I have agreed to receive elite training. My heart leaps up into my throat. I have not been in a school in years, and I am very eager to study. I have not had the chance to because I needed to take care of my younger sister Emily.I am very excited about the opportunity. I am in a new red and white school uniform complete with new red shoes. I haven’t worn one of these in years. My stomach churns with the odd mix of excitement and pure fear.I will be the only human there. Alone, again.King Harvey has explained to the marking ceremony will happen the next full moon night.King Harvey has set several of his Betas around to go and spread the word. Currently, he sits at his massive oak desk drafting off an official document for me.He has chosen the best high school in the pack for me and will send me over shortly.“King Harvey,” I start timidly. “Will… you visit me?”King Harvey slowly raises his head from his piece of paper and smiles at me. “Yes, Elena. I will be on standby if you nee
Elena’s POV“She doesn’t look very good or strong. I don’t know what King Harvey is thinking. How can he let a human become our luna?” The teacher, a woman in a simple red dress with sleeves mutters under her breath with a frown as I walk to the spare seat closest to the door on the left side of the room.The frown stays on her face as I take a seat.I know I’m not welcome here, and she is not accepting me as her student. I grit my teeth to stop my trembling. Every glowing eye in the room is pure malicious intent.With her pulled back brown hair in a shell-like bun around her head, she moves to her desk and clears her throat. Clinically, she moves to the massive green board and pulls out a metal baton and smacks the board.“Before I was interrupted,” she announces. “I was saying, the power of a werewolf…”She begins to speak faster as I do my best to write down the notes on the board. The red journal that King Harvey gave me from his personal collection has a golden binding and the sa
Elena’s POVI watch as the pretty woman hands King Harvey the bottle of water. He takes it with polite grace and thanks her with a cursory smile. As she walks off squealing, and her friend runs up to her, I see King Harvey pass the bottle to Beta Tom behind his back.The cracking of my heart stops, if only for a moment. I manage to blink the tears out of my eyes as I fight off the obvious burning desire to go run up to King Harvey and talk. I want to tell him about how hellish these few hours have been.I want to tell him that I do miss him too, in an odd way.I know how terrible it would look if I rushed and go run up to him, like I was going to tell King Harvey that everyone is cruel to me and hoping he would protect me. It would make me look weak.It would make me look like I am using him for his protection and to push his power around. That I am using him.I just… I need support and a familiar face. I need someone to talk to and share my experience with.It would be best to go spe
Elena’s POVJane’s face darkens gruesomely as she bares her fangs. A sneer marks her face. “Want me to apologize?”“You should! You shouldn’t be looking down on any humans!” I snap back.The freckled girl’s crying has quieted down to a whimper, but it breaks my heart all the same.Jane taunts me with a laugh. “Let’s wait until you are worthy of it, maybe. There is a fighting test in one month’s time! You pass the test; you get to fight me.”Jane walks away from us proudly to her companions. I know in their eyes there is no way I, as a weak human, can get a passing grade in the werewolf fighting class.To Jane, she has already won this fight and I have admitted my defeat by being a weak human.Instead of wasting my time staring at Jane and her cruel friends, I turn to the freckled girl.“Are you okay?” I ask as I pick out a piece of salad from her hair.She nods softly. “Thank you… is it true you are promised to King Harvey?”“…Yes.” I whisper.Her eyes widen in complete fear. “Elena…
Elena’s POVKing Harvey sighs heavily as he looks at me. I know he is wondering if I can handle his werewolf training.“This is not a joke, King Harvey.”King Harvey frowns. “You might get hurt, Elena. I do not want that for you.”“I know…” I take a deep breath, but my heart beats violently. I want to prove myself desperately.King Harvey leans into me and squeezes the limp flesh on my arm. “Your strength and stamina are poor, Elena… but we can start with running. If you can run ten kilometers with a five-pound bag in 45 minutes, I will consider formally teaching you how to fight.”My eyes widen at his words.This is a daunting task for someone who has never exercised before.“I would like to try, King Harvey…” I whisper softly.He nods, then guides me to my room. He leans in and kisses me on the cheek again, making my knees weak and leaves me.I go to sleep.The next day, I found myself at the werewolf training ground. The werewolves are training on orange gravel ground, they all tak
Elena’s POVI don’t dare to continue looking up at King Harvey. I’m not brave enough to meet his powerful gaze. I don’t want to die in the disappointment in his eyes.I know he said I did good, but I don’t believe him. He must be saving face with the other werewolves.“Elena, I am King. You are to look at me when I speak to you.” King Harvey says to me sternly, yet not in a rage. He sounds patient.Lowering my head for a moment, I take time to regain my courage and look up at him.“I am sorry, King Harvey.”His brown eyes gaze down at me with adoration, and I freeze.“Well done, Elena. I have never met a human that tries as hard as you. I meant it when I said good job. A good King does not lie, Elena, especially to his mate.”“…I feel unworthy, King Harvey.”King Harvey nods. “Trust that I have picked you, Elena. Trust me.”King Harvey smiles at me genuinely and I know it is a rare smile.“Thank you, King Harvey.” I have no energy to blush; I just wish his words were sinking in.“You
Elena’s POVKing Harvey carries me back to his private training room in silence. Any werewolf that looks our way automatically looks down when he meets their gaze.“I will wrap your ankle, Elena.” King Harvey says as he rushes off the running track.In a flash, we are in his private training room. He sits me on a soft red chair and instructs I lift my swollen ankle. Painfully, I do so and watch as he pulls out a red compression bandage and wraps my ankle tightly.“Elena, you said you are tired. This compression bandage will heal you slowly. It is not a normal piece of fabric. When you can stand once again, I would like to show you how to punch again.”“Yes, King Harvey, thank you for being so kind, I appreciate you greatly.”I blush when he turns to me with a magnificent, fanged grin.“Oh, my Elena, do not tempt me.” King Harvey growls lowly. “You understand my sensitive predicament.”“I am the one wounded, King Harvey…” I whisper, trying to diffuse the situation.King Harvey looks at
Elena’s POVAs I duck a punch from a very irritated and irate werewolf, I get to see Jane slamming her knee into the stomach of her opponent leading him to the ground.A red-light shines above them and it is the signal that she had won.“As expected of Beta Harold’s daughter! She even beat Thomas!” Katy says loudly from behind them. She is third in line.Jane’s cocky smirk makes me sick.We have even paused our fight to look at them.Another werewolf in Jane’s line adds into the conversation. “If this continues, she will soon inherit her dad’s position! She is so capable and strong!”“Oh, I know!” Jane agrees happily as she presses her bloodied-knuckled hand to her chest. “I can’t wait to be a Beta just like my daddy! I want to see King Harvey as often as possible; I just love him!”Jane punctuates her words with a masterful glower in my direction.I grit my teeth to swallow a scream of pure rage. How dare she.I am doing this luna training for the benefit of every werewolf, including
A few months have passed since the planning of our orphanage. I have named it Hilda’s Home, after my mother. I have placed a portrait of her that Harvey painted for me for our first wedding anniversary at the front door, and this is my home as much as it is the children that reside here.Emily splits her time working with me, between being a mother to her two boys and working at the orphanage as a doctor. Beta Tom works as her assistant and bodyguard. Harvey and I do our best to split our duties evenly, but he is here as often as I am.As long as phone is available, he can do his kingly duties here as well.The King of the North died in disgrace four and a half years ago, succumbing to his illness and the wound sustained from Harvey and me. No one attended his funeral, not even his wife. The people he left next in line have no issue with us, or us with them, so it has been a peaceful life.“Luna Queenie?” I hear a small little girl ask as she looks up at me.She is about three, named
The King of the North has not made a sound for months after his attack and we are all grateful. King Harvey remains at my side, loyal as always, but more silent. “Elena.” King Harvey starts as I look over the blueprint for an a new building. Should it be a school, a hospital? A shelter from wars and storms? In these past months, Emily has married Beta Tom and swiftly got pregnant. I am still waiting for my symptoms of pregnancy. There are none. I think I know what he wants to tell me. “Harvey… I am not with child.” “No, Elena. Not yet.” King Harvey bows his head and turns away to face the window. When I see tears roll down his face, I leap at him, holding him tightly to my chest. His hand dig into my back desperately. “Why a false positive?” I ask, trying not to weep openly. Tears roll down my face too. “Your luna abilities are so strong, Elena. It seemed and smelled like you were, and I believed it, until now. Doris pointed out that you would be showing by now, for sure…” K
It has been a couple of weeks since King Harvey told me I was pregnant. I feel better, but my luna powers are starting to light my hands when I am asleep. No one knows what it means. Emily is all over me, asking if I am having nightmares or pain. There is nothing bothering me physically. Emotionally, I am very stressed by the thought of being a mother. I am just worried.Nervous, very, very nervous.“King Harvey.” I call for my husband in the dark, wondering where he is. His side of the bed is empty.The front door cracks open slowly, and an orange light bathes my husband from behind. King Harvey shuts the light behind him and walks back to bed silently. He presses a napkin in my hand, and this is when I feel two pieces of toast with butter in my hand.I can’t help but laugh out loud at the innocence of his act.“You were saying you were hungry in your sleep, Elena.” King Harvey says between crunches of his own toast. “Would you rather have a sandwich?”“Thank you, King Harvey. You ar
Two weeks pass by as I train harder. I can create a shield with no effort, but I can’t hold it for very long. That will come with time. I have had to pause my training because I have been feeling weak these past few days. I know I am running a fever. King Harvey checked my temperature and Emily checked me. I wonder where I got it from. Opening my eyes aches the rest of my body, I have been in and out of sleep for the past hour. “Elena.” King Harvey whispers to me at my right side of the bed. I see him kneeling at my side and I try to sit up. When I groan, he pops up and slips to his side of the bed and helps me sit up, wrapping a warm arm around my shoulders. “Are you well, Elena?” King Harvey asks as he readjusts so I can rest my head on a pillow he props behind my head and against the headboard. “I feel very weak.” I say to the best of my ability. It hurts to speak. King Harvey says nothing as he lights his hand with a soft red flame, he places the healing flame on my forehea
King Harvey cradles me lovingly to his chest in our bed, and winces when his knuckles brush my face. “Ow,” he grimaces. “That stupid ice shield! I had no idea he would do that!” “How did you break it anyway?” I ask, lifting my hand to press it above his and heal his wounds lightly. I can handle scrapes and that is about it. King Harvey smiles down at me. “I am so thankful you are my mate… and naked.” “King Harvey.” I address my husband firmly. “How did you break the barrier?” “Force.” “Ah, so I can’t do that.” King Harvey understands my question and his brown eyes widen. “Oh, you believe it was werewolf abilities?” “Yes.” “No, it was my strength. But with your luna abilities I am sure you can highlight your hands and fight. Not that I want you in any form of close combat, Elena.” King Harvey takes my hands and kisses them sweetly, then presses a kiss to my cheek. “I am so glad you were not harmed.” “You wanted to kill him…” “What husband in love wouldn’t?” King Harvey voil
King Harvey quietly takes a seat beside me in his office as I stare at the treaty I am writing up. I have been sitting with it all day, oscillating between feeling as if my words will fall on deaf ears, and pure joy that humans will finally have a voice. Will both sides listen to me? King Harvey interlocks his fingers with mine. “Elena, you are doing wonderful. Please, do not stress.” “What if they do not listen?” King Harvey tilts his head to the side. “Plenty will not, but once it is law, they have no choice but to follow. Many will, and those that don’t will be punished. It is nothing new, Elena.” “Yes, I know laws are important, but if there is a massive push…” My husband brushes the hair out of my face with a gentle and steady hand. “They will not defy me.” “King Harvey!” Beta Tom exclaims as he runs through the double doors. “The King of the North is here to see you!” Automatically, Beta Tom turns to the left and bows as the King of the North and his wife walk into our o
Awakening from a long passionate night with my husband to Emily laughing loudly outside my front door makes me smile. Slowly, I sit up and feel King Harvey’s warm hand on my lower stomach. “Sleep, my mate.” King Harvey’s voice is still worn with sleep. His lower register makes me shiver, but when Emily continues, I want to throw open the door. “Stay in bed, King Harvey. I need to see why she is happy.” King Harvey chuckles. “You believe she will not tell you?” “Yes, she will… you are correct, it is best we rest.” My eyes drift shut again when King Harvey holds me close. By midafternoon, King Harvey and I are awake and are strolling around the exterior of the castle. King Harvey tells me about the trees and how he used to climb them as a child, with a sweet smile on his face. I wonder what our future will hold for us. “Harvey.” King Harvey’s mother calls from behind us. Instantly, King Harvey sheathes his sword again and we turn to his mother. “Hello.” We both greet his mother
Three days pass of more planning for Emily’s wedding as King Harvey trains the betas. King Harvey has final test for the betas, and then after, he would like me to ask the betas what they think of me.I have spent the whole morning fretting, my hands lightly shaking as I hope I can go through five betas with full power and get real answers for King Harvey. My ability to be a lie detector also helps the kingdom. I need to master this.I need to, for my sake too, to stay safe.All morning I have heard King Harvey battling the betas in hand-to-hand combat, to test their strength and endurance. The sounds make my heart rattle, they are ferocious warriors. I wish I could go hand to hand with a werewolf. It seems less terrifying than my luna powers failing me here and me looking like a fool, holding hands with a werewolf beta that is certainly not my dear husband.“Elena.” King Harvey appears at my doorway and smiles, shirtless and sweaty.“Are you hungry?” I question, rushing to him and ta
“You are free to marry Emily, Beta Tom, after you get your work squared away. I can do without you for about two weeks.” King Harvey says as he flips through a thick book of wedding cake recipes. “Thank you, King Harvey.” Beta Tom bows slightly as he flips through the same wedding book I did. Emily is sitting beside me on a red velvet sofa as we look for wedding dresses for her. Emily is a simple woman and wishes to marry as I did. In the church first, then a mating ceremony. The only difference is that only King Harvey and I will be at her mating ceremony to make sure it happens. It doesn’t have to be every royal werewolf and I am glad for that. “Remember Mom’s wedding dress? Those lace sleeves and helm? I want that.” Emily says as she keeps flipping through the book. “That will be very beautiful. And lingerie?” I purposely ask and look at Beta Tom, who turns as red as the couch we are sitting on. Good, that means he has some morals about him. King Harvey flashes me a fang-fill