The Lotus Trials

Chapter I

Gemma's POV:
"Don't chicken out now. Go and ask, already. You know it's our only shot at finding him. Our mate," my wolf swooned.

I sighed, pushing away from the desk in my bedroom. As far as I could tell, my brother had been in an exceptionally good mood today. There would be no better day to ask. I casually strolled down the hall towards my brother's office, greeting the occasional wandering pack member along the way.

When I reached my brother's office I heard feminine giggling through the door. A pang of jealousy struck and I forced my expression to a neutral one as I raised my fist to knock on the door. "Come in," Zander called, his voice light with amusement. Ever the happy couple. "Hey, baby sis."

"Hey. Can I talk to you?"

"Always," he said. "What's up?"

I bit my lip. "It's mid-July. In a few days–"

"No." His voice struck like a whip, his paranoia kicking in before even half of my request had been spoken. "You know better than to request something like that." Sienna rested a hand on his chest, trying to calm him as his anger rose. "You know better," he repeated more softly, only thanks to his mate. "You know the rules."

"Screw your rules, Zander."

I saw it through his eyes. That anger couldn't be tamed by a little touch. Not for long. "My rules are in place to protect you, Gemma. Defying me like this again and again won't change the answer."

"No one is going to kill me at a social event such as this."

"I said no, Gem."

"Zander, you're a hypocrite and a bastard. I'm going to the mating ball whether you like it or not."

"A hypocrite? Really?"

"I'm twenty. What do you think I want to get out of something like this? You're a hypocrite because three years ago you went off to the ball and found Sienna there. You're trying to start a family. You got your happily ever after, Zander. Let me have a chance at mine."

"I've made my name. I'm stronger than you," he growled.

"Yeah, well Dad was ten times as strong as you'll ever be and he's dead. So what pathetic excuse do you have to hide behind now?"

I gasped as I felt my back hit the wall, but I kept my eyes raised. He was livid—perhaps even something more than that. In this moment it wasn't my brother I was fighting with. "Blood or not, you will respect my orders. Is that clear?"

"Fuck you." A growl ripped out of him and I knew I had pushed too hard. After going this far I didn't stop. "You let me go this time or I won't be here when you get back."

He snorted and pushed off the wall, clearly misinterpreting my intentions. The horror in Sienna's eyes told me she knew better. "Fine," he spat. "Stay holed up in your room for a while. The next time we speak this subject will be forgotten. You will never bring it up again. Are we clear?"

"Crystal."

I stormed towards my room, beginning to pack my things. More than I'd need for the ball. Enough to get me to another pack. Or not. No. I have to think positive. Someone will sense my blood and bring me to their alpha for judgement. I'll start a life there and things will be normal. Sometime after—or sooner if I can get to Austin in time. If I can get to Lotus. I had no illusion I'd speak to the king himself about staying there, but the mating ball was all I needed in that territory.

After ten minutes of packing I heard a knock on the door. I froze. Maybe if I'm super quiet they'll go away. "Gem, I know you're in there. Please let me talk to you for a minute."

I opened the door, only to keep Sienna from saying words like "running" and "rogue" so someone could take them back to my brother. "What?" I snapped. Maybe if I had an attitude she would go away. She merely breezed in, perching on the bed with rather elegant form. "What do you want? To tell me off again?"

She held out a piece of paper, a simple time log written on it. "Patrol shifts? You're helping me?"

"I don't want you going rogue, Gemma."

"I can find another pack."

"And if that pack just wants something to hold over Zander? You can't let someone make you a weapon, Gemma. The only pack transfer has to be with your mate, so I'm gonna give you a little extra time to clear the air."

She passed me a white envelope with the Lotus pack symbol standing bold in blue wax. I remembered this envelope like it was yesterday.
~~~~~
Six Years Ago
"Go on, man. You can do this! You've been training for it for years."

My brother frowned at his beta. "Kyle, we just lost Mom and Dad. I can't leave Gemma so soon."

"Dude, I don't mean this in a bad way, but it's been two years. She's thirteen, not four. And I'll watch her. Come on, man. I'm like that kid's second big brother, right? She and I will have loads of fun while you're gone. You aren't leaving her alone here. You've got one shot. Don't blow it when you've got people here to cover everything for you. Besides, it's just a few weeks and you can call her every night."

I peeked around the corner and into his office. "I'll be fine, Zander. You can go."

"You sure, squirt?"

"I'm sure." He was always so scared of me getting hurt now, but I can't show him I feel the same way about him. He's Alpha now. He's supposed to be strong. He's stronger than me. "You should go."

"Alright kid, but if there's trouble you call, you hear me?"
~~~~~
I opened the envelope, removing the paper within.

Miss Hart,

The opportunity provided to all wolves who once applied is now being presented to you. You have been selected for this year's Lotus Trials with the hope of proving yourself to show an extraordinary skillset through wisdom, strength, and strategy. The gathering for the trials will begin on Wednesday, July 21st, 2021.

Good luck to you.

Ezekiel Winters.

"Hand-written by the king. I suppose it's an important event," Sienna commented. "Come on. Before the trials comes the ball and you, my dear, still need a dress."