An early update! Happy Mother's Day to all, including those with fur babies. I hope you are enjoying the first few chapters of the story? I will be posting a chapter per day except for the weekends. Hoe do you feel about the beginning of the end? Are you ready to take this journey with me?
LAMIA“Please my Queen,” The pathetic excuse of existence begs as my hand coils around his neck tighter, cutting off his air supply. If I had my sword, I would have already chopped his head off.“Please,” He begs again, his dank yellow eyes conveying his plea. “We submit, we bow to you, our queen. We want to help you fight. We can help.”“You can help by dying.” I spit at him, squeezing tighter until he gasps for breath and claws at my hand.His skin begins to turn a shade pink and his eyes fade to almost clear before turning a shade of pale blue.“Lamia stop!” I hear Rhetts panicked voice from behind me. Suddenly, his mate stands in front of me, her face half shifted into her Lycan form. Her arms are black and thick with magic that pours from her fingertips.“No mercy will be shown to our enemies.” I seethe, warning against my own actions. “Give me a reason why they shouldn’t all die.”“Put him down!” Leneve yells, trying to wedge between me and the changeling.I look at the Half Lyca
OLIVERIn my peripheral vision, I could see Travis roughly swallow, being caught in a lie. A lie that was meant to protect Petra and myself.He did not need to do that. He was only putting himself in a bad light and I didn’t want that for him.Glancing over the Queen's shoulder I could see the watery yellow eyes of Petra. My little Sunshine. The one for whom I was doing all this. If it hadn’t been for her, I would never have taken in the Changelings. I would have walked away and left the realm to defend itself.Except, if I had done that, Aodh would take over and there wouldn’t be a place where I could live out my days in peace. There would be no realm.So yeah, I wanted Lamia back. We, all of us, needed her back.“Believe it or not, I am glad you have returned and that our efforts weren’t for nothing.” I lift my hand, turning it and inspecting it. It would never be the same, forever deformed. A small price to pay for my life.I shake my head, dismissing the thoughts that come to mind
KELLEN“I still don’t trust a darn thing that comes out of his mouth. He’s a lying conniving murderer.” I could say so much more but bite my tongue, only because I’m fed up with thinking about the rogue criminal.I hoped to the goddess Lamia wouldn’t entertain any thoughts of letting him lose. If it wasn’t for Tala, I would be in the mind to throttle the fucker and then rip his head off myself.Memories of my parents come to the forefront of my mind as I wander back to the main part of the castle lagging behind the group. The sight of my father dying on his bed as the serum took over his body plagued me. It always had.The break in my connection to him was still fresh as the day it happened when I drove that dagger into his heart. Instead of sadness, as it had been in the past, raw anger began to trickle out. I clenched my fists trying to quell it down.But why should I? Why should I harbor my feelings and keep them locked up when the New Moon Kingdom was still waiting for justice over
LAMIATawny hands me a drink and in exchange takes Seneca from my lap and begins to fuss over her, muttering something along the lines of how boys were more trouble.From what I have learned of her twin boys, they were definitely trouble. With a capital T. Though, she explained how Gillian and Tristan handle them and their antics well.My thoughts wander to the triplets, drowning out Lyric as she explains her communication devices and how they have been issued to all New Moon warriors that have been sent to Bhakhil.Three years or a thousand years was a long time no matter which. I wanted nothing more than to go home to Riocht and see my babies. Amali was probably giving her brothers trouble by now and I couldn’t think how Zachary and Maximus had grown and how big they were.Part of me felt foreign to my own children, nervous and scared that they wouldn’t know me. I don’t think I could take it if they shied away from me when I finally saw them.Would they accept their sister? Have they
KELLENAccidentally hitting Tala and hurting her, knocked some sense into me.With languid strides, I find myself in the Northside gardens. The furthest place away from mine and Tala’s room. But not too far.Slumping onto a bench that faces the tree line of thick forest, I cover my face with my hands. The imagery of what just happened replayed in my head.I feel a push on at the front of my brain and half expect to receive a mind link. But nothing comes. I realize it’s Lamia searching me out. She could feel my emotions. Instead of blocking her, I let her probe away. I wanted her to feel the shame and guilt that was running amuck inside me.In a sick sadistic way, I hoped she would come find me and kick my ass. Or at least send Mathias to do the job. I deserved it.Groaning out loud at my stupidity and leaning back, dragging my palms down my face, I remember exactly what set me off in the first place.Fucking Oliver. I loathed that piece of shit. The very thought of him had my nerves sp
LAMIAThe following morning Tawny left with Crimson and Mason to go back to Cambiador. MacTire was beginning to thin out. Finn was going to head back to the Clan Mansion, Soon Mike, Kellen, Tala, and Lyric would go back to New Moon.It was too short a time with everyone.We were going to meet back up in New Moon in less than three weeks, but it wasn’t going to be fun, we were preparing for war. Until then I had a lot to think about.Last night the girls filled me in on so much that I missed it. Part of me was happy that I had had those years with Kellen away from it all. The other part was saddened that they went through everything on their own.I had taken the opportunity to see Prince Connor. Holding him only made me miss my triplets even more.As I walked from the dining room, going back to my suite, I walked past Travis’s office, the door was ajar and stopped when I heard his voice. He was speaking low and I couldn’t tell if he was using a phone or had someone in there.Just as I w
KELLENTala was already asleep by the time I made it back to our room last night. So, I never got to apologize or plead for her to forgive me.I tossed and turned all night, wanting to wrap my arms around her but didn’t dare touch her without her permission. I didn’t know if she wanted me to, or if she hated me for what I said and did.This was unchartered territory for me. The beastly side wanted to ravage and claim her, the sensible part was timid and shy. The indecision of how to act was like a plague on my mind.At some point, I did manage to sleep and woke to the sound of the shower running. The spot beside me was already cold, the shame of my actions surfacing once again and the thought that Tala was in such a hurry to get away from me crossed my mind.Swinging my feet over the side, I stand with purpose. I needed to apologize, hoping she would forgive me, and claim my mate back.Striding to the bathroom, slowly I open the door. Steam poured from behind the glass. The silhouette
LAMIAI pull at the tight pants that seem to want to ride up my ass. How did I ever wear these before? They were so uncomfortable. I was still getting used to the feel of this much clothing on my skin again. My body and senses were still adjusting to the vibration of this realm. The reason Mathias and I had come to the training grounds.Mathias wanted to see my reaction time when fighting. He was concerned and curious about my differences.I chuckle when Mathias casually lifts a hand, picking strands of hair that lay on my shoulder and tugging on them. “What?” I asked jokingly, giving him a side-eye.“Nothing. It's just strange that your hair is completely black now. But I’m digging it.” He gives me a broad smile and winks.“Yeah, you like pulling these dark locks when you straddle me from behind, King?” I joke back with a little innuendo, replaying our night.Since we bonded again, we haven’t been able to keep our hands off each other. This was always the case but this time, it's so m
TALA3 months after defeating AodhThe vehicle jolted, jostling me back to reality from where I stared out the window. Slowly I turn my head to glance at Fergus. Rogue, as everyone else calls him, sat quietly. He too staring out the window. Unlike me who was lost in thought, even from this angle I could see his eyes darting from one tree to the next concentrating on eyeing potential threats.For some of us, the battle left us at ease knowing the realm's greatest enemy had been defeated. For others it only strengthened their insecurities, leaving them in a state of constant alert. Like Fergus. I don’t think his mind will ever leave the state of battle. Not just because of facing Aodh and his dark Army but also the past of when he was a slave under the rule of Vargr.Some experiences never leave a person. Though my own are with me constantly, I never let them rule my emotions. Tucking them away as memories and not dwelling on the past.He was mentally scared. Always in a state of high al
LAMIAFive years laterCasting my eyes upwards into the blazing sun I smiled to myself upon hearing the sound of children’s laughter as they splashed by the lake. We have come a long way in these short five years. Leneve and Damon had brought the age of technology back to the realm, building more communication towers across both continents. Damon’s family helped the second continent to rebuild by way of bringing materials and educating others on the infrastructure of building homes.Rhett, now king of MacTire until Angelica came of age, along with Leneve, joined forces with our new council headed by My father, Mike's father, Abner Brooks, and Crimson.The Changelings had found their place amongst the council as hunters and advocates for shifters and humans. Every kingdom offered an incentive to humans and shifters, offering a loan to those who started businesses in a bid to boost our economies.Oil refineries were open and thriving, and underworld beasts were still present as were oth
LAMIAThe older shifter sits perched in a tree above my head. Her green eyes, which match mine, now hold a cosmic glow, and she has an ethereal look about her.Like a child full of energy, she hops out of the tree, landing in front of me.I suddenly feel sorrow when I realize I will never see my pups jump and play. Never watch them climb a tree or find their mates.Palming my face, Ascena looks at me with pity. “I would say it is good to see you again, but I was hoping I wouldn’t have to. You defeated Aodh but at the cost of your life Lamia. I had hoped things would be different this time. For you and Inanna.”“I would do it again if it helped save our realm.” I bow my head unable to bear the thought that I wouldn’t see my Atman, my friends, my family, ever again. But I meant it. I would do it all over again if it meant a future not just for the realm but for my pups.“Come,” Ascena beckons. I follow her to the edge of the lake where she bends to the dark water's edge, sticking her fin
TRAVIS/JANUSEven with my newfound godly powers, I wasn’t fast enough. Everything happened in mere seconds, yet those mere seconds were an eternity. Watching what unfolded before my eyes and not being able to reach Lamia was crushing to my soul.Immediately after Ashe and I reached Regis Rock, she saw Mathias and went to his aid. My sights were drawn to Yggdrasil and Leneve battling it out with their magic.When Mathias flew up from the ground and took off at high speed, I was right behind him. I could almost see the fear and panic in his eyes as he rushed towards Aodh to rescue Lamia. By this time, Kellen, Mike, Hunji, and Rhett had already joined the effort to take down Aodh.As I flew towards the fight, I could see the dagger stuck in the underworld god’s chest. Right then I knew what Lamia was going to do, or at least try. It wouldn’t be her if she didn’t do something that could endanger her life.“Lamia no!” I shouted, leaping through the air to reach her, Mathias and I neck and
LAMIAI felt him before I saw him. My Atman rushed to our aide, more powerful than even when we had re-bonded.I felt the god inside him pulsing, his aura emanating from him like waves of authority. When my eyes caught Mathias, the aura of Arcas surrounded him as a brilliant blue hue of light. Like a barrier or shield.Behind him, also running at inhuman speed was Travis. My hope soared at the thought of defeating Aodh. I felt like we suddenly had a chance again.As I swung at the giant god with more gumption than only moments ago, my own aura rising and pushed out as I felt the inner goddess connect and strengthen me. I noticed Mike, Rhett, and Hunji jump in on the action. Each of them wielding their weapons and attacking Aodh with abandon.Hunji pulls Kellen out of the way, giving him the chance to recover and get back on his feet.With the four of us fighting against him, Mathias and Travis coming to aid our efforts, Aodh began to become confused with so many skilled and strong fig
MIKEMy fingers curled tightly as the force of electrocution sparked through my body. I was immobile, rendered useless by my own power Aodh had turned against me.The feeling of being electrocuted over and over was excruciating and I couldn’t break out of it.“Think Mike, think,” I say through the gripping pain with each thrust of electrifying light that sparks across me.This was my gift; how could it be my demise? I shook the thought from my head, I wouldn’t go out like this. Not this way.The sound of snorting and growling from Demon dogs and hellhounds could be heard coming closer. I tried to lift my head, to see just how close they were as all my senses had dulled from the torturous current that flowed through me. High above I could see the outline of large flying birds, circling the battleground. They had their eye on someone, but I couldn’t see who they were going to attack.If I didn’t get out of this hold, I was in, I was going to be dog food. Literally.My eyes shift to my le
TRAVISThe three sisters looked at me inquisitively. Three pairs of beady eyes were trained on me as they stood there rubbing their fat bellies. All are pregnant with Rhett's child.He was going to shit a brick when he found out.Ashe had taken me back to the sanctuary after helping out Tawny and MacTire. But I just couldn’t get Seneca out of my mind. Her tiny face and hands. Her warm touch and the connection I felt with her.“It’s time Janus,” Ashe says breaking my thoughts.My jaw clenches tightly as I turn to look at the old demigod. She had said she had one more left in her. I thought that it was getting me to the battlefield not back to the sanctuary. “Time for what?” I spit out with anger and annoyance. “You brought me back here instead of to Regis Rock! Why?”I should be there by Lamia’s side helping her to defeat Aodh. She needed me and my strength. She alone could not defeat him. We knew this. This is why she had me coming, why I was to aid her in the final stages of the battl
LAMIAWhere the fuck was Travis with his newfound power of the god Janus? It was right about now that I needed him to show up as we had planned.Mathias was across the ravine knocked out holding half the staff in his hand. Finn was nowhere to be seen, while Kellen and I fought against the monstrous god.Large arms move in tandem as they swing the spiked swords at me and Kellen. I duck and roll beneath the heavy hitters, swiping at his legs though they heal almost immediately at every strike and blow we deliver to unprotected flesh.Deep and grating a bellowing chuckle comes from Aodh, “Give it up now and I will take you Inanna, as it should have always been. I shall leave your daughter to live in the new realm I build.”I shudder to think what his new realm would look like. Dark and full of decay crawling with creatures that would feed on the shifters and humans of this realm.I think not.“You couldn’t defeat me before. You can't defeat me now!” He laughs again. “You are mortal, strip
Dear readers,I wanted to update you on what has been going on behind the scenes as I have not posted a chapter in a while.For the past seven weeks, I had been taking care of my mother while she received in-home hospice care. She finally gave up fighting on October 15th. Before this, she was in and out of hospital with one surgery or another. It has been a long road for me and I still have a few miles to go before I reach a junction or turning point. I will return to writing as soon as the family can officially say goodbye to her. She was an avid reader of this app. My only regret is that I couldn’t finish the final chapters of All the Queens Kings before she passed.Please allow me a little more time and as always, I am thankful for your understanding and support during this difficult time.Much love xx