Blessed Curse

My Human

Ikaika POV

We didn’t leave Bullseye till three in the morning. It had its fun moments for sure. And surprising ones as well.

My brother and cousin found their mates. Kaleo’s mate looked like she was a work in progress, but by the time we had left, she had already seemed to have loosened up.

Levi’s mate was, well, she was a bubbly little sprite-sized girl. Her personality was so positive, you couldn’t help but smile around her.

I placed a cap on Oliver's alcohol consumption. ‘Douche Oliver’ had fully been awakened and I was not going to baby sit him when he was acting like a f*****g toddler throwing a tantrum.

I had just entered my room when I smelt her. I turned the light on and there she was, my mate. “I thought I asked for time? How much clearer can I be? I need time.”

“Until you reject me. If you don’t want me, then reject me. I can’t move on with my life, it’s unfair.” The pain I have placed on her was unfair. She didn’t deserve this, but I could never reject her.

I was down by the shore, I had caught my first fish when I smelt a scent so mesmerizing, I almost lost my entire fishing rod to the ocean.

Her scent wafted around me in the easterly winds. When I finally had the balls to look up, my eyes couldn’t believe it.

Kira Apia. Desmond, our human adversary, sister. She was a year older, a very tom-boyish girl who was very athletic and could probably take most boys down. She had moved away three years ago, from what I remember, to get away from her family here.

“I get why you don’t want me. I’m not illiterate in the wolf world, Ikaika. Lived amongst you all all my life. I know how your species do things. Remember, we were best friends once.” She was right, but my tongue had seemed to be tied. I couldn’t form a word.

“Are you gonna say anything?” I took in a big breath and ran my hands down my face in frustration. “How long have you been here? How did you even get in?”

“Wow, you know what, I, Kira Apia, human...” I tackled her before she could finish her sentence. “No!” I breathed heavily as the weight of the pain that started from her rejection began.

“f**k you. Get off you asshole. I rej---“ I did the only thing that I could think of. I pushed my lips to hers and took her words away.

The kiss was everything I had never thought one would be. It was hot, it was cold. Heavy yet light. It was f*****g sexy.

Our mate bond, even though she was human, had full control of the situation. Time had stepped out on us and I couldn’t tell you if we had lied there for a minute or an hour, our lips battling for dominance.

When air became a necessity, we parted and, without warning, Kira kicked me off of her. For a human girl, she was unbelievably strong.

“I f*****g hate you.” A pinch in my heart ached at her words. “I know. I deserve every ounce of your hate. I-I need time. There is so much happening right now in my world. If a rejection is what you want, I won’t give it. You are my mate. I just need time. Please.”

I could see her fighting with her emotions. The mate bond was making her want to hold me but her fight was winning as it was forcing her to hate me.

“You obviously don’t want me as your mate, Ikaika. I am everything your species would look down upon. A human, from a family of adversaries, we have bad blood.....I’ll be okay if you reject me. I understand.” Her last words were spoken softly and I knew that it was lies.

Kira and I were what my parents believed were, ‘fated mates.’ I remember when I’d get home from school and all I could talk about was the day Kira and I had. Her parents were not like their ancestors. They were kind, open-minded and very very over the whole ‘we hate wolves’ life style.

She played here, I played at their place. It was always me and her. Well, and my siblings and cousins. But when she was around, it was just us.

I don’t remember where it all went wrong. Middle school?

“I know you think I don’t want you. But you are very wrong about that. I-I am not stable right now, Kira. My family is falling apart. When I take the throne, hell will be my life. I don’t want to expose you to any of it.” Her eyes scanned me and when she saw me, she softened.

“You used to tell me stories about the mate bond. I remember every word. And I get it now. I feel it. Let me help you. I don’t need to be your Luna Queen. But for now, let's just be friends and let me help you.”

I felt the honesty in her words, her aura. But trust was still something that I had a hard time with. Now more than ever with everything that has happened.

“ Whenever you want me out of your life for good, just say the words. I’m out.” I could feel the pain in her words.

I hesitated for what felt like a while. But I did what my heart and wolf wanted,“Okay. But before I bring you back into my life, as friends, I’ll have to warn others. Our friendship didn’t end well.”

She scoffed. “Yeah, why do you think I moved away? My f*****g uncle could go to hell. He brain washed my parents back then, and has returned to continue his brainwashing.”

I nodded. I remembered when she had told me she was going to live with her mother's side of the family in the states. Her parents blamed me for their daughter's choice to leave. Saying they should have known that a wolf was savage and would break their daughters' heart. From then on, the generational hate between us re-sparked.

They kept to themselves, never really bothered, but they didn’t let their hate towards us go unnoticed.

I was tired, hell it was almost four in the morning now. “It’s late. You should stay. I’ll sleep on the sofa. You can have the bed.” I went to walk to the bathroom to shower when a hand pulled at my arm.

“You can sleep in bed with me. No funny business. In all honesty, you look like s**t. Don’t think the sofa will help.” I laughed and nodded. “Closets the same place. Use whatever.”

I walked into the bathroom and closed the door, releasing the biggest breath.

Keeping my composure around her was f*****g stressful. If I looked like s**t it’s because I’ve been trying to control Nui the entire f*****g time.

Nui’s need to claim his mate was maddening. *Bruh-knock it off.* I felt him push back, but he didn’t say anything, amazingly.

I showered and when I walked back into my room, I wasn’t prepared. Across my larger than normal bedroom, wearing what seemed to be only one of my long sleeved shirts and socks was Kira. Her back was facing me, her eyes looking out over the moon-lit horizon.

The moonlight hit just right, enhancing her perfect facial features. “If you think you’re slick standing there drooling, you’re sadly mistaken.” She whipped her eyes to mine and I couldn’t help the devilish smile that graced my lips.

“Just like old times.” She chuckled and made her way over to the bed. One that we shared moons ago as kids during sleep overs. “Hands to yourself. Got it?” I rolled my eyes.

We jumped into bed and I couldn’t help it. I reached for her and pulled her into my chest. “Shut it!” I growled when I felt she was about to contest. “Yup, just like old times. My Human.” We both chuckled and soon sleep took me.

**********

Introducing Kira Apia’s POV

I had been ‘summoned’ back home after three years of being away.

Once upon a time, a loving, caring, fun, whimsical family lived, now lived a dark, out for revenge, sick family.

I was greeted as if I was just another soldier, another puppet. There were no hugs, no kisses or “welcome home baby,’ from my mother or father. It was all serious and I f*cking wanted to leave the second I stepped into the house.

Seeing my uncle there only solidified my next move. I was out. “Kira, as a part of this family, it is mandatory you be present when your uncle calls the meeting.” I rolled my eyes, and like the defiant child I have always been, I countered, “I am not a f*****g child. Do not speak to me as if I am. You lost your right to parent me the moment you all chose stupid revenge over your child's happiness.”

“Kira!” I heard my mother calling but I put more umph into my steps and I ran.

I loved this place I once called home. The tropical climate. The never ending open space. One could feel free down here in the south-east of the Big Island. Neighbors were far apart. No one over looking over your fence line, being all up in your business.

I walked a familiar trail, one that looked to be still used by local fishermen. I got to the cliff line and found myself at peace. Utah has its perks, but nothing beats this.

I found a rock to sit on and watched as the calm seas tussled against the cliffs. Cool ocean spray cooled my hot skin.

I sat there in deep thought. All the why’s came crashing down on me the moment I let my wall down, allowing pent-up tears to fall.

“Kira?” I looked up and gasped, “MATE!” When that word left my mouth, I clamped my hand over my mouth, “no, no, no...wait how? What?” I was stammering, looking for an explanation.

I knew, to some limit, from the stories told about the mate bond, of how it worked-WITH WOLVES. I was not a wolf. How can I call it, “MATE?” I shouldn’t be able to. What the actual hell?

“What’s happening?” I finally found myself asking. “You’re my mate. My fated mate, just like my parents predicted.”

Ikaika, my once best friend, my confidant, the criminal to my mind. He was there, in front of me. He was my mate. But how? As a human, I should feel the pull, but to be able to feel all the emotions and connections like I am, I don’t think this is how it normally works.

“How am I able to...claim you? I-I’m human, but I feel this very strong stubborn feeling to claim you. I shouldn’t be able to?” His eyes looked exactly the same as I remember them. Kind.

“I don’t know. But---we are mates.” His tone didn’t sound like I thought it would when he found his mate. I mean, he talked so excitedly about it when we were kids. Right now, he sounded, irritated almost.

“Look, I won’t sugar coat anything. I’m not looking for a mate right now. A lot is happening and I need time.” If there was ever a time where I felt utterly betrayed, it would be now. Even more then when my parents turned their backs on me.

“What?” I could feel a soreness in my core. “I’m not rejecting you. It’s just right now I can’t deal with having a mate. So, for now let’s go our separate ways.” I was floored, “what the f*ck does that even f*****g mean?” I was getting angry now.

“Is it because I'm human? Am I not good enough? You f*****g asshole!” I swung at him and he didn’t even move, allowing my palm to perfectly slap him across his face. “I deserve that and much more. I’m sorry Kira, but one day you’ll understand. Please, don’t reach out for me. Don’t come looking for me. Life is not playing fair. Please understand that I am trying to protect you.”

Without another word from either of us, he turned and walked away like I never meant a single thing to him.

He left and I sat there with my thoughts. I went over his words over and over again. ‘I’m trying to protect you.’ What the hell is he trying to protect me from?

**********

Ikaika POV

I awoke the next morning to an empty bed. “Good morning.” I looked over and saw my omega, Adam, tidying up. “Morning. You see where she went?” He looked at me confused. “Sorry, who sir?” I shook my head and stared at the ceiling.

I got up and got ready for my Saturday. No training today. Meeting at nine and after that clear for the rest of the day.

I was just finishing up getting ready when a knock on my door sounded. “Got it sir.” I nodded and when the door opened, I nearly fainted. Her scent almost knocked me off my feet.

“Good morning sleepy head.” I swallowed the lump in my throat and schooled what little restraint I had. “Hey. Where’d you go?”

“I was going to shag out, but your brother Kaleo caught me and, well, he, his mate and I had breakfast and before I knew it, two hours went by and I'm still here.” She laughed, an angelic sound, and shook her head.

“So everyone knows you’re here?” I didn’t mean to come out in a panic-like way, but it did and I saw that I f*cked up, again. “You know what, I thought yesterday was a fluke of day. That you were having some sort of early life crisis or some s**t, but I guess not. I get it, like I said, I know when I am not wanted, so good bye.”

When she stomped off into the hall, I felt a deep, clenching, twisting feeling in my gut. “Uggh! Kira, wait, no, I'm sorry.” I chased after her, catching up to her as the lift’s doors were just about to close.

I jumped in and she immediately put space between us. Dammit! I push the ‘Stop’ button on the elevator and contemplate how to go about salvaging whatever we have left.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to--f**k it. My life is a f*****g nightmare, okay. Naomi was poisoned and is now a human s***h mythical creature that hasn’t been seen or heard of in ions. She lost her wolf, lost her mate, all because of my two youngest sisters, Nahe and Nanea. Kealoha has denounced her title and lost her mate. My cousin Lia, is a total badass, but she, too, is being tested and, as their future King, I am answerless. I can’t interfere in many areas because, as future king, I must always stay neutral in all matters. There are humans, warlocks, werebears and who else knows what else is out for our family and no one knows any details about anything other than that. My mother and father, Dom, are only making matters worse.”

I was rambling but she needed to know what the hell was going on because, obviously, we’re in this together. I wanted her and only her as my mate. Ever since I was five years old. I knew back then that she would always be mine. But when she left, I honestly had forgotten about her.

“Is that what you are trying to protect me from? Family drama? Seriously? Do you remember who my family is? Why I left?” Her point was valid, but at least no one was out to hurt every member of her family. And if she becomes a part of it, she’ll be in harms way as well. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

She sighed, “I remember everything you ever told me about wolves. What your parents told me, your family showed me. I am not a novice Ikaika. You treating me like porcelain will be what gets me hurt. You know I can hold my own. Now, the question is, do you want this? Us? Tell me now. There will be no later.”

I did. But dammit. I didn’t want to deal with this right now, but I couldn’t let her walk away, and she deserved the truth. “I do Kira. If I’d had known all along you were my mate, I’d have claimed you long ago. I’m a f*****g mess Kira.”

The smile, one I’ve missed so much, brightened the small space. “Okay then. We don’t need to jump head first. We start from scratch. Remember the turtle still won the race.”

I laughed. “I have looked at this mate thing so differently after you left.” I let out an ignorant huff, “I had this idea of claiming a mate, only to turn her into my secretary, maid, bed warmer, child bearer. Nothing more than help. Sick, I know. But it was all because in my head it would never be you.”

I felt a tear stride down my face. “What a jackass. You, of all people, would never treat a woman, girl, female like that. Even if it wasn’t me.” I chuckled. She wasn’t wrong. “Yeah, but I really had a whole other look at this mate thing. Find her, conquer her and make her submit. How f*****g sick.”

She shook her head, “well it’s no longer a choice because if you still want me, us, I’ll f*cking kick your a*s if you think you could ever treat me like that.” A sinister smile graced my lips. “Just like old times.”

“So, what do you want? You want to try this? If not, it ends now. You will reject me because I will not suffer in silence and wait for you when you are ready.” Her words were clipped, and I knew she meant every word.

“Ugghh! You know, you’re gonna regret signing this deal. As soon as you see the s**t that has hit the fan, splattered in all directions and there’s nothing to clean it all up, you’ll wish you never stayed.” Her laugh was comical, but her next words were truth, “I am a big girl. Got my big girl panties up. My boots are laced and my hair tied up. Where do I sign?”

I shook my head. “Oh wait. But-I have conditions.” I scoffed, “no. Mates don’t have conditions, woman.” She rolled her eyes, “wolves don’t, I do.”

I rubbed my face, not really ready, “fine. What are they?” She crossed her arms, “If I am challenged by anyone, friend, family or foe, let me handle it.”

Once again I scoffed, “uh-no. Remember, you are human. Nothing wrong with that, but wolves overpower and speed you five times.” The look on her face was a challenging one. Oh crap.

“We’ll see. Number two. I-I can’t go back home. My-my family-they are coming after you all somehow. I don’t know anything but they called me home for a reason, and if my uncle is involved it’s not good. If you don’t want me in your room, that’s fine. I’ll sleep in the common room. Just-don’t send me back there.”

My heart hurt for her. Her own family would turn against her if they found out she would be the future queen of wolves. That or try to brainwash her into turning against us. Which I feel deep in my soul, she’d never do.

“Okay. Done. You move in with me. Don’t worry about clothes. By the look of it, you’re my sister's and sister's size. And you know where the overflowing closets are.” She rolled her eyes, but ended with a small grin.

I slowly stepped towards her, when I was chest to chest with her, I tilted her chin up to look into my eyes, “I, Ikaika Koa, future King of Wolves, son to Makana, Dominic, Maika and Alaric, hereby accept you Kira Apia as my fated mate, the bearer of my children, and my confidant.”

She rolled her eyes, “I, Kira Apia, daughter of Billy and Tammy Apia, hereby accept you, Ikaika Koa as my fated mate and pain in my ass.”

A swirl of energy engulfed both of us. I placed my forehead on hers and we both inhaled the power blessed upon us as the future King and Queen of wolves.