Ember

17. Kindled Hope

Remi

  The Astair bloodline. A truly gifted and ancient bloodline runs through my veins. The lost family lives on inside my being and was passed down to my pups.

   I was breathing steadily, my pulse was calm as if I didn't just learn a huge missing piece of myself. Did my father know? Was he only being protective of what we are or was it so much more? An ancient secret that he didn't know how to share?

  
    Ella and her tag along have left me with my thoughts, absorbing the tale of the prince that was raised by another clan and mated to the alpha's daughter. The story of betrayal, loss and great tragedy, but also new beginnings, strength and resilience. A bloodline that was obviously blessed by the goddess herself to bring these gifts back to the supernatural world in later generations.

    Jake returned a few hours ago. After smothering my pups in a bone crushing hug and asking as many questions as my racing mind would allow, my beta tucked them safely into bed with very little protest. The pups seemed in good spirits upon returning and that eases my chaotic mind.

      Sitting on the floor a few feet away from a very tense Jake, watching him as he absorbs the information I loaded onto him. The legend, the facts that pointed to what I am and what is set in my DNA. He seems to be deep in thought.

     "Beta. Say something" I say calmly. I can practically see his thought unravel like a rope dropped off a cliff.

    "I apologize, it's a lot of information to process and I seem to be having an internal battle inside myself" Jake's eyes are flickering between human and beast.

     "Who was in here today?" The question was so out of place and to be honest the last thing I thought I would hear.

     "Ella and her friend. I can't remember her name" stuffing down his demanding tone. This is unlike him and I'll let it slide for now. With a blank stare he switches gears in his mind.

   
     "We must get ready to meet the King. Some clothes were brought over by the beta while the pups were being tucked in" I don't push the last subject, there is a time to be an alpha and there's a time to be friends. Some things are just not my place. He reassured we are in no danger here.

     Getting up from the floor I go pick out something suitable for this meeting and make my way to the bathroom. Stripping off the clothes I have been in for days and making the water as hot as possible. Nightmares have sunk into my subconscious as I rest on a nightly basis. Leaving me afraid to open my eyes and be back in that cell.

     No amount of scrubbing can wash the past away. Not even one of the most powerful creatures can wash that kind of dirty off.

      I exit the shower and look at the maroon dress. The straps are bold and the dress looks like it was covered in star dust from the sky. I wanted to try to be formal. I have been broken and feral since arriving. I am haunted. Regardless of how beautiful I look and how poised I try to be, I am tainted, but I must try.

      Getting dressed quickly and leaving my loose curls to do what they please. I am met with a very handsome and well dressed Jake.

    "Are you ready remi?" Jake seems calmer than before.

    "Yes. I must give a demand as your alpha before we go. Also a request as a friend"

      I take a breath, knowing in my soul what I am asking is wrong, I am his alpha and this needs to be set in stone before I go. He looks at me waiting for my order. His eyes tense.

    " If my fate is decided not in my favor, you leave me. Your duty will be to the children. Keep them safe, love them and raise them with our laws. If you cannot stay here you go somewhere else, anywhere they will be safe." I used every ounce of my alpha aura in those words.

     " Yes alpha" bowing his head in submission unable to deny what was just told to him.

      Goddess be with me. Give me strength.