Blessed Curse

Broken Family

Naomi POV

I don’t think about life as seriously as I probably should. Fifteen-soon to be sixteen, a young wolf usually sets plans in motion. You know? Find my mate, have some healthy pups, and maybe start a business. Basic wolf life stuff. Not me though, I take things as they come and ride them out. I had no clue what I wanted to do. Ikaika, Kaleo and Kealohalani took the rule as Kings and Queen. For me, I was and always will be a princess. I don’t know what that means in terms of ruling a kingdom, really. I mean, usually princesses are to be next in line to take over as Queen. But that was Kealoha’s role. And I am happy it’s her. Shoot, me? A Queen? Pff, yeah right. I was too laid back to take on such a huge roll, shivers always racked my body just thinking about it.

My training for being a princess is basic. It covers all the laws, the who’s, the what’s and the how’s in all things wolf and vampire. Mandatory training was physical training, warrior-fight training, and aura training. All of which I loath deeply. Running was something I thought I’d only ever had to do if something or someone was chasing me. So that is as far as my physical training went. Hand to hand combat was pushed on me by all three of my fathers. However, I was able to reduce the amount of hand to hand training I got due to the sympathy I received from my aunt Lexi. Cue a cheesy-full watt toothy smile.

*******

“Mother! Uggh! Daaaad!” I screamed, irritated, once again with my two younger siblings. The horrible twins are what I've come to call them recently. “Omi, why are you screaming? Again?” My sister Kealoha, the prodigal Princess asked. “Mind your business. Unless you’re the one who wrecked my things?” She just stares at me in confusion, and, in Kealoha fashion, simply walks away reading her book. I rolled my eyes, not wanting to even engage with her and her uptight ways.

She has always been a goody two shoes. Never a hair out of place, grades perfect, always doing everything our fathers asked of her. I sometimes really wished better of her. For her to have a heart, to be a kid when we were kids. However, now that I think about it, she’s never-ever been that person, and the Kealoha you see is the Kealoha you get.

*sigh* “Naomi? Baby what happened?” I turned to see my mom assess my room. “Ohhh-myyyyy.....” she says, assessing the ruins of which is my room. “They’ve done it again.” I say, trying to keep my voice humbled. She sighs, “Nanea? Nahe?” She yells just as my father Alaric steps in. He looks around and sighs. A somber look takes over his face. “Yes momma?” My younger sister Nanea asks as she walks in all innocently. “What do you have to say to yourselves girls?” My mother asks them. “Sorry Naomi.” Nahe says. Seriously? An apology? I grunt in frustration and my mother looks over at me with a confused look. “Is that it? Is that all the reprimand they are going to get?” My composure was slipping and I felt my anger rising. “They've massacred my make-up, again. They've once again heaved up my neat closet, again. This time shredding my clothes. And that is all they get as punishment?” I was breathing hard. This was the umpteenth time they’ve done this in the last month, my tolerance for their disrespect was thinning each time. If I had my wolf I know I’d have shifted.

“Naomi, first you will watch your tone when you speak to your mother and I.” My father, Alaric said. He tried to remain firm but I could see the pity he had for me. He knew how many times the twins had heaped up my life recently. “Second, no, this is not the only reprimand they will receive. Nahe, Nanea, start cleaning this mess up, and when you’re done, both of you will report to Miss Maddie. Omega duty for a week.” He finishes.

What the? They’ve already done omega work. Cleaning, gardening, cooking, serving, all of it. And they still keep doing it. So to hear my dad reapply the same punishment that obviously doesn’t work, again, really hurt. “Wheres Dad Dom? I want Dad Dom.” I cried as I saw a pained look cross my father Alaric's face. However, he sighs, nods and not a minute later my father King Dom walks in. “What’s going on?” My father Maika asks, one step behind my father Dom.

They are all in my room now, assessing it and I see when my father Dom’s anger surfaces. “Nanea and Nahe!? This is the third time this week! Eighth time this month. What is wrong with both of you? You are princesses and princesses don’t behave as such!? Furthermore, she is your sister! What is wrong with both of you?!” He booms, causing my siblings to cower.

Hmm-serves them right. They’re always trashing my stuff and room.* “Dom, calm down.” I heard my mother plead but my father knew something was going on with them, knew that there was something that caused my sisters to act as such. He wasn’t backing down.

“Do not make me command you to speak.” My sister Nahe swallowed, fear finally clearly present. What happened next though, knocked the wind out of me. A look so ugly graces my sister Nahe’s features, and when she speaks, my soul cracked. “She’s a mutt! We know you adopted her. We know her mother was nothing more than a bed-warming w***e. Disgusting! No one knows who her father is-“ I think I stopped breathing for a moment.

I looked around the room and saw indifference on everyone's faces. Tears began to fall from my mother's eyes and, before anyone could react, my mother smacked my sister across the face. Stunning everyone standing here.

I stood there in the act of full brokenness. The eerie silence echoed and not a second later I began to sob. “Omi? Shhh-“ I felt my father Maika step beside me, pulling me softly into a tender hug. “You both are here subjected to report to your rooms.” His eyes clouded over as two of their guards arrived. “Take them to their room, and they,, are not allowed to leave it.” Dad Dom was trying to remain tough but if I could see it, I was sure everyone in attendance could as well.

“You will not have free time. You will not leave your room. Do I make myself clear?” My father, Dom, scolded, “You want to act like spoiled brats? Let me make it perfectly clear, you will learn to humble yourself.” My father Maika scowled at Nanea and Nahe. “NOW GO!” My mother shouted, wearing her pain and anger on her sleeves.

I was still trying to find my breath. My eyes blurred as tears filled them non-stop. It hurt. Seeing my parents' reaction only solidified that they were telling the truth. Adopted. I am not of royal blood. Who the hell am I?

“I-wh-I” My father, Alaric, tried to speak but found him at my side in a split second, holding me tight. “No.” Is all he said. I felt his heart shattering as mine slowly melted into nothing. “Makana?” My father Alaric called and soon I was engulfed in my mother and father's embrace. “Ssssh baby.” My mother cooed, rocking me. Lulling my tears to calm. “I always hoped that when this information surfaced it was because you were old enough to understand better. We were never going to hold the truth from you Naomi, please understand that.” My mother's words were filled with anguish.

The woman who'd always looked poised and proper crumbled before me as she held me. I was guided to my bed, my father Alaric on one side, my mother on the other. My father, Dom and Maika had left to sort my sisters out. With how upset my dads looked, I wasn’t sure what or how they planned to discipline my sisters, but I knew it wouldn’t be kind.

“We planned to tell you on the eve of your birthday. The truth was never going to die my daughter. It was just being held for safe keeping until you were ready for the information. We-“ she sighed, took in a deep breath, letting it out, “the day you were born, your soul bonded with mine.” My mother started. “It was an instant connection between the both of us.” She held on to my hand with a vise grip. Fidgeting with my fingers.

“So it’s true? I am a mutt?” I whispered out, unable to find any strength to speak louder. A low menacing growl left my father Alaric's lips, “you are OUR daughter. I don’t care what is said. Any one who wishes to challenge this, will meet me in the center of the training ring.” He seethes out in a hiss like manner. His wolf Alistair a fur hair away from taking control. *sigh* “Alaric baby, it’s time she knew.”

I felt my father go from menacing to scared in seconds. But I watched as he gave my mother an approved nod and she began. “Fifteen-almost sixteen years ago a war was waged.” I nodded, “I know the history.” I say. “My birth father, King of Wolves, King Kana as the stories are told, was a sick man. His wolf worst. They bedded his omega. Her name was Princess.” She paused to take a much needed breath. I didn’t miss the ‘was’ but I nodded and she continued, “After the passing of the King, he bestowed the crown onto me. My birth right. But his mistress, Princess, your biological mother, fell pregnant. She became unruly and unhinged. And we needed to lock her away as she threatened those who took the throne. Myself most. She claimed that her child, you, was the true heir to the throne. She refused to speak to anyone but me. Then one day, she snapped. She tried to kill me. I-“ I watched as pain that I'd never seen on my mother's face passed over her features. “She had a silver Dagger that someone had slipped to her. One morning, as she insistently asked for me, going as far as talking down to your fathers, I appeared before her. My powers-“ she sighed as I could see she hated this memory. “My powers saw her actions before she could act and, without hesitation, I-I am so sorry,” My mother cried, a deep pained cry.

“Your birth mother was a high-ranking omega and the King's only mistress. But it was later confirmed that neither King Kana nor his wolf Mo’i fathered you. To this day, we do not know who your father is.” My dad, Alaric, explained.

I didn’t know how I was to respond. I knew what this woman, Princess had done was wrong. Even with her being my birth mother, she deserved what she got. Though she was still my birth mother, she acted in such a way that she had no concern for my life. Attempting to assassinate the Queen? One with magical powers? C’mon. Was I that much of nothing to her, that she forgot she was even carrying me and conducting such a travesty? She had to have known she’d be killed by her actions. Her greed to have the throne, that is all she wanted. And I was her meal ticket. Or so she thought.

I squeezed my mother's hand and lay my head on her shoulder. When she was able to speak she continued, “You were born minutes after I killed her. You were born prematurely, but you were strong. So tiny. When your aunt Nat cleared you briefly of any major complications, and you were placed in my arms, as I said, the moment I looked at you, you became mine. Our souls became one. You may not have our blood flow through you my daughter, but you have a part of my soul, which is much stronger, much deeper then any blood quantum.”

I felt her love and truth. I cried with her, my father Alaric rubbing both our hands. “ At that moment, when I saw your mother and you bond, I had made the request to raise you as ours. My chosen daughter. Yes, your father, Dom and Maika as well. But you were our first born. Mine and your mothers. Even though we hadn’t conceived you, you are ours. In every way possible.” My father, Alaric stated.

I leaned away from my mother and pulled him into a deep, cry-induced hug. I sobbed and sobbed until I couldn’t any longer. I wasn’t sure how long I had cried, but I woke up the next morning, with a new look at life.

******

I was getting myself together when Lia called. She wanted to go and see that guy, Blake. We were only here at the Puna pack for another two weeks, so she wanted to see if he wanted to hang out.

I was a bit disappointed to not see him or hear that he hadn’t come to the Puna pack. I don’t know why, but I was really hoping he’d show up.

After our last run in with him back at WikiStop, he’s all she talks about. I couldn’t help but feel irritated, but I brushed it off as Lia being, well, Lia.

Lia was a solid ten kinda girl. Beautiful inside and out. Her cute bob of a hair cut gave her an innocent look. And frankly, that was far from what she was. She wasn’t tall, but where she lacked in height, she gained in fitness. She was a total hapa (mixed-half white-half Hawaiian) girl. She totally had that babe look when she actually tried to look like a girl.

As the daughter of Lexi, Meagan and Noah, she was trained to defend and defend she could. I’d bet on her every time and every time I’d win.

Lia is a kind soul. Completely crazy but kind. As her best friend-s***h-cousin, I have always tried to keep her in line. Telling her the whole cold truth when others beat around the bush. She is a sucker for any attention. Which startles me because her parents are the best. They never neglected her or favored their other children more than her, but she always seemed to crave attention. No matter how she got it.

Our recent trip to WikiStop was my last straw. Our mothers have always instilled in us the importance of our purity. To save ourselves for our true soul mates. But, it wouldn’t be in Lia fashion. To rebel, to go against everything her parents had requested, ordered or just plain asked; that was Lia.

When she confided in me to say she had her first experience some odd months ago, I scoffed and told her off. Moreover, I was even way more angry with her when she said she was afraid she may be pregnant. I lost my s**t. She never told me who the father would be, but I had a strong feeling of who it was. But until she comes out herself and says it, I’ll let it rest.

“So you wanna go?” She asks, eagerly waiting for my yes. “I-I’m sorry. I just don’t feel up to it. I’m going through some stuff.” Lia scrutinizes my answer, then huffs, “Fine, but just so you know, because right now I feel like you’re holding something from me, I’m always here for you.” I nod, recollecting yesterday's events.

The hate in my sister's eyes. The disgust in their voices as they brought out the truth. Was I upset though? Shouldn’t I be grateful that they pointed out a truth that I had no knowledge of?

I pushed the thought away, and pushed. “Lia, you know I love you. I’ll tell you when I'm ready. I need time to process it alone. However, you- you have to stop chasing these guys. Guys that see you and only want one thing. You’re not their mate, Lia. You cannot expect them to choose you over their mate. You know it doesn’t work like that.” I tried to persuade her but, like always, Lia will do as Lia wanted.

“I get that, I’m not looking for a relationship anyway. Why must we follow these ancient rules or whatever? We’re young. We should be out there having fun. Experiencing all that there is to be a teenager. Take advantage of all of our ‘rights of passage.’” I let out a laugh that wasn’t supportive at all and knew that I had just ticked off the b***h button.

“You know what, you are just as snooty as Kahea right now. What happened to you? Huh? Now, all of a sudden, you’re too good for me? Whatever!” I pulled the phone from my ear as Lia hung up on me. I couldn’t and probably never will understand that girl.

Today was filled with training of all sorts. By mid afternoon, my father had called a family meeting.

Ikaika had mind linked Kealoha, Kaleo, Kahikole and myself, asking if I knew what was up, but neither one of us had a clue. So we all met in front of our Royal Courts offices and awaited to be called in.

When called, we entered and I stopped. In the large office stood our three fathers, our mother Nahe and Nanea. Oh boy, this was going to be one of those meetings.

Nanea and Nahe stood near our father, Dom. Their heads low, eyes red as if they had been crying for a long time.

“Hello baby. Come.” My mother coos as everyone's attention goes to me. She sits with me on one of the five sofas in the expanded office and smiles.

“Ikaika?” My brother Ikaika smiled at me, giving me an encouraging nod. These asses, they knew why we were being summoned. “Sissy, we are so sorry you found out the way you did. Know that we do not see you as anything but our true sister. I, future King Ikaika, will put forth word that if anyone wishes to challenge this, it will be dealt by me.” He turned to look towards our sisters. And I could see he was hurt by their actions as well.

My tears threatened to spill at his words. I felt his conviction as he spoke. I was truly warmed by his words. Ikaika steps aside and Kaleo steps up. He smiled a little, then came and sat next to me, caressing my wet cheeks. “I’ll quarter anyone who says other wise, you are my baby sister. With Ikaika, I will defend your honor and name. Don’t cry, Omi.”

How could I not cry? They spoke so lovingly, that I didn’t even carry the same blood as them. Kaleo remained at my side, holding my hand, while Kealoha gave me a slight smile. I didn't take it to heart, it’s just who Kealoha is.

She’s always so reserved. She sighs, then did something I'd never seen. She ran to me, pulled me up and crushed me into a bear-wolf hug. “Whaa?” I whispered, causing her to only squeeze me harder. We stood there for I don’t know how long, when she pulled away. “I will deal with them-“ she turned and eyed Nahe and Nanea, “personally.” She wiped my tears away and pulled me in for another gentle hug. “I am always here for you. I know I don’t always show it, but I am and always will be here for you.” I was now crying ugly tears. Snot dribbling, red-nosed, red-faced, ugly crying.

The last to speak was Kahikole. He may be the youngest of us, but he held a superiority that would have had anyone cowering. “As the youngest, as well as the rarity of who and what I am, I know what you feel, my sister. But know that our parents love us. Our family loves us. Don’t listen to anyone but those who matter. Everyone else will have to deal with your very over-protective brothers.” With his last words Kahi’s eyes flared red, signalling he meant it. If Ikaika or Kaleo failed, he wouldn’t. He pulled me into a side hug and placed a kiss on the crown of my head.

“Nanea? Nahe?” My father Maika boomed. “We-we’re sorry sissy. Truly truly sorry.” Nanea cried. I felt a twinge of anger when she apologized, but with Nanea, I really did feel that she was sorry. So I gave her a smile, letting her know that right now I’m okay with her. Not a hundred percent, but, maybe one day we’ll get there.

“We didn’t mean anything by it,” Nahe says, but held her gaze downward. I could see she wasn’t being truthful. And my mother as well as Kealoha literally growled. “Mind your words my child. Remember who you are in company with?” My father, Alaric, said. Everyone's eyes were on Nahe.

The air around us warmed. Before anyone could react, Kealoha zipped towards Nahe, “You are my sister, but your thoughts are causing me to rethink your loyalty to your family sister.” Mother gasped at the silent thoughts and conversations. “Dom-Maika-Alaric-seize Nahe.” In a flash, father Alaric was beside Nahe, holding her.

“Why? Why would you do such a thing, my daughter?” My mother cried as the rest of us awaited to be filled in. “Baby, what?” Dad Alaric stared at her. “Nahe, Nahe promised Naomi to a man. A human.”

The room erupted in growls. Nahe didn’t flinch. She didn’t even cower. What the f*ck!

I fell to my knees and cried my heart out. What have I done to her that warranted her to promise me to someone who wasn’t my mate? Let alone to a human? What did I do to her to deserve this?

Ikaika, Kaleo and Kahi took a protective stance in front of me as I was on my knees crying. “Why sister?” I whispered out.

“Because you walk around here like you are important. But you are only a mutt. Mutts.” *WHACK!* My mother's hand flew across Nahe’s face. So hard, that Nahe was taken off her feet.

Her words dug deep. So deep it felt like I was being gutted. “Nahe! I, King of all wolves, Your father, command you to obey! Now kneel!” My father's aura filled the large space, almost suffocating. Her eyes went wide, as did all of ours. We’ve seen him do this many times to others who were unruly, but he’s never, EVER used this voice nor command on anyone of us children. Everyone, except for my parents, bared their necks to my father in full submission. Nahe fell to her knees, but even I could see that she was trying to resist him.

My mother remained in a trance-like, hurt state. I wanted to console her, but my body was on it’s own accord and had rooted me in my place.

The waves that rolled off our father, Dom, were scary. I had no wolf yet, neither did my siblings, not yet anyway, but I knew if we did, our wolves would be whining in pain.

“Have you lost your mind?” My father, Maika, spoke up. We all thought he was talking to my Dad, Dom, but when I looked up, he was talking to Nahe. “Why child?" Dad, Alaric asks, fully deflated.

“I made a deal, she was the payment. She only brings shame to our family. So why must we bare her shame?” My father, Dom, was trembling. If his aura wasn’t already drowning us, it was now. There was so much distaste in her words, so much hate, I couldn’t find any strength to cry any more. It was just pain and despair. Nothing else. I became hollow. Empty.

My conscience was enjoying eating me alive. Everything I had ever known was a lie. Even with their love, their words of endearment, they were not my blood family. I was truly a mutt with no ties to anyone.

“Lock her in her room. Gabrielle!” My father shouted. His shoulders rose and fell with each breath he took. He was still shaking, his wolf just at the brink of bursting out. “Nahe-my-you’ve betrayed your whole family for a human?” He was still breathing hard as he tried to wrap his thoughts around the fact that my sister, his fifth-born child, had betrayed us over what? A deal?

Just then, our grandfather Gabrielle walked in, “Yes my King?” He replied. “Contain her bedroom. No one in, no one out. She-she’s as of now a traitor to the throne.” He boomed.

Everyone in the room gasped at my father's words. A loud wailing cry left my mother's throat. Dad Maika immediately was at her side, catching her before she was able to fall. Dad Alaric looked conflicted. His emotions were fleeting through his features. My eldest brother, Ikaika, looked lost. Kaleo, stood motionless. Kealoha looked pissed. I've never seen her so undone.

Nanea was scared but still held some defiance that made me cower back. When she looked at me with hate, it didn’t take a genius to know what she was planning, so before she could, I leaped into the air, avoiding her attack. My mother, even in her state of disbelief, sent a zap that hit Nanea hard, throwing her across the room. She hit the wall hard, passing out.

I started hyperventilating. Everything was going in and out of focus. My breaths couldn’t, wouldn’t fill my lungs enough, I felt it coming and nothing could stop it. I passed out. Willingly letting the dark quietness take me.

***********

Blake POV

Lia had arrived and helped me clean up. She didn’t pester me with questions. Just smiled and hummed as we cleaned. Her presence was nice. I've never had a friend. Male or female. So to have her here, as a friend, I was grateful.

I was exiting the bathroom when I saw the tall telling signs that she was in a mind link. I let her be and make the short distance to my kitchen. I pull out a bottle of water from the fridge, drinking it down in one go, contemplating my next course of action. I needed to get back to my old pack. Soon.

“Hey-I know you’re going through a lot right now. And I know you have a bus to catch, but um-“ she paused. “can I come with you? Or I have a car. I can drive us.” I saw a bit of sadness cross her features just then, so I took her hand and squeezed it.

“Thank you and I’d really appreciate the ride.” She gave a tight-lipped smile and I could see that whoever she was linked with, it bared unkind news. I’ll wait to see if she'll share it, but for now it looks like both of us could use the friendship.

I saw as indifference flitted through her eyes. Nothing menacing, but more troubling. I didn’t know what else to do, so I pulled her into a hug and we both just stood there, embracing the friendship. When she looked up at me, I gave her a kind smile. She returned it, but it never reached her eyes like it did earlier. But, again, I’ll let it go. When she’s ready, she can tell me her story. “Let me lock up. I’ll grab my things and head out.” She nods and waits. When I was ready, we embarked on the four-hour-long drive.