Blessed Curse

Accepting

Blake POV

“It’s about time you woke up, sleepy head.” I turned over to see Lia lying next to me on the bed. I scurried up, checking myself. Please, please tell me I didn’t, I internally plead. I think Lia sensed my thoughts and she laughed, “I may be promiscuous, but I am not a r****t Blake.” She crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at me. “Hey, I didn’t think you r***d me. I thought my withering strength got the best of me. I never thought you’d have taken advantage of me.”

I sat back down and pulled her into a brotherly hug. She sighed, then looked up at me. “You okay?” I let her pull away and I nodded. Which in reality wasn’t the truth. Lia and I started off on an honest road, and I didn’t want it to ever end, so I confided in my only friend, “No.”

"Okay," she took my hand and pulled me up. She guided me to a small corner table where fast food was piled. “I hope you’re hungry. Cause I know I am. Let's eat and talk about it.”

We sat down and both dove in. Neither one of us hid our hunger. “You rock, you know that?” She gave me a cheeseburger-filled smile and danced in her seat, as she took a bite of fries. I explained my thoughts and feelings. I swear she wasn't fifteen. After a bit, we just hung out. I took her advice and decided to roll with all the information.

“Where are we?” I asked after taking a gulp of my soda. “Some hotel near the Kona wind pack. The pack house was.....not suitable.” I laughed at her explanation, knowing full well that that pack house was deplorable.

Lucas and Pika walk in, holding a few bags. I raise my eyebrows. “Alpha,” Lucas says with heightened respect in his tone. With that, everything came flowing back. “Dammit Lucas!” Lia scolded.

I closed my eyes, calling Oli in for some help. *Strength buddy. Please. I need your strength.* I called him.

Like a calming breeze flowing through me, I open my eyes and sigh. *Thanks bud.* He rustles and I feel like he gets comfy in my mind.

“Thanks Lucas. But what are those?” I asked, pointing to the bags. “Ah-well it’s late. We highly recommended the Luna to not drive this evening as the Kona wind has brought in pelting rain. So, we went out and got some clothes and toiletries. Nothing fancy.” He explains and hands me a bag, then one to Lia. Both Lucas and Pika joined us for the remaining of our dinner and left when they were done. Their room was across the hall.

“Alright. We’ll leave bright and early, say six. I have to make up time for training as I’ll miss the five A.M training. Is that okay with you?” I sighed. “You guys go ahead. I still have to get my brother. We have a lot of luggage to unload.” She nods and hands me a set of keys. “What is this?” I ask, still not grabbing the keys. “You know how to drive right?” I nod, still not understanding. “Well, I’ll ride back with Lucas and Pika. You take the car back when you’re done. Don’t worry. It’s just one out of the forty we have at the Royal Castle. No one will miss it.”

I coughed as I seemed to have inhaled saliva at her offer. “I can’t take a Royals car! Are you crazy.” She looks at me with irritation. “Don’t make me use my Luna voice.” She smiles with her threat, and I could only oblige. “Fine, thank you Lia. Truly. You are such a great friend.” She smiles widely and stands. “I won’t see you in the morning, but text me when you are heading back. Oh, and as for thanks, none needed. It’s who I was raised to be and what I was raised to do. To make wrongs right.”

I smile a respectful smile and she bows out, “Good night Alpha.” She says and exits to retreat to her room.

***********

It was already seven in the morning. Lia, Lucas and Pika had long left. Lia had paid for the room until tomorrow in case Devon and I needed time. She texted a good morning text at six and another one right after saying they were heading out. I must’ve been exhausted. I didn’t hear my phone chime at all. I gathered my things and made my way to Lia’s car.

Driving it was smooth. Every bump I hit was like they were never even there. I loved this car. Everything is black. Sleek and stylish. Total Boys toy for sure.

As I rounded the cul-de-sac where Mr. Waiki, our old teacher from grade school, lived, I inhaled a deep breath then let it out slowly. When I parked, I sent a prayer out to the Moon Goddess asking her to be with me. As I explained to my brother, who watched as our mother died in his arms, that we couldn’t give her a final goodbye.

I jumped out and made my way to the front door, then knocked. “Coming.” I heard Mr. Waiki called out. “I got it Mr. Waiki. Sit. Eat.” I heard Devon say and I smiled at his kindness.

When he opened the door, his shock only lasted a few seconds as he pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. “Hey Dev, im here brother. I am so sorry.” I held on to him tight. As he did the same. When he was finally ready, he pulled away, eyes red. He gave me a tight-lipped smile, and I gave him a hard pat. “I missed you too.”

“Who’s there son?” I heard Mr. Waiki holler. “Oh uh-“, I put my finger up to my lips to silence Devon and made my way to find our favorite of all-time teacher. “Hey old man.” I said. He looked up and let out a proud laugh. “Come here you little shit.” I laughed at his endearment and helped him up to hug him.

He has been retired for a while now. His years were worn on his face. He was apart from a handful who loved their job, not for the money or the benefits, but for the kids. He was a human who was raised by a wolf family. And he was probably one of the most genuine people I knew.

“I am so sorry son. Your mother was a gem. Her shine will sparkle above us, along with all the rest of our lost ones.” He gives me another hug and pats my back. We move our conversation into his dining room, where Devon serves up a mountain of breakfast food.

“Dev? What the?” He shrugs and dives in. Pancakes were toppling over in its high tower. Scrambled eggs, enough to serve twelve, mountainous on a nearby plate. Bacon, sausage, Polish sausage, spam, even Canadian ham sat neatly organized on a serving platter. Oatmeal, with fresh fruit on the side. Orange juice, coffee and tea to wash our meal down. “Good job buddy.” I said, picking up a bacon, saluting him and his awesome spread.

We eat, making small talk. Devon looked at peace for the moment and I smiled happily to see him so calm. “So who’d you rob?” Devon asked, shoving a piece of spam in his mouth. “What? What are you talking about?” “The snazzy car you pulled up in? Where’d you steal it from?” I laughed, then rolled my eyes. “It belongs to a friend. She let me borrow it.” I say as I continued my meal.

My appetite is still not satiated. “She huh? Ooh-is she your mate?” I couldn’t believe he was hackling me. “No. She is not. Just a really good friend. And-no, not like that. Just a friend I know I can depend on.” He smiles, wagging his eyes. I shake my head.

I have to remember, he was only fifteen. But hold on, so was Lia. Hmm. Well, she was raised totally opposite to us. She was raised to mature quickly. So Devon’s child-like behavior was actually a refreshing sight.

“Can I meet her?” He asks, still stuffing his face. “Yeah. You will.” I said, finishing up my plate. “Awesome. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.” I laughed, as did Mr. Waiki.

By nine we were all full and now sitting in the living room. I had already briefly confided in Mr. Waiki about the recent discovery of what happened to my mother as well as our lineage. He was upset to say it mildly about how the ex-Alpha handled my mother's send off. It wasn’t right. When I told him what was found, that Devon and I held Alpha’s blood, true Alpha’s blood, he beamed, saying, “Now go claim what is yours.” But I shook my head, “No, it’s not what I want. If Devon wants to, I’ll petition a meeting with the Kings and Queen to see what can be done. But for me, I don’t want the responsibility.” He smiles and nods, acknowledging my humility.

Devon joined us after he finished cleaning up the kitchen. Even though we had Alpha blood, omega traits ran deep. And as much as I used to hate being an omega, I now appreciate the life of one. Granted, we were treated horribly. But our skill sets are broad and we could fix or cook just about anything.

“So, when do we leave?” Devon asks. I shook off my nerves and decided now is the best time to come forward. “Devon, first I want to say how awesome you are.” He laughed a quirky smile and I laughed.

“I went to the pack.” He gasped. “What!? I-I thought we were going together?” I nodded and waited to see if he had any other questions or statements. But he held off.

“The company I was with needed to sort things out with our old pack. After my claims, she needed to deal with it. So I wasn’t able to come get you first. Plus, by the time we got to the pack it was already after seven last night.” He nodded as I watched as confusion crossed his eyes, “She had to sort some stuff out? Who is she? And what is she, to be able to ‘sort’ things out?” I smiled at his wittiness. “My friend who let me borrow her car, her name is Lia. She is the Royal Courts Luna in waiting.” Silence. Pure silence. “After I had confided in her yesterday about Mom and things, as well as how poorly we were treated, as a Royal court member, she was obligated to see if my claims were true. And let's just say she wasn’t left thinking of me a liar.”

I let things sink in before I continue. “The Ex-Alpha Cohen-“ “Ex?” Devon interrupts me. I nodded, “I’ll get to that shortly. In questioning, the Royal Luna released the bonds that Cohen had over the pack members, including Luna Aza. She said that he-he burned mom after he disbanded you.” Devon shot to his feet. Anger rolled off of him. “I’ll kill him. He had no right. Alpha or not. It is our right, as her blood relatives, to conduct it. He had no right!”

I approached him and pulled him into a hug. I knew this wasn’t going to be taken well. When I felt his calm, I continued, “I am sorry brother. I am angry , just like you are. But there is nothing I can do.” He cried, as did I.

I let out a sigh, sending one more prayer to the Moon Goddess, “the entire pack was under a dark witch's spell. Many members knew who we were but were unable to speak of it. The spell restricted anyone from speaking of their pasts.” Questions, confusion and shock were evident on Devon’s face. So I waited, giving him time to process the information so far. When he seemed to have caught up, he looked at me, perplexed, “Who we were? What does that mean?”

“Galen said he found a secret vault or something. In it was a chamber that held the Alpha’s deepest, darkest secrets, as well as the history of our pack. Cohen blood did not rule. It was our blood, our fathers' blood that ran for two centuries. Our ancestors were building blocks of the Kona wind pack. We, you and I are the last of it’s line.” I ended.

“Wh-wai-hold on. You’re saying our father? Was an Alpha?” I smiled, giving him a nod. “Not just an alpha, but a blooded alpha. Meaning, our history goes back to some of the first blessed Alphas, blessed on earth a millennium ago. By the Moon Goddess herself. We are true-blooded Alpha’s.”

Devon raised to his feet and started pacing. “Galen has to be lying. How did no one know about us? I mean, neighboring packs. Alpha’s of old. How is it we don’t remember this? I remember father, but he was an Alpha? I-” I could see where Devon's disbelief came from. I knew where his thought process was. Because I thought the same.

When I came out of my fainting spell, as we were eating, Lucas, Pika as well as Lia confirmed with the Kings and Queen of our lineage through old scrolls. It was only until then that I truly believed it. Plus, Lucas and Pika had gathered-alpha Cohens diaries as well as our old books to build a case against him. Lucas read through some of them, confirming Galen's claims.

“It’s true brother. I swear. You may do what you want with this information, but I choose not to take the role of Alpha. It isn’t who I want to be.” He looks at me with shock, “Brother, are you serious? You’ll willingly decline your birth right? To be a commoner?” I sighed, clearly seeing where Devon leaned.

“I am. And I do. If you want to take your birthright, I will stand by you. Support you in your journey. But, I’ll remain as I am.” He looks at me like I’ve lost my head. “But why? Blake, we have a chance at a better life. One where we make the rules. We command and not be commanded.” I shook my head, utterly sick to hear those words coming out of my brother's mouth.

“We were dealt a hard life Devon. One I wish no one to ever endure. We’ve seen what unfair, disrespectful and over-bearing Alpha’s are like. We’ve lived through the submissions, felt the pain of being whipped, starved, treated like sewer rats. We felt what being commanded to submit until we were crawling on all fours, begging to be released was like. Is that how you want to be? Because I am sorry Brother, I will not stand by you if that is what you seek. You will be no better than Alpha Cohen and his allies.”

My anger swelled just thinking about it. Devon huffed and slumped back into his seat, “no, I don’t want that. I just want a better life. If I find my mate, I want to give her the world. As an omega, how can I do that?” Again, I knew where he was coming from and I was happy to hear that he didn’t want to be a low life Alpha, so I gave him the best advice I could.

“When we return to the east side, I’ll see if my friend can get us a meeting with the King. We’ll see what our options are. Like I said, if you seek an honorable and respectful future, I’ll stand by you.” He beams and nods, accepting my offer. “But this all won’t happen until you finish your studies and meet your wolf.” He pouts but agrees.

It was after lunch when we both agreed to return to my new life on the east side. He’s never been out of the pack lands other than to the nearby stores and areas.

He was like a child seeing all the water falls and bridges we had to cross to get to my new home. As we passed by the fields where cattle grazed, he ooh’ed and ahh’ed. I made a personal promise to give my brother freedom to explore. To see new things. Ground rules in place, for sure. He was sheltered and really hadn’t been able to experience anything.

We reached Hilo, the next big town other than Waimea and Kona, and made a pit stop. He takes in the lights and little shops that spread across the front street. Galleries, little mom and pop shops, restaurants. His eyes were everywhere.

I haven’t come to Hilo much. Once or twice, so seeing it now, at twilight, was really beautiful. Especially this part of town. Older buildings lined the old roadways. People walked hand in hand, gazing into the different shops. Children laugh as their fathers buy them the ice cream they screamed for. It was absolutely picturesque. I texted Lia about where we were, but didn’t get a reply. Now knowing she was a royal, I knew she had responsibilities, so I let her know that when she was ready, Devon and I would be at my place. That she could pick up her car whenever she wanted.

After stretching our legs and getting Devon an ice cream, we headed out, making the half-hour drive towards the Puna area. He sat quiet as the sights passed us by. It was quarter to seven when we arrived at my apartment and I sighed as I parked. I forgot about my living arrangements. It's small for me. It’s really small for two guys. “This is temporary. Don’t get comfortable here.” I said as we exited the vehicle and made our way up into the building I call home.

We entered my apartment and I back-pedaled, taking a look at the door that read my apartment number. I looked back, then back at the apartment number. What the f**k?! My once five hundred square foot ‘studio’ apartment was now atleast a thousand maybe two thousand plus square foot apartment.

“Whoa!” I hear Deven beside me. “Sick dubs bros.” He walks in doing a twirl, whistling at the sight before us. I was still stoic in the doorway. Unable to believe what's before me.

Immediately entering, you are welcomed to a open space that is straight across to the new floor to ceiling tinted windows. The walls were a soft matte white, the floors a charcoal shade of gray tile. Where my little kitchenette once was located, is now a sizeable open kitchen with an island larger than my old kitchen all together. s**t, the island was bigger than my bed. Everything was white. The walls, the cabinetry. Gold accents broke up the sterile feel of the kitchen, providing the space with a very professional feel. The stainless steel appliances immediately caught my attention and I couldn’t help but smile. We loved to cook. I glanced left and my once little studio was now a sprawling living and dining area combined. The flow of the area was easy. From anywhere in this space, you can see everything. It was perfect for hosting gatherings.

“Whoa! I get my own room!?” I heard Devon shout from a short hallway to my right. I followed his voice and see two doors down the short hall. One to the right, one to the left.

“Blake, dude. This is awesome!” Devon shouted as he jumped on the king-sized bed. I was still at a loss for words. Who the hell? What the hell? and every hell kinda question swarmed my mind. I spun on my heels and took to the second bedroom.

A lamp stood on a modern-style bedside table, just as I entered the room to my right. With the lamp, a card leaned gently. I picked it up and immediately opened it. ‘To a friend who needed to know that he is a blessing. Lia & Naomi’

Still no words. Just tears. The room I stood in was massive. To my experience, anyway. Deep blue material decorated the floor to ceiling windows. Giving the room a regal feel. A king-sized bed, one of the biggest beds I have ever seen, barely took up an inch of the massive space. Random artwork, some that looked quite pricey, decorated the white walls. Then there, beside my bed, next to the lamp, was a picture. My eyes burned as ugly tears poured out like a tidal wave. Encased in a solid, ornate wooden frame with two wolves on the lower corners, was a family picture I do not remember taking. But I knew everyone in it. My finger automatically grazed over my mother and I let out a sob. Devon came in with the same photo in his hand and both of us let the dam burst further. He pulled me in and I him. We cried until I reeled it in.

“How do you afford this?” Devon asks, finally able to speak, still through hiccups. “I can’t.” I laugh out incredulously. “What do you mean?” He asks. “My friend Lia? The Royal Luna? She and her friend did this. I don’t know how, because when I left here yesterday, my entire studio apartment was smaller than the kitchen you see out there.” I shook my head. My landlord is going to sue me.

*ding* I reach in my pocket and see a text from Lia, “I hope I didn’t overstep. But do hope that you like it. All courtesy to the Kings and Queen.” Lia texted. I shook my head. “Facetime me.” I text back and in seconds she does.

“Hey. Are you mad?” I laughed at her words. How could I be mad? Really?

“Mad? Really? You’d think so. But honestly I don’t know what I am.” I laugh again as she stares at me. “I don’t think my landlord will approve of this-uh-, renovations.” She giggles at my words, and when I turn she rolls her eyes. “My Dad owns that building dumb-dumb. He’s the one that had it done.”

“Lia, what? Why? he doesn’t even know us.” I felt my worry soar. “Hey, don’t do that. He doesn’t, but I do. I told him, and so did Lucas and Pika. You’re a good guy Blake.” I didn’t see or hear any hidden agenda and I felt a rising emotion in me. One of a brother to a little sister. A love and protectiveness over her.

“Thank you. Thank you so much. I’ll try to see how many more hours I can take on to pay the increase in rent for this place. I’ll-“ Lia cut me off with another laugh, “You own the apartment silly. It’s yours and Devons. Paid in full.” Again, silence from me.

“Before you freak out, again, and don’t deny it, because it’s literally all over your face already, all my father asks is that you stay true and kind in all you do. Oh, hold on, someone wants to talk to you....” Lia's face disappears and a broad, large, Alpha man steps into frame. The Alpha of the Royal Court. I bow, which I thought was the custom, but apparently it wasn’t because the Alpha laughed. “I see.” He says, looking over the phone, which I bet was too Lia.

“Hello son. I’m Lia’s father, Alpha of the Royal Court, Alpha Noah. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I gulped, and hard. My wolf cowered even though the Alpha wasn’t in our physical presence. “Hello sir-Alpha-Royal Alpha.” I stammered with every blubbery word that came out of my mouth.

He laughed again and shook his head, “It’s just Alpha. First, on behalf of the Royal Court and Royal Family, we want to extend our heart-felt condolences for the loss of your mother. If it’s any consolation, please know that her spirit is with the Moon Goddess and her spirit is free.” He let me absorb for a minute and continued, “I apologize if my daughter ever-er, came across strongly.”

I laughed but shook my head. “No sir, she never had actually. She knows where my loyalty sides, it’s with my mate and she’s never overstepped.” He sighs and nods, in relief. “Alright, she’s said that you’ve recently found that you and your brother have true Alpha blood. We’ve read up a lot and if any further evidence is needed on your end, as your Alpha, I hereby acknowledge the fact and confirm, you and your brother are of true Alpha blood.” I sighed. “Son?”

I looked back at the screen, “Alpha, I choose not to accept my birth right. My brother is, he still has to shift and meet his wolf, plus he has his studies and needs to graduate. He’s leaning on claiming his birth right. When he’s of age, and if that is what he still wants, I’ll support him. But I’m good. Truly.” He smiles a fatherly smile and nods.

“Alright. Your right to claim your position will always be open. It’s not something the Royal court does, so just know that they see something in you. Enough to still give you the chance to claim the title, if you ever choose too.” I nodded at his words, unable to convey my gratefulness for their kindness.

“We’d like to meet you and your brother. We have a Royal pack house within the Puna Pack grounds. Can we schedule a formal meeting?” I felt my breath rate pick up. “Uh-a formal meeting? Us? The Royals?” Just then Lia’s voice chimed in, “Blake breathe buddy. I’ll be there. Naomi will be there. We got you bros.” I couldn’t even with her and just laughed at her informal words. For Goddess sake, her father was on my screen. He shook his head as well, a twitch of his lips giving away his love for his daughters weird ways. “So, is tomorrow too early? Say, dinner, Five p.m.? You may keep the car for now. Use it as you must.”

What the hell was this family being so giving? Holy heck! “Thank you sir. And yes, five? Dinner. Is there any dress code? I-we don’t have much.” He smiles a kind smile, “No, no dress code, informal. The queen doesn’t like it, uh-how does she put it? Oh-she hates that shit.” We both laugh at the same time and he bids me farewell. Lia shouts from the back goodbye and I hang up.