Blessed Curse

The Chimaera

Introducing Tobias POV

When my dear friend, Anela, of the last millennium, found herself in my realm, I knew whatever was happening was big.

It was rare for her to seek my council. So when she brought the evidence, my inner beast roared in ire.

To hear the audacity that some soul from my world had assisted whom ever they had, to conjure up a poison that had been taboo, was maddening.

The fact that the ingredients alone were only grown within the walls of my own garden was alarming.

It angered me further when I smelt the poison. It is one only I had the will and power to concoct, yet someone found a way.

I have only a handful of people within my circle who I trust to assist with my ruling. So to think that someone within my circle has done such a traitorous thing, has my magic flaring.

“My lord, I have done as you have asked.” My female attendant says. “Good. Now, go get Auteya.” She bows out and leaves.

“My lord?” Auteya, my defteros (second) approached. “I need to travel. The details are not of your concern. For the time gone, you are responsible for my land and people. And Auteya?” He looks like he’s just been blessed by Athena herself. “Yes, my lord?”

“Do not burn my f*****g kingdom down.” He smiles but straightens quickly and salutes.

“My telephatheia will be open. If anything arises, contact me.” “Yes my lord.” I gathered my leather book and made my way to my room. “My Lord, it is ready.”

“You are to report to Gaia. Your presence within the walls will not be needed. I’ll send for you when I return.” She bows once more and leaves.

Earth. The land of the meek and weak humans. The only beings in the universe who are driven by greed and l**t for power and riches.

I haven’t been there in geez-at least four hundred years. And when I was there, my visit was not greeted kindly by those who resided there. I was in my true form and, because of my rarity, I was hunted like a wild animal.

**************

Soon, I find myself traveling through portals.

To not leave a trail for anyone to follow me, I had to conjure portals from magic that I rarely used any more. Takies a lot of energy out of me each time.

I bounced in and out of realms in split seconds. Traveling faster then I ever had. Sometimes popping up in three different areas in one realm just to throw my scent off to any nosey followers. Like I said though, this took a lot of energy.

When I arrive, I am greeted by a small group which I assume are Anela’s family. “Welcome to our world and home. I’m King Dom, this here is my mate, Queen Makana. This is my brother and also my mate's mate, King Maika. Our fourth member, my brother, King of Vampires, King Alaric, had something to tend to too and regretfully couldn’t attend your arrival. But, please, welcome.” The gentleman before me greets me.

Getting here in the short amount of time I had, caused me to grow intolerant and very short tempered. So pleasantries on my part were not available, “Mmm-I need to rest.”

I saw a change in the king's eyes, but he schooled his features quickly and led me to a cabin, a hundred yards from the main house where they greeted me.

“My mother instructed me to make sure accommodations were to your liking. But if I miss anything, let one of our omega’s know. I’ll try to figure out a way to make your accommodations available.” The queen says as she opens the door.

“Omega’s?” I asked, not understanding the term. “They are our helping hands. Male and female wolves help keep us going. I hate to use the term, but I guess you could call them our maids, handymen, female attendants.”

I nod now understanding. “The female wolf poisoned, is she available?” The King, King Maika scowls, but I brush him off. “Yes. She’s currently with her sister and cousins. When would you like to see her?” The queen asked.

“Tomorrow. Traveling in the short amount of time that I had, took a lot of my energy. Usually, a trip to earth takes me three-four days. I did it in little over a day. My beast is quite short tempered regularly. Right now she’s not well. We need rest.” They all nod and leave, not before showing me around the ‘cabin’ they have me in.

*******

I am what historians label as a Chimaera. Humans label me a mythical creature from Greek times. But I am of many natures and of many times. I have been labeled many things: Beast, Griffin, Garuda, Kotobuki, Manticore and the list goes on.

Because of my beast, I am labeled as a dark entity that is out for blood and chaos. However, I have been evilly misjudged.

I am part lioness, part horse, part eagle, part snake. I was given small amounts of the gifts of several Gods and Goddesses and I am the only one of my kind. Yes, there are many hybrids, in different forms, from different times, from different realms and worlds. But my hybrid is made of four animals. The only one who holds four animals at the same time, they all work well together.

After a couple of centuries of being hunted, Anela came to me suggesting a vessel. I was able to acquire a human vessel some four hundred years ago.

Finding him was difficult. We sadly had blown through thousands of vessels trying to find one that could hold and survive my beast and powers.

Those who worshiped me had willingly stepped forward to sacrifice themselves to help me. All of whom sadly perished.

Then, Tobias came along. An honorable, noble and strong man who sacrificed himself to save his lineage. Now, for the last four hundred years, I have been Tobias.

Not a God, not a Goddess, no. I am Lord Tobias, Lord of Ykpi. Lord of a gray area, so to speak. My world consists of a few thousand souls, souls who have devoted their lives to me. I watch over and take care of each of these lost souls, like my children. Souls who were lost once upon a time and looked for a new start, free of dictatorship.

Each soul in my world is all with a gift or ability. Whether it be shape shifters, multi-species in shape, elementals, super-strength, a few white witches, even a few of Dracs children and Anela’s wolves who found peace and refuge in my world. The payment? To forfeit fifty percent of their gift to me. If he or she doesn’t possess power, then they pay in terms of labor.

No one is a slave. EVER. It is strictly voluntary. As I am a generous Lord, I shower my labor workers with immense respect and love. Even if the tasks were incomplete, or poorly done. It didn’t matter. Their efforts did.

In my world, everyone lives honest lives. Everyone is doing their own thing, yet helping one another prosper. Peace and slow living. I am giving, I am there to settle grievances. I listen.

It is rare that I lose my temper in my world. This situation I am in now though, has been the first time in the last fifty plus years that my beast has awoken. And let's just say, she will not show mercy.

Someone has deliberately tarnished my name. He or she will not live to tell the tale.

***********

Naomi POV

“Omi, your parents have requested your attendance in their office.” Wehi my omega says as she opens the curtains. “Oh goodness, I am so sorry. I forgot..” Wehi stammers with her words, realizing Blake is also in my bed.

“Wehi calm down, we’re dressed.” I chuckle out. “Good morning Wehi.” Blake greets, causing a blushing Wehi to run out the door. “Did I say something wrong?” Blake asks.

“No, she’s just shy. But you would think of seeing us here in the last two days, she’d be sort of used to it. Guess not.” I laugh and Blake sits there shaking his head.

“Wehi?!” I shouted, knowing she was right outside the door collecting herself. She comes back in just as Blake enters the bathroom. “What time do I have to meet them?”

“In an hour. That’s why I am waking you up now. Figures give you some time to get ready. Note though, your grandmother’s friend, Tobias, is here.” I nodded and allowed her to peruse my closet for a fitting outfit for my meeting with the parents and guests.

When Blake came out of the bathroom, he was all cleaned up and looked devilishly handsome. “I missed training. I know your aunt Lexi and cousins Lia and Juliette are going to go berserk on me. So, I probably won’t see you until later this afternoon.” He says sadly.

I stood and jumped up into his arms. No kissing, no lovey-dovey moment. Just letting our bond, one that has been weakening each day, calm both of our nerves. “Link me if you need me. Okay?” I nod as he places me down, places a kiss on my forehead and leaves.

“Alright, let's get ready.” I sighed.

************

Wehi and I made our way to my parents' office and knocked. When we were given permission to enter, I felt a warm aura of power radiate around me, causing me to stop in my tracks. “Mom?” I asked in slight fear.

“It’s okay baby. Come. It’s fine.” I timidly made my way and eyed the man across the room standing in the corner, eyeing me like some rare creature.

“Naomi, this is Tobias, your grandmother's friend. You remember her saying he was coming?” I nodded but found myself questioning a few things. When grandma said her friend was coming, I was for some reason expecting an older man. Not this.

Tobias was a freaking Greek god. Damn. Sandy-colored hair, cut in a clean-uptown fade with a few inches left at the top to give him that typical male model scene. His eyes were a penetrating icy-blue color that was encased by thick dark eye lashes. There was no way he was as old as my grandmother.

“Hi, I’m Princess Naomi.” I finally greeted him. He bows and takes my hand, placing a kiss on my knuckle. “Pleasure.” I felt a flutter, causing me to step back and away from him. Well, because, what the hell?

“Queen, Kings, would you be able to contact Anela. Ask her to come.” My parents do and not five minutes later, my grandmother arrives. “Tobias, dear friend.” She walks to Tobias and he embraces her. “Hello my friend.”

“So, let’s get straight to it shall we?” My grandmother nods and instructs us all to sit on the couches.

“The poison that was made, was made from ingredients that are only grown in my own personal garden.-“ My father let out a low growl, Tobias only smirked and continued, “I have only a few people, seven to be exact, who are allowed in my home. These include two white witches, two warlocks, my second in command, my female attendant, and my head mistress.” He lets us absorb that information, then continued.

“I have thought about this thoroughly, because you see, I am the only one with the recipe for such a poison. I am the only one able to wield it to obey. And I am a thousand percent sure I have never concocted such a poison.

You see, this poison recipe was brought to me centuries ago by a wolf who resides now in my world. When she brought it, she sought asylum as she was being hunted by dark witches from earth because she stole the recipe to keep her people, you all, safe. I’ve only ever made it once, for scientific purposes. When I saw the repercussions, I forbade the recipe to ever be used. My friend, Esaya, the white witch who lives in my home, one of the seven I trust, put a binding spell on the recipe, allowing only myself to be able to combine the ingredients and wield it to obey.”

I sat there, enthralled by all of this. However, so many questions. “If that is so, ho-how-?” I saw as guilt passed through his eyes. “I don’t know.” was his reply and that only saddened me more.

“I had my female attendant, a Nymph, one of water, who had placed several spells that I had made around my dwelling. It’s a, what do the earthlings call it? Uh-it allows me to hear what is said.-“ “A recorder?” I ask out loud, he nods, “ah-yes, it’s invisible to anyone but myself and my nymph. And change locations when I say so. Just in case.

I am in tune with the... frequencies of my spells all the time. Here,” Tobias opens a small bag and pulls out an amulet. He closes his eyes and when he opens them, the stone glows yellow-orange in color. With it, a sound comes through. Voices.

(Amulet voices)

Voice 1-Male- “I have tended to Tobias’s garden. We have a thief.”

Voice 2-Male-“What? What do you mean we have a thief?”

Voice 1-Male-“It seems a large branch from the Laurel tree has been harvested. Vervain, Aconitum, amongst other herbs and plants. But the most worrying one is the exousia plant.”

We all heard a chair scraping in a harsh way across the floor,

Voice 2-Male-“I have to contact Tobias.”

(End Amulet voices)

Tobias taps the amulet and it glows green, and soon we were able to hear his conversation as if on a speaker phone.

(Begin Telepatheia-Mind link)

Tobias-“What?”

Voice 2- “My lord, I have an urgent report. It seems someone has been stealing herbs and plants, ones of great power, from your garden. Orion just reported it.”

Tobias-“Lock my home down, Auteya, find who is responsible. Theft, especially from me, is unforgivable.”

A different tone came through his voice as he spoke those last words, causing a ripple of goosebumps to spread on the back of my neck.

Voice 2-Auteya-“Yes my Lord.”

(end of telepatheia-mind link)

Tobias looked to be struggling to reel in his anger, his eyes shifted a series of colors. “Excuse me. I do not take things like this lightly. My beast is....she doesn’t like to be disrespected.”

“Looks like we have more in common than I thought,” my father, Dom, says, with a chuckle.

“Tobias, do you suspect anyone in particular? You say there are only seven that you trust, only seven allowed to roam and tend your home and garden. So, do you have someone you are leaning towards in connection to all of this?” My grandmother asks. A totally valid question.

*sigh* “No. My seven loyal companions have been by my side for I don’t even remember how long. Some are shorter in time than others, but they are all like my family. I can’t even fathom thinking that anyone of them would go behind my back like this. Plus, they’ve all seen me when I’m mad. Let’s just say, my lioness doesn’t play well when disrespected.” We all sighed at his answer. I could tell we were all hoping we could have at least gotten answers to who and why. But I guess we’ll have to wait.

“Okay. So we know for sure now, someone from my world is the culprit for stealing the herbs. Who? Obviously, I don’t know, but give me a day, light will be shed. For now, Naomi, I need to work with you. Within the poison, an incantation of sorts is placed on it to order it. You see, it is a spell in many ways like one a witch or warlock would use.. But this one, as I said, I still don’t know how they did it. This one is bound by three laws. Elemental, earthly, and spiritual laws. These laws and the incantation are now bonded to you. It passes from the poison, to you. Your wolf is...” Tobias looked at my grandmother, “yes, she’s not dead. In a coma, if you will, but she is still holding on. But-she is completely detached from Naomi.” She further explains, bringing hope to my lost soul.

“Okay, as I’ve said, I’ve done this spell once. And because of that, my white witches and I have come up with an antidote-“ I burst out in tears at his words. “I’ll get my wolf back?”

“I don’t know.” He sighs heavily, “like I said, we did it once. It worked then, but I cannot guarantee it will work now. But, wouldn’t you agree it’s worth a try?” I nodded in a fervent manner.

“Meet me in my cabin in an hour.” We’ll need privacy and complete silence. I’m going to be a completely honest princess. This won’t be easy nor will it be without pain. What I am able to do today, will not fix anything immediately. It is just the beginning of a long journey. One filled with a lot of discomfort, pain, frustrations, maybe even anger and frustration between us, but you have to know, what I am trying to do is against the laws of nature. I am rebinding a soul. It isn’t an easy task. So, are you up for it?”

He was scaring me now. I mean, pain? Discomfort? I’ve never dealt with such things. But I want to feel whole again. I feel myself slipping every day, becoming weaker, more unstable on my feet. I need to do this. If that is what it takes to get my wolf back. “I’m in.”

Tobias nods and stands, looking at each person in the room. “Queen, do you have any objections?” My mother looks at me, “Omi baby, are you sure? We could find another way..” Tobias cut her off and snapped as if my mother was being dishonest, “pff-you know just as I do, there is no other way. The cold-hearted truth is this poison took away and the antidote and my work is the only way to bring it back. No earthly or wolf thing will bring her wolf back.”

My father stood giving off his aura when Tobias stood nose to nose with my father. “Sit down puppy. Or reap your ending.” My father's eyes turned to saucers. Tobias’s voice was filled with so much power, my father could do only one thing; obey.

“Don’t test me. I am here to help a friend. But any sort of disrespect any further and I won’t hesitate to leave you all to deal with this yourself. Naomi, if she is your priority, is all you should care about. Furthermore, stop sugar coating her situation.” He didn’t even give a back glance and left.

*************

Blake POV

Now that I marked Naomi, I could feel her every emotion. I was sitting on my a*s after Lia flat out laid me out with an over-the-shoulder throw, with a drop elbow to follow. “Focus Blake!” Aunt Lexi shouted.

“ Something is wrong with Naomi. She’s....I don’t know. Her emotions are all over the place.” I was standing when Lia under swooped my legs, taking me off my feet once again. “oof!” Juliette says as I land hard.

“She is with the Kings and Queen. She’s a big girl. Now, focus or continue to get your a*s kicked!” Lia scowled at my lack of focus. “Ugg! fine okay.”

I get my mind back in the game and soon I find myself landing a roundhouse kick to Lia’s abdomen, followed by a lift into the air and a body slam to the earth. “Finally, some progress.” Juliette says, smiling at my technique.

“Take ten,” Aunt Lexi called out. We did and as I looked over the land, the training field was still littered with late comers being drilled into submission like I was a minute or so ago.

No one seemed to be exempt from training. Cooks, omega’s, gate keepers, drivers, guards, gardeners. Everyone had to train. “ Have those who reside here within the royal grounds always had to train?” I found myself asking as I chugged a huge drawl of water.

“No. Only when Queen Makana and the Kings took over. Everyone should have a fighting chance if ever they found themselves in a position where they had to fight for their lives. So it is now mandatory that even the pups train. Their training isn’t as vigorous as ours, but they are taught the basics as well as how to hide well.” I smile, liking that.

“So, what did you feel? Tell me.” I took in a much needed breath. “At first it was excitement, I think. Then a brief moment or two of fear, mixed with awe. I don’t know if that’s putting it right. Whatever the meeting is about has her sort of geeking out I guess.” Lia laughs at my explanation, then explains.

“She was meeting Tobias, the moon goddess’s friend from some other realm, today. Rumor has it, he’s a mythical creature, a hybrid from ancient Greek times. He’s gifted with magic. He’s very, esoteric. But, rumors also say he can be chaotic and ill-tempered. So your explanation of Naomi’s emotions is quite on point, if I may say.” she laughed, but I didn’t like the thought of Naomi with some dude.

“Oh stop it. He’s like an ancient. Like old-old. So ewww to even think Naomi would even dare.” It did sound pretty stupid of me to even think such a thing, but we are wolves, so naturally, we are very possessive.

Training concluded four hours later, as Lucas and Pika wanted to show me several techniques to help with my offense. It’s a work in progress. That is all I can say about that.

It was lunch when I tried to link up with Naomi but was caught with a wall. I tried numerous times, and each time the same thing. “Lia any luck?” I asked because we planned to have a double date for lunch.

“No. My mom says she’s with Tobias. He’s the only one-how do I put it? He’s the only one able to bring her wolf back.” I didn’t like that he was holding her back from eating, so I approached the king.

“My King, may you let Tobias know that, as Naomi’s mate, I do not appreciate him holding her back from lunch, or food for any matter.” The King's eyes raised, then he smiled. “Lunch was taken to them. Blake, breathe. It’s not like that. Tobias has to have a silent atmosphere as well as full seclusion to rebuild a bind from Naomi to her wolf. You should know though, that this is just one day out of many. I apologize but, don’t disturb them. They need to work, stress free.”

I felt like I couldn’t breathe. “Alpha?” I turned my head to King Maika. “She’ll be back before dinner.” I closed my eyes, concentrating on my breathing. This would be the longest we spent away from one another after claiming each other.

“There you go. Now, go eat. You need to build up the energy you lose out there.” I agreed but still felt the discomfort of not being able to at least see her for a bit.

************

Naomi POV

I was instructed to shut down all mind links. Even to my parents. Block out all outside noise and focus on the amulet before me. When I nodded that I had done what he asked, he paced around, looking in a leather bind book.

“What’s that?” I asked in curiosity. Tobias smiled and shook his head, silently telling me he wouldn't tell me. “Why? Is it some secret book? One that holds the world's lives in its pages?” I scoff. I mean what the hell? I’m the granddaughter of the moon Goddess, the God of Psi, and know of beings that many only know as folklore.

His eyes perused me, making me squirm in my seat. “This book is a diary of every potion, spell, incantation, ever known.” He waits for a reaction but when he gets none, he sits on the chair a foot in front of me and smiles a cute sly smile.

“You’re so young. I forgot what it is like to sit with someone so young. So naive to the many things out there.”

I furrow my eyebrows, “DO NOT CALL ME NAIVE!” I snapped. Only causing him to laugh. “See. So easily to allow emotions to over power her. It’s so earthly of you.” He scoots back and crosses his legs. Eyeing me, waiting for a retort. But I clamp my mouth shut and just scowl.

“You know, I knew Queens. Kings. Dated many too. Princes and Princesses, I’ve never met one so young.” He laughs at his own words and just stares into my eyes. My eyes are unable to look away.

“Don’t scowl. It’s not pretty on you.” He then stands up and walks to gather a series of supplies on the kitchen counter, saying things I’ve never heard of out loud.

“Come. You might as well help. Do you know herbs?” I nod, “yes, basics though.” He nods, “It’ll do. This binder is alphabetical order. When I call out the herb that we need, pull out the amount I say and add it into the cauldron. I cannot stress enough to assure you are grabbing the right herb. Because one wrong herb could possibly turn you into an ear-less fairy.”

I couldn’t help the burst of laughter that left my chest. I was probably laughing now for a good minute when he turned to me and crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for me to stop. And I did. Why? Well, with his arms crossed, it accentuated his muscle mass in his chest and shoulders. Holy f**k he was built.

I saw a smirk play at the corner of his lip, seeing me eyeing him seductively. When I caught myself it was too late. “Intriguing. Mated yet still openly able to find another male sexy.”

I could feel my cheeks turn hot. Without warning, he brushed a finger down my cheek, down my neck to my mark. I felt myself squirm at the sensation of his finger caressing me. Until it hit my mark. It was like ice water being thrown over me. Washing away all the heat I was just feeling.

“No.” I whispered out breathy. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I-I have a mate. I love him. NO!” I felt tears brimming at my lack of control. What the hell is happening?

“Hey, its okay. Don’t be upset. Yes, you are mated and marked to your mate, but one's bodily needs sometimes can't be controlled.” I step back and let my tear pooled eyes over flow. My guilt was a torrent of a flow. “We haven't finalized our mating.”

I don't know why I was telling him this, it just felt like I was supposed to say it and felt comfortable too. “He marked me, but being that I don't have a wolf, I wasn’t able to mark him. I’ve fully accepted though.”

When my tear-stricken eyes looked into his, he held a certain level of relief at my words. “Well then, how about we fix all of that hmm? Let’s get your wolfy back. So you can get your mate.”

He placed one last stroke on my cheek and opened his leather bind book. “We’ll need...” We both jumped into our task and when he confirmed that I had added all the right herbs and roots, he chanted some gibberish and immediately my body became hot.

Tobias guided me to the daybed and had me lay down. “Sweetie, this is going to hurt, I am so sorry.” With that and no other warning, he pulled a dagger out and slit my palm deep. “I know, I am sorry.” he cooed as a blood curdling scream left my lips. “It’s the last ingredient we need.” I nod in understanding when a searing hotness felt like was burning me from the inside out.

“I’m so sorry my Anastasia.” those were the last words I heard before the pain had pushed me into unconsciousness.