THE BLOOD OATH

THE ROAD

ASTERA

I woke up at 5:00 AM. Maximus was still sleeping. He looks so peaceful… I feel the urge to kiss his forehead, but I resisted the temptation. A rebellious finger touches his shoulder. Again, the damned sparks! A smile started to form on his face. I bet he felt it! He looks like a freakin’ angel when he sleeps! “Focus!” Saradi lashes out at me. She is right, this cannot happen again! I must stay away from him… physically, at least… I try to link Dina and Michala to see if they’re up, but I guess it’s too early for them, so I start searching for the training room in the palace. As I was walking down the enormous hallway, I admired the white marble floor. It gives the whole place an enchanted air. From place to place, there are these oval-shaped spaces caved in the walls, where they placed beautiful marble sculptures of all the Royal family members. The sculptures are beautifully highlighted thanks to the use of dimed lights that surrounds them. I could easily get lost in this good-taste decorated palace. It has this whole white marble theme, with hints of gold from place to place. It has a medieval air that could make you daydream of days with epical heroes and princesses. Although it is very imposing, it has a warmth that makes you feel at home. I finally reached the training area. It’s more like a Roman arena where you can expect gladiators to pop up anytime. I am glad that I woke up this early because I like to train alone. As I was doing my warm-up, I started to feel a familiar smell. It was King Albert’s scent! Wow! I am shocked! I did not imagine him as an early bird. I heard his steps approaching the arena.

- “Good morning, Alpha Astera!” He said to me in a surprised tone. “What are you doing here so early? I thought you were still asleep after the night you had!” And a small sympathy smile was showing on his face.

- “Good morning, my King!” I said to him with a small curtsy.

- “HAHAHA! No need to curtsy this early in the morning!” He said to me with a laugh. “So why are you here?”

- “Back at my pack house I wake up every morning at 4:30 a.m. and after my cold shower, I go to the Goddess Temple, I meditate for a while and after that, I go to the training area and I train for 2-3 hours. I could not find the temple here, but I remembered that last night I walked by the training area, and it was easy for me to find it. I must say, you have a beautiful palace! I simply love it here! It has the most serene aura I have ever encountered!”

- “Well, I cannot take credit for that. It was all my Luna's project. She redecorated this whole place with all this beautiful art. I can’t even take credit for the training area. This was all Maximus.” He said to me with pride in his tone. You could tell that he loved Maximus the most. He looked just like his father, except for the hair color and skin tone. His father was very tall, and muscular, with dark hair and naturally tanned skin. He had the same strong jaw with a small dimple in it, just like Maximus, and the same perfectly trimmed beard. Their eyes were almost the same emerald green and carried almost the same gentleness in both of them. “ You have quite a discipline! I admire that! Let’s see what you’ve got!” he said to me, as I started to blush. I never imagined that I would ever train with Alpha King Albert. “ Well… come on! Let’s see!” he said to me as he was taking his fighting position. I launched at him and he dodged my fist punch, but he did not know that my fist punch was a boogie for what I had in mind, so I anticipated that he would dodge that punch, and I sneaked behind his back and I surprised leg punched him and knocked him down. His face was filled with surprise and admiration. He did not see that coming. I helped him get up and we got in for another round. He took me easy, because of his alpha nature, he was very protective and he did not launch himself at me, he just waited to see what I’d got. He could easily knock me out, but he would never do such a thing.

- You are very strategic! You take good advantage of your height and your speed. You must be more careful of your right flank because when you engage, you forget to protect your right side. And he finished his sentence with a demonstration by attacking me from my right side and almost knocking me on the floor, but right before I hit the ground, he caught me with his supreme speed. “HAHA, see what I mean? You must not forget about your rights. You are a very skilled fighter. Maybe more skilled than Maximus. I think you could take him with a bit more practice. He would never wake up at 5 a.m. to practice, he’s too lazy and self-confident for that…” He said to me with a joyful laugh.

- HAHAHA thank you very much for your lesson! It was an honor to practice with you! I said to him with a small bow.

- The honor was all mine! Let’s go take a shower and then let’s go to eat! I am starving!

As I approached my room, I noticed that I did not smell Maximus’s scent. This observation made me a bit sad, and after I realized that it made me sad, it made me angry about being sad that he would not be in the room when I entered. I entered the empty luxurious room, took a shower, and prepared myself for breakfast. I always liked to wear a dress. They made me feel more feminine, more like a Luna. Deep down I wished to be a Luna, not an Alpha, but I always had the feeling that I needed to prove myself to others. To my mother, to my father, to Tony, to my pack, to my king, to everyone. I was getting really sick of it, but I did not have the luxury to think about it, or even to consider abandoning this Alpha status. After all, I was Alpha born, from a long, long list of the Alpha bloodline. I was up for the job! I chose a pale pink dress that reminded me of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress, and I matched it with a baggy purple one-shoulder sweater on top and purple high-heeled sandals. I looked really good, considering the night before… I left my wavy hair loose, I put on lip gloss, tasteful small golden jewelry, and I headed to the breakfast area. On my way, I linked my pack members, making sure that they will be there. As I arrived in the saloon, my jaw dropped seeing Maximus sitting at the table with Inoa by his side. His jaw dropped also by seeing me entering the saloon. I tried to pretend that I was not bothered by this situation, but Saradi let out a small grunt, that, hopefully, nobody heard. I searched for my girls and I heard Olympia calling me softly from the other side of the room. I went to them and I sat down, not wanting to eat or to drink. My appetite was just gone! I forgot about this Inoa situation that was going on before Edric.

- "Baby, eat something! Dina said to me. Everybody is looking… just smile and eat some fruit or something, please! Nobody knows yet that you are his fated mate, and it's better for everyone if this stays a secret because if they find out about you and Maximus, they will find out about you and that moron Edric.

- “You are right, unfortunately. I just can barely keep myself from doing something…”

- “Stupid?” Michala interfered.

- “Yes, stupid. Very, very stupid.” I confirmed.

- “Well, let’s just eat and leave this place!” Olympia sighted. She was a bit upset that Johnny found his mate. I was sorry for her but happy for Johnny. And for me, because that meant that Tony would drop off his idea of me and Johnny together.

- “Leave her be! Not being able to be with her fated mate must be horrible!” Dina jumped in my defense.

- “Well, what is this all about? It’s a bit strange for you to jump like that, over a matter like that. Is there something that you want to share with us?” Michala inquired Dina with a suspicious tone.

- “No! Not now! Oly is right! We must eat and leave! ASAP!” Dina replied.

- “On this, we can all agree!” I said to them with a smile.

- “Oh, no! Act cool!” Michala said to me in our link, as her eyes started to pop, looking behind me.

- “Good morning, ladies, Alpha!” Maximus said to us in a fake formal tone.

- “Good morning, Your Grace!” The girls responded in unison.

- “Well, it was good… until now” I replied with a fake smile. His big eyes grew even bigger as he looked very surprised at my face.

- “Is everything OK? Did I do something to offend you? If I do so, you have my sincere apologies! I did not mean to upset you.” He said to me using a calm, soft, almost sincere tone.

- “Everything is good! I apologize for my attitude. I am still processing everything that happened. We will leave after we eat. You are welcome to join us if you please. My jet is ready for us. My pack is waiting for us at home.” I said to him as calmly as I could.

- “ Welcome my ass! Dina linked me. What a pompous je*k!” Hearing her comment, made me smile. To be honest, I was trying hard not to burst into laughs.

- “All right. We’ll meet at the jet in one hour… if it’s OK with you, I will also bring my future Beta, Idris. He will not join us for breakfast, but we will meet him at the jet” Maximus said to us.

- “It’s perfect! He is welcomed,” I replied.

As we were on the jet, I tried to sleep but his wonderful smell kept my mind wide awake, wondering what it would be like to cuddle in his big and protective arms. If she could, I swear Saradi would probably punch me in the face for this thought that I have. The whole trip was a torment and at some point, I stopped pretending to be asleep and I started to make plans about how to find my father. Sooner than I expected, our jet landed. We were home! Goddess, I loved my home! Even though it was not as big and luxurious as the palace, it was a wonderful mansion, surrounded by a lush green forest with big fir trees. A beautiful lake was on my pack's property, just behind the packhouse. The lake was at the border with Redmoon Pack. I often meet with Victor by the lake for a run... and other... activities. I wonder if he found his mate at the ball… I didn't see him at the party, but yet again, I did not have time to look for him.

- “Wonderful property you have here! Maybe you will have time to show me around.” Maximus said to me with interest in his voice.

- “ I doubt that we will have time for that, but tonight, if you want, we can have a run and I will show you some of my lands.”

- “I would like that very much!”

MAXIMUS

This she-wolf must be crazy! I can't explain the way she talks to me otherwise. I feel like she has not a single trace of respect for me, even though I am her future Alpha King. This drives me insane! And the fact that she is the only being in the world immune to my Alpha voice, makes me feel like I am at the Goddesses mercy. She did a number on me, making this crazy she-wolf my fated mate. But damn, she looks so fine! And her vanilla scent makes me and Xander wanna howl! I hope that our run will be more pleasant than our other interactions.

A few hours later

After a quick tour of the mansion, I settled into my room, lying on the king-sized bed. I fell asleep for a few moments but a knock on my door woke me up. It was Astera. I could feel it. Why is it that her heart races the way it does when she is in my presence? Maybe it's from our mate bond. I know she has no feelings for me, other than those generated by the bond. At least, not positive ones... This should make the whole rejection process much easier for both of us. I do not like her, she does not like me. It should all be easy.

- “Just a moment!”

- “I can come back later if this is a bad time.” She said to me.

- “No, no! Here I am!” I answered her as I opened the door.

- “Well, you certainly are properly dressed for the run.” She said to me, trying not to look at my almost naked body.

- “Come in, It will take only a moment to put some clothes on. “

- “It’s fine, I will wait for you here.”

I turned around but I left the door wide open. I was pulling up a pair of jeans and a shirt. I could feel her body temperature rising, and that excited me. After I got dressed, we went to the backyard. In my utterly amazed face, she undressed. Her body was pure perfection.

- “Well… when I said “for a run” I meant that Saradi would go for a run with your wolf.”

- “Oh, I see. Ok. Maybe she will be more fun.” I said to her, trying to get back at her for her sassy attitude towards me.

- “We’ll see.” She said, with a hint of a smile.

She shifted. Her wolf was incredibly beautiful. Her soft fur looked like melted chocolate. She had a small golden patch of fur on her forehead. She was pretty small, but not as small as you could expect given her height in human form. She had a very particular aura like she was a princess and I was her humble subject. This annoyed me, but I must admit that it also intrigued me. There was a part of me that really liked her bossy attitude. Her wolf circled me like I was some kind of prey. She approached me and she started to smell me. I could see her caramel-brown eyes getting bigger and bigger, as her ears leaned backward. This was a sign of recognition. A sign of acceptance. She leaned her head and expected me to pet her on her head. This was very unusual. Her wolf liked me. She mind-linked me and she introduced herself. She seemed very warm and nice, the opposite of her insane human. I took a few steps back and I shifted to Xander. I let him in control, as I remained in the back of his mind. I saw Xander circling Saradi. He liked her, I could tell. He did something very unexpected: he leaned his head next to her, waiting for her to nibble his face. They started to make out, wolf style. They liked each other, unlike Astera and I, who couldn't stand each other. She started to run in front of him. He let her have a big head start, and then he ran after her. She was very fast. She may not need this head start Xander gave her. I wonder what Asterta thinks about all this... I can hear Saradi talking to Xander like they knew each other forever. They click. I’ve never seen Xander this excited and happy. I am so sorry that this won’t last forever and this bond must be broken. He lets out a loud howl at my thought of breaking the bond. He disagrees with me and he tells me to go f*ck myself. To be honest, I would do the same if I was in his place. I can’t believe how playful and fun her wolf can be. I am glad that Xander is having a great time.

- “It’s not my fault that you act like an imbecile around her!” Xander said to me with contempt in his tone. “They are magnificent. You are the only fool who can’t see it.”, He added.

- “Well, she does not respect me. She does not submit to me. How can I like her?”

- “Maybe it’s your fault she does not WANT to submit to you. Saradi has no problem accepting my dominance, as you can see. She yearns for it, and maybe I will give it to her!” he said to me with a strange smirk on his face.

- “DON’T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! It is unacceptable for you to mate with her!”

- “She begs for it, can’t you feel it?”

- “You will not jeopardize my life, and mother’s life, and even Ivan's life for your momentary lust! Not again!”

- “Huh... yea... About that… I think Inoa drugged you with some fairy s*it that triggered my animalistic instincts to overrule my own will. I would never have bedded her without your will, but you were too stubborn to hear me out when I tried to explain.” This just made sense! How did I not see it? I thought it was strange for her to appear in my bed with some drinks, but I never imagined she would go so far! I am so angry at her that I could…! Lucky for her that she is a female, otherwise, I would’ve ripped her head off!!!

- “I am… you were… hm”

- “I know you are sorry, even though you cannot say it. I know I was right, as always! Let’s just enjoy this moment and we’ll solve things with mother and Inoa later.”

- “ OK, you deserve it. But PLEASE do not mate with Saradi! Please!”

- “I won’t! tonight…” I stepped back and I let Xander have his fun with Saradi. She was really fun and I really liked her.

Moments later, as we were playing by the lake, I started smelling another male. My possessiveness started to show off as I saw Xander placing himself in front of Saradi, covering her small frame with his imposing one.

- “It’s just a… friend.” Saradi told Xander with a strange tone. I could feel our blood boil and I could feel Xander’s intention of jumping off that wolf’s neck, but I managed to convince him not to do so. I also felt that urge, but I managed to control myself.

- “Well, introduce us!” Xander said to her in his demanding tone, without using his Alpha voice.

- “Xander, this is my friend, Rolf. He is the future Alpha of Redmoon Pack. Rolf, this is Alpha Xander… his Royal h…”

- “I know who he is!” Rolf replied annoyed, interrupting Saradi. “Your h... Highness…” he said to me with a bow. At least Saradi respects me enough to call me by my title. “ What are you doing in Europe? Are we in some kind of trouble? Did you come to rescue us?” he asked me in a visibly bothered tone.

- “I am here with official business which I will not discuss with a… pup”, Xander replied to him using a deep and grave voice. And Xander is calling me the stupid one… “good job, Xander! Embarrass us more, please!” I said to Xander.

- “I hope running in the forest with Alpha Saradi is part of that official business, otherwise, I could get a wrong impression of your visit here.” The pup has guts, I’ll give him that! He is very strong and very big, almost as big as I am. I could take him down in a fight, but he would not be that easy to defeat.

- “Was nice seeing you, Rolf! We must go back to the packhouse before I get intoxicated with all this testosterone floating in the air. Have a nice evening!” Saradi said to us in a superior voice.

- “Always a pleasure, my dear! See you soon! Your… Highness.” He said to us as he started to run in the opposite direction.

- “What did that pup mean by “MY dear?” how dare he?!!! SHE IS OURS!!! MY MATE!!! I WILL RIP HIS HEAD OFF!!!” Xander growled at me as I started to see his claws getting bigger and bigger.

- “We should return to the packhouse!” Saradi’s soft voice calmed my rage a bit, and I could feel my claws retracting.

I started to run towards the packhouse and I felt her following me close. I was almost at my maximum speed, and the fact that she could keep up impressed me. No one can keep up with me. She is just full of surprises. Some of them are unpleasant, like this Rolf Wolf. Who was he? "How dare he call MY MATE his dear??? These thoughts drove me nuts. I have to mate and mark her as quickly as I can!" - I heard Xander rumbling around our shared mind. Well, hopefully, I will be there preventing him from doing something impulsive. It surprises me that I also felt jealousy towards that wolf. I have never ever in my entire life felt jealousy before. This was new to me. As we arrived at the packhouse, we shifted back, put our clothes on, and we went into the house. I walked her to her room. I could feel Rolf’s smell in the house, near her room. That drove me insane! I could not resist so I asked her:

- “Who is this… Rudolf?” I asked her, trying my best to sound indifferent.

- “Rolf.” Astera corrected me. “Rolf is a… friend of mine. But I do not owe you any explanations! It is not your business who Rolf is! Good night!” She said to me as she entered her room, slamming the door behind her. I could feel her rage towards me. Well, this went well. As I walked to my room, I realized that I was accommodated on the other side of the mansion, in the furthest room from hers. This means that she is also having trouble trying to be near me. A smile showed up on my face. This was very comforting for me, discovering that she felt the bond as strong as I did. Otherwise, why would she accommodate me on the opposite side of the mansion? Unless she is involved with that pup and she wants her privacy! The thought of them being together made me see red and I stormed back to her room.