THE LOST OMEGA (mxm)
Ani Dn · 7 chapters · 13,582 words
Chapter 1. Hasira Is Rising
( Image: Alpha Bryson Blackwolf)
“Alpha!”
King Bryson Blackwolf once again tried to ignore his Beta’s voice. His face showed nothing but perseverance and concentration. His extraordinary eyes, deep and brooding, glimmered in the twilight, illuminated by the swarms of golden flecks and amber swirls in his onyx irises. His lips were pressed in a line. He spitefully gripped his heavy iron helmet and started adjusting it as if to chase his friend’s presence out of his head. It was hard if not impossible. The other warrior was adamant in his efforts to push through their mind link. If there was anyone as stubborn and single-minded as an Alpha wolf, it was a Beta. And the king was dealing with the most determined one.
The two men resolutely strode, side by side, along the wide cobblestone road, which lead to a big, fortified arch bridge over a wild mountain river. The turbulent stream of clear, ice-cold water wound around the sixteen-foot-high fortress wall, also serving as an effective defensive moat.
It was a monstrous stronghold before them, rising high in the grim autumn sky. The spire, which jutted out from the central citadel’s conical roof, disappeared into the heavy clouds, gloomy and gray as an old, angry wolf’s fur. The rainstorm was going to pour down on their heads at any moment. The blustery gale caused even the majestic, centuries-old oaks to bend and creak piteously in the surrounding impenetrable forest. Only the clang of heavy armor and deadly weapons could drown out the merciless howl of the chilly wind. The rhythmic metallic sound echoed in the falling dusk with each step of the leaders and the small squad of spine-chilling soldiers who followed them. They looked like a natural part of the hostile environment. A pack of dangerous creatures, loyal and deadly, who were in their element as lightning tore through the sky and thunder terrifyingly echoed across the distant mountain ridges.
“You cannot keep me away forever, My Lord. Enough pretending you do not hear me. Even Your Majesty with all your might will get tired of blocking the connection at some point, and then I will be right here, ready to ask my question.” General Damian Eldfjall* was not a person who would give up easily. No one remembered a single time the fearsome commander had stepped back. The king knew it too well. To apply more pressure, the young Beta raised his voice, even though it was highly unacceptable when addressing the leader. “You know what I am going to ask. There is no time for waiting. Everyone will feel his presence soon, if they have not already. I sense it with every bone in my body. Say it! Am I right? Is he here?”
*eldfjall (Icelandic language) – meaning: volcano
“Shut up!” King Blackwolf snarled, finally acknowledging his right hand’s constant attempts to engage him. “Now is not the time. We’ll speak about it when this is over.”
“Hasira* is rising,” Damian insisted. “If it is true, I must know. We have not seen him in ten years. Do you need to be reminded of what happened back then? Three hundred of Yǐncáng de bùluò** best assassins were killed for less than an hour…”
*hasira (Swahili lanquage) – meaning: fury
** Yǐncáng de bùluò (Chinese,隱藏的部落)- meaning: The Hidden Tribe
“He is awake,” was the king’s terse reply. “And the bastards surely deserved it.”
“Moon Goddess help us,” Damian gasped.
All the men’s faces were expressionless. A trained warrior never showed emotion. Only brave determination was glowing in their extraordinary half-human and half-wolf eyes. Yet, a barely visible twitch in the corner of Damian’s lips left no doubt of the shock his king’s statement caused. He quickly regained his composure and continued the questioning, which clearly did not sit well with the Alpha.
Beta Eldfjall was the only shifter alive who dared, intentionally or not, to do or say something that would anger the king. If he believed it was the right course of action, he did not give a damn about the consequences. His Alpha respected him for his courage. The general’s voice was firm as he demanded more answers. “So, the beast is awake. Since when?”
“Two days,” Bryson hissed. Even though they used the mind link, the tension could not be completely hidden from their warriors. Luckly, the others were clueless about the topic of the conversation. “I said we would talk later. Shut it for Moon’s sake. You are pissing me off. Are you trying to cause turmoil right before we enter the enemy’s castle? We will think about it after we sign the peace treaty.”
“Can you control him?” Damian pushed, disregarding the obvious threat in Bryson’s voice. “What if you shift in the middle of the ceremony? That monster is feral. We are here to ensure long term peace, not to cause a bloodshed.”
The kind snorted in disapproval. “Why the hell would that happen?”
“There is something odd about this castle,” the Beta murmured. “So extraordinary that it disturbed a wolf who has been sleeping for the last decade. My Lord, with all due respect, you have to admit this is dangerous. We are responsible for the lives of those soldiers behind us, the whole army, and even all of our kind. Hasira is a big hazard, an unpredictable monster. We can not afford him running loose and wreaking havoc. If he gets mad, no one can stop him. And if he is awake, it means he is already furious. We are still at war. Maybe, he was drawn to the fighting. He is also a protector. The beast must be raging at how many of our people died.”
“Do not talk about that part of me like it is another separate being. I am King Bryson Blackwolf, and I am also Hasira. I can assure you that I am neither mad, nor feral. However, I can’t guarantee I will keep my cool much longer if you continue to pester me.” The Alpha sighed and added more calmly. “Even if something goes wrong, you can stop me. You’ve done it before. I will listen to you.”
Damian did not respond. They both knew the stakes were high. The situation was more treacherous than any other they had encountered. The thought of having to confront the unimaginable enormous black wolf again raised goosebumps on his skin. He was not afraid, but he was not fooled either. Hundreds of people would lose their lives before he could appease his master. To remain in one piece after such an ordeal was also highly unlikely. A raging Alpha wolf on the loose was a killing machine. There was no way to reason with him.
A heavy silence fell between the two men. Alpha Blackwolf kept his eyes fixed on the road and the huge fortress gate, which was waiting for them at its end. It was made of twenty-inch-thick logs, reinforced by a metal grate with terrifying spikes, each nearly five feet long, aimed at anyone who dared to pass uninvited. No one could enter or leave without the permission of the human king.
The closer they got, the more suspicious this whole arrangement seemed. Could it be a trap? Would King Lothar risk his family’s life and the last hope for peace just to kill the accursed wolf overlord? Bryson was aware how deeply humans hated and feared their kind. He did not care about his own life. He knew no one could take him down. Same went for his Beta. His loyal soldiers’ safety was more important. He did not bring them here to be slaughtered. It would take a hundred men to overpower one of his warriors, but he suspected that a small army was hiding behind the stone walls in an ambush.
There was something even more puzzling about this place. The scent. He could smell it again, barely perceptible, completely unfamiliar and yet irresistibly alluring. Bryson sensed it for the first time close to the human’s camp. It happened two days ago and had not given him rest since then. He knew in his heart that it was vital to find out where it came from. A deep primal instinct made him believe that it could be the most important task of his life, but it also foreshadowed an imminent disaster. Damian was right. Something was wrong here, terribly wrong.
“Stop the squad,” the king commanded.
Beta Eldfjall raised his arm. All the soldiers instantly froze.
Alpha Blackwolf took a few steps towards the gate and removed his helmet. He shook his head so that his long, raven-black, braided hair could spread over his metal-clad shoulders. It flew down to his waist like a dammed river set free. The man was seven feet tall, muscular and strong like the majestic mountain where generations of his royal bloodline had strengthened among the towering snow-capped ridges. Like the mountain he was harsh and breathtaking. His skin, adorned with mysterious tattoos, was as smooth and black as the veil of the warmest summer night. His eyes were deeper and darker than the caves where magical beasts had hidden secrets and spells for centuries. The Moon Goddess herself, people said, had sprinkled star dust in his stare and breathed the winds of spring, autumn and winter into his voice. That was why he could speak gently, allure and bewitch, but could also cut like a knife and draw out blood with a single word. He was one of his kind, the last pure Alpha, born by an Omega queen. Many of his people considered him a god.
“Bring me my crown,” he shouted.
“You’ve brought your crown?” Damian exclaimed while a soldier ran to them carrying a beautifully decorated, silver-plated wooden chest. “My Lord, you do not need no crown to assert your authority. Everyone will be on their knees just by the mere sight of you.”
“I appreciate your words, my friend.” The king softly laughed. “But you have never met a human ruler before. I expect King Lothar of Lornydahl to be arrogant and consider himself God’s chosen. Fear is the strongest emotion for many humans, especially those who have valuable possessions or status to lose. Fear is good when it is accompanied by respect and understanding. Unfortunately, for them it often comes with envy and hatred. Our host will pay close attention to the royal symbols. He will value wealth and insignia most of all. Maybe, they will make him a little less scared and more prone to negotiation.”
If Alpha Bryson was impressive before, with the crown on his head he had no match. The priceless jewel was made of gold and silver intertwined, and studded with rubies and diamonds. It was forged for the first king Blackwolf’s coronation many centuries ago. The piece was so heavy and rigid that only his direct heirs could wear it. Same went for the king’s double-edged sword, which could cut down a grown tree with one swing.
A deafening peal of thunder rumbled. A flash of lightning as bright as the sun tore the clouds over the fortress. Heavy drops of rain started pattering on the stone tiles. The gate wings creaked as the metal chains moved, driven by huge screeching pulleys. It slowly began to open.
“Let’s get over with this,” Bryson growled and stepped inside, followed by his men.
(Image: Lornydahl fortress)
A/N
Hello at the first chapter of a brand new adventure in the Omegaverse, and my first A/B/O story. 💗💗💗
I am very excited about this journey and hope it will be great fun.
What are your first impression?
Are Bryson and Damien in danger?
Does a surprise await them in the enemy’s fortress?
Share your thoughts, ask questions and criticize, if you think it is necessary.
Don’t forget to vote, if you liked the chapter.
Love: Anny
Chapter 2. Royal Secrets
(Image: King Lothar of Lornydahl)
The throne room was a huge, uninviting space, thirty feet high at least, with rough stone walls and narrow, floor-to-ceiling, stained glass windows. They colored the little sunlight, which managed to penetrate through the heavy clouds, in somber, blue-violet hues, making the atmosphere even more solemn and grim.
The hall was empty except for a small group consisting of Alpha Blackwolf, Beta Eldfjall, three of their most fierce warriors, and the representatives of Lornydahl’s royal family. The parties had agreed to sign the peace treaty without the presence of both kings’ guards and strictly to follow the local official protocol for such a case.
It was a long ceremony. The shifters did not understand most of it and found every minute excruciatingly boring. Relief did not come even after two hours of monotonous speeches, repeating again and again the terms of the treaty, sipping from ritual goblets, and handshakes. On the contrary, what followed filled them with endless bewilderment and quite a bit of uneasiness. They were witnessing a scene too alien to their conceptions to comprehend.
Multiple female voices, united in a loud, heartbreaking wail, echoed among the marble columns like a resonance from another dimension. It was the only sound that could be heard, but the utter desperation it carried within itself could make one’s skin crawl. The queen lamented the impending separation from one of her children. This tradition was an indispensable part of the negotiations, as one of her daughters was to marry King Blackwolf to seal the peace. In truth, it was not at all clear whether the queen herself was weeping or not. She was kneeling on a thick red carpet, among colorful cushions, completely hidden under the black veils, which her ladies in waiting were holding over her in their outstretched hands. The women were going out of their way to be as loud and dramatic as possible. They undoubtedly succeeded in instilling a feeling of sorrow and doom.
King Lothar was sitting on his huge throne of gold and sapphire, surrounded by Lornydahl’s generals, his eyes narrowed in two thin slits. It was more than obvious that the noisy rite they all had to endure greatly annoyed him. He resembled a plumose peacock in his richly embroidered royal attire in emerald-green under a long red cloak with a white fur collar. Three princesses, aged between fifteen and twenty-five, pale as ghosts, and on the verge of crying, were hiding behind his back like frightened rabbits. Every time their gazes fell on the foreigners, their delicate bodies shook in distress. Each of them considered the possibility of being chosen as a future bride more terrifying than death itself. The strong prejudice played an essential part in this deeply rooted belief. The girls were petrified.
The lack of a bigger military force during the ceremony certainly worried the humans far more than it posed a problem for the shifters. Bryson and Damien, though seated in large, upholstered chairs, immediately attracted attention with their unusually tall and muscular build, intricately ornate armor, and menacing demeanor. They were exceptional and admittedly scary. The Beta’s long, blonde hair, handsome face, and deep cerulean eyes fooled no one. He was just as dangerous and ruthless as the powerful, dark wolf king next to him. They were not here as friends. They came as winners.
There were times when fires crackled playfully in the big fireplaces. Tables laden with rare delicacies and exquisite wine awaited many noble guests. The aristocracy flaunted their sumptuous outfits and extravagant jewelry, dancing to the accompaniment of the best royal troubadours. Those times were long gone now. The glorious days had ended with King Lothar’s foolish decision to attack the wolf tribes. His own greed played the nastiest joke on him.
The human ruler was famous for his splendid balls and lavish feasts. Invitations were generously extended to even the minor noblemen from all the neighboring kingdoms, excluding only the closest one. None of these long-awaited letters, beautifully written on fancy scented paper, ever reached the wolf king. His people had always been considered illiterate brutes, unruly mountaineers, who stood in Lornydahl’s way to the Southern Ocean, jeopardizing the lucrative sea trade. The tribes demanded taxes for the caravans to pass through their lands, and for the ships to dock in their harbors. King Lothar did not want to pay, although assistance and protection against the harsh conditions of the Wolf Mountain were offered for reasonable fees. He decided to forcefully take the land, which had been their home for many centuries. The invasion did not go as planned.
Alpha Blackwolf won a bloody, long, savage war, which he had neither desired nor begun. His victory cost him much suffering and many loyal warriors and friends. He was not going to forget a single one of them as long as he lived. He stomped, proud and unforgiving, in the very heart of the human world, before their greatest king, waiting to take what was rightfully his.
“What the fuck is this?” Damien groaned. “Are they insane? Do they think that we will take the princess away and eat her for dinner? What’s all the bawling about?”
“Most probably, yes.” Bryson chuckled. “I would much rather leave this ugly place without any of his daughters. Do you think I should cry, too? Maybe that will make Lothar change his mind and let me be. I am going to face enough trouble with Ming-Yue anyway.”
The general’s shoulders twitched. He remained calm, barely managing not to burst into laughter. It was good that no one could hear this conversation. His king was in no way belittling the grief of a mother, but considering that their domains bordered each other, and no one said visits were off limits, the drama definitely felt excessive. It was offensive in a way, too. Shifters were not mindless animals. He would definitely call any girl his king decided to choose a very lucky one. He wrinkled his nose. Or perhaps not. That witch, Ming-Yue would spit fire when she learned about the wedding.
“How much longer do you think they will yowl?” he asked. “My ears are throbbing. Is there any way to avoid this marriage? Honestly, I am worried about the witch, too. She is crazy, and you know it.”
“You should worry much more about what will happen if she hears you call her that,” Bryson noted. “Stick to ‘Your Grace’, ‘My Lady’ and ‘Infra Alpha’ when you address my fiancé. You can switch to ‘Luna’ after I marry her. And yes, I am perfectly aware that she will not be thrilled at the perspective of me taking a second wife. I also know very well that Ming-Yue is a moon witch, and definitely not the most balanced person. I kind of like it. Why do you think I am with her?”
Damian shook his head. “You are one recklessly brave man, My Lord. How you dare to fall asleep in her bed is beyond me. Beauty is not everything, you know.”
“I surely am,” the wolf king agreed. “And it has never been about her looks. What are you taking me for? Shallow? She has many admirable qualities… Oh, look! I think it is over.”
His gaze moved to the sobbing women in sumptuous black gowns, covered in golden jewelry. They were quiet. The nearest lady slowly stood up and stepped aside. The second followed suit and took the place next to her. One by one, they all formed a tunnel of black veils for the queen to leave the hall without being seen. No one had yet managed to catch a glimpse of her since the negotiations had begun. Was it a part of the tradition? Bryson was puzzled. He had never heard of such human customs. What was going on? Why were they hiding their queen?
Suddenly, his heart started to race. His skin heated up. He managed to maintain a calm expression, but it was obvious that he was short of breath. It was the mysterious scent again, much stronger than before. The strange smell seemed to seep right into his bloodstream and clouded his vision. Could it be poison, lethal only for shifters, that the humans had dispersed into the air? He did not trust them. They were more deceitful even than a moon witch.
“Alpha!” Damien did not bother to use the mind link this time. His voice instantly put all the wolf warriors on alert. Their master was struggling to take a breath. The Beta jumped to his feet and gripped his sword hilt, directing a stormy glare at King Lothar. “What have you done?”
The other man looked surprised and uneasy. He only raised his hands in response, trying to demonstrate his innocence.
“What have you done?” Beta Eldfjall hissed like a snake ready to strike. “No one will exit this room alive if you harm my king. Speak!”
He was ready to pull out his sword when Bryson’s hand on his shoulder stopped him. The youngest princess screamed and fainted into one of Lornydahl’s generals’ arms.
“Easy,” the Alpha choked out. He had gotten himself under control, but his breathing was still labored and fast. His eyes were glowing more than usual. They were pinned on the other king. “We shall sort this in a civil way. I am sure His Majesty will agree. Tell me, Your Grace, doesn’t your wife prefer to stay with us, and see which of her daughters I will choose to propose to?”
“My queen loves all her children equally,” the older man muttered. “The pain will be excruciating regardless of your choice. Therefore, she does not need to know.”
“And yet, don’t you consider it a bit rude of her to leave without greeting her future son-in-law?” The threat in the Alpha’s words was palpable. He spoke quietly and politely, but there was a tone in his voice, which left no doubt that the events would go exactly as he wanted, regardless of the other king’s wishes. The tension in the room grew with each passing second. Bryson’s smirk was all but friendly when he added, “We are all about good manners, aren’t we? Be careful, My Lord. I might get offended.”
Lothar dismissively waved his hand, directing a fake smile at the shifter. “Ahh, women. I have never fully understood them. Let us leave them to their emotions and get down to men’s business.” Bryson could smell his fear. This cunning man was hiding something.
“I disagree. I have the deepest respect for women’s emotions,” the young king growled, jumping up from his chair. In one broad stride, he was next to the line of horrified ladies. Some of them gasped or shrieked, but not a single one moved an inch from her place. He slightly bowed to where he believed the queen was, “Please, let me introduce myself, Your Grace. It would be an honor to make your acquaintance.”
A/N
Hello at the end of Chapter 2 . 💗💗💗
I hope you were intrigued by this mystery.
Why do you think the queen tried to sneak out without being seen?
Do you have any theories about the disturbing scent?
Do you expect problems for the shifters, or maybe for the humans?
Share your thoughts, ask questions and criticize, if you think it is necessary.
Don’t forget to vote, if you liked the chapter.
Love: Anny
Chapter 3. The Alpha’s Wrath
(Image: Queen
Zawadi
of Lornydahl)
It was more than clear that king Blackwolf said ‘please’, but it was not a request at all. There were few who would not obey an Alpha wolf at once. They paid with their life for such a foolish decision in most of those cases.
The ladies in waiting were shaking like autumn leaves in the wind. Some were sobbing with eyes tightly closed, awaiting their inevitable doom. And yet not one of them moved from her spot. These women were ready to die for their queen. Bryson felt true admiration. He valued loyalty above all, and did not want to scare them to death. But he also had no choice. Hasira was almost at the surface, snarling and pushing to emerge. The wolf in him was determined to see the mysterious queen of Lornydahl, one way or another. The deep, low-frequency growl that came out of his chest froze everyone’s blood.
“Move away,” he slowly whispered in the closest lady’s ear.
It was directed at her, but everyone present heard the command, or rather felt it in every tiny bit of their bodies. It was like icicles, sharper than a dagger, piercing through the skin and forcing anyone to submit without a second thought. This was no longer a human voice. It was not even a voice in the real sense of the word. If the concept of giving an order could have a material expression, then it was this chilling, subjugating sound that penetrated the consciousness and the flesh, overcoming any form of resistance.
The women instantly fell to their knees amid the jingle of gold bracelets and precious necklaces. The black veils spread on the floor around them, reminiscent of the burnt land after a forest fire. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, only one figure remained standing in the middle. She was wrapped in а silk black cloak. The hood covered her face. And yet there was no doubt that she was very different from her companions. There was an aura of delicacy and tenderness about her. She was short and frail, barely reaching the massive wolf king’s chest. Her body was shaking. Her hands were clutched in a tight grip in front of her. The contrast between the two figures facing each other was remarkable.
“My Lord, wait a moment. Take a deep breath before your next move.” Damian carefully rested his hand on his king’s shoulder and leaned closer. “Do not look at her. Look at me instead, just for a while.”
Bryson listened to his Beta. He knew his friend was right. His eyes turned to the courageous general. They were like smoldering embers. One could easily see the blazing fire in them, but also the tears welling up in the corners, the pain, the desperation, the rising anger. Both men could guess exactly what she was, without even asking her to reveal her face. Although they had accepted the harsh truth that the last Omega had vanished for good ten years ago, there could be no other explanation. Even children knew that they would never see anyone like her ever again. And yet, here she was, standing alive and well among her human courtiers while her people struggled to establish a whole new order due to the fact that for reasons unknown, those like her were no longer born on their lands. How was that possible?
“Tulia, Bwana Wangu, Hazira (calm down, My Lord Hazira) ,” Damian chanted in the ancient language of the king’s ancestors, gazing into his master’s stormy eyes.
Alpha wolves were centuries old and had been reincarnated thousands of times. Only Betas could reach out to them and be heard. He repeated the words his father had taught him during the harsh training he had to complete in order to become the king’s most trusted man. He had done his best to be fully prepared and make his family proud. It was a life and death task.
His voice had exactly the right power and intonation as he continued. “Karibu tena kwetu. (Welcome back to us.) Ease your fury, Hazira. See the way of forgiveness. Ask before you strike. Learn before you judge. Show us your wisdom and mercy. Vuta pumzi (take a deep breath) .”
Bryson’s breathing gradually calmed down. His gaze cleared up. The enraged wolf took a step back. Damian had managed to stop the disaster for the time being, but it was not clear whether he had prevented it or merely postponed it.
“How could you?” the wolf king whispered, directing his stare at the motionless queen again. “Do you have any idea what harm you caused to your people, the pain you inflicted, the future you stole? Tell me you were forced to come here and marry our enemy. Tell me it was not what you desired, and I will erase this kingdom from the face of the earth. Did they kidnap you? What is your name and tribe?”
“No.” The answer was barely audible. The woman removed her hood. All the shifters gasped at the sight. No one could mistake those eyes, big, blue as the clearest sky, exquisitely beautiful and captivating. The eyes of an Omega. She lowered her head and bowed. “Forgive me, Alpha. My name is Zawadi.* I was born in a small village, right on the Lornydahl’s border, just three days after our beautiful Luna. I am from The Kabila Tawala.**”
*Zawadi (Swahili) – meaning: A gift
**Kabila Tawala (Swahili) – meaning: The Ruling Tribe
“Forgive?” King Blackwolf shook his head in disbelief. His voice was colder than ice. “Your Luna, my mother is gone. You dare to ask for forgiveness? Ask our people who will have no one to lead them after my time passes. Ask Hasira, who won’t find another Alpha to be reborn into. Do you know what an Infra Alpha is?”
“I do not.” The queen fell to her knees and sobbed out, “You must believe me. There was no other way.”
“I will tell you what it is. ‘Infra’ means ‘bellow’, ‘inferior to’, but it also means ‘after’. This is a title given to an ordinary person who is entrusted with the heavy burden to rule a kingdom after…” Bryson brought his face close to her and spitefully hissed through his gritted teeth, “… after their last Alpha was gone. Those will be the rulers of the future. Have you seen a pack without a leader? Have you seen a lost wolf without a purpose? What happens to them? Answer!”
“They die,” she hummed.
“Say it louder!” Bryson gripped her chin with two fingers and made her raise her head. “Say it so loud that even the wolf who lives within your soul can hear what will happen because you chose to run away. For what? Love?”
“Enough!” King Lothatr’s yell was followed by the metallic sound of swords being unsheathed. Both the shifters and the humans were ready to clash. “Blackwolf, do not touch my wife. Who do you think you are? This is not your mountain den. You can’t do what you please here.”
“Do not dare talk to me.” The wolf king turned to face the man. His entire body exuded hatred and contempt. The next second the blade of his sword was resting on the human’s throat. “Did you think you would get away with this? Are you still hoping to survive the day? You stole our most precious treasure. Nothing can save you.”
“Stole?” Lothar humorlessly laughed out. “I saved her. You should have seen the way she looked when I found her on the cold stones in front of the gate, covered in blood and freezing to death. She hadn’t eaten in a week. A feeble girl who passed out in my arms and was unconscious for three full days before we could get her warm and strong enough to wake up. Three months passed before she could say a word to me. It was thirty years ago, and I still remember every tiny detail. I had never seen anyone so frightened and heartbroken. She was one of your people. Where was your father to protect her from the villains who killed every single person and burned her home to the ground? The Alpha did not care because he already had his queen. Am not I right?”
“You have the guts to insult my father?” Bryson shouted in rage. He pressed the blade into the older man’s flesh, cutting the skin. A stream of blood run down Lothar’s chest coloring the abundance of gold jewelry in red. “I thought you had no honor to attack a peaceful neighbor only for profit, but now I see that you are also a thief and a piece of shit. Die and let your God forgive you for your crimes!”
He swung his sword with an unimaginable power. Screams of horror and desperation filled the room. It seemed this was the other king’s end.
A/N
Hello at the end of Chapter 3 . 💗💗💗
The mystery is deepening.
Have you already formed an idea about what is going on?
Why did the queen appear at all if she was aware it was not going to end well?
Will King Lothar survive?
Share your thoughts, ask questions and criticize, if you think it is necessary.
Don’t forget to vote, if you liked the chapter.
Love: Anny
Chapter 4. Heavy Is the Crown
(Image: Beta Damien Eldfjall and Hasira)
The terrifying scraping of metal blades made the hall’s windows rattle and crack. A whirlwind of sparks flew in the air and across the stone floor like fireworks. Damien had managed to block the Alpha’s sword a second before King Lothar lost his head. Their weapons were still vibrating from the impact. Everyone around them froze in silence, petrified by the powerful collision.
“Stand down!” the Beta screamed at his men, who had lashed out at Lorhnydal’s generals, ready to follow their master’s lead. “Bryson Blackwolf, come to your senses! The king I know, my best friend is a reasonable man. This is not you. What are you doing? These people have saved an Omega. They deserve gratitude, not death.”
Bryson turned a puzzled glance to his most trusted man, as if he himself was not able to comprehend the events of the last few minutes. He let the sword slip out of his hand. It heavily clanked at his feet. A tortured moan escaped his heaving chest as he wrapped his arms around his shaking body.
“The scent,” the wolf king hissed. Trickles of sweat were sliding down his face. His eyelids dropped as he lost his balance and leaned on Damien’s shoulder, choking on his breath. “It is burning me up inside. The blood is getting hotter in my veins. My heart is racing. I have never felt this way. My mind is confused. Help me, Dams. Am I going crazy?”
“I am right beside you, Bry,” his friend assured him, firmly gripping the king’s arms to keep him from falling. “Everything will be fine. I will get to the bottom of this, I swear. If humans have poisoned you, they will give me the antidote, willingly or not. Now, we must get you out of here. You need fresh air. Let’s go outside.”
“General Eldfjall.” King Lothar took a hesitant step towards the shifters. “I am indebted to you. Thank you for saving my life. I give you my word that we have nothing to do with your Alpha’s indisposition. Do you think we are so reckless as to fail the long-awaited peace? The treaty has been officially signed. We are no longer at war. My most accomplished healers are at your service. I will do everything in my power to assist His Majesty’s recovery.”
“You have some courage. I can give you that,” Damien retorted, casting a frosty glare at their unfortunate host. “Feed my men and make sure they are comfortable. We’ll talk again later.”
With this, he headed to the door, supporting his king, who with great efforts had once again regained his composure, but was still dizzy and unstable.
The rest of the wolf warriors were settled under the wooden canopies, surrounding the central courtyard. They quickly gathered around their leaders, awaiting orders.
“Be on alert at all times,” Bryson instructed. “Spread out in groups of ten so that you have control of every exit. Don’t let anyone out of the fortress. Eat and stay warm, but drink no wine. Something fishy is going on here, and we have to be on the lookout until we know exactly what it is. No one enters the palace except the five who are already in. We’ll be back in an hour.”
“Where are you going, My Lords?” one of the soldiers asked.
“Out for a run,” the general answered with a smirk on his lips. “Nature is the best healer. Our Lord Hasira can use some exercise.”
“Hasira?” the other gasped, instantly bowing down low. “Moon Goddess, have mercy!”
By the time the two young men were outside the gate and reached the other side of the stone bridge, a huge black wolf with thick shiny fur, razor-sharp teeth, and bright amber eyes stood in the king’s place. The heavy armor, along with all his clothes, including the crown, were lying on the ground. The beautiful monster raised his head towards the pale moon, which was already peeking between the gray clouds. The long, powerful howl travelled over the tops of the rain-soaked oaks, struck the distant rock cliffs, and scattered in the cold air above the silent fortress. Many voices howled back in response. Wolves from all tribes welcomed their leader’s return. The ghostly choir gave goosebumps to all the humans who heard it. Hasira turned to the Beta and nudged him with his snout. His teeth snapped just a hair’s breadth from the man’s hand.
“Yeah, very scary,” Damien snorted. “You can snarl as much as you want, but I am still faster than you. Besides, you could wait until we were hidden among the trees. We will be stark naked when we shift back, you know. This place is well visible from the citadel. It’s going to be quite a sight. I hope you can dress up quickly.”
The wolf bared his teeth and shook his wet mane, showering his friend in a splash of cold raindrops. It only made the Beta roll his eyes and laugh out. The magnificent beast was three times his size, but it did not seem to bother him at all. He knew his king’s heart. All the Blackwolfs were scary on the outside, but noble and kind on the inside.
That was also why he was so worried. Shifters would be lost without their Alpha. The tribes would immediately go at each other’s throats. The crazy moon witch was only waiting for an opportunity to expand her influence. Sometimes Damien had the feeling that Bryson wanted to marry her only to keep a close eye on the insidious woman. The times were difficult, especially since the old king and their Luna were ruthlessly murdered in front of their own son’s eyes ten years ago. The prince was still a child. He had just turned eighteen… And now an Omega, whose existence no one suspected, appeared in the most unexpected place…
A low, annoyed growl startled the general out of his thoughts. Hasira was losing patience. He had slept for too long. The wolf wanted to run. It was unwise to test his patience. Damien grinned.
“You can never catch me,” he yelled over his shoulder. The next moment, a gorgeous, big Siberian wolf with smooth, mottled fur in all shades of gray and silver, pointed ears, and a long, fluffy tail dashed ahead and disappeared in the dark forest.
The wolves ran like the wind, chasing after each other. They barely avoided the fallen trees and broken branches, leaping over the paddles and scaring away rabbits, birds, and deer. There was no winner. Both were made of lithe muscles and untamed strength. Their happy barks and growls echoed through the hushed woods. Nothing could stop them. No animal dared to stand in their way.
They raced to the top of the hill, where a secluded wildflower meadow offered a stunning view of the whole valley with the vast stone fortress on the opposite high ground. It was beautiful and serene. The storm had passed its zenith. Lightnings still lit up the distant mountain peaks, but the moon was growing brighter. The rain had almost stopped.
The men shifted and sprawled on their backs in the tall, damp grass.
“Freedom,” Bryson mumbled. “With all the royal duties, enforcing the law, following the rules, winning a war… I had completely forgotten how it felt to be free. I am a wolf, Dams, and so are you. Why did we become slaves of our human side? We are still young, but I feel like I am a hundred years old. How did this happen? Will it ever change?”
“Heavy is the crown.” Damian sighed. “You were too young for it, not ready for such a burden, but you were also given no choice. There was no other way. But remember this. You earned it with every decision and action you took. Your people are united. They will live in peace and prosperity and love you for that. Luna would be so proud if she could see you now.”
“But she can’t. Neither can my father.” Bryson took a deep breath. The chilly night air was like a cure for his broken heart. “I could not save them.”
“It was not your job to save your parents, Bry,” his friend objected. “Your job was to save yourself, and I wouldn’t say that you were particularly determined to complete it. Alone against a whole battalion of trained assassins. Calling you reckless is an understatement. If Hasira hadn’t woken up, you would have never gotten out of there alive.”
“Wait! Do you think this was their doing, too? I mean, the massacre in Zawadi’s village.” Bryson rose, propping himself up on his elbows. “Yǐncáng de bùluò (The Hidden Tribe) has spies everywhere. We had no clue that there was a second Omega, but they probably knew. The attack on the palace was an attempt to kidnap my mother. They did not expect her to be so fierce. She fought to her death. What if ten years earlier, those scumbags were looking for Zawadi? All her people died protecting her. She and my mother are the same age. They were twenty at that time, ready for marriage, but my mom was unreachable, already under the Alpha’s protection.”
“Yes! That must be it.” Damien could not hide the excitement in his voice. “They failed to find the defenseless girl. Only your mother remained. The bastards needed twenty more years to organize a raid on the palace and try again, this time with the Luna. Capturing an Omega meant power. They would have become the ruling tribe if they had succeeded.”
“But why didn’t the villagers inform the king about her existence?” Bryson jumped to his feet and started pacing back and forth. “Father would have sent guards. He would have found her a noble husband. She could become Luna of a tribe one day.”
“A husband she had never met? Someone who would not be her true mate?” The Beta shook his head. “With all due respect, your mother was lucky to be born in the palace, in the family of a high-ranking general. Fortunately, the crown prince turned out to be her mate. They cherished each other. Zawadi was a country girl, living a simple, peaceful life. She might have loved one of her own. Why would her parents want to turn her into a bargaining chip in a cruel political game? Think about it. If you had an Omega daughter, would you want the tribe rulers to know?”
“Never,” the wolf king answered with no hesitation. Suddenly, his expression changed to one of utter shock. “Fuck! That’s it. General Eldfjall, once again, you proved yourself invaluable. You are a genius.”
“Well, thank you, My Lord.” Damien was puzzled. “I appreciate the praise, but I still do not understand.”
“Don’t you wonder why they tried to hide the queen’s face from us, but they still kept her in the room during the entire negotiations? I have been blinded all this time,” the Alpha almost shouted. “If they didn’t want me to see her, why was she even there? Because it was her idea.”
“What?” Damien exclaimed. “I don’t get it.”
“No? It is so simple. The scent. It was making me sick. This woman is one of us. She knew I would hardly miss it.” Bryson victoriously laughed. “A clever plan, but not smart enough. If I sensed it, she would reveal herself, and I would assume it was hers. But it wasn’t. My face was a few inches from hers. Nothing happened. She did not affect me. The scent was not coming from her.”
“Holly Goddess of the Red Moon,” Damien whispered in bewilderment. “Deception. The whole theatrical performance was aimed at deceiving us. They are protecting somebody else. Every Omega gives birth to another Omega or an Alpha, but I did not consider this possibility because I assumed it did not work the same way when the father is not a shifter.”
“Correct,” Bryson confirmed. “Except that the rule is still valid. King Lothar must have four children. A princess was missing at the ceremony.”
“It was not poison.” Damien grabbed the king by the shoulders and shook him. “Bry, it was the Call. Hasira woke up because of the Call. You were not sick. You felt the heat. We are saved. The fourth daughter is an Omega, and she is your mate. But why would they hide it? You’re expected to marry one of them anyway. Why not the one who will actually want it?”
“Let’s go back,” the wolf king urged. “It’s time to find out the reason.”
A/N
Hello, at the end of Chapter 4 . 💗💗💗
I hope you are enjoying the story.
Do you think Damian and Bryson’s suspicions are correct?
Was it a deception?
And most importantly, why would they hide the Omega princess?
Can’t wait to hear your theories 😃
Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you think it is necessary.
Don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.
Love: Anny
Chapter 5. The Royal Banquet
“We have to be very careful.” Bryson stopped his friend right in front of the castle’s gate, which was slowly opening amidst creaks and scraping. “No matter if we are right or wrong in our suspicions, our hosts must not be given time to come up with another plan. The king has a good reason to hide his fourth daughter. I am sure it is not only because she is an Omega. I sense something more. There is too much at stake. We can not afford to leave without her. It’s the future of our kind we are fighting for. We will act quickly, but with great caution.”
“Of course, we are right,” Damien whispered back, stepping into the overcrowded courtyard. Servants were running back and forth carrying huge trays of food and jars of wine in and out of the palace. “It will get crazy if they fail to present that Omega princess to you. Hasira does not like to be denied what is rightfully his. The humans have no clue what will come upon them. They better act accordingly, or the stupid human king will see his city in ashes before the moon has reached its highest point.”
A maid, balancing a basket of steaming bread rolls on her shoulder, almost bumped into the frowning warrior. She shrieked in fear and ran away. He groaned in irritation. “Are they preparing a banquet? The queen is trying to distract us with food and wine now. I am fed up with their tricks. Where is the honor in that?”
“The peace treaty deserves a celebration,” Bryson noted. “It is a big day for us all. As unpleasant as a stubborn wolf like you may find it, the occasion requires a more appropriate appearance. Get rid of all the metal. I don’t believe anyone is trying to kill us.”
The wolf king dropped his heavy armor under the canopy where several of his soldiers were enjoying an abundance of meat and freshly baked pies around a huge wooden table. They were glancing at the inviting goblets of wine, but none of them drank. He nodded in approval and flattened his richly embroidered velvet shirt. The gold jewelry around his neck jingled as he gathered his braids and pinned some on the back of his head to reveal his face.
General Elfjal was not eager to celebrate. He preferred his armor to the elegant garments. His chiseled body looked good in leather and silk. His long blonde braids and expressive blue eyes were always admired. But court life had never been his thing. He genuinely despised royal etiquette and would much rather drink bitter ale with his men in a small smoky tavern, tucked among the narrow streets by the harbor, than spend a minute of his time in the palace.
“You look great. Stop pouting. We might find a mate for you, too,” Bryson teased. He laughed out at his friend’s unwillingness to leave the weapons behind. It was well-known that the young savage found romance and tooth extraction equally unpleasant. Damien only growled at him as they headed inside.
The gloomy throne room was completely transformed. Without the tension of the negotiations and the mournful atmosphere created by the weeping women gone, it was cozy and warm. The crackling fire in the two enormous fireplaces lit up even the darkest corners. A troupe of court troubadours was performing a playful melody on their shiny luthnis. Pretty girls in colorful, silk gowns were singing about a forbidden summer romance. Jokes and hoots of laughter drowned out the naughty song from time to time. Nothing suggested that two powerful kings were at each other’s throats only a couple of hours ago. And yet there was an invisible tension in the air. It could not be ignored. Pretense outweighed sincerity.
The royal family was sitting around a beautifully arranged table with ornate candleholders, crystal glasses, and gold cutlery. Roasted meat, exotic fruit, and exquisite desserts spread mouthwatering flavours. The quantity was enough to feed a small army. Each dish looked like a piece of art.
“Ah, finally,” Queen Zawadi cheerfully exclaimed as she rushed to meet the guests of honour. Her black cloak was gone. The magnificent blue gown accentuated her beauty. “We were starting to worry. Alpha, I hope you are feeling better after your run. I can’t apologize enough for this unfortunate misunderstanding. Please, let us make up for the troubles and show you our hospitality.”
“No need to apologize, Milady.” Bryson’s lips stretched in a disarming smile, earning a few gasps from the ladies in waiting. He courtly offered his arm to lead the way to their seats. “I owe you an apology, too. My reaction was unprovoked and unnecessarily violent. I should be thankful that our last Omega is safe and thriving among her human family. King Lothar, please accept my remorse for putting your life in danger. Let our alliance and friendship begin from this moment on.”
The Alpha was tactful and diplomatic when necessary. If he couldn’t get something by sheer force, he had a thousand other ways to achieve it by charm and persuasion. He pinned his glowing amber eyes on the queen’s face, searching for answers. She tried to avert her gaze, but it was impossible.
“Yes… No harm done. All forgotten. We are friends. Please, enjoy the food,” she mumbled. Her hand was trembling as she passed to him a golden goblet studded with sparkling diamonds. “Let me formally introduce my daughters. I assure you that each of them is overly excited by the opportunity to know you better and flattered by the chance to become your Luna.”
“No doubt about it,” Damian muttered, squinting at the startled, pale girls. They tried their best not to stutter and shake while saying their names and bobbing a curtsey to the intimidating Alpha.
“Your Majesty,” the oldest one barely uttered, making every effort to smile at her potential fiancé. She and her sisters were well-mannered. They showed admirable courage considering the circumstances. “Is it true that no ordinary man has ever seen your palace? I’ve heard legends about it. They say it is so deep in the mountain, in such a secluded place that only the wolves are strong enough to make the dangerous journey. And yet, you can see the harbor bay from its high towers.”
“Some legends are real,” Bryson warmly answered. He took a sip from his wine and unhooked a small gold locket from around his neck. The girl reached out. She was now much more relaxed. Curiosity was written on her face. The small moon-shaped box opened in her palm, revealing a mesmerizing drawing of a fairy-tale castle nestled among majestic mountain peaks, surrounded by a dense forest.
“So wonderful,” she exclaimed. “Doesn’t look dangerous at all.”
The wolf king chuckled and added, “Other legends are exaggerated. Truth is always somewhere in between. Mountain passes are deadly for the inexperienced, but under my guidance and protection, the journey may even be pleasant. Don’t worry too much. Nature is wild in my kingdom, but also filled with haunting beauty. Please accept this humble piece of jewelry as a small token of friendship.”
The princess blushed with delight. Her mother nodded in approval, touched by the kind gesture.
Damien took the opportunity to turn to King Lothar. “My lord, I heard a rumour, too. An odd one indeed. Would you be so kind as to tell us if it is truthful?”
“Rumors are always harmful,” his companion sternly retorted, “and never accurate. I prefer to ignore them.”
“I agree, but still,” The Beta did not give up. “This one got me utterly confused. Rumor has it that not all of your children are here today. How very strange, itn’t it? Why would anyone make up such an unbelievable story without any basis?”
“Nonsense,” the human king barked in anger, pushing a tray of food towards the shifter. “All my daughters are here. I have nothing more to say. Try the lamb chops, General. My chef is famous for them. You won’t find better ones even in your mythical palace.”
“Of course,” King Blackwolf interrupted their conversation. “Your Majesty will forgive General Elfjal for his lack of manners. He has forgotten how soldiers and servants love to invent entertaining tales about their masters. It is a way to pay us back for all the times we have not been fair to them. Let’s not allow this to sway the mood. My dear Queen, will you do me the honor of dancing this lovely melody with me?”
“My eldest daughter is often praised for her fluid foodwork,” Zawady quickly responded. It was obvious she was trying to decline the invitation as politely as possible. Spending a single minute in such proximity to an Alpha was a big risk for someone hiding information. He could force it out of her only using a mind link. She laughed and waved her hand dismissively. “My age is no longer suitable for these energetic modern dances.”
“Then we shall choose a slower one,” Bryson insisted, leaving her no choice. The courtiers began to applaud as the wolf kind rose and took a graceful bow to the queen. His look made it clear he would accept no further objections. The shocked woman stood up and hesitantly accepted his outstretched hand.
They swirled smoothly around the room under the sparkling chandeliers. The glow of hundreds of candles accentuated how extraordinary and captivating these rare beings were, unique even among the shifters. Magic was palpable around them. Everyone was watching in awe. Despite his unusually tall stature and muscular build, Bryson moved with the elegance of a man raised in luxury and sophistication, carrying the refinement of generations of royalty in his blood.
He bent to his partner’s ear and insitently whispered, “Zawady, I speak to you as one of my tribe. I am aware that you are not being honest. There is still time to end this on good terms. I am willing to give you this chance. Please, take it in the name of my late mother, your Luna. You may be the queen of humans, but I am still your Alpha. My wolf is awake. He knows. I can not contain the beast much longer.”
“You don’t understand,” she sobbed. “I trust you with my girls. I believe you are honorable, and any of them will be safe with you and even happy. I am begging you, Alpha. Choose a bride and go home. This is much more complicated than you think.”
“I can make you tell me the truth,” he hissed. “Hasira has sensed a mate. Don’t you see? We will never leave without our new Luna? He won’t let us. I can not allow it either. Our people need her. She is the miracle we have all been waiting for. Do you honestly believe that anyone can stand between an Alpha wolf and his mate, chosen by the ruler of the Moon herself?”
“Moon Goddess, have mercy,” she whimpered. “We are all doomed. You think this is the salvation, but it is our demise. You have no idea… I cannot rebel against my husband. Whatever you believe is happening here, you are wrong.”
The music died. The two shifters stood still in the middle of the hall, looking at each other. Bryson did not want to harm this tiny woman who reminded him so much of his beloved mother. Zawady’s tearful eyes were shadowed by despair. He sensed it. She did not want to deceive him, but she also saw no other way. He wished to help her, to protect the distressed Omega, but he could not imagine what circumstance would make her claim that meeting his destined mate was unthinkable. Feeling the weight of the moment, everyone present fell speechless, their gazes fixed on the couple.
Suddenly, the tense silence was broken by a commotion coming from inside the palace. Hurried footsteps of people running in panic, distant clatter of heavy boots on stone floors, and clank of armor echoed through the corridors. It was followed by a clash of swords, chains rattling, and agitated shouts. The noise was getting closer.
“Block the entrance from the outside. Call for backup!” King Lothar yelled to his generals. They rushed to the door and disappeared into the darkness. Soon, the guests could hear people building a blockade by nailing boards and piling up furniture in the hallway. The human ruler slammed his fist on the table. “Damn it! This is madness. For the love of God, isn’t there at least one person in this palace I can rely on to carry out my orders?”
“What is happening?” Damien jumped from his chair. “Are we under attack?”
“No!” the king was quick to deny. “Everything will be under control in a minute. We have our internal problems. Nothing that concerns you. Perhaps a savage prisoner has escaped the dungeon. We had to lock up many criminals for looting and robbery during the war. They are not eager to face the coming trial.”
“Everything concerns us,” the Beta growled. “All that’s been going on since we came here is questionable. I demand answers.”
A scream caught everyone’s attention. The uproar was already at the entrance. The havoc outside reached its peak. There were heavy blows on the door with a metal object, probably a sword or a mace. Someone was trying to break in. It seemed like a platoon of guards was barely holding the assailant back.
A sudden surge of pain tore through Bryson’s body. His heart raced. His nostrils flared from the effort to hold Hazira contained. The feral wolf was pushing to take control, but the man knew that shifting was out of the question. If he failed to stop him, there would be no survivors.
The familiar scent hit all his senses at once, a thousand times stronger than before. It sucked the air out of his lungs. This time it was tangible, pungent, and overwhelming. He did not doubt that the person it belonged to was no more than a few feet away.
His Omega was threatened. The devastating desire to protect his mate made him bolt furiously to the door. He was not concerned about the human soldiers outside. It was their opponent who needed his help. Could his mate be a criminal on the run? Did the king imprison his own daughter? What could she have done? How come a princess was strong enough to stand up to a dozen trained guards?
The menacing snarl that erupted from his chest was terrifying. His eyes were two pits of fire. He bared his canines, which had grown longer. His body was shaking in rage. No one could threaten his mate. He grabbed the thick, iron-framed door and, with one sharp pull, tore it off its hinges and threw it to the side.
A heavy sword thudded at his feet, followed by an avalanche of debris left over from the shattered objects that had served as a barrier. Finally, a tall figure crawled out from behind all the rubble, falling on their knees.
The wolf king’s eyes widened in surprise.
A/N
Hello, at the end of Chapter 5. 💗💗💗
Thank you so much for keeping up with the story despite the big pause I had to take.
I appreciate each one of you and all the wonderful encouragement.
What do you think was happening behind the door?
Was it a prisoner on the run?
And why was Bryson so surprised at the person he saw?
Can’t wait to see what you think 😃
Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you think it is necessary.
Don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.
Love: Anny
Chapter 6. The Crown Prince
Alpha Bryson Blackwolf was speechless for the first time. He had survived many fierce battles in his twenty-eight-year life. He had felt joy, anger, and profound sorrow. But he had never found himself as bewildered as he was in this precise moment. Even Hasira had forgotten his rage and stood quiet in the depths of his mind.
The king and his wolf were gazing open-mouthed at their mate and could not comprehend what they saw. The person kneeling on the floor, barely catching his breath, had the right enticing scent, the big sparkling blue eyes, and the undeniable sublimity and charm about him. He was an Omega. No one could deny it. And yet, he was no woman.
“What in the Moon’s name?” Damien approached. His expression showed nothing but astonishment. He scratched his head in confusion. “Who is this?”
“My mate,” Bryson mumbled as if to himself. “I finally found my destined mate.”
“Huh?” The Beta’s eyes travelled from the newcomer, who was staring defiantly back at them, to his king’s face. He thought his friend must have lost his mind.
The young man in silver armour tried to get up from the floor but failed. His wrists were bound in heavy shackles. A thick chain trailed around his body, entangled in the pieces of broken furniture. His clothes were costly, but torn and dirty. Blood was trickling down his scratched cheek. The blush lighting up his pale, smooth skin made his facial features even more expressive. Sweat was dripping from his wavy golden locks. He was strikingly handsome in a soft, delicate way. His full pink lips curled into a frown. One of his perfectly shaped eyebrows shot up.
“Alpha,” he called in a somewhat annoyed and demanding tone. “I could use a little help here… after I had to break out of the damn dungeon all by myself and beat up fifteen guards only to see you. Not that it was difficult considering their complete incompetence.”
The wolf king had never heard anyone talk to him like that. He had no idea how to react and merely gasped in surprise.
“Holly Red Moon!” Damien couldn’t stop his smirk. “Our Goddess has a wicked sense of humour. Good luck with this cocky pup, my King.”
Bryson glared at him. He saw nothing funny about an Omega showing no intention of submitting to his Alpha and even daring to give orders. The urge to help his mate fought against the displeasure of the demonstrated disrespect. Moreover, he doubted assistance was needed at all. He could unmistakably recognise a skilled warrior when he saw one.
The new commer pinned his stunning cobalt eyes on Damien and sternly said, “Watch your language, Beta. This pup can kick your insolent ass before you manage to reach out for your sword. Oh, how interesting. You don’t have any weapons. I don’t even need to be unchained. It will be a piece of cake to teach you some manners. Who do you think you are talking to?”
The general’s jaw dropped. He was taller and more muscular, but he was sure it wouldn’t stop the young rascal from challenging him and even giving him a good fight. He admired people like him, but this had to be a mistake. Or worse, it probably was another human deception. What mate was Bryson raving about? What would his king do if the boy had offered his allegiance? Everyone knew that an Alpha needed an Omega queen, an obedient, graceful, petite Luna. This strong, bold, self-confident person was anything but a future queen.
“I don’t need a weapon to wipe the floor with you and teach you some respect,” the agitated Beta snarled, taking a step closer. The threat was met with dismissive laughter.
“Stay away from him,” Bryson hissed, standing between them. He held out a hand to help the prisoner up to his feet. His voice became soft and appeasing as he turned to him. “No need for confrontation. We didn’t start well, but we can change this. You seem to know who we are. Why were you looking for me?”
“Silly boy. I knew you wouldn’t listen. All this shifter sorcery be damned,” King Lothar resentfully cursed. His face contorted with anger. “Blackwolf, I guess you’ll understand now why he was not among the proposed brides. Let me introduce to you my heir, the commander in chief of my army, the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Julian of Lorhnidal.”
“Chained, locked, and held in captivity for two days,” the prince grumbled, casting an acusatory glance at his father. “As if it would stop me. At least I have an excuse for the sickening smell of damp and mold that wafts off my clothes. What is your explanation for imprisoning your own son like a criminal? Are you happy with the result? How could you?”
“What was I supposed to do?” The human ruler shouted. “You haven’t been yourself since the wolf army broke through the blockade and settled in the valley. We were losing the war, but you neglected your duties as a general and a leader. You were once an example for every soldier to follow. What happened to that? All you did was recklessly sneak into the enemy’s camp to search for their king, and it wasn’t because you wanted to kill him. I tried to send you to your uncle’s fortress across the river. You released the horses, abandoned the convoy in a swamp, and came back. There was no reasoning with you…”
“Because there is no reasoning with nature,” Prince Julian yelled back. He was mad. The chain jangled as he balled his hands into fists and angrily pulled it out from under a broken chair. Bryson was mesmerised by his fervour. This young man was proud, passionate, and fearless. But he also noticed that something was wrong. His mate’s voice sounded hoarse and wavering as he continued. “You should have thought of the sequences before marrying a shifter. I told you a thousand times that it did not depend on me. I can not stop it. God is my witness. I did my best to stay away. Do you think I want this? Do you think I like my entire existence to be reduced to the painful desire to be close to someone I’ve never met before? Do you consider me so crazy as to give up a kingdom and a crown if I had the choice?”
“Jules, calm down, my love.” The queen wrapped her arms around her son’s shaking body, trying to comfort him. He was gasping for air. His skin was flushed and warm. She chanted in his ear, “Breathe, my darling. It is going to pass. Just breathe.”
“Someone bring water,” King Lothar ordered. “Where is the turnkey? Call him to remove the cuffs. Make heist!”
Ladies in waiting rushed with jugs in their hands. A soldier ran towards them with a huge bunch of keys. The chains fell off. The armor was removed. The struggling boy’s face was sprinkled with ice-cold water. None of it helped. The surge of pain made him whine and heavily lean on his mother.
“Let go,” Bryson quietly said.
The queen could barely keep her son on his feet. He was almost unconscious, heavily breathing with his mouth helplessly open and his fingers tagging on his collar in an attempt to loosen it. She hesitated for a moment but finally stepped aside, letting the Alpha scoop the prince in his open arms.
He held Julian close to his chest and lowered his head. Their foreheads touched. The power of his pheromones eased the onset of nausea and burning fever, torturing his mate’s body. Hasira soothingly purred, staring through the mind link into the big blue eyes of a gorgeous white wolf fearfully hiding in the shadows. It was scary for any shifter to feel The Call for the first time, but Omegas experienced much bigger discomfort due to their extraordinary sensitivity. Bryson couldn’t imagine what an ordeal it would be for a half-human. The agony was probably excruciating.
It took the prince a long time to recover. Bryson kept talking to him. He told him about his kingdom and the majestic mountain that the wolf tribes called home. He also spoke of the sea they had conquered with their fast ships. He described the palace built on the Eagle’s Nest peak and the secret path to the crystal lake. The beautiful visions he created with his words brought relief to his mate until the worst of the fever passed.
Julian slowly opened his eyes. They were glossy and tired. It somehow made them prettier. His long lashes were heavy with unshed tears. He looked ghostly pale and startled. His body was numb. His hand was trembling, but he raised it and pushed a finger in Bryson’s chest.
“I hate you,” his chapped lips uttered.
A/N
Hello, at the end of Chapter 6. 💗💗💗
Thank you for supporting the story.
I think everyone guessed that the royal family was hiding an Omega prince.
Was this what you expected him to be?
Do you think the Alpha will reject a male Omega?
Does Julian really hate him?
Can’t wait to see what you think 😃
Share your thoughts, ask questions, and criticize if you think it is necessary.
Don’t forget to vote if you liked the chapter.
Love: Anny
Chapter 7. Blood Moon
Bryson was sitting cross-legged on a bearskin rug in his tent. He no longer felt the need to demonstrate his sophistication and nobility. In the heart of the military camp, among his faithful warriors, his wolf nature was in full force. Only a cloak with a thick fur collar covered his powerful biceps, ripped chest, and smooth skin adorned with mysterious tattoos. His only jewel was a heavy, bear-tooth necklace, the symbol of war and victory.
Dark and dangerous, he was staring at the crackling flames on the hearth. The storm had returned more furious than before. The rain poured in heavy torrents like waterfalls. Lightning tore through the dark sky. The deafening thunder shook the ground. The moon was hidden behind the thick clouds, leaving wolves and humans in impenetrable darkness. Nights like this struck fear into everyone’s hearts, proving that nothing could defeat nature.
The tempestuous weather reflected the Alpha’s mood. He wanted to think in solitude about everything that had happened earlier today. Fate had presented him with an almost impossible dilemma. The alternatives were equally difficult to choose from. It was a puzzle that had no way of fitting together. He could not go home without his mate.
On the other hand, a male Luna was unheard of, especially since Prince Julian didn’t seem at all thrilled with the idea. King Lothar, his father, was furious at the possibility of losing his only heir. Marrying one of his sisters was also out of the question. There was no mutually beneficial solution, but the two royal families had to connect to solidify the peace treaty. It could not happen without a betrothal.
Damien was too agitated to be of any help, so Bryson sent him away. The whole burden of the hard decision rested solely on his shoulders. He tiredly closed his eyes and rubbed his throbbing temples with his fingertips. Hasira’s growling in his head had been growing louder and more disgruntled since they left the human palace. The wolf had no doubts. Politics meant nothing to him. He wanted to be close to his mate. The distance between them made him restless and angry. A sleepless night lay ahead.
The news had spread among the soldiers. They gathered in small groups around the camp, animatedly discussing the existence of a male Omega who also turned out to be the human Crown Prince. Everyone wondered what their king would do.
Julian’s escape from the dungeon and the heroic breaking into the banquet hall had already become a legend. The shifters heavily exaggerated the details. The vanquished guards grew in number from fifteen to fifty. The torn-out wooden door was transformed into an iron one. A demolished stone wall was added to the crashed furniture. They could not wait to tell the story to their friends, spouses, and children upon returning home.
Most of the soldiers had never seen an Omega. Citing old myths, they described the young prince as angelic and his charm as irresistible. He was admired and respected. The wolf king smiled at the thought that this was not far from the truth. He could not deny that Julian’s crystal-blue eyes and pouty lips had stirred an unfamiliar excitement deep within his soul. His mate was gorgeous. He made him proud. Old Alpha Blackwolf and Bryson’s beautiful mother would have fallen in love with the valiant boy at first sight.
A frown soon replaced the delight that softened his handsome face. Julian hated him. He could understand why. There was probably a noble maiden whom the prince had courted. And even if that was not true, the Alpha was still a stranger to him. The Call was a magical force that drew mates to each other, but that did not necessarily mean affection was present. It could not guarantee love. They were too different. And how could he ignore the fact that they were both men?
The frown deepened when he remembered his fiancée. Ming Ye was a dangerous woman. She was prepared for the possibility of him needing to take a second wife, but they had never discussed what would happen if the Alpha found his mate. Such an outcome was simply nonexistent a few hours ago. The Moon Witch was not jealous in the sense that she would want her husband all to herself. What she would never share was power. That was her main goal. She was not content with ruling her tribe as an Infraalpha. She wanted to be the Queen.
“Blood moon!” someone screamed. “The Goddess is watching us.”
An eerie howl drowned out the rain pattering, soon followed by many others. The warriors were shifting, lured by the pull of the magical crimson glow. Their voices mingled with the rumble of thunder in a blood-curdling chorus. Bryson jumped up to his feet and ran outside. The sight made his stomach churn. The thick black clouds had dispersed, forming an oval gap. The moon was ominously shining in its center, the color of fresh stag’s blood. Its ghostly light refracted through the streams of raindrops, as if blood were slowly dripping across the sky.
The wolf king fell to his knees. He hurriedly fished out a small gold box encrusted with rubies from a secret pocket in his sash. His trembling fingers barely managed to lift the delicate lid. A scent of rosemary wafted through the air. He took a pinch of the powdered herb and sprinkled it, drawing a circle around himself.
“Mimi ndiye mwindaji. Mimi ndiye bwana. Ninatawala kwa baraka zako. (Swahili language: I am the hunter. I am the master. I reign with your blessings.) He quietly chanted the words, using the fragrant powder to paint black lines under his eyes. Then he fixed his gaze on the moon. His pupils dilated, revealing the blazing eyes of the thousand-year-old wolf that lived within him.
Bryson had seen the same terrifying sky ten years ago. As a young boy, he was initiated into the art of summoning a Moon Witch who could create a link between him and the Goddess, but he had not dared to speak to the Deity. Now he wanted Her to listen. She would never turn an Alpha wolf down.
A bolt of jagged lightning shot toward the ground. The circle around him burst into flames. His sharp canines pierced the skin of his forearm until a drop of blood fell sizzling into the fire.
“You are troubled, my love,” a familiar tender voice caressed his ear. “Your wolf is awake and restless. Are we losing the war?”
“We won,” Bryson murmured. His heart felt joy and trouble at the same time. He was fond of the beautiful witch, but they both knew it was not love. She could be deadly if angered. There was news that was going to provoke her rage, but not tonight. He softly added, “I am heading home tomorrow. Are you alright, Ming Ye? Is everyone healthy?”
“Every day here is the same, Alpha. The war was too far away for us to feel any discomfort. You should have taken me with you. I could fight. Spells are not my only skill.” The woman coyly laughed. “I am bored, my darling. What a fortunate occasion that the Goddess finally allowed me to reach out to you.”
“Do your duty and talk to her for me,” the king demanded. “I have questions to ask.”
“Aaaah, always work, never play.” Ming Ye groaned in annoyance. “At your service, my lord.”
Bryson dipped his finger in the herb and licked it. His nose wrinkled at the pungent taste. He ordered, “Mchawi na uwe sauti yangu. (Swahili language: Moon witch, be my voice.) “ A purple line formed along his tongue.
The woman took a deep breath. The playfulness in her voice disappeared. It changed completely, becoming muffled and deep. “Speak, Alpha. I am listening. I grant you three questions. No more, no less. Choose wisely.”
“My mate is a man and a half-human. Why did you choose him for me?” he asked.
“Wrong question.” There was a slight irritation mixed with laughter in the Goddess’s tone. “You have a human part, too, even stronger than his. This is your common sense speaking. Your rationality always takes precedence over instinct. You plan, and think, and weigh the consequences. There is no logic in love. Look through the wolf’s eyes and you’ll see the truth. What is your next question?”
“Shall I take him with me?” Bryson was not happy with the first answer. He wanted clarity, but only got more confusion. He hoped this time the Goddess would be more specific.
“Wrong question again,” she instantly cut him off. “Why waste your attempt on something you already know? As if your mate would stay behind. You cannot stop him. One more question, my child. Be careful.”
“Merciful Goddess, the last time you looked at us, a great tragedy struck. I swore it would not happen again under my watch. What should I be wary of?” the Alpha quickly asked as the flames around him faded, and the clouds were already obscuring the moon, driven by the frosty wind.
“This is a good one,” she praised him. “Sadly, the answer is always the same. Beware of your friends, child. Many will covet the white wolf. Their words will be kind and their smiles wide. He might be deceived, but do not fear. I kissed his forehead to keep him safe.”
“Wait,” Bryson shouted, but the only response he received was the distant roar of the storm.
Although the Goddess spoke in riddles, he knew what to do. He would give orders to break camp and prepare the horses at the crack of dawn. Until then, he would give in to his wolf nature. The Alpha shifted. Hasira happily growled and dashed through the silent dark forest.
A/N
Hello, at the end of Chapter 7. 💗💗💗
Thank you for supporting the story.
It seems the Moon Goddess was not very clear in her advice.
What do you think she meant?
Will Ming Ye be mad at the news that the king has found a mate?
Can’t wait to see what you think 😃
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Love: Anny
