NIGHT BLOOD

Chapter 1

~ “L what are you doing!? Get out of here! GO! Get out of here… GO!” ~ That is what I heard before everything went to hell, we got surrounded by rogues and Lycan outcasts. We were fighting for our lives that night in those woods, just to come close to losing everything. My name is Latavia Gray and I will tell you all the events leading me up to this point.

The bright sun was shining through my small window, Saturday mornings were routine scheduled cleaning days. I was supposed to get today off but the packhouse was a total mess from King Liam’s 47th birthday. I was ever so happily awoken by an ear-piercing screech that followed with persistent stomping from above causing clumps of dirt and dust to fall onto my face. As much as I wanted to stay in bed, I was already late.

“Latavia! Get you’re a** in the kitchen!”

“I’m coming Mary, I’ll be right up,” I called up so she could stop stomping on the floor above me.

I was being summoned upon by Mary, we kind of had a love-hate relationship with each other. I guess it has always been like that even before my father and brothers died. To think of it she is one of my favorites due to the fact that she continues to tell me that my mouth and attitude towards King Liam is going to get me killed one day…. I don’t think she likes that I tell her “That’s the dream.” I will not submit to Liam even if it is my last breath, so I guess he can continue making my life a living hell.

Since I have been one of the lowest ranking pack members, my room is in the supply closet under the floorboards; it is small but nice. The room used to be extra storage for the cleaning supplies back when my father ran the pack but it is now what I call home. I had some weights, a few pillows I was able to snag before being thrown away, a dresser, mirror, a durable bed frame made from lots of cardboard boxes and duct tape and an old futon mattress I found some time ago. I keep a small black box full of my family’s things, pictures, my mom’s necklace, a ring she bestowed upon me to give to my future mate with a letter when I come of age, dad’s shirt, and my brother’s sibling rings that have their names engraved on the inside of each one. Obviously, I had numerous paintings from the littles and myself, I could thank the school for “providing” me with such nice paints.

The wonderful thing about my “hideout” was that there was a little window that I could crack open and let the cool breeze in. I would sit at my window most days and take in the beautiful view, I loved how it overlooked the valley and mountains; I got to see the colors of the leaves change and watch the snow melt. I was the first to always see the sunrise and fall and the last to see the moon take its place. Those were the things I would look forward to every day. This was my life since my father’s death, it was what was fated to me.

I may live in “poor” conditions but it was nothing compared to the pain my pack endured, especially those that were orphaned. Before it was like this my father and brothers went out for Alpha and Alpha’s in training things, that’s when they were taken from me…. No, they weren’t taken from me they were killed by that piece of sh*t these Lycan call their King. My father Alpha Romeo Gray and brothers Jaden, Kaden, and Chase were slaughtered in an ambush while on their way to the Raven Moon pack to make an alliance. Alongside them was King Liam and his boys Justin, James, and Calix in that order. From what was relayed back to us a pack of rogue werewolf and Lycan separated the two packs and killed off my father and big brothers. It all happened about 6 years ago, they were headed to Raven Moon pack to make a mutual alliance. Being the second-largest pack in the United States it only seemed fit to unite with Night-blood and the Lycan Kingdom.

~ FLASHBACK 6 Years Ago~

Latavia sweetie say goodbye to your brothers and your father, they’ll be going on a very long trip across the country to the Raven Moon Pack with King Liam and his sons.

Those were the angelic words my mom spoke to me with her soft sweet voice, some would go as far as saying that it was like silk. She was such a gentle forgiving woman with such great hidden powers. It was truly unfortunate how things played out.

“But Mom,” I said elongating her name

“I don’t see why I can’t go with them, we’re only three years apart and the Lycan triplets and I are only two years. It’s not that big of a deal.” I stated to my mother without trying to sound like a complaining child.

She leaned down to my height placing her soft hand on my face and explained with such soft emotions with nothing but love and care in her eyes. “Because my little ladybug, they are going to go learn about prince and alpha things, while you get to be here and learn about luna things. Plus, we get the whole packhouse to ourselves tonight; we can watch movies and eat lots of ice cream too.”

“Really! Do you really mean it!? We can have ice cream?” That was the only part that registered in my 12-year-old mind at the time. Ice cream and having the packhouse for the night.

Granted how much we argued and fought my triplet brothers were my world, they were my best friends and sparring buddies. Jaden being the eldest he would chastise Chase and me whenever we got ourselves into trouble. Kaden was my personal protector; he would defend us because it was all in the name of “fun.” I do have to say though we did end up doing a lot of “bad” things when all of us were together. Our little feuds would usually end in hysterical laughter and a wrestling match. We were all friends though being so close in age, especially with the young princes. My mom would make it appoint that that came over to play with us since they lost their mom when they were 5, I still don’t know what happened to her.

I ran as quickly as possible to find my siblings and dad. I had found them in the common area talking about the trip. As stealthy as possible I tackled Jaden to the ground and began my assault of “affection” on him, he knew that I was trying to give him a wet willy. Out of nowhere I’m jumped on by two more attackers and were all wrestling laughing hysterically trying to give wet willies during our intense tickle fight. That’s when the king of beast walked out of my dad’s office looking down at us as he passed and just huffed in disapproval.

“You should really teach these future Alphas that they need carry themselves more highly than this and not engage in such childish acts Alpha Romeo.” He said distastefully

“Unfortunately for you King Liam they are children and I would like them to be themselves for as long as they wish. I don’t see an issue with a little fun as long as they are respectful and learn. To which they are, for both aspects.” Father said with a genuine tone as he looked over at us and gave a wink.

I could not help but smile at my dad because of how amazing he was not only as an Alpha but as a person. Not short after dad said that my brothers and I see the young princes come out in a single file line looking extremely clean in their suits with their heads held high, exactly to their fathers’ standards. With a malicious grin and a few elbow jabs to my brothers, we agreed on our next target. By the end of our little brawl, everyone had disheveled hair and was out of breath. I gave them each a hug goodbye and walked the six of them to the front door. I never really liked saying goodbye because that’s like saying I’ll never see them again so each got an “I’ll see you soon.” Calix was the last to house even after my father because he forgot to grab something. It was a rose, well more specifically an origami rose.

“Hey L, I made this for you. I would have gotten you a real one but those die. So, I kind of made this one out of the paper in the office. I hope you find this weird or anything, it just means that we’ll be friends forever, okay?” He told me kind of nervous handing me the paper rose and rubbing the back of his neck.

I couldn’t help the small blush that crept on my face when he handed it to me. I knew why he waited to give it to me, between my brothers I know that Kaden would not have any of it. The last time something happened to me a kid went home with a black eye, and it was all because he said my hair was pretty then pulled a curl a little too hard.

“Thank you, Calix, that is really sweet of you. I’m really sorry if you get in trouble with your dad later for wrestling with us.” I couldn’t help but laugh at the last part.

“Don’t worry about it Latavia, my brothers and I always enjoy the Greys sneak attacks even if you guys are louder than a stamped doing it.” We both busted out laughing at his statement

“Hey L! What do you have in your hand there!?” Kaden yelled while leaning out the window trying to see what Calix gave me

After that, I bid them all farewell and watched them drive away.