The Crown Hackura Prince and His Dragon Princess

Protective Brother Pt.1

Hastein is Thirty-Two

Hastein was watching over his brother, Brenton. He was on a mission and I just had a feeling I needed to be here. I would’ve been anyway because he’s my little brother. He was annoyed I was here, but I didn’t really care. I knew he was thirteen, but every mission he ever went on I was around. This one I was just here sooner than I would be.

I was technically ignoring the mission I was out on. I was supposed to be in Poland working my way into a group we suspected might be hurting their mates. They disgusted me on every single level humanly possible. It pissed me off that I’d been waiting for my mate for sixteen years and counting, yet some people dared to hurt those their god and/or goddess gave them. Maybe I was quite harsh with them. No part of me gave a damn.

Brenton was Germany, which I reasoned wasn’t that far from what I was doing or where I was supposed to be. Which was true in a way. He was closer to the Netherlands than Poland but I was the closest person in our family to him right now. It was a loose thread of an option but I was pulling on it.

I watched his meet faded back thinking maybe I was being overprotective. Brenton sent me his feelings that I was, in fact, being overprotective. He did a great job. He was our theater loving brother and his acting skills were next level. I would’ve absolutely bought him as a junkie strung out on the drug they were selling. Desperate, jonesing, and even the occasional scratch on his arms, sometimes the face.

I sent him my pride. When he left, something had me staying back. I would go talk to him in a second. I’d admit my being here was crazy. The guy went over to the dealer and said, “He’s the real deal with money. We could take him for as much as he’s got.” Little did he know he was insanely wrong, but my brother did have a lot of money. That part was true.

I stiffened when a Goblin went over to them and sat down. He grinned, “You are fools.” They stiffened, “Excuse me?” The one who’d spoken to Brenton questioned. He said, “Crown Prince Bjourn has killed a few of my family members. That man who just left looks a lot like him. I’d bet it’s one of his children. They are playing you.” f**k!

I sent Brenton a warning in the bond to be on alert. He was confused and I realized he thought I was closer to him. Damn it he was already being followed! The Goblin leaned in, “Send them a message.” One asked, “How?” I now sent my whole family a warning. The Goblin grinned, “Kill the boy.” The guy, who I deemed the smartest one, jumped back looking around wildly. He hissed, “ARE YOU INSANE?! We just won’t sell to him. I don’t even care if you’re wrong and he has nothing to do with the Cambridge family. The suggestion alone would get us all killed.” It was going to be so, he was right.

The Goblin said, “I already have someone following him to his house. They will blame you anyway when he dies.” I dropped a tracker and activated it. Part of the army would be sent here and everyone here would be held until I could explain who needed to die. It was a supernatural establishment. Not that I would care if they weren’t. Aunt Haley could erase their memories.

I took off running and called her. She answered, “Hey, H.” I said, “Pop to Brenton now! He’s in danger!” I heard a pop and the phone hit the floor. She’d bring Blade with her, or I hoped. She was getting pretty good about that since the triplets were born. Not perfect but better than before she had kids. I made my best mile time making sure there wasn’t a second wave waiting to ambush my brother. I killed three on my way there cursing them because if I didn’t run I could’ve portaled and been there faster. I would’ve been on my little brother’s damn six. I took a deep breath rationalizing to myself that Aunt Haley was there now.

I burst through the door of Brenton’s place, pulling my weapon off my back. I yanked my parents to me with my brothers. The Goblin had sent an army after Brenton. Aunt Haley had called the vines outside Brenton’s place. He was fighting and handling himself. I winked at Aunt Haley, “I’m going to see who I can get before your vines.” She grinned, “A challenge.” We all liked those. Blade was standing between Haley and Brenton systematically moving them closer together. It would make it easier to guard them.

I began with my game as the rest of the family burst in. My mom screamed out a war cry. I teased, “Good thing his place is in the middle of nowhere.” She didn’t even glance at me as we took out this group. Brenton wiped the blood on his forehead away. I realized my hands were shaking when Gabe bumped me. I put my hands behind my back and let my feelings of terror come back to me.

Brenton glanced sharply at me. He announced, “I’m fine H.” I nodded, “I know.” I went over and hugged Aunt Haley. She squeezed me, “Gratias tibi ago, quod me semper appellas dissimiles nonnullis hominibus (Thank you for always calling me unlike some people).” That actually made me laugh.

I wasn’t alone either. I told her, “We had to get to him. You were top of mine.” She smiled at me and sent her feelings that I saw her as an asset to this family. It meant a lot to her. I just wish she knew everyone saw her that way. I just had a different view than they did. I was only a few years older than her and wondered how I’d feel in her shoes. It was easier for me and my siblings to see how hard it could be for her.

My dad said, “We all see you as an asset, little one.” She grinned, “But H called me because I could get to Brenton the fastest. I even brought Blade.” Blade said, “Heard phone touched shoulder. Not same.” Aunt Haley argued, “I knew you would do that so it is the same as bringing you. Plus, we kicked ass.” Blade grinned at her.

Brenton asked, “What the f**k happened? Everything was fine when I left the bar.” Hugo said, “Uncle Logan, Grandpa Remington, and Grandpa Rob are holding everyone in the bar there for answers.” My dad teased, “He’s technically your great grandpa Rob. He’s my grandpa.” Aunt Haley tilted her head, “I mean Rob is great but so is Remington.” I laughed, “He means he’s not mom or dad’s dad.”

Aunt Haley stared at me, “I am aware who gave birth to both Astrid and my brother. What the f**k does that matter?” I answered, “In the realm you live in because he’s not either of our parents' parents he would be our great grandpa.” She rubbed her temples, “What the f**k is this bullshit?! Rob is mom’s dad. End of story.” I agreed, “I don’t call him great grandpa. None of us do. It was a joke to lighten the mood.”

She grumbled, “It would probably hurt Remington and my dad’s feelings if you said Rob was f*****g great when they are all great.” I bit my lip and my dad winked at me. Blade covered his laugh with a cough. He was one of the few I knew who could actually get away with it. Probably because being around my Aunt meant that he had to perfect that art.

Brenton waved, “I repeat, what happened?” I answered, “They bought your act, hook line and sinker.” He snorted, “Clearly.” His pride had taken a hit. He thought he’d done a good job. I corrected, “You did. They bought it, but a Goblin who has seen dad told them you looked like him. His suggestion was they kill you. One was adamantly opposed to such a suggestion. The Goblin promptly informed them he had someone following you.”

Brenton sighed, “I thought it was you, but when you didn’t catch up I knew it wasn’t. Also, it wasn’t just one person which was another tip off, it wasn't you.” My mom asked, “Why were you here? Did the Poland group lead you here?” I made a face. She put her hands up, “I’m glad you were here. You acted quickly and got Haley to Brenton for backup.”

I admitted, “No, my group didn’t lead me here. I just knew I had to be here watching over my little brother.” Brenton huffed, “There will be no living with him after this.” Gabe chuckled, “He’s been given the sign he needs to keep poking his nose around our missions.” Alvin groaned, “Just when we were making progress on that front.”

I warned, “Loudi, Arvid, and Hugo don’t even think of contributing to this conversation, especially you, Hugo.” Hugo threw his head back and laughed. Brenton grumbled, “That’s because he watches us for you sometimes.” Hugo raised an eyebrow, “You say this as if I don’t worry as well. Do we coordinate sometimes? Yes, we do.”

Brenton groaned, “I had it handled.” Aunt Haley said, “Of f*****g course you did. Honestly, your reputation is impressive for them to send a literal platoon at you. I got that right, didn’t I? Preston is all about the GI Joe and army action figures right now. So I googled to learn all about them. I swear a platoon is twenty to fifty soldiers. Which is quite the f*****g gap in numbers.”

Blade looked away and stared at the sky trying not to laugh. My dad told her, “You’re right.” She grinned, “I f*****g knew it!” She fist pumped and jumped into the air. Brenton smiled at her along with the rest of us. She always learned things about the things my cousins were interested in. She probably knew them better than my cousins did actually.

My dad was pissed off and felt this was his fault. My mom rubbed his back. He said, “Well, let’s portal back to that bar.” I said, “We shouldn’t all go.” Arvid groaned, “Come on, H!” I reasoned, “We shouldn’t. The Goblins are passing around what we look like.” My dad said, “It won’t matter because they all die.”

Aunt Haley said, “That’s hardly f*****g fair. Some of them were just working…” She trailed off and groaned, “For f**k’s sake, don’t go anywhere.” She popped and came back with Uncle Eric. He growled, “What the HELL happened here?”

Brenton sighed, “My mission went awry.” Uncle Eric went over and checked him up and down and pulled him in for a hug. He whispered, “Ita sum laetus es ok (I am so glad you're ok).” I smiled at his back. He turned back to Aunt Haley.

He growled, “You can pop to me and bring me to protect our family.” I felt the pride go around our family bond for our Uncle. Sometimes supernaturals from other realms didn’t feel the way we did about those connected to us by marriage. Uncle Eric never felt that way. Even with the Fairy side of Aunt Haley’s family. He doted on all his nieces and nephews on that side.

My mom said, “Louis, Gabe, Arvid, and Alvin fade back and come with us.” I grinned, “You are just the problem solver of the family.” She laughed, “All the women in the family are. We get everyone what they need and all of us need to see those punished for trying to hurt Brenton.” The need to kill hummed in my veins.

My dad opened a portal and gestured for me to go through first. I walked in and all eyes were on me. Someone whispered, “Who is he?” I answered, “I was here earlier.” The Goblin who was going to said, “We are being detained wrongfully by the protectors of the realms! You will lose your titles for this.” I went over to him and grabbed him by the throat.

I said, “Bold words for the man who sent a platoon to kill my brother. I heard you because I was faded back here watching him.” He gasped, “Platoon? What are you in the human realm army?” Aunt Haley popped over, “The f*****g nerve of this TROLL to correct you, H.” His eyes went wild back to mine, “No.” I grinned, “Yes.”

My eyes locked on the man who refused to give the order to kill my brother. I told Blade, “Ad regna nostra perfer illum. Forsitan eum flip possumus. Brentonus nocere noluit, sed medicinae vendit. Maybe aliquis habet sensum (Take him through to our realm. Maybe we can flip him. He refused to hurt Brenton, but he is selling drugs. Maybe he has some sense).”

Blade took him and separated him out. He proved my thoughts about him being smarter by not saying a word. He didn’t scream and shout or demand to be released, he just went quietly. He wasn’t even crying, but I could tell he was worried.

I told the Goblin, “You’ll be blood eagled for what you tried to have done.” He sneered, “By you?” I answered, “No, by my little brother.” I called, “Brenton.” I felt my brother’s shock as he came over to me. I threw the Goblin at him. I said, “I’ll be back for your first solo blood eagle so don’t you dare start it without me. Have fun, Aunt Haley.” She grinned at me.

My dad asked, “Huh? Have fun with what? You said Brenton was doing the blood eagle.” I said, “He is but Aunt Haley will figure out who here gets to continue breathing and who comes with us. I have a mission to get back to.” I kissed the top of her head then went and hugged Brenton. My dad sent me his feelings that he had this under control. My mom sent me how proud she was of me and that she would make sure this went smoothly. I nodded to my Uncle Eric who inclined his head towards the door.

Instead of portaling out, I walked outside and waited. He showed up seconds later. I asked, “What’s up?” He said, “I’m glad you called your Aunt to get to Brenton. I didn’t want you to think I wasn’t.” I laughed, “I know.” He handed me a piece of paper. He admitted, “I was going to call you actually.”

I read the name on it and glanced back up at him. He said, “You’re near where this thing is.” I laughed, “Thing? This is clearly a person’s name. Who is he dating?” Uncle Eric growled, “Alvaraie.” I grinned, “Arion’s daughter?” He nodded, “You know who she is.” I laughed, “I do. I’m guessing you don’t like this man.”

He scoffed, “No, I don’t and neither will you. Put the fear of god in him to nicely break things off with my niece.” I asked, “And if he won’t?” He said, “Kill him.” I laughed, “Oh boy. Does Aunt Haley approve of this measure?” He winced, “She doesn’t know they are dating. If she did you’d be in a freak storm in Poland.”

I asked, “He’s that bad? Why would Alvaraie date him?” He growled, “He’s using her and she doesn’t see it. They just see sparkles and rainbows and the goddamn best in people. It’s got to be their mother’s. God knows Arion would’ve ripped this guy apart. He’s using her for her money.” I asked, “Human?” He snorted, “No.” He didn’t continue.

I questioned, “So, what is he?” He grinned, “It’s no fun if I tell you, H.” He sobered instantly, “Oh my god. I did not just say that.” I laughed, “You did.” He groaned. I assured him, “I’ll handle this.” He clapped me on the back, “Thanks, H. Stay safe and call if you need anything.” I gave him a hug promising, “I will.” I started to leave.

I called, “Uncle Eric.” He turned, “Yes?” I asked, “Did you ever have days where not having a mate felt soul crushing?” He fully faced me and answered, “Yes. Seeing everyone mated around me was very hard. Seeing their families and desperately wanting my fated and pups of my own made me feel like I couldn't breathe sometimes.”

He inclined his head to a bench and we sat on it. He looked out at the sky. He said, “I only ever considered taking Haley as my choice and no one else. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t look at those clamoring to be my mate and feel hurt. It was a double edged sword because it felt nice to be wanted, but it hurt because mostly it wasn’t about me. It was about the power that I held. No one wanted to be my chosen mate to be part of a progressive pack and do more good. They wanted me because I had money, power, and a large pack. It’s very attractive to supernaturals but especially she wolves of rank. They are used to that life and they want the Alpha.”

He sighed, “That’s not to say Omega’s didn’t want me. I had plenty throw themselves at me too. It made me sad a lot of them didn’t think they were worthy of me to make a play like the ranked she wolves. I see them all as equal as any Alpha should. We have designations in our pack, but everyone plays a part. If the cooking was up to me, the wolves would revolt and take over their humans to hunt themselves instead of eating what I made.” I laughed.

He rubbed his face, “I can’t plan a party for s**t. I can delegate and explain a vision, but I can’t bring it to life. I can’t garden or manage a calendar. Caleb laughed at my attempt once. It’s insane to me how Beta bloods manage to juggle all they do.” He waved, “That’s off topic. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank every god and goddess that I didn’t listen to everyone else.”

I asked, “What do you mean?” He said, “People told me I was too old. That I needed an heir. I think my mom nearly had a coronary when she found out my current will reflect that Saied would be lead Alpha should she choose if I didn’t have a pup. If she declined, the Henderson line would have a shot. I specified Liam’s pup, but he didn’t have one yet either.” His mother was the devil. I really wished I had killed her.

Thankfully, she died two years ago. Or she probably would be dead by now. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I knew she was still tormenting my Aunt from the grave. I did know Cassandra’s ashes had been burned in Faerie by my Aunt and put in unicorn s**t. I just didn’t know why. I did find it amusing she kept her promise to my Uncle of only going to Faerie with a werewolf by taking Cassandra. It apparently counted even though she was dead.

That was a problematic realization but also hilarious. A dead wolf’s ashes got around the promise. I needed to make sure Uncle Eric knew to tighten the parameters, but I hadn't figured out how yet since he didn’t know what Aunt Haley had done. I didn’t even know why. I just had sources and had found out. I should talk to her about it.

He brought me back to the present. “A lot of people thought I’d die single, angry, and lonely. I could not go anywhere without people telling me to take a chosen mate and offering their suggestions. All of which would have benefited them and not me. I won’t lie and say sometimes I broke down tired of being lonely. Thor felt it was his fault because he’d never gotten a fated mate.”

I admitted, “No one has said that to my face.” He inclined his head, “Nor would they. Your realm is different and in many ways I am envious of those who grow up that way. I am glad my pups spend time there to see that maybe we, as wolves, have acclimated too much to human standards.”

He put a hand on my shoulder, “Wait for her, H. Because whoever she is, she’s going to be amazing and everything past your wildest dreams. I know you well enough to know the question isn’t coming from a place of considering taking a chosen mate. I know that ache inside you and longing to have your own family. The wait will be worth it once you have her.”

He winked, “She might drive you crazy with her independence and diving head first into issues, but she will be worth every second you waited. The life and kids you have will be worth every low moment and days when the ache overtakes you. It’s ok to cry and be mad that you’re waiting so long. It’s ok to be pissed at people who don’t treat their mates well because you’d give them everything. It’s ok to be harsh where others might grant mercy because they do not understand what we do. They were given a gift and they basically spat on it. A gift that you’d literally kill to have. You’ll find her, H. I know you will.”

I sighed, “My gut says I won’t for a while still.” He nodded and looked at the sky. He admitted, “That pisses me off for you. You deserve her in your life. I do know that she’ll be amazing when you find her. On those darker days, you feel free to call me. Ok? I’ll always be there for you. Then I’ll go and punch anyone who suggests you take a chosen mate in the face.” I laughed, “I heard you did that a time or two yourself.” He winked, “I put one through a wall too.” I laughed, “Thank you, Uncle Eric.” He stood back up and hugged me, “Anytime, H.” This time he waited to see if there was anything else before I opened a portal and left.

I got back to my place and got moving. I called Uncle Gunner. He answered, “H? Is everything ok?” I said, “I need the location of Pawel Nowak.” He hummed, “He is at his house about three blocks from you. He doesn’t seem like someone you’d spent time with even for a mission. He has a history of hooking up with women and stealing their money.” I snorted, “Well, he won’t be anymore. He’s dating Alaraie.” Gunner whispered, “Alright then. Let me know if clean up is needed.”

I went to the address he sent me and banged on the door. He answered, “What?” I asked, “Pawel Nowak?” He answered, “Yeah, who’s asking?” I replied, “Obviously, me demon. You will back off Alvaraie Holloran.” He snorted, “Hell no.” I hit him and entered the house. I picked him up, “You will tell her how great she is, but it’s not a good time for you.” I gripped his d**k and squeezed tightly.

He screamed, “Ok, god! Don’t break it!” I took his phone and he called Alvaraie. She answered, “Pawel?” He said, “Hey baby, look I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and you’re amazing I just need to go back to my realm. It’s time I get serious about finding my mate.” She giggled, “Ok. Best of luck finding her, Pawel.” He stared at the phone.

I hung up, “What? You were expecting her to be sad?” He answered, “Well, yeah. Kind of.” I broke his d**k and called Iblis. He answered, “Hastein.” I said, “A broken d**k demon needs to be kicked out of the human realm. He’s been hooking up with human and supernatural women and bleeding their accounts dry. He got his hooks into Alvaraie Holloran.”

He groaned, “It was only two weeks! She wasn’t supposed to tell her family.” Iblis laughed, “I’ll send my son.” I asked, “Which one?” He hung up without saying. A shimmer started and I waited.

When he materialized I greeted, “Azazel. I should’ve figured it would be you.” He grinned, “I do seem to be the collector of my family line. He’s not one of my dad’s.” I replied, “I know but if he stays here I’ll kill him.” Azazel laughed, “He may very well die anyway. I’m sure this is why King Aiden has a call into my dad. Which means he knows and you being here means Alpha Eric knows. All bad things for my dad to deal with. He allows everyone to have their Demon Kings so he doesn’t have to deal with such things. It upsets him when he does.” I laughed, “Have fun Azazel.” He held a fireball in his hands then said, “I will.” I left them to their fun.