Russia’s New Warrior Queen( The Moroz Brothers- VLADIMIR) Book 1

PATTY 4

"So you've had a lot of women in your bed?" I asked him outright and he blinked, looked shocked and then insulted before shaking his head. "Sorry... I just assumed that when you said women in your pack throw themselves at all of you..." I trialed off and sighed and looked around.

"They sure try... and Ivan and Dimitri, they're twins, they pick them all up, and love every single second of attention."

"What about your other brother... is he younger or older than the twins?"

"He is the youngest. He is the recluse. Sort of. He likes to keep to himself." He was rambling and I just tilted my head as we got towards a bench we used for tables earlier.

"And what about you? Busy ruling your little kingdom?"

"No... I wasn't planning on taking over. I am still basically in training to become king. My uncle is still basically king until I return with my mate. With you that is." He said and I just smiled.

"And I am to be queen of your pack? The Luna of Luna's in all of Russia?" I asked before laughing and then feeling my stomach churn. That was a lot of responsibility.

"There are only about 25 packs in Russia." He told me and I could already tell he was trying to comfort me.

"That is still a lot." I said as an afterthought.

"I guess. They're all sort of spaced out." He told me and I looked up at him as we got closer to a bench and then walked towards it and sat down. He sat down after looking around and then focused his attention on me. 

"Tell me about yourself." I said and faced him.

"Well you know I am 29, the next king. I have three younger brothers. How about my father died with I was 14, my mother killed herself after about three weeks." He said and I knew it was more normal in the Werewolf Community that if one half of the mate pair dies, the other will take his or her life. That's what my mother did. "My uncle and his mate took over caring for us. Since they didn't have any kids before they died they couldn't since I was Alpha and didn't have a mate yet." He said and sighed before looking like he was thinking about something else.

"My dad died when I was 10. My mom shifted into her wolf, left the pack, and I heard about a month later they found her body in the woods, she had let the rogues kill her." I told him my own story and he looked shocked before looking down and rubbing his hands together.

"I enjoy going out in my wolf form. Most of my free time I am on patrol around the castle and the rest of the pack grounds." He told me and I smiled.

"If I am honest, I only shift when I am angry enough, or when it is absolutely needed. In the academy we learned how to use our wolf while still human. I can have it's strength and agility when I am out in the real world without exposing us." I told him and then looked around using my eyesight to just check on things.

"You're a captain right? That's high ranking?" He asked me and I nodded.

"I have my own little squad of men and women who I trained, who I lead... but I guess since I am going to be with you that's all over." I said and looked towards him and then around before leaning towards him.

"You can do anything you want. If you want to bring out some of your squad, they will be welcomed. If they want to come that is. We have our own little enforcer group but it isn't as elaborate as your country. After my father died most of the surrounding Kingdoms didn't bother to try and kill me as a mere kid. They thought it not worth it. And then as I got older they were content with their lands, and they just have kept to themselves." He went into detail and I nodded before smiling.

"My squad is just as loyal to me as they are to the US King Alpha. So that might be a bit of a problem. But I will ask them. Thank you." I nodded to him and felt my wolf push at me to get closer to him, and since I didn't see a reason why not I leaned towards him some more and he smiled wider as well and leaned in towards me.

"You are my mate. Mine to make happy Patty. And I will do everything to make you happy." He told me leaning in a bit more and I looked down at his lips.

"Not saying that it's what I want, but if I wanted to stay here... would you?"

"I sure would try, but the Russians have a very different ideal about their king. It's either the first born who takes over, or the one who kills the firstborn. If I don't want to be king, I have to kill myself so my brother would take over." He told me and I let my mouth drop open. "We are very different from the American kingdom I know." He said and sat forward but I grabbed his arm and brought it back.

"I don't want to stay here... I was just asking. You're just telling me like it is." I told him and tugged so he was leaning back with me again. "You're just going to have to teach me all about the difference in the Russian kingdom." I advised and he smiled again before pulling me in closer to his chest and rest his cheek on my hair.

"So you are okay with moving all the way to Russia, to be a queen to a pack you basically know no rules of?"

"It's not like I can really reject you because you're a king. It might be a bit intimidating but I don't shy away from a challenge." I told him and he pulled away before kissing the crown of my head.

"Thank you." He whispered against my forehead.

"Now, I believe we should talk about ourselves, and not rules." I said leaning back and smiling at him.

"Ask away."

"How many women have you slept with?" So what if it was forward? I wanted to know. No, I needed to know.

"Just one... I thought she was going to be my mate... but she was killed before she turned 18." He said and gulped before looking away and then shaking his head.

"She could have still been your mate... and I could be your second chance."

"Death has a way of taking everyone I love away." He whispered and I knew he was in his own little world.

"You still have your brothers, and your uncle and aunt." I was just reminding him of his family still.

"My brothers and I..." He stopped and laughed. "We tolerate each other. Ever since our father became king... he was more of my father than all of ours. He treated me like I was his whole world. Unless my mother was around. He wanted to make sure that we stayed royal. He had worked so hard to overthrow the other bastard of a king before him, and he didn't want that to happen. He separated me from my brothers as we were growing up... and when he died... I didn't know how to console any of my brothers, and then our mother-" He cut himself off and looked down at his own hands. "Anyways, I love my brothers, but I believe it is a different type of love than normal siblings have." He told me and sniffled and looked back at me.

"My dad was the son of an original enforcer... he was a chief, and my brother started training to be just like him for age 10. I wanted to as well. And it was hard. When my father was still alive, he didn't let me try out for the cadets, or the drill teams, or anything remotely close to military. In fact he, on more than one occasion, told me to go play with my mother in the garden, that women weren't military material."

"But you're a Captain?"

"Yeah. As well as three other women while the other 47 are all men." I snorted and shook my head. "Anyways, when he died, his friend told me how much my father never wanted me in danger, no matter how proud he would have been to have me in the ranks... he wanted me safe. After that I joined. I realized that he would be proud either way because I would be an officer that either made it far, or was killed protecting her sire." I said and shrugged.

"And you made it far. And I bet more than anything he is proud of you." He told me and I smiled.

"That woman, the one that said she could see dead people... she can. That is how I know he is proud. You and your brothers should go and see her when you are all not busy."

"You talked with your parents?"

"Yeah... it made me feel better about what I am doing with my life." I told him and then looked around. "I am tired... do you want to come to my place?" I asked knowing that Princess Ariel will be in her old room tonight.

"I know that we are mates, but I do want to take things slow."

"I wasn't thinking about having s*x tonight... more like... cuddling. I have to get up early and do a perimeter check."

"Cuddling?" He asked and I smiled slightly.

"Yeah."

"And we would go right now?"

"Well, you can go get your things from your room. I don't know which room is yours but I'll follow you up, or wait in the ballroom." I suggested.

"I'll meet you back down in the ballroom. Hopefully my brothers don't scare you off while I leave you alone for 10 minutes." He sighed and shoved a hand through his hair.

"No one would scare me off. I am not scared of some playboy twins, or your other brother... he seemed quiet when he came up behind you." I said remembering how he pulled him aside and whispered and looked towards me but didn't keep eye contact.

"Luka.. yeah, he and my mom were actually a lot closer than the rest of us... she made sure she in stored values in him. I at least messed around with a woman I called a girlfriend... the twins have f****d everything since they turned 16." He blew out a breath and I kept my growl at bay when he said the word girlfriend.

"I guess, since they know I am yours, they won't try to hit on me again." I said and he turned with a growl.

"My brother is an ignorant ass who needs manners." He told me and I nodded and touched his shoulder as I stood up before almost falling on my face from the heels but he grabbed my arm in return and helped steady me. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just the heels in the dirt..." I trailed off picking up my dress before sighing. "Wait a second." I called out as he started walking keeping me in his arms. I reached behind me and started unzipping the skirt before letting it fall down in a heap and I walked out in my jean shorts happily. I collected the long skirt before throwing it over my forearm and then walking with Vlad towards the mansion.

"I won't be longer than 10 minutes. I didn't really unpack and settle in." He said as we got in the front foyer.

"I'll be here, or in there with the princess." I told him nodding towards the open doors. People were already looking my way and I felt the heat blasting on my cheeks as they smiled, started whispering and then giggling. He jogged up the stairs giving me an opportunity to watch his backside.

I decided to put the long skirt back on around one corner before walking towards the ballroom again. I spotted Ariel right away and she beamed at me before basically ignoring everyone to get to me who was trying to talk to her. Elders and men alike.

"Mated to a king huh? Just had to one up me."

"You're going to be queen you idiot." I said and rolled my eyes.

"You are a queen. Not as of yet, since I don't see a mark, but you are in the eyes of everyone here." She told me and I looked around and saw her parents coming towards us. King Lewis always made me feel inferior, I knew it wasn't his intention, but it was just because he was my king. But when he walked up this time, it was more like he was my best friends father, and a proud one at that. At least his smile said he was proud. As well as Ariel's mothers face.

"I was happy to hear that you found your mate Patricia, it seems like it was a long time coming. I am expecting to throw you a small wedding, at least before you go." Her mother came forward, taking my hands and almost looking like she was going to cry.

"I'm fine without getting married." I said and shook my head. My parents never married, and I didn't see the point. I wouldn't be around humans like that. Even in Russia. I don't think. And anyways, marriage is not that common anymore. I can see doing the vows of the werewolf community, and taking my vows as a Luna, but not a wedding.

"No, I insist. I know how much this would mean to your mother. Every mother wants to see her little girl wear the white poofy dress, get handed off to their one true love..." She tailed off looking at Ariel since that was her real daughter. I wanted to hide. Crawl in a hole and let her forget about me getting married. Because that was not happening. No matter how much she wanted to give me that.

"There she is, our new sister. You know, I always wanted a sister." I felt an arm come around my shoulders before smelling strong booze and I turned to see Dimitri on the other side of Ivan as he held me close to his chest.

"Funny, me too, but you know what? I got an older brother." I said seeing my brother walking up with his mate.

"Talking about me again Patty? This isn't your mate, I saw him earlier... where is he?"

"Getting his things from his room."

"That means Luka gets his own room..." Ivan said and I looked at him before taking his hand off my shoulder. "Where is my favorite baby brother in the whole wide world. I want to use Vlad's old bed for someone scrumptious." He said and looked around before his eyes fell on one of the women from the Serbia pack and he sauntered off. 

"Sorry about my brother your highness... he's had one too many vodkas. Vlad didn't introduce you but I know your name already. I'm Dimitri, welcome to the family." He held out his hand and I took it to shake quickly before looking to my brother and then the king and queen and Ariel.

"Sorry, but can I have a minute with my brother..." I said and looked towards his mate and smiled. "Alone."

"Sure... I'll be sitting down in our seats." Daphne told my brother before getting up and kissing his cheek.

"Make sure your feet are elevated." He reminded her and right in front of our eyes Dimitri offered her his arm and escorted her to their seats. My brother didn't take his eyes off of her the whole time until he excused himself and headed back towards his other brothers.

"Now, your mate dear sister... what's his name?"

"Didn't you hear the announcement? Vladimir." I said and felt the butterflies flutter at his name and I looked around to search if he was already here.

"And where is he?"

"He is getting his things. Since Ariel is staying here tonight, he is coming back to the cottage with me."

"Very progressive." He laughed and I move to punch him.

"Not the point. The queen just offered to give me a wedding ceremony before we leave." I said and crossed my arms.

"Oh yeah... what did you say back?" He asked now crossing his arms and I moved my jaw around.

"I told her it was not necessary and when she said something about how it was a mother's dream to see her daughter marry in a big white poofy dress she turned to Ariel, and I backed away." I smiled up at him like I was 10 again and looked around when I felt hairs on the back of my neck stand up. But this time it wasn't a bad feeling.

"Patty! Dear, we didn't get to finish-" I heard the queen just before turning and seeing him and her walking up. "Well you know, but now that your mate is here we can get his opinion. I am sad to say that I don't know much about the Russian cultures among wolves, so why don't I ask. Do you get married as well as fully mated?" She turned when she realized that Vlad was just beside her.

"My parents were married but more often than not most people in my home land don't choose the human ways." He said and I smiled at that. At least he isn't pushing this.

"Then I am sure you would like to bring it back and marry your dear mate tomorrow evening? It is a full moon. And after we can have the back forest just for the two of you. And since the cottage will be just right for you as well." She was smothering, and I often realized she did then when she was just a bit disappointed in Ariel. It was sad that her mother did things like that. I was not like I was her real daughter. I was more like her second cousin.

"We'll think about it. I think we are also going to take tonight to get to know each other more before mating right away." I announced and looked up to Vlad who smiled and nodded. His eyes were glowing and I knew his wolf might not be so happy about that assumption, even if he is, and I know that because my wolf isn't happy with the thought.

"Well, don't wait too long. The seamstress did bring some wedding dresses with her for many weddings that might take place. I am just so happy that you are finally going to be happy." She gushed before moving to hug me tight. When she pulled away she started wiping just under her eyes like she was scared her makeup was ruined before laughing. Over her shoulder I saw Ariel watching us, the longing in her face was there again and I mouthed an apology and she nodded before turning away.

I kept my eyes on her as she made her way out of the ball room and I looked up to Vlad. "I forgot something... I'll be just 15 minutes." I told him but he seemed to know what I meant when his eyes flashed to where Ariel had escaped to. He nodded though and left me with a chaste kiss on my temple before letting me walk off.

I pushed through people looking around and seeing sort of familiar faces, all those who I checked out and wanted here, and then the guests who were very happy and clinking glasses together like everything in the world was okay.

I stepped out in the breeze and took off the long skirt again before kind of rushing to where Ariel was sitting by the pond. That was where she always went. But this time instead of sitting on the little bench, she put her dress, and feet in the water.

"Mother must have been going on and on about how happy she is now that you are happy. That you found your mate. Seeming to cry not out of happiness for you, not all happiness anyways... but mostly of pity that her own daughter hasn't found her mate. That her own daughter doesn't want a mate. It must suck to have such a disappointment as a daughter that she has to live through her daughter's best friend."

"Oh Ariel-"

"Even my name... Ariel..." she spat the name and i sighed before sitting down with her, "like the stupid princess who changed her whole life for a man she didn't even know. A man that would still choose someone over her just because he was a fool." She gave a dry laugh before turning to me. "Why does she hate me?"

"She does not hate you." I told her firmly and she sighed. "She doesn't and you know that." I told her again and she started to choke back her sobs and I pulled her in for a hug. 

"I will never make her happy." She whispered and I rubbed her shoulder and started rocking back and forth. "And I bet when I do meet my mate, he is going to be someone she is going to hate. That way she can't be happy for me. That way she can be even more disappointed in me than ever before when I have to accept him." She gave a dry laugh and I leaned my cheek on her forehead.

"She will love you. She does love you. And she will accept you. And your mate. And any children you bless her with. Goddess knows when you pop out your first one she will no longer dote on you."

"If only. Do you realize she will never want to retire and leave the palace? She will stay here, tell me how to raise my child. Tell me how I am holding her wrong or that I am feeding her too much and that it is my fault she won't have a sleeping schedule...."

"Hush now. Give her two, let her raise one and keep the other for yourself." I laughed and she laughed with me this time.

"How about you give her one and I can start to live my life." She said and I smiled.

"I might have to have one sooner rather than later you know. He is king, he will need an heir as soon as possible. How about I extend a hand and ask her to come out and then get her so happy she never wants to leave." I laughed at the thought and her eyes sparkled again.

"That is why you are my best friend." She said and I laughed.

"Now, let's go back in. Your mother is going to have a fit over the wet dress but lets try to find Ivory or Devin." I told her and she nodded before trying to get up, but the dress was too heavy so we both carried it as it basically watered the grass.

"Hey! I was just looking for you your highness." I heard Ivory and smiled.

"And we were hoping to find you... do you think you can dry her dress?" I asked and she smiled and nodded. "This is where I leave you." I told Ariel and she looked ready to cry. "Not forever! Get a hold of yourself." I told her and she laughed and covered her face.

"Patty?" I heard Vlad's deep voice behind me and I smiled.

"Hey, come here. I want you to meet, informally, my best friend." I said showing him Ariel as her dress started to dry some.

"Pleasure." He told her and smiled.

"You don't know how lucky you are that you have her... just don't keep her away too long." Ariel almost begged but kept it in and made it sound more of a plea and order at the same time.

"She won't be prisoner, when she feels the need to come home, she may... as long as I am with her." Vlad laughed. "Everyone needs a getaway." He offered and I smiled at him again and leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"Good night to the new found mates... may the Luna bless you with love and happiness starting from tonight until the end of time." Ariel said her formal blessing and moved in to hug me one last time.

"I will see you in the morning." I told her and she nodded into my shoulder, hugging me just a bit tighter. It wasn't something she normally did, but she was also thanking me for talking to her by the pond. I was sure of it.