Blessed Curse

Welcome Home

Naomi POV

“And that is that.” I looked around the room at all the stunned faces and awaited some kind of outburst. I did just say that I am now a phoenix and a wolf.

It was Blake who made the first move. His eyes glazed over with fresh tears. His walk was slow, but he advanced, watching me.

When he was but mere inches from me, he reached his hand out to my cheek, caressing it. Immediately we both sighed, “MATE.”

The whole room erupted in gasps and coo’s. When I opened my eyes, it was like seeing the sun rise. Beautiful.

“How? I mean, I know, but I thought? I thought us-our bond was gone?” I couldn’t help the sadness that spread over me as I let the memories flood. “My wolf, Bridgette, will let you and Oli know everything later. I promise.” I gave his hand a tight squeeze and he smiled a million dollar smile. One I missed dearly.

“Hold on, hold on, hold on. So, let me get this straight, you lost your wolf, and in turn lost your bond with Blake. Then you were reborn Ana, and Bridgette. Now, because Bridgette is back, you get your mate back. What about your Phoenix and her---what is Tobias to you both?” Give it Lia for stating the obvious ever so roughly.

Blake’s head tilted, “That’s right, Tobias is--you chose Tobias? I-I--wait.” His eyes searched around, “where is he?” I chuckled, noticing no ill feelings, just as Bridgette and Ana had said. “Waiting for my call.”

Blake looked perplexed, he stared at me for what felt like a while when he finally spoke his questions out loud, “why don’t I feel----uh- jealous? Or that I want to rip his throat out? I feel like I should. You’re MINE, woman. But there’s nothing.”

I let him stew a little longer when I silently called for Tobias. A portal opened behind me and out came Tobias, smooth and sexy. I rolled my eyes.

“Blake, I would like to formally introduce you to my chosen one, Ana, and my chosen soul, Tobias. Tobias, Blake.” They both looked--confused. However, they both smiled and not seconds later gave each other an honest hand shake.

“I’m good, you?” Blake was the first to say, ever so maturely. “I’m good, not even an ounce of emotion about having you a part of our lives.” I sighed in completion.

“Aaawww-“ The three of us forgot for a second we were in the company of several others. “Today, is definitely a tear jerker.” Juliette sniffled. “You’re finally home, and perfect. You have not just Blake back as your mate, but you have your wolf, your phoenix and your chosen soul. Gosh, this is a scary book turned fairytale.”

Everyone laughed and I glided over to Juliette, embracing her. “I missed you most. Sshh-don’t tell Lia, you know how she can get.”

“I heard that!” We all laughed and once again I was bombarded with hugs.

“Omi, I know things are different, but is there any chance I can mark you? Oli is like freaking out having you back.” I wanted that more than anything, but I had to wait. Now wasn’t the time.

“There is something I need to do before we can do that. Please, don’t frown, Oli?” Oli came forward, “I know this is exciting, Bri and I want you both just as badly, but now is not the time. I promise, you can claim me from head to toe when the time comes. But you have to wait a bit. Okay?”

Oli didn’t say anything, but Blake nodded as he returned.

“So sissy, we know you won’t be staying here. I wish you would, this is rightfully still your home. I don’t care what dad Dom or mom says about it, but we know and won’t push. But, dad Alaric is awaiting us. All of us actually. And from what Kealoha has said, we all have our own suites now.” I could see the excitement in my brother Kaleo’s face.

“I have a home, and it’s beautiful. Once things are--better here on earth, Blake, you’ll love it.” Everyone c****d their heads in a questioning manner. “There is so much more to tell you all. I know you all want to know who, what, where, when, how? But can you trust me? I promise everything will be told. First, let’s get to my dad, Alarics.”

A few sighs of dislike sounded, and Bridgette and Ana stepped forward, stopping everyone in their tracks. “Whoa!” Blake whispered.

I reeled the two back,“I’m sorry, Ana and Bridgette don’t like it when I am--disrespected. Even if it is family.” Lia eyed the group, causing me to raise an eyebrow. She then pushed out her aura and I gasped, “holy s**t!”

Everyone bowed, “our apologies Lia, Naomi, Bridgette and Ana.” Everyone in attendance said in almost an echoing cadence.

“Okay, now I have questions.” I whole heartedly chuckle, “what the hell?”

“Like we have to wait for answers, you will too. Now c’mon it’s a couple hours' drive to your dads.” Lia barked, interestingly, Bridgette and Ana didn’t contest.

“Oh. We aren’t walking, running or driving. Tobias?” Behind us, a portal opened, making everyone step back, including Blake.

“It’s fine guys. I promise.” Blake placed a kiss on my forehead and walked up beside Tobias, “follow you.”

Tobias and Blake reached for my hands, “all you all have to do is step in. The portal will do the rest.”

Lia scoffed, but nodded, “I’ll take the rear. Blake and Tobias, point. Everyone else, buckle up.” I nodded and Tobias, Blake and I stepped through.

********

Lia POV

“.....buckle up” I watch as Omi and her mates step through the veil of shimmering green light. Ikaika and Kaleo went next, followed by Devon, Juliette, Oliver, Levi, Harper, Harley, Pomaika’i, Kaimana and last, Price.

I walked to the portal when I felt a presence behind me. I turned to find King Maika. “Uncle?” He smiled, but eyed the shimmering light. “It’s Tobias. He and Naomi are back. We’re going to uncle Alarics. You are more welcome to come.” I reached my hand out. Offering him a branch.

“She-she won’t want me there.” I sighed, “uncle, I swear to you, she will.” He hesitated, but reached out for my hand. “Is it safe?” I scoffed, “Omi said it is, as you trust me with her life, I trust her with mine.”

We stepped through and a second later, we were in uncle Alaric’s office. I turned to see everyone well and unscathed, “I’m hurt you all thought I’d lead you to your doom.”

I looked over to Naomi, who had a mock pout. “Hey, we're wolves, we run, we walk, we drive. Portals? Nope. Sue us.” I retorted, causing everyone to laugh.

“Dad?” Naomi looked at who was standing behind me and took a few steps to run into him, engulfing him in her arms. “See.”

He closed his tired eyes and I watched as a sense of relief fell off of him. “Where? Where is she?” Kealoha was screaming, looking around. “Omi?” Kahi was right behind her. He saw me and gave me a gentle smile.

I rolled my eyes, “hey, what about us?” I mocked hurt. Kealoha gave me a playful pout, but still ran to Naomi and uncle Maika and hugged them both. “My girls. I missed the two of you so much.”

They had their moment when uncle Alaric had arrived, a look of anger in his features. Though as soon as he saw Naomi, that look disappeared instantly.

Naomi pulled away from uncle Maika and Kealoha, giving them a smile, then turned to uncle Alaric and blitzed into thin air, landing in his arms. “What the hell was that?” I cursed out loud. Naomi didn’t even acknowledge my outburst until her reunited hug with her family was done.

We all found somewhere to sit. Uncle Alaric's office was an okay size, but it wasn’t the one we grew up in back at the castle, so we were a bit crammed.

“I know Lia, my apologies. I didn’t expect everyone to come all at once, let alone so soon. I have a larger office being assembled as we speak. Another couple of hours, it should be ready. For now, we’ll deal.” I nodded, while everyone did the same.

We all fell into curious silence as Naomi, Ana and Bridgette filled everyone in. They retold her rebirth story, which I could listen to over and over again. It’s quite interesting.

“So you are a phoenix and a wolf. Two mates. What about abilities? Powers?” Uncle Alaric got right to it.

Again we listened, “I can shift into Ana or Bridgette individually. Ana says with practice I’ll be able to shift into them both simultaneously. A wolf with wings, so to speak.” Everyone let out a ‘whoa!,' causing Tobias to chuckle.

“The last phoenix was a Luna. Your history books should have her written in them, no?” We all looked around at each other to see if one or the other, mainly Kealohalani, had read such books. But we all shook our heads, no.

“Dad Maika?” Kealoha asked. “I, personally, have never seen such books. But I’ll have to check the scrolls in the vault when I return.” He replied, his face portraying some confusion.

“Tobias, will you tell us about her? Until we find the scrolls.” I asked, figuring why not. “I’d be happy too.”

“Luna Keikilani was a blood born Alpha---“ Uncle Maika cut him off, “sorry, Keikilani, as in the Island of Kauai?” Tobias gave a nod, “yes, that is she. Before I tell you about Luna Keikilani, let me start from the beginning. You see, Anastacia was the first vessel of the first born phoenix of the sun. This was in a time when pharaoh's, kings and queens worshiped her kind. Some respectfully, others not so much. You see, her first vessel was Anastacia, and she was a peasant. Poor, but kind and giving. Many despised that the phoenix had chosen someone who was not of higher status.” Tobias stopped and sighed, as if he was in memory lane.

Tobias looked at Naomi and rubbed her cheek, “Ana, care to share?” Naomi nodded, and when she spoke, we all sucked in a startled breath.

Her voice, every time got us. It was like silk. Soft, smooth, melodic. “I chose Anastacia because of her unwavering emotions and strength to overcome. No matter her situation, she never countered with anger, hate, love, sadness. She took everything that she was dealt, and simply lived on. If she was treated unfairly, she didn’t retaliate or get sad or angry. Instead, she endured it and simply moved on from it. Her generosity, even as a peasant, is something I wish more earthlings possessed. Anyhow, this is just one reason why I chose her. Her intelligence, strength and communication skill were a couple other factors as well.”

I stared into Ana’s eyes, finding myself truly entranced by them. “Lia?” I shook the awe off and smiled, “sorry, it’s just your eyes, I-I keep getting lost in them.” Ana laughed, “I’ve gotten a lot of that over my years.”

“Anyways, once knowledge of my existence was out, I was hunted like a wild animal. Until I found Tobias. He was my first true friend. He gave me refuge and, over time, I chose him to be my one forever. Gifting him with eternal life.

I was just as much Ana as Ana was I, we had this thing about always helping others. Well, others who we thought were deserving. See, a single tear drop from me, gives eternal life. If a blessed chosen falls to his or her demise, he or she would be reborn, just as they were.

..We’ve made a handful, no more than that, of bad calls. Each one, I’ve taken back my gift and never gave them a reason. Heh-um, excuse me, I went off course with story time. Back to Keikilani and all that. Tobias, will you do the first introductory of Keikilani?”

Every time Tobias looked at Naomi or Ana, there was nothing but admiration and adoration in his eyes. “Luna Keikilani is someone I helped in choosing for the Phoenix’s rebirth vessel. I searched several realms, different worlds for someone suitable. Before Keikilani, there were many who willingly gave themselves to the phoenix of the sun. Sadly, however, they weren’t strong enough to hold her powers, and they perished. Until Luna Keikilani. What shocked Ana and me was she was not only strong, she was also everything opposite of Anastacia, the first phoenix.--“

Uncle Maika chuckled, causing Tobias to stop, “ My apologies, while we don’t have any books on Keikilani being a phoenix of the sun, we do have logs and books of all past Luna’s and Alpha’s. Both blood born and appointed. Keikilani was, if I remember saying, she was a bad ass.”

The room filled with laughter, “indeed she was. She was definitely a Luna who was both kind and ruthless. Both traits gave her great respect. Where Anastacia was quiet and poised, Keikilani was a spitfire and backed down from no one. Her emotions, while heightened, because she was a wolf, had great strength in reeling them in, when diplomacy was called for.” Tobias smiled as if stuck in a memory.

Ana stepped forward again, “Keiki and I sometimes got into heated arguments. I didn’t always agree with how she did things, vice-versa, but our mutual respect always overcame our problems and we always, always met half way. It took years for her to be able to shift into the phoenix and her wolf. Just like her, her wolf was very stubborn. Eventually, though, we succeeded, and let me tell you, it was a magnificent feeling. Both, Akala(uh-kuh-luh), Keikilani’s wolf and myself sealed our bond and after the first time, every time after that, it took a mere second to shift.”

We were all awe-struck. I, for one, felt like I was in the presence of a goddess who was an angel in every way that there is .

“As for powers, right now, I am still weak. Naomi possesses immense strength and speed now. Doubling because she now has Bridgette and I. And, because I know this is on everyone's list of questions, yes, she is immortal. Even when I leave her vessel, she’ll always hold a piece of me, making her immortal.”

“Well, that makes me useless.”I chortled. Uncle Maika was the first to chuckle, followed by everyone else. “Sorry, to answer your curiosity about earlier, Omi, your dad over here appointed me, ‘Head Warrior’ as well as your and Kealohalani’s personal head guard.” I saw acknowledgment cross Naomi’s features, and a gentleness took over, “I’ll always need you by my side Lia.”

Lia smirked, “even if you didn’t, I’d still be there. But if you're immortal, then seriously?” She rolled her eyes, as we shared a moment and fell back to Q and A time.

“When you do gain your strength, what will your powers be?” I watched as Ana scrutinized uncle Alaric, causing him to step back. “Oh-I mean no disrespect, it’s just, we feel there’s a war coming and knowing our strengths will be helpful. That’s all.”

Naomi took the wheelhouse back from Ana and we all watched as an internal conversation took place between Naomi, Anastacia and Bridgette.

When Naomi looked around the room, she sighed. “Ana, she hasn’t had so many allies before. She is very skeptical, very suspicious when asking questions like the one you asked dad. For now, just know that she, we are on your side. When the time comes, we’ll both know what we are capable of. Because, right now, I am with you all and have no clue other than this killer speed thing and outrageous strength thing.”

Naomi always had a way to lighten the mood. “Any other questions?”

I raised my hand, then stood, “I would like to formally apologize.” Naomi tilted her head, befuddled with my words. “Uncle Alaric? Is it ready?”

His eyes closed and when they opened he let out a breath of relief, “Yes, finally.”

“Everyone, please, follow Uncle Alaric and I.” Everyone fell into soft whispers, “what’s happening? Where are we going?”

We reached a set of fourteen-foot tall wooden doors and stopped, “I apologize because I missed your birthday. I apologize because I also missed your first shift. I apologize, because this was supposed to have been done under better circumstances and greater magnitudes.”

With that, the doors opened and inside was a hall decorated for a queen. No, no, not a queen. A f*cking goddess. “Happy birthday Omi.”

Tears immediately flooded her eyes, and I scoffed, “what? You think I forgot, or we forgot?” She shook her head, but I could tell otherwise. We were all ushered in, waiters and waitresses came bringing drinks of every kind.

I stood back and let everyone have their own personal time with Naomi. “You did an awesome job uncle.” I laughed, knowing his scowl earlier was most likely because something with this party wasn’t going as planned.

“You planned it. I just followed the notes.” We clinked our glasses and cheered. “She looks amazing. Different but the same. Stronger.” I squeezed my uncle's hand, “Yeah, I keep looking for...I don’t know, but it’s her.” He and I fell into silence when my focus was taken to Kealoha and some chump, following her around like a lost puppy.

“Spill. Who’s following Kealohalani as if his life depended on it?” Uncle Alaric laughed, “Ah-yeah I forgot to tell everyone about that- that would be---“ we were cut off by two loud roars.

“Ah-crap!” In a blink of an eye, uncle Alaric was gone. “Ikaika, Kaleo, STOP!” I sauntered over to the gathered group.

They listened, but their wolves were pawing to come out and defend their sister.

“Calm down. I forgot, well actually I didn’t forget, I was just respecting your sister's wishes. Kealohalani?” Poor uncle Alaric says, very apologetic. I stood aside, as Kealoha smiled a-holy s**t-

“Everyone, it was due to my request that none of you know. I was going to introduce Christian at another time, for tonight we celebrate Naomi, but seems like I have to do it now.” Her eyes met this so-called Christians, and everyone sucked in or let out a shocked breath.

“Ohana, I would like to introduce you all to my mate, Christian. Christian is a vampire. And he is head of security...” I let out a small huff, but Kealoha continued. “Christian, these two over here, are my triplets. Ikaika and Kaleo. Brothers, this is Christian, my second-fated mate.”

Ikaika eyed Christian, but eventually let his shoulders fall. Kaleo, well, he was still questioning Christian. “What does she smell like to you?” I let out a loud laughter, “you’re an i***t. Even if he said s**t and rotten fish, only he would know. It’s a mate thing, not an everybody thing.”

Kaleo eyed me as everyone shook their heads at my retort, “Christian, welcome to the ohana. But just for clarification, I, as in ME, I am head of security of both Kealohalani and Naomi. Got it?” Christian smiled a challenging smile, “So be it. I have no quarrels with that. The more security protecting my princess, the better.”

I nodded, not wanting to decipher his words, and raised my glass. “Okole Maluna! (oh-koh-le * muh-loo-nuh) To our returning princess Naomi, happy birthday! And to our future Queen, Kealohalani and her new-found mate.” Everyone shouted, ‘cheers’ and well all returned to the festivities.

While the decor was simple, the games were not. I had planned duels, races, funny opposite gender games, hilarious blindfold games. Even Tobias and Christian joined in. Sealing the bond between all of us.

As I had requested, many of the vampires attended after sun down, upping the challenge factor in the speed games. Over all, it was a blast.

It was hours later when we had all finally settled down. “Naomi baby, are you and your mates staying?” Naomi peeled her head off of the table, “I think so. I’m too tired to even move.”

I chuckled, “weak. Weak I tell you.” She stuck a finger at me, as I threw a wink at her.

Blake stood and without confirming with one or the other, he lifted Naomi in his arms, “Where too?” He asked uncle Alaric. “One of my men will escort you.”

A vampire, about his mid twenties, approached and for some reason something felt off about him. His body moved in a way of hesitation. His eyes moved too quickly, all signs of someone who was not true in his path.

“Warriors!” In not a split second, I had fifty wolves and vampires on my flanks.

My entire family were at the ready, “You!” I roared, “Who are you?” Tobias was at his throat before anyone could blink, “King, you have a traitor.” Tobias squeezed the vampire's throat.

The vampire clawed at Tobias’s arms and hands, but what was impressive was how fast Tobias healed.

Uncle Alaric moved faster than light and levitated both him and the culprit. His eyes were a crimson red. “I am a good Lord, am I not?” The vampire before us shook in fear, as uncle Alaric’s voice had changed. His beast was surfacing.

“Who sent you?” The eyes of the vampire clamped shut as uncle Alaric’s powers singed his skin. “He has my wife. I swear my Lord, I would never, but he has my wife.” Uncle Alaric’s fingers elongated thrice the length, his claws of both his beast as well as his wolf, were pushed through.

“Who?” We were all at the ready when he sighed, “I heard someone call him Conrad, but I never met him. I met his soldiers, or whatever they were.” Uncle Alaric reeled in his beast and brought them both down.

“At ease,” I commanded, and everyone followed.

“What were your orders?” I asked. “To see if the rumors were true, that the phoenix of the sun was here. I was also sent here to look for a Keahi fella.”

Everyone looked at one another. The same question lingered on each and every one's lips. “What else?”