Blessed Curse

United and Torn

Kahikole POV

My sister was home. My shoulders took great reprieve from the moment of weight being lifted off of them.

I watched as she mingled with the family. Everyone showed their excitement at her return.

To see her happy and beautifully strong gave me great relief. She had gone through so much in such a short amount of time that anything more would send me into a frenzy of anger. I was done with my family being attacked. I was done with allowing anyone to come and think they could harm my family. Even if it was family who started all this.

“Hey,” Omi walked towards me, smiling and I couldn’t help the smile that graced my face. “Welcome home Tita. I missed you.” We embraced one another for a few minutes. “How are you?”

She sighed in contentment, “I’m okay brother. Better than okay. You can relax, no one will ever harm me again.” I stared at her when Anastacia came through, showing me gratitude and respect. I nodded in return, when Kealoha walked over.

“So, seems like we have all found our mates. You next little brother.” I rolled my eyes at Kealoha. But Omi looked confused, “whoa-wait! What?”

“Ikaika, Kaleo, even Levi found their mates.” Kealoha explained, causing Naomi to turn so fast, it was a blur. She ran to Ikaika and Kaleo, embracing them, not caring who heard her berate them for not bringing their mates with them.

“I’m sorry Omi, right now it’s complicated.” Ikaika cried as Naomi swung, hitting his shoulder, causing Ikaika to tip on his feet.

“Yeah-what he said. Mine is, she’s been through some stuff. She needs time.” Her breathing slowed as she took in their words, seemingly understanding. “Fine, but I want to meet them. Soon.”

Kealoha approached them, as I watched on from a distance, shaking my head. “First, congratulations brothers. Second, I’m with Omi on this. Soon?”

Like two little boys being scolded by their parents, Ikaika and Kaleo nodded in submission.

I laughed and they eyed me. “It goes for you too, Kahi, when you find her, you will introduce her right away.” I rolled my eyes, but I nodded, “when I find her, you two will be the first to know.” That seemed to have appeased them and I raised my glass.

“Kahi, how are you son?” I smiled at my father, Maika. “Good dad. How’s mom? How’s dad, Dom?” I was mad at them, but I still loved them with everything in me.

He sighed, “they are struggling. But still closed off.” I nodded, not because I understood, but because it’s what others had told me as well. “Do you think they’ll be okay with meeting the new Naomi?”

Once more he let out an exasperated breath, “I’ll ask. But never mind about all of that. Tell me, what have you been up to too? Your dad, Alaric, says you’ve been slowly taking part in the Vampire kingdom as heir. Has anyone given you problems?”

I shook my head, “it’s all very similar to the Wolf world actually. Except since dad got rid of the council, we only answer to ourselves. Vampires are actually very intelligent and very warm actually.” I let out a quick chuckle, “humans have villainized vampires in a massive overkill fashion.” We both broke out in laughter.

“Yeah, wolves were a part of that too. Before your dad and our bond were sealed, we were sworn enemies. But, I am happy we are one now. And that we have this-“ He pointed out to the party where wolves and vampires were drinking, laughing and befriending one another with ease.

“Love you son. Don’t ever forget that. If you ever need me, I’ll be a link away.” I turned and embraced my dad, missing him fiercely. “I love you dad. And same. You need me, I’m there.” We both stood back and watched as Naomi fell. She dared to stand on one foot, looking straight up and touching her nose after taking five shots of hard liquor and chugging five beers.

“Sir Kahi, there is someone here who asked for your presence.” One of our omega’s came up behind me. I nodded, “who?” He swallowed, “madam Sophia sir.” I grunted, causing my dad to raise an eyebrow at me.

“Gotta go tend to a prior nuisance. I’ll be back shortly.” My father scrutinized me before nodding, “remember, link away.” I nodded, finishing my drink and left following the omega.

I entered my study where Sophia sat regally on the sofa. “Ah-Kahi, there you are?” I ignored her and walked to the opposite chair, unbuttoned my coat and sat. “Sophia. What is it you want?” She eyed me, “wow, you really are a piece of work.” I scoffed, “if this is all, I’ll be returning to my family.”

I went to stand when her sigh caught my ears, “I-I was hoping you’d thought about what I said?” I couldn’t hold back the laughter that came out even if I wanted to, “you want me to consider you to be my chosen mate when the time comes?” Louder laughter left my lips and I couldn’t help barreling over in it.

“You are not my mate. Will never be my chosen mate, nor will I ever consider it. You may be suitable, but I would never choose you.” She gasped, “but, but my father said...” I growled, “your father is an old fool. He is no longer a council member and he should remember that. He has no say in who I or my father choose to rule by our sides. If he wants to, I’ll engrave it onto his chest so he will remember.”

My eyes glowed as my anger surfaced. She swallowed, her pearl necklace moving with the motion. Her small bosom rose and falling as panic began to seep into her core. “This is the last time we will be having this conversation. Your summons will fall on deaf ears from here on out. Do I make myself clear?”

Her eyes filled with tears as my beast was now speaking. However, she bowed, “yes my prince.” I stood and left, advising my omega to escort her out and letting him know that she is never to be allowed to summon me again.

*********

Blake POV

When I finally got my sweet sweet mate up to her suite, she was passed out. “She’s not a drinker, I take?” I turned to Tobias and shook my head, “no. I think this may have been the third time she’s ever drunk and never this much.” I laughed, Tobias joining in.

I placed her on the over sized double king bed. Tobias helped by pulling the covers back and pulling off the decorative pillows.

We both stood there, in silent comfort. “This is weird,” I said, laughing. “Eh-not so much.” Tobias replied, catching me off guard. “In all seriousness, I want to apologize.” Tobias looked at me in question.

“When the bond broke, I turned my back on her.” I sighed, rubbing my hands down my face. Tobias sighed, “the bond was gone. I don’t know what the bond feels like, but if it’s what I feel, and if that feeling had been taken away, so to speak, what else were you supposed to do? Wallow in grief? Follow her like a lost puppy? No, you did what anyone would do. Move on.”

I nodded, appreciating his rawness. “You have a lot to learn, Blake. Let everything that has happened go. For from here on out, our future is all that should matter.”

“Thank you. Thank you for filling her with strength, courage and happiness. I am a single percent of the man you are. I have a lot to learn, and I hope to never disappoint you or her.” Tobias gave me a nod in respect as he took one side of Naomi and I the other. Sleep took me in a matter of minutes.

I am not a dreamer, and if I did, it was usually about weird s**t that never made sense, but I found myself in dream land where everything felt so vividly real.

Walking along a raging river, I walked up a steep hill where at the top sat a small pond. I found myself questioning how a raging river was being produced from such a calm small pond.

In my moment of pause, the rustling of leaves broke me out of my thoughts. There was no one present but I felt like I was being watched. “Hello?”

No one replied, but I swore someone was there. I felt uneasy, so I decided to go back the way I came and hopefully either wake up or dream of something different.

“Wait.” A soft familiar voice called. My breath came in quickly as I heard the voice. “Blakey?” I turned and met the eyes of my mother. It didn’t take but a mere second for the tears to pour over in floods. “Oh, Blakey.”

I ran into her awaiting arms, lifting her off the ground, holding on to her, never wanting to let her go. “Mom? How?” She felt real, I could feel her warmth, her heart beat against my chest as I hugged her.

“All I can say is I have a message. I don’t have time to explain everything, but what I do have time to say is you must find your brother Keahi. You must find him and rescue him. I know you have a lot of questions and in time all will be answered, but right now, you, Devon and Keahi must unite and stand as one. Our family was torn a part because of what we possess as a whole. The three of you united will be needed to help win the battles ahead.”

I stood, unable to absorb the words and information. “Mom, what? Wait, Keahi? What do we possess? What does that mean? Why do I not even remember having an older brother?” She smiled, patting me on my cheek, “I’m sorry, we’re out of time. For now, find Keahi. When you do, you, Devon and Keahi remain as a united front. On the next full moon, all will be revealed.”

I watched as she stepped away from me, not before she slid her hand down my cheek, caressing it with love. “I love you Blakey. Remember, find Keahi. And at the next full moon you three will see.”

Everything disappeared and peaceful sleep took over. Peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.

********

Keahi POV

My mouth was hanging open. My heart rate is definitely in over drive. My brain felt like it had stopped working.

“Keahi? Say something?” Sury protested my silence. But what could I say? I looked at her father, who’s eyes felt like they were boring holes through me. “I-I, “ Sury’s brows furrowed, “Keahi? You’re going to be a dad.” I swallowed the non-existent saliva and tried to smile, which I think came off as more of a grimace because of the low growl that came from the king, king Fergus.

“Aren’t you happy? With this, we can now be together. Not even my father has a say in this.” I was still trying to find my bearings with all this information that I was fumbling with. The only word that I had in my vocabulary seemed to be, “I-I....”

Sury’s eyes began to fill with wetness, causing me to remember how to speak, “I’m sorry, no-no don’t cry. I’m sorry-it’s just-I’m just shocked, that’s all.” I immediately leaned towards her, pulling her into my arms, not caring that the king looked a second from shredding me to pieces.

“Sshh-don’t cry.” My heart softened when the information had sunk in. My brain short circuited there, and now that the wire was fixed, I was able to absorb it.

It didn’t take a mere second when realization kicked in. I felt a sense of protectiveness over Sury. One I’ve only felt with Kealohalani. One I knew was because she was indeed pregnant with my child.

Sury and I sat there, her in my arms as I rocked her softly. “I can’t believe it. I’m going to be a dad.” I whispered into her hair. I felt her shoulders move, causing me to move back, trying to see why. She was smiling and crying.

“So you’re not mad?” I sighed, “Shocked? Taken by surprise? Yes. But mad? Of course, I'm not mad. How could I be mad? It’s not like we didn’t prevent this from happening, so why should I be mad?” She wiped the tears and looked into my eyes, “I promise I didn’t want to make you feel trapped, I didn’t intend for this to happen either.” I pulled her into my arms, “sshh-none of that.”

“I expected you to want to bolt.” I looked at the king, who now had a softer look about him. “No sir. While I don’t have the best reputation for sticking around, this is one circumstance I’d never run from.” He nodded in approval but sighed.

“Interspecies mixing, such as werebears and werewolves are unheard of. Yes, I know of the vampire king and the wolf queen. But bears and wolves, I don’t ever remember a word about them. So this will not be taken well by the council. However, I’ll defend my daughter to death if this is what she chooses. If this is what you both choose,” The king says, while looking stressed.

“We are very stubborn, us bears. Many if not all are very proud folk and this will probably turn into a full uproar among my people, but if they choose to want to live, they’ll accept. Or I’ll have their tongues cut out for even speaking ill of my grandchild.” His eyes turned black when he roared the last part.

“King, I know I am not a mate you’d have chosen for Sury. Even if I was a bear. But I’ll try my best. I don’t want the title, I am fine with being just the child's father and Sury’s boyfriend. We don’t even need to do the whole mating ritual and bond rituals, if that is what you and Sury want. I’ll follow your word and laws. I’ll do anything you ask of me, as long as I get to be a part of my child's life.” I tried to choose my words wisely and hoped I had.

“While I am king, this is all up to Sury. If my grandchild wasn’t in the picture, I’d not have allowed it. But, a child, a cub needs its father. That’s one position I cannot fill like a real father can. So, I, King Fergus, king of bears, bestow my blessing on you, Keahi, if my daughter so chooses you.”

I bowed, showing him my respect, and then turned to Sury. Awaiting her decision. “You are our child's father, Keahi, and I would never ask anyone else to father him or her. Would you, Keahi, agree to accept the position as my chosen mate?”

I felt a tug in my chest, knowing the last pin point of bond with Kealoha was at stake. But I’ve lived a long life of doing wrongs to many and for once I needed to do right.

“I accept and swear to put you and my child above all at all times.” I closed the very short distance between Sury and I and kissed her forehead. Something way more endearing than a kiss on the lips.

*Snap* I clutched my chest and felt my bond had broken with Kealoha. My heart ached and I could only imagine the chaos my wolf would be in if he was present, as well as the pain and suffering I had put on Kealoha. I fought to stay conscious as I began to whisper the words I once begged Kealoha to never recite.

“I, Keahi, lone wolf, hereby reject you, Kealoha, as my mate.” A sudden wave of nausea swept over me and I hurled over, heaving out my breakfast.

“Mother moon goddess, please forgive me and bless Kealoha Koa with every blessing she deserves.” I soon succumbed to the darkness that enveloped me.

******

Kealohalani POV

Having my sister home warmed my soul. Now all I needed was my Keahi to return to me so we could rebuild the bond that had weakened. I still had hope. He was my first love, my first kiss. My first mate. I'll fight for it.

It was the following morning. Christian and I had woken up early, wanting to train before the masses cluttered the training room.

“We’re going to work on your Jiu Jitsu today-” Christian announced after warm-ups. I pouted, but I got no sympathy. “No pouting.” He scolded, giving me a wink.

“You ready?” I nodded as I took to defense. We went at each other for thirty minutes and when the ringer sounded I fell to the mat, completely exhausted. “You did good babe. C’mon, offense next.” I let out a cry of anguish, yet again I received no sympathy.

He bounced up like a damned gazelle and I huffed, hating that vampires never tired or ran out of breath. “No fair.” I grumbled, causing him to give me his devilish smile. “I could turn you. Then you’d be a wolf and a vampire.”

I contemplated his words, but shook my head. “When Keahi returns, we’ll talk about it okay.” Christian shrugged as he held no ill feelings about Keahi and I’s bond.

I’ve told him about Keahi, how we met and Keahi’s story. Christian wasn’t happy about certain things, but other than that, he had no ill feelings and I still held on to Keahi and my bond, even though it was weak.

We trained until the masses began to file in. Christian grabbed a bottle of water and tossed it to me as we made our way to the dining hall.

As we arrived, some of my family were gathered as omega’s served up all sorts of breakfast delights. “Whoa, killer spread!” I heard Price say. Everyone chuckled and fell into conversation.

Christian and I found our seats when Naomi, Tobias and Blake walked in. “Good morning.” She cheerily said. “What’s on today’s agenda?” I asked, aiming my question at her, as I plated my food.

“I’d like us to go over those war plans. See when and where I was needed. I’d like to see any information on Conrad. Tobias will play a big part in that. I’d like to know about the werebears that Blake says were stalking him, as well as information on werebears themselves. Everything doesn’t need to be presented all today, but it’s just some bases I’d like to touch in time.” We all could tell that Anastacia was at the helm, as her melodic, yet goddess-like voice spoke.

“Yes ma'am” Lia said, plopping down, as Devon lifted her and placed her on his lap as all the chairs had seemed to be filled.

We all fell into silence as we ate, every so often someone would spark a conversation about anything but coven or pack relations.

I was about to bid everyone goodbye when I fell to the ground in pain far worse than I have ever felt. Christian reached for me, never allowing me to hit the ground. “No-no! Why?!” I cried as I knew what this was. I’ve felt the pain of his betrayal. I’ve felt the pain of our bond slowly dissipating. I’ve felt everything since the moment he was taken away, but this, this was like being gutted with a silver knife.

Christian's beast was on the surface, for he felt everything I felt and he was not happy about it.

Lia was the first to scream out, “Move!” As a doctor had been called to our location, “tell me princess, where does it hurt.” I pointed to my chest and I fell weak. “There’s no need for you. This is something no one can help with,” I whispered.

“Baby girl, look at me. What’s happened?” I let a sob out, “Keahi has rejected me.” Both my dads roared, as did my brothers. “He’s a dead man.”

I closed my eyes, and did what I needed to do, “I, Kealohalani, accept your rejection. I hereby sever my bond to you in all ways.”

My breath fell haggard, my skin burning as my heart began to thump irregularly. “I got you baby. Ssshh, it’s okay. Sleep.” With that I felt a prick in my arm. I cried as Keahi's face, his plea to not reject him, came to the forefront of my memories.

But I had one more message before sleep consumed me whole, hoping that it reached him, “I let my walls fall for you and I wish I never had. I hate you and only wish you turmoil as you have brought nothing but chaos to my family since the day you stepped into my life. May your lineage fall into chaos, same as the one you brought to me.”

With that, I fell into the darkness. Wallowing into the depths of despair.