Of Dragons, Wolves, and Vampires

A Mate's Bond

    "s**t!" Alicia muttered, her eyes flickering between Alec and Lukian, fearful of what might happen.  

    "Katarina! My Love!" Punkie broke the tense silence, barging out from behind the counter and lifting the small redhead into his arms. Katarina smiled and giggled like a schoolgirl as she pecked him on the cheek. Alicia just stared at the two of them, dumbfounded.

    "Mom?" Alicia said, unsire and confused, and also a bit hurt.

    "You never said you had a daughter, Katarina," Punkie accused, setting her down.

    "Oh, my!" Katarina's eyes darted between Punkie and Alicia, flustered. "Alicia, dearie, this is Punkie, my blood-partner! Punkie, this is little Alicia!"

    "This gorgeous young lass?!" Punkie's mouth fell open as he circled Alicia. "No way this could be the tiny babe I met all those years ago?"

    "What?" Alicia snapped, sniffing at Punkie, then she froze. "Punkaro? Is that you?!"

    "Aye, lass! Ye 'ave grown so much!" Punkie pulled a stunned Alicia into a hug. Two low growls were heard from behind them. The three turned to see Lukian and Alec gripping each other's throats, but glaring at Punkie.

    "Oi! No fighting in here! You know the rules, Lukian!" Lulu cried, finally exiting the kitchen. "Alpha or not, you follow the rules set by Punkie, and you know it!"

    Lukian released Alec, and Alec returned the gesture, not wanting to upset Lulu or Punkie. Both men backed up a few steps, but kept their eyes trained on Punkie.

    "My my," Grell whistled. "Looks like we have a predicament!"  

    "Shut up Grell!" Lulu and Lukian snapped in unison, causing Grell to throw his hands up in defeat and back away. Alicia put a hand on her forehead, feeling strange. Suddenly, she collapsed. Alec and Lukian both leapt towards her, each catching one side of the falling woman.

    "Booth?" Alec suggested, looking at Lukian.

    "Booth..." Lukian agreed, and the two of them slid Alicia into a booth, sitting her up between themselves. Punkie looked at Katarina, confused. Katarina shook her head, indicating she would explain things to him later. Punkie nodded, and rushed into the kitchen to get a pitcher of water and a few glasses, while Lulu ran a rag under some cool water. 

    "Alicia! Wake up child!" Katarina called, sitting across from Lukian and Alec, both of whom appeared fearful. Alicia slowly opened her auburn eyes and Lulu placed the rag on the back of her neck and groaned, gripping her head gently. Punkie poured her a glass of water, and left the pitcher on the table in front of her.

    "What the f**k just happened?" Alicia questioned before noticing Alec and Lukian baxing her into the booth. "What the f**k?!?! Back off you freaks!"

    Alec and Lukian immediately scooted about half a foot back from her, looking hurt. Alicia downed the glass of water, then downed the pitcher. Lulu came out of the kitchen carrying another pitcher of water for Alicia.

    "Child, ye need ta breathe!" Katarina ordered, glaring at her former charge. Alicia closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, calming herself.

    "Katarina, please, what just happened?" Alicia begged, her eyes pleading for answers.

    "Well, it seems you've found your chosen blood-partner. Well, partners," Katarina explained, placing her hand on Alicia's shaking fist. "Very rare for someone to have two, but you always were special, lassie."

    "Two?" Alicia deadpanned, looking first at Lukian, and then at Alec. "I'm totally screwed..."

    "Yup!" Katarina giggled, earning a glare from Alicia. "Punkie, dear, I think we need the top shelf for this..."

    Punkie nodded and disappeared behind the bar for a few minutes. Lukian and Alec were glaring daggers at each other over Alicia's head. Alicia sighed and turned to face Lukian, her eyes narrowing at him glaring at Alec.

    "I'm Alicia Strattendorf," she said, holding out her hand. "Vampire, just fyi."

    "Lukian Mercurius, Alpha of North America, and the Lunar Warriors Pack," he introduced himself, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. She blushed, then turned to Alec.

    "And you?" she inquired, softly looking at his unfamiliar features.

    "Alec, Alec Dragneo Kovnikash, dear mate," Alec said softly, brushing his soft lips over her other hand, as Lukian still had one captured in his hands.

    "And what are you?" Alicia pried, looking into Alec's strangely colored eyes.

    "Nothing I wish to divulge in an unsecured location, dear Alicia," ALec replied, pulling his hand away and taking the glass of top-shelf brandy that Punkie now offered him.  

    "The unknown...." Grell breathed, whipping out a small dagger.

    "No Grell!" Lukian ordered in his Alpha Voice. "He is connected to my mate. No matter how much I might hate it, no harm shall come to him."   

    "Yes, Alpha..." Grell complied, sheathing the blade. "My apologies, Lady Alicia."

    "Im confused....: Alicia said, before downing the bottle of scotch that Punkie had retrieved.       "Me too..." everyone else in the establishment stated in unison. Laughter broke out after that, and all animosity evaporated into nothing.   

    "Lets eat, then we can find somewhere secure to speak and discuss private matters," Lukian suggested, and everyone nodded in agreement. Lulu brought out a feast, and everyone ate and drank, laughing and talking like old friends.