The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Returning a Man Pt. 2

There were thirty people we were watching, which was fifteen more than were supposed to be here. I wondered what had happened. Why were there so many more than we suspected? I met up with Dawson and we got closer. We got within hearing distance and found a tree to climb. We made quick work of it. Having enhanced hearing was the best. I felt bad for supernatural groups without it. The Hood needed to plant hearing devices, we’d even helped them develop those. We just didn’t need them unless we wanted to go back as far as my dad was.

A warlock was saying, “So we circulated the Hackura that didn't come to help us. Now what?” The leader snorted, “I swear it would kill all of you to have vision.” A witch asked, “What vision? We didn’t ask for their help! Why would you do this? They could decide to kill us all for lying about them!” They hadn’t named names. It’s why they weren’t dead yet. If they’d said King Titus denied us help, they’d be dead and I wouldn’t be here.

The leader said, “Yes, well an off period fling came to us with names.” I stiffened and so did Dawson. That was bad. In the Hackura we had our mates and we marked them. We could mutually decide to have an off period. It was the freedom to see someone you liked and be with them. No one ever held the piece of your heart and soul like your mate did. We just didn’t hold everyone to be monogamous.

Someone snorted. A witch stood declaring, “I’m leaving. You are all marching towards death and I’m not going down with you. I don’t know what you have to say, but using an off period fling’s information is dangerous. They probably thought they’d take some Hackura from their mate. I swear to god it’s like you all think they live here and operate how we do. These aren’t men or women who fall for the dangled fruit. Monogamy isn’t mandatory for Hackura mates. They ALWAYS go back to their mate. That’s who they love and always will. Jesus Christ you’re going off some spurred lover. I suggest more people leave like me or you’ll die.” The witch grabbed her stuff and left.

The leader sneered, “She has no vision. Go on and join if you want to be blind as well.” Fourteen more people left much to the leader’s annoyance. He spat untrue comments and hurled things at them. What surprised me was I could tell there was a full blooded Hackura in that room. I shot Dawson a look, but he hadn’t noticed yet. We didn’t have surveillance set up so my dad couldn’t see in here. I couldn’t ask him who the man was. I wanted to go to him though. I shook myself, I couldn’t do that.

Someone asked, “So, is this anyone of notoriety’s off period fling?” The warlock smirked, “Yes, Pince Zader Cambridge.” My eyes widened and I grabbed Dawson by the arm. We drew our weapons. Someone snorted, “Ok, so they are a liar. Zader hasn’t been to this realm in….forever.” My eyes blazed in fury that this person didn’t use my Uncle’s title. To say his name with familiarity was a death sentence when they were not friends.

The leader rolled their eyes, “Yes, well it’s a vampire. It obviously wasn’t a recent dalliance, but said vampire is upset she never heard from him after their time together.” Of course this person didn’t hear from my Uncle, he never came back here. The Hackura asked, “So, you intend to do something against Prince Zader?” The man snorted, “No, how could we? He never comes here.” The man retorted, “That you know of.” Dawson shot me a look cluing into the fact that the man there was Hackura.

The leader faltered, “Well, that’s true. It’s not like they advertise being here, but anyway the vampire felt jilted by Prince Zader so when she heard some news she passed it on.” Someone asked, “What’s the news?” The man smiled, “The Commander of their armies has children. His oldest is a girl.” They all began to rub their hands together. I gripped my weapon so right I was somewhat convinced it would break.

My dad was sending me his curiosity over my sharp turn to anger. He wasn’t close enough to hear or understand what happened. Dawson nodded to me indicating he’d be ready to go in. He knew I would never let anyone who threatened Astrid live. The Hackura asked, “And?” The warlock huffed, “And….she’s going to be ten soon. She’s going to be out on a mission. We just have to get more details and the vampire is dating a Hackura. We plan to get those details and plan to kidnap her then sell her off to be raped and…” I was gone.

I faded in and screamed out a war cry, “I’LL KILL YOU, WRETCH! YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH HER! Ea stella mea est (She is my star).”I reached the leader and beheaded him before he could utter a chant. I turned and attacked those remaining. Dawson was making quick work of everyone. My guard was coming with Raud. I felt my dad coming too, but I saw the Hackura who’d been here leaving.

I took off after him. Dawson yelled, “B!” He wasn’t going to say my name here. I could hear him following me, but I was faster than all of them. My dad was sending me his concern and worry. He was tugging on our connection wanting me to stop. Me and the unknown Hackura were too far ahead of them, but I wasn’t going to give up. I wanted to know who this man was. I lost Dawson who was calling for me. I did more cardio than he did. I was gaining on this man.

The man ducked his head back, but I couldn’t get his features. He had a mask covering the top half of his face, but I saw his smile. I yelled, ‘WAIT!” He looked around and halted greeting, “Hey, kid.” I asked, “Who are you? Also, I’m on my first mission, I’m a man now.” He winked, “I’m a phantom.” Huh?

I asked, “What are you talking about? Why did my dad have you in there?” He questioned, “Your dad?” I frowned, “Ok, I’ll admit this is new for me. Most people know me because every Hackura knows I’m Crown Prince Bjourn Cambridge.” He smirked, “Titus’ son? Damn, it’s good to see you.” I queried, “So, you know my dad.” He tapped my nose, “Yes, of course I do. Let’s keep this meeting between us, Bjourn. Our family is in danger and I work on the outside. One day, we can tell your dad together that little Benny has been protecting him all this time.”

I frowned, “Benny?” He chuckled, “Yes, our family has been under attack for quite some time, and Titus took the mantle to protect us all. He is a fierce protector, but I’m in the shadows sussing out the truth. I need to stay here to protect us all. I hope to see you around again, kid.” He opened a portal. I yelled, “Wait, our family…? You are a Cambridge?” He winked, “That I am, cousin.” He left and I was left dumbfounded. I didn’t know a cousin named Benny. Uncle Zader didn’t have any kids with that name. Neither did my Great Uncle Lief. I needed to do more research.

I knew I had a Great Uncle Magnus, but the reason the royal family couldn’t have children with humans was because Great Uncle Magnus’ hybrid child couldn’t handle everything that came with being a royal Hackura. He went crazy and killed them all. I’d never heard their names. Did Benny survive the slaughter of Great Uncle Magnus’ family? Why was he out here in this realm? Did dad know about him?

Dawson caught up to me. He gasped, “Dang man, you do so much cardio.” He was huffing and puffing. He asked “Did you catch up to that guy? He had a good chunk of time ahead of you.” I lied, “No, I didn’t.” We turned around to head back.

I sent my dad my calm and let him know I was fine. I felt his instant relief. He couldn’t have known that Benny would be here if he knew that he survived. How off grid was Cousin Benny? He asked me not to say anything, and one thing the Hackura did was back up family. I just had to make sure he was mine.

My guard sent me glares and I just smirked. Garth asked, “Did you catch him?” I shook my head. Rof nodded, “He had a good half a mile on you, don’t feel bad young Prince.” I didn’t because he had more than half a mile on me and I caught him. My dad faded in with Dawson’s. His hands shook lightly and I moved to hug him before anyone saw it. I felt his concern for me in our bond.

Blade faded in. Damn, I forgot he was here. My dad asked him, “How was the other side?” Relief hit me hard and my dad shot me a glance. Blade answered, “Patet omnia. Triste non cursus ut modo. Quinque millia retro eram et non adsequi principis coronam aut hominem abscessisset (Everything is clear. Unfortunately, the one that got away did not run that way. I was five miles behind and did not catch up with the crown prince or the man that got away).”

Dawson shot me a glance but I scratched my finger to indicate we were not saying the man was Hackura. No one else was close enough to know. My dad asked, “Why did you attack, Bjourn?” Dawson smirked. I told him, “Some off period vampire of Uncle Zader’s is dating someone new. She’s spurred by the fact that he never contacted her and gave up that Remington had Astrid and Aaron. They were planning to get details on Astrid’s first mission to kidnap…” My voice broke thick with anger.

Dawson filled in, “Bjourn went into action when they said they’d rape her.” I swung my fist and my dad caught my arm. When angry the Hackura have to fight things out. I circled my dad and we fought for nearly an hour in this realm. Our realm moved much faster than the earthly realm. We had longer years than they did so we didn’t age faster than they did. Mentally we did and physically I was bigger than other ten year old’s my age. I looked like I was at least sixteen here, probably older.

My dad hit me and I went down and stayed down. Garth helped me up. My dad said, “Nothing will happen to Astrid, son.” No, it wouldn’t because if she came here I’d be in the background or right beside her. I asked, “Who is the vampire?” He’d know just as my brothers would if something like this came up.

He answered, “Your Uncle was only with one Vampire. I’ll track her down and ask questions myself. She’s older so I’m having trouble believing she didn’t understand our ways. They made no sort of commitment to keep in contact. I’ll look more into that before we act.” I nodded, sending him my feelings of needing to be involved. He sent me back his understanding and I relaxed. He was going to let me in on the whole thing. I had to make sure Astrid was safe.

My dad told Dawson and me, “Head on home. We will clean up here. Just give us thirty minutes our realm’s time. Do you think you boys can do that?” Both of us laughed. I nodded, “Yeah, I think I can.” Dawson winked, “Me too.” We were returning men and he had a girl he was sweet on too. I opened a portal to the same spot we left. Dawson took off running, but I didn’t. I sent my mom and dad my feelings that I was back. My mom sent me back how proud she was. My dad sent me his feeling letting me know he knew I was being a contrary ass.

I said, “You’ll have to tell me how you slipped Marcus and Drake. I don’t sense them here. If you spent the night out here, I’ll spank you.” She dropped out of a tree and crossed her arms. She asked, “How did you know I was here? We don’t have a bond.” She looked sad and I couldn’t have that.

I crossed the distance between us and took her in my arms. I asked, “Do you think I need a bond with you to know where you are? You are in my blood, seeped into my bones, down to my very marrow. I know where you are no matter what because I love you.” Because one day she’d be mine. I would make it so, I just had to. She whispered, “You were gone longer than I thought you’d be. I was worried.” I tilted her head, “I made a discovery that I need your help to get through, but first…” I cupped her face and leaned down and kissed her.

She gasped and I pulled her closer, gently biting her lip and sliding my tongue into her mouth. My lust was rising as the kiss went on. I pulled back and whispered, “I love you Astrid.” She replied, “I love you too, Bjourn.” I smirked, “You dropped Rollo.” She tickled me, “I told you I would.” I smirked, “It’s a tickle war you want then, stella mea (my star).” She squealed and took off running.

Astrid was fast, but I trained more on cardio than anyone in the realm. I let her run, feeling my blood pounding in my ears. We were in the fields all alone, but that had been my plan when I picked this place to portal out from. I knew she’d be here waiting, just like I knew she’d have slipped my brothers. I knew her better than I knew myself sometimes.

I caught her and tackled her turning so I hit the ground instead of her. I flipped us and began to tickle her. She was squealing and screaming. I pinned one of her arms then got the other. It meant I could only use one hand, but I could still tickle her that way. She cried, “Uncle!” I laughed, “You gave up so easily, stella mea (my star).” I nuzzled her neck and kissed the spot one day I hoped my mark would go. I whispered, “Maybe volo te pugnare mecum. Ego amo te sentiunt sub me (maybe I wanted you to fight me more. I love the feeling of you under me).”

She teased, “Sentio de me tibi sicut etiam supra (You’ll like the feel of me on top too).” I nipped her ear, “That’s a dangerous game to play, stella mae (my star).” I flipped her over and ground into her. She moaned, “Bjourn…” I told her, “I’ll be waiting here when you return from your mission. When you return a woman I’ll make love to you in this field. I’ll be your first and you’ll be mine.”

She gaped, “You’re not going to….” I cut her off, “You will be my first Astrid. It’s always been you.” I pulled her down on me and we made out. I ran my hand up her chest. She’d gone through puberty when all of us do at eight and damn. Her boobs were my favorite thing. She wore bikinis I swore were to test me.

She told me between kisses, “I won’t blame you if you want to find someone of age here. I know the lustful feelings after your first mission.” We are taught about those in school. Hackura fight and f**k hard after missions. We learned that and saw it happen. It usually inspired an orgy.

I rolled us, “I’m going to need you to hear me stella mea (My star) You’ll be my first. I am a patient man, I always have been. It’s not even that long until you have your first mission.” She rolled her eyes, “I can’t believe you’re going to wait to jump me until I portal home. We both know you’ll be there, faded around somewhere watching over me.” I kissed her hard then pulled back, “You best believe after what I heard today I will be.”

She asked, “What do you mean?” I hissed, “Some dead vampire sold you and Aaron out. They know how old you are.” She raised an eyebrow, “I’ll be fine.” I agreed, “You will be because I’ll be watching that beautiful six of yours.” She laughed, “I’ve been doing a lot of glute bridges.” I spanked her, “I can tell.” We made out until I felt my dad tugging on our connection. I picked Astrid up, “Come on.” I opened a portal to my wing in the castle.

I threw on some new jeans, not bothering with a shirt. Most men in our realm didn’t. Astrid grabbed some clothes she kept in here. I groaned, “You kill me with these tops.” She laughed, “You’re such a boob guy.” I was an Astrid guy. I’d seen lots of breasts all over the realm. With orgies that tended to happen. Same with clothes, we just didn’t feel the need to cover up all the time. So, I've seen a lot. Nothing did anything to me like Astrid did. It was her, always her.

We went downstairs together. Marcus and Drake shot Astrid glares and she smiled, flipping her hair. My mom gave me a hug, I kissed her cheek, then talked to her stomach, “Good job, Ubbe. Your big brother is proud of you.” I got a sharp kick on the hand. My mom sighed, “You all talk to him and enjoy the kicks and jabs forgetting he’s inside me.” We all laughed and she sent us her annoyance.

We sat down and my dad toasted, “To Bjourn, returning to us as a man. He defended our people today. He acted swiftly changing the plan to make sure we would all remain safe.” I squeezed Astrid’s thigh. She put her hand on mine and shot me a smile.

Drake asked, “So, what happened?” I answered, “Some supposed grudge match with an off period of Uncle Zader’s.” Aunt Rashe snorted, “In the earthly realm? You can’t be serious.” I nodded. She rolled her eyes, “I swear it’s your fault, Zader. If you weren’t such a good lover these problems wouldn't exist. When in the earthly realm it should be a rule our people don’t give as much pleasure as they do elsewhere. Those there clearly can’t handle it.” Everyone busted up laughing and he leaned in to kiss Aunt Rashe.

She turned to me when they were done asking, “Which one?” She’d know them all, we never hid those things. I answered, “Some vampire.” Aunt Rashe frowned, “But she was so nice. I’ve met her, there's no way.” My dad said, “I’m looking into the whole thing, Rashe.” I offered, “Supposedly she’s dating a different Hackura now.” My dad replied, “She’s not. I was able to get that. I’ll speak with her in person. We will find out who the real threat is, but I doubt it’s her. Someone pretending to be her, maybe.”

Which meant it was going to be a race to get to the real culprit. If there was a vampire running around pretending to be another with a grudge match against the Hackura the vampire whose name she was using would want her dead. So would the King or Queen she was under unless she was one herself. In which case this just got even more complicated. Vampire politics were sticky, but they were brutal.

If the vampire Uncle Zader used to be with was a King, Queen, or sired by one a Knight would be dispatched to find the person pretending to be the vampire in question. Which was too bad because I had decided I wanted this person first. Which meant coming up with suspects and I knew my first two.

Astrid’s parents. I wondered if Tierra or Remington had an off period recently. Astrid would know which means other than my dad I had the inside track a vampire wouldn't. After dinner I hugged my brothers. I picked up Histeck out of his high chair and spun him around. He squealed in delight. Evin jumped, “Me next! Me next!” I laughed and picked him up next, swinging him around. When they were tired of that game and toddled off I took Astrid to the library.

When we arrived she asked, “What are we doing?” I said, “There was someone there who everyone thinks got away. He had over a mile head start on me.” She interrupted “But you obviously caught him. You’re the fastest person in this realm. You can give the Hood a run for their money.” I winked, “I know, but I lied and said I didn’t catch him.”

She frowned asking, “Why?” I said, “Because he claimed to be my cousin. I don’t know if my dad has him out there protecting our family. I actually don’t know what dad knows about him because I’ve never heard his name.” Astrid gasped, “But that means he’s…” I continued, “In Great Uncle Magnus’s line.” Astrid frowned, “They died. Everyone knows that story.” They did because it was our family’s tragedy, the realm really. I nodded, “Yes, but if someone lived and it’s a plot against our family it makes sense they didn’t tell anyone there was a survivor.” She nodded.

I took her to the third floor and went to our family’s lineage. I found my Grandpa Ragor, Great Uncle Lief, then one I’d never bothered to look at Great Uncle Magnus. There he was Benjamin Cambridge nicknames: Ben and Benny. Unlike all the others there was no date of death by his name. Astrid gasped, “It was him.” I nodded, “It was.” I dimmed my bond in all my connections.

Astrid whispered, “Bjourn.” I gritted out, “They’ve lied to us all our lives. Benny is out there alone..” She interpreted, “You don’t know that. Your dad would never leave family unprotected.” I frowned, “He made it seem like he was protecting my dad. He is nine months younger than Uncle Zader, they would’ve been protective of him. He asked me to keep it a secret, but what if he needs us?”