Chapter 2

PG 13 Mature Language

THIRD PERSON

Jason and Jackson stand tall as they discuss their future with Ethan. Their 6'2" teenage frames are long and lean. Both have their arms crossed as they explain their dream.

"I'm sorry your mother was not here to lessen the blow," Ethan says lowly as Jackson finishes telling their tale.

"You knew," Jason says lowly with a glare that could kill.

"Your mother finally confessed to me the full extent of your wolf spirits two years ago. She confided in me because I, myself, had many questions," Ethan replies with a stern look of his own.

Jackson clears his throat, "what do you mean?"

"Well. Look at me. How old do you think I look," Ethan said while spreading his arms out wide, presenting himself to the boys.

Jackson's eyebrows pull together with confusion. They roam their eyes over Ethan's youthful appearance.

"I look almost identical to when I took the life bond oath. So I asked your mother. She informed me that my aging had slowed considerably. And that I would stop aging completely at 25......just as you two will. I am bonded to your life forces. When you two die, I die. But until that day, age 25 is what we will look like," Ethan explains slowly while shifted between the twin's faces with a concerned expression.

"So, do you not get a mate as well then," Jason growls suddenly and darkly.

Ethan sighs but nods. "According to your mom, I will. But I have no idea when that time will come. The Goddess told her once I mark a mate, my life bond transfers to her. Her aging will stop, and our lives will depend on yours," Ethan says while gazing towards a picture of Lisa and Emmett.

Jason punches the wall in frustration. "Why are we the only two cursed to be mateless? If you are able to transfer immortality to your mate, we should be able to as well," Jason roars angrily.

Ethan shrugs and shakes his head. "You two aren't under a life bond. Your immortality will come from your wolves. You can't transfer wolf spirits," Ethan explains lowly.

"The Goddess is protecting us, Jason. If we were to mate with a non-immortal when our mate dies, we would lose it," Jackson says while looking at the picture as well.

Ethan suddenly chuckles, and both twins snap their eyes to Ethan's face angrily.

"What the fuck is funny," Jason questions with a dark and dangerous voice.

"Watch it," Ethan demands instantly with a stern expression before returning to gazing at the picture.

"You two should have seen how angry your mother was when the Goddess told her. I don't believe she knew about your mate situation, but she was pissed you two would have to outlive all your family. She destroyed the house and many she-wolves faces," Ethan explained with a huge grin.

The boys glanced at each other as a smile cracks across their faces for the first time in two days.

"So tonight? Tonight we meet the famous first-ever wolf spirits," Ethan says while taking a seat in a comfortable-looking office chair.

"That's what she said," Jackson replies as he too sits down. Jason begins pacing again while growling words under his breath.

Betrayal, rage, and confusion pulses through the twin's bond. Jackson watches his brother with a frown on his face. Nothing will ever be the same after tonight. All their parent's teachings about mates is out the window. They will most likely never feel the amazing mate sparks—the undeniable and never-ending love that only comes from a matebond.

Jackson drops his head into his hands as the depressing thoughts consume his mind. Ethan sighs as he watches the teens. His heart squeezes for them as he feels their pain and anger.

"I will have Clint bring the family. They should all be here to witness your first shift," Ethan says with a small smile trying to lighten the mood.

Jason spares Ethan a quick glance and nod before he strides from the room. He needs air, but he can't have it. So he decides to head to the next best thing—time to try out their new gym equipment.

JACKSON POV

At least we will always have Ethan. I can't freaking believe we will most likely not receive a mate. It is all Jason has ever thought about. I've always been hesitant about the matebond situation, but now that it's not an option, I feel like I can't breathe.

Our bond is rippling with Jason's continuous rage. He feels betrayed by the Goddess, which I understand. We have never gone against her, and we are responsible for all of werewolf kind.........don't we deserve a reward? A gift? The greatest gift we can ever receive......

"She didn't say you definitely wouldn't. She just said she didn't know yet. Don't lose hope, Jacks," Ethan whispers to me softly

I slowly look up into his troubled eyes. I pull a pained smile onto my face before nodding.

"Thank you, Ethan. Thank you for swearing yourself to our side. At least we have you," I say sincerely.

My heart clenches tighter at the thought of watching our cousins grow old and leave us. Little Lenny, our best friend. She will leave us one day.

"It is my pleasure to stand with you two. Your parents were truly amazing. They were considered the best Royals in history. They were smart, strong, and fair. You two will do great. You will make them proud," Ethan says with pride radiating from his voice.

I nod at him and flash a real grin. Ethan's love for our parents is genuine and eternal, just like ours. I stand up and stretch my limbs. I need to get to Jason. He needs me.

"When you call them. Check on Uncle Scott. Losing mom is going to hurt him the most," I say quietly before leaving the room.

JASON POV

"FUCKING BITCH," I scream as I throw a weight as far as I can. This is such bullshit. It isn't about immortality! The Goddess just doesn't want to see her past lovers in the arms of another again. My brother can think she is doing it for us all he wants, but I saw her eyes. She still sees them as her mates, so we suffer. We will be mateless so she can keep them to herself.

I rip my shirt off and start running the track. My mind is working a mile a minute. Anger and grief are threatening to consume me. I have to think of a way! I have to plan. I have to keep Lenny with us!

We can't be left alone with only Ethan. Who knows how long we will be on this planet, we will need other companionship. I push my legs even harder. We planned on being virgins like dad until we received our love but now... what? A life of celibacy? Virgin immortals? We can't get attached. Everyone will eventually leave us. There is no point in love.

I feel rage all over my body—pure rage. I don't know how to save myself from this life, from this pain. Will we be invincible? How were the Lycans killed last time? Will we have the same weaknesses as everyone else?

I guess it's a good thing we will have three years to experiment and learn about our new forms away from others—a Lycan form. From the history books, the Lycan brothers looked completely different than regular wolves. They stood on two legs and were close to 9ft tall. They were also white. Blindingly white, like fresh snow reflecting the sun.

There are many horror stories about the original Lycan brothers. Stories meant to scare children at night. One author said the human side had no control when they were shifted. The Lycan forms would take complete control. Enemy and friend alike were massacred on a regular.

But their strength was second to none, from what I remember.

Jason- Ethan. We need every book ever written on the Lycans we are receiving. We need to know what is in store.

Ethan- I will get on that. Jacks is heading your way.

I huff. Mr. Level-headed can't let me breathe for 5 seconds. He is always scared I will fly off the handle. But honestly, right now, he has nothing to worry about. I am too hurt. The hurt outweighs the anger.

My mom will never run her fingers through my hair again. My dad will never cheer for us at a football game again. We will never hang out with Mark and Matthew again. ( look-alikes ) Even though they knew the risk and accepted it, I don't know if I ever will. They died for us, AS US. It bothers me so much that our parents sacrificed other wolves for us.

I have no idea how many laps I did before Jacks finally showed himself, but I had a nice sweat going. Jacks stripped his shirt off and met me on the start line.

Jacks- race you

Jason- bring it.

We bolt of the line at an incredible speed. Human Olympians would be jealous of the speeds we can reach. Jacks and I have always raced each other. Almost every day of our lives. And every single race....... Jackson has won. Always by a hair, but he still wins. I've changed strategy a million different times, and still nothing. I breathe hard as we cross the line. Once again losing to my older brother. 2 minutes and 11 seconds older.

He grins as he puts his hands on top of his head. I roll my eyes but smile. At least I have Jacks. I could not live another day in this world if I didn't have my brother.

"Still can't beat your big brother, huh," Jacks says lightly, trying to start a conversation.

"It's probably my third leg slowing me down," I say back, and Jacks gives me the evil eye.

We measured. I'm bigger. By like a centimeter, but it still counts. It's what he beats me by in a race.

"Maybe you should swing it forward someday so you could win once," he snaps back, and our booming laughs fill the enormous underground space.

As our laughs die down and we face reality once again, I feel my eyes get hard. I meet Jack's brown eyes with mine.

"Are you ready for tonight," I say, trying to keep my own jitters out of my voice.

"Nope," Jacks admits for the both of us.