Part 3_ Payton

 Six months later 

A knock on my office door in the middle of the night interrupts my late-night bookkeeping – a desperate attempt to distract myself from the concern of where Asena was or if she had even managed to make it out of human territory without getting caught. It was one of my patrol wolves.  

“Sir. We found her in the woods trying to come into our territory.” He was a new member of the pack, so I let it slide.  

But of course, it was Asena, as gorgeous as the first time I ever laid eyes on her. Her long strawberry blonde hair was now just below her chin. Her light blue dress was covered in dirt and ripped a bit, you could tell she’d been on foot. Her baby blue eyes were elated but also exhausted. I should also mention we hadn’t had much contact either because she was really diving into the whole perfect daughter thing.  

“Let her go. It’s her territory.”  

“But she human?” His tone is snarky and if he weren’t a new member, I would have punished him over it. However, due to his age and his old pack’s history? He’s still learning.  

“Asena is your Queen. Let her go and get back to your post. Thank you for bringing her though.”  

“Of course…my deepest apologies.”  

As soon as he was gone, she practically crushed me with her embrace.   

“I’ve missed you so much! Here look at this.” She said digging out some papers from her bag.  

“How do you have letters from King Kai and Queen Myra?”  

“I told you; I made some friends. Mostly because of my dad. The king of the Lycans and the queen of the Vampires were both very fond of my father and the Dorin family until my mother came along tainted it…Anyways I sent a letter in my father’s honor. Asking advice and alliance.” She grins. 

“You got it?” I knew her family name was powerful, but I had no idea that it would be this powerful. One letter explains who she was and using the Dorin family seal… she had allegiance from the most powerful King and Queen around. My Luna…  

“Yes. And as long as you and the wolves agree then I can deal with the humans because not all humans are bad but they’re likely going to put up more resistance.”  

“Fair enough. But can we deal with that later? You are here. Finally.” I can’t help but smile. An overwhelming pride, she was a warrior.  

I’ve been falling apart without her, worried sick… or angry I suppose. I’ve spent a lot more time in my office and on runs… basically avoiding everyone because I’ve been in like three more fights than usual? I took her to my place; she showered and then came to the kitchen wearing my shirt that I’d given her because apparently in her preparations she only grabbed the things that mattered most… aka her memorabilia of her father and the plans. Not really any clothing other than what she was wearing.   

The thing about Asena’s family? They’re very traditional. We live in a modern world and society, but her stepfather prefers to keep things old school. Meaning they have modern amenities because the Palace is the Dorin Palace. It was upgraded when Alastair was there. But the family went back in time when Asena’s mother married Atlas – they all dress like they are from the Victorian era. Asena hates it. The boys have never known the difference.   

Atlas believes that women are just there to exist and be pretty. Alastair however believed that the women had a say in everything. His precious girl was to dress how she felt and be who she wanted. I was about six the first time I met Sir Dorin. He was amazing. So cool and nice, very laid back. He and my father were close friends as children, during a war. One that brought their families together…building the start of the Council.  

“I’ve missed you so much.” She whispers sitting at the table beside me. It’s quite scary how thin she’s gotten. But I know it takes a lot to be “perfect” in Atlas’s eyes. Especially when you’re Asena. The very spawn of Alastair Dorin… Rightful Heir(ess) to the throne.   

“I’ve missed you too.” I say gently lifting her face noticing how sunken and dark her eyes are. “When was the last time you ate or slept?”   

“Uh, I left last week. I stayed at my friend’s house for a night, but I’ve just been trying to get here without the guards finding me. So, I couldn’t really spend much time in the towns.” She’s tracing a scratch on her wrist. Trying to avoid eye contact with me.  

“You’ve been in the woods, none stop?”  

“Yeah, I went to Josiah and Allise. They live just outside my city… So, I got to them the first night and got some supplies and he gave me some things to keep me safe while I was traveling.”    

Josiah has always been her friend. They grew up together. I was always at meetings but too shy to walk up to the most important human girl. She would one day take over her father’s seat at the table. And I would take mine. She held our worlds in her hands… plus it just seemed weird to go talk to her, I was still under the impression that girls were lame. Then when I finally was interested enough… I was taking an oath to protect our pack, and she was grieving the loss of her father… her hero. With Josiah by her side. 

I suppose it’s ironic that she ended up being my mate. Though I waited for years before I told her, seeing as she was kicked out of the meeting (though she was always lurking), I suspect she always knew.  

“I suppose having a Lycan as your other protector isn’t so bad.” I smile getting up to make her a meal and something to drink. “Not that you can’t handle yourself Lady Asena. But there are other monsters out there.”  

“I know. But I was safe, and careful. I know it’s dangerous.” Her voice is not as upbeat as usual.  

“Here, you should eat and then get some sleep.” I sat down next to her sliding grilled cheese to her and opening a bottle of Gatorade. Things I always sneak to her… and keep at my place never really knowing just when her plan would be in place.   

“Thank you…” she takes the drink and nearly chugs it all in one sitting. “I just” she takes a bite of her grilled cheese moaning into it. “I’ve never been to your house. And Atlas doesn’t like me eating these kinds of things. He said I was getting fat – also even the rest of everyone at the table is getting sick of his shit,” she paused taking another bite. How’s she getting fat? Where does Atlas have room to talk? I’ve never really liked him but eh. It’s difficult to not murder him for that. “they were talking about it the other night, before I left. I was spying again.” She smiles at her sneaky behavior. “And they’re all pissed at him! He got a tip that someone called a secret meeting behind his back. Without him and my mother.”   

“Is it anyone we know? Also, you aren’t fat. Anyone ever says that about you again and I’ll … I will ruin them. I’ll give you a quick tour after you eat if you want… our house. Not just mine.”  I don’t want her to think I’m a villain, but the thing is that I will be.  

“They didn’t say who it was or when… but my guess is you might get a letter soon. Hopefully.” Her eyes locked onto mine for a moment before quickly pulling away. “Also thank you. I like food a lot. Grilled cheese was my dad’s favorite. It used to be my mom’s favorite too. I don’t know what happened…”   

Her cheeks were flooded with color at the thought of her father and the downfall of her family. It seemed she went mute with it as well. Asena finished her grilled cheese in silence. We’ve never really spoken about her father or her family – she always deflects from the topic. Minus the night of her twenty first birthday when we’d speculated about the journal… But I’ve opened up about my father and her father being friends and what I knew of them and their history, even speaking of my father’s demise and how it affected me in slight hopes she would open up about her own family. But nothing…   

Unfortunately, from what I do know, Asena’s father was assassinated by a human who didn’t agree with his beliefs when she was only nine, a week before her tenth birthday. Some even believe that it was Atlas who was his right-hand man at the time, and they believe he wanted the throne and Willow – Asena’s mother. A lot of the Council at the time even believed Willow to have been in on it because merely four months after her husband’s death she was marrying Atlas. And rumors swirled, Asena had been pulled from her school, the tv, the phones all of it was taken, an order was given that she was to be called Lady Rose. Stripping away any contact with the outside world and forcing her into this “perfect girl/woman” role.    

Her main form of entertainment from what she herself and a reliable source has told me… books and writing. Which she already loved reading because from what I remember watching her and Alastair, any time I would show up early being a young and (believe it or not) shy Alpha, I wanted to get there before everyone else and get the best seating, usually I’d run past Alastair playing pretend with Asena or they’d be reading together.  

“Do you have a hairbrush? Also, where’s the sink? I’ll wash this…” She’s barely holding her head up, clearly her weeklong adventure is catching up to her. Plus, it’s close to one in the morning now.   

“Leave it, I’ll take care of it come on. I’ll give you the tour in the morning.” I say taking her hand gently and pulling her towards my bedroom. My house isn’t huge. I prefer spending my money on my Pack, but it’s home.   

The house is a two-bedroom one bath with a sweet view of the waterfall in the backyard. So, it’s perfect. And I’m sure Asena will love it. The one room is filled with books. I have all intentions on sleeping on the couch to make sure she’s comfortable though.   

“Oh… you have a comfy bed. And a TV! Your walls are a pretty color…” She’s so cute, her nose is red though, I’m kind of worried she’s getting a cold…   

“Thank you,” I say grabbing the hairbrush from my dresser and beginning to brush her hair. “You can make yourself at home. We’ll take you shopping tomorrow after you get some rest for some clothes and other things.”   

“Okay… Payton?”  

“Yes Love?”  

“I think my father would have loved you… like as his son in law. I know you guys knew each other and everything.”  

“That means a lot, Asena. He was an incredible man… I’m certain he’s proud of the woman his daughter has become.” The words turn into a whisper realizing she’s fallen asleep sitting against me. “Goodnight Luna…”   

I lift her up and pull the blankets back, tucking her in. I’m reminded of just how fragile she truly is when her eyes are shut, and her body is so small. My responsibility. She’s nearly twenty-two. Her twenty-first birthday was when I told her she was Luna. I still remember the day I knew for sure she was mine… meant for me, carved from the heavens for me… she ran by me and my wolf went insane. It was at a gala in the palace, one held in Sir Alastair’s honor, she ran by me in tears after a confrontation with Atlas. Her best friend Josiah was close behind her. I wanted to follow and tell her she would be okay, it would be, okay? But instead, I followed them (yes, I realize it’s creepy! But just hear out the story before you go judging me!) I followed her and her best friend to the grave of her father. Well, technically I followed him as he followed her because damn can that girl run! Where I watched from a safe distance as she screamed to the heavens begging for a release from the pain, I never knew what that pain was. Her twenty first birthday they held yet another gala, this one in her honor. Though the birthday girl was miserable… leaving the party again in tears, this time the reason was blatantly obvious. Lady Willow had slipped up – the makeup on her daughter, thick as it was, wasn’t enough to cover the bruising on her cheek or the handprint around her throat. It was time for me to bring her home…  Nearly nine months ago I marked her, making her fully mine.   

There’s a piece of me the regrets it… questioning if she’s too young to have this kind of responsibility. What the damage will be. But then again… I can protect her from the monster in her own home. Those bruises don’t just appear.  

I grabbed a pillow and blanket from the closet, laying them on the couch before getting a shower myself. Finally, Asena was sleeping in the next room. She’d need a phone, clothing, anything she wanted really… she was free. 

When I finally laid down on the couch after checking the doors it was 2:30 AM. Basically the “Queen” and “King” are the chosen representatives of the species. SO, King Kai and Queen Myra hold the highest ranks among their “worlds”. Whereas I hold that title in the Werewolf “world”.   

I wake up at my usual time – five thirty. Usually, I’d go for a run but not today. Three hours of sleep isn’t really a problem it’s more, so I don’t really want to leave in case Asena doesn’t stay asleep? I really don’t want her waking up in a random place alone, I know she’s completely sufficient and capable but it’s not right… especially knowing she’s never really been outside her own territory. Josiah lives right on the border, and she barely ever goes there… truthfully, she’s never been there that I’m aware of. Atlas hates our kind. So instead, I made a list.  

“You wanted to see me?” Destiny, my cousin says as I open the door for her.   

“Yes, but keep your voice down please, Asena’s here.” I say shutting the door behind her gently, still not sure how heavy of a sleeper she is.   

“She’s finally here?!?” She squeals. I swear you’d think she was my mother’s child the way she is. No, that isn’t an insult to my mom either, I just know that my mom is going to be twenty times worse if not a hundred times. She spends her days taking care of my father and tells me regularly, ‘You know Payton, you should take some time with your friends! Or just for yourself?’ or ‘when am I going to meet the mysterious girl’ and I haven’t even told her that I found her! 

“Yes. Sleeping. Keep it down please.”  

“I finally get to meet her? Oh, am I meeting her before Auntie Juls?”  

“Later, but I need you to go do some shopping please? And don’t tell anyone. I don’t need this spreading to the humans, understood?”   

“I love shopping!” She’s one of those slightly preppy but also down to earth girls. I figured she’d know some places to get Asena some things to start her with, plus they’re about the same build. So, if she gets some things to start her off, I can take her shopping later once she’s more prepared.  “Especially when I’m not the one paying!”  

“I know, look I gave you a list and she’s about the same size as you. Probably a little smaller honestly but I just need you to get her a few things until I can take her myself.”   

“Okay… what style?”  

“Uh… mixture? I think she prefers pants honestly.”  

“Asena Dorin?”  

“Yes… Do you pay attention when I tell you things?”  

“Payton… the Asena Dorin?”  She pauses raising an eyebrow. 

“Yeah… I’m really starting to think you don’t listen.”  

“No, I do. I just thought it was a different Asena Dorin…”  

“I…” Sometimes I can’t tell if she’s being serious or not. 

“I’m sorry Payton, okay, I’ll go get the stuff. It’s just her family is like a cult.” She laughs.  

“Shut up.” I love Destiny like a sister but sometimes I don’t know how to handle her. She drives me insane. Also, like seriously? Like I need to be reminded of the rumors surrounding my own mate’s family?