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 like you don't belong. At least now you know the reason why," she growled softly and I grinned as a thought came to mind."Perhaps I am part royalty, they cannot be compelled by another vampire either," I shouted at Galen who was halfway through the field of our cattle. I saw him glance back and smile at me as I rushed up to his side. "Sorry for acting like a brat," he grunted and I laughed."You should be…do you think that odd vampire was my mate?" I questioned him out of curiosity."I have no clue, sis. I don't know how vampire mates are chosen. Maybe you should go speak with the vampires we know, Draven, Damon, or Maacah," he suggested and I exhaled my irritation at seeing both of our fathers, Xavier and Ashton standing in front of our home with arms crossed looking disappointed at both Galen and me. Galen greeted them and Xavier looked at him then me and asked where we had been."Some of the cattle ran off so I helped Nia hunt them down," my brother replied quickly. It seemed to work as they both relaxed."We have been informed by your grandparents that the vampire Elders are arriving early for a meeting with the moon Goddess and her mate Maacah, the vampire God. They invited our family to attend the dinner party they're holding tonight," Ashton said firmly. I rolled my eyes knowing that I would be expected to parade myself with my sister in hopes of getting a mate."I'm going to wear jeans and a blouse," I grunted angrily as I strode past them all. I hated dinner parties."Nia, you will wear what has been laid out for you. You will follow Ashton and mine's rules while still living under our roof," Xavier growled roughly and I rolled my eyes as I entered their house. It no longer felt like my home since being told I wasn't related to anyone there. I ran up the stairs to my room and stopped abruptly in the doorway to see Inaria going through my things. Her eyes widened at being caught and she dropped the item she held. "I figured my dads would have asked you to leave," she mumbled sourly and I glared at the annoying bitch."Well they didn't so get out of MY room and leave MY things alone," I growled. She stood and whipped her blonde hair back before pressing her fingers on her nose."You smell horrid, you'll never get a mate smelling and looking like you do Nia," she said snobbishly and pranced her perfect prissy self out of my room. I glanced at my bed and saw the lovely indigo-blue satin dress I was to wear and cursed in annoyance. A sparkling necklace and earrings with diamonds and sapphires were in a black velvet box next to it, tilted to the side. It was what Inaria had in her thieving hands. Ripping my filthy clothes off in my bitterness I headed into my ensuite to shower. While finishing up and stepping out of the shower I heard Galen ask me if I needed any help."Don't be a pervert," I growled peeking out from behind the cracked door. Galen's eyes narrowed at me."Not me, dork. Mabel is here to help with your hair and whatever else you females need," he replied and I saw Mabel come into my view waving her hand at me. "Well leave Galen so I can exit the bathroom in my towel," I mumbled as I started opening the door. Galen glanced down at my nude body and I kicked his leg. "I'm going, calm yourself, minx," he growled firmly and Mabel slammed the door behind him as she shook her head."You two are always raising each other's hackles, I don't know what Selene is thinking," she said sternly. My brow rose as I glanced over at her."And what is that about the moon Goddess?" I questioned and Mabel shook her head nervously."You never mind my ramblings, dear," she mumbled sourly and held up my dress for me. I donned the perfect form-fitting dress and Mabel had me sit as she styled my long hair. I was exhaling continuously as she curled my hair into long waves that fell down my back."Nia, you are breathtaking but I have always said that about you," she said excitedly and I glanced at my image in the full-length mirror and tilted my head to see the sparkle of the diamonds around my neck. I ground my molars and thanked her."Let's join the others downstairs and wait for your grandfather Forest or Selene to transport us up to the moon council's residence," She added. As I jumped playfully down the staircase I noticed the men of the house all immaculately dressed in three-piece suits and whistled at them all."You all look spiffy," I said with a grin. Galen took my hand and twirled me around the foyer. His eyes were shining down at me making my brow raise. We stopped goofing around when Inaria made her presence known. Standing on top of the stairs she was wearing a golden dress adorned with crystals. My humor faded as she made her way down the stairs daintily. The two males complimented her on how lovely she looked after not saying shit about me. "I think you're stunning, Nia," Galen mumbled softly into my ear. I side-eyed him and said, "thanks." I knew it shouldn't bother me since neither Xavier nor Ashton were my relations but a woman likes to be complimented every once in a while. "The two seem to be behaving more distant to you than normal," my wolf Eva growled and I grunted in agreement. The couple had always treated me well but never like they did their precious little Inaria and if it hadn't been for Galen I would have grown into a complete recluse. Mabel came down to join us and Selene appeared eyeing us all."Hold hands everyone so I can take you to the council's home," she growled roughly. Galen squeezed my hand and I smiled as I took Mabel's offered hand in my other. I closed my eyes and when I opened them again all of us were in the living room of my grandparent's home."The vampire Elders have already arrived and are at the formal dining table. Please go in and introduce yourselves and sit in your assigned seats. There are name places on the settings," she announced firmly. "Be careful about your panties dropping. I've been told the Elders aren't so elderly," Mabel winked at me and I giggled. My two fathers went in first, then Inaria. I rolled my eyes at her introducing herself coyly. Galen glanced over at me and asked if I was ready."No, you know I dislike these immensely," I growled bitterly and he chuckled as he pulled me out with him. He was my rock and my best friend. I kept my eyes on his feet as we entered the dining room."I'm Galen Grayson and this is my sister Nia Gray…," he stopped suddenly and I looked over at him. The scent of cashmere and musk once again filled my nose. I followed Galen's eyes toward our guests and swallowed seeing the man with the steel blue eyes staring back at us with a grin."My sister Nia Grayson," Galen finished and the vampire Elders began chatting amongst themselves as Galen and I made our way to our assigned seats. They were beside each other which was odd but welcoming. Selene stood at the head of the table with Maacah, the vampire God and welcomed the guests before letting everyone know she had an announcement to make."Due to this joining of our two species and the discovery of Nia's pedigree I would like to announce that Nia Grayson will be joined in marriage to Galen Grayson," she announced firmly. I glanced at her like she was insane. "He's not my mate," I said staunchly and Galen looked shocked but pleased. I felt betrayed by them all and glanced over at the Elders to see Lucian frowning. I stood abruptly."I refuse Goddess, I love Galen as a brother and a friend, but he is not my mate,'' I snapped. Selene glared at me and I looked at the people who raised me but none of them were disturbed by the announcement. "You don't share blood with any of these people, Nia, none of them will back you," Eva whined. I looked at Galen who was looking at me with shining eyes of concern. I shook my head, turned, and walked out of that room pissed off at the entire household, including the moon Goddess herself.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
I looked down at my shredded fabric and grimaced. Galen glanced over at me already knowing what I was thinking and pulled off the t-shirt he wore."You can wear this but I'm not taking off my pants and letting you see my stiff dick," he growled low, tossing me the shirt. I caught it and shook my head as I chuckled."Don't want to see your unit bud, so thanks for sparing me the horror," I mumbled sarcastically back. Galen rolled his eyes and cupped himself as he turned around so I could shift and change."The shirt is long enough to cover your lady parts," he said over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of side boob. I noticed and covered myself quickly."Stop being a perv and find a way to get us out of here," I said firmly. Galen thrust his hips and grinned," let me give you my seed and we can both get released." My eyes narrowed at him."What? The moon Goddess keeps asking my wolf if we've joined…she's being annoying," Galen mumbled sourly and I rolled my eyes."She has been bugging m
Drinking my fill I watched Galen grow dizzy from blood loss. I drank like a vampire and closed my bite wound with a flick of my tongue and shoved his arm away from me."The Goddess is asking me if you have been seeded. I told her yes to give you some lead way," Eva chortled within my mind and I grinned slightly as I dabbed at my lips. "Can we leave now?" I asked rudely and Selene eyed me curiously and said, "of course." I felt disgusted with her cheerful disposition and stood glaring at them both. Selene grabbed both our hands and didn't tell us to close our eyes so when we reappeared outside of Xavier's house I vomited. "Already getting baby sickness," she quipped and I glared at her as she skipped up the stairs to knock on the door. I didn't correct her by saying it was just vertigo from the transport and crossed my arms. I turned to look out at the forest surrounding Xavier's house and out across the field of cattle in the direction of the portal to the vampires. I curled my lip