Blessed Curse

Leaving

Naomi POV

Some weeks later.....

Tobias left a week ago to return to his world. New light on our situation showed who the culprit behind the making of the potion may be. To say he was angry would be a complete lie. He was livid. His lioness almost tore the cabin apart.

So, he had left, promising to return so we could continue to build the tethered bond between my wolf and me in hopes of getting me to bond with my mate.

Before he left, Tobias and I worked tirelessly every day for ten, sometimes twelve hours a day, to rebuild the broken bond between my wolf and me, and so far, nothing. He hated it just as I did. Every day he had to cut me to brew the new potion, and every day he grunted that nothing new was happening. Then, each time before I fell unconscious, I’d hear him say the same thing, “I’m so sorry, my Anastacia.” Whenever I come to, I try to remember to ask him about that, and boop-I forget.

My grandmother had resupplied me with her magic water, allowing me to heal daily, but still, getting cut daily and draining a good quart of blood every day for a whole week was becoming too much for so little in return.

He expressed, I don’t know how many times, how this is not how long it took the only time they had done this. That something wasn’t adding up. So he promised to return with more answers than questions.

*********

Today, we were gathered in my parents’ office, reviewing reports from scouts and seers. But so far, nothing of importance had arisen.

Frankly, my patience was wearing thin as each day passed, and what I know is terrible is I no longer sought Blake for comfort. He was trying, I could see it and feel it, but each time, his over-showing of love just irritated me. Why couldn’t he ask me how he could help? Or let me talk to him without him wanting to hug me and shut my mind down with the mate bond? Why can’t he just let me vent? I felt my irritability rise every time he cuddled me, and it was starting to put a riff between us.

“Has anyone found Nahe and Nanea?” I ask, causing the room to fill with dread and pain at the mention of their names. “No. Don’t worry about that, baby. Your fathers and brothers, including hundreds of packs, are on the look for them. They won't get far. We live on an island.” My mother half-heartedly jokes.

I could only nod. My mind still hasn’t caught up that I’m wolf-less, adopted, a spawn from sin and evil, and mother-less and father-less when it came to biological labels. Even with the tears I have shed thus far; I still have no words, no deep emotions to shed off my shoulders. Is it weird?

Obviously, I'm hurt. The betrayal is astronomically painful. But is it weird that I don’t want to blow up? I feel like I should be angry. I am scared, even. But all I feel is emptiness. Nothing. It’s like I've been numb to all that has happened.

Two teenagers, two girls who I grew up with as my sisters, never knowing otherwise, took it upon themselves to steal my wolf and sell me off as if I were just an item to be just given or sold. All of that, yet I’m blank. I think I've cried enough and left to just be like whatever. Just give me back my wolf.

I noticed one thing that has kept my mind thinking straight. It has been Tobias and his efforts. His presence has been a blessing. He always gave me the truth. He never indulged me, he pushed me hard, and it made me feel strong and capable. Everyone else lied, beat around the bush, or tried to hush conversations. Not Tobias. If I asked, he told me. Even if it wasn’t what I wanted or expected to hear, he told me the dark sides of things.

Now that he’s gone, I felt my inner turmoil building to overbearing limits more and more. I had no one to vent to that would listen without judgment or try to indulge me.

***********

“So, you and Devon? What’s up?” I ask, trying to find some semblance of my old life and ways. “God-he’s so good. And I mean that in a good way. He never hounds me, he lets me be me, minus the s**t parts, but he’s so understanding. It’s almost irritating.” she says.

“You want him to challenge you. To tell you NOT to do something so you can do what you’ve always done. You go against their request, the order, or command.” She sighs and gives a fake pout. “It’s stupid, right?” I laugh and nod, “It is, but it’s because it’s always been you. Poor boy.” I say, another laughter leaving my lips.

“Have you...have you told him? Do you know? You’re not a virgin?” She sighs, “yeah. He was hurt. He didn’t talk to me or even want to see me for four days. It was the worst four days of my life.” I could see this stroked a nerve.

“I love you, Lia. And, I hate to say it, but I told you so.” She glares at me but soon covers it with a pout. “I know.” is all she replied. “What?” I ask in pure shock. “I said, I KNOW! You were right. I should’ve listened. I’m stupid. I’m a whore.” Tears were threatening to break, and all I could do was pull her into a side hug.

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.” I apologize for never wanting her to feel like this. “I know, but it’s all true. The f*cked up part is, as much as I want Devon, Goddess knows he’s a sweetheart that makes my heart do somersaults, I still want to live my life.” I sighed, not knowing how to respond. Devon is my brother-in-law now. I feel like I'm supposed to protect him.

“Don’t hurt him, Lia. Please.” I say in almost a whisper. She doesn’t reply; she just snuggles into me more.

********

Another week later......

Tobias was still M.I.A. Causing my nerves to be on edge even more lately.

We are no closer to finding Nahe or Nanea. My grandmother has tried to help me with my wolf, but it is like Tobias said, no one can do this but him and the antidote.

“Baby?” I hear Blake calling for me. “In the tub,” I called out, my eyes closed as I tried to relax and enjoy the warmth of the water. When he comes in, his eyes shift colors, and I could see Oli just at the brink. “Oli, be nice,” I command, and he lets out a huff.

Blake shakes Oli away and gulps. He has seen me n***d quite often, and I must say he has a lot of restraint.

No, we haven’t don't the deed yet. Blake says, and I quote, “I want the moment to be right. The moons and stars must be aligned when we consummate our bond.” I always roll my eyes, but I think he’s just waiting until I turn sixteen to become an adult. Well, you know, in the wolf world.

“When you finish, your fathers asked to speak with the both of us. I believe your brothers and sister will be present as well.” Blake had turned his attention to the scene outside the window.

I audibly sighed, “could you help me?” I asked. Blake turned to me, gulping down his strength. “I’ll grab your robe.” I scowled, “No. Help me out of the tub. My balance and agility aren’t up to par. I need your hand.” He nods and approaches me. When he grabs my hand, I stand, and he turns away—causing a ripple of pain.

I know I should feel grateful that he was a gentleman, but the emotion that was the highest when he’d turn away or walk away each time after seeing me n***d was rejection. I know it’s not like that. But I couldn’t help but feel that way.

He exited in a hurry after I could stand without assistance, causing my mood to sour. Great.

**********

“Everyone, find a seat.” My mother announces as we all enter their office one after another. Blake took a seat furthest from the group, and I sat with my siblings and cousins.

“First off, I want to say how proud we all are of you. You are all excelling in your training and studies. We, all of us,” my mother points to all the adults in the room, “are very impressed at how far you’ve all come recently.” She gives us all a gracious smile, “we have some announcements.” We all silently nod, and she exhales a big breath.

“Nahe and Nanea have disappeared.” She stops, I believe expecting some outburst. I mean, I was sickened at the news, but I was emotionless right now. “We’ve had several species keeping their eyes and ears peeled, and it seems they have just vanished into thin air.”

All I could do was sigh, I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. We are a royal family above all else. I never would use my power in violating ways, but goddess, how could they just vanish? Somebody has to know something? Right?

“Yes, my daughter, you are right?” I squirm in my seat, caught off guard that she’s seen my thoughts. “Sorry, mom. I just...I just don’t understand.”

“What don’t you understand, Naomi?” My father, Maika, asks gently. “How they can disappear. We are the Royal family. We rule two entire species. Have bonds with the Fae world, seers at our disposal. The two species we rule dominate in gifts, strength, and speed. Can’t we command people? Or send seers out to scout for folks who may know something? I don’t know.”

Realization began to sink in of the lack of effort, causing my already frail patience to lose another several rubber bands. Forcing me to be able to vent finally, “they are two-fourteen-year-olds who were able to pair up with humans and rogues. Not only pair up with them but be comfortable enough to sell me off. To top it all off, they had connections with someone in the dark arts who conjured up a poison with ingredients from another world to kill off wolves. These aren't easy feats. So how could two teenagers do all of this and then disappear? Yet the royal family has let them, poof! disappear?” I felt as tears fell, and Blake walked over to pull me into a hug. I was so frustrated that I shrugged him away.

I haven’t been able to feel emotions regarding this entire time. But today, it seems I was ready to face them. “I understand your frustration....” My mother tried, but I wasn’t having any of it. “No! None of you do! I’ve shattered into a million f*cking pieces. Because of those two evil spawns from hell. They killed my wolf!” My parents couldn’t look at me when I revealed the cold truth.

“She isn’t dead-“ I cut my mother off again, “oh yeah, she’s in a f*****g coma. She is no longer a part of me. I worked a whole week with Tobias, and still no f*****g wolf. That f*****g makes everything better.” I snap.

Their silence was infuriating. “You know what? I’m out!” I was going to stand when I heard a sniffle from my mother.

I've always felt bad when my siblings caused her any pain, but right now, I am angry. And it was shadowing every other emotion. I didn’t care.

“I don’t belong here. Never had. It’s like Nahe said, I am but a mutt. One so low on the totem pole that not even the royal family dares to find those who hurt one of the children they claim to love. I was naive to think differently.” I was so angry I could feel a heat radiate around me as if I was on fire.

“Naomi? Baby? Please, calm down.” I turn to Blake, about to snap, when I realize he’s one of the only ones who has been here for me even though I've pushed him away every time. The only one who has..... hot. Burning searing heat. I raised my hands in front of my face and saw burning flames engulfing them. I try to whip my hands to try to get it off, but nothing happens.

“Help.” I cry to Blake. And without even a second thought, he engulfs me in his arms. Not once caring, I could burn him.

“It’s okay, breathe. I’m here. I ain’t going anywhere.” He hums a soft tune, “close your eyes,” I listen and soon find myself swaying like the winds on the shores. “There you go.” He coos.

I felt warm now. The heat was not completely gone but very much dampened down. When I open my eyes, Blake is staring down at me, his eyes brimmed with unshed tears. “You okay?”

How could I be? No one seemed to care enough to do s**t. Everyone just stood there. Not saying a f*cking word. “Naomi-ho-what was that?” My father Alaric finally asked.

I didn’t know how to answer their questions. It took me a while, but I finally found my voice, “No. I’m not okay. And I don’t know what that was.” I sob.

Blake holds me tighter, and we stand there. I could feel him pushing off as much of his mana onto me. Usually, I’d take it and let it surround me. However, this time around, at this moment, I felt like he was trying to control me.

“No!” I screamed, pushing him away. “Naomi?” He asked pain etched in his voice. “No! I've had enough of everyone's pity and coddling. Enough of everyone's judging eyes.” With that, I backed away slowly. “Omi? Look at me.” Lia says. I did, and when I saw the same pity in her eyes, I ran.

I ran down several flights of stairs. I could hear everyone shouting for me, but my feet had listened to my thoughts, and they kept running. The worst part was that no footsteps followed me, breaking my already tattered heart. I knew no one cared.

(Mind link)

Makana-“Naomi, baby, please. No one is pitying you. No one here has ever judged you. Please.”

My mother pleaded, but it all fell on deaf ears. I cut off all mind linking and kept running.

They didn’t care. If everyone did, my parents and my fellow royal family would have caught those responsible for stealing my wolf and punished them. But no, no one was pushing to find them. They allowed the twins to disappear.

Anyone who heard my thoughts and words would probably think I was overreacting and throwing a child-like tantrum. But no one understood me. Only Tobias had. He knew how deep this all hurt me. In one week, Tobias took the time to get to see how all of this truly affected me. Even when I didn’t want to talk about it, he’d bug me until I spoke. And after the third day, Tobias was my confidant who didn’t pity me. He was the only one pushing for answers, helping me get my wolf back, and genuinely listening to me. Tobias was my best friend, and he wasn’t here.

I was deep in the forest when I finally stopped. My legs and lungs were burning. My emotions caught up with me quickly, and I screamed at the top of my lungs in pain. I knelt there, on my knees, pleading with my...the moon goddess for strength. But as it seems, my words fell on deaf ears. I was more human now than the last time I saw her. She doesn’t answer to humans.

A human who can will fire.

***********

Lia POV

The pain was so evident in Naomi’s entire being. She was right. No one was pushing hard enough to seek justice for the twins' actions. Everyone here claimed to love her, but did they? Because I know if something like this happened to Kealoha, all rules would have gone out the door.

I stood and went to leave when King Maika’s voice stopped me, “Lia?” I turned around and shook my head. “I’m going with Naomi. Don’t-“ I glared at my parents. “She’ll never survive on her own. And unlike some of you, I love her and will bring down worlds to fight for her.” I turn and leave a heaping amount of chatter.

Blake grabbed my arm before I could exit, and I could see all of his emotions in that brief moment. “Take care of her. When she’s ready for me, I’ll always be here. Waiting. I’ll give her the space she needs.”

I wanted to snap at him because, as her mate, he should be the one to fight for her. Yet he was going to hang back? What the f*ck?

As his best friend, I wanted to trust and believe in him. He was her mate; he could feel what she needed. So I did what a best friend should. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. With a quick nod, he released my arm, and I hugged him.

I make a quick stop in my room and grab a few necessities. I grabbed my wallet, cash, a couple of pairs of clothes, and a prepaid phone I had bought to talk to Luke. This time for emergencies and emergencies only.

When I grabbed the last item, I took off, following Naomi's scent. I may be a top warrior, but I am also one of the best trackers, even without my wolf.

I continue. I had to be about two miles from the pack house when I heard her sobs. I stand back and wait to see if she'd notice me, but with her wolf, some of her enhanced royal senses have left too.

“Omi?” I call out. She stiffens but sags when she sees it’s just me. “Go away.” She sobs. I scoff. Of course, I don’t listen. I ease my way slowly towards her. When I am inches from her, I kneel in front of her, taking her hands into mine.

Neither one of us spoke. But I took Naomi squeezing my hands as a good sign. “Lia, you don’t have to pretend..” I cut her off, “first off, don’t you dare say that you think I've faked my love for you b***h. You are my best friend and confidant. The only one I have ever let in.” I tried not to go all crazy on her. My actual thoughts were to smack the s**t out of her.

“Where you go, I go. Suck it up. You can b***h, cry, yell at me to leave, tough! You’re stuck with me.” I saw as a small smile twitched on her lips. “So, where too?” I say, standing, dusting myself off.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think that far ahead.” She scoffs at her answer. “Okay. Well, it’s still early. We can head where ever you want. I got my hip band and grabbed us some things. Money isn’t an issue. Whatever and where ever you want to go, done. And in the middle, we’ll go around asking questions. Somebody gotta know something.” Her eyes looked at me like I was a refreshing sight.

“We’ll burn down cities to find those responsible,” I smirk. Naomi stands, dusting off. I could tell she was perplexed and didn’t know what to do, so I made suggestions.

“We can go to Paradise Park. My parents have a beachside cabin there. We can stay there a little while. Then head off to Hilo. We can work our way around the island. The back roads will be tricky, it’s not the friendliest of places for us to wander, but I have a feeling that that is where the twins had met their associates. We’ll have to tread carefully.” I awaited her to answer, and I was worried when a few minutes went by, and she remained quiet.

“I hurt him.” Her eyes glossed over with a new supply of tears. “He understands. Yes, he’s hurt. But he understands.” It’s all I could say. “He doesn’t deserve this. He deserves better. A she-wolf.” I gulped the wandering thought of where she was going with this. When she went to speak the following words, I tackled her, “don’t you dare!” I snap.

She was about to declare her rejection of Blake. “I don’t care what the f*ck is going on in your head right now, but don’t you dare reject him because of some pity party you are having. Do you know what he deserves? He deserves to be looked in the eyes if this is what you want. You want to be a coward and do it when you are miles away, f*ck you!” I continue to snap.

Her breaths came in harsh, and she exhaled short. She was hyperventilating. F*ck, she’s having a panic attack.

“Dammit! Omi, look at me. Breathe. Follow me. Look.” I take in a slow, deep breath, then exhale. Then repeat. She listens. Still struggling, she closes her eyes and, after a few minutes, calms.

“I’m sorry.” I hear her whisper so softly that if I weren’t paying attention, I’d have missed it. I let out a loud breath, and tilt her head to look at me. “Stop it. Enough. Pull yourself together. Shut your thoughts down now. It isn’t going to help you.” I was barking out my words. Can you blame me? She was about to reject her mate, my other best friend because she was self-doubting.

“Now get up or help me, Goddess. I will drag you back to the castle.” She stood and wiped away her semi-dried tears. “Thank you, Lia. I don’t deserve you.” I roll my eyes, “I won't repeat it, shut that s**t down.” Omi let out a chuckle and nodded.

I shut my eyes, blocking the non-stop mind links coming in, only paying attention to a couple of them. “We need to go if you are serious about leaving. The reality of their mistakes has surfaced, and I'm pretty sure the castle will go on an all-out search and rescue soon. What do you want to do? Kealoha is stalling for us. Raising hell is more like it. Kahi and Juliette are patrolling around us. Assuring no dangers are near. We probably got a day or two of freedom before the hell of the kingdom comes barging back into our lives, so we doing this?”

Naomi nods, so I pull her with me as I link Kahi to our location and destination. “Paradise park first?” I ask her, and she nods. “You need to think before you act, sister.” I scoff at her. She glares at me, and I laugh.

“Kahi and Juliette are providing security. It’s non-negotiable. They won't interact with you if you don’t want them to. But, Kahi will not let us do this if he isn’t a part of it. Neither will Juliette.” We were walking when I turned back, realizing she was yards behind. I had to smack myself.

“s**t. My bad.” Naomi doesn’t have the gifts of a wolf any longer. Her strength, stamina, will, and everything became more human as each day passed. “It’s okay. It feels nice.” I scrunched my eyebrows, not fully understanding.

“It burns. My legs, my lungs. My whole body aches. It’s refreshing to be able to feel it.” I nod now in understanding.

As wolves, we barely feel the pain because of our high tolerance and quick healing capabilities. We get winded but recover reasonably quickly. When we get injured in training, scratches and bruises are barely noticeable. After an hour, nothing. Muscle pains and body aches are nonexistent.

“We can slow down. Kealoha is still stalling. We may even have until tomorrow before they start sending out search and rescue teams.” I inform her. “Who’s mind linking you?” she asks. “Kahi was earlier. Devon and Kealoha now.” I reply, helping Omi jump over a large fallen tree.

“Bl-Blake? Is he still there?” I nod at her question. “He’ll be there waiting for you when you’re ready to return. And if you don’t return to the castle, he’ll wait for you where ever and whenever you are ready for him.”

Kahi had left a trail of scent to follow. A more precise, smoother path for Naomi and me. The beach house was a hefty amount of miles due north-east of the castle. Sadly, only two miles from the Puna pack. But it’s temporary. And right now, our only option is some motel that wouldn’t accept two teenage girls checking in with cash.

It was getting dark when we were close to the beach house. I had shut my mind links off some odd miles ago, exhausted from the tidal waves of voices that kept pushing through. Then it dawned on me that Naomi hasn’t seemed to have gotten any mind links the entire time.

“Did you shut your mind link off?” She nodded, but I could see something was wrong. “Omi?” A tear ran down her cheek, “I shut my mo-the queen out. And when I tried reopening it, nothing was there. I-I lost the ability to mind link back in the royal grounds.” A soft sob left her mouth, and my heart ached for her, for us.

I’ll never be able to have private conversations with my best friend anymore—no more personal insults of people around us. No more secrets about who we thought were cute and hot.

“I-“ I had no words. I couldn’t even look at Naomi without pity in my eyes. “I wish I had comforting words or knew there was some miracle we could believe in, but I won't fill our heads with false hope. If there is a will, though, there is a way. And I’ll trust in every God, Goddess, and spirit in the universe that somehow, someway, things will find their way back into place. When Tobias returns, we’ll seek him out too.” I pull her close and tangle my arm into hers. “On my life, I swear, I will find who did this, and they’ll wish they died before I found them.”

We continued our journey, and just as we arrived at the cabin, Kahi did a fast safety recon. He gave the all-clear, and we broke in; luckily, Kahi had some skill sets that could disable the alarm system.

“Hey, sissy.” Kahi approached a scrunched-up Naomi and snuggled into me on the oversized couch in the living room. “Hey, Kahi.” She whispered. “I’ll go look to see if there’s anything to eat. You guys talk.”

With that, I left them to their discussions and opened my mind link to my mother, Lexi.

Lexi-“How is she?”

Lia-“Broken. Human. She lost her linking capabilities today.”

Lexi-“I just deposited money into your account. Be safe. Protect our Princess. And I cannot express how proud I am of you and Juliette. You both have your mother, Meagan, Father Noah, and I’s full support. I love you, baby girl.”

Lia-“Love you, mom.”

(end mind link)