Blessed Curse

Weeks Later

Note to my Readers: Three days ago, my husband and our family were hit with devastating news.

A month ago, my mother-in-law was taken to our local hospital for abnormal blood work.

Three days ago, we were blindsided by the news that her kidneys had failed and our time left with her was short.

We are currently planning to bring her home so we may spend time with her.

I know as a reader, you all expect updates, and as a writer, I feel obligated to keep up, but I am humbly asking you for your patience.

When time is available, I'll try to be more active with updates.

Mahalo for your understanding.

?Angela ADreamItIs

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Ikaika POV

Today I was sent to help my father Maika with several new packs ceremonies. We were in the Kona wind pack. Luna Aza is ordained under the Royal Court as the new Luna, who will rule as the Alpha until she finds her second chance mate.

“Dad, this is Devon and Blake's old pack. Why doesn’t it go back to them? They are the rightful heirs to this pack.” It’s true. They had been robbed of their lineage, and I strongly feel this ceremony is a complete fraud.

“I know, son. Your fathers and I spoke in-depth with Blake and Devon on this subject. This is their wish. The only memories they have of this pack are unpleasant ones. When they are ready, we have given them a choice to start their packs.” I could only nod, not wholly understanding Blake’s decision. But it is his decision, and so far, he’s been nothing but honorable and trustworthy.

We arrived at the Kona wind pack at twilight. The Luna was kind and greeted us with big, sincere aloha that I was taken back by her. “Your highness, welcome.” I bow as she and several others escort us into the pack house.

Everyone was in a flurry of motions as they prepared for the Luna ceremony. I watched as omega’s thatched wreaths together and others placed centerpieces on large round tables in their hall.

The packed house, as I’ve been told, was a rat house before when Blake and Devon lived here. But as I look around, I see a pretty updated pack house with lots of new furnishings.

The woodwork was kept simple in the handrails, nothing too fancy, but for the size of the pack, I’d say it was done all very well.

“We’ve updated a lot here. I can’t express gratitude for everything the Royal family has done for us.” Luna Aza expresses. “You have proven to be the perfect fit for the position. So all thanks should be given to yourself, as you have proved to be worth blessing.” My father commended Luna Aza.

She smiles and leads us to a set of doors down a short hallway. “This is the suite we have just finished for your stay. We hope it is to your liking.” An omega opens the door, and I smile.

Large windows breathe light from the sun, cascading a beautiful orange hue to the white walls. “There are two bedrooms, two en suites.” Omega's usher in with our bags, and just as they step out, “thank you.” I call out, and they all freeze.

“Did I say something wrong?” I ask, noticing the fear in the three omega's eyes. “No, your majesty. Our omega has yet to get over all the trauma they had received when Cohen was Alpha.” I approach the three women and give all three of them a bow. I was showing them that they are genuinely appreciated.

When they all leave, my father and I take to a video meeting. “Aloha Alpha, I was just checking if your arrival is still the day after tomorrow?” Luna Casey from the Maui Crest pack videos in. “Yes. We should arrive around noon.” My father, Maika, says.

“We will have several guests from a few neighboring packs for my son's ceremony. I hope that is okay. He hasn’t found his mate yet, so I wanted to open the invite in hopes he finds her.” Luna Casey expresses. “That is okay. We’ll see you in a few days.”

“You may find your mate, son. Are you excited?” My father, Maika, asks as he finishes his call.

“Not excited, maybe anxious, worried a little, but whoever grandma had chosen for me, I'll respect.” I know it’s wrong to see mates as someone who better keeps up, but so much pressure will be on me that I can only hope and pray that my mate will be able to take some of the load off of me.

“Son, your mate is not your workhorse. She won’t be there to take work off your hands when you are tired.” My eyes bulged at his revelation. “Don’t look so surprised. We have ears, son. Your mate, I don’t care if she is a rogue; she was chosen for you to complete you. You will respect her as an equal.

Furthermore, whoever she is, her life will forever change. So be kind and patient.” I couldn’t even argue with that because it’s something our parents have always told us.

Damn, though, they knew about how and what I thought about me finding a mate. s**t!

I knew I needed someone intelligent, witty, a little mixture of kind and gentleness, and possessing a hint of cruelty to survive the role of queen, just like my mom.

****************

Introducing Kaleo POV

Today I was assisting my uncle Noah. It’s been a few weeks since my sister, Naomi, my brother Kahi, and my cousins Lia and Juliette left.

For the first four days, scouts kept tabs and reported several times daily of there were about. Now, no one, not my parents nor my brother Ikaika had gestured or indicated that they were going to send out a retrieval party. I had voiced my thoughts, but it was as if I was speaking to deaf ears.

Kealoha has been...distant. It’s the best way, I guess, to explain it. I tried, on numerous occasions, to talk to her, but her chamber omega had said she didn’t want visitors. Lena says she’s coping but wishes to be left alone. What the hell does that mean? She was rejected. And wasn’t able to accept it because she was so upset she blasted him with a power punch so strong it knocked him unconscious, then he was arrested and placed in our holding cells. She was hurt. I felt everything she felt. And she didn’t want to talk to anyone? It’s like she eluded herself from how she was before, just this time, much worse.

Our lives have become a heap of s**t shows, and sadly, it is all because of some vendetta my baby sisters Nahe and Nanea had against Naomi. Where this hate towards Naomi came from is beyond me. I just wish I could do something to help them all.

“Kaleo, focus.” I pull my thoughts back to the now and bow in apology. “Where’s your mind?” Uncle Noah asks in slight annoyance.

“My sisters. Kealoha. Naomi, Nahe, Nanea. All the how's, why’s, what the hecks? I don’t know. It’s like s**t hit the ceiling, and now, everyone just went their separate ways. Dad Alaric left, and Dad Maika and Ikaika are doing royal duties. Mom...I don’t even know. Dad, Dom, the same. What the hell is happening? I feel like I'm the odd man out. I have no clue what to do or how to help. And when I do ask questions, they fall on deaf ears. I-“

“Son, I know. I know. But your duty is assuring that our Kingdom doesn’t fall apart. You are in charge when those who normally are can’t. So, back to the tasks, hmm?” My uncle says, patting my back.

I nod, and we delve back into the reports of the thousands of packs and all their information.

“I thought you were the Alpha of the Royal subjects. The members here in this territory?” I asked my uncle. He chuckles, “I am. And they are my priority. But we run so smoothly here I am usually left without a job. So, I help your dads sort out the thousands of packs out there.” He smiles at my awe, “Levi is taking over, and as prepared as he thinks he is, he has no clue. While he’s always been on top regarding his knowledge of his subjects, here in the territory, he lacks knowledge of the thousand others. That is why I want you to help me. Sadly, kid, you’ll be a king and an Alpha, serving both your brother and your cousin.”

I internally groan. “Why me?” I whisper out, causing my uncle to laugh. “Because you are the most honest, open, and perfect candidate to pull your brother and cousin back onto the right course.” He pats me again, and we take a video call from my dad, Maika.

“Hey, Dad,” I say. “Hello, son. How are you?”

“Good. Working alongside Uncle Noah. His job sucks.” My uncle slaps the back of my head, and I laugh, “I was joking, geesh!”

“What’s up, Maika?” my uncle asks. “I know you have a promise to keep, but I can’t focus. Is my daughter okay? Naomi?” I watch as my uncle fights with himself but finally gives in.

“Lia reported that she is completely human. Everything wolf within her has ceased to exist since a few weeks ago.” I gasp, “what? Does my dad Dom know? My mother?”

My dad Maika cuts me off, “Kaleo, what is said here is to be kept in full confidence. Yes?” I nod, but I have to ask my mom, does she know? She has to.

“Kaleo!” My dad shouts, getting my attention. “Your uncle had sworn to Lia and Noami that he wouldn’t divulge any information to us. He gave Naomi his word. This is Naomi’s wish. She’s lost a lot already. Let her not lose her faith in your uncle.”

“I won’t say anything. I swear, on my life.” My dad nods and my uncle continues, “they bunked at Blakes for a while. They’ve, well Kahi, has been doing his investigations, and let us say, no one can refuse him.” My dad and uncle laugh, and I keep listening, awaiting further information. Mainly to soothe my wolf down.

Tonio, my wolf, has been very vocal about disliking how all of my sisters' situations have been handled. He’s distraught with my father, Dom, as am I. I went as far as resisting my father’s commands. I followed Tonio on that because it’s almost as if my father has lost touch with his family. His kids. Me.

I get it; we’re older now. The happy, fun-going dad is now cold and calculated. He speaks to both Ikaika and me differently, too. With Ikaika, his pride radiates off of him when speaking to him. Me, I find him less enthusiastic, which hurts.

I questioned Lena, asking if my father had visited. My Dom sadly hasn’t. Dad, Maika, goes every day after training to check on her before bed. Dad Alaric mind links Kealoha. Lena reports at least twice a day that, she talks to him.

I feel so hurt that none of my siblings find comfort in sharing their fears, thoughts, and triumphs with me. How have times come to this?

**

Lia POV

Three weeks and life has been, well, not easy.

Time spent at Blake and Devons was hard. Challenging because we all knew where Naomi’s health was going, and none of us could fix her or help.

Not that she wanted our help. Daily she’d tell all of us to let her go, and if this human that we found out his name was Conrad finds her, so be it.

But yeah, that’s not how I roll. But Naomi tries daily to let us know in one form or another. Either in a rage-filled tantrum or a loving, understanding way, she’ll tell us to scram.

Devon and I spent many nights together. Never intimately. We were talking and delving into our relationship and its course.

He’s agreed to let me live my life as he will his. With an understanding that when one or the other is ready to settle down, we’d reach out for each other, for no matter where we are in life at the time, we are literally made for each other.

Kahi hates the idea. So does Juliette. But it’s not their choice, so they have no say in what Devon and I choose.

**

We are now at my uncle Alaric’s castle. To say the place gives you the heebie-jeebies is an understatement.

While we are treated fairly well by everyone here so far, I couldn’t help but feel like we were always being watched. Kahi says we are safe there, but I just couldn’t shake the feeling.

“Hey, you up for company?” I turn and see a guy entering the living room area. “Uh-yeah sure.” He sits down on the far end of the couch and smiles.

“I’m Yordan.” He greets. “I’m Lia.” He smiles and looks to the TV. “Oh no, you’re one of those girls?” He grunts in horror. “Hey, reality tv isn’t bad.” I chuckle at his dislike of Modern Housewives and throw the remote to him.

We sat in silence when Naomi walked in. And just as she did I watched as Yordan went stiff. “I-I’m sorry, I have to go.” With that he got up and vanished out the opposite door that Naomi walked in.

Her shoulders sagged. “I shouldn’t be here. I am a human. I am a temptation to them and causing them to have to walk on egg shells. This is not right.” Her pain, her frustration, poured out. It’s been a few days since she’s had a melt down. It actually was making me worry.

“They are your family Naomi. All of them. You are their Princess.” Her cries apparently had reached my uncles ears and he didn’t look happy.

“What happened?” I could see several shades of colors in his eyes. Both wolf and Vampire wasn’t happy their daughter was crying. “I’m a walking temptation here. Everyone scatters when I enter a room. No one, other the Lia, Kahi and Juliette talks to me. It’s not fair to everyone in your Kingdom to have to suffer my scent.”

My uncles hackles flattened and he hugged her. “No one here will ever dare to harm a hair on your body. I’ll kill them where they stand....” There was a long silence with my uncle just holding Naomi.

“I have a meeting with your mother and fathers. I know it’s a lot to ask and I understand if you don’t want too, but they are worried about you. As am I. Would you all come back with me to meet with them? I am just as angry as you all are by the way. So in reality, I need back up.” My uncle smiled as his chin was placed on Naomi’s head.

“If we go, don’t leave me, Dad.” Her tears doubled over, and I joined in on the hug. “Never, my child. Anyone who seeks to harm you, even your fathers and mother, I will not hesitate to put them n their place.”