Chapter 23
Queen’s Greeting
“ I t will be fine. You will see,” Bradan says as we walk to what they call the holy land.
I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I’ve met so many of the wolves before. They have always felt like the family I never had.
“I’m not a wolf and I’m barely coming into my magic. Will they all want to accept me here?”
“I have been around to watch this pack grow and thrive. I’ve seen more generations of alphas walk these lands than I can count. I’ve fought beside many who still live here.
“I’ve sat on the board of deans at their college. I’ve taught a few of their classes on magic. My mate is my queen.
“No one here would dare to disrespect that and expect to live another day to tell about it. You are as welcome here as I am. They will all love you,” he says.
“I learn something new about you every day. The Immortal Iron Brothers’ world is amazing. What you all do for the others and supers of your world. The bond you have with the people.
“I wish I could have grown up around all this all my life. I guess that’s why I like the wolves. I never feel alone around them,” I choke out.
Bradan stops and turns me toward him. He cups my face and rubs his thumb across my cheek. The gesture is so tender and sweet, totally opposite of what you would think this big, strong being capable of.
“You are never alone, my little one. I will always be here.” He places his other hand over my heart. “I am also in here.” He shifts his hand to brush my temple. “Call to me whenever you need, and I will be with you.”
“Okay,” I say and drop my gaze to his chest.
“Taylor, baby girl, look at me,” he says as he pinches my chin between his fingertips and lifts my head.
I look into his eyes and feel the tears that are burning the backs of mine. I still have so many questions about why my father kept one sister, gave the other to his brother but found me and Billy lacking and sent us off.
Now after meeting all three of my sisters, I can’t help wondering if I wasn’t chosen because I was the runt of the group. Did my father think I wouldn’t be strong enough? Was he afraid I would disappoint him?
I wouldn’t wish my old life on any of my sisters, but I can’t help wondering why he gave up on me. I have always felt like less. Now, knowing what I know, I’m finding my abandonment issues run deeper than I could have ever thought.
“I—”
“You think we all will abandon you after you allow yourself to care for us? You’re nervous because I’m drawing you into a world of love and you think I’m going to take it all back from you,” he cuts me off.
I purse my trembling lips and nod. The tears I’ve been holding in begin to spill over. Cupping the back of my neck he pulls me to him to crush his lips to mine.
I have no choice but to lift up on my toes as he delivers the toe-curling kiss. We break apart as whistles fill the air. Bradan laughs at me as I jump away like a horny teenager caught kissing in the basement.
He presses his forehead to mine. “Ignore them. They are like annoying little brothers. You and I will know the pain of loss as they grow old and perish. That’s something I can’t shield you from.
“It’s the nature of life. However, that’s the only way you will lose them. As for me, you and I have centuries to love each other while we watch the world grow and evolve around us.”
“What?”
“Which part didn’t you understand, baby girl? That I love you or that we’ll spend centuries together?”
“I love you too,” I say happily. “But how can we spend centuries together?”
He laughs and the warmth and scent of his breath fans my face. I suddenly want a cup of hot chocolate. I shake my head clear as everything begins to sink in.
He just told me he loves me. I’ve said the words to him. Centuries?
“I will live a very long time. As my mate, your life will be extended as well.”
“Really? What about a family? Can we have one of those, or is that only a Kendrick-and-Ray thing that happened through magic?”
He growls and tugs me closer. “You tell me when you are ready, and I will give you my seed. We will have as many babies as you want. Just say the word, you feel me?”
I suck in a deep breath. “I feel you. We should get moving. Everyone is waiting.”
He releases me and looks over his shoulder. People are still making their way to the location we’ve been heading for. Taking my hand in his, he gives it a little squeeze and tugs me gently alongside him. I look up at him and give him a smile. I love him so much.
He gets me. Even though he can read my emotions and thoughts, his understanding of who I am blows me away. Shutting him out today hasn’t been an option because it would be a dead giveaway.
However, knowing he understands me and the mess going on in my head means so much and makes me fall deeper in love with him. I know how much he wants me to like it here. I think this is more important to him than my reaction to the supers at the clubhouse.
I took to Kendrick, Ardan, and Reilly with no issue and that seemed to please him greatly. I don’t know; I just have this connection with Kendrick. He feels like someone I’ve known all my life.
He treats me like a little sister, and I always feel welcome around him. Aradan gives off this calming vibe that draws you in. The more I get to know Billy, the more I see how perfect the two are for each other.
They’ve become partners in crime, and I love that for her. Now that Reilly has found Lee, when I do get to be around him, he seems like he’s always at peace with himself. As if he’s always working to create peace from within.
“I’ll introduce you to Nik and the former alpha and then I have a surprise for you,” Bradan says, breaking into my thoughts.
I focus on my surroundings and gasp. There is something majestic about this place. It’s as if the ground itself is pulsing with energy. This was not what I was expecting.
Before us is a temple-like structure painted an iridescent blue and gold. The huge doors of the temple sit open in the most inviting way. It sits up high, looking down on the clearing we’ve just stepped into.
My mouth falls open as I take the temple in. It’s like gold strings are holding it suspended over the earth. I’m not even sure how one would get inside.
The sight is breathtaking, but that’s not all. The large clearing we’re in is just as alluring and magical. We’ve stepped out of what looks to be one of four passages that feed into the area. There are Three sculpted wolves—one at each of the three openings. Each wolf facing the woods the openings lead into as if on guard to protect them.
I believe the sculpture at the fourth entrance we just came from is of the moon goddess, but she’s holding a shield with what looks like Bradan’s crest on it.
I shake my head as if to clear it. There are so many people coming from each opening, gathering around a huge wicker wolf in the center of the area. It’s magnificent, with its head thrown back, facing up toward the sky.
Wolves don’t have magic like mine or Bradan’s, so I can only imagine the hours of labor it took to craft such an exquisite design of branches and twigs. It’s so detailed and intricate.
I move closer to Bradan’s side and wrap myself around his arm. It’s not lost on me that this is how I used to hold on to Mrs. Perkins when she would take me to a new home. Some habits die hard.
“Remember what I said about Nik. Try not to show your surprise,” he says through our link.
“Surprise about what?”
Before he can answer, the alphas come into view. I swallow down my gasp immediately. Ace, Dom, and Nik seem to be identical. At least, I think they would be if not for Nik’s marred features. It looks as if someone clawed at the left side of his face.
He reaches to release the topknot his hair is in, and it falls over the scars. I feel so bad for staring. I’m sure that’s the reason he has released his bun.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” the older-looking man says, drawing my attention away from Nik.
“Hi, you must be Alpha Dyson. It’s nice to meet you too,” I say and place my hand in his.
I glance at Nik out of the corner of my eye and he’s glaring back at me through the curtain of his hair. I look away quickly and move closer to Bradan. He wraps an arm around me and holds me close.
“Welcome to Sapphire Moon. I hope you find everything to your liking. Our home is your home.”
“Thank you.”
“You have met my sons, Ace and Dom. Nik is my third son. I don’t believe you have met,” Alpha Dyson says.
“No, we haven’t.” I turn to Nik and he’s still assessing me.
I stick my hand out for him to shake. He moves forward broodingly. His brothers both step forward a little.
“I thought they said you were a little human. You are not.” He tilts his head to the side as he shakes my hand. The gesture reminds me of a little puppy. His eyes are glowing, but I don’t sense any danger. “Your scent is familiar. Something from my childhood.”
“That’s where I know it from,” Ace speaks up as his eyes too, begin to glow.
“Now that you mention it, it does remind me of something or someone,” Dom adds, his gray eyes taking on the same blue glow as his brothers.
“There is much to be done. Let’s get the festivities started,” Alpha Dyson says quickly.
I look up at Bradan and he’s looking at Alpha Dyson with narrowed eyes. After a few beats, he nods and turns to me.
If I didn’t know better, I would think he was nodding to himself. However, his thoughts are suddenly blocked. I know the look that comes to his face when he’s mind-linking with someone.
Curious as to what the former alpha could be hiding from his sons and me, I begin to watch him more closely. I keep an eye on him as a few other high-ranking pack members come to introduce themselves.
I’m surprised when Bradan leads me to the stage they have set up. It seems like everyone is facing the stage, waiting. Alpha Dyson and his luna are already seated. The triplet alphas have surrounded Bradan and me as we climb onto the stage.
“What’s going on?” I whisper to Bradan.
“You will see.”
I glance at him warily as he gestures for me to take a seat beside Alpha Dyson before taking the seat on the other side of me. The triplets move to the center of the stage.
Ace is the first to address the crowd. Everyone gives him their full attention. Even I am sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting to hear what he has to say.
“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming out for this celebration of our king and his new mate. The Iron Brothers are like family to us and Bradan has always watched over our packs as a whole.
“I remember when I was nothing more than a pup and he was one of the ones I looked up to. I cannot tell you how happy we are for him and Taylor,” Alpha Ace begins.
Alpha Dom then picks up where his brother left off. “It was an honor when Bradan asked that we provide his queen with her court. He could have asked any other species or fire folk to do this for him, but he chose us wolves.”
I look at Bradan in shock. Suddenly the air fills with howls of pride as all the pack members join their alphas in celebration. I tear up a bit.
“I haven’t gotten to know Queen Taylor as much as my brothers have, but my wolf can sense she is somehow connected to a blessing from the moon goddess for our packs.
“That being said, it is an honor for me to present Tala and Lola from the Sapphire New Moon pack as members of Queen Taylor’s court,” Alpha Nik says.
“The Sapphire Crescent Moon pack has appointed Nika and Violet to represent our pack as members of Queen Taylor’s court,” Alpha Ace says.
“It is with great pleasure that Sapphire Full Moon has chosen Sienna and Arcadia to serve and protect Queen Taylor,” Dom says.
“Bradan?”
“I am king, my little mate. You are my queen. You should have companions who are willing to guard you with their life. My brothers will do the same for your sisters.”
“Is that why Violet needs to hire new staff for her store?”
“It is. She was chosen by her alpha. You now take priority.”
“This is … Bradan … this is too much. What does this even mean?”
“As Dom said, they will be with you to serve and protect. They will all come to live in the clubhouse to be there when you need them.”
“Don’t they have lives and families here? I can’t just ask them to come and babysit me.”
“They are not coming to babysit you. Remember, we are beings of magic. They will be able to portal home any time they need. However, as I said, you are now their priority.”
“Wow. I was not expecting this.”
“Now for the packs’ blessing of our king and queen. There will be a gathering at the main pack house for a feast in their honor. Let the fire be lit,” Alpha Ace cheers, breaking into our exchange.
Bradan stands from his seat and the wolf in the center of the clearing is hit by four flames, one from each direction. The wicker wolf goes up in a blaze. Off to the left and right side of the clearing are fires going with a hog roasting on each side of the roaring fire created by the burning wolf.
Pack members begin to surround the engulfed structure as its flames lick up toward the sky. Everyone on stage begins to head down to join them. Chanting and dancing around the fire starts.
I stand in awe as I take it all in. My dreams come to mind. However, I don’t get to fall into that train of thought as I’m surrounded by smiling faces.
The she-wolves of my court begin to pull me into hugs. Those I don’t already know introduce themselves. They all give off such warm vibes.
Bradan now stands with the alphas, chatting as the packs continue to fall into place in celebration around the fire. Luna Celine comes to join us and pulls me into a hug.
“Welcome, my dear. Alpha Dyson and I have waited a long time for you,” she whispers in my ear. “All the signs are there. You are the one.”
Pulling back and holding me by my shoulders, she looks me in the eyes. I’m so confused, but I return the warm smile she gives me. She cups my face in her palm.
“You will understand soon enough. Bradan is such a kind soul under all that rough and ruggedness. I couldn’t have asked for a better mate for him. It is only fitting that you are the answer.”
She releases me and turns to wave over a woman I noticed standing off to the side watching me. She looks a lot like Nika. She nods at the luna and comes closer.
“This is Bree, Violet and Nika’s sister,” Luna Celine says.
Bree bows and murmurs a quiet greeting. “It is an honor to meet you.”
“Go on, give her the necklace,” the luna says.
Bree digs into her pocket and pulls out a necklace with a sapphire pendant hanging from the chain. She unclasps it and holds it up toward me.
“May I, My Queen?”
“Yes,” I reply and turn.
She places the necklace around my neck. It settles into place. I look down as a tiny glow comes from the pendant. It’s as if some of the color has left it. Just a tiny bit.
“The moon goddess herself gave that to me to give to you one day. I never thought the day would come. When I felt you enter the pack lands, I knew today would be the day.
“You are finally here. Everything will change now. When the sapphire becomes clear, the time will be here.
“The alphas are drawn to you because you are the key. You are linked to their destiny. What was once locked and hidden will be unlocked by you,” Bree says.
Bradan
I stand talking to the alphas, but my attention is on my mate. She’s overwhelmed but she’s trying to hide it from me and everyone else. I eye Bree and the necklace she’s placing around Taylor’s neck.
Something feels familiar about the trinket. It definitely reeks of the gods. My mind goes to Alpha Dyson’s early response to his son’s reaction to Taylor’s scent.
He knows something. When I asked him through mind link, he told me to be patient and he would explain. I’m ready for that explanation.
The triplets take off to join the pack members around the fire. I’m left with Alpha Dyson, giving me the opportunity to lean in and get answers. He looks at me and gives me a knowing look.
“Old friend, I’ve been keeping something from you. It was a part of the agreement. No one could know. My great-great-great-grandfather made a deal with the moon goddess, so when I was offered the same opportunity, I thought nothing of it,” he starts.
“The fire wolf,” I say.
“Yes, Api Kecil was his reward for his deal. She brought prosperity with her. Do you remember how healthy the pack had been when she was here? Our people wanted for nothing.
“I remember the stories of her from when I was a boy, but you were here. You know how much my people thrived. That was all I wanted for my pack and my Luna. Have you ever known why Shadow Moon has had a vendetta against our pack?
“Alpha Douglas is my cousin, after all. We were once cordial. Our alliance was strong. Our fathers loved and respected each other.”
“The tension has always struck me as odd. I had considered maybe it was because of your promotion to the seat on the council,” I reply.
He shakes his head. “No. It was because of Celine. Douglas thought she would become his luna.
“They had known each other from the time they were pups. However, when he turned eighteen, she was not his mate. He still intended to take her as his chosen.
“That is until I arrived, and the mate bond was clear between Celine and me. Douglas had a witch curse our union. This is the reason we were together so long without pups of our own.
“I couldn’t bear the pain I watched my mate suffer. I tried to find a witch to reverse what was done, but when I couldn’t, I begged the moon goddess to intervene. Api Kecil came to me in a dream.
“She revealed the moon goddess’s plan. I would have my sons, but the curse wouldn’t be broken until Api Kecil’s return. When the triplets were born, they had a guardian from the goddess.”
“Daphne,” I bite out.
The little wolf who wouldn’t stick around for my visits. I would catch her scent, but I never met her. She was registered with the club, so I never questioned it. I wrote it off as a coincidence.
“Yes, Taylor carries her scent. I noticed it right away. Daphne was not a true wolf. A shifter, yes, but not a wolf. I believe Taylor has something to do with Api Kecil’s return and a connection to the moon goddess’s servant, Daphne.”
“Just as I thought. The gods are at play,” I rumble. “But what is the game?”