A/N: I want to start off with an apology for such a long wait with this upcoming chapter. I usually try to update every Thursday, Friday, or Saturday but I had complications with my device and the three chapters that I typed out did not get saved and all my work got lost. I was extremely frustrated and upset with the situation and have been trying my best to rewrite it all. In the process I developed a bit of writers block. Thankfully, I did manage to remember most of the original first chapter but I'm not sure about the other two. Hopefully I can get it wrote down again but I know it won't be the same. I'm not sure how well you'll like this chapter but I appreciate all of your support and sticking around this long. So without further ado here's the chapter. Don't forget to like vote and comment❤️.
Ari Constantines POV
Shadow looked at me and gave the barest of smiles to me.
I braced myself and accepted that this time, I'm willingly giving up my memories for my love.
I smile softly knowing that she knows how to protect herself so much better. I'm positive that if I picked up a sword and challenged her, she would have me on my knees begging for mercy.
Even so, she's not that fragile or docile faerie princess I remember and yet, she still doesn't have her wings.
Shadow begins to put his hand at my temple and I flinch away.
"Wait! Before I forget everything, I want to give Luna her wings again!" I hurriedly spew out.
Shadow hesitates thinking for just a moment and he finally nods.
"Understood. Take my hand."
I grab his hand and that sickening feeling comes over me as if we're falling through the floor and it feels like my stomach is bottoming out.
"Fuck! I don't think I'm ever gonna get used to this feeling." I say nausea and gruffness seeping into my voice.
He chuckles deviously and then we're coming up from the murky shadows and onto solid grassy land.
Honestly, today feels like one of those what the fuck kind of days.
I'm let go of and I look around in search of my Luna, however, she's no where to be seen.
My head whips back to him with my signature I'll kill you look.
He raises his hands with a laid back grin that grinds on my nerves and a chuckle follows after.
"So, I figured I can get us to show up earlier than the carriages. Right now it is just a waiting game." I arch a brow at him and sit down to make myself comfortable with a huff, my wings puffing out around me.
"We will wait till night fall and then sneak our way in. This isn't going to be easy either because Fang will be among them." He continues with a be on your guard tone.
"He was pissed when they forced Midnight to leave the way they did when he was in the process of trying to convince the king a new proposal. Can you believe he thought it would be better for her to marry him instead of someone closer her age?" He states with an exasperated eye roll.
"No. No I can't." I say so dryly I'm sure it'll beat a desert in a contest.
He snickers at my answer and he holds his hand out again; to my utter horror, I realize he wants us to go back into those murky ass shadows.
Eyes wide I vigorously shake my head to and fro in protest followed by "Oh no! I'm not doing that shit again. I'd rather get taken out by your brother!"
His face goes unreadable, his eyes go flat and chills start crawling up the tips of my feathers and encompass my wings.
Then, I'm jerked the rest of the way to the ground with a startled cry.
"The fuck!" I exclaim in surprise. I just thought it was an involuntary reaction to his aura.
"Or I can take you out where you lay. I don't need much as long as I have shadows to do my bidding." He says with a cutting edge to his voice. I break out into a cold sweat when I remember that he too is royalty.
The shadows squeeze like vipers around my entire body and I start to feel that uncomfortable grinding of my bones pressing together in my wings. I wince and let out a pathetic whimper.
What's wrong with me? Why am I reacting this way?
Shadow slowly bends down and I look up at him; his orange eyes are practically glowing with rage.
"I don't need to do anything for you nor did I have to return your memories later on. Keep in mind I can make you stay that ignorant snot sniveling fool of a child. Remember your place Ari or I'll help you." He says condescendingly patting at my cheek; rage pulses through my bones and my hair turns dark brown, his shadows constrict more around me and I can feel my eyes bulge. I exhale and they tighten more. I don't like this.
Wheezing, I barely make out the words I understand before I black out but he seemed to get what I was saying as the pressure goes away and I'm able to take in gulps of air.
"Wonderful! Now that we've established that I'm in charge and you're no more than a pawn; let's go." He says cheerfully as I contemplate my life choices on the grass.
I still refuse to grab his hand but I don't resist when I'm dragged under by the shadows he controls.
I'm falling.
And then...
I hesitantly open my eyes and see that I'm sitting on what looks like a love seat made for royalty. It's super soft and the color is deep charcoal with gold threads.
Bewildered, I look at my surroundings and see Shadow sipping from a tea cup like he's having a normal Sunday brunch; as if he didn't just try to kill me seconds before!
His entire outlaw outfit has changed to that of a black, charcoal, and ruby red royal suit with the Royal Vampire ruby red blood drop inside a black crown signia on his chest. His crazy hair has been styled to resemble someone who's been pampered and hasn't touched a speck of dirt in his entire life.
Blinking rapidly I also realize my entire outfit that I carefully crafted to make myself look like a bandit has been changed into a butlers uniform. Sharp, precise, and altered to fit my body. It even has been accommodated for my wings. Then, I realize my hair that's been hanging down at my shoulders has also been put into what I would call an elegant man bun.
Looking around, I notice this room is a small house size that screams expensive from all the accommodations inside it.
"This here is my hideaway when I don't feel like dealing with royal duties. I use it quite often as I'm basically the only one who runs the palace besides my father and mostly absentee mother. And don't get me started on Fang! Always thinking he's going to be the one to take over the throne from our father just because he was born first! He hasn't even been home for a decade besides those couple hours when Midnight was there." He says casually sipping from his cup; no doubt he's drinking blood.
The absurdity of all this finally gets to me and I burst out into genuine fits of laughter.
He looks over and scowls at me shaking his head.
"Honestly, you have no manners!" He condescendingly scolds me.
"That's where you're wrong. I've had rigorous training in etiquette for social events and on top of that I've been trained how to protect Midnight." That last sentence made my throat close up because had my training been enough, I wouldn't have been banned from the castle and shunned in the entire village. My parents would still be living a decent life at the palace had I not fucked up.
Then my eyes sharpen when I also remember Shadow had his role in my downfall.
To add salt to my wounds he points out where I am right now and how my life is.
"Fuck you!" I spit out just as he breaks out into his own fits of laughter.
"Touché my pawn, touché!" He says barely lifting his tea cup.
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Whites POV
In horror, I watched the slaughter happen from afar.
I wanted to go help but my father said that our pack members knew the risks when they came along to pick Princess Midnight up. For three years I've been training her tirelessly and pushing her to the limits all while knowing that she is my mate. I thought she would crack and love me instantaneously like I've seen at our pack but she barely acknowledged my presence and stayed cold towards me. I tried everything to earn her affection but she never gave me the time of day nor learned my name.
I chalked it up to her being too young and not feeling the pull and I decided not to mention anything to her. Slowly, my bubbly personality towards her died off and I became serious with our training sessions.
Now this.
Is she worth me losing people I care for?
"Father please! They're dying and Midnight is with them!" I wail out trying once more to flee to her side. I, however, don't make it very far as my father commands a few people to hold me back.
"She's unconscious! She won't be able to protect herself! Dammit fa! Let me go!" I say throwing my head back, the guy holding me cries out in pain but doesn't let go as I anticipated.
"Get him back in the carriage and don't let him go. We need to keep moving." My father sternly commands.
"She's strong son. She'll be just fine. And if her father was being honest, that vampire, prince Romeo wouldn't let anything happen to her. However, I strongly suspect he's the one behind this so I can't risk you going." He says climbing into the carriage.
"Who is that vampire to her!?" I growl out all of a sudden feeling hot.
His face tightens as he answers with a strained response.
"I don't think that information will be beneficial to you. Now calm down."
I freeze as I'm drenched with a cold sweat and dread pools into my stomach.
"Father..." I quiver out but he shushes me harshly.
"Not another word White! In a years time, you and Midnight will get married and I expect you to mark her and produce an heir!" He yells out while I'm shivering in anger that my fate is being planned out by my father.
Understandably, he's pissed off that I've known Midnight to be my mate for over three years and said nothing to him; even more pissed at the fact that our memories were wiped when Fang realized what I was to her and had us removed from the kingdom as well.
The only reason we have our memories is because they were given back to us by another who looked just like Fang but called himself Shadow.
He said that we needed them in order for his plan to work. After returning them, he literally disappeared into the shadows around him and an educated guess told me that's why he's called Shadow.
My father raised hell in King Henrys office when everything came back to us and a deal was made and now here we are.
The one thing I'm happy about is the fact she ran after me and begged me not to go; I however had to leave. One look over Midnights shoulder and I saw the disapproving look Fang was giving me and his promise to kill off all my family if I didn't go bounced around in my head. I didn't expect her to come after me again, otherwise I'd have never called her mate.
An entire year was given for me to "woo Midnight" without Fang being in the way. After that year is up, we are to be wed and I will need to mark her and produce an heir; in turn it will secure our position with Slymethius.
One of four kingdoms to be brought together.
As the carriage bustled away, thoughts drifted into my head and one in particular made me freeze.
"Father, her memories of us were wiped as well. That's why she was fighting so hard back there and had to be knocked unconscious. When we got ours back, Fang took it upon himself to wipe hers to make everything more difficult for us." I say horror stuck.
Gravely my father met my gaze as if he just caught on as well and a new determination came over me.
"You have a whole year to get to know her and vice versa. Fang won't have permission to enter our pack either so hopefully everything will be smoother this time. Make the most of this opportunity boy!" Me father says with a glint in his eyes.
Feeling reassured, we carry on to our homeland.
Midnight is strong, she'll make it without my help.
.
.
.
Hours upon hours pass and Midnight hasn't arrived yet. My father sent a wolf out to see what's going on and if they continued travel after that attack from earlier.
No word from the wolf either as far as I know.
Impatient, I pace my room back and forth and let out a frustrated breath.
Then, my father walks through the door and Midnight is timidly walking behind him with a scowl etched onto her beautiful face.
"Princess Midnight, for the foreseeable future, you will be sharing a room with my son. I do hope in a years times I can call you daughter in law." With that being said, my dad backed out of the room and quietly shut the door.
Following his departure was an awkward silence that was so thick it could be cut with a knife.
"Midnight, if you would be more comfortable, I can just sleep on the floor." I speak up effectively breaking the silence.
Startled, she goes a bit pale and then nods.
"I...I'm not sure who you are but I hope we get along well." She says so softly I barely heard what she said.
Drawing my brows in confusion, I hesitate with my next words and hope I'm wrong.
"You, you don't know who I am?"
She doesn't speak but her head barely shook and she starts trembling violently before she suddenly bursts into tears.
"I want to go home! I thought I had more time before father would try to marry me off!" She wails in despair as her palms vigorously wipes at her eyes and cheeks.
"I think Fang tampered with your memories." I bluntly state. Her eyes widen and her despair quickly turns to anger.
"How dare you throw such an accusation!" She grits out as her eyes flash to a royal blue.
This, this is new.
I don't get much words out before I'm looking up dazed and confused. Blinking into focus, I realize I've been thrown through my bedroom door and halfway down the hall near the kitchen.
Holy shit.
She just punched me more than half way across my own house.
Sitting up just a bit, I see my dad and a few other pack members barely containing their laughter at the kitchen island.
Me being flat on my back not even two minutes after being left alone with Midnight is not a great start.
"Welcome to my world son. Don't worry, it'll get easier when you're dead." He jokes as him, the gamma, and the beta all break out into hysterics as they start talking about their first times being alone with their woman.
Blushing in embarrassment, I get up and stalk back to my room with a bit of anger.
"Yea but at least your women didn't have their minds literally fucked with!" I say over my shoulder; silence followed after that statement.
Midnight stood in the middle of the room with a deep scowl and a sword at the ready.
Raising my hands, I slowly walk as if she's a frightened animal.
"Easy princess. I give my humble apologies to you. Please, allow me another chance." I say with caution as her royal blue eyes never once leave me.
Slowly, they change back to baby blue and she hesitantly puts the sword down.
"I, I am sorry. I'm just very worked up and confused. It's been a long day and I can barely remember any of it. My head keeps swimming." She says, a small whimper and I'm instantly at her side.
"Would you like to go see our pack doctor? I'm sure Mrs Luneas will be able to help." I offer Midnight hastily.
"Mmm, no...I...I guess so." She says in a small unsure voice.
I mind link my father and tell him that Midnight wants to see the pack doctor and within five minutes she's knocking at the door. I allow her inside and she gives a warm smile the moment her eyes land on Midnight.
"Hello princess Midnight. Welcome to our lovely home. I'm Mrs Luneas, the pack doctor and healer. What may I assist you with today?" She says with a motherly smile.
Mrs Luneas, a 5'6 slender woman with naturally sun kissed tanned skin and honey dew brown eyes with a stethoscope around her neck, a clipboard in her arms and other miscellaneous things had Midnight sit on my bed and began asking her the usual check up questions.
Then came the questions I was waiting for and not long after she was calling for our packs mage.
I had to leave when the mage showed up and even with my protesting I had to wait a few anxious hours for the mage to come out of my room.
I strode up to him but he ignored me and went straight to my dad and a few hushed whispers and he walked away without a backwards glance.
A little frustrated of being ignored, my head swivels to my dad in question but he doesn't give anything away.
"The mage did all he could but he said her memories may come off as fragmented instead of whole. She should be fine tomorrow morning. Right now she is resting; I suggest you join her and get some rest as well. It's been a long day." He says way too dismissively.
I'm suddenly filled with suspicion and a dawning horror when I realize something about our mage was off.
"Dad!" I suddenly burst out and chase after him.
He turns around with a sharp stare and agitation.
"If you have to ask me every question under the sun about things that are obvious, then perhaps you're not ready to take over when you turn eighteen." My father bites out and thinking better of what I was going to say I quickly switch up.
"So you're suggesting I should know what to do with this wooing business? As a man, I thought maybe you could give me some tips for my first time?" I say with a raised brow and a smirk.
He stares at me for what feels like forever and clamps a hand on my shoulder.
"Yes." He says with a sardonic grin and then walks away.
Reading between the lines, I realize he answered what I didn't ask and I hastily took off back to my room with some satisfaction.
I quietly open and close the door and make my way to the bed where I see Midnight tucked snugly under my blankets. I would've expected her to be on her back but she was curled onto her side with soft content features. Her long curly black hair made her already pale complexion look more radiating and I couldn't help but look at her in awe.
Then I saw white going across some of her hair.
Slowly, I inch closer and ever so delicately, I inch the blanket up and I see the most breathtaking pair of white wings that are so big they practically cocoon her.
Three years I've known her and not once did she have wings.
So why is it that she looks so complete with these?
Gently I pull the blanket back over her and my knuckles just barely graze across her cheek; our mating bond tingles just barely there but enough that I know that one day she'll feel them when she's of age.
Coming to a decision, I vow not to consummate our marriage until she can feel the bond. I'll just have to tell dad she's having fertility issues to buy her time.
A soft smile plays at my lips and I lay down on the floor next to my- our bed and try to sleep; it doesn't take too long as exhaustion takes over.
.
.
.
Green flames and smoke surround me and everyone is in a frenzied panic.
Screams and mournful cries.
People being covered with white sheets.
The smell of burnt flesh.
Anger courses through my veins.
A girl with red hair.
.
.
.
I wake up drenched in a cold sweat gasping for what little air I can get into my lungs.
What a fucking nightmare.
Wincing, I sit up and stretch my aching back with a groan.
I look over at the bed and it's empty; my heart stops and I'm instantly awake as I rush out of the room.
When I make it down the long hallway I burst into the kitchen.
"Where's Midnight!?" I exclaim looking around crazed.
Spoons and forks that were clattering came to a grinding halt as an awkward tense silence falls around the room.
"Well!" I snap with authority and then exclaim an ow! as I'm hit upside my head.
"Easy with that alpha energy boy! She's outside with the others training." I hear my father scold me from behind.
Feeling sheepish about losing control of my alpha aura; I rein it in and everyone visibly relaxes.
"Sorry all. I'm still working on it." I say rubbing the sore spot at the back of my head.
I dismiss myself from the room and head outside down to the training grounds.
I'm sure father must've already introduced her to the pack so I'm sure there will be no issues.
That's to say until I saw her being surrounded by the packs seven bad boy club.
Inwardly, I groan at the prospect of dealing with them so early but at the same time anger flares when I hear her slight whimper at them harassing her.
I stalk over and bark out orders for them to fall back and leave her alone.
They gasp and do as they're told but because they have a reputation they still uphold their personas and bark out false insults with those stupid smirks on their faces; that is until I see the vicious look on Midnights face as she pounces on them from behind and savagely beats them all up like a one man army.
Like the pups they are, they all take off in whimpering cries with their pride being shattered by a girl who's ten times smaller than them.
"Whenever you're ready for more I'll kick your asses again!" She yells out practically running after them shouting with a look of glee in her eyes.
I wrap my arms around her waist and hoist her up and her feet leave the ground for a fraction of a second.
She turns around with a look that can murder and honestly I've never felt so attracted to her than in this moment. She could kill me if she wanted to and she'd be the sweetest angel in my eyes.
Her baby blue eyes confine to glare at me while her curly black hair is whisping around her face.
"Good morning Midnight." I whisper huskily when her eyes widen in recognition of me.
"White!" She lightly gasps out.
I smile at her and nod my head with a soft smile showing her my teeth.
She blushes and wiggles in my arms and I hug her to me with a soft kiss to the top of her head.
I put her back on the ground and she's a steaming blushing mess. Her hair, even tho it's a wild mess of black curls I notice she's wearing one of my black tshirts and some grey sleepwear shorts with black bats all over them.
"Don't you think it's a bit too early to be bullying my pack mates?" I ask her amused. She gives me a hmmph and walks off.