Blood of The Beast: Revelations

This Isn't Goodbye

Alison Wonderland- Bad Things

Naloc: 

    "Are we going to do the same thing?" I asked. I can barely move. Getting out of bed this morning is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. Just thinking about shifting again makes me want to throw up.

    "No, not today. Come sit with me. I didn't think you'd be up this early," my mother smiled at me. She handed me a mug of hot chocolate. It looks like she's been out here for hours. Her workout attire is messy. Has she been training as well?

    "Was it this bad for you?" I asked as I slowly lowered my body to the ground without making a sound. My body is fighting my movements. I'm achey everywhere. 

    "Worse, I didn't have vampire blood when I started. My recovery took three to six days before I could even think about continuing. What you're feeling now is maybe waking up day three with mobility," 

    "How did you endure?" I asked with disbelief. I never even considered that this could have been harder on her because she had been mortal then. Every time I learn something new, I feel like I'm put in place. 

    "I didn't have much of a choice. It was this or death. I couldn't control my wolf as easily as you can. It wasn't until after I turned that I was able to see that our wolves are not meant for mortal bodies," Right. The vampire king taught her control.

    "Uncle Bran, does- is he in love with you?" I asked. She looked over at me and smiled. "I mean I know he's mated to Princess Evan but- forget it," 

    "Brandon was a lot like me before he had siblings. I think he was attached to me because we were the first of our kind. We consciously became what we wanted because we understood what it meant to survive. 

    "That's all he sees. Someone who knows that kind of pain. To love someone is to suffer and he never suffered when he was training with me. He saw potential. When he achieved his goal and I refused to go with him he turned his back on me. I didn't see him again until I met your father and it was only because Agathos brought him here," 

    "Do you suffer? Because of me?" I know she cried yesterday. I heard her pain-filled howl. I can still feel it in my bones. 

    "You're my son. Anything that happens to you that brings you pain, physical or mental. It hurts me," she admitted. "I understand why you asked and why this is necessary. So, we will continue to suffer together. You're becoming your own person and I have no right to stand in the way of that," 

    "What if the person I become is a monster?" the way everyone looks at us has always made me uneasy. Like I'm wrong to be here. To exist among them. The way they look at her, how they speak of her. It bothers me. 

    "Then I'll be the proud mother of a monster," she smirked. "Whatever path you choose, I will stand behind you even if the path you choose is stained in blood. Naloc, do you think papa thought it was easy to raise me? Do you think he was proud of me when I ended entire packs and towns because I lost control of my anger? 

    "Papa was kicked out of his home because of what I am. He lost his mate. He has suffered the most because of what I am. He didn't have to. He could have easily put me out of my misery as a pup. I am the person that I am because of him. But I'm not just a person, Naloc. I'm a wolf and I am a vampire. 

    "This world, humans, mortals. They believed the world was theirs. They believed what we wanted them to believe. It made what we are easier then. They say we are beasts and monsters and while there is no lie in that, they say these things under a pretext that we paved for them. 

    "There's nothing wrong with us. We are exactly what we were born to be. You have to take that nonsense out of your mind. Sure there are more of them, but there is only more of them because we need the cattle in order to survive. It sounds wrong when it's put that way, but do you think they stop to think of what they are doing when they kill a cow or behead a chicken when they are hungry?" 

    "I-" I looked over at her and smiled. "I never thought of it that way," 

    "I told your father not to let you two go to public school," she shook my head. I laughed. I have heard her say that to my dad. "With that being said, I'd like for you to watch them. Humans. There's a certain beauty to them, Naloc. They survive even in the face of a predator. They resist. Just because we are wstronger and eat them when we please, it doesn't mean their existence is meaningless. See that tree by the cliffside?" 

    "Yes," I kept my eyes on it. 

    "Papa had that tree imported from his former pack when he was kicked out of it. It was the one thing he took from that place. He doesn't know, but I heard him promise his mate that if there were ever a time when he believed I needed to join her in the next life, he would do it there. After I shifted, I was lost. My shift was so violent, I forgot who I was. I made my way back because of a human. She took me in and clothed me. Fed me and helped me until I remembered. 

    "Papa took me there and he told me a story. One I hope no one ever remembers. The only reason he didn't do it is because she followed us and told him that the story was not the kind of story a little girl like me should be hearing. She took my hand and stayed by my side for days before she trusted him to be around me again. Humans are very particular beings, Naloc,"

    "Papa doesn't want me to train," I swallowed the knot forming in my throat. 

    "I know. But it's not his choice. It's not even my choice. It's yours. Papa is a good man. A man who would do anything for anyone of us. I want you to always remember that," 

    "Papa is not your real father is he?" I asked.  I've never wanted to ask before but it feels obvious to me. Why didn't he kill her? Did he know?

    "Papa is my father. But no. We were never blood," she stood up and looked down at me. "Finish that. It helps with the aches. She gave me the recipe. That is the most delicious hot cocoa you will ever have and only we make it," 

    She walked away. Her scent lingered for a second before the wind carried it away. This is delicious. I've never had anything so smooth before. The warmth easily spreads through me like weighted blanket or a hug. I looked down at the tree and sighed. She's had it rough. I knew that much. Her understanding of the world is beyond mine and I want to learn more. I just don't know how to approach her without sounding disrespectful. I don't want her to remember the ugly things she's had to endure.

    "Your mom told me you were here," I tried my best to turn and look at her. She chuckled and came around to sit with her legs crossed in front of me. "You look like hell for someone who's been asleep for twenty-six hours," 

    "You look amazing as usual," I complimented. "You cut your hair," 

    "Do you hate it?" her cheeks flared my favorite shade of pink. I can feel the warmth coming off of her. I love when her skin changes that way. I want to enjoy these slight mortal features for as long as I can.

    "No, it looks great," it's the truth. 

    "My mom thought it would be easier for training. She says my brothers shouldn't be able to get the upper hand," 

    "Yeah, female shadows are supposed to be stronger than the males," 

    "Your grandpa and your mom were arguing," she sighed.

    "Yeah, he doesn't want to me to train," I shrugged. 

    "Is it that bad?" she asked. I shakily lifted my hand unable to keep it steady. I can barely lift the mug to my lips. However, there is a sense of accomplishment beginning to take place. I like that when this goes away I will be able to shift properly. 

    "Not yet," I answered. "Being able to shift back in forth in an instant is basic training for all newly turned wolves. I should have been doing this a long time ago," 

    "You're not like the rest of us. You have remember that. My parents talk about your mom like she's some kind of god. I know it's a stretch but if you're anything like her, it's going to take a lot be to where you want to be. We both have a lot of work to do," 

    "We should go to class today. The pain is going to be there whether I'm here or there. I don't want to tell papa to shut the f**k up today," I stood up slowly and offered her my hand. She laughed and smacked it away. 

    "Mother moon, you really are her son," she rolled her eyes. "Come on Rogue Prince. Let's learn Rogue tribe Ethics. Did you write your paper on Rogue King Dylan Narolin?" 

    "Yeah, while the professor was giving the assignment," I smirked. She playfully glared at me. 

    "Of course you did. I forgot," 

    "I wrote two," I winked at her. 

    "Liar," 

    "I knew you weren't going to do it. You're the biggest slacker I know," I chuckled. 

    "Shut up. I would smack you if you weren't in pain," she giggled. 

    I stopped at the doorway of the house when I caught my sister sitting in the tree I had been looking at earlier. There's a frown on her face. While it's really nothing new, I know there's something wrong with her. 

    "Why don't you go up to my room. The file is called slack cheeks," I motioned Riley inside. She looked over at the tree and nodded. 

    "She's been up there all morning," Lilith walked past us. "I swear, she gets that broodiness from your father," 

    "That's cute," Riley laughed. 

    "I'll be up in a bit," I waved them off. Lilith continued towards the cars.

    I made my way over to the tree and sat down in the swing my dad had put up for her. She never used it. I was always the one who sat here while she climbed the tree branches. I've caught her a couple of times when she was little. She no longer needs to be caught. Her steps and movements are perfectly calculated. The perfect predator in training. 

    "You should be resting," she scolded when I pushed myself a bit. Bad idea. It would probably a worse idea to try and stop it now. 

    "What's going on with you?" I asked, ignoring her comment. 

    "How did you know Riley was yours?" she asked. 

    That's new. Astra isn't the kind of person who cares about things like that. She's more into facts and what she calls reality. She's said that mate bonds are merely a predestined flaw. She's sure emotion has nothing to do with it. It's simply an idea of emotion that most who are mated feel. She's insane, in my opinion but it's not entirely wrong. I love Riley. I need her, but given the choice. I wouldn't choose her.  

    "It was a scent at first," I looked up at her. She's looking directly at me. "We all grew up together, so. I was already really attached to her, but one day. I just knew. It's a little annoying and completely overpowering," 

    "Would you die for her?" she asked. I looked down at my feet. Would I?

    "Why do you ask?" 

    "If she were ever a threat to me, would you kill her?" she added. 

    "Without hesitation," I answered feeling it deep in my chest. 

    "Okay," she nodded. I stood up so I can get a better read on her. 

    "Why would you ask me that?" I asked her. 

    "I think I met him," she whispered without looking at me. "It's something illogical. I don't-" she paused looking down at me. Her eyes are completely sincere. "I usually feel numb. Dad says it's the vampire in me that takes certain emotions away, but this," she jumped down in front of me. "I've never felt more alive, Naloc," she laughed before her eyes got really sad. "I think I might have to kill him," 

    "Astra, why would you?" I shook my head with disbelief. 

    "It's him," she smiled like it was the greatest thing in the world. "The one who wants what we have," she turned to look past the tree. Rogue Creek and everything in it. "I might have to protect everyone from him. I feel it. There's something dark inside of him. My wolf feels it. She wants to know what it is," 

    "Astra, we should tell-" 

    "No," she cut me off. "No, you can't tell. It'll take the thrill out of it. Mom will go easy on him and if he can't stand his ground. He's not worthy. We're not just ordinary wolves, Naloc. He has to prove he can sit at the table," 

    "This is going to get out of hand," I placed my hand on her head. She laughed looking back at me. The certainty and the glimmer of light in her eyes is something I've never seen before. No, I have. It's the same look my dad gets when he looks at my mom. Danger.

    "Yes," she pushed my hand away. "We have work to do. I've tested out of the academy. Mom thinks it's best for me to go to Fang Peak for school. While I would like to stay here with you, I want to get into vamp part of us. Since you're training the wolf side. This is where our dominance lies," 

    "Take good notes. I'll be sending you mine," I agreed. She smiled. I've never seen her like this before. "Tell dad not to look away," 

    "I doubt he can," she shrugged. "Be careful with mom. They make her seem like the beast, we read about. We both know she's not," 

    "We both know dad isn't the kind to stop and ask if you're alright. Don't let him make you feel alone. I'm here. Always," I flicked her forehead. She looked over at the tree. A-part of me wants to cut it down. f**k this tree. Why were we ever attached to it anyway?

    "She told you," she placed her hand on the tree. "It's about time. You really are pampered," 

    "So are you," I scoffed. 

    "I'm not afraid to disrespect the Queen. You're the golden boy for a reason, brother. I might be more like dad than you, but I have what mom does too. I bite. Like him, you try to stay out of it," she winked. "I'll see you in a couple of months. Let mom toy with Hunter. She won't kill him. She already likes his spirit," 

    Dad whistled from the front door. She rushed to him, getting to him in a split second. The two of them glanced back at me as I made my way over to them. Astra disappeared into the house when I got close. My dad turned to face me and smiled. His fangs peeked out from between his lips. 

    "How are you feeling?" he asked. 

    "Like hell," I answered honestly, making him chuckle. His full set of killer teeth gleam in the light. There's something sinister about dad. I don't know how Astra is daddy's little girl. How she can cope with the feeling around him?

    "This is called a rapscallion," he pulled a small capsule from inside his jacket. "Vampires created this when I was a youngling. There was a war between us and the lycans. Vampires learned what it was to feel pain for the first time. But losing was not an option. She is going to be hard on you, son. This is not going to numb you the way it would me or your sister, but it'll help keep your head high. It's not addictive," 

    "Thanks," I shook my head. "Mom didn't take them and she was mortal. If I can't get through it on my own, I'm not worthy to be her heir," 

    "Okay," he tucked the capsule back into his coat. "Good luck then," 

    "You too. Astra is a handful," 

    "She doesn't just look like your mother," he smirked. 

    Astra's voice made us both turn around. I can smell the excitement in her as she tells mom what courses she's going to take at Fang Peak University. The most prestigious vampire school there is. It's in Romania. 

    "Alright, well. I will be monitoring your cards as well as your grades and your phone. Just because dad lets you get away with it, doesn't mean I will. If you think I don't know about it, I do," mom smiled at her. Astra's eyes glistened for a second. "I'll be careful," 

    "Mom?" Astra's voice wavered. 

    "Right Naloc?" she looked over at me. 

    "Right," I nodded. Is she talking about me or the Lycan? 

    "We have to go," my dad took Astra's bag. Astra jumped into my mom's arms. My mom welcomed the embrace wholeheartedly. 

    "This isn't goodbye, my love. Once things here get settled, you can come back. I expect you to do your best," she kissed the top of her head. 

    "Okay," Astra nodded. She hesitated before she pulled away. "What if my best isn't enough?" 

    "Your best will be more than enough. If they can't see that, I rip their f*****g teeth right out of their gums," mom growled. My dad laughed like her threat is the cutest thing in the world. 

    I ruffled her hair when she took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Even if mom was talking about Hunter, I'm not going to bring it up. It's not my place to destroy the gleam of light in her eyes. Mom and me watched the truck drive away. My mom looked over at me and smiled with tears in her eyes. 

    "Did papa leave too?" I asked. 

    "Not yet. Lilith is trying to convince him to go with Astra. Brandon and Evie will be arriving shortly. She will be training with us. Are you alright with that?" 

    "Is Nancy coming with them?" 

    "Yes, her mother is the new guidance counselor here at the university. I will be distracted with everything that's going on. I don't want to slack at work," 

    "Right," I smiled. She smiled pulling me into her, gently. 

    "She's going to be fine. The one thing Astra got from me is that she's not going to back out of this because it looks difficult. That's the fun part," 

    "Agreed," I laughed. She has no idea. 

    "You keep Riley waiting any longer up there and you'll be late for class again," 

    "Riley," I groaned. "Bye, mom. I'll see you for dinner," 

    "Be safe," she whispered. I'm not sure if she said it to me or to Astra but the longing in her voice is deep. 

    "You too," I whispered back. She paused turning her head in my direction briefly before she shifted like it was nothing and ran off.