MINI STORY: Love Within the Realm

The Queen and her Omega

“The Queen and her Omega”

The Story of Lydia Storm and Zeke

“Emmett, Lydia, Burno, and Regina. I have called the old Lunas of the packs of the four corners together to judge your Trial. Please welcome Luna Navy of Blue Moon, Luna Marigold of Silver Moon, Luna Josephine of Crescent Moon, and Luna Everleigh of Blood Moon.” King Leo introduced the four regal looking women standing on the balcony with him and the Queen.

The young princes and princesses bowed respectfully at the Lunas. They had grown up hearing stories about the legacy Alphas and Lunas, playing with their blood relatives as children and blessing their packs on the anniversary of the war with the Council elders. Now, they were standing above them with silver in their hair and wisdom in their eyes.

Having just witnessed the Trials, the Lunas were ready to deliver their final verdict. The decision was anything but clear. Each royal child had potential and characteristics that would make a great leader, but one stood out for many reasons.

“The next royal leader was chosen because of not only their strength and intellect, but because of their wit and charisma.” Luna Navy began,

“We’ve led our packs through one of the worst chapters of our species history and we did so with not just strength and dominance, but with compassion and love. You cannot rule with an iron fist as the Council did.” Luna Evie continued,

“It’s going to take everything to lead this realm, especially now. Queen Luna Austyn-Rose and King Alpha Leo had the burden of beginning this brand new realm, but the next leader has the challenge of establishing it.” Luna Josie said,

“As a princess myself, I understand the needs and requirements of being a royal. I never had the burden of being queen, but I have witnessed both sides of leadership; both in fairness and tyranny. One must be willing to work with others and use all of their resources.” Luna Marigold finished.

“This is why we’ve chosen the next Queen,” Luna Josie said, revealing that the successor would be either Lydia or Regina, “She is the picture of grace and beauty, strength and compassion, wisdom and honor. We believe she will not only bring her own value to the realm, but will also use the intelligence and experiences of those around her.”

“We believe this Queen will rely on all of her siblings, friends, and mentors to do what is best for the realm. We believe she will put the realm above her own ego and needs.” Luna Evie added,

“We want to encourage the other competitors to not see this as a loss, but as an opportunity to flourish on whatever path you set down now. We ask you to help your sister become the Queen she is destined to be.” Luna Marigold said,

“Finally, the next Queen of the werewolf realm is….Lydia Storm.” Luna Navy finally said,

“Long live Queen Luna Lydia!” The four Lunas said in unison and the arena echoed them.

*****

“Alpha Sal’s Warrior pack is exactly the model we need to start the Archer’s program.” Lydia said as she stormed through the palace hallways.

Queen Lydia never did anything gently. She storms, stomps, or glides everywhere she goes. She throws open doors and nobody has to guess who she is. She does everything with a purpose.

“Yes, but do you have to travel the whole way there? It’s in Michigan.” Her Gamma, Nickoli, sighed.

“Yes.” Lydia replied matter-of-factly.

Nickoli’s mate, Marleigh, and their son, Cole, were waiting for him outside the palace.

“I have to go. The Queen has decided on a vacation in the arctic circle.” Nickoli grumbled, kissing Marleigh quickly.

“Why are you so dramatic?” Lydia scoffed before slipping into the black SUV.

“Take care of your mother.” Nickoli said to Cole, shaking his hand.

Cole was a young man now, 16 years old and ready to take on the world. He trained with his adoptive father every waking moment to take over his position in the royal guard, maybe even becoming Gamma one day.

“Yes, sir.” Cole nodded sternly.

Nickoli jumped in the car with Lydia and they were off. They drove the cars through the portal closest to Alpha Sal’s pack and made the trip to Michigan. They made it to the pack in the early afternoon and were greeted by Alpha Sal’s guards. The guards escorted them to the packhouse where Alpha Sal was waiting to greet them.

He was a jolly looking man, kind of like Santa Clause, but more terrifying. He grinned when he saw Lydia exit the car and held out his hand for her. He bowed over their hands.

“Thank you for seeing us, Alpha Sal.” Lydia smiled, “I want to start the Archer’s initiative.”

“I would love to hear more. Please, come into my office, your highness.” Alpha Sal said, gesturing towards the packhouse.

The two plus Nickoli got comfortable in Alpha Sal’s office and devised a plan to create the Archer’s program. In that room, at that pack, on that afternoon, one of the greatest programs to come out of the werewolf realm was born.

*****

“I don’t care, I’m not taking a chosen mate. I’ll wait for my destined mate or I’ll die alone and a virgin.” Lydia snapped at her siblings.

Emmett and Bruno looked sick, covering their ears at the mention of their sister’s s*x life. Regina rolled her eyes at their dramatics.

“What about a successor?” Emmett asked.

“You have two kids, Bruno has one, Regina is pregnant. My nieces and nephews can attend the Trials if I don’t have children.” Lydia declared.

“Fine, whatever. But, you’re not going to meet him if all you do is work.” Bruno sighed.

“I’m the Queen.” Lydia stated plainly.

“Yes and you’re going to be a virgin Queen if you don’t get the hell out of this castle.” Regina said and the boys went back to covering their ears.

“What do you suggest, then?” Lydia asked with an annoyed expression.

“Let’s host a ball. We can make it an annual thing. An annual realm ball to bring all of the people together.” Regina suggested.

“Actually, that’s a good idea.” Bruno nodded.

“Yes, I have those once in a while.” Regina scoffed.

“What do you think Lydia?” Emmett asked.

“Yes, but I’m not a party planner.” She said,

“I’ll do it.” Regina offered excitedly.

“And when she gets overly excited and pops out a pup, we’ll do it.” Bruno offered, motioning between himself and Emmett.

“You two are rude.” Regina grumbled to her brothers.

“I didn’t say anything!” Emmett yelled defensively.

“As long as I don’t have to do it, fine, a ball it is.” Lydia said, ignoring their bickering.

“It’ll be good, you’ll see. Let’s plan it for a month from now. A May ball.” Regina said and then she was off, planning the party of the century.

*****

Lydia strolled around the outskirts of the ballroom, looking over her people as they enjoyed the music and food. She had to admit, Regina and her brothers did a good job planning the ball; although she would never admit that to their faces.

The double doors opened and the footmen introduced a new wave of guests entering the ballroom. It was a group of omegas who had just recently joined the Royal Legacy pack and were living on the outskirts of town in the newly developed suburbs. Lydia was all set to ignore their entrance, trying to blend in with the crowd so she didn’t attract too many suitors, but that all changed when the most delicious scent caught her attention.

Her head snapped towards the door as the smell of warm cherry pie and vanilla ice cream assaulted her senses. She moved through the crowd, the people easily parting for their Queen, and towards the door. Standing in the middle of the new arrivals was a man with ink black hair and eyes so blue they reminded Lydia of the ocean.

Those royal blue eyes locked with hers and that was it. It was all over. His eyes sparkled and his lips turned up into a devilishly handsome grin. He was handsome. No, he was sexy.

Lydia was rooted in place, unable to move. The dark haired omega pushed his way through the crowd and stepped in front of his queen. He bowed low, never breaking eye contact with her. The man took her hand and pressed her knuckles to his lips, his eyes shining with mischief.

“Your highness.” He said in a low, husky tone, “I’m Zeke Monroe, an omega who recently moved into your realm from a pack in Pennsylvania.” He introduced himself.

“Welcome to the realm.” Lydia squeaked, trying to regain composure.

She was a queen, damnit, get it together!

“May I have this dance?” Zeke asked, tucking her hand into his elbow.

Lydia didn’t even have the chance to respond before Zeke was pulling her onto the dance floor. The musicians were playing something generic until they noticed their Queen on the floor. Their melody tightened up and they began to play an elegant waltz.

“You are quite beautiful, your highness.” Zeke said as their bodies pressed against each other.

Lydia blushed at his closeness, shivering as his face ducked towards her so he could whisper into her ear.

“Th…thank you.” She stammered.

“We’re mates, you know?” Zeke said softly.

“I know.” Lydia replied like it was silly to think that she didn’t know.

“You know.” Zeke echoed her.

“Yes.” She replied breathlessly.

“Are you okay with it?” He asked, a smile teasing his lips.

“I’m not sure yet.” Lydia replied honestly, “Are you?”

“How could anyone not be okay with being mated to you?” Zeke looked surprised.

“Because I’m the Queen.” Lydia sighed.

“No, because you’re so stunningly beautiful, not to mention smart and compassionate. I moved to the realm for a reason, your highness, and it wasn’t for the weather.” Zeke chuckled.

“You came so you would become king?” She replied back with a mocking expression.

“Obviously.” Zeke laughed, “All part of my master plan.”

“What else is in this master plan of yours?” Lydia asked.

“Oh, is the queen curious?” Zeke winked.

“I’m always curious.” Lydia scoffed, earning another laugh from Zeke.

“You’ll have to wait and see, your highness, just like everyone else.” Zeke said,

“I’m not like everyone else.” Lydia meant it to sound casual, but instead it came out sounding very flirtious.

Zeke’s cocky grin widened.

“Oh, I know that already, Queen Lydia.” The way he said her name sent shivers down Lydia’s spine; it was irrational, what she felt for him.

*****

“The Queen has had her third child! A girl!” Gamma Nickoli announced to the people of the realm who were gathered in front of the palace, “Her name is Alice.”

The young princes, Malcolm and Caspian, were standing beside Nickoli as he made the announcement, grinning with pride at the birth of their baby sister. They had crowns balanced on their heads that were too big for them and were dressed finely in slacks and a button down dress shirt.

The realm cheered and began chanting,

“Long live Princess Alice!”

*****

“Your highnesses, we need to get you to the bunker.” Nickoli spoke urgently to the King and Queen.

“No, we won’t hide. If rogues are storming our palace, we will be here. Take Cas, Mal, and Alice to safety.” Lydia said sternly.

Nickoli grumbled incoherently at her stubbornness, but did as he was told. Frankie, Jared, and Jack were all inside the throne room, defending their king and queen, which left Nickoli to tend to the children. The mates of the royal guard were already there, waiting to take care of the pups.

There had been rumors for weeks about a rogue faction growing inside the realm, wolves who sympathized with the Council and who were against species mixing. They wanted to take out the royal family and put the Council back into power.

Lydia and Zeke refused to hide. They would take a stand against the rogues just as their predecessors did. Lydia’s parents and the last king and queen who fell to the Council, never hid and neither would she.

There was a commotion that could be heard throughout the castle, the sounds of men shifting into their wolves and the viscous growls of the royal warriors. They didn’t have a large army, but it was still enough to defend the realm. Lydia and Zeke weren’t about to be left defenseless and suffer the same fate as Queen Beatrice and King Arlo.

Seconds later, Nickoli came storming into the throne room still in his human form.

“The rogues have breached the front door. They’re coming!” He shouted before shifting into his giant black wolf and snarling at the door.

Several more warriors showed up to protect the throne room. Lydia and Zeke stepped off their thrones and held onto each other for a moment, staring deeply into each other’s eyes before sharing one last kiss. Zeke nodded at his Queen and then shifted into his wolf. He was simply an omega, but he was an omega who was meant to be king. His wolf was large and fierce. He was ready to defend his family.

The rogues burst into the throne room by the dozens with the realm’s warriors hot on their heels. Giant werewolves were barrel rolling across the marble floor, crashing into artwork and mirrors, shattering glass everywhere. If Lydia were to imagine what the castle had looked like on the day of the Council’s invasion, this would be it.

Under the castle, inside the bunker that was specifically crafted to protect the royal family, were Malcolm, Caspian, and Alice Storm along with their grandparents, Austyn-Rose and Leo, and their aunts and cousins, Meredith, Navy, Marleigh, April, Cole, Constance, Lousie, and Cali. Gamma Nickoli had left twenty or more warriors to guard the bunker, but that didn’t do anything to calm the anxieties and fear felt in that room.

Even from the bunker, the snarls and growls from above could be heard clearly. They knew that members of the realm were up there dying against rogues, rogues that should have been eradicated years ago. Rogues who couldn’t let the dead rest. Rogues who sided with the tyrant Council.

Back in the throne room, Lydia had also shifted into her wolf to defend her people. Fighting side by side with their warriors, the King and Queen were taking down rogues left and right. They were doing well against the army, their strength and numbers were greater, but the will of the rogues was stronger than anticipated; they weren’t going down without a fight and a fight to the death it would be.

Suddenly, Lydia felt a pain so deep and to her core that it brought her wolf to her knees. She gasped, whimpering and whining as the pain ripped through her heart and soul. It took so much out of her, that she shifted and was now lying naked on the cold white marble floor. She clutched her hands to her chest and looked around, searching desperately for Zeke. Begging for it to be a lie, praying that it wasn’t real.

But, it was.

Zeke was laying in a pool of his own blood, the marble floor stained red all around him. After the final blow was delivered, he shifted from his wolf form and was now a crumbled mess of skin and body parts. His body had been chewed apart by a rogue, his arm completely gone and a piece of his neck was missing.

The King was dead.

Lydia screamed wildly and her pain was felt throughout the realm. All of the warriors threw their heads back and howled to the ceiling, mourning the death of their king. This lit a new found fire under them and they began attacking with more vigor than ever before. In a matter of minutes, the realm warriors had killed the rest of the rogues dead. There would be no prisoners.

Gamma Nickoli shifted back into his human form and walked up to his queen, quickly laying a blanket around her naked body. She was trembling on the floor, her arms wrapped around herself as she cried. Nickoli crouched down beside her and placed his hand on her back, gently rubbing her comfortingly.

“He loved you so much, Lydia, you and those kids. You have to be strong for them, now.” Nickoli whispered.

Lydia glanced up at him through her tear filled eyes and nodded, sniffing away the last of her sobs. She knew he was right. Her children needed her, the realm needed her. She wiped away her tears and sat up, tucking the blanket around her body.

“Take him away, please.” She whimpered, not wanting to see her mate like that.

With one look, Nickoli instructed the warriors to remove the king’s body.

“He’ll be given an Alpha’s funeral for the whole realm to attend, if you wish.” Nickoli said,

“Yes, he was loved by his people.” Lydia agreed, “I want to see my children.”

“Let’s get you cleaned up first.”

Nickoli helped the queen up and led her to her chambers. She quickly went inside and changed into a fresh set of clothes, washing her face with a warm washcloth and fixing up her hair. She nodded at her reflection and went back out to meet Nickoli.

By now, Nickoli had the women and children from the bunker released and everyone was gathered in the dining hall of the palace. Nickoli guided Lydia to her office where her kids and the other legacy families were waiting.

“Mommy!” One year old Alice shrieked, running up to her mom on wobbly legs.

Malcolm and Caspian were watching their mother with guarded expressions. They could sense that something was wrong. Lydia picked up her daughter and held her close, holding out her other arm for Mal and Cas to join the family hug. She knelt down to look her children in the eyes, holding them closely.

“Mommy loves you three so very much and I’m so happy that you’re safe. Lots of people fought to keep you and the realm safe, lots of people died. Your father, he loves you so, so much, but he had to go home to the Moon Goddess today.” Lydia fought back tears as she looked into the innocent faces of her children.

“Why?” Alice asked, tilting her head to the side.

“Daddy fought to keep you safe, he died protecting us.” Lydia said, stroking Alice’s hair.

“Dad is dead?” Malcolm asked in a stoic tone.

“Yes, Mal, Dad is dead.” Lydia nodded, holding her son’s face.

“But, you’re okay?” Cas’s bottom lip was quivering.

“Yes, baby, Mommy’s okay.” Lydia said, kissing his forehead.

“Then, we’ll be okay.” Cas nodded stubbornly, putting a smile on his pouty lips.

Lydia smiled through her own tears and pain, drawing on the strength of her son.

“Yes, baby, we’ll all be okay, I promise.” Lydia said,

Meredith, April, and Navy looked at Lydia with sympathetic expressions, holding their own children close. Marleigh’s son, Cole, was holding his mother tightly, comforting her. Jared hadn’t returned yet, but they knew he was okay, he was just helping to clean up from the battle. Still, it was hard for mates to be apart in a time like this. Frankie and Jack were able to check on their mates before returning to help. Nickoli, the Gamma and Marleigh’s mate, was able to stay close by.

“We’ll all be okay.” Lydia repeated, speaking to everyone in the room this time, “I need to speak to my people.”

The legacy families, Lydia, and Nickoli went to the dining room and gathered everyone’s attention. Lydia stood in front of her people, her chin held high as if her world hadn’t just fallen apart around her.

“My strong, resilient people. Today, you have survived a vicious attack against the rogues. I won’t say it was a win because too many lives were lost for that, but we did stop the rogues and our warriors did kill off every last one of them. The realm comes out victorious and stronger than ever because, after this day, we will ensure that no rogue will ever cross our borders again! Never again will a rogue enter this palace!” The crowd cheered triumphantly as their Queen spoke,

“The Archer’s program is more successful than ever and I will be recruiting a brigade of Archers to take leadership over the realm’s army. We will build a stronger, bigger, better army of our top wolves. We will work harder to ensure that our realm is protected. Prince Emmett has created a streamlined warrior initiative, like the Warrior pack in Michigan under Alpha Sal, and he will ensure that our wolves and all wolves, even in the human realm, are better trained,” Lydia promised her people,

“Today, we suffered great losses. My husband and mate, your king, is dead.”

There it was, the news everyone was waiting for, the official word. The room was silent, not a single noise, whisper, cry, or gasp could be heard as they waited for the mourning Queen to continue,

“Cry for him if you must, I certainly did and I’m sure I will again, but do not be stunted by sadness. King Zeke died protecting what he loves most, his mate, his children, and his people, so we must honor his sacrifice. We must not let him die in vain! We must be stronger than the sadness, stronger than the rogues, and stronger than this day!”

Lydia spoke with more passion then she had a right to be capable of in this moment, but she did it anyway, because she was the Queen Luna.

“Long Live King Zeke!” Someone said,

“Long Live King Zeke!” The room was filled with echoing voices.

“Long Live King Zeke.” Lydia whispered, adding her small yet significant voice to the chorus.

Continue Queen Lydia’s story with her children in, “The Lonely Rogue”