Her Forever

Thaddeus

It wasn’t long before the surrounding area became dark, even though the sun should be high in the sky. The pine forest was thick, even my vision could not penetrate through the branches. After another ten minutes of everyone in the truck sitting on pins and needles, there was a break in the tight squeeze path we drove down.

Trinity squeezed her hand tightly, looking over at me with worry. I wouldn’t show my fear. She needs to know I protected her and no harm would come to her, no matter how strong she is. Once the trees became sparse, men in dark attire walked or jogged with the car. We weren’t traveling at a fast pace because of the holes in the dirt road. The men were quickly recognizable as other vampires. Trinity gasped, closing her eyes several times, looking into their red eyes.

They had fed off of humans. I grunted in distaste. In Vamparia, now that it is under control, no one feeds on human b***d. They had been given far too many chances, but abuse continued each time they were allowed with willing participants. There are always those who do not listen to the law, but they are dealt with.

Pulling up to the large house, it was bright white, with black shutters and door with many other vampire males crossing their arms over their chests. The grass was bright green, perfectly manicured lawn. Who knew what Trinity was thinking, but I was surprised. Vampires in Bergarian liked dark colors, but here it was just the opposite. A large lake was off to the west. Many were swimming or sitting under umbrellas. Human children ran up to the truck waving.

Behind the house, you could see dozens of large houses, water fountains and statues. What the hell was this place? The Brady Bunch for vamps?

Trinity waved slowly, still adjusting to the scenery, just as I.

Pulling up, Theon parked the car. The crowd of people walked around the truck, hovering around us. Trinity didn’t leave Theon’s hand while I rounded the other side of the truck. The vampires parted again at the top of the stairway to the enormous mansion.

“Greetings!” A taller man pushed through the crowd, waving. His enormous smile showed his two fangs near his bottom l*p. “I’m Elder Rowan! It’s a pleasure, a genuine pleasure!” Bringing out his hand for me to shake, I reluctantly did so, feeling the coolness to his skin.

“Anything for the Moon Kingdom, really! Please, come sit inside and freshen up. We can have them load the b***d and put it on ice so it doesn’t spoil.” I stood up a bit straighter, still seeing the rest of the vampires staring down at us with scowls.

“We appreciate that, but we must head back quickly. We are dealing with someone quite unpredictable and we need to get back.” Elder Rowan nodded in understanding.

“Yes, yes, of course,” sounding disappointed. “May I at least get the name of your gorgeous mate? My wife is inside,” Elder Rowan turned and yelled, “Adaline!” A prim and proper woman with her black raven hair in the perfect bun descended the steps.

“So nice to meet you,” her enthusiasm met her mates. “You must be Trinity, yes? Sorceress Bodhi mentioned you would be coming.” Elder Rowan slapped his forehead.

“Yes, of course, Trinity. It must have slipped my mind.” Trinity’s bare feet shoved back and forth, not sure what to feel. Hell, I didn’t either.

“Excuse me,” Theon spoke, “But why is everyone scowling?” There was a snort in the crowd and piles of laughter filled the air. We were taken surprisingly, not understanding why everyone was laughing.

“We had a bet that one of you would shift feeling a threat. Obviously, you wolves take after Sadie.” The laughter died down and several walked off into the house. “I’m Suron, one of Bastian’s old friends. He found his mate here and I help him woo her into agreeing to accept the old fart,” he chuckled.

“And we are sorry to cause such a disturbance, my lady.” Suron reached out, pulled Trinity’s hand, kissing the back of it. Theon and I both growled, reaching for his arm but Suron was faster hiding behind his Coven leader. “Ah ha! Still no shift! Shame, maybe I will see it soon.”

Elder Rowan interrupted. “Yes, yes, now go help fill the truck.” Suron gave a wink, heading up the stairs with the others. “We are sending a few single warriors to help. There aren’t many, but they are strong. You see, this place is full of transitioning humans. Many humans were married before they found their beloveds and so they bring their children with them. During their change, the transitioning period, they have a hard time controlling their b***d l**t. We established a program where their children are cared for during this delicate time. Humans have a harder time controlling b***d l**t and could easily hurt their children. This place is a small sanctuary for them, keeping them calm and learning to control those desires. As for the red eyes, which I am sure you have been wondering about, we take in donations from several towns that are under our protection from witches that hide in the area. It helps humans transition more quickly.”

Trinity physically relaxed. My hand found hers, releasing a sigh.

“That’s very nice of you to do that,” Trinity spoke softly.

“There is nothing to be afraid of,” Adaline came forward, taking Trinity’s hand. Trinity was a few inches taller than the refined woman. Her body was extremely slim and moved gracefully. “I’m sorry, we don’t get many visitors around here. Just those that come to stay awhile with transitions and many decide to stay. We are a large coven and very peaceful. The most peaceful on Earth and we would do anything for Bastian and the Moon Kingdom’s sons.”

“We will take all the help we can get. Thank you, Adaline.” Adaline squeezed Trinity’s hand as the vampires came from the house carrying large coolers of b***d.

“We will send another batch tomorrow morning. Our delivery comes then and we have more than enough to share. Hopefully, we will arrive before the battle, but you never know. My beloved and I will join in the efforts,” Elder Rowan Smiled.

Trinity’s eyes watered, her hands balling into fists and releasing over and over. The guilt was welling up inside her. She didn’t want people to fight for her like this. She had been alone for far too long and she was stubborn. Trinity needed to understand that we fight for each other. No one gets left behind.

“Thank you,” she whispered, finally letting tears fall. Her arms wrapped around Theon, I followed her and made the perfect ‘sandwich’ she liked to call it.

“Quick question though,” Theon spoke. “How did we get here so fast? I swore it took longer to get here, but we got here in half the time.”

“Ah that,” Elder Rowan gave another contagious smile. “That was a type of locator spell we had cast on the place. It took Bastian forever to find us, so we had a local friendly witch cast a spell. Anyone looking for Black Raven from a 200-mile radius would be instantly transported. Unfortunately, we don’t have a transporter or a witch to take you back into your pack.”

“We are grateful,” I spoke a loud. “Really grateful for your hospitality.”

“Wish we could do more. We are peaceful here and only wish that for others.”

Within ten minutes, the entire truck was loaded. Elder Rowan, Adaline were waving from the front step of the gigantic home. Children surrounded our truck while fifteen warriors piled in a van behind us, including Suron. The children waved and Trinity blew invisible k****s their way. Their squeals and excitement drifted away as we took off to Red Moon Pack.

“I feel weird.” Trinity heaved a large breath as we came out of the thick wooded path. Her hand rubbed just above her heart. “What’s wrong?” Damian was instantly alerted.

“Her wolf,” Damian said in my mind. “I cannot reach her,” he growled.

“Trinity!” I spoke harshly. I felt her consciousness fading.

“Sleepy, lost,” she mumbled, her head falling back onto Theon’s shoulder. Pulling her to my chest, cradling her like a babe, my hand brushed her hair.

“Don’t go to sleep. Tell me what’s wrong. What do you feel? You can’t go to sleep. We can’t find Eva. What’s happening?” My helpless cries were going unheard.

“I don’t know,” she whispered again. “It’s bright though,” her eyes were shut. I couldn’t understand why it would be bright. Theon’s worried glances from the road to Trinity in my arms were making him and Duke unsettled. Theon’s eyes flashed repeatedly. Theon doesn’t lose control as often as I do, but when he does it isn’t good.

“Duke,” I ordered. “Drive, she is here, she is safe.. she is changing,” I finally whispered. Taking a large breath in, my thumb traced her cheek. “I hope she’s just changing.” Gripping her tighter, I felt a tear drop from my cheek. My strong mate would not give up on me. Her body spasmed, her back arched, groaning into the movement I held her so she could move her body in a way that was comfortable.

More mumbling, more unsteady movement, fingers cracking in weird places, not normal for a wolf’s change. Gods, if she changed in the car, it would be difficult to continue driving.

“We should pull over. She’s going to wolf form. She must be.” Theon and I haven’t witnessed a human change, let alone someone with elf in their b***d.

“No, keep going. We have enough room. If she thrashes, we will, but we have to stay on schedule.” Theon’s grip on the wheel became tighter, hearing the old leather squeeze.

“She’s fine, she’s fine,” I chanted, more to myself. “Gods, let her be fine.”

Trinity

The heat radiated from my chest, the pounding in my head continued to flow to the tips of my fingers. Thaddeus and Theon. I couldn’t hear them anymore. The chanting that Thaddeus used to soothe himself, the tightening grip on the steering wheel and the bumps in the road were gone.

The heat on my skin came from above, small tickling on the sides of my arms and legs appeared. Forcing gravity, I pushed my eyelids open, staring right into the sun. I was no longer in the old, dingy car traveling with hundred pounds of b***d in the back of the truck. Now outside, in warm summer air, was my new scene.

It took a moment to feel my surroundings, to use my hands to push myself from the ground. I was on the outskirts of the forest, but instead of the deep, thick lush of the pine trees of the north, the woods were scarce, places for animals to hide and play. The meadow looked inviting, but my gut told me to follow into the woods. It felt more comfortable there than out in the open.

My bare feet took in one last step off the green grass and fell on the slightly damp forest floor. Leaves scattered about crunched under me. I didn’t feel the sharp pecks of pebbles or roots. It was a comforting feeling. My feet dug into the Earth, toes dipping into any part of the soil that was open for me. Sighing several times, feeling the soft thrumming of vibrations next to trees made me think they were growing. I could feel the trees grow in the soil, twisting their roots to grab bits of water and nutrients for the dust.

My hand touched the thick bark of the tree I stood next to. Light radiated from my palm. The tree was pushing an energy into me. I felt stronger yet light.

“Amazing isn’t it?” The voice pulled me from my thoughts, only to be met by a woman with a bow on her back, leather pants, and vest. Her hair was twisted up into a high bun, her shoes made of thick leather. “You can feel the life force of the tree when you touch it,” the woman walked up. I didn’t feel afraid. I felt an overwhelming calming wave radiating from her.

“The calmness you find is from the tree you are touching. The tree knows I am no threat because I’m the goddess of vegetation and the hunt, part his master.” My lips parted.

“G-goddess?” Artemis smiled, removing her hand from the tree. “That’s right, Artemis,” she did a mock bow. “Pleasure to meet you, Trinity.”

“Wow, it’s an honor.” Artemis laughed at my speechlessness.

“Let’s be honest, you weren’t even sure the gods existed. It’s alright, you weren’t raised in the proper way. I take no offence. Anyway,” Artemis patted the tree. “Let’s take a walk.”

I remained silent as we walked through the forest. The dirt continued to slightly glow, the leaves continued to fall silently, animals frolicked up to us, sniffing around and turn the other way. The silence was catching up to me. My heart raced not knowing what to do.

“Artemis, goddess, ma’am? Uh,…” Artemis threw her head back. “You don’t need to be so formal. I’m not like Zeus. Listen, I’m just here because I need to talk to you about Eva.” The mention of Eva had me calling to her in my head. She wasn’t responding. I didn’t even feel her.

“That’s it. You can’t feel her, can you?” Shaking my head, I panicked.

“Hey, hey, it’s alright,” Artemis put both hands on my shoulders. “Listen, she is changing. You are changing.”

“Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do? Change into a wolf? I thought it was a physical dealing, not a mental one,” I blurted. Artemis hummed, crossing her arms.

“Ah, but see, you are different and with Elven warrior b***d, plus a human plus a wolf. That gets complicated. You’re the first elven hybrid, so the fates don’t know what to do with you. Your human self is being cancelled out, being replaced by a wolf, yet your Elven nature powers have to come into play. You are mated to two half-shifters, Lycan princes as well. That’s a lot of power, Trinity. They can’t give you too much or not enough. It’s a delicate balance, just like what happened to a half human and siren. She was out for three days. You don’t have that kind of time.”

“I’m not a secret princess like that woman though,” remembering the story. “She had royal fae and royal siren. Of course it would take a long time!”

“Believe it or not,” Artemis giggled, “you are the descendent of an Elven kingdom that died 6,000 years ago. It was small and slowly whittled away as the Moon and Light Kingdom came to power. Elves made a promise to service the land, to protect it instead of having a kingdom who did meaningless things such as parties, political ideologies and such. Your father’s bloodline holds the old royal line. Meaning, you also are royal, a politically dead royal line but royal none-the-less. Your power is great, doubled because of Lycan mates.”

“Uh,” my mouth dropped.

“You have been more speechless today than any other time I have watched you. Maybe your brain is being worked on too!” Artemis laughed at her own joke. I had nothing to say. She was right, and I didn’t even know what to think.

“You, my dear, will go through a significant change in the next 6 hours.” Her voice became serious. “You will sleep the entire ride back to the pack house, only to wake to a bloody scene. You have choices to make, large ones to help save the ones you love. Only you can make those decisions, not the High King and Queen Seth and Sadie nor your mates. This battle is yours. You decide what fate the Kitsune and you will have.”

“No pressure,” I whispered, rubbing my temples. Artemis pulled me closer to her body. One would find it too close, too intimate, but she was a goddess. What was I to say?

“I’m blessing you the gift of the hunt, the gift of tracking of your pray. To seek that which you cannot find. Go now, Trinity. Take flight, endure to the end, and fight with the fiery passion I know you have.” Her head bowed, touched my forehead with a blinding light. The surrounding forest grew dark until all I could see was Artemis. Her eyes closed, her warm hand coming to my chest, pushing me backward until I hit the soft ground with back. My body jumped back up slightly.

My head was unmovable as I tried to shake my body free. A tight grip and unfamiliar smell enveloped me. Mint with brandy swirled around my nose, causing me to instantly cough. I couldn’t feel my mates. I couldn’t feel their presence. My eyes opened with a rush. Looking down at me was a pair of yellow, glowing eyes.