Unedited
Embry POV.
The Secret Society Estate, Massanutten VA.
2 weeks later.
"I still can't believe that you are a werewolf, " says Abigail the human girl that I've met at the demon king estate last moon.
"She-wolf," corrects Celine with a frown.
"My apologizes," states Abigail with her beautiful contagious smile. She's so sweet. I just can't but smile back at her. "I still can't believe that you are a she-wolve that happens to be the Ruthless King Beloved. How cool is that?"
"Not cool," Celine frown grows wider. Her facial expression right now is priceless.
Abigail, Celine, Anastasia, Speck and I are all in what can be considered the drawing-room. Abigail and Speck are sitting on the soft velvet purple sofa to my right while Celine and Abigial are sitting on the soft velvet black sofa to my left. We're all enjoying the oh, so delicious crisp, golden brown, with nuts chocolate chip cookies that my aunt Elena or Koda the older she-wolf made us with a warm glass of milk.
Don't ask me which one of them made them because I swear I don't know. Both of their skills in the kitchen are matched in every way. Unmatched. So, it's very hard to distinguish who made what. Since we've been here they have been fatting all of us up and no one has complained sofa, like right now.
We're currently devouring the plate of cookies like it's our very last meal.
Well, everyone accepts Anastasia. She is drinking a hot glass of tea with a splash of milk the British way instead. I guess all those books that I read concerning the British way of life must hold some sort of truth because Anastasia sure does love her tea. She will drink tea all day whether morning, noon, or night, and she never forgets to splash a drop of milk in it.
Abigail's smile grows wider as she looks at me and says, "It's really a dream coming true that us mortals can only pray for," The dreamy tent in her big, wide, and bright ocean blue eyes lets me know that she means every word that she just said. "I mean, I could only wish that I've so how to manage to capture the heart of an ultra-sexy vampire one day." Abigail reflects.
"Be careful what you wish for," says Speck as she dumps her cookie into her glass of milk. "Vampire men can be quite possessive over their beloveds."
"Tell me about it," my wolf sarcastically growls inside of my head.
"Speak for yourself," smiles Anastasia. "My, Elijah is Prince charming,"
"Prince charming, maybe but still very possessive," adds in Speck.
"Yup, whatever, I'll pass," huffs Celine. I can tell that she's trying her hardest not to voice out her displeasure concerning vampires out of the newly formed respect that she has gained for Speck.
The two of them have formed quite the bond over the last two weeks and I'm super stoked about it. I mean everyone knows that Celine isn't the type to trust newcomers, let alone vampires. She's more of a stick to the same circle type of girl. So, call me extremely emotional if you want but it truly does warm my heart to see my cousin step outside of her element. I'm so proud of her. Plus, Speck is truly an amazing friend. How could you not love her?
Abigail, Anastasia, and I have also formed a sisterly bond.
In fact, over the past two weeks, all five of us have grown to be pretty close, but I guess that tends to happen when a mixed group of species is living in the wilderness and ex-communicated from the rest of the world. The world's major blackout has still not been resolved. This mean, Cyrus still has been unable to return. Although, that has not stopped my mate from checking in on me whenever he sees fit, even if he just reaches out just to feel me, like right now for instance.
I can feel his hot and cold touch throughout our bond. He's not speaking, but his haunting presence can be felt in the center of my core like a ghost haunting an abandoned home. His presence causes my heart rate to increase, sends chills down my spine, and corrupts my soul.
He's haunting me and that's exactly why I've been avoiding him for the most part. Call me a coward if you want, I'm just not ready to face him. I have still been unable to tell him the truth and it's killing me. I hate it, he thinks I'm perfect but the truth is I'm far from that.
My actions alone prove it. Not only have I lied to mate about him losing one of the most important people in his life, but I've also deceived him into thinking that everything is fine on my end when it's not. It's the furthering thing from fine if I'm going to be quite honest.
A disaster. Our Kingdom is in complete chaos. For starters, The Northern, Eastern, and Southern pack wolves have been freed over a thousand future slaves from the boarding schools in North America, even though their actions aren't a bad thing if you ask me. It's the motive behind their actions that is troublesome.
I fear that the packs are only freeing those slaves to add to their forces. They are building an army and I've also been told that the hunters have joined them, which means that they have the numbers to engage in a full-fledged war and that's only the beginning.
The Lycan's are also on strike and are dead set on preventing their dead king. They've discovered that the vampire media is down and in knowing so have decided to use the media blockage to their full advantage, burning vampire cities down to the ground with no remorse.
Thousands on top of thousands of vampire lives have been lost.
My people have officially declared the path of blood. Marko and Gutter Butter have been trying their best to reach the vampire Kings for backup. The secret society is not big enough to take on hunters, werewolves, Lycans, and humans. We're going to need The Vampire Army, Vampire Marine Corps, Vampire Navy, Vampire Air Force, Vampire Coast Guard, and some assistance from the South America Kingdom vampire forces just to have a chance to beat them.
That's how big their army has grown. So, as I stated the situation is extremely troublesome, and due to the fact that I've not been crowned the North America Queen at the moment, I don't have the power to utilize our forces no matter what's going on. Plus, I'm really not ready to face the packs again, not after my last failure to protect my mate's aunt and people.
In all honesty, I'm not ready to face anyone other than the ones inside of this estate.
I'm hiding from the world and I'm under strict orders to stay under the radar.
According to Gutter, North America is not the only Kingdom spiraling out of control. There has been a whisper that the entire world is in a state of chaos. He advised that trouble has also been brewing in the circled Kingdoms and in South American our neighboring Kingdom but we have all the details. All Gutter has been able to come up with is that some Royal vampires have formed some type of rebellion that has started because of The King of All Vampire Kings openly declaring his beloved, Claire the Golden hair Chosen the Queen of All Vampire Kings.
That's another reason why I've been instructed to stay under the radar. If the vampires are bold enough to go up against the king of all vampire kings because of his chosen queen being a human I can't imagine what will happen when the rest of the world finds out that Cyrus has declared a she-wolve, their mortal enemy as his queen, especially right now when the packs are spilling vampire blood all in the name vengeance. On top of that, the hunters in our neighboring Kingdom have also joined in on the vampire killing spree. Everything is just a wreck.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for the New World order, but it has to be done the right way.
Peacefully! Like I once read in a book that was placed in my father's study "Vengeance, retaliation, retribution, revenge are deceitful brothers—vile, beguiling demons promising justifiable compensation to a pained soul for his losses. Yet in truth, they craftily fester away all else of worth remaining," When all else is said, vengeance is not the way!
"Yeah, so would I," Speck surprisingly, agrees with Celine and draws me back into their conversation. "I've had my fair and share of doomed vampire romance. I've got my eyes on the prize. A new species of men. Em Gem is your brother single by any chance?" she questions me, causing me to spit out my milk.
Abigail burst out in a fit of giggles, Celine rolls her eyes and Anastasia attempts to hide her smile by placing her table napkin over her ruby red painted lips.
She didn't just say that. "Yes, she did," sneakily giggles my wolf with a wolfish laugh.
Now, I'm the one frowning. Speck rather stunning dark as night eyes glows with mischievous as she is just about to continue her rant about my brother when she's suddenly cut off, "I thought you had a thing for that annoying vampire guard of Embry's?" Celine questions her.
"Who Gutter?" Speck question her back with a confused expression planted all over her drop-dead gorgeous face.
"Duh," Celine pulls a Speck on Speck.
Speck leans down carefully to place her glass full of warm milk down onto the glass table before asking, "What about Gutter? He's just a friend."
"Oh, sure he is," chimes in Anastasia while taking a sip of her tea. This time, she doesn't even bother to hide her smirk.
"Gutter and I are just friends," Speck announces while rolling her eyes. "Nothing more or nothing less. Now, can we just drop the topic of men although," she suggests, shocking the other three of us! There is no secret that Speck loves men and that men love Speck right back. "Men are just a little too overrated, she adds in."I'm over them,"
Yeah, sure you are I think to myself while hiding my silly smile inside the cape of my gray turtleneck just to avoid pissing Speck off further.
"But you just said not even ten seconds ago that you've got your eyes on the prize. A new species of men," Celine calls Speck out.
"Yeah! You said it right, ten seconds ago," Speck defends herself.
"Gray truly does complement your complexion, Embry," says, Abigial changing the subject. "It's so you, I can't wait to find the perfect color for me. I find it so hard to dress myself this morning, but a girl could get used to not wearing a stupid maid uniform every day. God, I hated that uniform."
"If you want you can swing pass my room," Speck says to Abigail."I haven't been to this estate for ages, but I'm sure I have a ton of things that you can have. We're about the same size, so I'm more than sure that you'll be able to fit them."
Speck is right! Both Abigail and her extremely tiny and petite. "Fun size," as Ruq suggested, and as expected he was smitten by the both of them into they started talking then he ran for cover as I already predicted. Ruq is attracted to a quiet lady in the streets but a freak in the streets type of girl. Those are his words, not mine.
Anywho, Anastasia and I are around 5'9, way taller than the both of them and Celine is just a little taller than them, but not that much taller.
"Oh, that would be so much fun," Abigail's entire face lights up. "Your style is impeccable. I'll have the time of my life going throw your closet," she excitedly adds in., obviously not know what she is getting into.
I mean sure, Speck can dress. Her style is amazing. Sexy and sophisticated. She always seems to know exactly what one should but on to enhance themselves. From, which color eye-shadow would make a person's eye color pop and what accessory is needed to go with an outfit, or what accessory needs to be tossed. Speck got you covered. She's the go-to girl.
In fact, based upon appearance right now everyone here style is right on. Celine style is typical really edgy all black everything with some killer combat boots, but when she cleans up she cleans up good. Anastasia appears to be a more elegant and upscale type of girl. The vampire designer black ankle boots that she is wearing right now with red bottoms just has to cost a fortune.
From what, I've seen so far she dresses extremely classy, even when she's casual but I'm more of a sweater and jeans type of girl. I couldn't be more grateful when I found a pair of distressed black jeans, combat boots, and this gray turtle neck that I'm wearing in the estate resource room. I mean the sweater is just a little too big but the jeans fit me perfectly.
Speck had a fit about me placing my newly transformed hair cut that she created in a messy bun. So, I had to sit through her torture hairstyle appointment this morning that she did herself.
She washed, blow-dried, and curled, my auburn hair just so I can walk throughout the estate in style. As I stated Speck is the go-to girl, but she can be quite the perfectionist when it comes time to play stylist.
Which, brings me back to my point. Abigail has no idea what she's getting herself into.
"Makeover," Speck excitedly squeals while leaping up from the sofa like a frog in boiling water. Then she uses her vampire speed to grab onto Abigail before dragging her out of the room.
"This is going to be so fun. We're going to trim those ends, and then maybe add some highlights to your already natural highlighted golden blonde hair. Oh, I can wait! Have you ever thought about pricing your ears?" I can hear the thrill inside of Speck's voice as they walk through the hallway.
"I'm coming with," calls out Celine before jetting out of the room as well.
"Oh, course! you are," I call out after her. Celine is another glamazon as well, just with a punk rock twist.
"Poor Abigail!," says Anastasia while crossing her legs. "She really doesn't know what she has gotten herself into,"
"Nope! None at all," I agree with her before taking another huge bite into my delicious chocolate cookie.
Umm, so good!
******
Nicklaus home, Cyprus Island Palace.
Cyrus POV.
I hear all of the shoutings before we reach Nicklaus's private wing. Lucious and I are just returning from our trip to the surrounding villages. We received word that some werewolves were spotted there, early today but when we got there the supposed to be spotted werewolves were non-existent. No scent, no tracks, no trace, which is strange if you ask Lucious. He's the best tracker that we've got. With that being said we've figured that they were never there in the first place.
"The slaves weren't going to be slaves for much longer anyway, Nicklaus. Get over it!" I can detect Claire's annoyance all the way from the other end of the hallway. I can also, vividly imagine her placing her hands down to her hip while rolling her eyes as she stated her last statement.
Out of nowhere, Rage, fury, and hell to pay races like wildfire throughout our brotherly bond. The feeling of pain, loss, and betrayal comes next, washing throughout my system like a thunderous storm.
What on Hell's earth did Claire do? I mean, Nicklaus can't be that mad. He knew very well what he was getting into when he decided to accept the bond with the devil's daughter.
"I think we should go," says Lucious while pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Yeah, I think we should too," I agree as we turn around to hit ghost right before both of us are stopped by the sound of a chair being thrown into the window, shattering it whole reaching our sensitive eardrums.
The heat inside my chest from his rage increases by the second.
I think it's safe to say that Nicklaus has officially snapped.
"Get over it!" His monster roars so loud. I'm surprised that all of the other windows didn't combust. "What the fuck do you mean get over it? Do you have any idea what you've done?"
"I've got it completely under control, Nicklaus! Mecca is my friend, allow me to deal with her," Claire defends herself. Her rage and fury can also be felt throughout our newly formed bond.
They're like two ticking bombs. Boom.
"Oh. Blood fuck! How stupid can you be? How many fucking times do I've to tell you that, that fucking dog is not your friend," he spits at her and I can all but see the venom that strips from his tongue!
"You are the queen of all vampire kings, not some fucking pet, pet!"
"Than I suggest you remember that," Claire sasses him back.
"Than act like one," he hisses right back at. "I mean, we all know that you're immature and reckless. but this, this is unforgivable. Matter of fact this is my fault," I can hear Nicklaus's loud stumps as he paces back and forth through his chambers and continues on with his angry ramble. "I knew you weren't ready to rule by my side and I also knew that your human side would prevent you from reaching your full potential. You're no queen, you're a fucking disgrace, a disgrace of a Queen,"
Crickets! At the moment, the entire Palace is filled with people who only hear crickets, and that's when a tornado of guilt, pain, and sorrow punches me straight in my gut, damn near knocking the wind of me.
Nicklaus's words hit home and for that I'm sure. The pain that Claire is currently feeling can be felt deep inside of my core.
"You don't mean that," she whispers.
"Yes, the fuck I do," he shouts at her, not caring about her hurt feelings. "Just get the fuck away from,"
Lucius and I continue to stand here, frozen in place. He looks shell shocked, which is a lot coming from him. He's never surprised by much. I, on the other hand, am waiting for Claire to snap back. I know she's good for it. Nothing and no one can put Claire in her place, not even Nicklaus her own beloved but her epic snapbacks never come, surprisingly enough.
A few seconds later, the door to their private chamber flies open instead. Followed by, Claire wordlessly rushing out of the room with puffy swollen red eyes and a running red nose. It breaks my heart to see Claire like this. Broken-hearted Claire doesn't suit her at all. She comes to a complete halt the very moment that her electrifying green eyes lock onto my golden ones.
"Cyrus, I'm so, so so, sorry," All of a sudden, she's crying a thunderstorm. "I'm so, so, so, sorry for your loss. I swear, I didn't know,"
"What loss?"
******
Embry POV.
There is a storm here. I can feel the effect of the force in my very bone.
Opening my eyes, I watch the thunderous strike of lightning dance for my Goddess as she beats viciously on her drum. The storm is forming as an opera of the skies and the beat of my Goddess drum is gritty to sing out. The pined frosted trees and blanket of the untouched snow-covered ground is also receiving my Goddess tears that have been formed into raindrops as it fiercely pours down onto the ground. Overall the force of nature is greatly orchestrated, appearing to be the master of the scenery.
It's such a sight to see, breathtakingly beautiful to say the least. Breathtaking.
For a while, I just sit and enjoy the show. Were out in the middle of nowhere, not that far from the secret society estate.
At the moment, My wolf and are at peace. We've finally have been able to get away from everyone just to enjoy a moment to ourselves. It feels so good to be silent in our creator's heavenly creations. We're forever grateful.
The sound of a twig snapping breaks the silence and gains our attention. My nostrils flare widely and I don't detect any scent but I have this feeling. I can feel a presence here, somewhere.
"Hello," I call out as my eyes scan my surroundings. "Celine is that you," She always been good at sneaking up on me just because of the fact that she's great at coming up with ways to cover and mask her scent. I'm greeted with nothing but silence. "Oh, come on Celine, I know that's you,"
After another long-drawn moment of silence, I decide to jump up and investigate. I know for a fact that something or someone is watching me.
Seconds later, another twig snapping from my right gains my attention. My wolf instantly takes over. That's when our golden vision hones in on the last creature that I've respected to see.
Oh, My Goddess! I almost, scream. Oh, My Goddess, it's no way.
"My furry little friend," I squeal in joy as I take in his big and bright honey brown eyes and snow-white fur. "How on this Goddess green earth did you make it here, all alone?" I didn't think that he made it out of the Red House in time during the fire.
"No better yet how on this Goddess green earth does he manage to keep sneaking up on a she-wolve?" questions my wolf as I lean down to scoop him up into my arms.
"I'm so glad your safe," I tell him right before his long and silky tongue licks the side of my face.
"Now that's gross," growls my wolf. " He better not lick me while I'm in wolf form,"
"You know what? I don't think we have gone for a run with him while we're in wolf form, "I suddenly have a suggestion.
"No Way Jose, don't you even think about it," my wolf tells me off.
I just roll my eyes at her. "Another time then, buddy," I promise him as I place him into the safe confinements of my jacket. Back at the red house, Gutter Butter was basically my furry little friend's babysitter and he hated it of course.
With that being said, I don't think that Gutter will be too thrilled about taking back his day job. So, sneak my furry little friend inside mission we go, I think to myself as the sound of another snapping twig catches my attention.
"Did you bring a friend," I question him as he peeks his head out from my bra at the same exact moment that the exotic, sweet, slightly spicy distinctive scent of Peru Balsam and Spearmint hits me fast, hard and strong!
Wait a minute, I know that scent I think to myself. However, the very second that I turn around two warm hands are placed on my neck and then I feel it crack.
*****************************
Hello, long time no read! I'm back officially and this story shall be once again updated twice a week. Lol, now I know personally that's so unfair especially when you consider the fact that I've been missing for Months!!!!!!!
I said it once and I'll say it again I'm sorry, I'm so, so, so, sorry but between my run-in with COVID and my publishing deal that has been a battle by the way I truly have been hesitant with continuing this series but thanks to all my fans that checked on me during my deep depression and sent out amazing words of encouragement I just couldn't do it!
So here goes your update lovely. It's three more chapters that are posted after this one and an additional chapter on Inkitt. There shall be two chapters to come for two weeks and then finally, you will have your ending to this story.
I love you all, please don't hate me.