His Stolen Mate

Chapter 10: Midnight Under Moonlight

~Matthew’s P.O. V~

            Her slap was harder than that kick I first received from that night; I dare say she left a nasty mark on all of our faces. Though, I felt for her father, he got slammed into the floor by his own daughter. The Alpha and I were standing in awe of this as we watched her leave the hallway. Her brother had not come out yet, I had a feeling he was wanting to be left alone after the whole fiasco with their father and mother. I could not blame the boy; I would have wanted the same if my father were still alive. I straightened my back and held my head high as I addressed these two other gentlemen.

“I am not sure how we deserved those, but I am not going to argue with her.” I cleared my throat.

“Just like Quinn, she has a nasty temper and a fierce right hand.” Adam was rubbing his cheek. The Dragon King got up from the floor and popped his spine. The sound was excruciating to say the least.

“I know she trained with martial artists, but damn, I am proud of her for not taking any bullshit. Then again, I am also her father and King of this domain, she will have consequences for this.” He stretched out more of his muscles. How he is still standing is beyond my comprehension and utter understanding. My darling certainly knows how to defend herself, I never wish to be on the other side of that foot again or the other end of that hand. She needed time to be alone, Alyssa had been instructed to map out the castle for me, I had the pit in my stomach that we were going nowhere for a while. At least, for the most part, this place is safe for Anika. Bastian will have a hard time finding her now. I do fear that if he finds out about Quinton as well, he will stop at nothing to get his hands on these rare twins. No, that is putting what they are too mildly, they are phenomenal, astronomical. No records of their kind to ever exist. My own father hid this from me. And for that I truly felt anger towards him.

“So, is there a third person out there for her?” Adam’s words held distaste and seething with jealously. To say I was amused at this plight was putting it lightly. Of course, I too had my own possessive moments, I had to put those aside for right now.

“Yes, I asked him to join us here yesterday.” He looked at the two of us, “By ‘Us.’ I meant Anika, Quinn and myself. I planned on retrieving my children one way or another, Vampyre. And you would not have stopped me.” His eyes went into those cat-like slits as he continued to glare at me. Knowing what I know now, he would have killed me had I tried to stop him. “No, I would not have let that mate bond between her, and you stay either, Wolf. She belongs with dragon kin. Someone who can protect her.”

“Are you serious right now?” Quinton had finally come out of the room. “Are you dictating her love life? You already broke their bond and made him,” He points to me, “Basically break up with her. She has had enough heartbreak for a while. Let her choose now. Don’t interfere!” Nathanial looked to his son.

“You dare demand me around, boy?” His voice lower than it was, his eyes glowing green with the burning hatred of being told what to do.

“I may not be as strong as Anika, but I can still kick your ass, old man.” Quinton gritted his teeth. I stepped back knowing what kind of brawl will become of this situation.

“Do not be so naïve, boy. I have chosen a fine young princess for you as well. You are the Dragon Prince after all.” He straightened his body to look down on his son.

“And if I refuse?” Both auras’ were fuming like gas at a truck stop. Heavy and overpowering.

“You do not have a choice. Your sister is betrothed to another Dragon Prince while you are betrothed to a Dragon Princess. As my only living heirs, one will take my throne. Your blood demands it.” He was showing great restraint against Quinton, yet either had not yielded to the other. This was becoming a very dangerous area, I suddenly was glad that Anika left this area, their fangs and claws were surfacing along with their scales becoming more prominent. I had to put a stop to this and now before either do something they’re going to regret.

I cleared my throat, “Your highness’, if I may, I think I may have an idea that would work out in Anika’s favor. Whether she chooses me, this Alpha or the Dragon Prince is solely up to her as The Moon Goddess had stated.” I slightly bowed my head in respect for their powers.

“Go on.” I heard Nathaniel speak.

“It pains me to even suggest, however, she is the type that loves romance. We date her for a year. And in that year, she must come to a decision on her own. I love her, your grace and I would take my own life for her.” I tried to explain, “But, if she does not choose me, then I will bow out gracefully and never see her again.” I saw Nathaniel rub his chin as he thinks. His eyes glowed momentarily before looking at Adam.

“And what of you? Will you accept her choice?” His demeanor calmer than a moment ago.

“I will accept the outcome, Dragon King.” He and I bow to this man.

“Adam? I thought you loved her too. The whole mate bond thing.” Quinton questioned.

“With the bond broken for now, she lost the scent of pine and smelled like strawberries to me.” He must have felt defeated by the one deity who gifted her children with mates. It honestly made me sympathetic to him for a brief moment.

“Fine. Since there is someone out there for me, I might as well accept that I have to meet her too.” Quinton crossed his arms and had a look of disgust written on his face. This was going to be a long and tiresome year. Competing with 2 others for my queen’s hand. We already had her crowning ceremony yet; it would be pointless if she chose one of the others. I stared down the hall in the direction she went hoping that she would choose me, admittedly, I selfishly wanted her for myself. Was it wrong? She is just as beautiful as the Moon Goddess herself.

~Adam’s P.O V~

            The Moon Goddess taking away the mate bond felt like a betrayal to werewolf kind, she gifted us mates for us to love and cherish. I should have just accepted Anika was my mate instead of being angry with The Moon Goddess that she paired me with a human. Her words rung through my mind once more. Special is right, Anika and Quinn are one of a kind, I know there has been no records of Dragon/Wolf hybrids in our history books, I will just have to come out on top. Having an Alpha Female as strong as she is, no one would dare challenge us again. And I could finally avenge my brother. I still felt the sting of her right hand on my cheek, I wasn’t angry, I was more surprised. When she threw Nathaniel on the floor, I marveled at her strength. She is very powerful physically and my thoughts became clouded with s****l images of Anika dominating me. Imagine that, an alpha wolf being dominated by a female. My body quivered in anticipation of the s****l torture she could give. I had to shake those thoughts away, she wasn’t mine yet, but when she is, I will submit to her every whim.

Jasper: Imagine her wolf form biting into our neck as she takes control. I wonder what her wolf looks like. And what her name is.

            Easy, Jas. You’re going to give us both wet dreams tonight. I know it’s invigorating, but you have to chill out.

Jasper: Fine. But she is one sexy she-wolf/she-drake even in her human form.

            That she is.

            I stared down the hall as her scent clung in the air around us. I missed her pine scent, but her strawberry scent made my mouth water just a little. How could one female put me in such a trance? Was this what mom and dad felt when they found out they were mates? I wondered. One way or another, I would win her back and claim what rightfully was mine and only mine. I don’t give a s**t about Matthew or this ‘Dragon Prince.’ I am an alpha, a natural born leader and I will take my place with Anika at my side.

~Quinn’s P.O. V~

            It had been hours since Anika left the three of us standing there, she obviously really needed time to herself. After what she did to Nathaniel, I was slightly scared of her. She uses brute force when people are talking s**t to or about her or her family, I am not saying Nathaniel didn’t deserve every painful hit, but Anika was too forceful. I loved my sister to death, so seeing her in ‘I’ll beat your ass.’ Mode had me thankful she didn’t slap me too. Out of the two of us, she is definitely the stronger one, something I will only admit when I have to.

Nathaniel gave an exasperated sigh, “It’s nearly dinner time. I’ll show you to your rooms where you can wash up and sleep in for the time being.” He had the three of us follow him. We came to my room first. Much like Anika’s door, it was made of gold and had a dragon on it, however, the dragon on this door was standing on all fours with its wings unfolded and it’s head held high in pride. I wondered how much gold Nathaniel had, it was obvious he was wealthy, just wealthy was the question. “Quinn, this was to be yours when I found out your mother was pregnant. I only recently made your sisters, but, yours I have had since before you were born.” I got curious and opened the large golden doors. What I saw had my jaw on the floor, my room was completely different than Anika’s. The bed was easily twice as big with four roaring dragons as the bedposts. The floor was made of granite that shined with the sun light. To my left had a water fountain in place of a fireplace. To put it simply, this was the bed chambers of a grand king with much wealth and power. “Dinner is at 7, you have 2 hours to be cleaned up and presentable. I have a meeting with the other Dragon Lords who will be at the dinner to witness yours and Anika’s transformations. I am going to go find her once I stop by their rooms.” Nathaniel closed my door to let me have some privacy in my new huge ass room. I decided to plop myself on the bed.

Azurite: Quinn… I fear for Anika. What if this Dragon Prince is cruel to her?

            It’s not like I have a choice, Az. I already challenged Nathaniel once, I could tell he could beat the s**t out of us.

Cobra: For once, I agree with Azurite. I don’t trust this newcomer, either.

            Cobra… I… I know, but I trust Anika to make the right decision for herself. You and Az just need to protect her with me while she is still with us. She is our baby sister and we made a promise to always protect her.

Cobra and Azurite: We know.

The retreated to the back of my mind for now until we transform. All eyes watching us as we strip naked. It’s going to be humiliating, less on my part since I have had my fair share of women who saw every inch of me. But Anika was still a virgin last I checked. She still better be, I swear if he took her innocence, I am seriously going to kill Matthew.

~Nathaniel’s P.O. V~

            I left my son in his room to mentally prepare for what was to come, I know it’s tradition for new royals to have their first shift with all the other Dragon Royalty around. I didn’t feel the need to eat them when it came to Quinton, however, my own daughter was going to reveal herself to all those noble born perverts. It was my sworn duty to uphold our traditions as a king, as a father, I had an obligation to keep my little girl safe from roaming eyes. I meant what I said to The Vampyre King and Alpha Davis, however, I did not even approve of my own kind betrothed to her. I wanted to lock her away from the world where she could be under safeguard. I was no stranger to fantasy stories of a dragon protecting a princess in a tower, I knew that it would be a cliché to those stories, I couldn’t help myself. No peasant was good for my daughter, I still regretted making that damned pact with Vlad and happy that it was finally broken due to her grace. Did I want her to marry? No. She is much too young and naïve to make an effective Dragon Queen or Alpha Female. Our laws, however, mandated that she be married before her 21st birthday. I led The Vampyre King and Alpha Davis to their rooms before looking for my daughter.

            It did not take me long; she was sitting next to a lava pool watching the bubbles pop and rise again. I stopped and leaned on the wall, seeing she was talking with her other parts. Her face said that she hated the situation she had been put in. I couldn’t even begin to describe my instincts when it came to them both. Quinn would sleep around a lot and come out of those apartments smelling like the woman he just did s****l favors for, while Anika only began to date a little over a year ago and never smelled of that Holmes boy. I was ecstatic when he broke up with her. It meant that the prince I picked out for her would have the chance to meet her and leave no room for that blood pact.

~Anika’s P.O V~

Viper: Anika! Why did you hurt our father?! That was the most immature move I have seen yet!

            Oh, I don’t know, Viper, maybe because he was threatening me! My not have been physical, but his words were threatening!

Pearl: He wouldn’t have hurt you, Anika. He is not used to being a father figure in your life yet. He only showed himself today. Jacob may not have been our true father, but he was there. Give him a chance. Have him explain why he kept himself distant.

            Why are you the wise one of the three of us?

Pearl: Because I can sense that you are at odds with yourself. She gave a slight chuckle before the two retreated to the back of my mind. I smelled strawberries and knew that it was Nathaniel. I didn’t look at him, though.

“Why?” I asked, “Why were you never around? Why did you give us up?” I wanted to cry, after everything that I had been through. Losing my family to keep the supernatural world safe, finding out I may have been a werewolf, but that was only half true, adding dragon into my blood, hearing the screams of Alyssa and Matthew from that bastard Bastian as I ran, knowing Orion is a wolf himself now and losing a second father to me. I wiped my eyes before the tears started rolling down. I had to be strong and keep my sadness for when I was alone.

“The simple answer: I wanted to keep you two away from the world of magic and supernatural so I could never keep that pact I made.” Ha came over and sat next to me, “The long answer,” He took a deep breath in and out, “Until you two were of age to challenge for the throne or challenge the current Alpha of Horse Tail Falls, you, your bother and mother would have been executed by the werewolves and tried by the dragons to either banishment or execution. Hybrids are uncommon in our world, kiddo. Werewolves, Dragons, Vampyres and Fae all believe in true bloods. If one of each kind were mated, betrothed or even just sought a relationship with another, they themselves would have died by their people. And since you two were still in your mother’s womb, my bloodline would have ended had your mother been discovered to have a Dragon as a mate.” I kept my eyes on the lava pool as I listened. “She left her pack to help me with some would-be King slayers. Your mother is a very powerful werewolf, Draco saw that and immediately fell for her as I did. I wanted to keep you and your bother, Goddess only knows the pain I went through to keep my daughter and son safe. I had to have Jacob believe you and Quinn were his, so I manipulated his memories.” He paused for a brief moment before pulling me into a fatherly hug. “It killed me to give up my rights to you.” I heard him sniffle as his body moved slightly.

It was like my own soul knew him and my body reacted on its own, I returned his hug, “Why didn’t you come to my rescue when I needed you?” My voice betrayed the sorrow in my heart.

“Matthew was the one who took you, I knew you were safe for the time being. Hearing Bastian approaching your vehicle, and fast, I knew you were no longer safe and needed to be here where he cannot touch you or Quinn.” He pulled back and looked directly into my eyes. I could always tell when someone was lying, he wasn’t though. He cupped my face, “My beautiful little girl. I am proud of the woman you have become.” He wiped a stray tear from my cheek. “About earlier, however, as your father and king, you need some form of consequence for striking the king not once, but twice.” His face became stern and I felt guilty all of a sudden. “What ever shall we do?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Um… No library, gardens or lava pools for a month?” I asked hoping he had a better solution than taking away my places of peace. To my dismay, he did not.

“Very good. And no training.” I looked at him with shock.

“But-” He cut me off.

“No buts, missy. You are to learn what it means to be Dragon Princess with me for the month.” I crossed my arms and pouted.

“Fine…” I was so not going to enjoy this one bit. After our talk, he led me back to my room to get ready for the other Draconic Royals to arrive. He also explained to me that I had to have no clothes on. That alone made me flustered and unwilling, but Viper and Pearl were urging me to do it.

            The dinner itself was uneventful, some of the Princes that were there kept eyeing me while Quinn was lavished with Princesses. Alyssa and Matthew were on my left while Adam was on Quinn’s left on the other side of the table. The dinner went on for hours, until it finally came. 11:45 pm. The Royals and, I guess dad, headed to an area that was a giant clearing. He had Quinn and I follow with Matthew, Alyssa and Adam pulling up the rear of the crowd. There were at least 20 other families and all of them were about to see me with no clothes. Only Matthew had that privilege, and it felt wrong. As dad stated though, it’s tradition and law for half of my kind. I would say my kind if I was full dragon, but I’m not. He stopped ahead of the crowd and pointed to his sides. I got the hint and joined him; Quinn was reluctante but he gave in anyway.Hew

“Thank you all for joining us tonight on Quinton’s and Anika’s first draconic shift. As many, if not all, of you know, they are my son and daughter, and they are indeed Dragon/Werewolf hybrids.” This surprised no one, but there were still whispers amongst the crowd. “Yes, they are of age to challenge for the throne, meaning, they cannot be touched! Our laws mandate that they must be the first to commence the challenges. If any of you so much as slaps them, you will be killed under our laws.”

“Yes, your highness.” They all said in unison.

“Quinn, you are the eldest, you must shift first.” He looked to Quinn. Quinn nodded and began to strip. Once my brother was fully naked, I heard some of the other princesses’ fawn over him. It was gross. I looked back at my brother who had his back turned to the crowd, and saw his scales begin to form. It took him 7.5 minutes to fully shift, his cries were excruciating. But, his dragon form, had my own jaw drop. He was this amazing white dragon with red accents and nearly 20 feet tall in size. His dragon eyes glowed orange as the slits formed. Cobra was beautiful to say the least. “Anika, now for you.” I tensed up and nodded. I closed my eyes and turned around. “I am sorry, Anika. You must face them.” Hating my life right now I take a deep breath and I turn back around. Taking off my clothes little by little, I hear the dragon princes cat calling. Which earned them a loud growl from dad, I turned to face the moon and began my shift. I concentrated on Viper and I felt my bones tearing from my body. It hurt badly and I couldn’t help but scream in pain. Several minutes later, I finally opened my eyes, and everyone was in awe. Even dad.

“She’s…” Said one prince.

“I know, I see what she is.” Answered my dad.

Anika… You’re glowing violet. Literally, glowing. Like a UVB bulb, but bigger and brighter. Quinn spoke.

What?! What else is there about me?!

Your eyes are glowing bright turquoise. You have no accent color that I can see. And no slits or pupils.

I turned my head to dad and gave him a worried look. “It’s not something to be afraid of, sweetheart. You’re just a dragon of legend. One that I have grown up hearing about from your great grandfather.”

“Nathaniel. Is she the last female born of your line?” Another king addressed dad. I think his name was Eustace.

“Not just last. She is the only. My family's line had no more than two at a time for each generation of dragon. And all were sons. She is the only female born in the Aradace ancestry.” I looked to my body and saw my wings, they too were like crystals, amethyst and glowing. My scales and claws were glowing purple, Quinn was right. I was a lightbulb.