Chapter 3

JACKSON POV

I roll my shoulders. After working out for three hours, Jason and I finally felt a little bit better. We both use exercise as stress relief typically. Something our parents taught us. I smile to myself, thinking about the time mom out lifted dad.

Dad, Jason, and I had been down in the gym pumping for a competition dad was going to enter when mom had come in. Jason had made a comment about how mom could never lift like dad. We were nine at the time and a little pig-headed. Mom had laughed, shoved dad out of the way, and benched his max weight.

She only did one rep, but that was enough. Both our mouths had hung open, watching her leave the gym. Dad then punched Jason in the arm and said, "she is going to make me sleep outside if you keep talking like that boy." I laughed and laughed at both of them. I laughed at my brother, who had thought because mom was female, she couldn't compete against dad, and I laughed at my dad because even though he was huge and powerful, mom was the one in charge.

The memory made me smile sadly. So many hours spent together in that gym. In that kitchen. In that living room. Now all those rooms and all those memories were in ashes.

I trudge slowly towards our huge shower. Every inch of this mansion is luxury, but it will never be the home we grew up in. The jet streams do wonders on my bruised muscles. I lather and scrub before leaning down and placing my hands on the wall. I let the water work my tense back.

Tonight we become Lycans. I turn off the water at that thought and head to get dressed.

JASON POV

I search the massive kitchen for anything edible that does not involve cooking. Life is going to suck without Auntie Moira's cooking. She now lives two hours away from us instead of next door. Homecooked meals are going to be a thing of the past. What the hell are we going to eat? Can Ethan cook? Who is going to clean? We can't have an omega. They would know our secret.

Jason- Ethan, we need a maid and a cook. Non-wolf. Maybe, someone we can trust.

Ethan- (chuckle) or you could learn......

Jason- we will be training under you and Clint as much as possible. How can we clean a mansion too??.

Ethan- good point. I will figure something out.

I roll my eyes but let a small grin fall on my lips. Ethan-0 Jason-1. I usually never win against Ethan or Jackson. Even if it's a small win after yesterday and last night, I needed it.

I spot a bag of beef Jerry and tear into it. The smell of meat makes me close my eyes in satisfaction. Delicious. I head to the entertainment room that has a small theater set up. I plop down on a huge grey sectional that swallows me comfortably. I turn on the newest underworld and dig in.

I am not going to bother with a shower since, in a few hours, we will be shifting for the first time.

ETHAN POV

I run both my hands through my hair. How didn't I think of that? Three guys can't maintain this huge house by ourselves. One, the boys have never done a lick of housework, and two, it will distract us from training.

The war with the vampires is now on our shoulders, and the twins need to be ready.

Ethan- Scott, Clint. Jason just pointed out the need for a cook and a couple of maids. Any ideas?

Clint- I will look into it. We will be there soon, by the way.

Scott- we can call a human maid service. Or send three trusted omegas. Omegas can be under orders where humans can't.

Ethan- I would say Cinthia, but that puts her two hours away from Craig, and the pack would get suspicious.

Clint- we will weigh the pros and cons of human versus wolf staff after the shift.

Ethan- yes Alpha,

Clint- don't. Not yet, please.

I break the link. None of us were ready, but I genuinely feel for Clint. He has enormous shoes to fill for the next three years. I let my mind wander to my queen. The woman who stole my heart at 15 yrs old. Yes, she was my queen, and no, I never overstepped, but boy did I love her. King Emmett knew about my infatuation, but he still trusted me. He knew my loyalty was just as sound as my love for her. And even now, after she is no longer here, I still strive to make her happy. I will protect her children with my life.

I groan as I look at their picture again. I wish I could have fought beside them. I might have been able to save her. I know it was most likely part of her secret plan. She knew her death would unleash Alpha, and if the whole royal family died, then the vampires would get a false sense of safety.

According to the numbers, 51 vampires, 93 rogues, and 74 pack members died yesterday. And even though 74 is a considerable number of lost wolves, it is tiny compared to the carnage that could have taken place if Alpha hadn't gone feral. During Clint's phone call this morning, he let me know how many vampires our feral Alpha killed before finally letting Clint snap his neck. The battle was won because our queen died. She was a smart woman. I would bet my own life that it was part of her plan.

THIRD PERSON POV

Lenny hugs each twin as the family circles around. A huge space has been made in the middle of their training field for the twins to shift in, and both look very nervous. Jason can't keep still, and Jackson is biting his lip continuously.

"When it begins, try to relax your body and mind. The pain is intense but do not fear it. The more you tense up, the longer the shift will take," Clint explains as he holds Simone's hand.

Moira, Scott, Ethan, Clint, Simone, and Lenny all back away, slowly giving the boys as much room as possible. The shift should occur at the time of the twin's births, which means Jackson's will start first, but since the boys were born at 11:38 pm, the younger kids stayed home with Cinthia. The clock hits the very second Jackson took his first breath, and he falls to his knees in pain. Jason stares at his typically composed brother with pure worry. Jackson screams, and Jason begins to hunch over in pain.

Lenny tenses as she watches her beloved cousins strain and convulse. Moira grabs her daughter's hand, trying to provide some comfort as the boys' skin splits and pristine white fur sprouts out. Their bodies shake and morph painfully. The twins scream and groan for what seems like hours. But finally, their bodies adjust, and the air fills with silence.

Two massive, white Lycans stand up and roar. Looking around themselves tensely. Clint and Scott pull their loved ones behind them as the Lycans sniff the air. When they catch sight of the trembling werewolves, they lurch forward, grabbing Clint and Scott around the neck. They yank the males into the air as the women scream. Ethan jumps forward instantly.

" Jason, Jackson, calm down. CALM DOWN," Ethan shouts, and the two Lycans glare down at him.

" We are your family. Put them down," Ethan says, calmer watching the massive beasts.

They throw the males down.

Unknown- who are you

Unknown 2- why do we feel a connection to you

"I'm Ethan. I'm your human sides sworn guard. We share a life bond," Ethan explains soothingly with his hands raised.

"And those are your uncles, aunts, and one of your cousins," Ethan continues while gesturing towards the trembling family. Scott and Clint's faces are slowly returning to color.

The Lycans lose their aggressive stances, slowly observing the group. They meet each other's gazes before linking again.

Unknown- We are Eros and Helios. Named after the god of love and the god of the sun.

"The two males you grabbed are Clint and Scott. The women are Simone, Moira, and Lenny," Ethan introduces while pointing to each person.

Helios (unknown 2)- we must run.

"You can not go outside. The vampires believe your human sides are dead. There was just a huge battle. We must hide the twins until they reach 18 yrs old. The vampires have a method of trying to make hybrids. They are wanting your humans for this experiment," Clint explains quickly while rising to his feet.

Eros growls loudly as he watches Clint.

Eros- you said, Uncle. This male holds no bloodline to my human.

"I was their Father's Beta. My mate and I have always been considered family. Can you not communicate with Jason and Jackson for this information," Clint asks slowly, trying to keep the Lycans calm.

Helios- humans sleep after the first shift. When they awake, they gain control.

Eros- they should awake soon.

Helios- much energy was used to bring us forth.

Eros- you say, vampires. Does Lord Stefan still reign?

"Yes, he does," Scott says, eyeing the tall figures.

Helios and Eros move towards him with lightning speed, and Moira gasps.

Eros- These three are blood relatives.

Clint and Ethan nod. The Lycans both pull Lenny forward.

"Don't hurt her," Moira squeaks as she tries to pull her back.

Helios growls. Eros flashes his teeth.

Helios- we will not harm

Eros- cousin, is special to human sides.

All five adults nod and the Lycans resume sniffing Lenny.

Helios- we shall stay confined for only three years.

Eros- after we show no mercy

Helios- humans have awoken.

The Lycans' eyes shift from pale blue to brown as the boys regain control. The whole family breathes a sigh of relief. The Lycan brothers are holding true to their legend.

"They wanted to run, so we shall leave you two in here. Run the track explore as much as possible. We are going upstairs," Ethan tells the boys as the group heads to the elevator.

Jason and Jackson stare at each other as their family leaves. Each boy taking in the other's appearance with interest.

JACKSON POV

My brother and I are huge. Our beasts are just that, beasts. They stand at 9ft and are all-around huge. Including their massive genitals that are exposed. Gross

Jackson- hello

Helios- hello, my new human.

Jackson- what happened after we shifted.

Helios- my brother and I met your family. You and your brother slept. The first shift is the hardest. Your minds needed sleep for a few minutes. But our healing is much faster than werewolves. You must run. Our bodies require exercise.

Jackson- OK, no problem.

I take off awkwardly. My new legs are different than a humans. But I soon catch a rhythm.

Jackson- well, Helios, tell me about yourself. Strengths, weaknesses, personality, anything.

Helios- hmm. Silver to the heart is our weakness. Our only weakness. In human form or lycan. As far as personality goes... I'm not sure.

Jackson- what do you like?

Helios- Blood. Hunting. Females. My brother.

Jackson- things you hate?

Helios- vampires. Traitors. My turn. Who are the important wolves to you? Must protect those who are important.

Jackson- that's easy. My brother. Ethan. Scott. Moira. Lenny. Mike. Clara. Clint. Simone. Tray. Cinthia.

Helios- I recognize some of those names.

Jackson- yes. Ethan. Scott. Clint. Moira. Simone. And Lenny. Were just here. The others are young cousins, well, except Cinthia. She is an omega. She helped raise us.

Helios- The Lenny female was drenched in your/our sent.

Jackson- she hugged us before we shifted. She is our closest friend. She is the same age as us.

Helios- I see.

I shift my focus back to running and glance across the track at Jason. Who at the moment seems to be fighting with his lycan.

JASON POV

I bolt after Jackson watching how he uses these long legs. Being this tall feels so awkward.

Eros- hello human.

Jason- um, hi, I honestly forgot about you.

Eros- how when you are using my body?

Jason- because I don't want to think about you.

Eros- I can feel your anger, human. What has you upset? We are strong.

Jason- having you as my wolf ruined my life.

I growl at him in our head.

Eros- how so?

Jason- your life span is endless. I will watch everyone I love die, and I will never have a mate since the goddess doesn't want me to have one.

Eros- the goddess is not giving us a mate?

Eros loud growl echos in my head, and I stumble in pain.

Eros- who will we love? Who will bear us pups. The goddess gives all wolfs mates now, that started in our time.

Jason - my theory is she doesn't want to share you and your brother.

Eros- Our first humans betrayed her. But her love for them stayed. She never loved us. She loves the wolves we created because the spirits go back to her. They keep her from getting lonely.

Jason- so why punish your new set of humans?

Eros- she did not say. She did not mention her plan for a mate just, Lord Stefan

Jason- and what about him?

Eros- this time, we must not lose.

We both let silence fall. Something must be coming. And unfortunately for us. Stefan has had time to prepare.