Blessed Curse

Meeting the Royals

Blake POV

“You ready Dev?” I shouted. I have been waiting for my brother to get dressed now for an hour. Today we were meeting with the royal family. I told him the Alpha said casual, what could be taking me so long? I know our nerves are at an all-time high, but seriously. I know girls who get ready faster.

When he finally comes out, he is in a pair of jeans, a pair of jeans that were, how should I explain it, teeny-tiny small. With the teeny-tiny jeans, he had a simple V-neck on, and if I had to size it, I’d say a child four-five years old, a fifteen-year-old who is five foot eight, and a good one hundred-ninety pounds on him.

I tried, I really did, but I couldn’t help it. The laugh that left my chest was so hard, I started coughing. It didn't stop there either. I just couldn't contain it, my stomach hurt badly because of how hard I was laughing. “Shut up! It’s not funny man. The clothes fit the other day back at Waiki’s place. How the hell did I grow out of it in one day?” I stopped laughing instantly as I was shocked at his words.

“What?” He shook his head in disbelief. “I only have three sets of clothes. This is one outfit; the sweats I used yesterday, and a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top. I wore this the day before yesterday. IT. FIT.”

I had no explanation. I was actually blank. But we were running late so I had to do something. “Let me see if I have something for you, hold on. I know they said casual but that won’t do.” I ran to my room and grabbed a pair of my work slacks and a button-down shirt I had picked up at a garage sale.

He hurried back to his room and changed. When he came out he let out a breath of relief . “Thanks man.” I chuckled and gave him a nod, “no problem. We’ll go shopping tomorrow. I passed my probation at work and got a pay raise. So we have a little to help out.” He smiled, “I’ll get a job, I promise. I won’t be a leech.” I smacked the back of his head. “Don’t ever say that. You are my brother. You can never be a leech.”

We were just about ready to leave when there was a knock on the door. “Who is it?” I called out, not really knowing any one around here other than Teresa and Lia. “Hey Blake, it’s me, Lucas. I was sent to drive you both to the Puna pack.”

I ran to open the door for Lucas and.....my body froze. Her scent hit me before I saw her and I froze up. A mixture of scorching heat and blinding cold hit me all at once. A push and pull fought for dominance. Oli was pacing, wanting to touch his mate, but we couldn’t. He felt my resistance, and as dominant as wolves are, he sat on his hinds and relinquished all his power to me. *I’m sorry buddy. I know, believe me, I know. We have to be patient.* He lay down and I felt his sadness course through me.

“Blake?” I looked up to Lucas who was looking at me weirdly. “Yeah, sorry, come in, we’re just about ready. “Hey Naomi.” I said when Lucas let out a ferocious growl, immediately causing me to bare my neck. “It’s your highness!” he snapped.

Devon saw this and he snapped, “Hey, you can’t do that to my brother. Who the hell do you think you are?” Lucas’s eyes went wide as my brother pushed an invisible surge of power out. A series of emotions crossed Lucas’s face, but the most prominent one was respect, even a bit of fear.

Everything was happening so fast. First I was submitting, then Lucas was.

Then I realized why Lucas had submitted. “You will mind your tone when you speak to Blake!” I turned to see Naomi seething in her place. Her aura was coursing around and through Lucas. It was a split second at the most, but he was already on his knees, baring his neck. Full submission as his hands hit the floor.

My own heart rate raced, dark memories of being put into hours of submission flashed through my mind, “No, please. Don’t, please let him go. He’s right. I was disrespectful. I forgot my place. Please, don’t do that..I’m sorry your highness. Please, discipline me. Leave him.” I pleaded, only to see confusion in Naomi and Lucas’s eyes.

Devon stepped around me, and saw what I was seeing. Devon’s eyes went wide, “Your highness, we-please, let him go. Take us. He was only doing his duty,” he pleaded. And as we’ve always known, we went into full submission before my mate.

I heard her gasp at our actions, rushing forward to lift Devon and I up off the floor. “No, please. Don’t.” Devon and I obeyed and stood, but I couldn't help but to look at Lucas who was still on all fours. I approached him, “your highness, please.” I begged.

She pulled in her aura and immediately Lucas started panting. I helped him up, Devon, and I took him by the arms, helping him stand. “It’ll be okay Lucas. I’ll get you some water. Dev you got him?” He nods and I take off to our new kitchen and pull a couple of bottles of water out.

In those three minutes, I resisted the pull of my mate. My sole focus on Lucas. I knew what the result of being put into a strong full-blown submission was like. It was borderline excruciating. Your senses are robbed from you. Sight, sound and smell are taken. Your breath doesn’t come in as you need and a weight so heavy pushes down on you, causing all your muscles to lock and seize as it tries to protect itself through pure instinct.

Devon and I place Lucas on a chair and I help him drink some water. When he is some what coherent enough, he looks to me, then Naomi. And it’s like a light bulb goes off. I see his realization. Of how he put the pieces together. Of how Naomi had protected me. s**t. He knows but, she doesn’t, yet. “No, Lucas. We have to wait.” I whisper as he gulps.

I wasn’t sure how or what he knew. Or even how much he knew from what he had just seen, but I knew this was not going to be kept a secret. He had a duty and it was to the Royal family. Still though, he nodded and gave me a genuine smile. I sighed and gave him a little smile, relieved that he understood.

“I’m sorry.” We were brought out of our little silent conversation by a meek, little voice. Lucas stood upright and bowed. Not in submission, but in respect.

Me, I was stupid. I approached Naomi and stood mere inches from her. I breathed in deep and basked in her scent for a split second. With a finger, I gently placed it under her chin and tilted her head up.

Everything froze again. The world stopped spinning, the wind died, and the oceans stilled. “You have nothing to apologize for, Princess.” I couldn’t help but relish the spark that surged through me. I step back as Oli prances in my head, happy he could feel the spark too.

She smiles, then turns to Lucas. “Lucas-“ He cut her off respectfully, “No your highness. I was out of line. He is-“ I coughed. I was glad to see he caught on, “He is a friend of Luna Lia as well as you, Princess. I shall remember in the future to show them the same respect.” He gave one last bow and rose. Smiling like he had just opened a treasure trough of information.

Naomi still seemed upset at what she had done, so she placed a hand on Lucas’s arm, and conveyed a silent apology. He gave her another bow, this time quickly and less a bow, more of a nod in acceptance, and pivoted to look at the one person who stood back quietly and watched everything play out.

“Young Alpha, I apologize. Please forgive me.” Devon’s eyes went wide.

“No man, I still have to graduate. I can’t take the title or rank. My brother won’t let me.” He says, his hands up as if he was afraid of the respect he was just given. It was like Lucas threw acid at him and he just wanted to dodge it.

Lucus chuckled and still bowed. “Shall we?” As nothing happened, we all exited and Lucas closed the door. I turned to lock it when Lucas stopped me. “No need Blake. This building is protected by the Royal Family. Anyone who disrespects this building will suffer the consequences. Human or wolf.” I nodded, amazed at my new-found friends and security.

The car ride was quiet. Well, other than Devon going on and on about the things he can cook and fix. I shake my head at his innocent, sheltered upbringing. “I’d like to learn how to fight. My old pack wouldn’t allow us to even look at the training room.” Lucas laughs, “Let me know your schedule, I’ll train you young Alpha.”

Devon just about s**t glitter and rainbows with how happy he was. Nothing right now could take his high away.

“So, Blake.” My world shifted at the sound of my name leaving her lips. “Uh-yeah?” I asked, Lucas smiling at me through the rear-view mirror.

He and Devon were upfront so Devon could see all the sights. While Naomi and I sat in the second row.

“How old are you?” I chuckled. “I just turned eighteen six months ago. It is why I was able to leave my old pack. I became of age. I got my wolf at sixteen, but in my old pack, unless you were eighteen or higher, our decision-making skills were muted.” She nodded. “Your wolf? What’s his name?”

I smiled as Oli pranced around in my head, happy that his mate was asking about him, “his name is Oli. He’s my best friend.” She smiles at my confession and looks out the window, “I turn sixteen in a few months. I can’t wait to meet her. My mother says she feels her. She’s always been there. But because of the way the Goddess has set us up, we don’t learn who he or she truly is until we are truly ready. Most wolves, at sixteen.” I nod, remembering the books I read.

“Lia wanted to come. But her mom, my aunt, is in charge of preparations for guests. So, she couldn’t leave her duties.” I nodded, imagining that little spit fire cussing and cursing the entire time laying out table settings. A laugh escapes my lips the more I think about it in depth.

Naomi seemed to catch on and we both started laughing harder. “You haven’t even known her that long, and you already know she’s being a total headache to everyone who stopped her from doing what she wanted?”

“Yeah. I don’t know. I feel like we’re connected.” With those words I heard a faint growl leave Naomi’s chest. I couldn’t help but grin ear to ear. She was showing jealousy. She cleared her throat to clear the air, “ You were saying?”

“She’s been a really good friend. Sister. If I didn’t know any better, I swear she was already my sibling.” She lets out a sigh of relief and Lucas sees. He nods, putting more pieces together.

“She feels the same, you know. She loves you. I don’t know what sort of witchery you’re into, but you’ve changed her. For the better. She is very protective of you and will decapitate anyone to protect you.” I gulped to hear the seriousness in her statement. “I’ll be right behind her.” With that my heart swelled with warmth.

How could she not know? She’s giving all the signs. Even without the pull of the wolf bond, she has to see it. Feel it. Why was she not reacting?

I let it go and grabbed her hand to relay my appreciation. She returns it with a squeeze when Lucas announces our arrival. “Princess, Alpha’s, welcome to the Puna pack. The original home of the Royal Family. The ground which their roots grow from.”

Devon and I take in the tall stone walls, built thick and sturdy. Boulders of solid blue rock gave it an impenetrable look. The wrought iron gate stood tall and daunting, giving visitors the first sign that this is a pack that has a strong back bone.

As the gates glided open, I was in awe at the vastness of the land. Lush green trees spread out, a few clusters dabbled here and there, casting little shadowed areas that looked peaceful to chill under. The road was long, but the view was absolutely mesmerizing. Wolves of all sizes ran beside the car, curiosity in their eyes.

“Whoa!” Devon shouts. I look forward to seeing one of the biggest pack houses I have ever seen. Forget a pack house, it was fricken mansion, a borderline castle. My old pack was slums compared to this greatness. A gnat to a butterfly is what it was, compared in size and beauty.

I couldn’t tell which way the front was, which was the back or the sides. Gray flat stones perfectly placed to build a tall and looming building. Looming, like a giant, not for a sense of darkness, no, because the area was shinning like a diamond. Windows everywhere. Tall, broad glass panes, I bet you could see the endless stars from within those walls perfectly. Tall and magnificent windows framed a large, enchanted wooden arched double door.

Standing at the ready were several beastly men, and dozens of young and old females. Omega’s? They were dressed so well. This couldn’t-they couldn’t be omega’s. I thought.

As if reading my mind, Lucas chimes in, “These are the Puna packs head guards. They have been given the duty to be your detail while here. It is not to be confused with your safety. You are the safest here. It is more of a formality with the royal family being here. Don’t offend the family and you’ll be okay.” He lets out a chuckle, “Scratch that, be yourselves. Lia or Naomi won’t let anything happen to you.” I just shook my head.

“The women you see are our head omega team, assigned to assist you two with everything and anything you both need. Anything you need, let them know.” Devon nods, his head still on a swivel.

“Blake, Devon, until my father says other wise, please, refer to them as Kings. Formality. I can protect you from my siblings and cousins, and everyone else, but them, you’re on your own.” She laughed, like it was funny, but Devon and I were speechless.

Lucas pulled the car to a complete stop as we rounded the rounded driveway. As he jumps out, every person in attendance bows to him. I looked at Naomi and she rolled her eyes, “He’s a Royal Court General. His rank, along with Pika’s, are the highest in the Guard ranks.” I am still trying to soak it all in.

Lucas opens Naomi’s door and she gives me one last smile before elegantly sliding out. Exactly like a Princess should. Devon and I got to pull on the door handles to jump out when the door pulled open gently.

A tall man, not very well built, in a fancy suit steps back after opening the doors and bows, “Alpha’s welcome.” I wanted to contest being called Alpha but I didnt’ want to start off on a rude note, so I let it go.

“Hello Alpha Blake. I am Winnie. I’ll be you and Alpha Devon’s head omega while you’re here. Please don’t hesitate to call on us for anything.” She bowed and something in me cracked. Devon as well.

As tears decided to flow whether I wanted them too or not, I heard a gasp and both Devon and I were pulled into a motherly hug. “Sshh, it’s okay my boy. Come. Let me make you some tea.” I raised my head and swore I saw my mother. I wiped the tears, as had Devon, and we bowed to her. Showing her the respect she deserved.

She smiled and patted us on our shoulders. “So sweet you two. I’ll go make that tea. You two go along. I’ll be with you shortly. Girls?” In a flash, the omega’s gathered and curtsied. “Alpha’s.” they greeted us one by one.

Devon smiled and I had to nudge him to be anything but an i***t right now. He caught on fast and stood fast. Greeting them politely.

“Welcome to our home.” A booming, commanding voice echoes in the vast foyer. an Apha. “Whoa!” Devon whispers. I internally groaned at his not so soft whisper and bowed apologetically. “My apologies for my brother. He’s never been out.”

“Ah, he’s a teenager. I was one once.” I lifted my head and I guess I was something to laugh at because this scary, bulky guy laughed. “Relax Alpha Blake. This isn’t a formal event.” I smile at Alpha’s easy-going way.

“Im Alpha Jay Koa.” He extends his large arms and I meet him and we shake. “Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you young Alpha’s.” I melodic voice says from behind the behemoth in front of us. “Jay, hello?” He rolls his eyes and an angel glides gracefully towards us, pulling us into hugs. “I’m Luna Mona. This uglies mate and Luna.” I couldn’t help the giggle that left my lips.

I reigned it in as I looked at Alpha Jay, swallowing the non-existent saliva. He shrugs at his mates'insults and gestures for us to follow him.

As we do, guards and omega’s follow in tow. We had an entourage. Cool.

“Everything on the first floor is a common area. Meaning it is for the entire pack to use at anytime of the day or night. The kitchen staff are available around the clock, as are our omega’s. They do change shifts every four hours, but someone is always available and at your service. You are also allowed to cook for yourself or just grab and go. There is a game room at the end of this hall to the left, a theater to accommodate a hundred at a time to the right of the game room. There is a sitting room s***h living room, chill area here,” he points just to the left of us, “uh-what else? Oh, the gym is back the way we came, down that hall to the right. It is also open twenty-four hours as well. The infirmary, if you need, is at the end of that hall too.” Alpha lists everything and I had a feeling he was giving his blessing to accept us into his pack.

We walked towards a hefty, tall door. “Young Alpha’s, I present to you the Royal Family.” Luna Mona opened the door and within the space were a dozen members, give or take a few. Devon stepped behind me, fear clearly emanating out of him.

“Eeeek! Blake!” Lia ran up to me and jumped. Luckily, I had fast reflexes. I caught her and she giggled. “Hello Little Luna.” Her eyebrows furrowed, “No. I’m just Lia. No titles. Never for you and-“

Her eyes turned to my brother and I saw a warm look crossed between both of them. “Lia, this is my brother Devon. Devon, this is Lu-sorry, Lia. My friend who I've metioned.” He smiled but I could see something in his eyes. I nudged him as they both just stood there, he bowed, “pleasure to meet you, Lu-Lia.”

She sighed. As if his voice just sang to her. I shook my head. I’ve only read up on mate stories. Seeing a few omega’s meet theirs. As well as myself with mine. But I was sure everyone here in attendance just saw what I did. Even if the two before us didn’t know yet, we knew. They were mates.

“Lia?” A deep resonating voice cooed. It wasn’t harsh, nor was it in a warning tone, it was more of a suppressed shock voice. “Uh-oh sorry Daddy, Daddy, this is Blake and Devon.” Once again, Devon stepped behind me.

“Royal Alpha.” I bowed and extended my hand to shake his. He shakes it and turns his attention to the group behind him, “ Alpha’s, I introduce you to the Royal Family. King Dom, King Maika, King Alaric and our beautiful Queen, Queen Makana.”

Devon acted on his own and bowed. I followed suit. “Thank you Royal Kings and Queens for your generosity and aloha over your people.” I had no idea what to say, but that sounded respectful. Goddess I hope it was.

“You both are beautiful souls.” I slowly stood upright, as Devon did, and looked at the person who spoke. Our Queen stood alluring, dazzling, exquisitely beautiful. She stepped forward and all I felt was light.

She placed her hand on my cheek and as she did I felt a warm loving feeling. It was so soothing as it flowed through me. She did the same to Devon, and our tears immediately fell.

A vision of my mother, smiling at us, with her hands clasped in front of her, stood infront of us. I couldn’t retain the vocal sob any longer.

When she spoke, my heart throbbed with a pain so deep I felt my knees go weak and I crumbled on the floor. “I am so sorry I couldn’t give you both a better life. Know that I wish I had fought harder for you both. What Alpha Cohen did,” she paused and gulped. "I wish I had fought harder for the truth. However, some things happen the way they have because there is a higher purpose." She then turned to Devon, “Baby, don’t let my death shadow you. It was my time. The Goddess needed me here.” She reached out and caressed Devon's cheek. "I love you my joy." they both shared a minute together and when she was done, she looked at me and a surge of love flowed over me, “My big boy, my pride, I am so proud of you. Of the man you have become. Take your birth right my son. Both of you. You’ve both lived through too many sorrows. From those depths, though, you’ve both become incredible young men. Don’t ever let your past haunt your future. Let it guide you instead.” I sniffled back the sobs, as did Devon. Another warm loving feeling encompassed us, “I love you both beyond the stars and the moon.” With those words she faded.

Devon crushed me in a bone-crushing hug. All of his emotions poured out in those seconds. As did mine. It could have been ten minutes or an hour. I don’t know how long we stood there in one another's embrace. When Devon pulled away, Lia stepped beside him, giving him a hug. He let her and I watched a calm come over him.

As I stepped back, my senses felt her. She stepped before me and pulled me into her arms. As she did, the world around us vanished. I heard gasps and even a growl or three, but at this moment, she was here, providing me with a calm that no one else would ever be able to do. I’ll respectfully take any repercussions later.

Someone cleared their throat, and I fought tooth and nail to step away from her. When I looked up, I knew I was as dead as the wolves who ever dared to go against the three men before me.

“Alpha Blake?” I sighed. “Yes, my king?”

“Is there something you’d like to share with us?” King Maika asks. He looked more amused than angry. I wish I could say the same for King Dom. As for King Alaric, he showed no emotion. Scaring me more than Alpha Dom.

“I-it-I...”I swallowed. Then a voice spoke to me in my mind. Someone was mindlinking me? What? How? We’ve never been able to.

King Maika-“Calm down Alpha. Why won’t you say it?”

Blake-“My King, she doesn’t have a wolf. I don’t think she knows. I-I want to give her time. I don’t want her to feel pressured. I-“ I sigh out.

King Dom-“Alpha, may we speak with you in private?”

I nod. When my eyes cleared, the room was cleared. No one was there. Not even Devon.

“Let’s go have a drink.” King Maika says. “I don’t drink my King.” I blurt out. Not that I ever have either. I didn’t like how drunk people handled themselves. When we were ordered to wait on guests at our old pack, the men who drank were disgusting. The way they grabbed at the female omega's. If I could’ve, I’d have ripped their arms off.

“Well, we do and we need one. Follow us.” King Alaric said. I remained silent when he spoke. He literally scared the s**t out of me. Just his presence was chilling me to the core. Even Oli felt weary around him. For good reason.