Blessed Curse

Uninvited

“Alright Alpha. Spill it.” Alpha Maika seemed to be the talker. I also felt like it was easy to talk to him. “My king, I am Naomi's mate.” I held my breath as I expected to be torn to shreds, or at least be graced with blood-curdling growls that would resonate off the mass room walls. But nothing other than curious words.

“Yeah, we figured that out.” King Dom said, a bit of humor in his tone. “But why won't you tell Naomi?” He continued. “Do you not want her?” With those words, all three Kings growled. “No, Goddess no, I want her. Heaven knows I do. But she’s still only fifteen. She still hasn't shifted,” I sigh, “I’m eighteen. I’m patient. I’ll wait. I want her to feel the same emotions. The pull. Not have to be forced because I have announced my claim to her. It’s not fair to her. I think she has a feeling, but for some reason, she-she hasn’t shown anything more than what you saw earlier. But I want her to want me.”

King Dom stood quiet as did King Maika when King Alaric barked out in laughter. “I, King Alaric, give you my blessing.” I gulped. A hard pat, not so hard that it hurt, but one that felt welcoming, was placed on my shoulder, “I, King Maika, give you my blessing. My mate already loves you. I’ll never get laid if I go against what she knows and feels.” He and King Alaric burst out into chuckles at their inside joke.

Both kings who had given me their blessing soon turned to King Dom, the one king that made the final call. “Hmm-“ he says, and I was shitting bricks. Seconds felt like hours, no one spoke a word, and no one showed any emotions. My heart started to beat erratically. Sweat beaded and in that second I swore I was going to soil myself. Fear and doubt crept through me. This was it. I’ll have to reject her. King Dom would never allow me, an omega, to be mated to his precious daughter. My head tilted forward as I accepted my defeat.

“There are so many Alpha’s who have requested to choose my daughters as their chosen mate.“ I let a growl out at the thought of another taking MY mate. He took a long swig of the dark liquor in his glass, a smirk playing at his lips, “We three believe in the mate bond more than any law. I always prayed my daughters would be mated to an honorable, kind man. It doesn’t matter his title or rank. I don’t care if he was a rogue, if he was willing to change for her, I’d allow it.” I gulped. “You, my son, are such a blessing to her. If my Queen already loves you, there is nothing I can say or do. Her word is all I need. I, King Dominic, give you my blessing.”

An immense heat surged around me. “Wh-what’s happening?” I coughed as the heat took my breath away. Oli, sat proudly, *Calm down my friend. All will be known soon.* I close my eyes, willing myself to suck in a breath, then another.

When I opened my eyes, the floor looked farther away. I pulled my hands up, “Holy s**t!” The three kings laughed. “What happened?” I asked, looking at the three men before me. “Welcome to the family, Royal Prince Blake.” King Dom stood tall and confident. His power so dominating, his word, law. It was actually pretty cool hearing him use his kingly voice. This time, I wasn’t afraid. No. I stood taller, more confident, as I felt like I had been blessed by the moon Goddess herself.

“C’mon, our mate will kill us if we’re late for dinner.” King Maika says, a shiver running over him. We walked out of the ornate room that looked to be rarely used now that I looked around. It looked to be a very formal ball room.

“We wanted to get a feel of you. Thought the room might intimidate you.” King Alaric said, and this time, as he spoke, I didn’t feel afraid. I felt like we were friends. Long time friends.

“It wasn’t the room that intimidated me.” they all laughed just as we entered the dining hall. I guess my furrowed eyebrows were a sign for the Kings to answer my unasked questions. “We are not like you think, Blake. We really are regular wolves. Yeah, we hold all these titles and stuff. But in reality, we are normal people too. See?”

On a long, regular cafeteria table, like those in school cafeterias, sat the entire family of the Royals. The Queen was dressed in a simple t-shirt and leggings, as were the Luna and Gamma females. The Royal children were all dressed in beach wear or regular clothes. T-shirts and shorts.

“There-“ The Queen stopped and smiled. Devon stood up and ran over, “Dude, what's happened to you? You’re like ripped!” I laughed, “I’ll explain later.” He nodded, but proceeded to grip my arms to feel my broad shoulders. “Knock it off.” He smiled and gave me an approving look.

When her scent caught me, my eyes immediately drew to her. I watched as her cheeks reddened and her eyes bulged. I gave her a curt nod as Lia smiled widely at me.

***********

Naomi POV

Kealoha, Ikaika and Kaleo’s sixteenth birthday.

“Omi! C’mon. Please?” Kealoha whined out. “You have to walk beside me. I want you too. If not, I’ll tell mom to cancel my whole party. Ikaika and Kaleo can have all the glory.” I giggled at her attempt to sway me. I've never seen her so.....un-princess like.

“It’s not tradition.” I chortle. “You of all people know that. Dad must walk you down the red carpet.” My sister was pouting, something she’s been doing more lately. It was so cray cray to think this was the same sister who barely even spared me a glance.

“But I’ll need you. I don’t want to be alone.” I gawked at her. “What are you talking about? Hello? Big a*s family? When are we EVER alone?” She chuckled but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“If I talk to our Dads, and they approve, will you?” I sighed. I loved her. What else could I say? “Yes. I’d be honored.” She smiled like she'd won the spelling bee contest. Like a big-headed winner, she tilted her chin up to say, ‘see I got my way.’ I laughed and rolled my eyes.

“Is your dress back from alterations? What about your request for no mate dance?” She nodded at my first question then sulked at the second question. “No. Dads said I have too. I should shift when the clock strikes twelve tonight. Per tutu Anela. I shouldn’t have any problems. Tomorrow, at the ball, after the ceremonial birthday blessings, I’ll shift before the masses. If no one immediately claims me, I’ll have to dance with every suitor.” She hung her head low. I couldn’t imagine how she felt.

“I’m sorry tita. I am.” I sat beside her and pulled her in for a hug. “Why do I need a man? I am one of the fiercest fighters. My magic is now one with me. I can recite the eight inch thick book of wolf laws in my sleep. I know every pack and their Alpha’s, Luna's and Beta families. I-I don’t want a mate.” All I could do was cradle her in a side hug.

“How about this, when it comes time for you to shift, I’ll have Blake with me, beside you. If a suitor claims you, and you are not comfortable. He’ll help.” She looked up into my eyes, tears at the brim. “If I find a mate, I hope he’s like Blake.” I smiled, feeling no jealousy. Mainly because everyone in our family loved Blake like a true brother or family member.

*****

Blake has been a constant in my life for the last month or so. After his introduction to the family, after my mother blessed them with a visit with their mom, he took his birth right to become a true-blooded Alpha. I was so happy for him.

We had returned to the Royal castle as Blake and Devon returned to their home.

Deparating was hard. I couldn’t explain the pain. When I tried to explain to my sister, I told her at first it was a dull ache. But as weeks went by, the pain became more defined, much more difficult to bear.

Then one day, Blake and Devon visited and all the pain disappeared. He had that effect on everyone though. Even Lia pepped up her step when Blake came. Again, no jealousy there.

Lia said she believed that Blake was my mate. I thought he was kind and very handsome. However, I didn’t feel the mate pull. I was over protective of him, and didn’t like when girls threw themselves at him, but I made myself believe it was because he and Devon have had enough trouble in their short lifetime to last two more. I wanted them, him to be able to live his life.

Today was my brothers and sisters' sixteenth birthday. Everyone was in a flurry of motion. Uncle Nate, Council members Greyson, Garrett and Kamalu ordered the Royal staff around like a well oiled machine. The way everyone moved was smooth and effortless. No chaos, no yelling.

The large foyer was a sight. Long tendrils of maile draped along the walls, creating a heavenly scent. My sister requested them to be of natural Hawaiian decor. Locally grown foliage, respectfully collected sea shells, locally gathered flowers. The council wanted it to be a grand black, white and gold affair. But my sister put her foot down.

“Princess Naomi. Good afternoon.” Uncle Nate greeted. “Hi Uncle. Anything I can help with?” He smiled a proud smile, “no my dear. We’ve got it under control. Aren't you supposed to be getting ready?” I looked down at my watch and quirked my head, “it’s only two.” My uncle shook his head, “We have arranged for you and all your siblings and cousins to get the royal treatment. Spa day if you will. Now go. Your chamber maids will be waiting.”

I sagged my shoulders, “why uncle must you t*****e me? Don’t you love me?” He and council member Kaulana laughed at me. “Your mother said so. It wasn’t our doing.” Council Garrett stated. “Maaaaan!” I stomped away, making my way up to my room.

“Oh Good Goddess, thank goodness you arrived. We were trying to mind link you, where were you?” Wehi chided. “Can we just pretend we went through the spa process?” She raised her brows, “Princess, your mother will not be happy and she’ll know. Oh yes she will. So get in that tub.” I stomped even louder. I didn’t care I was a princess and behaving childishly. Spa days suck. It’s a whole bunch of scrubbing your skin off till you practically bleed. Pulling, yanking, burning and squeezing of the body is not right.

But my mother would flip her lid if I didn’t do as she arranged, so I got to it. I’ll bare it for my siblings.

Five o'clock. A loud bell rung. Signaling the arrival of all the Alpha’s and guests. Wehi was putting the final touch of my make-up on which I was stern on, ‘the less the better.’ I hated that cakey feeling.

“Alright Princess. The dress.” Wehi helped me into it and laced me up.

“Go, go get ready.” I told her when she stepped back. “Princess, we-we’re not-“ I gave her the look to stop. “I said. You will accompany me. Now go get the dress that you tried on. It was altered for you.” Her eyes bugged out. “Chop chop.” I ushered her to the bathroom to get a quick shower.

I was still sitting at my vanity when she came out. Just like months ago in our dressroom, she looked stunning. “Can you lace me up?” She did and then I sat her down to apply her make-up. Like me, ‘less is better.’

We both checked each other out. “You look beautiful, Princess Naomi.” I curtsied at her compliment and walked to the mirror. Pure shock racked my bones. “Who the hell is that?!” I yelled, looking at the mirror. Wehi laughs, “You’re so silly Princess.”

I went in a black mermaid dress. Silk brocade, my favorite, snugly hugged my curves as the off the shoulder sleeves draped gently down my slender but fit arms. The snug silk bust made my decent breasts look larger. Even at fifteen, I held a mature’ness in my body like that of a twenty-year-old.

As wolves, especially royal wolves, we mature much faster than everyone else. Fifteen is young, but in our world, I was pre-adult. Our human allies used to think our mating rituals were disgusting, because at fifteen-sixteen we become sexually active. But for us wolves, this is our nature.

I chose black heels, only two inches, but believe me, no one wants to see the mess I am when I am in anything higher. Wehi placed my diamond-studded crown upon my head and breathed out a breath. With this crown, I am now The Princess of Wolves. A certain level of responsibility and stature is to be shown at all times.

I went with two diamond studs for my ears and a diamond tennis bracelet. When Wehi was done getting me put together, I placed a gold-linked chain around her neck. With it, a wolf howling pendant. She gulped.

“Thank you Wehi. For everything.” She touched the necklace and took a look at her final appearance in the floor-to-ceiling mirror. I stepped beside her and gave her an approving smile. “Now, let’s go and slay this party.” She laughed but I walked out with my head held high.

*******

Introducing: Kealohalani’s POV

I was mess. My chamber maid, Lena, was a doll. She did everything as my mother had ordered. Yes, ordered. Not requested. I was scrubbed ever so raw. Every inch of my body that held visible hair was shaved, waxed, plucked or micro-bladed off. It was brutal.

Naomi and I linked to each other during the process, cussing the person who thought of this being ‘spa’ like. I thought it was supposed to be relaxing.

My usual gardenia scented bath wash was replaced with ill-smelling vanilla. I hated the smell, but apparently it’s a scent that is neutral to a male wolfs nose. That if he was my mate, that is the one smell he wouldn’t smell.

My make-up was heavy. It was unbearable that I literally scrubbed every millimeter off, linking my mother that I would not show up if I had to wear that ridiculous amount of make-up. She laughed, but approved. Saying, “I was just testing to see your limits. See you soon sweetie.” Like what the hell?!

Lena reapplied a light coat of make-up, letting my natural skin tones do their job. I did allow false eye lashes. Mainly because, even with mascara, I looked bare.

When it came to my dress, I squealed. I did go in the blue dress. It made me feel like a princess. I laughed at my own joke.

With it I wore my crown. A heavy burden if I had to say. But it was beautiful. Much more than a tiara. As my mother says, ‘I make the rules. Even as Princesses, my daughters will wear crowns, not Tiaras. They are the grand daughters of the Moon Goddess.” It goes the same for my brothers.

The five o’clock bell rung and I let a sigh out. “It'll be okay Princess.” Lena whispered. I nod as she finishes stitching the crown firmly to my head.

My crown differentiated from my sisters. Her crown was white gold, embellished with one huge diamond at the center of her crown, with smaller, not by much, diamonds wrapping all the way around. Little diamonds are perfectly placed in gaps to make them look like an endless shimmer of light.

My crown, my crown stood a whole inch taller than theirs. Like a thick braided vine, the white gold bands weaved in and out of each other. No diamonds, no shimmering glimmering sparkles. As simple and plain as it was, it made a statement of its own.

Even as the next King, my brother Ikaika’s mate, who ever she is, she’ll be a crowned Queen, but she’ll never have my authority or pull. For I am, and always will be, the rightful Queen to rule beside my brother.

“We have thirty minutes, my future Queen.” I nodded, staring at the Goddess in the mirror. When Lena sees her, she stands tall, then bows. “Your highness.” I smile then turn to my closet.

Lena watches and tilts her head in confusion, “Princess Kealoha?” When I walk out, I place the gown in her hands. “Oh no Princess, it is much too late to change. I apologize. Your mother is a kind Queen, but she may just behead me if we arrive late to your own party.” I giggle. “Lena, it’s for you. Now, if you don’t want us to be late, I suggest you get stepping.”

She just gawked at me. “Lena, go shower and get dressed.” She snapped out of her shock and obeyed my command at a quick pace. When she came out, her shyness was ever so evident. “C’mon, make up, hair.” I rushed her along.

Five minutes left, I ushered her in front of the mirror and she gasped. “You look beautiful my friend.” With tears threatening to spill, she turned around and bowed. “I’ll always be here for you.” She whispered. As I embraced her into a hug.

*****

Naomi POV

The six o’clock bell rung, signaling the Royal children to present themselves. Wehi linked my guard, and stood at my five.

“Princess.” My guard bowed. Just then the door across the hall, my sister Kealoha’s door is opened by her guards, for tonight it is Uncle Nate and Uncle Jay. “Oh look at you two.” My uncle Jay coos. “You two have grown to be beautiful young women. May the Goddess, your grandmother, continue to bless you.” We give a nod and smile. The role of Princesses carries in our movements.

To my right, my brothers, Ikaika and Kaleo stepped out as their guards. Lucas and Pika opened their bedroom doors. When they saw us, their smiles wanted to reach their eyes, but like future Kings, they had to show restraint and be stiff. But Ikaika did throw a wink at us that my Uncle Jay saw.

I turned back to my sister, “Princess.” I greeted my sister. She rolls her eyes. I had to hold my breath, I was about to do unruly Princess things. “Princess.” I nodded and we turned, stepping side by side. Uncle Jay and Uncle Nate took point, as my guards, Mason and Katey took to our rear. Two more guards, Hana and Dre, to our rear-rear. Both Lena and Wehi are on Kealoha and I' flanks. To the forefront, head point, Lucas and Pika took their place, as our brothers followed. The rest of our entourage are in tow.

“Ready girls?” Uncle Jay asked. Kealoha nods just as our procession moves forward. I was nervous for my sister.

I wasn’t allowed to be with my brothers and her when they shifted last night. So I have no idea how her wolf looks, but just from her fear, I knew she must’ve been just as magnificent as our mother. I grab her hand, squeezing it.

We made our way down to the second floor landing via our personal lift. All fourteen of us snugly squeezed in. When we hear the voice of Royal Council Member Garrett announce the triplets, then me.

Standing on the ground floor was our entire family. Including Nahe and Nanea. They never made eye contact but I could see they were trying to fight something.

Our parents beamed at us. Deon was in his full-blown military guard uniform, all his medals proudly on display. Kahi, stood so tall, and smiled lovingly at both of us. Uncle Noah, Aunt Meagan and Aunt Lexi were crying. Uncle Wayne and Aunt Louise were in an embrace as they watched us make our way down the stairs. Our grandma Sage had a sparkle in her and I knew my grandma Anela was there too. Beside her grandma, Nohea and Nalani stood, both of them with handsome men at their sides. Uncle Neil and Aunt Leila with their children, Luke with his mate, Malama, Joshy and Maddie. Uncle Anye, Aunt Sarah & my favorite aunt, Aunt Saya. Their children, Amad, Mira and Heli. All my parents'friends that they made along the way that watched us grow up behind them all glowed at the sight of us.

It wasn’t even my birthday, but I felt like it was. Everyone beamed at me like they did the triplets. In Kealoha fashion, she got her way. I was granted the honor of accompanying my sister and being her escort the entire night.

My eyes made contact with the masses, Kealoha and I nodded in a greeting manner to all those we made eye contact with.

When I saw Blake, I watched as his gaze widened. I smiled at him and saw his eyes flash black. I gulped. For a brief moment, he closed his eyes and when they opened again, his dazzling brown eyes sparkled.

He bowed and I returned his greeting with a nod. All three of our fathers stepped in front of our procession, my mother right behind them. Council Garrett announced the entire ohana, as our parents led the way, the rest of our family following us.

Council Garrett made his speech. Announcing that my brothers and sister had successfully shifted. The crowd hooted and howled at that. My dads were standing around my mother, who took her seat on her throne.

It was pleasantries there after and as soon as the council members had concluded their ceremony, officially blessing my sister and brothers, he announced the party to commence.

Many well-wishers approached the triplets. Of course, Ikaika was brooding. He hated those things. Kaleo greeted everyone with the utmost friendliness and courtesy as he shook hands. Kealoha was the poised and perfect princess. She radiated perfection.

“Would the unmated males and females, who are of age, all ranks and titles, please gather around.” Council Greyson, this time, announced. I felt Kealoha sag. Her eyes turned to me with a pleading look. I mean, this was our dads and the councils doing. As it was a custom too.

Ikaika and Kaleo weren’t excited about this either. Grunting and growling as the announcement was made. “Prince Ikaika, Prince Kaleo, Princess Kealohalani?” I gave my siblings a reassuring smile, and they proceeded to the center of the dance floor.

Kahi did the first dance with Kealoha. I was to start the dance off with Ikaika, as Lia would dance Kaleo. The music maestro tapped the bell, signifying the unmated men and women, girls and boys, because, well in human eyes, at sixteen, it’s what we were.

Every time the bell chimed, partners would swap. We watched as some unmated males and females found their mates with each other instead. The immediate trance they fell into was beautiful. Like the world now revolves around each other and each other only.

“Omi, something is wrong.” My eyes snapped at Kealoha and I saw that she stiffened. The Alpha she danced with stood confused. I think at first, he thought she thought they were mates, but he blinked it off and bowed. Taking his leave. I linked my dads.

Naomi-“Dads, something is happening with Kealoha.”

Dad Dom-“I’m here.”

Naomi-“What’s happening?”

Dad Maika-“It’s okay baby girl. Don’t worry.”

I nodded but kept my eyes on my sister.

My mother's powers immediately surrounded the Royal family members, protecting them, us.

I looked around to see my entire family surrounding us younger ones. All my uncles and personal guards formed up. Our elite guards, nonchalantly, surrounded us too. I've seen this in training. The formation everyone was forming. Something was happening.

My breaths were panicked. My eyes pricked with tears. I felt my whole family on edge. Every single one of their powers, whether Alpha, King or magic, was flaring.

Then, like the sun rising, I felt a calm come over me. When I looked, Blake was beside me in a protective stance. I spun my head around to see Devon had taken to Lia’s side. His appearance was the same as Blake’s. With my right hand, I reached for his hand. As soon as I grasped it, my whole body calmed. He rubbed the back of my hand when a loud howl echoed from the other end of the massive hall.

My Dads roared, a roar so loud, the windows in the grand hall blew out. Our guests were stammering around in fright at the power my fathers were radiating.

“Guards!” My father Alaric shouted! “ON OUR LIFE WE SWEAR!” Thousands upon thousands of our guards, both wolves and vampires chanted with a furious roar. Matching the quake, my three fathers roar.

“It-it’s him.” Kealoha cried. “My mate.” It was like the coldness of the deepest part of the arctic stilled time. “He- I feel him.” She was trembling. I held her hand tight. “Kealoha, look at me. Stay with me. I got you.” She turned, her eyes black. Her wolf was calling to her mate. “Dad!”

My father, Dom, roared, “Submit!” He ordered Kealoha’s wolf. In the blink of an eye, Kealoha’s eyes returned and she collapsed. Several arms caught her. I never let go of her hand.

“I command you to show yourself!” Dad Alaric and Alistair's voice thundered. “Oh isn’t this a treat?” His accent was thick. Was it Italian? Polish?

No one moved, as this tall, dark-haired, uninvited massive man walked out from behind the crowd. The crowds parted like the sea. I've never seen anything like that other than with my family. Some sort of power radiated off of him. Alpha.

“Who are you? SPEAK!” My Dad, Dom burst out, a power so strong, but the man before my entire family didn’t move exactly. Flinched. But nothing more. Anyone else would have been baring their necks. But this guy stood with arrogance and pompously grinning. Who was he?