Blessed Curse

Always on the run

“Is that how you treat your son-in-law?” His voice was like a disgusting untuned violin. My nerves rattled just hearing it.

My mother apparently had had enough of the disrespect because, without a warning, she had him on his knees, in full submission. He may have been able to disobey my father's commands. I have no idea how, but he couldn’t disobey my mother. She was the daughter of the moon Goddess and God of Psi. God daughter of the twelve realms. The daughter in-law of God Drac. He was no match.

“You came into my home with ill intent. I will kill you only to revive you and kill you again. Now, I believe my mate asked you a question.” I’ve never seen my mother like this. EVER. She was wickedly fascinating.

He laughed, even though he was on all fours baring his neck, he had the audacity to taunt my mother. “Ah-the fabled Queen.” He smiled. He squeezed his eyes shut as I could only imagine my mother doing some Godly-like magic to induce pain.

Lucas, Pika, Deon, and three hundred of our highest ranked guards had cleared the party comers. The council members went along with the party comers, assuring that the kings and Queen had it all under control. I saw as many of them wanted to stay, even if they were slightly rattled. They wanted to witness my mother and her magic. For many had only heard the tales. Which was widely exaggerated really. Like, lasers out of eyes kind of exaggerated.

“My Queen.” My dad Maika’s voice was calm and light. Love in every letter graced his statement. With the sound of my dad, she released the man and he slumped. Clearly, we could see that, whatever my mother had done, she got her point across.

“Ahi?” We all turned to my sister Nahe. “Ahi, m-my sister is your mate?” He laughed a deep, dark, evil laugh. “You stupid little girl.” She gasped. “Bu-but I chose you.” Nahe spoke soft, pain in her every word. “But I never chose you. I’ve known the future Queen was my mate for months. You pointed her out to me. And I want her.” Nahe’s voice trembled, “you used me. To get in. You used me and my twin to get close. You BASTARD!” She tried to get out of our protected bubble, but my dad commanded her, “Stop. Kneel!”

She did. With tears flowing like Niagara falls, she knelt. No one moved a muscle, no one whispered a word. We all just waited until my parents told us what to do.

Then, a group mindlink echoed;

Dad Dom-“Ikaika, take your siblings and your cousins to the safe room. Naomi, stay with your sister. Harper and Harley tend to her. Kahi, take Nahe and Nanea to the dungeons.”

We all gasped through the mind link, but this was an order. This wasn’t a request, nor was it a question, it was a direct order from the King. Not even us, his children, could resist his command with the tone he had used.

Dad Dom-“Men, take your mates and the females to the safe room. Protect them all with your lives.”

When I looked at my mother, I saw pain flit within her eyes. My sisters went against their own blood. This had to have hurt. But, she stayed firm in her spot. A threat was in our home. The Queen was on duty. She had to stay on point and focus.

Ikaika gathered us teenagers and younger ones. Uncle Nate, Uncle Jay, Uncle Noah, Uncle Wayne, Uncle Anye, Uncle Neil gathered the ranking women, grandmothers included. Once everyone was gathered, the most powerful men, under my father's, escorted us to get to the safe room.

“Wait. Blake? Devon?” I called out. Blake heard me and turned to look at me. He gave a reassuring smile, which I knew meant he needed to stay. I saw a silent conversation, then Devon joined our group. I heard Lia let a loud breath. She immediately took to his side.

For me, every step I took leading away, was painful. “Omi?” Ikaika asked, just as we set Kealoha down on a bed in the safehouse room.

Harper and Harley were healers, so they immediately took to Kealoha. Not only was Kealoha family, but she was Harper and Harlyes idol. “We got Kealoha Omi.” The determination to assure her safety and wellbeing in their eyes was noble. I loved those two.

I clutched my chest, needing to walk away, the pain was becoming intense. “Omi?” Ikaika called out again.

I wasn’t very open about sharing my personal feelings with my siblings. I’d give my two cents when I felt like it, express my irritation or anger. But something this deep, I always kept these things harboured deep within me. I knew it was damaging to my own mind and soul, but it was my personal anguish. No one needs my problems. Today, though, the pain has spiked to an almost unbearable level.

“It hurts. Here.” I pointed at my chest. He smiled a kind smile, “There is a threat, and you left your mate at a dangerous time.” I breathed hard at his words. “Mate, I-I don’t have one. I haven’t shifted yet.” He sat me down in a far corner, away from everyone.

“This past few months you’ve grown, Omi. Your wolf is there. Even though you haven’t shifted. The closer you get to your sixteenth birthday, your wolf strengthens" I nod. I mean I knew this. And I think Ikaika knew I knew something, it was I was being stubborn.

“Omi, when you look at Blake, what do you feel?” I looked at him confused. “I-I don’t know. When he’s near, I guess calm and warm. When he leaves, it always makes my stomach turn. I-I’m cold and my nerves are always roused.” He smiled, and I internally groaned.

I knew it. I always had. But I refused the thought and played it off, letting the thought become nothing but a silly notion. I see it. I feel it.

I get jealous, I crave his presence when he’s not here. I get protective when he’s mistreated or spoken down too. The pain started off dull, but the more Blake and I spent apart, the pain became sharper as each day passed.

“He’s a good one, Omi.” He pulls me in. In my silence, Ikaika squeezed. I knew he was thinking I wasn’t going to accept Blake. My silence sometimes already spoke volumes to my intentions. But not this time. Goddess knows Kealoha has voiced how much she didn’t want a mate. I assumed Ikaika thought that I felt the same. “You don’t have to respond yet. He’s patient. He won’t force you to choose him. He’ll wait. Give him a chance. Dad’s already given him their blessings.” I pulled away. “What? They know too?” I groaned. “Who else knows? And why didn’t anyone say anything?”

He laughs, “Yes, our Dads know. They knew from his first visit. So has the whole family. It was clear as day, Omi. As for why no one said anything, Blake asked us not too. He didn’t want you to feel pressured into choosing him now. He wanted you to feel the bond yourself. So, we’ve all given him our word to allow the natural law of mates to arise.”

“He fights off the pull every time he visits. When he leaves, Aunt Nat has to go and help him with the pain. He’s-he’s strong is all I can say.” The thought he suffers tugs at my heart.

My mind moved sluggishly. Thoughts were muddled. “He’s known?” Ikaika smiles and gives me a nod. “Since he met you at his work place.” I sunk into Ikaika.

“I think I knew too. Goddess im an i***t. But, I don’t know, I just pushed it aside. Conjuring it up to being all in my head or whatever. A silly crush.” He laughed a single ha! “No Omi, you knew. You just weren’t ready to accept it. But, now that you know, how do you feel? Like I said, he’ll wait for you. You don’t even need to tell him that you know. We’ll walk out of here, it’ll be our secret. Just wondering though?”

I sighed, “I don’t know. I like him. Thinks he's cute for sure. But I guess because I don’t have a wolf yet, I don’t feel the gravitational pull like Mom explained. If you’re wondering if I’ll accept him.....” sigh, “he is a great guy. A pure blood, true blooded. Even if he was just an omega, I wouldn’t care. But, I don’t know who I am. He doesn’t know me or....” I couldn’t finish. “Naomi Koa. That is who you are. Born to Queen Makana and King Alaric, King Dom and King Maika. Princess. Kind, fun, open-minded, generous, Omi. That....that is who you are. My sister.” I cried like a big baby. “Get to him. Let him get to know you.” He placed a kiss on my head and rocked me.

Ikaika has always been our brute. Hit first, ask later. Right now, though, he’s my brother. My awesome brother.

“NOOOOO! I reject him!” We were torn out of our moment by Kealoha’s scream. “I, Kealohalani Koa, Princess of the Wolves, Reject you....you! uuuggh! what is his name?” I ran to her, kneeling before her. “Hey, hey, we got you.” She let out a loud cry.

Our grandmothers surrounded her, cuddling her as she cried. “I don’t want him. His aura is dark. Evil. I don’t want him. I reject him. I hope Dad kills him. I hope mom burns him from inside out.” She kept chanting. None of us are able to help with words.

Kahi’s heavy boots, walking in a pattern, caught my attention. He looked in deep, dark thought. Pacing, ten steps to the right, pivot, ten steps to the left. I’ve seen him do this once. It was when a group of rogues dared to try to cross through our territory. We were strolling through the woods when we caught sight and scent of them. This was several or so months ago. When they sensed our nobility and royalty, the smart half scurried away, but there were two. Two who dared to try to attack Lia, Wehi and I. That day, Kahi went for blood. His vampire was seething. The rogues were out numbered by just my brother alone. He was our hero that day.

We girls are not weak, not even by a little. Our royal blood wouldn’t allow it. But, we are female nobles. To fight only when you must. We are to be protected at all costs. And Kahi did that for us that day.

I closed the space between Kahi and I. He heard my approach; he stopped pacing to look at me and I was right. His irises were flaring red as his wolf's dark irises took to the center of his pupils. “Kahi, we’re safe. We’re okay.” I stroked his cheek with my hand and he closed his eyes. When he opened them, they were his normal color. He took in a thankful breath, “thank you.” “Anytime.” I took his hand and brought him to the area where our family was gathered.

Aunt Meagan made us some cupcakes. We sat down and sang happy birthday to Ikaika, Kaleo and Kealoha. Not all our family were there, but we wanted to keep the moment light. So, our aunts, cousins, grandmas were all here showing Kealoha that no matter what, we'd stand by her choice. She lightened up, though we still saw her battling with her wolf, she tried not to show her pain and suffering from the mate bond, it just wasn’t convincing enough.

********

Blake POV

I’ve never been in a situation where a threat was so close. I was never trained to defend. I knew the basics. But I wasn’t trained. I knew I wasn’t weak. But still, being new to the situation, I felt out of place.

*You are a Royal Prince-to be. Act like it.* Oli chimed in. *Shut up.*

Since I’ve been accepted by the Kings of Wolves, Oli has been on this high horse. I have had to humble him too often lately. He’d growl at anyone who disrespected us. Even if it was an upset human customer back at my job.

“So mighty Kings, fabled Queen of magic, I want my mate.” The balls on this guy. He smiled a cocky smile, “I want my title. What is it? Alpha? King?” No one replied. There was no emotion other than anger. Actually, anger is mildly putting it. To make his arrival even crazier, he had no hoard of followers, no entourage, no one.

I saw the room flash blue, then in that same second, he grunted in pain. The queen, Naomi’s mother, remained silent.

I watched as Warrior-seer Sage’s and the queen's eyes kept clouding over. Not in a mind link, no. They were in a trance-like state.

“Noah, Wayne. Restrain him.” King Dom commanded. They did, and Kealoha’s mate didn’t even resist. The smug look on his face had Oli and I upset. The disrespect is maddening.

As he was pulled to stand, I could tell he'd been through some stuff. Alpha Noah, with gloves donned, placed silver cuffs on him. The guy didn’t even flinch.

I was now able to take a good open look at him. He stood tall, six-six; six-seven. His hair was dark, and matted with sweat and dirt. His eyes held a certain look, one that I knew well. Independence. He answered to no one. He smelt normal, so he wasn’t a rogue. He was just like me. But, his villainous aura slithered like goo off of him. He may be a lone wolf, but he wasn’t a good one. If that’s the case, his wolf and he worked together and enjoyed the life they led.

Scars marred his arms, scars that I noticed because I have some of the same ones. Scars are given by the only substance that is like acid to wolves. Silver laced weaponry or liquid. Never allowed to heal properly. The scars were a sign of s*****y.

Warrior Sage and Queen Makana stepped forward, they slowly tread around him. It was a while before either one of them said anything. “You’re a-lone wolf?” Sage wasn’t talking to any one in particular. He rolled his eyes. “Duh.” Sage didn’t even roll an eye at his reply, “You are from the west....” Queen Makana’s eyes shot at me.

“Makana?” King Maika asked. I watched as she swallowed hard. “His name is Keahi. Keahi Morrison. Oldest son of Floyd Morrison and Harmony Morrison. Alpha’s of the Kona wind pack before....”

Her voice faded from my ears. I watched Keahi’s eyes as he met mine. The same confusion within his eyes as in mine. I gulped as I was looking at him, like looking-looking at him. He had the same nose as Devon and I. The same bone structure when it came to our nose, cheeks and jaw line.

“Luna Queen, I’m sorry, what?” the Kings didn’t even react when I spoke freely. They’ve been my family now for a few weeks. “He’s your brother.”

My eyes were still on Keahi. No longer did he look like the arrogant a*s that he was when he first came in. “What do you remember of your family?” King Dom asked. “Uhm-nothing. It’s always just been my mom, my brother Devon and I. I only know of my father's face because of the photo you or Lia or who ever found.”

So much conflict swept over Keahi. “I have no family. They all died.” Queen Makana sighed. “You know of me? You know of some of the powers I possess? One of them is to see into the deepest parts of your mind. I was always wondering why I couldn’t get into your mind, Blake. Someone has put some sort of block on your and Keahi’s memories. In Keahi, his is murky. Malleable. But it’s there. Yours is a solid wall. It’s not witchery. I’d have sensed it.” She was calm, no anger. No, she was showing compassion, sympathy.

“I see the horrors you have been through, Keahi. As the Queen, I should’ve been there for you. I deeply apologize.” His eyes were softer at her words. His shoulders not so squared. “Release him.”

“Makana?” King Dom’s head tilted in question. “He’s been through enough in his nineteen years.” The queen turned to Keahi, “please don’t make me regret my decision.”

I expected him to laugh, curse, anything but what he said, “I-I’ll be-“ sigh, “I’ll behave.” The queen nodded and Alpha Noah and Gamma Wayne released him. The guards all stood at ease.

I watched as Queen Makana’s eyes glazed over. It was five or so minutes later when Naomi, the triplets and Kahi walked in. It was hard to swallow the look in Kealoha’s eyes. Fright, shame, pain and sorrow filled them. “I-I rej-“ Keahi let out a furious growl.

Kealoha cried as my mate, Naomi, cradled her in her arms. Tears are flowing just as unyielding. My feet moved automatically. My body reacts on its own will. Taking her into my arms.

*******

Introducing Keahi’s POV

Some months prior.....

“Yo! Dude! You going to pay or what?” My mind froze as my wolf caught something sweet in the air. “f**k off.” I barked, humans were f*****g dumb and weak. “You don’t pay, you don’t take that.” He points to the pre-made sandwich and soda in my hands.

I pull out a ten and told him to keep the change. I walked into the woods behind the store and kept walking until I found myself at a river. My stomach roared, so I devoured the sandwich and guzzled the soda and shifted.

I didn’t want to hang around. I knew this land belonged to the family of the Royals. I was far enough away from any patrols, but still. If they found me, I'd never leave without questioning and with my foul mouth, I’d definitely get arrested. So, I followed the river down. I came across some rogues. They were, seemingly seemly. Not as rough as some that I’ve hung with in the past. A couple of them were on the verge of full possession, so I kept my friendliness to a minimum around those. I’d give it another month or two. Their wolves would be in full control.

I chatted with a chump from the group. They were scouting for supplies and food, heading in the direction of the Puna pack, so I bid them good luck and parted ways. Idiots.

The river led me to an open field. It was a nice change from the underground bars and bunks that I’ve been bouncing around from. Not often was I able to just sit and enjoy the little things.

Sitting and staring over the cliff's edge, voices interrupted my moment of peace. Like a natural reflex, because it has been, I went into defense mode.

“I’m so excited. I can’t wait for the triplets ball. Sixteen. The year had better fly by. It feels like we just celebrated their fifteenth birthdays, but all the planning for their sixteenth ball got me all bubbly. I can’t wait to shift and find my mate.” A young female wolf spoke. “I don’t know, I think I want to explore. Like Lia. Experience life.” The other teenage girl replied.

I sniffed and smelt the nobility coming off of them. s**t! I need to get out of here. If they’re here, they’ll have guards. Guards who would arrest me just for being in the vicinity of the noble girls.

I was in a prone position, crawling, when one foot stepped on a branch and it snapped. “Who’s there?” One of the girls shouted. “As princess of the Royal family, I order you to show your self.” Double s**t! Royal Princesses? f**k!

I sniffed. Kupa didn’t smell anyone else other than the two girls, so I stood. “State your business.” One of them commanded, causing me to only roll my eyes. “Hey!” The other shouted. “That was a command!” Again, I rolled my eyes, adding a laugh. “What the hell?!” They both said in unison.

“It won’t work on me.” I laughed. “Don’t even f**k ask me how or why. It just doesn’t.” One of the girls openly ogled me, while the other swallowed. Not in fear, just in shock.

“I’m Keahi. You may call me Ahi.” I bowed, figuring they weren’t a threat and they had no guards, so I'd be polite. I was a complete asshole, but I wasn’t that kind of asshole. They were young, innocent. If anything, I’d protect them before I even considered hurting them.

“I’m Princess Nahe. This is my twin sister, Nanea. You don’t smell like a rogue. But you’re not linked to a pack. Why?” Nahe, the girl who ogled me, asked. “Fair question.” Most wolves linked to a pack immediately sensed my lack of a link. “I am a lone wolf. Just passing through.”

“Where you heading too?” Nahe asked. I could see she was the brazen one. “First, how old are you two? Thirteen?” They both scoffed, “We’re fifteen.” They looked too young to be fifteen. “Ah-wolfless.” I laughed.

“f**k you! We may not have shifted yet, but we will soon.” I laughed at the brazen one, Nahe. “Oh, why my apologies your highness’s.” I laughed some more.

“Well, I’ll be on my way.” I started to turn to leave when Nahe spoke up, “You got a number?” I shook my head. “You’re what again? Fifteen? I don’t think so.” I could see the flirtatiousness in her eyes. Just by the way she openly checked me out, I knew what she wanted. She was the one who said she wanted to explore, to experience. And nope! I will not be the one to accommodate.

“Why? Don’t you want bragging rights? You know? I’m sure you’d get high praise from whoever by just being my friend. Imagine the bragging rights you’d get if you ravished a princess.”

Was she f*****g serious? “Thanks but I like my........women, mature and of age. Again, I’ll be on my way.”

She huffed just as the wind changed directions, causing a tantalizing scent to catch my soul. The scent gave me a calming feeling. My eyes shifted to the two girls. Kupa was at the forefront. *Not them. But they know our mate. They are close to her.* Kupa paced.

I smiled, “You know what, here.” I threw her my phone. “I don’t know my own number. Find it and put in your phone. Text me. We’ll....hang out.” A smile, so child-like, excitement of the highest graced her face. I internally groaned.

When she finished, she handed me my phone and I left. I wasn’t a hundred yards away when she texted, “I think you’re hot.” I rolled my eyes. f*****g teenagers.

I went to a motel, hoping I could catch a decent shower and sleep. I checked in, showered and plopped on the bed. My phone notifications were going nonstop, so that I cursed myself, and them. f*****g teenagers.

I was so exhausted from constantly running, looking over my shoulders, dipping and diving. It wasn’t ten minutes and I fell asleep. My memory of that sweet scent had me dreaming of light instead of the dark. It was a needed break. That little tid-bit of a scent kept me dreaming of better days.

The sun hadn't even risen when I woke to the door of my room being blown in. Silver dust clouded the space. I coughed, feeling my lungs burn and sizzle within me. It impaled me. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. This was it. I was dying. From the inside out.

I had just dreamed of better times, and now I'm dying. The pain, the agony kept me from being able to breathe and I passed out.

******

Back story......

I am always on the run. If not from wolves, then from humans. It’s been this way for as long as I can remember.

My mouth gets me into some f****d up situations. It’s just who I am. I am blunt. I don’t curve my words to appease anyone. I tell them what I want and most times take what I want. I’ve killed and pillaged the greedy to get what I want. So far, I’ve been able to escape without a trace.

Not this year. Nope. I made terrible decisions this year. Bringing another level of hell upon myself. I have spent the last..... I don’t even know, forever is what it felt like, living in hell. Hells of different parallels. Most times, it was just my curse. This time, this time was all on me.

I needed cash and fast. Met up with a human who dealt in a lot of shady s**t. He knew what I was and hired me to back him in deals. Be his personal guard. But one day, the spoils were too beautiful to let go. Too easy to plunder.

I set my plan in motion. Before we could make it to the deal's destination, I veered off onto a dirt road, crashing the car in a deep ravine with the two human guards and my boss. No one was buckled, so no one survived, but me. I thought I was free. I had looted the money and a small shipment of weapons and made my way into the forest.

I buried the weapons and took the two hundred thousand and lived like a king. Went to the most luxurious hotels, spent thousands on room service, call services and booze. Five months later, I was broke and a wanted man.

The father of the man I worked for wanted my head. Going as far as pairing up with rogues to hunt me down. It’s now been about six months, give or take a month, on the run.

Living from hell hole to hell hole. Sleeping in my wolf form more than half the time.

My wolf, Kupa and I were bound together in a high tower of respect for one another. If he says jump, I jump. If I say duck, he ducks. Kupa is the only friend and family I have. I don’t remember my family. I feel no bonds, so the only explanation is they are dead.

End back story.....