Changes

Chapter 20

Z's POV

Things have spiraled out of my control and I refused to just sit here and accept it. Stupid humans were targeting my mate and those she cared for, the things from the Tears were becoming reckless, and we have yet to find a way to close it. Not to mention that thing that tortured my mate was loose in the city still. I sat in my office with a few of the others and Alanna, discussing what I think is the best move. It was one that will surely give my a headache but it was necessary.

"I plan on requesting the faction come home," I announced to them. Axel chocked on his coffee, Silver stayed silent, and the others began to protest. "The faction," Alanna asked with a tilt of her head. "They're a small group of Founders who are worse than us when it comes to trying to act normal," Axel explained to her. "They're unpredictable and live in solitude for a good reason. Z did the right thing banishing them. If he hadn't, they would've gotten us exposed centuries ago," Drako spat. "Why now all of a sudden," Silver asked, keeping that cold persona he wears like a second skin.

"We have that thing from the Tear after my mate, we have those foolish Elders after my mate, we have things causing more chaos than we can keep up with, and something tells me we will need all of us to get the Tear to close," I explained. "They will not agree with the presence of the women here, nor will they approve of the twins," Talos pointed out. I nodded, "I'm well aware of that. I am aware of the fights that will take place and I am prepared to face them. As it stands though, our numbers are thinned and we need all the help we can get."

"It won't be easy convincing them to come back," Silver said while crossing his arms. "How do you plan on doing it?" "Tempt them with the fun of slaughtering those things from the Tears. If that doesn't work, then I will use force," I answered simply. "Silver and Drako, you will accompany me while the rest of you wait for our return."

After that everyone left except Alanna. She came over and straddled my lap, "How bad should I expect it to be?" "It's going to be a war," I admitted. "For centuries there has been a rift between us and the Faction. They listen as well as a pack of rabid dogs." She gave me a soft smile, "Anytime you need me to help relieve you of your headache, just come to me." She gave me a kiss before getting up and leaving my office.

I sighed and stood, this will not be pleasant.

When we were ready we teleported to their settlement, far from any nearby towns or cities. Anytime we came here, it was like going back in time. They had log cabins for homes and many walked about in their beast forms. They all growled at our sudden appearance. Mackio, the leader of the faction shifted and stood before us. "What brings the great King to see us," He snarled. "I request you all return home. We are in need of your help to seal the Tears permanently as well as hunt down everything that comes from them," I announced to them. "So you are telling us, you are going to give us permission to kill," Mackio asked me. I nodded, "I am. The things coming from the Tears are coming in hoards by the dozen. You can kill them till your hearts content, just don't out us to the humans. You do, and it wont be me you will have to face."

"Are you telling us, you are no longer the highest ranking Founder," Mackio asked me. I nodded, "My mate, our Queen, is much higher in ranking." There were growls of protest. Mackio glared, "What do you mean, Queen?" Adolfo shifted back, "You made some weak human bitch your queen?" Silver growled at the insult while I held mine back. "My mate survived turning into a Founder, but even before then, she had tremendous power. It is in your best interest to not piss her off." "We won't tolerate you bad mouthing her either," Silver warned them.

Mackio raised an eyebrow, "The mighty Silver defending a woman? Did you finally get over the pain your beloved caused you? Or does this Queen hold all of your balls in the palm of her hand, threatening to crush them in a moment's notice?" I growled, "Just get your shit and let's go." They began to do as I said without protest.

Once they were packed and dressed, we teleported back to the house. Alanna was in my office looking at my plans for my store remodel. She had a smear of purple paint on her right cheek. Her hair was in a messy pun with a sketch pencil and a clean paint brush in it. I wanted to devour her right then and there. She gave me a smirk, "I see you came back in one piece." I chuckled, "They're waiting to meet you in the living room." She closed the folder and stood up, "I guess we should get this over with." She stood on her tip toes and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I opened the door for her. I eyed her backside as she walked out of the room. I'm screwed if she ever left me, but I don't mind watching her leave a room.

I followed her into the foyer where her brothers, mother, and Violet were being judged by the Faction. "They look madder than a hornet trapped in a mason jar," Alanna said, her beautiful  southern accent thick. Most times she suppresses it, but there were times it slips and I feel like smiling everytime it does.

"That's because a puny thing like you, is our Queen," Mackio growled. Axel, Talos, and Silver growled in response. "I'd watch myself if I were," Cherif warned him. "Those three our her sworn warriors." Their eyes went to them then to my mate. Alanna's stance shifted, "One bad word about their decision to swear themselves to me, and it will be your last." She then gestured with her head, "Your rooms are ready. Any time you walk about the house, you will have your manhood covered. Any fights that get started, will be done outside. Also, you can go off and fuck however many women you want, but not a single one comes back here." Her phone began to ring and she left the room to answer it.

It was most likely that damned vampire reporting more disappearances. After that they all dispersed. I followed my mate's scent and found her in the pool room. I wrapped my arms around her. She leaned into me, "Just keep me updated or I'll be the one to kill you." She hung up and sighed, "Apparently the disappearances are still occurring." I kissed the top or her head, "We will catch it." She smiled softly, "I know."