His Stolen Mate

Chapter 7: Claimed

~Anika’s P.O. V~

          I woke up to the back of a car with a black blanket on me. I looked at the time on the dashboard and gasped. Nearly 10 am?!

“Ah, Anika, you have finally awoken, my queen.” I looked at Matthew and had to take in my surroundings.

“Where are we?”

“Do not worry, your majesty. We are headed to a new home in Nebraska.”

‘Ah. How did I sleep for nearly 14 hours?’

“You look confused, love. Talk to me?”

“How long was I asleep?”

“It was about 8 in the evening when we left. So, roughly 14 hours.” He reached a hand and touched my leg. “You must have been exhausted, my dear. I apologize, I pushed you too hard.”

I sat up, “How do you figure, babe?”

“Being queen has its many perks, however, it has equally as many downfalls. I should have let you rest more. You are still learning my world and very young.” He rubbed my knee in comfort, “I pushed a lot of responsibility on you which was not fair.”

I yawned, “Don’t worry about it, honey. It's a job I accepted.” My phone went off in my pocket.

“Please answer that, my love. It has been going off for several hours.” I nodded and opened it.

“Huh… a missed call from Richard.” I dialed voicemail. To my surprise and horror, it was Orion. “Matthew, you will want to hear this.” I put my phone on speaker.

“Anika, this is Orion, sweetheart. I know that you are probably wondering why I would be calling from another’s phone, I am leaving this message to tell you that your parents just want you home, kiddo. Uncle Orion has found where you have been kidnapped, so please, seek me out when you are able too? I know you must be terrified to call someone, but I assure you, no harm will come to you, honey. I won’t let that happen. Call me at this number 454-776-2230. Let me know if you are safe, kiddo.” Matthew's eyes glazed over before turning red. He was pissed off, I was horrified. If he had killed Richard… I started hyperventilating.

“No. No, i-it can't be. He c- oh, god.”

“Anika, darling! Breathe!” I looked at Matthew and I screamed in pain. How is Orion a wolf?! That is the only way he could have killed Richard. No mortal can. My dad's closest friend is a werewolf. Matthew had taken me out of the car and into the woods. Setting me down next to a tree, he forced me to look at him. “Anika! Look at me, my dear! Concentrate on my voice, angel. Only my voice.” He pulled me into a hug, “Think of the library, think of the indoor meadow. You are safe within those walls. The flowers in bloom with a copy of Midnight Lady. Think of the book and turn to the most amusing sentence.” It was working, I closed my eyes and thought of my sanctuaries. Once I have calmed down, I began to cry.

“He’s a werewolf, isn't he?”

“If it was the same Orion Hood my father fought, then yes.”

“I have known him since I became Heiress to Butler Enterprises. How could he kill so maliciously? Richard… is he?”

“Gone, I'm afraid.” He closed his eyes too, his fists were shaking out of anger. Richard was family to us both.

“How did he find me, Matthew?”

“We do not know, my queen.” Alyssa spoke.

“He's a killer! My dad is friends with a monster!” I lashed out. Taking my anger and grief, I stood to punch the tree, leaving a giant hole in it. “Right before mine and Quinn's birthday.” I sobbed harder as I thought about the m******e that happened. Alyssa's phone rang.

“Jackie! Oh, thank god you're okay!” there was a pause, “No, girl. We are fine. Our queen just…” Her eyes widen, “I am handing you to Matthew.” She gave him her phone.

“Jacklyn, it is wonderful to hear your voice.” Before he could speak another word, his eyes nearly popped out of his head and immediately turned dark red. “How much time?” Without breaking eye contact with me, he picked me up and put me back in the car, taking the drivers seat while Alyssa sat in the back. “That little?! I need to get her safely out of the U.S. He cannot find her!” He drove like a mad man. “Jacklyn, listen to me, I want you and Alyssa to stay with Anika in England. Take her to the old maze that my father first built. Keep her hidden. Keep her safe. That is an order from your king.” He hung up the phone and hit the dashboard. “That stupid flea infested wolf! He does not realize what he has unleashed upon this world!” He was beyond livid. I was almost afraid to ask.

“Wh-“

“He freed Bastian.” My head was swimming as Matthew replied.

“The immortal warlock that took so many Vampyres to just capture?” My voice was barely a whisper.

“The same. I am sorry, my dear. It looks like you will have to continue without me.” He pulled over and leaned into me, kissing me passionately. “I love you, Anika. Live for me?”

“Wh- No! As your queen I refuse to let you fight alone! You are not nearly as skilled as I am when it comes to defense!” I screamed at him. “Matthew, if you do not turn this car around, so help me, I will take that driver’s seat.” When he didn’t budge, I unbuckled myself, before I had a chance to get out, his hands pushed me down as glass shattered from the window.

“I am too late. Anika, run!” He pulled me out of the seat and placed himself between me and whatever that was. I headed his command and began to run, the woods were dense and hard to maneuver in. I ran as fast as I could, until I head the screams of Matthew and Alyssa. I couldn’t ignore my heart as I ran back to them, I stayed hidden behind a tree.

“Gabriel, Gabriel, Gabriel. I hear you have a queen. Muahaha! And a lovely one at that. Oh, yes, that Alpha pup showed me what she looked like. But she is not with you.” He paused for a moment. “Little alpha girl! I know you can hear me!”

“Anika! Do not come back! He will kill you! AH!” It sounded like bones breaking. My husband to be is in great pain. ‘If I do have a wolf, please, please come forth a day early? Help me save him!’ I got no response. I silently cried behind that tree.

“Do I have to start hurting your friend? Ha Ha! Buahaha! Friend is an odd word, say it with me, Alpha girl.” This man sounded deranged beyond help. A ward is where he should be.

“My queen! No matter what happens! We are expendable!”  Alyssa yelled. “AH!” Her screams were worse than his. He didn’t just break bones; he tore off something. The sound of her skin ripping apart was horrifying beyond compare.

He was willing to do anything to hurt them. I heard Matthew’s voice in my head.

My love, you need to run before he figures out you stayed behind. Yes, I can smell you from your spot. Run, baby. Run fast, run far.

No, I can’t sit here and do nothing!

My queen, my angel, my love, my dear, my Anika, do this and live. I know we haven’t known each other for long and yes; I stole you away, but every moment up to this point has been nothing short of my greatest dream. I am sorry we have not officiated as Husband and wife; I am sorry that I never got to celebrate your birthday.

No! Shut up! Stop saying such things! I wanted to give you everything of me tomorrow… Survive! Once I thought that, something in me snapped. I felt a burning sensation in my hand, it was so hot it caught the tree on fire. Then it spread through my body, the heat was so intense, I felt a blast come from me.

~Matthew’s P.O. V~

No! Shut up! Stop saying such things! I wanted to give you everything of me tomorrow… Survive!

            That was her last thought, I was going to respond before a flash of heat pushed Bastian away. ‘How far was that?’ I rolled onto my side and looked in her direction, the trees were not just on fire, they were an inferno, she created a field of lava. Could she be Fae? No, Fae are not environmentally destructive. Before I could gauge her distance, a tornado of fire began to form with her in the middle, she was causing that.

“Well, well, well! She isn’t just a Female Alpha! I smell…” Bastian was on his feet. “Wolf, for sure. But… No… Dragon?!”

“That’s not possible.” I whispered. A dragon wolf hybrid?! A great roar from the skies caught our attentions. It quickly picked me, Alyssa and an unconcious Anika up. She was out cold, and Alyssa grabbed her arm. I looked at Bastian who seemed to be yelling at us.

Do not move, Vampyre! You maybe engaged to my daughter, but it does not mean I welcome you! The gruff sounds of a dragon. I knew they existed, but they were in hiding for longer than I have been alive.

“Your daughter?! Are you Jacob or Lilliana?!” I had to yell against the wind.

Neither. Jacob is the one who raised my children along with that alpha woman. They faked her birth certificate. Today is her 19th birthday, once I set you and these two women down, I am going to retrieve my son.

I was speechless. I kept my mouth shut for the rest of our journey, keeping my focus on Anika.

~Adam’s P.O. V~

            I laid back on Quinn’s couch thinking of Anika, I haven’t given up, not by a long shot. I held her scarf in my hands and thought of what The Goddess of the Moon said, ‘She is more important than you know.’ How is she important? Where the hell is, she? Quinn got a call from one of her friends this morning. He stepped into his room and hasn’t been out yet. As I was starting to imagine what our pups would look like, Quinn slammed his door open.

“That son of a b***h! I’ll kill him!”

“Dude, the hell?”

“Peter! He’s f*****g trying to find her to get back with her!”

“Is that what her friend said?”

“YES!” I looked at Quinn and something was off about my friend. I got up to take a closer look, what I saw I had to step back from.

“Bro? Why do you have scales?” I pointed to his face.

“What? I don-“ He went to the guest bathroom. “AH! The f**k?!” He came tumbling out.

There was a knock on his door, I answered it to his mom. “Mrs. Butler. Please, come in.”

“Mom?! Why do I have-“ She put up a hand.

“It’s time I told you who you are and who I am, Quinton. You are half werewolf and half dragon, son.” My eyes widened at this sudden information. “And tomorrow is not your birthday. It’s today.” I looked to Quinn who looked like he had just seen a ghost.

~Quinn’s P.O. V~

“Mom, what…”

“I know this is a lot to take in, honey. Adam? Are you mated to my daughter?”

“Uh… yeah? How did-“ He was also in absolute shock.

“I am sorry, Adam. I cannot allow that. No offense to you personally, dear. Our species is why I cannot let you be with her.” I got up from my chair.

“Why the hell not mom?!”

“Quinn, your sister was promised to someone long ago. I doubt his son even knows this.”

“What are you saying?! That she is betrothed?!”

          I couldn’t believe this, I am a mix of dragon and werewolf and my sister was promised to another?! What kind of f****d up s**t is this?! I sat there fuming in pure rage. First Peter tries to tell Destiny that he wants her back and now this?! Worst birthday ever!

“Yes, sweetheart. I wanted to keep you both away from the supernatural world. Your biological father asked that we never see each other again. So, he manipulated Jacob's memory slightly. Having him believe you are his children. I looked for Jacob on purpose. With you and your sister looking exactly like Nathanial, I had to find someone who looked similar.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Back up! You said you looked for dad?! Just to make it look like we belong to him?! Do you know how f****d up that sounds?!” I couldn’t believe this. How long has she been lying to dad?! Did she even love dad?! I shook my head then punched my wall.

“You have his temper.” She whispered.

“So, when will he receive his wolf, ma'am?” Adam asked.

“At noon. That is when all Horse Tail Falls pups receive their wolf. Age of 19 at noon.”

“Wait? Horse Tail?” Adam looked like he was thinking about something, “19 years…” He said.

“Yes. I ran from my pack 19 years ago, Adam Davis. And I am sorry your pack got mixed in the war.” The room went silent as a morgue. I was so f*****g pissed off that I had to break something. I went into my bedroom and destroyed the bathroom mirror, screaming at the top of my lungs. How could my mom be that heartless? I had to get out of here, I couldn’t be in my moms vicinity. I would hurt her if I tried to. I grabbed my coat and my keys, but, before I could I stepped through the thresh hold, a very tall man that looked like me was standing there.

“Hello, son.”

~Matthew’s P.O. V~

          I sat beside Anika while Alyssa was putting herself back together. The information that this Dragon King told us had me, in a word, pissed at my own father. Before he took off, Nathanial had Anika laying down in a room he had made for her when she was born. It was just as big as the room we shared at the castle, yet windowed and in a tower. Irony at its finest. When I saw him transform into his human look, he was the male version of my queen. Down to the dimple on her cheek.

“I still can't believe this. She is a dragon hybrid and no one knew?”

“Aside from her mother, yes.” I turned to look at Alyssa, her arm completely healed.

“What I find most insane is that King Vladimir had you and her betrothed this whole time.”

“I have never been more pissed off with my father than I am right now. The fact that he never once mentioned it, that pisses me off.”

Alyssa sat down on the other side of Anika's bed and moved a hair from her eyes. I noticed that she had gained scales that were invisible to the mortal eye, but very distinguished to the supernatural eye. “All this time, she didn’t know who she was. My poor Anika.”

“Hold up. Something is off.”

“What is that, Alyssa?”

“King Vladimir died well before she was a thought, before her mother was a thought. How could he…”

“I can give the answer, if you truly desire it, Alyssa.”

“Yes.”

“He had a prophet. She was also his mistress after mother died.”

“Damn.” Damn was right, damn him, damn her. Why couldn’t he tell me these things? Did he think me untrustworthy? Why couldn’t she go behind fathers back to tell me?

~Anika’s P.O. V~

          I played the scene in my head, trying to make sense of it. Fire coming from my hands? How is that possible? Is this a wolf thing? I don't know, all I know is, once that wave of fire coursed through my body, I blacked out. I vaguely remember the sounds of wind beating against bird wings. I wondered what happened? Did I save Matthew and Alyssa? I wanted to know these answers. My eyes felt like they were glued shut while my body felt heavy. I could hear faint talking, it sounded like Matthew, I wanted to see if it was him. Open you stupid eyes, open. I willed myself to follow Matthew's voice. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t reach him.

Calm down, Anika. We will wake up soon.

      Wait… You're not my voice.

No, I am not. I am your other 1/3rd. There is the human, your voice. Me, the Wolf voice and…

Me! Your dragon! You are so lucky, Anika! If you hadn't set that forest into a raging land of lava, father would not have found you!

     My wolf and my dragon?! The hell?!

Viper! Do not yell at her!

Fuck you, Pearl! She could have killed herself and all of us!

Pearl: f*****g lizard… Calm your s**t! This is all new to Anika.

Viper: I don’t care if it's new, Pearl! She should have ran as Matthew instructed!

      How is it I have 2 other voices?

Pearl: That is because you are part werewolf.

Viper: And part dragon.

      So, I have 2 different forms? This is all so confusing.

Pearl: You will get used to it. And we have to deal.

Viper: Yeah, whatever.

Pearl: Anika, tonight you have to shift into both of us. It's tradition and law.

      Okay, but how?

Viper: Just tap into one of us. Also, Matthew is yummy, I want to meet him.

Pearl: Easy, Viper. I want to meet him too. And we will. Tonight.

Viper is aggressive and angry a lot while Pearl is sweet and soothing.

      I meant, how am I supposed to wake up?

Viper: You wait for Cobra and Azurite to touch us. They are after all, our twins.

      Wait?! Quinn is one too?!

Pearl: Of course, he is, honey. You are blood. Oh, here comes father now. See you tonight.

Viper: Better not mess this up! Or I will make your life a living hell!

~Quinn’s P.O. V~

“Hello, son.” The man said to me. “I trust your mother explained everything?”

          Oh no, he did not just call me his son?! I pushed passed and began walking to my car. Before I could reach it, I was grabbed by the arm. I looked to see who it was and to my surprise, it was Adam. I tried to get out of his grip, but to no avail.

“Dude. What your mom did was shitty, but don’t go on a rampage.” Why was he so calm?

“Easy for you to say, Adam! I was lied to! Anika was lied to! And she is still missing!” He pulled me back into my apartment.

“Lilliana.” The stranger said.

“Nathanial.” Mom's voice held hate in it.

Their interaction was cordial at best, Adam threw me on the couch and sat next to me.

“Honey, this is hard on all of us. Your father, “ She straight up glared daggers into him, “and I thought it was best to keep this hidden.”

“Lilliana, stop. You are beating around the bush and Hood is on the move! I have to get him to Anika asap!” He yelled at her.

“That wouldn’t have happened, Nathanial, if you didn’t promise Vladimir your first born daughter go to his son!”

“What do you want me to say?! I have already apologized several times over! I never expected to fall in love with a werewolf! Let alone keep my promise to him!”

        This argument went on for a half hour before their screaming died down to a raised voices. Even then it wasn't over, it just made it less loud. Adam, had a distance look in his eyes, crap. His destined mate was my sister and now both of my blood parents are refusing to let him keep that bond. I was pissed off for him, I was just frankly, pissed off.

“In any case, Lilliana. Hood is after her. They released an evil that almost wiped out Vampyre kind centuries ago. Vladimir lost his life then and werewolves helped. Quinton.” Nathanial's focus was on me.

“What?” I didn’t hide how pissed off I am. I am beyond livid.

“You have to come with me. Your sister is in a coma. She used too much power to fight of Bastian.”

“Bastian? The warlock that my parents told kids about to make them behave?” How does Adam know this? “For what it's worth, sir, I would like to join you. Even if I cannot be with her, I still want to be her personal guard.”

“I would appreciate that, Mr. Davis. I do apologize for making that deal.”

“You’re the Dragon King, a step lower than The Moon Goddess herself. No need to apologize. Your word is law…” I could tell he was heartbroken which only served my anger more. Wait, did he say Dragon King?!

“Dragon King?!”

“Sweetheart, stop. Your fangs are showing.”

“So what?! If this bastard is my father, then where the hell has, he been?!” I let my fury control the situation.

“Quinton Oliver Butler! You sit your ass back down and retract those fangs!” Nathanial commanded. I hated being told what to do, but my body listened? I felt my teeth retract as I sat down. “To answer your question, I have been around. Just not in the physical way. I have kept an eye on you and Anika all of your life.” This made my fangs come back.

“If that is true, then why didn’t you stop her from getting kidnapped?!” I stared to stand, but Adam put his hand on my shoulder.

“Because it was her betrothed that took her, Quinn. Her aura exuded itself to him the moment she came close to him.” I sat back down and put my hands on my head. “As I understand it, most Vampyers will not date a human, much less marry one. You nor her were ever human. A dragon’s aura to others smells like perfume. Expensive perfume.”

“So, to me she smells like Pine in winter. But to others?”

“If she takes after me? Strawberries. You smell her scent as Pine because of the mate bond. To those unmated to her, she smells like Strawberries.” Nathaniel explained. I looked at the clock and it was 11 am. “Quinn, you have every right to hate me. What I did was unforgivable.”

I held up one finger, “Just answer me this: why leave mom?”

“Lilliana and I had a complicated relationship. She was the Alpha next in line for Horse Tail Falls while I am the Dragon King. Her wolf mated to my dragon. I fell on love with her. My people saw that as a sign of weakness. Dragons should not mate with werewolves. They tried to overthrow me.”

“That’s why I ran away from my pack. I went to go help your father. When I got there, he was in Draco already. I shifted to Opal and fought as many as I could.”

“Draco, my dragon, saw her fighting against the would-be king slayers. He found this attractive. As did I. We had a month together.”

“I went home to try to explain my absence, but the damage was already done. Horse Tail went to war against Mount Hood and Davis Lake because of me.”

“Wait… why?” I asked.

“I can answer that, brother.” Adam leaned forward, “They thought we kidnapped her. Gregory was her father. My father killed him.” He looks to my mom. “I am sorry, Alpha Lilliana.”

“No need, honey. As I have heard, my uncle killed your brother. Losses on all sides. I didn’t go back, Quinn because I was afraid.”

“Your mother would have been killed had her pack known about me. About you and your sister. A dragon/werewolf hybrid had never been conceived before.”

“When I found out I was pregnant, I told Nathanial. He said that he would watch over you. Later when I had my last ultra sound, I told him the genders.”

“Needless to say, son, I was livid. Not with your mom, with myself. I confessed to her about Anika's fate. As I said, dragons do not mate with werewolves. I did not mate ever as I was content on having my hoard of gold and jewels. When I made that blood contract with Vladimir in exchange for my help, I thought that I would never have a baby girl because I loved my treasure too much.”

“But he and I love you and Anika more than anything, Quinn.”

“It's time, Lilliana. Quinn needs to wake up Anika. Draco is hounding me for it. Son? Will you come with me to help your sister?” I looked at this guy. Still pissed as f**k, but less so after hearing their tale. I nodded and got up. Adam followed with me.

“I still love you, Lilliana. Stay safe, dragon queen.” Nathanial went into the woods and shifted into this huge black and red dragon. His horns were sharp and his talons long. His eyes glowed green to match his eye color.

Get on my back, you two. We have a long way to go in a short amount of time.

Adam and I got on Nathanial's back, holding onto his neck as he took off. The rush of wind hurt my eyes, I had to close them. It felt like a while that we had been flying, so I decided to take a look. I was surprised to see this gorgeous view.

Yes, gorgeous… kill me now? Why did I have to get stuck with a wolf?

Easy for you to say, over grown reptile. I get stuck with you too.

      Uh… what?!

Oh, he's stupid too?! Ugh!

Cobra! Behave yourself! Quinn is the heir to the throne!

Cobra: Jeez, Azurite, how did I not know this?! Oh, wait I did! He is also Alpha to Horse Tail Falls!

      Say what?! What the hell is happening?!

Azurite: Stupid reptile. Quinn, I am your wolf. Azurite. And this…

Cobra: I am Cobra, your dragon. Let me guess, father never explained what we are?

      No. Care to explain?

Azurite: Best I can do is for you to look at your friend. You know his wolf is Jasper. Jasper is his own soul. A wolf soul. All werewolves have them.

Cobra: Now look to father, his dragon is Draco and much like the werewolf, he is his own soul.

      So, what you are telling me is that I have 3 souls within me?

Cobra: Okay, you are not as dumb as you look.

Azurite: Shut up. Anyway, Quinn. We need to shift tonight with Pearl and Viper. It is tradition and our laws.

      Sure… After I figure out how to wake up my sister.

Azurite: All you need to do for that is just touch her. Face, shoulder, head, it doesn't matter. Touch her skin and she will be jolted awake. We will see you tonight.

     Wait! How am I supposed to shift?!

Cobra: Oh my god… just think hard on one of us and just do it! It's not complicated! Do not screw this up for me! I want to meet my sister.

            They retreated to the back of mind, leaving the sounds of the wind as the four of us flew through the air. The trees and roads looked so small from up here. The clouds were colder than I imagined, they blue sky gave the illusion of warmth up in this altitude. We continued to fly as a huge mountain came into view. The castle on it was built into the mountain, as if it were born from it. There was no snow, not even cold anymore, it started to get really hot, it was then I noticed a splash of lava coming from the top of the mountain. An active volcano surrounded the castle. I felt my worries come to the surface.

“What the hell?! You have her in an active volcano?! She could die in that, Nathanial!”

Calm yourself, boy. I assure you she is in the safest place possible. You will call me dad or father, not my name or my title. Am I clear?

“You don’t have that right! Until today, I had no idea of your existence!” This guy has some serious balls to command something of that magnitude of me.

I am your father! I have every right! He huffed as we got closer. We landed on a balcony overlooking the world. It was so high up that you would miss it if you were not flying.