Nia Grayson here, I reside in the Lycan Realm with both my fathers and two other siblings. My dad Xavier is on the Moon Goddess's council with my grandparents Grayson and Violet, aunt Amelia, and a bloodsucker former king named Damon. He is wed to my other aunt, Zuri. The wolves and bloodsuckers have had a peace treaty for as many years as I've been alive, nineteen years to be exact. Vampires still give me the heebie-jeebies even though I am half of one genetically. I am what is referred to as a hybrid. In my case, I'm a Lycan, wolf vampire mix but apparently, there are hybrid crosses of other fanciful creatures like fairies, demons, merfolk, and whatnot. It's all mind-numbing to my senses. Oh and I drink blood, yummy. My siblings and I were all born from surrogate mothers. Each of us is from a different mother and a test subject of the moon Goddess that she performed using one of my father's sperm. I was the only child with jet-black hair and blue eyes opposite of my blonde-haired, yellow-eyed siblings. I was also the same height as my brother. He and I practiced sword fighting. Not practical in this day and age but a fun way to kick my brother's butt because I was exceptional at it.
My family got along fabulously and my brother Galen was a strong Lycan and possibly a future member of the Moon Goddess's council. He hung out most of the time with me and our cousin, Max. My sister and I have been paraded around for potential mates since birth by both our fathers who felt that we "must" for our future success (eye roll). My sister Inaria is a blonde-haired bombshell whereas I am more on the tomboyish side. I cleaned up well when I wasn't covered in cow manure or covered in soil. I worked outdoors, tending our garden and livestock as my sister dressed in flowing pristine dresses and lived a pampered lifestyle. I had heard from the other pack members that her mother was a high-ranking vampire who never lifted a finger. I believe that. My father Xavier told me I was like my grandmother and I nodded letting him know I was fine with that since she was the strongest female I knew in my short life. Tomorrow was the day of the annual full moon festival celebration. Today the entire Lycan Realm is preparing for the celebration and this year the vampire Elders will also be in attendance. My sister is currently getting her hair and makeup done along with her gown fitting as I helped Mabel at my grandparent's house load bagged blood we had received from Viktor, the vampire's blood supplier, into coolers to be taken down to the village. My brow was sweaty and I was certain that I smelled of body odor. "You better get your tiny butt back to your fathers and prepare. I don't believe that either of your fathers will approve of you not attending tomorrow," Mabel scolded and I wiped my hands on my jeans and huffed."Why should I bother? Inaria will get all the attention as I am the ugly duckling of my family," I replied and the old woman shook her head and said something to Heidi who was a brownie or hob that helped around my grandparent's house. The creature snorted and also shook her head causing my eyes to narrow at the pair."Perhaps I will don my sword and gut an Elder," I smirked and Mabel grunted telling me I will do no such thing. I waved goodbye to them both as I rushed down the mountain path to get my home chores for that day done before the celebration.I watched the sunrise over the mountain to greet the new day as I skipped down the path toward home. I stopped to collect a few eggs for breakfast and quickly went inside before any of my family woke.This morning as I prepared breakfast, my father Xavier came before me and handed me a long list of what needed to be done for the day due to the upcoming celebration."Take your brother with you. You both work well together," he said softly and I grunted."We are the only two that do the work," I mumbled sourly and Xavier looked at me with a frown."Your sister is a delicate flower and can not do manual labor, it would ruin her chances for a suitable mate," he said staunchly and I rolled my eyes over his description of Inaria. She was a spoiled prissy brat as far as I was concerned and hardly the golden child or great catch he made her out to be. I finished cooking and my brother Galen waltzed in sticking his tongue out at me. I handed him the list. His yellow eyes skimmed over it quickly."I have to head to Noah's place first then I will meet you in the field to bring in the cattle," he told me and pinched my side playfully. I glanced at him and grinned."Thank you, Galen. I'm glad you always have my back," I said softly to him and his arm snaked around my waist as his mouth neared my ear. "Always, Nia," he growled low and I pushed him away from me and told him to knock it off and stop being such a weirdo. "I smell awful, I don't know how you can stand it," I said regretfully and he chuckled."I think you smell like a hard worker," he teased with a grin and brushed his knuckles under my chin. Our fathers were watching us with odd glances and I waved at them asking if either of them wanted a cup of coffee. "I'd like a bag of blood, sis," Galen replied with a cocky smirk and I growled sternly that he was capable of getting his own. He pouted as he leaned down to grab one from the refrigerator he had opened. He handed one to me and I popped it in my mouth with a nod of thanks. The moon Goddess Selene appeared suddenly. She had a habit of transporting herself where ever she liked, startling whomever. Selene looked at all of us with a condescending glare. She then narrowed in on Galen and me."Nia, I must speak with you. Xavier, I will need your ear afterward or vice-versa," she said sternly. "'Well I am going to the field, you are welcome to communicate with me there as I count the cattle," I mumbled bluntly and made my way outside. Selene didn't follow after me so I jumped the fence and made my way toward the herd in the distance. The Goddess appeared before me looking stressed."I spoke with your siblings first and now must inform you of some devastating information I've uncovered," she sighed. Inhaling deeply I ignored my duties to give her my full attention.My bottom lip trembled over what the Moon Goddess, Selene was saying. My heart hurt at her words as I stood in the field gazing up at the clouds overhead. My entire life was a farce. I couldn't believe the severity of what she was telling me."I messed up, Nia. Neither of your dads is your bio father. Your bio mother betrayed me by pretending to be a surrogate for your father, Xavier. You are still a hybrid of both a Lycan and a vampire. I'm assuming that your bio mother must have needed you to disappear. My study to find a perfect combination of vampire and wolf was the ideal opportunity for her to pass you off as one of the other children I'd created for Xavier and Ashton. You don't have any of Xavier's DNA within you, Nia," she repeated softly. I wiped my fingers across my damp eyes and looked up at the sun, searching for some sort of warmth for my sudden cold spirit. I didn't know my real bio father or mother.I had always felt something was off due to my having blue eyes and ebon
Galen pushed me through the portal and I stumbled down on the grass and yelled at him."Why are you acting like such an overbearing prick?" I growled bitterly and he glared at me."Because when a vampire can't compel you that means something!" He shouted back. I stood up and brushed the dirt off my worn blue jeans as I thought about what it meant. My wolf, Eva, was chortling loudly in my subconscious. I asked her what she found so humorous."Galen is jealous because he believes that vampire fellow is your mate and wishes to take you from him," she whined and I curled my lip."Galen is my brother, gross," I replied to her."Just in name, you are not related to him or any of your family here," she whined. I glanced over at my brother stomping ahead of me and shook my head. No way in hell."Did you know Eva, that I wasn't Xavier's or Ashton's child?" I questioned my wolf sourly."I only sensed that you were different from the others, dear. You know that we have discussed why you felt lik
I ripped off the necklace from around my neck and tossed it to the ground as I headed for the front door. Stepping out into the night I felt a weight lift off of me. Those people were trying to control every aspect of my life. I heard quick footfalls from behind me and soon manly arms wrapped around me. I glanced back to see Galen looking worriedly at me."Did you know what Selene was planning?" I questioned sourly and he grunted and looked away from my accusing eyes."I love you, Nia. I have for a long time and I was so happy to learn that we weren't blood-related. We aren't mates in the traditional sense but we can grow to become a happy couple," he said and I shook my head."And when or if our true mate comes then what? We go our separate ways and say oops no hard feelings but I gotta go?" He frowned as he thought and said, "or we will never. It's difficult finding your destined mate in this small realm." My stomach was twisting in knots. I looked at him with so much confusion."How
I opened my crusty eyes to see the sun shining through the lace curtains, wondering where I was."Oh right, I don't have a family and I'm at Jaxon's and Noah's," I muttered, tossing the throw from myself. I stretched and yawned before going to the connected bathroom to do my business and wash my face. Looking at my red eyes I exhaled."I look like crap," I growled bitterly and Eva chortled within my subconscious. Feeling unworthy of life in general I headed downstairs to the kitchen. Jaxon was up and bright-eyed. I growled low at his chipperness."Oh dear, did the princess rise from the bitch side of the bed this morning?" He questioned with a raised brow."I'm just hungry. Does your mate, Noah, store blood?" Jaxon chuckled and showed me his wrist."He takes it directly from the source, sweetie," he winked and I dropped into the chair at the kitchen table."Oh stop your moping, Nia. Mister hot lips dropped off several bags of blood and some of your things earlier this morning…I hope t
My cheeks reddened when I realized that Lucian was aware of the image I had of the two of us in a compromising position."I am happy that you are so responsive to those images. That is a great sign," he growled happily. Being oblivious to what he meant I took the glass of what I thought was red wine and brought it to my lips. The scent of rich blood tickled my nose and I tipped the flute back and made a surprising sound of approval. Savoring the unique taste of blood I eyed Lucian over the glass to see him watching me closely. I licked my ever-present fangs and lips."That is amazing blood," I said softly and his grin widened to a big smile taking a sip of his glass."Only those of high standing and royalty flowing within their veins can consume this without perishing…another check mark on my list that you have passed," he smirked and I growled."And if I weren't who you think I am?" I inquired bitterly."You would be convulsing and foaming from the mouth…and then dead," he mumbled mat
"Very intriguing," Lucian chuckled as he ran a finger across my bottom lip. "This is Sasha's room," he growled low and opened the door to a lovely feminine decorated bedroom suite. He pointed toward a walk-in closet and told me to wear anything I liked. Walking into the huge room my eyes widened at the sheer number of immaculate gowns and clothing. Sorting through them I found a simple lace dress with shimmering gems sewn into the fabric. It was perfect and holding it up against myself I grinned. After removing Noah's borrowed clothes I slipped the dress over my head and shimmied it down myself."Can you help me with the fasteners on the back?" I yelled out not thinking that it was an odd request to ask another male because I asked Galen all the time in the past. Lucian stood looking at me with shining eyes and asked me to turn. I watched in the mirror as he closed each button in stern concentration. He moved my long hair to the side as he continued up the back of the sleeveless dres
I woke suddenly with a throbbing headache and a horrible taste in my mouth. My eyes narrowed at Lucian sitting before me shirtless holding a cup out toward me. My eyes traveled down his pecs and abs. He was put together very well for his age."Drink this, it will cure the hangover I'm certain that you have," he said softly and I sat up and groaned holding my head. Grabbing the cup I thanked him."That little wolf makes some mean liquor. I even felt its effect this morning," he mumbled casually and leaned back showing more of his fine flesh.I sipped on the tonic and Lucian grinned at me."Sorry for locking you in my room but I figured we would all be safe with you behind closed doors after what your friend Jaxon told me about what you did the prior moon festival," he said softly and I grimaced."Yeah, I recall…I stripped, flaunting my naked self before shifting and challenging all the men to fight me," I mumbled sourly and he chuckled."I'm sure it was an unforgettable scene. Like the
I followed after my brother feeling distraught about Galen. I wanted to know why he had come and hoped Lucian would talk to me about it once he returned. Micah opened the patio door for me and I lowered my furry head to step inside. My father Nikolai was standing in the kitchen staring at me with a frown."You shouldn't shift outside Nia. It isn't safe for your kind," he grunted in disappointment and I looked down in guilt."Go find your baby sister some clothes," he added and Micah nodded. He grabbed my elbow and told me to go to Sasha's room."She has casual clothes in the mahogany dresser," he mumbled softly and I thanked him as I stomped myself up the stairs and went to the room I'd been in before. I rummaged through the clothing and grunted, none of the pants would fit me. I noticed a pair of sweatpants and grinned. Grabbing them I hurried to Lucian's suite and grabbed one of his black tees. Shifting back to my normal self I quickly put on the borrowed clothes. I took out the bra