Even Tempered

When Worlds Collide

Temperance's POV

This place is strange; I wonder how I woke up here? There's a clearing up ahead; I wonder where it leads? There seems to be something up ahead running through those bushes. If I can just... Hello! Wait don't leave. Wait up will ya? Whatever it is it slows and then stops and then turns towards me. I am absolutely floored. A chocolate wolf. It's beautiful and I have to fight against the urge to run to it and bury my face in its' fur to see if smells as wonderful as it looks and its' fur is as soft as I perceive it to be.

"You're beautiful!" I squeal without thought as to whether or not it can hear or understand me. But the wolf looks at me lopsided and appears to grin. 'Humph, as if that were even possible', I think to myself.

"Oh, you may find that just about anything you can dream is possible here."

I look at the wolf wondering if I had just imagined it speaking to me, but before I could ponder it further, I heard a giggle and the sound was so light and airy like joy itself had just sprung up and overtaken me.

"Though Annabeth would love nothing more than to talk to you, I am afraid that you will have to settle for me." Came the soothing voice.

"And who may I ask are you?" I turned to question in the direction of the voice and came face to face with a beautiful pale skinned woman. Her eyes were a haunting shade of purple and her hair was so silver it shimmered as she moved.

"My name is Selene and I am truly pleased to meet you your majesty." The woman says.

"Meet me? Oh Selene, you must have led a very sheltered life. And I do understand that everyone is eager to find the heir to the royal family and all, but I really don't think that I am she." I try to explain.

"Oh, but you are the daughter of King Maximilian and Queen Asmerelda and the rightful heir and Queen of The Emerald Isle, we wouldn't be here otherwise? Selene states plainly.

"I'm not so sure about that and who are we?" I asked a little confused.

Still smiling, Selene answers, "Well, Annabeth is your mother's wolf and I am the goddess of the moon. We've come to help, if we can?"

"I thought Mama’s wolf's name was Hazel?" And then the realization hit me. "So, you can make everything like it never happened? You can bring back my mom and dad?" I asked skeptically.

"No, my dear, even the Moon Goddess cannot meddle with the fate of her children, however, I can assure you that you are who they say you are and that soon you will be needed to right the wrongs of your past." She says intently.

"How is that helping?" I scoff. "I figured that much out by myself." I said annoyed. "I don't even know what I'm supposed to do. How am I supposed to help a people I don't know anything about?" I ask.

Annabeth strolls to me and butts me making me fall and huffs making me look her directly in the eyes. Though she can't speak to me, I can see love and pride and annoyance in her eyes. She yips and wolfs and barks and the Selene says "Your mother says, 'You learn.' You take the time and put in the effort to learn yourself; your history; and your people; and when the time comes, what you need will already be inside of you. It is difficult to draw water from an empty well. So, you take the time to fill your well with a wealth of knowledge and when the time comes, you will have what is necessary to draw from."

"So where do I start?" I ask.

"You start by waking up and opening yourself up to the possibilities of a new future." Selene answers.

"And what about Mama and Nicky." I ask and look at Annabeth, "I mean no offense but she has loved me and raised me and sacrificed so much for us to be happy, even when her wolf was so sad, she’s the only mother I have ever known."

Annabeth licks my face and barks and I look at Selene who's laughing and says, "She says no offense taken, she is glad that she chose someone capable of being mother to and love her pup the way she could not. And to know that she did beyond what was asked, she's overjoyed. And don't worry, they'll be fine and you all will always be family."

I look at Annabeth and reach for her as an overwhelming sense of longing tugs at me and she nuzzles me and I bury my face in her fur and breathe deeply. I am instantly surrounded by the scent of lily and Siberian fir and something tells me that this is the essence and scent of my mother. I look back up into eyes that love me and place my head upon hers.

Selene clears her throat and tells me that it's time to go and though I know I probably should, I don't want to let go of this moment, and as if sensing my hesitation, Annabeth, my mother's wolf begins to lose substance and everything starts to fade. I know that it's useless but I start to run after them, trying to catch them before they completely fade from view, but they are gone. I try to blink back the tears but they fall like torrents and I just lay on the ground and let them have their release. When they are done flowing and I can't cry anymore, I open my eyes to see that I am tangled in the sheets in my bed and it's early morning. I hear Mama downstairs preparing breakfast trying to make sure that we are prepared for travel and ready for whatever today brings. I go to the bathroom to wash up and get dressed and prepare to help her.

We had just finished breakfast around six and finished putting up the breakfast dishes. I don't know when she had the time, but apparently Mama managed to bake another cake. It was shortly after ten when we heard a sharp rap on the door. Nicky got up to go and answer it and Mama pulled out some more paper plates and plastic cutlery and put on another pot of coffee. I watch Alpha Latham and his mate Luna Emily enter, followed by another man, that I assume from his disheveled appearance is my uncle, and that would make the lady accompanying him my aunt. I took a deep breath and came from behind the counter and squared my shoulders. Here we go!

Miguel's POV

We had just gotten off the plane around dawn and made short work to the Mystic Moonlight Pack border. They had just finished training and Alpha Latham asked me to give him a moment to freshen up and implored us to at least eat or grab coffee before we left. Angelique got up and made us both small plates and coffee and ask me to try to eat. I tried to nibble what I could be my nerves wouldn't let me. We were so close. Our family would once again be whole. After eating what I could, I rose to go and find Alpha Latham, who to my surprise was coming down the stairs with Luna Emily. Both were fully dressed and ready to go.

"I have already taken the liberty of informing Queen Anastasia of our course and our intentions and we have been given her blessings and good fortune on our endeavor." Latham beams.

"Queen" I scoff, "I would like a choice word with said Queen!"

"Mickey" Angie says and frowns.

"Trust me my friend, that is a losing battle and an unnecessary one. Queen Anastasia did what she thought best and it has been because of her, good or bad as it may seem, that your niece has been safe these many years. Though you may not want to or even choose to give it, she deserves your gratitude not your scorn."

"And if I am correct, attacking her in the home of your niece's family will not win you any point. They all were very close to the Queen." Emily says.

"Maybe you should get some rest. You flew here nonstop from Crowned Paw, and probably barely touched anything resembling food, a quick nap may put you in better spirits." Latham suggests.

But I am not having it and I will not be talked down. "No, I will rest when I know for myself that my niece is safe under my care."

"My sweet, that may be being a bit rash. We've discussed this and you know that trying to force her may backfire. Please, let's just handle this one step at a time." Angie is right, she always is but right now Titus is growing as impatient as I am.

"OK, fine!" I say in a hushed angry tone. "Step one, can we please get on our way?"

Latham sighs and nods, "This way." And we begin our journey.

It was almost ten when we reached what I could only describe as a hovel. It looked like someone had carved a hole in a fallen tree. Sure, it had ivy and flowers around it, and at any other time, it might have even been quaint, but the thought of my niece, my sister's only child growing up here. "It looks as if it has termites!" I mind linked Angie.

"Please calm yourself, my love, things aren't always what they appear." She said.

Alpha Latham knocks and we make our way inside. I am busy looking around and as Angie said it was modest, and spacious, and clean. The outside gives nothing away of the coziness and warmth inside. And then as we come into view of the kitchen, I see eyes that I have loved since we were children, Ame, my sweet Ame. My sister's image is looking back at me and for the first time since this began, I take a breathe that I didn't even know that I was holding.

"Alphas, Lunas, would anyone care for anything? I have fresh cake and coffee brewing." Says a woman who looks to be in her late thirties. She's a wolf, Omega by the smell and gentle disposition. Before I can speak Latham and Emily agree and take their seats. Emily speaking first.

"I have heard that you do bake a delicious cake. I don't mind if I do." Looking over at Angie she asks, "Care to join me?"

Latham extols, "Yes, Miguel, you won’t be disappointed, take a seat and we can all get better acquainted."

But I can’t move. I feel like if I move, I will awaken and this will all be some sick, twisted nightmare. A way for fate to taunt me again with not being able to save my sister or her pup. I hear the lady speak again, lowly this time, to my niece and I see her nod and come towards me.

"Alpha Miguel, would you like for me to sit with you?" She says. Though her voice is very different, her face still looks so much like her mothers. She reaches for my hand and we walk to chairs in the middle of the island that everyone is seated at. A plate is placed in front of me and a cup of coffee, compliments of my mate and our hostess.

Latham takes this time to stuff a heaping piece of cake in his mouth and with a smile say, "Well, I guess introductions are in order." Which earns him a swat for speaking with his mouth full, to which he just laughs and shrugs.

As usual, Emily goes first, attempting to break the ice. "Temperance, I am Emily Guise, Luna of the Mystic Moonlight Pack and mate to this one. It's a true pleasure to formally meet you."

"And my name is Angelique Baptiste, Luna of the Crowned Paw Pack, and mate of Miguel Baptiste, but you can call me Auntie Angie." She pauses, "if you want."

I look at my sister's daughter and she barely moves or responds, she remains almost regal as she nods slightly and smiles. "And of course, this gentleman to my right, who is doing a wonderful impersonation of the strong silent type, is my mate and your uncle, Miguel Baptiste!" Angie continues, giggling at her own joke.

"Welcome all of you and thank you for coming." Temperance says. "The handsome gentleman in the corner near the cake, is my brother, Nicholi Hale, but we just call him Nicky and of course my beautiful mother, Valencia Hale, but most people call her Val...", she states about the Omega who has been attending us...and I cannot remain silent any longer.

"She is not your mother." I say in a clipped tone. "Your mother is Asmerelda Baptiste Prince, my sister, and she died to make sure that you could live. You will not dishonor her like she was nothing!" I growl.

"Mickey, no!" Angie says, but it's too late.

"I have had enough of this charade. Temperance, grabs your things, and come on, we're leaving at once."

"Alpha Miguel, I have never tried..." the lady begins but I am having none of it.

"Madame, after I secure my niece and ensure that she is safe, we shall see exactly what you tried." I threaten.

"Miguel, you are making a terrible mistake. Please, let's all just calm down and start again." Latham tries to defuse the situation but I will not be swayed.

I am still reeling from the feeling of my sister's position being challenged when Angie's mind link breaks throw, "What have you done?" She asks.

"What do you mean, 'what have I done?' I did what needed to be done. I am taking my niece home."

"No, my love, I don't think you will. Look at her."

And for the first time since I spoke, I realize that I have made a huge mistake. Her frame is rigid and unmoving, she is fighting back tears and a washed in emotions and her gaze is fixed solely on me. I swallow not sure if I am prepared for what is about to happen next, but she refrains from addressing me.

"Alpha Latham, there indeed has been a mistake. We will not be accompanying you at this time. My 'family' and I have to discuss what is in our best interests, and once we have decided, we will inform you and only you as to our decision." Temperance says vehemently.

"Ladies, even given the circumstances, it has been a pleasure to meet you. I had never truly thought of life with other family members, as I thought that it was just us, but I think that it maybe nice to have aunts. I had just been trying to get accustomed to having an uncle and hadn't even considered that aunts and sisters came included, though now, I would much rather the latter as the former. Well, I promised someone that I would at least be open to the notion of expanding my familiar ties. However, if this is how family behaves, I will stick with the one I have." She says standing and looking directly in my eyes.

"And as for you; I know of the sacrifices of both of my mothers and would never dishonor one for the other because they both have loved me beyond what I could even imagine. No, I may not have known my birth mother as well as you, and I may only have a scent and a moment in my mind of a time, I am not even sure truly happened, but I do know the woman who loved me, and raised me, and kept me safe when she could have just dropped me off on some door step or let the man who tried to take me have me, but she didn't. She fought hard and she walked until she knew that we were safe and she has kept me hidden and safe all this time. She deserves the same honor and respect as if she had birthed me herself, and I will be damned before I let the likes of you or anyone else take it from her. She is my mother, as much as Asmerelda and Maximilian's blood flows through my veins, her love flows over me. And for the record, Alpha Baptiste, if you aren't able to command Princess Temperance Prince, daughter of Queen Asmerelda Prince, please note that you also can't control Temperance Hale, daughter of Valencia Hale. Gentleman, I bid you good day." She pauses and looks at her mother and says, "Mama, I think that I have come down with a slight headache. I am going to go lie down!" And she walks upstairs.

"How could you, Miguel. You knew how fragile this situation was. How could you sit there and be so...so...so!" Angie begins.

"Stupid!" Emily adds.

"Exactly." Angie throws in.

"Unfortunately, Miguel, I agree with the Lunas, you have no right to judge what you neither know or understand." Latham sighs and chides.

"Fine!" I speak. "Fine!" I look at the woman, Valencia and say, "Make me understand!" But before she can respond, the young wolf who has up until this point sat silently in the corner angrily shouts.

"She doesn't have to make you understand anything. You come in here, all puffed up and angry, trying to tear apart our family, trying to trash my mother. She doesn't have to tell you anything. You heard my sister, leave!"

"Nicky, it's alright." The woman says.

"No, Mama, it's not. Who the hell does he think he is, coming in here, looking at us like common criminals who've held Tempy hostage waiting for a payday? There are plenty of other areas to move to, you said so yourself. When Tempy gets up, let's just load up and move." He rants.

"No, please." I say. "I was too hasty. I just saw my sister and it felt like I was losing her all over again. Please, you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to. Just please, don't go back into hiding. The kingdom may not survive." I plead.

"How about we all sit back down?" Latham suggests again, turning to Nicky he asks, "Could you please go and check on your sister?"

The young wolf doesn't move until his mother says, "Yes, Nicky, please check in on Tempy and tell her that I'll be up in a moment."

When he had gone upstairs, she asks, "Can I refresh anyone's cup, or get anyone anything else?"

"Another cup of coffee would be lovely, thank you!" Emily says and adds, "And another small slice of cake. It really is delicious."

"Coming right up." Valencia says.

"Ms. Hale." I begin.

"Mrs." She corrects. "My name is Mrs. Valencia Hale. My husband’s name was Nicholi Hale, Sr. and a king's Royal Guard. He lost his life fighting beside and protecting his King. I am the sister of Luna Olivia Onriq, mate of Alpha Damien Onriq of the Southern Wilds Pack, and Omega to the Royal Throne, which was more than I had ever imagined. On the night my Queen bestowed upon me the task of getting a wailing, new born babe to her family at Crowned Paw, I was not a week after having Nicholi, but I accepted and swore with my life's blood to protect them both and see them healthy, safe, and happy. Even when those in our party betrayed us, I wouldn't rest, even with grief at my back for the loss of my mate, I pushed on to raise my children and I have not asked for so much as a penny from then until now from any of you. Nor is there anything that you can give, Alpha Baptiste. I know that I didn't have her. And I only withheld the details of her birth to prevent her hurt. And yes, to spare myself some disappointment from her leaving, not because of some wealth or position but because she is as she has been since the day we took that tunnel to the woods, my daughter. I have never tried to take the Queen's place as her mother, I have simply been her mother. As for why we never left, as I am sure is your next question, my children were happy and settled, leaving would have opened up questions that honestly, I wasn't sure until recently how to answer. Now I know that you feel slighted by the fact that she considers a mere Omega to be her mother, but in every regard that matters, I am her mother, and I will also be damned if I am going to let you or anyone else try and change that." She pauses and stands and addresses Latham, "Alpha, Lunas, please help yourselves to whatever you will. I am going to go and check on my children and try to see if we can get this show on the road." She looks back at me and says, "For the last eighteen years, everything that I have done, Alpha Baptiste, has been in their best interest. I have tried to keep them safe to the best of my ability, and now I believe that things are happening that I cannot protect them from. So, I am going up there to try and talk to my daughter, because I believe that the people in this room, are able to help do just that; keep her safe! So, make no mistake, I am doing this for her, not me, and definitely not you." And she left us in the kitchen at the island.

"Well, you surely put your foot in your mouth this time, Alpha." Angie says.

"Ang, I feel bad enough, please, don't rub it in!" I speak.

"Well, you should!" Emily says, "Practically accusing them of misdoings. You didn't even try to get to know any of them. You just came in, oh Mighty Alpha, and demanded that people who knew nothing but each other roll over and play come along. Really, Miguel? Please, tell me that you didn't see that going any other way that up in flames!"

"Emily, I didn’t really think about it like that. I just overreacted. I didn’t mean for things to go so wrong so fast. And once my foot hit the gas, I guess I couldn't find the break. You've got to believe me; I didn't want this." I defend. "And you are correct, I should have taken the time to hear the whole of what happened when Mrs. Hale was ready to tell me and not demand or try to command her or Temperance for that matter, but when I heard her call her mother and realized that someone else had taken my sisters place and that they had a place in her life and I didn't; it was like losing Asmerelda all over again." I declare.

"But she's not Asmerelda, Miguel. You have to begin to see Temperance for who she is, not who she resembles or reminds you of." Angie petitions.

"And if you want to be a part of her life, you have to begin by respecting the people in her life and learning what has shaped it. That's the only way that we will be able to help her successfully ascend the throne. Help her become her greatest self, not a carbon copy of her mother. " Latham proposes.

"Well, good. Now that that’s settled, what are we supposed to do now, sit and wait on pins and needles for them to make a decision?" I ask exasperated.

"How's your appetite? Are you possibly in the mood for a little crow?" Latham teases.

"Wait, what?" I ask.

"Well, my sweet, it was you devouring your foot that got us into this mess, it's just as fitting that you apologizing for your behavior get us out of it."

"You're not serious, are you?" I ask.

"As a heart attack and two strokes, oh Mighty Alpha. Though I highly doubt that they would think you sincere at the present." Emily says teasing but serious.

"Yes, my love, unfortunately, we have no choice but to wait and rest our hope on the persuasive abilities of her mother." Angie closes.

"Well for what it's worth, I do apologize! I never intended to make things go so horribly wrong so blasted fast." I say with remorse.

"Well just stay right there, hopefully by the time they get back down, it'll be believable!" Latham laughs.

"You know what, screw you, Latham!" I shout.

"And he's back!" Latham says now rolling with laughter.