad and I was different that night than any other night. You were conceived by two people who respected each other. Your dad never told me what he was, but not for lack of trust between us. Because he said it might be dangerous.”

I snorted, “Yes, I know you met while dad was sowing wild oats.” Mom laughed, “I don’t know if it was that. He was doing that, yes, but his family didn’t appear overly loving from the very brief interaction we had. I could be wrong, but…”

I cut her off, “Your senses of people have never let us down before, mom.” Mom laughed, “Oh honey, I wish I had perfect senses like you believe I do.” I argued, “You do. You’re the smartest person I know.”

Mom teased, “You don’t know very many people then.” I argued, “Sure I do. Probably more than most kids my age. We move around more than most and I’ve seen more of the country than most people. You always get the sense when it’s time to go.”

Mom winced, “You don’t hate moving? I always worried you’d get annoyed.” I replied, “No, you’ve always been honest with me about feeling the need to move. I’m a Supernatural, mom. If anyone understands feelings and going with them, it’s Supes.”

Mom laughed, “That’s true. My human friends and my estranged family that’s living say I’m not giving you enough stability.” I snorted, “They don’t know anything. We are good and our family has barely made an effort to know me. All they do is judge us.”

Mom had never been close with her family because she was “an odd ball” compared to them. They’d literally said that to me. The voice in my head said, “We could kill them for hurting our mother. I could kill them for hurting you.”

I snorted, “Cool the murderous thoughts. I appreciate the sentiment though. Those people do not matter to me at all. I’ve had everything I ever need with my mom.” The voice said, “Yes, so your memories tell me. Our sire chose the best mother possible.” I agreed with that wholeheartedly.

Mom asked, “What is your counterpart saying? I can tell you two are talking.” I snorted, “Well, she’s ready to kill the humans and family members who upset us.” Mom busted out laughing then said, “That sounds about right.”

I continued, “She said our sire chose the best mom for us.” Mom’s eyes filled with tears saying, “I wish I could tell you two more about yourself.” My counterpart said, “It’s not her fault. Mom still tries to contact them, but they have cut off all avenues.”

I assured mom, “My counterpart and I agree you’ve tried your best. She calls you mom.” Mom gasped, “Really?” I nodded, “Yes, she loves you too.” A knock sounded on our cottage door, but my sense of smell told me who it was. I told mom, “It’s the Alpha.” Mom nodded and left my room to go speak to him.

My counterpart said, “Truly, our sire chose well.” I replied, “I don’t think he chose.” My counterpart conceded, “It is rare for us to conceive outside mates, but our sire chose his bed partner. Many humans would not have raised us the way mom did.” I knew that was true.

I’d met other hybrids that I’d told they had extras about them. Their parents didn’t tell them but knew. One girl was so angry because they’d acted like she was crazy when they knew that wasn’t the case.

I knew I had one of the best moms out there because my mom never treated me like I didn’t deserve the truth. There were times she shielded me from things, but we were always honest with each other.

I still remembered when my mom’s family tried to take me from her. They were claiming she couldn't care for me. They were making threats. The anger that fired inside me when I’d spied on that still made me mad.

Flashback

Piper crept onto the stairs. I could hear arguing. Mom whispered, “Please keep it down, Piper is sleeping.” I heard my Aunt scoff, “You’re not fit to be a mother.” Fury gripped me. Mom replied, “I will let you say a lot about me, but I love Piper more than myself.”

My grandma demanded, “Then provide that girl some stability. This need you have to strike on your own is fine, but now you’re a mother. Be one or we will take her.” My hackles rose and I ran downstairs.

Mom gasped, “Piper!” I pointed, “You stay AWAY from MY MOTHER!” My grandma gasped, “Really, Piper? You’re raising her to be disrespectful!” I scoffed, “You’d know about disrespect, wouldn’t you? You come into our house and claim my mom’s bad when it’s you.”

I pointed at her, “You can’t love your daughter and my mom loves me unconditionally. If you try to have me taken from my mom, I’ll out you for the manipulatively abusive woman you are. I’ll contact Haley Conners herself and get her on my side.”

I knew the woman would be because she was a Supernatural. Luna Princess Haley Conners would understand as a hybrid, I had to keep moving around. Especially as no one knew what my other half was.

My Aunt gasped, “You can’t threaten us.” I smelled they were scared though. I told them, “You don’t get to judge us. You’ve wanted nothing to do with me and now ten years into my life you think you know anything?! I’ve barely seen you my entire life.”

My grandma weakly said, “Because you guys move so much.” I snorted, “Wow. I’ve seen toddlers that lie better.” That wasn’t entirely true. Her heartbeat gave her away, but it was a poor lie. I demanded, “Leave and drop this.”

My Aunt scoffed, “You don’t run things, little missy. You’re then.” I shouted, “LEAVE AND DO NOT COME BACK! YOU WILL NEVER EVEN SO MUCH AS ATTEMPT TO TAKE ME FROM MY MOTHER!” My voice shook with authority and I watched their bodies lock up and they left.

I gasped, “Did that actually work? Did I make them leave?” Mom hugged me, “It’s ok, Piper. I told you that your dad’s the leader of his people. I’m pretty sure he’s the Alpha type person. You’re his daughter, so of course you have an Alpha type of ability. They upset you and I’m sorry they woke you up.”

A knock came. I whispered, “It’s the Alpha.” Mom quickly went and answered the door. The man smirked at me, “Powerful voice there, little Piper. Go on up and get back to bed. I’ll talk to your mom.” I asked, “Did they really leave?”

The Alpha winked, “As if their hair was on fire. They have already crossed our border. Our people will make sure they stay away, but I think you did that.” I blushed. The Alpha knelt down, “What we can do with that Alpha tone is something to be taken very seriously. They made your instincts and blood fire. You protected your mom and yourself, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

The Alpha added, “We do not abuse that ability granted to us though. You used it tonight because they scared and upset you. They threatened your mom. Always remember you can do that but use it wisely. Never use it on someone weaker just because you can.” I nodded my understand and went back up to my room.

Flashback Ended

Piper shook off that memory. Maybe after I shifted we could go back to that pack. I liked that Alpha. He took me under his wing from that night on and helped me with the feelings I had when I’d just get so mad. He understood. Hell, every Alpha did but he’d always offered such good advice. He was the grandpa I never had.

The voice in my head said, “That Alpha was a wise teacher with sage advice.” I snorted, “You know, for a new whatever we are you seem like an old soul.” The voice replied, “I am an old soul.” I asked, “Why haven’t you had another human before?’

The voice answered, “Because I am special, so are you.” I laughed, “My mom always says that I’m special.” The voice agreed, “You are. Our mother is quite wise.” I knew that because I’d always believed my mom was the smartest person I knew.

I’d met a lot of people, but no one held a candle to my mom. It was honestly hard to believe my mom was human. Mom believed in her instincts more than most humans. They often called their paranoia and I’d heard people say that about my mom.

The voice made a noise of anger. I had no idea what that noise was other than angry. Other Supernaturals knew my mom’s sense was correct even when they were sad to see us go. They all encouraged mom to keep doing what she felt made us safe because it was working. The Alpha that was my favorite had even caught someone asking about us. The woman turned out to be someone looking for money from a guy around town.

The Alpha couldn’t find the guy, but that proved mom was right to keep us moving. Mom had given them a description of my dad and grandpa, but the guy didn’t match it. In fact, the woman described the guy as slightly disturbed.

That could mean a lot since the woman wasn’t a Supernatural. The man might not be disturbed, but my sense told me he was. We’d moved on and no one had caught that guy sniffing around again. That didn’t mean he wasn’t out there though.

Mom came back and smiled, "Everything is set for tonight.” Mom took a deep breath, “I think once you’ve shifted back I think it’s time to move on.” I agreed, “I was actually thinking about that pack we stayed in back when I was ten. Can we go back there?”

Mom grinned, “I’ll contact them tonight. His son is the Alpha now, but that old man adored you.” I knew he did. I admitted, “It’s mutual. I just think he would be able to help me the best.” The voice in my head agreed, “Since we cannot reach our sire, I agree.”

Mom gently asked, “What does your counterpart say?” I explained, “She agrees. Apparently she’s an old soul, but I’m her first human.” Mom laughed, “Well, at least she knows things about what you are. She’ll be a great help to us.”

Mom winced, adding, “I know it has hurt you, I can't explain more about you.” I shrugged, “Even if you knew the name that wouldn’t mean that anything we could research was correct. There is so much incorrect lore about Werewolves and most shifters out there.”

Mom conceded, “That is true. I just wish I could do more to help. I’m so grateful we know that you’ll shift tonight. The Alpha was trying to find anything he could discreetly about what you are, but he didn’t find anything.”

I assured her, “It’s ok. We are close to answers. It’s a bit of a Fairy tale cartoon but at the stroke of midnight, we will know.” Mom busted up laughing, “That is very on the nose.” I hugged her. Mom urged, “Take a nap, sweetie. You’ll need your rest for tonight.” I’d heard wolves shift and I can’t say I was looking forward to that type of pain.

The voice in my head said, “We are not a wolf.” Fair enough but I knew that. Mom left my room and I laid down to sleep. I felt myself running through a forest. I called, “Hello?” I heard a sinister chuckle, “They will never find you, because I will. They aren’t even looking.”

I asked, “Uh what?” The man asked, “Aren’t you tired of not knowing anything? I’m always behind and around you. They never are. Your family doesn't want you.” I’m pretty sure I shocked him when I busted up laughing.

I waved, “I’m sorry but you seem to think that will hurt me. They don’t know about me, and even if they did I’m fine with my mom. I already have one side of the family that sucks. Mom has always said dad would love me if he knew about me. You seem to think I’m insecure about not knowing my dad or my other side of the family looking for me. I think my grandpa is trash. On both sides of the family actually.”

The man sounded shocked, “The one I know is absolutely trash. Come with me. I’ll help you.” I replied, “I’m good, thanks.” He insisted, “I can understand you better than some human.” Fury filled me. I warned, “Don’t you talk about my mother like that! You don’t know her. No one understands me better than her!”

The man replied, “She’s human. She knows nothing. You shouldn’t be mixing with her kind.” I shouted, “HER KIND?! I’m half her kind.” He replied, “Your dad’s blood outdoes hers.” I scoffed, “My mom is amazing and anyone who doesn’t understand that has no place in my life. LEAVE ME ALONE!” I felt the man’s presence be forced out of this place.

Blue hues started to light up the area. It almost looked like fire, but for some reason I knew it wasn’t and that it wouldn’t hurt me. I reached out and touched it feeling myself retain that type of hue. I laughed, “Cool.” I spun around and danced.

Eventually I heard mom call, “Come on, sweetie. It’s time to wake up and meet your other half.” My eyes popped open. I snorted, “I had the strangest dream.” Mom asked, “What happened?” I answered, “I was in a forest and this guy was telling me my family didn’t care about me.”

Mom flinched, “That’s not true.” I waved, “I know. He said I had to get away from you. I used that Alpha type tone to make him leave. Then the forest took on this blue hue that looked like fire but wasn’t. I managed to take it on myself and danced around.”

Mom said, “We are definitely leaving after your shift. That pack you wanted to go back to happily agreed to take us back. The old Alpha is practically tickled pink he gets to know what you are. He’s thrilled you want him as a trainer. His son is deeply grateful his dad is so happy.”

I smiled, “That makes me really happy. The voice in my head agreed, “Me too. The old man will train us well, even though he’s not our sire.” I knew he’d do everything in his power to help us. Soon I could research what I could. My counterpart could confirm or deny what, if anything, the humans got right about what I was.