The Delta's Daughter Chapter 17

KING ALEXANDER

Lamia was still unconscious and the stress of her injury and weakness was affecting everyone. I loved that girl deeply, as much as my own child and would give anything for her, as would my son. A sense of pride had washed through me when I was told how she took out a bear shifter single-handedly and in human form! We were astounded. Albeit, it was a traumatic experience, not just for her but for those who witnessed, and it was not without consequences.

I was surprised Marcus hadn’t choked my son out yet. I couldn’t blame him if he wanted to beat shit of him. Marcus had just found out my son and his daughter had been sleeping with each other. Not only are they both still 17, but that was his little girl. I was mad at my own son. I would certainly be having words with him. For fuck's sake, he crossed a line and, hopefully, it all works out on their birthdays, then all would be forgiven.

We also found out last night that Lamia had ‘accidently’ been given an overdose, a combination of Wolfs bane and Nightshade! The school’s head instructor, Mr. Wilson, had explained what had happened and had assured us my son, Prince Kellen, had handled the situation not only with the nurse but also the school, and had said he wanted to be the one to tell me.

He only realized no one had been told when he met with Beta Michael, when he was there to escort the kids back. Marcus had to hear how his daughter almost died from Michael, not firsthand, like he should have. He should have been there. So that was strike two against the boys, because as far as Marcus was concerned, Mike jr. was there and was in just as much trouble as my son.

I can honestly say without a doubt it had been a very stressful night and here we all sat again this morning, waiting on Hunji and his hunch. And right now, this hunch was taking priority as it didn’t include just our personal lives but also the lives of my pack as well as other packs, and my subjects. There were attacks happening all throughout the werewolf kingdom.

Kellen and Mike jr. were on the far couch, Michael and Marcus had taken up a chair each and I was pacing the room. We pulled up a map of the kingdom that also showed us every pack under the kingdom's rule and their territory on the big screen that hung on the wall behind my desk.

Hunji knocked on the door and entered after I yelled for him to come in. He looked refreshed and serious, ready to get to business.

Hunji was holding a file and bowed towards me “My lord. This is what I compiled last night when I retired to my room.” I took the folder he held out for me and gestured for him to take a seat on the couch opposite Kellen and Mike Jr. I sat down next to him, Michael and Marcus pulled their chairs over so they could view the folder with me.

Hunji had compiled a detailed report on the Alpha rogue and an apparent Alpha rogue bear. As the five of us hovered over the table, Hunji stepped up to the big screen, and asked which packs were being hit heavily by rogues. He marked them with an X. There were five that had taken the brunt and were left hurting.

If they had another attack, we were sure the packs wouldn’t survive. They were small and quiet, their warrior numbers were few. Most were traders. Hunji proceeded to ask where the attacks came from on each territory. As we told him what direction they had been attacked from, he drew a line over the territory border line that had been infiltrated at each pack.

I was impressed! He saw what we had failed to see, just not piecing it together. The attacks had been organized, and were precise. I was still unsure what this had to do with a Rogue bear shifter. Sure, the line he drew around where there were known rogue packs beyond our kingdom lines, but that was free land, unclaimed. We had no control over that.

Beyond that, it was not land I knew about, or had any business with. I had heard of wolf packs way up north towards the mountains and further, but they were not bound by the Kingdom laws. But I had always heard they were peaceful, more spiritual, they lived by their own rules under the Bear Kings' protection. They had their own set of rules and we did not interfere. They were a tribe that would rather keep to themselves.

“Hunji, what does the bear shifter Lamia killed and the Alpha rogue bear have to do with these rogue attacks on these outlining packs?” Mike jr. brought up a good question, as much as a jokester and ladies man like his father was, he didn’t miss a beat and was attentive to any task put in his hands. He was going to make an excellent Beta, just like his father.

“Pike,” Hunji addressed the young Beta, “If in fact the young Prince,” he gestured to Kellen, “was targeted and these rogues are getting their orders from the same wolf as these rogues attacking the packs. It was organized, and I simply don’t think the bear shifter being there was a coincident. They meant to kill.” He paused, turning to the screen again, using a pencil to point.

“Packs were attacked here, here and here. Outside no man’s land is the border to the bear-shifter kings' lands, which stretch right across here. “He drew an imaginary line, outlining the border that was only a few hundred miles from our borders. “Now where do you think all the exiled and lone bears go? No man’s land.”

“So they are bound to meet up with rogue wolfs now and then?” Kellen asked, leaning forward. “But what do they gain by teaming up?” he asked, his brows furrowing.

“Young prince, that I cannot answer. What would alarm me is that they may be teaming up, and then the why. Bear shifters, even rogues, are more commonly loners.”

We discussed possibilities late into the afternoon, and began planning and structuring, sending these packs reinforcements and moving pack members if needed.

We would all have our work cut out for us this week, contacting various Alphas, going over pack treaty’s, and what not. It was my job to take care of the packs in our kingdom and offer help when and where needed. We ended the day’s meetings with more pep in our step and set goals. We, the three parents, had decided, with Marcus’s approval, that we would leave the Lamia debacles until she woke up.

*****

Lamia POV

I had been out for the better part of a week, five days. They said I was unconscious and then kept me under for another two days, for more rest. I was done resting. I had awoken rested and refreshed, feeling even stronger than before, taking on a bear shifter.

My hands still shook when I recalled the fight, the red glare in the bear’s eyes, evil and murderous. Taking down a normal bear would be a huge feat for any werewolf. A bear shifter, was stronger, faster, more agile and more calculated, rogue or not. When I recalled his claws tearing through my skin, I felt the sting rooted deep in my bone.

My wolf had given me every bit of strength she had to fight him in human form, and I had channeled every ounce of that power to put him down. The sound of his flesh ripping and the crunching of his neck as I pulled his head slowly from his body echoed and un-nerved me. I was sure it would haunt me.

If I could have decapitated him faster, I would have, but he was big and strong, his neck thick and powerful, like his jaws. Although the memory would stay with me forever, and images plague my mind every time I closed my eyes, I was gratified, and confounded that I was able to overpower the beast and save Mike. I had no doubt that had I not chased after him, he would have killed Mike.

I shouldn’t have been able to take him out on my own, it was almost impossible. I thought back to the book we had found about ancient wolf spirits. The heart of a lion, the strength of a bear, the body and wisdom of a wolf.

When I had finally woken up, my eyes first fell on my mother, who was by my bedside holding my hand. She looked tired, dark circles under puffy eyes, which told me she had been crying. They were dull instead of her usual bright blue and her long blond hair tied back into a messy braid. She had stayed by my side every day, only leaving to shower and use the bathroom.

I appreciated her comfort, but my gaze searched out for Kellen. Wanting to see his familiar face and feel his comforting touch. I was disappointed when my eyes searched for him and I didn’t find him in the room. My disappointment must have mirrored the feelings that washed through me.

It came all at once, first came the panic, my eyes widening as I had no idea what happened to everyone else, to Kellen, to Mike. Then came the fear of what happened to Mike and, more importantly, where is Kellen? Why wasn’t he there when I woke up? Oh my god is he OK? My face twisted to a look of dread, my emerald greens showing terror as I felt the burn of tears at the back of my eyes.

“Lamia, my sweet girl”

I stopped hastily searching the room, darting my eyes left and right. My mother had pulled my attention and softly spoke as I slowly averted my gaze at my mother “Huh?” This was me going into shock, fearing the worst.

“Lamia, sweet heart,” she gave me a half smile and an understanding look. “He will be back soon, he went to wash up and meet with the King and dad.” I realized she was talking about Kellen and could only nod my head at her words “He has been here every chance he can get; he’s been sleeping here every night.” She nodded to the back side of the room.

I followed her gaze, turning my head and seeing a pull-out couch with blankets and extra pillows. I turned back to face her, meeting my mother’s soothing eyes with mine, her smile still soft as she gently nodded. I let out a deep sob; the relief washing off me in waves, my heart ached and began pounding, at the thought of anything happening to him.

The tears kept falling after I shed the first, the damn had broken and my mom gave me the comfort I needed, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and pulling me into her, letting me sob until I let the last hiccup out, finally, after a good 20min, finding some resolve to pull myself back together and pull away from my mom’s embrace.

I wiped the tears from my cheeks and now swollen, from crying eyes, taking a deep breath, and letting it out slowly. As I did, my body started to relax, my shaking hands calmed down and my heart slowed. As my mind stilled and became more rational and aware, I took in the room better as well as myself. It was only then I realized I had stuff sticking on me and in me, monitoring all kinds of shit, giving or taking fluids.

And as if on cue, a doctor and three nurses entered. The nurses flitted around and started checking machines and vitals. While the doctor, who was Dr. Arthur Rosen, who had helped deliver both Kellen and I, greeted us, adorning his familiar broad smile showing his perfect white teeth. Dr. Rosen was a little older than my father but still looked very good for his age. He was handsome, despite the lines around his coffee-colored eyes and the flecks of silver in his curly brown hair, which I just thought made him more distinguished, he could still pass for 30 something. He also had a way with ladies, so I have heard. He is happily mated now, but I heard in his youthful days he broke many hearts. I didn’t doubt it.

His deep yet soothing voice filled the room. “Mrs. Langley” he greeted my mother before turning to me with a tilt of his head and a sympathetic look, “Lamia, happy you have finally woken up.”

“Doc” I nodded.

“So” he clapped his hands together “How are you feeling?”

“Honestly doc...” I said, holding my arms out, palms up “I feel great, refreshed and stronger” I wasn’t lying, I truly felt that fucking good, especially now I knew Kellen was OK. I was ready to get out of here. “I wouldn’t mind being able to wash up and brush my teeth”

He chuckled, “I bet, well, the good news is the only thing we could find wrong with you apart from having to stitch your thigh up because you had a slight infection from the silver-tipped claw that was causing you to heal slowly; was you were suffering from extreme exhaustion. So you may be a little wobbly on your feet. I will have the nurses un-hook you from everything, but I would like you to stay until at least tomorrow, so we can monitor you.”

Even though he said ‘we would like’, it wasn’t an option because of the stern look on his face.

My mom thanked the doctor before he left and the nurses began unhooking me from various things. After the nurses finally stopped prodding and poking and left, my mom helped me up and into the private bathroom I had in the room. I wasn’t as wobbly as we thought I would be, more stiff than anything.

I managed to shower without assistance. I wasn’t able to assess my scars on my leg yet as it was still wrapped. The ones on my arm were light and hardly noticeable; I was assuming it was a light scratch compared to the one on my thigh. I was lucky I didn’t lose my leg. A shiver ran down my spine at the thought of when that huge paw clasped my leg, the claws digging deep, tearing the flesh away. I quickly dressed into the night shirt and underwear my mother had ready for me and towel dried my hair.

Mom and I sat chatting for sometime before the door to my room opened and my father stepped in. I noticed his black locks first, but smelt him way before he entered.

His grin stretched across his face, his green eyes happy never leaving me as he made his way over, leant down and kissed the top of my head.

“Baby girl, don’t ever scare us like that again. Goddess I love you.” His voice cracked. It was a low and strained tone.

I reached up, hugging him tight, “I promise dad, I love you too.”

“Are you up for some company?” he asked, leaning back to look at me. His eyes looked a little watery, like he was going to cry. I had never seen this side of my father, a man who I know as strong, stern, and protective, he was my rock, my hero; it finally dawned on me how serious my injury had been and how concerned my parents must have been. “Because there are two young men out there who would very much like to come in and see you” He finished.

I just replied “yes” hoping it would be my two best friends.

I watched anxiously as the door opened and my smile reached my eyes when Kellen and Mike came through the door. I cast my glance at Mike sweeping down his body, happy to see he didn’t seem injured or any repercussions from the bear attack. Kellen was first to reach me, kissing my temple and then moving back so Mike could do the same.

“We will leave you kids alone, so the boys can catch you up on everything.” My father said while pulling my mother up from my bedside by her hand and leading her out of the door, but not before turning to address me “We will be here in the morning to help you get discharged and take you home.”

As soon as the door shut behind my parents, Mike took my mother’s former seat and Kellen sat on the bed taking my hand in his. They were both smiling at me,

Even though he was smiling, a pained look still graced Mike’s face, his gaze cast down to our linked hands. I could feel his distress and see it in his brooding hazel eyes. I smiled weakly and squeezed his hand a little tighter.

“Mike,” I gently addressed him so he would meet my gaze.“It’s OK, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” I hoped to offer him some comfort and ensure him that I was truly OK.

“Lamia, seeing you in that condition, it broke us all, we were so worried and we didn’t know when or if you would wake up.” Kellen sighed and leaned into me, I could easily read him and felt all the emotions he had harbored this past week. I still couldn’t believe I had been out for a week.

“So tell me my boys, what have I missed?” I needed to change the subject, away from my near death experience. And gave a slight shudder as the red eyes pierced my thoughts again. Looking into Kellen’s beautiful ocean blues helped calm my unbalanced emotions. It was still too fresh.

Kellen and Mike filled me in on what had been happening with the rogue attacks, as well as Hunji’s hunch (as they were calling the unproved theory) and how they were investigating that. A lot they were saying made sense, but I still didn’t see how or why bear shifters would associate with rogue wolves. I had heard of them, but had never met one until we were attacked on our way home from the academy. I had no desire to ever meet another again.

School was starting next week and we three were to head back for our last semester and obtain advanced degrees. It wasn’t necessary and would only be for a few weeks before we break for summer, but still I was excited about going back to our old school and hopefully rekindling a few friendships. I would love the tech class.

Then, mine and Kel’s birthdays were only a few weeks after that, and our parents would be holding a big party for our ‘coming of age’ birthday. It was going to be a triple celebration this year, as Mike was at the academy for his birthday and he didn’t want to celebrate with family if I couldn’t be there. After a few hours of joking around and getting me up to speed, Mike finally excused himself. Not that I don’t love Mike’s company, I wanted some alone time with Kel.

No sooner had Mike closed the door behind him, Kel turned to me, grabbing my cheeks and kissed me, hard and passionately, his tongue pushing his way into my mouth caressing my own, his lush lips moving greedily over mine. I instantly felt the heat rise over my skin and an ache in between my legs. I moaned to him softly as I leaned in closer to his body, lacing my fingers through his ash-brown locks, pulling his mouth harder against mine.

We finally parted our lips, both of us breathing heavily and leant our foreheads together.

“Goddess I missed you baby.” His voice was husky and breathless “I don’t think I could ever stand seeing you hurt like that again Lamia” He engulfed me in strong muscular arms, nuzzling into my neck, something wet hit my collar bone and realized it was his tears. “there was so much blood, all over… you” His voice cracked and he sounded broken, I embraced him harder not daring to look at him or I knew I would break all over again.

I softly whispered “I’m OK Kel, I’m OK...”

He pulled back, I saw his wet red eyes as they took me in. “But you almost weren’t Lamia! Promise me now, you will never leave me” His grip was tighter, his blue orbs wandering across my face in a frenzy, looking into each eye as he asked me “Promise you will never leave me!”

With resolve in my voice, I answered him “I will never leave you, Kel. I promise!” His sigh was confirmation that he had accepted my answer and scooped me up, making room for himself on the bed, then pulling me against his chest. We laid there for a time until we both drifted off.

I would never leave him. He was mine. He was my comfort and my home.