A/N: Congrats QueenieBree, the answer I was looking for was just mermaids but yours will do just fine, also I was very impressed that you responded so quickly, you really flattered me. Thank you for all your support ð
Acteon Island: The Vulcan clan
"It was said that god has three sons, but that's not true. Actually... god has four."
Ambrose spoke in a hushed voice trying to stress the importance of keeping such a secret.
Deep within the fortress inside Ambrose's private study all seven sat. Alice, Ethan, Ryder and Jake hang on to each word Ambrose spoke. They all wanted to know more for their own reasons.
Deacon sat quietly near Alice not paying attention to Ambrose's words but to the way the brunette was so intrigued by the stories he grew up with. Though it wasn't fiction but actually historical facts.
Then there was the saviour herself. It would seem everything Ambrose said led back to her. He wasn't trying to suck up, he just respected her that much and all she has done for humanity and the supernatural.
Emma sat the furthest feeling slightly embarrassed and uncomfortable. It wasn't her first time hearing such stories being told about her eventful past. However it wasn't what Ambrose had to say but instead who was listening and with such concentration at that. Deacon was the only one who wasn't paying attention but knowing Ambrose's blabber mouth he must have told Deacon such stories as a child so much that he may be able to tell them himself.
"There is actually four, the last son is... the mermaids."
The room filled with gasps as Ambrose continued.
"The angels watches over earth, the witches protect it and werewolves are soldiers. God's fourth son the mermaids are the keeper of the gates. The entrance to heaven and hell are here... on earth. There are two kingdoms the north kingdom, gates of heaven and the south kingdom, gates of hell."
Ambrose paused to look at the others as they looked at him amazed. All expect for Deacon who has heard the story a hundred times and Emma who has experienced it first-hand having been to both kingdoms already. Slowly she got up and sneaked out. She knows what was coming how it was going to end and she didn't want to be there when it was over and they turned to her with stary eyes. Being alone for so long made her feel uncomfortable with too much attention. As she softly closes the door Ambrose continues.
"Now you know that water neutralizes supernatural presence but you don't know why, do you?"
His question was met with confusion. It was common knowledge water neutralizes supernatural presence but no one knows why or even how.
"It's god's doing. In order for the mermaids to conceal the gates they would need more than just magic. "
Ambrose looked on as understanding dawned on them before continuing.
"About ten years after Emma was rescued, witch council leader Alaric the root of all evil had finally found the south kingdom's secret location and with it the gates of hell.
He tried repeating history by sending Cain to wipe out the mermaids the same way he had the dragons wiped out. Till today they still don't know the Vulcan's are still alive. However the mermaids' true identity was revealed. They weren't just another supernatural but also god's children.
The king could have killed Cain but he speared his life, big mistake. When Cain returned empty handed battered and bruised. Alaric took the council's strongest warriors and led the attack himself with the other two council leaders beside him. The mermaids didn't stand a chance.
Men, women, children Alaric slaughtered almost half the kingdom before he reached the king but unlike Cain, Alaric was much stronger. Just when all hope was lost something happened or more like someone. Emma came, she shielded the king from a direct blow of Alaric's dark magic. The blast that was meant to kill the mermaid king sizzled on her back for a few seconds before healing over like nothing ever happened."
"Wait nothing happened to her after a blast of dark magic from the leader of the witches? That's unbelievable."
Ethan commented. Ambrose nodded in confirmation before continuing.
"She killed all the dark warriors Alaric brought also both the leaders he came with. Alaric just managed to escape by the hair by opening a portal and teleporting when she took her eyes off him for a second to protect the king."
"Is it a portal like the one we used to get here?"
Alice questioned confused as Ambrose nodded at her question she continued.
"But it took the werewolf council a while to open it, how did Alaric do it so quickly?"
"Alaric like me had joined with his magic. It's a great risk because if one of your spell breaks you die too since your spells will be directly tied to your soul. However your magic will be instantly stronger, almost absolute. It's how I created such a powerful barrier."
As they nodded in understanding he continued.
"Alaric had created the portal in the blink of an eye escaping. However she was just eighteen at the time. She didn't know how to use her magic to stop him.
She saved the south kingdom and because their location was compromised she helped them build the new kingdom somewhere even harder to find."
"Where was the south kingdom before?"
Ethan questioned curious.
"A place called Atlantis."
Loud gasps echoed through the room as Deacon looked at the brunette's surprised face in amusement, she's cute when she's surprised.
"Atlantis is re-real?" Alice questioned shocked.
"Yes of course. Anyways do you know what happens when a king fails to protect his kingdom?"
As they all shook their heads he continued.
"They get a new king... the one who conquered them or the one that saved them"
Ambrose paused watching as the information sink in. He saw the second the light bulb went off in their heads.
"Emma didn't just save the south kingdom. She unknowingly became their king. Although she will deny it saying she just wanted to help, she is the rightful king and the very reason why the mermaids have survived till now. Not to mention humanity on the whole. If Alaric ever tried taking over the south kingdom again he will need to kill her to truly become king as the true king is the only one who can open the gates."
"Wait so you think the reason she is a human is not because they wanted her back but because Alaric wants to kill her himself to become king?"
Ethan questioned concerned.
"Yes and if he ever got control of the gates life as we know will end. He will unleash hell on earth, quite literally."
. . . .
Tobago: The Crescent wolf pack
The new alpha sat in his office staring blankly at the pack documents in front of him. The rage of his situation just under the surface. The one he had waited for so many years was with someone else.
Knock knock!
Matthew entered and Cole glimpsed at him before looking back down. He just wanted to kill the little insect that took his mate. Lost in thought Cole didn't acknowledge the man standing in front of him. Matthew looked at Cole in pity and he was all for killing the beta but they still had to remember their status and wolf laws.
"Cole, it's bad."
Matthew stated gravely.
"Then maybe I should just finish it."
Cole gritted out.
Matthew signed before calling for someone to enter.
Brittney walked forward slowly, cautiously. Head down, hands together in a death grip in front of her. With her palms sweating and feet shuffling forward she came to a stop in front of her new alpha's desk.
"He is dy-dying. Please sa-save him."
Cole's eyes were trained on the blonde from the moment he caught her scent. When she finally spoke he almost couldn't control his rage. The first words she said to him were for the sake of the insect. She wanted him to save her 'mate'.
When Cole had found out the truth he lost control. His Lycan almost came out if Brittney didn't calm him down. However it was too late, the damage was done. Cole's clawed hand had swung out almost instantly killing the beta. Five long open wounds remained, starting at his collar and ending at his hip. Jared's chest was ripped open in one swift movement as blood poured out. He quickly passed out from blood-lost as Matthew shoved Brittney into Cole's arms calming him down.
"She is right you know. He wouldn't last the night. You have no choice."
There was only one way to save the beta now. The alpha needs to give him his blood.
Cole's sky blue eyes locked on Matthew glaring him down before his icy glare turned to his 'mate'. Cole decided he would give her one chance, after all she had gone almost nine years without him, she must have thought he was dead. Even if he would never betray her like this. In a cold detached tone he questioned.
"Do you understand what you are really implying by asking me to save the insect's life?"
Brittney looked up confused for a second before the shame of it all burned on her cheeks and she docked her head hiding behind her blonde hair. While she wanted her mate she can't let Jared die since they had already formed a mate bond it would be too painful.
"I'm sorry but... you are the only one who can save him... please."
Cole flinched as the pain of rejection filled him. She has made her decision. The insect over him.
Taking a deep breath and gathering his wits Cole let the ice frost over his heart. His eyes harden before going completely blank. She has made her decision now he needs to show her the consequences. Turning to Matthew he spoke in a monotone voice.
"Get the pack doctor here."
Almost instantly Brittney exhaled in relief. Now she can safely mate with Cole and break her bond with Jared. Looking up at Cole with a simile she was met with his icy blue glare so cold it made her pores raise and had her further lowering her head till her chin met her chest. He was angry, no more than that, livid but just as quickly it melted away and was replaced by something else, a deep disappointment and then resign before he went completely blank.
Red flags went up in Brittney's head. Something was wrong but she didn't know what or how to fix it. Was he still angry about her mating?
Just then a knock sounded at the door and the doctor came in. Cole rolled up his sleeve a silent go ahead and so the doctor started extracting his blood. Everyone looked on silently and a few minutes later the vile was full all the while a icy cold atmosphere hung in the air and no one dared to speak before the alpha.
Just then the doctor started closing the tiny vile of blood before moving to leave however, Cole quickly snagged it out his hand shooing him away and beckoning Brittney forward.
With slow careful steps she shuffled forward with her head still down. Even behind the curtain of hair Brittney could feel Cole's blank stare, it scared her even more than his anger.
She reached the front of his desk and he extended his hand out handing her the vile. She reached forward to take it and as their fingers brushed sparks went up her fingers and throughout her body. The mere touch of her mate was electrifying. It warmed her very soul. It was nothing compared to Jared's bond. Cole was the real deal.
Looking up at him with a warm blush she met his blank stare once again. Now she was terrified. Why was he unaffected? What just happened?
"I did what you asked. It will be the first and the last time. Now go save your mate. I can't lose both my betas."
Brittney froze, her head snapped up so quickly she almost got whiplash. Her wide eyes met his blue blank ones as finally understanding dawned on her. It was never about saving Jared's life, Cole didn't care if he died. However asking Cole her true mate to save her current one was rejection. With a loud gasp and frantic shaking of her head Brittney stuttered out.
"Wa-wait n-no yo-"
However as Cole rise from his seat with a deathly purpose her words dried up as she struggled to speak.
With slow measured steps Cole approached the blonde before coming dangerously close to her. He leaned down coming just a few inches from her ear to maliciously hiss out,
"You are nothing to me."
As Brittney stated shaking tears started streaming down her face as Cole leaned back before ordering Matthew.
"Get her out of my sight!"
Just then Matthew rushed forward and gently pulled her out away from the ticking time bomb and straight out the alpha's office.
Finally alone Cole allowed his blank mask to crack as a lone tear slipped down his face.
He would have preferred living the rest of his life waiting for her rather than feeling this heartbreak. He should have never come here.
....
Acteon Island: The Vulcan clan
As night fall the temperature dropped. Winds increased as a light drizzle started. Seated in the private dining room of the light witch both Emma and Alice shifted uncomfortable. They were cold, too cold. Unlike Ambrose just a fire place wasn't enough for them. Pores raised as their arms stayed wrapped around them. Too cold to even reach for the tea in front of them the girls stayed frozen to their seats while the others continued eating dinner unaware.
Ambrose, Deacon, Ryder, Ethan and Jake sat unaware as the girls freeze.
Damn its cold! Emma thought.
Is this what humans go through every day? She thought before speaking up.
"Ambrose it's too cold."
All eyes turned to them finally noticing their shivering forms. Ambrose eyebrows frowned in confusion before he responded.
"I normally use one fireplace but because you are here I had the maid light all three. Sorry, I thought that would be enough. You guys seemed fine all day, I forgot the nights are colder. I'll get some blankets."
He responded about to get up but Deacon was faster rising up and rushing away. Just then Ryder got up walking over to them he shrugged off his jacket handing it to Alice before stepping to Emma. Reaching down he scooped her out the seat before sitting back down with her on his lap. Two strong arms wrapped around her tiny waist before tucking her head under his chin. Emma shifted snuggling deeper into Ryder's chest unaware of Ryder forest green eyes turning golden at her actions.
While Ryder had a horrible temper and was unapproachable he was very affectionate with Emma. Since a young age he would seek her out before his brother Ethan could.
Deacon returned draping both blankets over Alice since Emma seemed fine in Ryder's arms. Taking his seat his eyes drifted from the right hand to the brunette. He couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to have her in his arms.
The sound of a glass shattering caught everyone's attention as Jake's bloody right hand now clutched the remains of his water glass. His eyes turn bright gold as a deep growl erupted from his chest.
Seeing his mate in another man's arms is one thing but seeing the way she accepts him is another. Flashes of this morning came back to him. The way she ran from him realizing his wolf was no longer in control. His vision went red as anger consumed him. She was his mate.
The direct rejection was causing his wolf to surface. With both hands clutched on top the table and teeth gritted, claws lengthen and retracted, fangs grew then shrink. Ambrose's spell had locked away his lycan form but his wolf was fighting. He wanted to stake claim on his mate. After learning that she was Ryder's second chance his wolf had been just under the surface.
Fur sprouted across his skin before disappearing again. Claws and fangs continued to extend and retract.
Everyone sat frozen for a few seconds before Ambrose suddenly clutched his head in pain, blood leaked out his eyes, nose and mouth. Deacon was quickly on his feet and next to Ambrose checking him over.
"Stop him now!"
Deacon yelled without turning around as he didn't want to take his eyes of Ambrose. Emma immediately moved to get off Ryder's lap but his arms locked around her stopping her as a growl escaped his chest. He must be worried for her safety. No matter if she was a human Jake's wolf would never hurt her. Twisting around she raised up only to be meet with Ryder's golden eyes. Confusion filled her as Ethan was now pulling Ryder's arm away from her.
Just then Jake stopped shifting back and forward as he started retaining the half form before clothes ripped and his lycan started to emerge instantly Ambrose body snapped forward as he vomited blood all over the dining table.
Finally free Emma ran around the table to Jake. Since Ambrose joined with his light magic breaking a spell will kill him and right now if Jake completed shifting Ambrose would die.
Running up to him she didn't think, just acted. Both hands reached for him as instantly sparks exploded were they touched. His pitch black eyes glinted gold as she grabbed both sides of his face roughly yanking him towards her as she smashed their lips together in an urgent kiss.
Jake froze as a warm peaceful feeling consumed him and the reality of the situation hit him. His mate was kissing him. Claws retracted, fangs returned to normal teeth, the fur that had begun to sprout disappeared and eyes blazed bright liquid gold. Slowly his hands moved from the table to rest on her waist.
Emma continued gripping the hair behind his head demanding a response from him. Slowly Jake tentatively responded as his wolf retreated. Mimicking her actions his hands tightened on her hips. He had no idea if he was doing the right thing but at Emma's low sigh of approval he continued on more confident.
Her tongue traced his bottom lip causing him to shiver and gasp as simultaneously she gave his hair a tug. Instantly her tongue entered his mouth bringing the kiss to a whole new level.
Jake groaned as he tried to keep up with her his hand started moving up and down her waist lightly brushing the edges of her bra. He wanted her closer, to feel her body against his. However he didn't want to break this spell. He knew the moment he moved she would stop. He started to get light headed from the lack of air.
Bang! Crack!
Suddenly the loud sound of the dining room doors smashing had them pulling apart.
Emma turned looking at the now broken door and Ryder storming off as Jake immediately gasped for air. His ragged breath blew hot air along her neck causing her to turn back to him.
Taking in his liquid gold eyes, red blush and the tent in his pants had her wanting to forget everything and just finish what they just started.
With a deep breath she swallowed down her desire before a small amount of guilt flashed behind her eyes. She was his first and she was rushing him. Just a light kiss would have stopped his shift. She should have went slower but she panicked, then she got carried away. The next time she had to let him be in control.
Turning from him she went over to Ambrose.
"Is he okay?"
She questioned Deacon.
"Yeah he's just sleeping it off now."
Deacon responded lifting Ambrose's unconscious form carrying him away.
"Emma, you need to talk to Ryder."
Ethan spoke gravely as she turned to him in question. She had seen the golden eyes but she didn't know the reason for it. She just had a feeling whatever they needed to talk about had to do with his gold eyes and the remains of the dining room door. Stepping around the table she walked out following the direction Ryder had stormed off in.
. . . .
Witch Council Headquarters
Alaric flipped through page after page of the thick report. Behind his massive office desk he sat like a king going through his daily duties. Gold trim his office desk and surrounding furniture as he sipped scotch from a Emma glass. His pure black Armani suit made the red of his eyes seem even brighter.
Finally his eyes dropped from the report dismissing the dark witch to call for his right hand. Cain was right outside waiting to enter.
Stepping in Cain was the opposite of Alaric. In dark jeans, black boots and a leather jacket Cain had a permanent smirk as Alaric remain emotionless.
Cain stepped closer noticing the report, 'SK-099'. It would seem the new army of walkers the witches had acquired was going to be put to use soon.
SK-099: South Kingdom, the home of the mermaids who guarded the gates of hell.
"How long till they are ready?"
Alaric questioned finally closing the report to look at Cain. Blood red eyes with a hint of sliver looked back at black with an outer ring of red.
"Soon, because of their strength the process was a lot faster. Far greater than my expectations."
Cain spoke with pride while observing Alaric's blood red eyes. The red was a direct reflection of one's soul. Alaric's sliver was growing, it looked brighter than a few days ago when he turned Lucas. The one thing that can corrupt a soul is demon blood and it would seem Alaric was due for a dose as the sliver of his eyes were now quite noticeable.
Causally reaching forward Cain took Alaric's now empty glass before turning and stepping towards the mini bar. With his back to Alaric he uncorked the glass bottle of scotch before refilling Alaric's glass and pouring one for himself.
"When do you want me to attack the south kingdom?"
Cain asked distracting Alaric as he discreetly pulled out a small vile of demon blood pouring it into Alaric's drink. The whole glass turned black before reverting back to its original colour as Cain cast a concealment spell.
"As soon as the walkers are ready."
By now Cain was done making the drinks he turned around passing a glass to Alaric watching as he immediately took a few gulps before speaking again.
"Also you are not going alone..."
What did Alaric mean he wasn't going alone? Sure taking down the south kingdom wouldn't be easy not to mention defeating the mermaid king. However Cain had his new army of walkers who all had water talisman since they were all strong enough to use one.
Gaining control over the kingdom also meant gaining control over the gates of hell.
Alaric emptied his glass before looking back at Cain. His eyes bright from the demon blood and Cain could visibly see the sliver of his eyes grow small before becoming almost none existence.
"I'm coming with you."
Alaric responded as a slow sinister smirk grew on his face. Cain went silent as he frowned slightly and his lips went into a straight line. His slip in character lasted a second before it was back on.
The last time Alaric smirked like this was when he gave the order to slaughter all the dragons. It seems like now it's the mermaids turn. Alaric wanted to wipe them out of existence.
Cain clenched his fists behind his back in anger. He wanted to lead his pets. Why did Alaric need to step in? Almost sensing Cain's unspoken question Alaric continued.
"They would need a new king."
. . . .
Sneak peek: Next, some Emma and Ryder, meet the mermaid south kingdom and watch as the down fall of Beta Jared starts as his broken mate bond consumes him and his need for Alice grows.
A/N: Extra long chapter because I love you guys â¤
Thank you all so much. I have entered Wattys 2016 thank you for all your support ð