Royal Pack and Visions

2000 Words
Asher stood at the edge of the helipad, the distant sound of the blades chopping through the morning air growing louder with every second. He turned back toward his father, Azriel, who was standing just a few feet away. Asher adjusted the straps of his duffle bag and gave his father a small grin. “Thanks for understanding, Dad,” Asher said. It had been a whirlwind of emotions, but knowing that his father supported him in this decision made all the difference. Azriel gave his son a firm pat on the back, his smile warm. “Be safe, son,” he said, his voice carrying both the weight of his authority as Alpha and the tenderness of a father. “And make us proud. Kick their arses while you’re at it and send my love to your aunt Kaia.” Asher chuckled, the tension in his chest easing slightly at the humor. “I will,” he replied, confidence returning to his stance. With a final nod to his father, Asher turned and stepped toward the waiting helicopter. The roar of the engine filled his ears, and in a few moments, the ground fell away beneath him as the helicopter lifted off, carrying him toward the Royal Pack. Azriel made his way back from the helipad and into the house. No sooner had he closed the door behind him than he found himself face-to-face with Lora, his mate, who was standing in the hallway with a look that clearly conveyed her displeasure. “He already left?” she asked, her arms folded across her chest. “Why didn’t you wake me up? I wanted to say goodbye.” Azriel smiled softly, pulling her into his arms. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his voice low and soothing. “My dove, you were exhausted,” he said, his fingers gently tracing the curve of her back. “You needed your rest.” Lora huffed, still annoyed, though the warmth of his embrace softened her edges. “Yes, but…” “But nothing,” Azriel interrupted with a teasing smile. “Asher’s a big boy now. He’s only going to be gone for three days. He’ll be back before you know it.” Lora sighed, relenting slightly as she leaned into him. “I know, but it feels so sudden. One minute, everything was fine, and the next, he’s off to the Royal Pack for training.” Azriel held her a little tighter, sensing her unease. “It was sudden,” he admitted, “but I explained everything to you yesterday.” Lora looked up at him, her expression softening as she nodded. “Do you really think they’re mates?” Her question hung in the air, filled with equal parts hope and concern. Azriel exhaled slowly, lifting his shoulders in a small shrug. “I have no idea,” he said honestly, his brow furrowed. “From the way they’ve been acting since they were kids, there’s a strong possibility. But… I just don’t want them to get hurt, either of them. They’re good kids, but this waiting game for the mate bond…" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "It can be cruel sometimes. Especially if they fall in love before the bond gets revealed.” Lora’s eyes shimmered with understanding. She reached up, resting her hand against his cheek. “You’re right,” she whispered, her thumb brushing over his skin. “The waiting is hard, especially when feelings are involved. But they’ll be alright. They’re strong, just like their parents.” Azriel smiled at that, leaning down to kiss her softly. “Let’s hope so,” he murmured against her lips. As they pulled apart, Lora took a step back, her lips curving into a mischievous grin. “Well, at least him being gone for a few days gives us time to prepare his birthday bash without him ruining the surprise.” Azriel chuckled. “That’s the spirit. And who knows, maybe by the time he comes back, we’ll have all the answers we’ve been waiting for.” He ran a hand through his hair, his expression thoughtful. “But whatever happens, we’ll support them both.” Lora smiled, her heart swelling with love for her mate and her son. “I just hope they get the happy ending they deserve.” She paused, looking out the window in the direction of the helipad. “But until then, we’ll make sure Asher’s eighteenth birthday is something special.” Azriel nodded in agreement, but a lingering thought weighed on him as he turned back to the preparations for the coming days. He wasn’t just preparing for a celebration; in many ways, he was preparing for whatever truth was revealed when the mate bond was confirmed, or wasn’t. And as much as he tried to remain neutral, a part of him prayed that Bella would be the one destined for his son. She had all the qualities of a good Luna, and she was like a daughter to them. Lora stood beside him, squeezing his hand. “No matter what happens, we’ll be there for them.” Azriel glanced at her, giving a firm nod. “Always.” -- Asher stepped off the helicopter and took a deep breath, letting the cool air of the Royal Pack wash over him. The Royal Pack had always felt different, more intense, more formal, but still somehow familiar. As soon as his feet touched the ground, he caught sight of his aunt Kaia waiting for him, standing tall in her regal posture, her long dark hair tied in an elegant braid that cascaded down her back. Her presence alone commanded respect, but her warmth made it impossible for Asher to ever feel intimidated around her. Before he could properly greet her, an enthusiastic shout rang through the air. "Asher!" The voice was unmistakable, and a grin spread across Asher's face. He turned just in time to see Kaius, his younger cousin, sprinting toward him with a wide smile. Asher braced himself as Kaius reached him, and they greeted each other with a firm pat on the back, the sound of their laughter filling the space between them. “Look at you!” Asher said, stepping back to take in Kaius’s appearance. His eyes widened with surprise. Kaius had shot up like a tree since the last time he saw him. “You’ve grown a whole head taller!” Kaius grinned, running a hand through his messy brown hair. “Yeah, well, puberty decided to finally pay me a visit,” he joked, though the truth was evident in his now lanky frame. He was still skinny, but his height made him look like he could outgrow Asher any day now. Despite being younger by a few years, the bond between them had always been strong, closer than cousins, more like brothers. “You still look like a beanpole,” Asher teased with a wink, earning a playful punch in the arm from Kaius. “Later, later, boys,” a voice interrupted, and Asher turned to see his aunt Kaia smiling at them with a mix of amusement and authority. “Asher didn’t come here for a courtesy visit, you know.” He’s here for training, not just to catch up. You can do this later tonight.” Asher chuckled and stepped forward to embrace his aunt, who immediately pulled him into a tight hug. Despite her role as the queen and her dignified aura, she had always been warm and affectionate to him. She smelled of lavender and the forest, a scent that reminded him of childhood visits when she would chase him and Kaius around, laughing and carefree. “It’s good to see you, Aunt Kaia, father is sending all his love,” Asher said as they pulled back, his heart feeling lighter in her presence. “And you, too, Asher,” she replied, her tone softening. She looked at him with a motherly concern, her eyes scanning his face as if searching for something deeper. Kaius, eager to get moving, bounced on his heels. “Come on, Ash! I’ll take you to the training grounds. You’re going to love the new setup, we’ve got upgraded facilities and everything.” Asher raised an eyebrow, amused by Kaius’s enthusiasm. “Alright, lead the way, beanpole.” They set off, with Kaius chattering excitedly about the Royal Pack's recent improvements and the intense training sessions he had been undergoing. Asher couldn't help but notice how much his younger cousin had changed, not just physically, but in confidence, too. Kaius had always been bright and energetic, but now there was maturity in the way he carried himself, even if his boyish excitement remained. But this did not come as a surprise. In the end, Kaius was the future king. As they made their way toward the training grounds, Asher stole a glance at his aunt, who walked gracefully beside him. Despite being queen, Kaia had never distanced herself from her family. She had always treated him as her own son, and now, she seemed to sense the internal battle he was fighting. When they arrived at the training area, the scene was impressive. Warriors were sparring in different corners, their movements swift and precise. The ground was well-maintained, the training equipment gleaming under the midday sun. Kaius whistled proudly. “Welcome to the new and improved training grounds. It’s where I’ve been spending most of my time lately.” Asher took it all in, his mind briefly drifting to Bella. He couldn’t help but wonder how she was doing. “Impressive,” Asher said, bringing his focus back to the present. “I’ll have to work hard to keep up with you now, huh?” Kaius grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you. At least for the first day.” Asher laughed, shaking his head. It felt good to be here, away from the intense emotions that had been overwhelming him back home. But even in the Royal Pack, with its disciplined atmosphere and the comfort of family, Bella lingered in his thoughts, a constant, undeniable presence. As he stood there with his cousin and aunt, preparing for the training that would test his limits, Asher couldn't shake the feeling that everything in his life was about to change. -- As Queen Kaia turned her back to the boys, her welcoming smile faded, replaced by a heavy expression of worry. Her steps quickened as she left them, trying to maintain her composed demeanor despite the storm of emotions raging inside her. The moment she reached the privacy of her office, Kaia shut the door firmly and grabbed her mobile phone with trembling hands. She dialed the number of her older brother, Azriel, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for him to pick up. “Kaia, what a surprise!” Azriel’s warm voice greeted her at the other end of the line. “Is everything alright with Asher? I hope he’s not causing any trouble already.” Kaia took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. “Yes, Asher had just started the training. He’s fine,” she replied, her voice steady, though her mind was anything but. “But I didn’t call about him.” Sensing the shift in her tone, Azriel’s voice grew serious. “What’s wrong?” “Where is Bella?” Kaia asked. Azriel paused for a moment, the worry evident in his voice as he replied, “Bella? She should be at school. Why, Kaia? What’s this about? Did you have another vision?” Kaia’s grip tightened on the phone as she leaned against her desk, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the images that had flashed in her mind just moments before. “Yes,” she finally said, her voice grim. “And it’s not good.”
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