His Stolen Mate

Chapter 6: Break In

Chapter 6: Break In

~Anika’s P.O. V~

            Matthew and I were walking to the dining room where Jackie and Alyssa were sitting and staring into space. They both had worry looks on their faces and were unmoving, as if they were statues. I let go of Matthew’s hand and went over to my best friends. Placing a hand on Alyssa, what happened had me wince in pain.

“Matt, what’s wrong with them?!” I looked to him for advice.

He shook his head; he had no idea. They stayed like that for another minute or two before looking at me and Matthew.

“My King. My Queen. Is there something wrong?” Jackie asked.

“Why were you two dry ice cold and acting like statues?” Panic was in my voice.

“Oh, I am so sorry we never explained, my queen. Alyssa and I left our bodies. It’s how we check on our descendants.” Jackie explained.

“Why do you have this ability and I, being the king, do not?” Matthew was equally confused.

“My lord? You should, it’s a Vampyre ability. Do you not have family?” Alyssa looked worried as she asked this question. Jackie looked to her with wide and gasped at her. Covering her mouth as the sudden realization came to all of us.

“My king, the only way not to be able to do that is…” Jackie’s eyes began to swell as tears rolled down her face.

I finished the sentence, “Is if your blood has already died out.” I didn’t want to say it, yet, it had to be said. Alyssa gave an apologetic look to Matthew. On the surface, it did not look like it bothered him. As I looked into his eyes, however, I saw the pain and hurt that flashed briefly in them. He closed his eyes and gave an exasperated sigh.

“No need to apologize, ladies. It was bound to happen one day. Anika, I have an idea. Care to follow me to the indoor gardens, my love?” He held out his arm for me to take. I said my goodbyes to my friends and latched my hands around his muscular bicep. We walked through the halls, passing the pathway to the bodies I first saw when I came here. I covered my nose and mouth to keep the stench from getting inside them too strongly. I know that they need human blood to live, but, it did not help my stomach not feel sick when I thought about it. I may hurt people to protect the ones I love; I just don’t enjoy doing it. The one called Xavier, the one who’s arms I broke, pushed me to my breaking point. Or least his partner did, I regret hurting anyone, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do it. My masters told me of what separates a monster from a person, and I remember Master Zhou’s words; ‘How it makes a difference from a murderer to someone protecting life is how they feel about it after, their emotions, their connection to themselves. If you hate doing it, but have to in order to protect, then you are the better person. If you enjoy the killing, then you are the monster that you have fought.’

“Anika?” Matthew’s words pulled me out of my thoughts.

“Yes?”

“Did you not hear a word I have said?” His beautiful English accent made my heart melt.

“I’m sorry, babe, I didn’t.”

“What had you so concentrated, my dear?”

“Just something Master Zhou told me. I was thinking of the first night I came here and the first night we were attacked.” I leaned my head on his shoulder as we continued walking.

“Ah. The incinerator room.” We turned a corner to another magnificent double door. “I am sorry that you had to witness that.” He stopped short of the handle, “It did surprise me when you went down that area. What possessed you to?” He took my hand and lifted it to his mouth.

I lowered my head and looked away, “I was trying to find a way to the surface. I was scared, terrified even, then I felt the ground and heard your hell hounds. I panicked more and just ran.”

He lifted my chin to look at me directly, “Do you still fear me?” That question made my eyes widen and a small gasp escape from me.

“No. Matthew, why would you ask that? I am your queen now, I have given my life to you. If I was still afraid, why would I have saved you? Save us?” Hurt hot tears rolled down my cheek. “Why would you question that?” I wrapped my arms around his torso and buried my face into his chest. I felt his hand gently on my head as he returned my hug.

“It is a fear of my own volition.” He confessed, “I apologize for that doubt, my love.”

“Please don't question my feelings again?” My voice was muffled as I talked into his chest.

“Promise.” He pulled me away from him, taking his thumb to dry my tears before kissing my forehead. “There is one thing I did wish to discuss. I know you have explored this castle to no end, there is however, one corridor I have kept hidden from you.” I looked into his eyes, they held fear, anger and… mistrust? “Anika. That corridor holds a prisoner. One of sever magnitude. His name is Bastian, he is a warlock and a powerful one too. He is no friend or ally, he has killed more people than a Vampyre, werewolf, dragon and fae combined.” Placing a hand on the side of my neck, “If he figures out who you are and tries to escape, he will not hesitate to kill you.” I looked at him with one question, a question he knew I was about to ask, “Yes, he is immortal. He has risen the dead, Anika. It took all of my powers, my father and some of the vampyric council members to subdue him. Promise me, that if he ever gets loose, you run as fast and far as you can?” I nodded, “I am telling you this to protect you. Lately, I have been feeling his magic increase.”

“How?!” He shook his head as he opened the door to the gardens. “Do you think the werewolves want to set him free?”

“I wish I had an answer for you, my dear.” We walked into the underground meadow with all kids of wildflowers. “On to a more cheerful subject.” He sat me down at this beautiful fountain, “Would you like to gather your belongings from your old living space?” This had me shocked, for months being with him I never expected to return to my old home.

“I doubt the land lady still has my s**t, but it couldn’t hurt to look, I guess.” Smiling at him as I hold his hands.

“Let me grab you a cloak so that we blend into the night. I will get Richard to bring the car in order to carry your items. Leave what you do not wish to bring.” He kissed me before leaving the gardens. The water was peaceful to listen to as I heard it running into the layers of water, the lights were provided through electricity to keep the roses, daffodils and bluebells from dying too often. He only created this garden for me to come to when I got too stressed with Queenly duties. Paperwork, sentencing rogue vamps to execution and making appearances to the vampyric council to enforce our other laws, make new ones or demolish old ones had been very taxing on my body. Even if I was this powerful wolf, which I had more doubt about that then the image of world peace, it was still exceedingly tiring. I got up from my spot and decided to lay down in the field of flowers, letting their scent soothe me into a dreamless nap.

~Matthew’s P.O. V~

            Anika had been with me for a few months now, she was a wonderful queen to be sure, however there are times where I would forget her age. Almost 19 years of her being alive and she has accomplished so much. Her twin brother had been there for her, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed for taking her away from him and her family. I encouraged her to take a guard with her to at least monitor them, yet she denied to. I loved that woman more than life itself, even when she was stubborn to a fault. For her to accept my proposal had been the greatest feelings of my undead life. Smitten, I approached my head guard.

“My king. Where is her majesty?” Richard was more than just a guard, he had been family to not only I, but to her as well.

“She is in the gardens. I told her about Bastian.”

Richard’s eyes grew with worry and fear had wrote itself on his expression, “Sir, was that wise?”

“No. I had to. He is getting stronger somehow. And if he finds her, he will kill her for her blood.” I opened the garage that lead up to the surface world. “It’s bad enough that we have mutts after her, now adding Bastian into the mix, I cannot imagine the threats he will cause.” Grabbing a set of keys, I tossed them to Richard. “We are relocating, Richard. It’s too dangerous for Vampyre kind to stay here. Tell everyone to pack up.” He bowed to me.

“Sir. What of my lady?”

“I will take her to get her things. Have everyone meet at Elkhorn River, Nebraska. There is a pack of mutts in that state, but they are small in number. We out match them.” I exited the garage to head back to my room that I happily shared with Anika. Going to our closet, I pulled a black velvet cloak for her and a matching cloak with fur at the hood for myself. She had introduced this old soul to many things in the short time she has been with me. As I left our closet, my eyes landed on the first photograph she had taken of us. I picked it up and traced her beautiful face. She was kissing my cheek as we were out in the snow, her eyes displayed the happiness and love she felt that day, along with being mischievous after that. I chuckled to myself. She had a very playful side that I adored so much. I took that photo with me to meet back with my angel. What I came to have been a very serene looking woman. She had fallen asleep in the flowers, the dark circles under her eyes were very prominent. She had not been sleeping very well, being queen had been taking its toll on her. That is the reason for this sanctuary I built for her. She had a love for nature and books, I would catch her reading in the library or just feeling the artificial breeze in here. I tried to mimic a summer wind as best as I could with us being underground. I went to her and picked up her sleeping self, being careful not to wake her, she deserved a nap after all of the responsibilities I had her do as my queen.

            I went back to the garage to find my subjects rustling about and getting their own belongings packed away. When they noticed their queen asleep, they all quiet themselves down, packing the rest of their things with much care. I appreciated their tenderness for my queen, they respected her and loved her as much as I did. They were definitely loyal to both the king and queen. Oh, how father would have loved her too, my sisters would have her spend as much time with them as possible. If only they were here to meet my gorgeous mate. One of my subjects came over to open the passenger door, as soon as it opened, I laid her across the seats and put the cloak over her like a blanket. Slowly, I shut the door and got into the front passenger seat. Alyssa knew how to drive these infernal machines so, I asked her if she would be Anika's personal driver whenever she wanted to leave the castle.

“Ready, sire?” Alyssa whispered.

I gave her a nod as she started up the vehicle. I saw her glance to the frame in my hands.

“The day Anika threw snowballs at everyone and started that little winter war.” Snickering as I remember her blaming me or anyone else. It took all of us to track her down to her hiding place.

Alyssa tried to stifle her laugh, “I remember, your majesty. Who knew that she would bring us Vampyres so much light. It seems pretty crazy.” She looked at her GPS machine, “Nebraska, correct?”

“No. Back to Oregon City. We are packing her belongings as well.”

“Yes, your majesty.” I put in her address, we drove for a while and I kept looking at my sleeping angel. She must have been exhausted, it took us almost 7 hours to get there by car. The sun was nearing it's rise here. Again I took a look at Anika and she was still asleep. If there was one thing I knew about her, it was to never wake her from a dead sleep. She will hurt you, I had suspected that it was due to her martial arts training, without realizing it, she nearly killed me once. The living  that my queen had to pay to live in was atrocious, the driveway was rotted with moss and mold, the building itself was in disrepair, shackles of the roof were missing, the color was the only decent thing about them. One building, with no lights on in any of the living spaces. Alyssa and I got out of the vehicle to find her apartment, it was not difficult. She lived on the floor level and her door was the only one with the name ‘Butler’ on the mailbox. Using my strength, I forced the door open to find a hovel of sorts. The air was foul, the dust had pilled up and the food in her fridge turned rotten. Alyssa and I looked around to see of she at least had a bed to sleep on. To my delight, she did. The walls were cracked, the ceiling had water damage from her upstairs neighbors and the floor boards were about to give out.

“How could she choose to live like this?” Alyssa asked. “If she had money, couldn’t she afford a better place?”

I wondered that myself, “We will have to ask when she awakens. Grab the photographs, clothes and anything else you think she will want with her when we travel.” She nodded to me and began taking down Anika's pictures. There was one that caught my attention, it was a small girl and Anika playing in the pool together. The caption under it read,  ‘Hannah’s First Swim with Auntie Anika.’ “This is adorable. She will want this.”

“Who the f**k are you?!” A lady's voice caught us in surprise. She looked to be older than Anika, but young enough to be a family friend.

“My apologies. We are collectors, Mr. Quinton Butler wishes for us to pick up his sister's belongings.” Of course, I would lie to this mortal.

“Ha! Yeah, right. Quinn would have informed me about you.”

“Momma? Are these people bad?” A small voice came from behind. The lady crouched down.

“Hannah, go to the car. Please?” Hannah?! I looked back at the picture. Well, s**t. The little girl did as her mother told her.

“You see, I have known the Butler's for a few years now. Quinn would have cancelled on me doing the exact same thing you are doing. So, no more lies. Who. The. f**k. Are You?” She had a rage in her eyes that I have only seen in Anika.

“Very well, miss. I am taking on the lead investigation for Anika Butler.” I stood straight and looked her dead in the eye. “I was hired privately by her ex-boyfriend, Peter Holmes. I thought by using Quinn's name, it would help you understand that I mean you no harm.” Yes, lying is unbecoming of a king, but I did not want to hurt this woman. Anika would be pissed off if I had.

“That good for nothing trash?! Why does he care?!”

“He told me in private that he regretted ending his relationship with her, and has paid me to see her home safely. In hopes that she can forgive him.” I saw her lean on the door frame and scoff at my notion.

“Fine. But, why do you need all of this?”

“It helps my team having multiple images of Miss. Butler. And to secure her personal belongings to keep them from getting stolen.” I saw the argument in her eyes fade away.

“Please, bring her home, then. I will forgive that dumpster fire of her ex if you can find her and bring her home.” Thank god she is willing to step aside.

“I will do my best.” She left the scene of Anika's home; I heard the start of her car as she drove away. “Alyssa, hurry. We have an hour at best to get everything before that woman calls Anika's twin.”

“How do you figure, sire?”

“A feeling, and a bad one.”

~Richard’s P.O. V~

            I saw the master leave with Queen Anika and lady in waiting Alyssa, once their car was out of sight, the rest of us returned to packing our things. Some were done and headed out of the territory, I felt them cross the borders. Once more than half were gone, I decided to help my young master by gathering his and Anika’s things from their bedroom. I am the only one allowed in their private chambers like this. As I was putting clothes into boxes, I heard growling and screaming coming from the halls. I ran to see what was going on, when I got to the foyer, I saw them. An entire pack of those flea bags, they had dug their way in, the ceiling had a huge hole protruding it.

“Where is she, filth?” Before I had a chance to see whose voice that was, I was flung into the wall. Blinking to catch the image. It was Alpha Orion, he stood I front of me.

“Somewhere you will never find, dog.” I answered through the grit of my teeth.

“You know, this could be a lot easier on you and your people if you just tell me what I want to know.” He grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, rising me above his head. His eyes were glowing white as I saw the rage build in him.

“I will never give up my queen to you.” I tried to push him off, he proved to be too strong. His laugh caught me off guard.

“Your queen? So, has that leech turned her? Judging by the faint smell of strawberries, I am guessing not.” s**t! Damn those heightened senses. I heard something drop on the floor, it was my cellular device. Anika had Matthew pay for all of us to have one so she could get to know her subjects better.

“You do not know my queen!” I yelled, “She has the kindest soul on this Earth. And I will kill you!” Fighting him was useless, I kicked his chest and tried to push him off me.

“I know your ‘Queen’ better than you do. Unlike Quinton, I have met with Anika many times before that blood-sucker took her.” This was a surprise, I stopped fighting for a brief moment.

“You know her family?”

“Better, I am friends with Jacob and Lilliana. All they want is for their little girl to come home. But, sadly, you will not live to see them reunite.” He was contemplating something, dropping me to the floor, he picked up my calling device. “Hm… First, let’s have some fun.” Before I could get up, he sat on my back. The pain was immeasurable, I cried out from it.

“Stupid mutt!” He managed to unlock it and call someone.

“Voicemail. Interesting. 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.” He hung up and dropped my phone on the floor, taking a foot, he crushed it to pieces.

“I get it now, you found out that she has Alpha blood in her.” That comment had earned me a punch to the head.

“You know? I think you have outlived your usefulness, leech. Say hello to Vladimir for me?”

~Orion’s P.O. V~

            With that finished, I looked around this disgusting place for any trace of my soon to be daughter-in-law. I had to admit, it was huge for it being underground. I had brought my son along to witness the destruction of the Leech King and his leech minions. As I was walking, I came upon a strange dark hallway, it felt evil and old. I got curious and decided to look at what this hallway provided. I started to see cells aligned the wall with torches on the wall, I grabbed one and looked in the cells. They were empty but had a magical barrier to them. This Matthew was either smart to keep his prisoners from trying to escape or he had a secret down here. As I got closer to one cell, I heard coughing.

“Who is down here?” Using my Alpha voice.

“Oh? I have a visitor?” It was a man, a man with an old raspy voice. He began laughing. “No, no, no. Bastian has no visitors, Bastian is alone. Alone, alone, alone. Hehe!” Bastian, I know I have heard that name before. I pushed it to the back of my mind as his laughter of madness filled the hall. I came to his cell and peeked in. “Oh? This is not Gabriel, no, no, no. This is,” He sniffed the air, “Oh my, werewolf. Hehe, a werewolf has finally come to claim Gabriel’s head?”

“I know not of whom you speak.”

“Little Gabriel, son of Vladimir. Oh, gone, dead, deceased! Haha!” This man should be in an insane asylum. However, he spoke of Vladimir.

“If you are talking about Matthew, king of the Vampyres, then no. He is not dead. He simply is not here.”

“Awe, too bad for the little puppy! Muahaha!” It suddenly came to me, Bastian the Necromantic Warlock. We believed him to be dead. This might just work in my favor.

“Would Bastian like to come out?” I offered.

“Oh, Bastian would like that very much.” Wasting not a moment, I broke the door to open his freedom. Before he could take a step, I threw them man against the wall.

“Listen here. I have a job for you.”