Blessed Curse

Return of an Alpha

Blake POV

“No, you’re lying?” Lia shouted as we drove along the Hamakua coast towards the Kona coast. We originally planned to cut our ride in half by taking the saddle road, but turns out there was a bad wind storm, causing low-setting clouds. In turn, it caused minimal to no visibility. There were already several car accidents so we chose to take the long way around.

“Nope. Still a virgin. A proud one too.” I said, chuckling at her reaction. “Why, do I look like one of ‘those’ guys?” I asked, my eyebrows quirked up. “Yeah. Seriously, you have this whole suave look about you. Mature and sexy.” Lia was forward for sure. She had no shame in saying what was on her mind. And it didn’t wave me off. It was nice to have someone so open to talk to too.

“Well, sorry to burst your bubble. I am a one-woman man. My mate's mate.” She sighs, “I know I should have waited for him or her, but I want to experience life before being tied down to just one person. To one way of life. You know? I want to travel, to date, to feel all the different emotions through trial and error.” I actually understood her views. “I get it. I wish I was more outgoing. More fearless. But I guess that’s not in my cards.” I honestly replied. She nods and smiles in agreement.

“For what its worth though, your mate is a lucky girl. Don’t know why she doesn’t pounce on you, Goddess knows I would have.” I burst out in laughter shaking my head. “She-she hasn’t phased yet. She doesn’t know I’m her mate yet.” I said, waiting for her gasp. But nothing came. “Oh, well, you’re a patient one aren't you?” I laughed again, loving the candidness of Lia. “It isn’t me, is it? I mean, s**t I am sorry if it is.” She had a smirk on her lips. “Sorry little one. Not you.” She shrugged and kept driving.

“So what about you? I know you’re not a virgin. No judgement. But what does the future look like from Lia’s eyes?” She takes in a deep breath and exhales, “I’m a Luna in waiting, under the order of the Kings and Queens court.” I gasped. “What?!” I shouted. She chuckles and I let her continue. “You know the story of the Kings and Queen? Right?” I nodded, “A little. We weren’t given a lot of information. Just the hearsay stuff and read the text books."

She c*cks her head in confusion but goes on with her story. “So, when they took over the throne, my father, who was Gamma, was promoted to Alpha of the Kings Court. My twin brother, Levi, is the next in line to take over. He’s every dad's dream son. Obeys, never talks back. I am a Luna, but I want to be able to live my life with fewer routines. More spur of the moments you know? At least for a couple of years before being tied down forever.” I nodded but was still stuck on her mention of being apart of the Kings Court, Luna in waiting. Holy s**t!

“Okay, you can freak out now.” She chuckles. “Holy s**t! Lia, why didn’t you tell me you were from the Royal court? I've been so disrespectful. Don’t, shouldn’t you be traveling with an entourage of security. I mean, I’m no weakling, but I am not a warrior. Furthermore, like, not to sound rude, but you don’t look like royal material. Lia, we have to turn around. I can’t be caught with you, they'll have my head!” I was starting to panic. Truly truly panic.

“Calm down. I’m not alone. My guards are trailing behind me.” I was still wrapping my head around the fact that I was accompanied by the Luna in Waiting of the Kings Court. “I knew you were crazy, but you’re bat s**t crazy.” I let out a laugh and Lia joined in

“In all seriousness, thanks for just being you. A simple gal, a friend.” I said, patting her hand. “You’re welcome. And dido. Most guys know who I am and jump at me to stake a claim. Always out to get with me so they can brag. But not you. So thank you.” I nodded, giving her a friendly smile.

We drove in silence for a bit more when we reached a pit stop. “I’ll run, grab us a drink and some snacks.” She says, as I jump out to stretch my legs. “Okay. Here I have got cash.” I went to hand her a twenty and she giggled. “No, this is on me.” Just as I was about to protest, two big burly men stepped beside her. Towering over her small frame.

“Lucas, Pika, meet my friend Blake.” I swallowed hard. These men were so large it made even my six-one self look puny. I bow and they smirk. “Lucas, stop it.” Lia says as she walks away with Pika into the convenience store. “So, Blake, what’s your intentions with the Luna in waiting?” The guard, Lucas asks, as Lia, steps out of ear shot. “No-nothing sir. I swear. She’s just a friend.” He nods, not giving away any other emotion. To further explain and get him to understand better that I was being truthful, I rambled out everything I thought I could to cover my a*s, “I have a mate. She still hasn’t shifted, so she doesn’t know yet, but I have a mate. I am loyal to her.” With those words a bright smile graces his lips. “An honorable man. Hmmm? Those are rare outside of the Queens immediate circle.” He laughs a deep laugh and pats me on the back. I let the breath I was holding out.

“So where are we off too on this trip?” he asks, lifting the hood of the Mercedes GLA-Class SUV, checking its fluids. “Um-back to my old pack. My-my mother passed away this morning. My brother was disbanded by the Alpha there. I-“ I swallowed as I felt tears beginning to pool. “s**t, I’m sorry man.” I looked up to see a solace look on Lucas’s face. I nod to say thank you and continue. “I want to retrieve my mother so I may give her a proper send off and funeral. Then I’ll take my brother under my wing, teach him how to be a lone wolf like me-“ I was cut off by Lucas’s outburst, “what?” “I-I’m a lone wolf.” I say again, awaiting a threat of any kind. But none came.

Lucas’s nose lifted, smelling me. When he was done, he stepped back and put his finger to his lips in confusion. “You know Lone wolves are rare, right?” he asks as I roll my eyes. “Yes, and as I've told the Princess, my Wolf and I are one.-“ Again, he cut me off, this time with a growl, “The Princess? How do you know the Princess?” His stance, I swear, grew at the mention of the Royals.

“I-I-she and Lia came into the store I work at for some things. I met her there and she aura’ed me. Wait, is that a word? Anyway, she pinpointed me not being part of a pack, so I told her I was a lone wolf. She said I could go to the Puna pack and they’d take me in, but after being under the rule of a cruel Alpha, as long as my wolf and I are on good terms, I want to be free from the rules of Alphas. Mainly my old one.” I spit out, fear clearly evident in my words.

Lucas takes my words and stands down, eyeing me from head to toe. “Oh-well, I-“ Lucas was cut off by Lia’s next words, “You will not humiliate or intimidate my friend Lucas. Do I make myself clear?” Lucas bore his neck to Lia and she scowled. “Lia, no. Stop, you don’t need to do that. He was just protecting the Royal family's names and members. It’s okay.” I say as she keeps her eyes on Lucas. She let him go and he breathed a sigh of relief. Clearly portraying a look of gratitude towards me.

“My apology, my Luna. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He bowed and I shook my head. “Fine, but be nice. He’s a nice guy. You can feel it. Now stop harassing him.” I shook my head at her, “Lia, he wasn’t harassing me. Now, let it go. We’re fine.”

She huffs then pivots to look at me. The scowl long gone, a smile taking its place. I couldn’t help but feel a brother-sister vibe between us. “Fine. Here.” She says, handing me a whole grocery bag of snacks and drinks. “Holy cow Lia. A drink. A snack. Not half the snack aisle.” I shouted, rummaging through the bag. “Whatever. C’mon. Let ‘s get back on the road.” I followed her, running around the car to open the door for her. She curtsied and I ran around towards the passenger side, jumping in. Just as I turned, I turned to Lucas and gave an apologetic look. He returns it with a nod and grin. One to say, all good.

The remaining two and a half hour drive was Lia and I just talking about everything and anything. I learned she was a gifted fighter. Top of her class and had been inducted into the warrior class. Fighting and training sounded like the only thing she was truly passionate about.

She was only fifteen. Yet, here I thought she was sixteen-seventeen. But no, fifteen and acted twenty-five. Even with that innocent look she had going, she still pulled off this mature-like persona.

She explained how being raised within the Royal Family as an actual family member was, even if not by blood, that she was held to a higher standard. But she rebelled at every turn she could. Not to piss them all off, but to show them that every person is their own person and, even as a member of the Royal family, she should still be allowed freedom. Which, she said, her aunt, the Queen, had granted her.

She had a twin brother, Levi. Then her brother Oliver, as she explained, was not born from the same mom but moms. I tried to keep up but felt like this would be a subject I would need drawn out for me. She also had a younger brother. Price. He is, according to Lia, his mother Megan's favorite. Going as far as to say he’s so feminine that he attracts more boys than she does. No jealousy, just a statement really. Then there was their sweet baby sister Juliette. Lia spoke of Juliette in defense. I could tell she was their baby. However, they said that even the strongest junior warriors couldn’t take her down. I could see the love as she spoke of her siblings. But as siblings go, quarrels always put them at one another's throats.

She told me about the Royal children. Prince Ikaika, the eldest and next King. Prince Kaleo, the second in command, and Second King. He had all the rights of the king, and just needed his brothers' word to finalize important matters. Whatever that meant.

Then there was the Luna Queen in waiting, Princess Kealohalani. Lia seemed to have a certain feeling about her. It wasn’t pleasant feelings, that’s for sure. She went on to Naomi, who is and forever will hold the Princess title.

Out of all the Royal children, she and Naomi were the best of friends. They weren’t always close though, she explained. But she appreciated Naomi’s honesty and was straight to the point. Even if she called her a s**t or bashed her for exploring more then she should, she appreciated Naomi’s truth. I could see her speaking of Naomi, something in her voice wavered, but she kept talking.

The title Princess, goes the same for the twin sisters, Nanea and Nahe. Lia explained that they were walking trouble. Even go as far as to say walking evil twins. Always up to no good, far worse than herself.

Last was Prince Kahikole, a half vampire-half wolf hybrid. There was no need to explain him. He was fear in itself.

She had cousins, Harper, Harley, Pomaika’i and Kaimana. She didnt delve into detail about them. Just saying that if I ever felt sick, Harper and Harley were the ones to see. Pomaika’i and Kaimana, if you want to play video games, Pomai. Learn to paint or looking for a precise book, Kai. I laughed but nodded as she explained to everyone.

“You’ll probably have to draw all of that out for me to get it. This one time explanation I don’t think will stick. Thats a lot. Cool. But a lot to remember.” We both chuckle and we round the last stretch of long highway before we reach my old pack. I could feel my nerves jumping. Lia wasn’t blind to it, “Hey, calm down. I’m with you. All the way.” I nodded in appreciation, “can we pull over? I think I'm going to be sick.” I said, already rolling the window down.

Just as the car stops, I wing the door open and hurl all the snacks and drinks I had consumed out on the highway. Lia rubbed my back. As another round of nausea came about, “Sir Blake. You okay?” I heard Lucas’s familiar voice ask.

I wiped my mouth and took the bottle of water he held to rinse.

As I do, I come to the reality that they'll be present and they should be prepared to be greeted rudely. “My old pack, old Alpha, is not keen on pleasantries. He will not take my arrival kindly and, in all honesty, he’ll probably try to kill me. It’s best you all drop me and leave. I don’t want you all to be troubled with my business.” I sighed and took a swig of the water and spit again.

“Nonsense, I’d like to see him be rude to the Luna. He’s in for a rude awakening. And he’ll not dare touch a friend of our Luna. Not in our presence. So suck it up, buttercup, and let’s not worry so much kid. Don’t worry, we got your back.” I chuckled at his attempt to lighten my anxiety. “Thanks, but I don’t want Lia involved. She could get hurt.” Lucas laughs, as Pika shakes his head in disbelief of my words. “Don’t worry about Lia, she can handle herself.” He says and guides me back into Lia’s SUV.

We got about a hundred feet from my old pack grounds and Lia slowed down. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t let anything happen to you or your brother. On my life I swear.” She says and I suck in a breath. That saying was just as deep as a blood oath.

“If he values the low life he is and has, he’ll behave. If he doesn’t, just by your claims, he’ll be commanded to face the Queen. And I can tell you one thing. She will not take lightly your claims of omega’s being treated poorly. My word is law. I have the backing of the Kingdom and he’ll obey. I won’t let him choose other wise.” I was in awe of this Lia. She was all business right now and I couldn’t have been prouder to call her my friend.

“And here I thought you were all bum and bust, no brains.” She gives me a tight-lipped smile and glares at me. “Funny.” She replies just as we approach the wooden gate. I watch as Lucas and Pika step out and the guards swallow in fear. Not a minute passed as the gate opened.

The guards were trying to see through the dark tinted windows to see who was in it.

We round the small pack house and I watch as the Alpha and Luna scramble to the door to greet us. What did Lucas and Pika say at the gate?

“Stay seated. I want to see something.” Lia says, setting her authority free. I gulped. Wow, I don’t know how she contained it, but now that I felt it, she was pulsating with an aura, commanding respect. I couldn’t help but bow.

“Knock that off. I command you to never bow to me. My friends don’t bow to me.” I nod and obey her command as she rolls her eyes. “Blake, I'm still the bum and bust Lia. Stop that.” I let out a humorous giggle, “alright bum and bust. I’ll sit and wait for your word.”

Lucas opens her door and she steps out with grace and poise. Commanding the crowds that had gathered to show respect. I watched in pure amazement as this girl, who I had known for just a few weeks, which in actuality, only a day, today, became this super confident, super woman. Damn.

Alpha Cohen bows, as does Luna Aza. I let my wolf ears perk and I tune in. “Royal Luna, welcome. Please, come.” Alpha Cohen says, his arm stretched to offer her way into the pack house.

I watched as her gaze scanned her surroundings. She saw what I had said. And I saw anger make her go rigid. “Your omega’s, do they not have the freedom to acquire better attire?” I heard her ask.

Luna Aza stood quiet, as she always does, and Alpha Cohen stammered with his words. “I-They just got done tending to the crops. They’ll change. Men, women, go clean up.” He shouts, only to be gawked at. What were they supposed to change into? More rags?

“Alpha, do you know the story of our beloved Queen?” I heard Lia ask. Alpha Cohen shakes his head. Of course not. This pack doesn’t have any modern technology for him to find these things. Most of us heard by hearsay or in the text books that were sent by the Royal court for others to learn about. But, being the old geezer he is, Alpha Cohen never took the time to read them.

“She was an omega. Same as my mother, Royal Courts Luna. As well as my Aunt, Royal Courts Beta-female.” She seethes.

Lucas and Pika fumbled on their feet. I could only imagine the aura she was putting off. “Luna-I-“ Alpha Cohen tried to speak, but Lia growled. “Silence.” she boomed.

She collected herself and smiled at Luna Aza. “Hello Luna. I am sorry, is it Aza?” Luna Aza looked afraid. Her gaze shot from her mate, Alpha Cohen, to Lia. As if looking for permission to speak from either of them. “You may speak, Luna,” Lia says sweetly. Ignoring the glare, Alpha was giving his Luna.

“You will mind your behavior, Alpha,” Lucas orders, causing the Alpha’s shoulders to sag back. “It is a pleasure to meet you my Royal Luna.” Lia smiles at the Luna and extends her hand out to shake. Again, Luna Aza hesitates but soon finds courage and shakes Lia’s hand with a bow.

“I have someone with me. He WILL be respected as a royal court member. Anything less is treason against the royal court.” Lia booms over the crowd. Everyone bows in respect and acknowledgement, then turns to the car and gives me a nod. I gain all the courage that I could and step out as Pika opens the door for me. When I step out, Alpha Cohen lets out a low growl. That even at twenty feet from him I could hear.

Lia’s eyes snapped towards the Alpha. “I hoped I didn’t have to. Mainly because I don’t like too, but you are leaving me no choice. SUBMIT!” Her voice was aimed at the Alpha and Alpha only. He couldn’t fight it even if he wanted to. On his knees, with his neck bare to her, tears of resistance ran down his face.

“Lucas, stay with him.” She orders as Lucas gave the Alpha a sinister grin. “Blake, please join me.” Lia calls out, gaining a whole lot of whispers from the crowds gathered. I nod and join her on her right flank. “Luna Aza, I take it you know who this is, as it seems your husband is familiar?” Lia asks the Luna.

Luna Aza’s eyes wouldn’t meet mine, but she nodded, “Ye-yes, he was an omega here once. But he left and is now deemed a rogue.” Luna Aza says timidly. “Hmm-does he smell like a rogue? Does he look like one?” Lia asks, the Luna shakes her head. “I see his claws are deep in this whole pack.” She sighs, seeing how timid and apprehensive the Luna was. “With the Royal Courts blessings, I, Lia, the Royal Luna in waiting now free you all to speak freely. I free you of your Alpha’s control and orders.”

It was as if every single person, children included, could breathe. Everyone breathed in a deep free breath, including the Luna. Tears ran down many faces. Some hugged. It was a joyous moment for them.

“Now Luna Aza, please know that we do not come to seek any harm, on anyone here. But so far, from what I've witnessed, my Queen would have set fire to his reign. His rule is unacceptable.” Luna Aza cried and nodded in agreement. “I am so sorry, “ she cried, then turned to me. “Blake, I wanted to help, please see that I did. But he Alpha commanded me. I couldn’t.” I sighed and took her into an embrace. She sobbed as her truth had been exposed. “It’s in the past, Luna. All I want is my mother. Please.” I practically begged.

Her eyes went wide, then towards the Alpha. Heat radiated off of her. Her claws began to elongate through her fingers, fur started to form. She was seething. Her wolf was fighting for dominance. “There-he-ugggh! I can’t speak of it. You-“ I pat Luna Aza on the back, giving her time to calm down. When she did, she turned to me and spoke in riddles, “I can’t speak the truth. He has the answers.”

“Luna Aza, I freed you of his command. You may speak,” but all she could do was shake her head. “I’m sorry, Blake, your mother has been cremated.” The last of my resolve in my mothers passing vanished. Falling to my knees, what tears I thought had run their course found a new supply. Pika put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed me, giving me whatever support he could.

“I am so sorry.” Lia says, kneeling beside me, placing my head on her shoulder. “We’ll talk to the Queen about this. She’ll figure-she’ll know what to do.” Lia coos. I couldn’t comprehend anything she was saying. But I nodded and stood.

“I am truly sorry.” Luna Aza bows to me. “Luna, I can only imagine the things your mate has done. But please, calm down.” It wasn’t a command, but still Luna listened, her heated gaze never leaving her mate.

“He is not my mate. He kidn*pped me at my becoming. For the last fifteen years, I have been enslaved to being his. Enslaved to do every sick and hideous thing he asked. The children you see are not of my loins.” I gasped. “What?” I didn’t mean to ask out loud. “I am the daughter of the Beta of my old pack. The Waimea Pack. This old-sick predatory man commanded an army and attacked us on the night of my mating ball. I found my mate, but Cohen and his cruel allies ripped through our peaceful gathering, slaughtering my entire pack and those who were in attendance. Including my mate. He kept me as his trophy and had a dark witch put a spell on me to obey all and everything he said I am limited in what I can say.” She was crying by that point and I couldn’t help but to feel for her.

Lia closed her eyes, reeling in her anger. Thank God she didn’t have a wolf yet. I knew if she did, the Alpha would have been shredded meat.

No one said anything. No one moved a muscle as I saw Lia in a mind link. It was a few minutes when her eyes cleared and her attention fell to Alpha Cohen. “Lucas.” That’s all Lucas needed to hear. He forcefully and roughly grabbed the Alpha, “I, Royal Luna, of the Royal court, strip you of your rank. On behalf of the Royal Kings, Dominic, Maika and Alaric, along with the Queen, Queen Makana, we are here to bless the ruling of the Kona Wind pack to Luna Aza. Furthermore, I see there is no mating mark. Deeming the bond non-existent. By the Royal council laws, you, Luna Aza, are now free of whatever mate bond the ex-Alpha had conjured. We hope to see you prosper from here on out and we’ll be checking in. Queen Makana has one order,” Lia says as she turns to Luna Aza. “Rule respectfully, and treat your Omega with respect. Anything less will be seen as a disrespect to the Queen.”

Luna Aza’s eyes filled with tears and bows. “I-I don’t know the first thing about being a leader.” She whispers. “The Royal Council will send someone to help. Don’t worry. You are not alone in this.” Lia takes Luna Aza into a side hug. It was as if she was thirty years old and Luna Aza was fifteen years old. It was astonishing.

I expected the Alpha to protest, scream, yell, anything. But nothing. He just slumped as we all watched as his superiority fell off of him, stripping him of his power, his title and his rank. What was once a cocky old man was now a sad old man. With his title, his strength and will left him.

“Everyone, hail your new Luna.” Lia called out over the crowds. Every single member bowed and smiled in happiness. “I will try my hardest to assure you that all are treated with love, support and respect. Bare with me as we all embarked on this new journey together.”

I was taken out of that moment when I heard a familiar voice. “So, you returned?” I scoffed. “Hey Galen.” I said to the Alpha’s son. Was he the actual son of the Alpha?

“I-I want to apologize. I was under my father's witchery. If it’s any consolation, I should tell you your birth right.” I stared at him, awaiting for him to get to the point. “Your mother was the Luna of this pack, your father the Alpha. My father slaughtered him for the throne. Alpha blood runs through you.” I stepped back, my mind running faster then it already was. He wasn’t detailed in his explanation, but just the small number of words spoken shot a shock through me.

“Blake?” Lia pulled my face to her, then scowled at Galen. “What did you say to him? Answer!” She ordered. He submitted and answered, “I was but a pup. I don’t remember everything, but there is a hidden chamber where I found my father's diaries. He, Blake, has Alpha, pure Alpha blood running through him. His father was Alpha Bauer. His wife, Luna Harmony, Blake's mother, was the Luna. It’s why my sad excuse of a father treated them so harshly. Even with his witchery over the masses, he knew, within these grounds, Alpha Bauer still had followers. So he had his dark witch place a spell over everyone, commanding them to not be able to speak a word of the former Alpha.” “I-I have Alpha blood?” Lia pulled my face to hers. I watched as she spoke but everything went blank. I have f*cking Alpha blood flowing through me. Holy s**t!