Chapter 10-

For the first time in nearly four years, sleep comes easy. I was completely drained from all the day's unfortunate events, and crying so much. I can't remember ever feeling so tired and yet so reassured that by morning I'd wake up well rested and perhaps even happy to go about the day instead of just wistfully dragging myself around. I expected to dream of Isabella, since in our happier days I almost always did and I am content with her return. She was the only one who managed to bring me some comfort and I did expect to sleep through the night, uninterrupted. She's here. She's holding me. What more did I need to guarantee a peaceful slumber?

But no. It's Thea and the monstrous creature that didn't kill her that haunts me instead. A feeling of anxiety rushed through me as the dream, or vision, began to play itself out with Esme cradling her newly stolen child to her chest as tightly as any concerned mother would. I could feel myself beginning to twist in my bed, trying to shake the vision away, as well as Isabella's arms gradually becoming stronger around me. I could also feel the dead leaves prickle the bottom of my feet, just as I always could, as if I were actually there.

"Shh," Isabella's hush broke through, but the vision would not leave until it finished.

Fear isn't what I felt for little Thea, me, abandoned in the frightfulness of the woods though, mostly because I know she lives. I have a bad habit of surviving even when all the odds are against me and that within itself is thought-provoking and disturbing.

This must be the hundredth time I'm watching this thing play out. So by now, I've already studied every aspect of the creature's misshapen body. It's blackish skin is loose, and looks somewhat rough upon closer inspection, whereas I first thought it was smooth. It's eyes are not orange-red as I first thought either, just deep, dark orange. And while its teeth don't look sharp, I've come to the conclusion that they must be as it's obvious that this thing hunts for its food.

I watch it limp over to Thea, who was now silent, sniff, then run off.

That's where the vision releases me, and I'm left confused, curious and somewhat irritated that whatever this thing is, it chose to haunt me now, when it had the perfect opportunity to kill me as a child.

Isabella wakes me with kisses and the promise of a somewhat decent day. It's nice to wake up to her smile; at ease, gentle and reassuring.

I willed myself from the sheets before she could lift me and wearily made my way to the bathroom.

Isabella followed closely behind me, looking much more rested than I.

"Are you okay?" She asked, her voice still a bit rough from sleep, but somewhat lively- and more herself. "You didn't seem to be having a good dream..." Her handsome face filled with worry. She stopped me in my tracks to the tub and hugged me tightly. I first tensed, then allowed myself to enjoy the feeling of her hugging me. "Let me know what troubles you so I may erase them for you."

She kissed my lips gingerly and then raised her eyebrows expectantly. I shook my head.

"No, it's nothing. With everything we have to worry about, silly dreams are at the bottom of the list." I pulled away from her and began the water, desperate to forget the whole thing and carry on with the day. "Dreams are dreams. Good or bad, they don't mean anything."

Rosalie would require my attention, in the event that today was the day everything would go back into its usual occupied schedule, and Brice would become upset if I spent more time day dreaming, than actually helping her.

"You know," Isabella said. A huge playful smile beginning to form on her face. "It is believed in Bloodmoon that dreams can predict the future. I'd take into account that it might hold true, especially for an oracle. Are you sure you don't want to tell me? Perhaps, I can offer interpretation."

I tried to smile with her, because I know she's not pushing me to talk about anything- she's only joking. Still I shook my head 'no' and began to undress, as did she. I earned a pout.

"Fine, but do you want to know what I dreamt of?" She pulled our naked bodies together, and gave my neck a big, long, wet kiss. Then another on the opposite side. "I dreamt that my mate was in desperate need of a laugh, and good loving. I think this is one dream that holds itself true. Don't you?" She picked me up with ease and stepped us into the bathtub. She sat down with me on top of her and lovingly began to kiss and clean all over my body.


"I don't need your help today." Rosalie said at the council table, she shuffled through her papers, trying to busy herself. She didn't even look up as she spoke with the small group that was her council. Her mother gave her a frown she did not see.

"Are you sure Rose? Alice is more experienced than you are. You remember how overwhelmed you were a few days ago right? You shouldn't go to the hearing without her."

Rosalie's hearing of the kingdom's wants and needs was put on a small pause due to Isabella's shocking return. As I suspected today, she'd be going back to work, and without me apparently.

"Yes," She snapped. "I'm sure. I said I don't need her. Why am I being questioned?" Sasha seemed appalled, as did the rest of us, but no one dared to question her obvious attitude.

"Okay then," I said with a small shrug. "I'll be around if you need me I suppose..." She didn't look up at me to respond, and while I was shocked, I wasn't hurt or concerned. Here, Rosalie is the Queen, and if she doesn't want me at the Kingdom's hearing, then I simply will not be there.

"Brice," I said, turning my attention else where. Brice was just as lost as everyone else, but hearing his named seemed to pull him out of whatever thought he was in. "You said you'd think about sending me to Bloodmoon. Have you come to a decision yet? I was thinking, since Isabella is here, she and I could go together. Spend a small while with the children maybe, while she recovers. I don't want her preparing to fight again so soon, she still needs time." I was hoping that hearing about Isabella and I reuniting with our children would soften him a little. He gave me a smile, signalling that it was good chance it worked.

"Well, don't you seem a little bit eased?"

I nod, "I want to see them before we head back to Lotus...just in case anything goes wrong while we're there. I want them to know who I am."

He laughed. "What magic has Isabella worked on you? Look, you're not frowning for once. It's pleasant to see. I'd love to send you Alice, really I would, but I said I'd ask Rosalie. The decision is hers."

I look at Rosalie, who still didn't even glance at me. "No." She said, sourly.

My heart sunk. "No? But why? Brice said you'd definitely say yes-"

"No." She said, much louder. Finally, she looks at me with hard green Lycan eyes. She stood, to lean over the table at me. "I said no before and the answer remains. Don't ask again."

It's a moment of bitter confusion before I understand what is happening.

This is payback for last night. I grit my teeth together. What right does Rosalie have to be jealous? I stand to her as well, slamming my fists down angrily on the table. "She was mine first." I spat out angrily at her. "I will not share."

She growled. "She's my imprint! And you won't even let me talk to her!"

"And for that you will not let us see our children?"

"Girls?" Sasha stood as well, putting a hand on each of our chests and pushing us back. "We will not be arguing over Isabella at the council table."

"We will not argue over Isabella at all." Brice fixed. "Rose, Isabella is married and so are you. Alice has right to hog her all she wants. Sit down. Do not let this come between you two."

Rosalie huffed, plopping back down into her seat. She gave me mean eyes as she began to shuffle through her documents once more. "The answer is no. Find your own transportation to Bloodmoon, but if you leave, do not come back."


"I'm really sorry about Rosalie." Brice said sincerely, once the meeting is over. I was eager to leave the dreadful room. Isabella would be waiting for me and I itched to get back to her. "You and I both know she isn't usually so aggressive. No matter though, I'm sure she didn't mean any of that. She adores you too much."

I made a face. I never imagined Rosalie yelling, much less threatening anyone with her Lycan eyes. I gave him a laugh, though my anger was through the roof, and I was just about ready to hit something. "I didn't know she had an 'aggressive' side. Good for her. She'll need it, if she wants people to take her seriously. I didn't."

Brice frowned curiously at me, then grinned, putting his hand to my forehead. "Are you feeling okay? You aren't running a fever... I honestly thought you'd be angry...ready to fight even. But here you are...smiling. Kind of reminds me of a happy little pixie I knew." I scoff, remembering Isabella's old, and ridiculous, nickname for me. At the time, I suppose it appropriate. I was happy, naive, and my hair was cut a lot shorter than it is now.

"I'm very angry Brice. Rosalie has no reason to be upset. Isabella is my wife. She's my mate. I had her first. Why should I give her up? Or share? I don't want to. I won't." I sighed, trying very hard to shake off my anger. Rosalie has done too much for me to hold a grudge against her, whether she was being unfair or not.

Brice nodded his agreement. "I think it's only fair Rosalie leave you and Isabella be for the next few weeks. Figure out your own issues before new ones start up. However, Rosalie seems determined. I doubt she's going to let you and Isabella be, even just for a few days. What can you expect though? They're imprints Alice. I bet it won't be long before Isabella holds a fascination with her as well. Keeping them apart isn't smart. Nor is arguing with Rosalie about it. "

My heart went cold. I couldn't bare to think about Isabella and Rosalie sharing a bed, or even so much as the same general area. I shivered. "Isabella promised me no such thing would happen. I hold her to her words."

Brice snorted. "Isabella promises a lot of things, but what do I know? You're the physic and her wife. If you want to hold her to her promises then go ahead. I'm just warning you-" I give him a frown and turn away from him, ready to rejoin Isabella for the day. Brice followed me out of the room.

Of course, Isabella was there, waiting patiently as I expected. Brice only waved hello, while I hugged her.

"Just look at Zafrina and Senna." Brice continued. "You don't have to love the person to love the person."

I snarled at him. "That doesn't make any sense!" Isabella gave him a chuckle.

"Is everything okay?" She asked, squeezing me.

"Rosalie has banned Alice from her hearing for the day." Brice said, jokingly of course, but still it made me grumble at him and Isabella's suspicions rise.

"Why? I thought you were mentoring her or something?" I shrugged my shoulders.

"She doesn't need me, anymore." Isabella frowned lightly.

"Nonsense. You're an oracle. You can help her more than she can help herself. I would think she'd give you a few months longer before she dismissed you."

"It doesn't matter. If she doesn't need me anymore then I can start focusing on other things. Like, learning to fight in this thing. The sooner we can go home the better for everyone." I glared down at my wooden leg. It's still stiff, uncomfortable, but I'll have it for the rest of my life. It's about time I get used to it. Isabella looks too. She's been smart enough to not even mention it, but her stare said enough.

She's confused, and a bit upset with it as well. She scoffs and immediately shakes her head. "You won't need to. Maria tricked me once. She's won't get away with it again. You think I'm going to leave you to protect yourself? You haven't grown an inch."

I glare at her. "If you thought for one second I'd allow you to fight against Maria then you're wrong." I cringe at the thought of Isabella going against Maria for a second time. I remember how easily the tyrant lifted and threw me across the room. I remember laying there thinking I'd die.

I'm not sure how strong Isabella will be once she's finished healing, but I can imagine that she won't be exactly the same. Maria is strong enough as it is. I won't be risking Isabella life a second time.

Isabella smiled. "You don't need to worry about me. I don't like this Alice, you know that. I don't like thinking about you fighting- especially against Maria. It's upsetting."

"I fought against her before." I lost, of course. Maria had me pinned, but I doubt she will be so lucky a second time. "I survived."

"Most of you." She quipped back. "We will not be arguing about this again Alice. The answer is no. Leave the heavy stuff to me. Trust that I will not let anything happen to you ever again. Maria's head is mine." She leaned down and kissed my lips lightly. Her usual way of dismissing me.

A familiar feeling washed over me. This is the same way I felt when Isabella did this to me before.

Small. Like a child being punished by parent. I don't like being dismissed. I will not left out again. Of course I know Isabella means well, but I am not weak. I will not be treated like I am weak.

"No?" I fussed. "No. I said I want to fight and I will. You will not do this to me again. Especially not now. I am not weak. I don't need you to fight for me. You did once and you died. I've learnt my lesson. Why don't you sit down and handle the 'lighter' things and I'll fight? Or we can both go. I don't have a problem with that. But I will not stay here and let you go without me- again."

Isabella grunted. A frown formed on her face, but I don't realize how truly upset she is until she speaks. Her voice his rough and harsh and all directed at me. "You have a place Alice, and it is not on the battlefield. Put my thoughts at ease and stay where you belong. Beating up your brother doesn't make you strong enough to dive head first into a war."

Brice stepped between us before either of us could become more heated about the situation. His grin is rather large as he wrapped a hand around our shoulders, pulling us into a tight hug. "Why don't we worry about that later? Neither of you are in a position to fight and Rosalie and I are still preparing an army. There is no time to waste and yet, there is plenty. Stop arguing. Once you both are deemed 'war ready', we'll figure it out."

Isabella shoved me off of us and possessively wrapped her arms around me. "Fuck that." She spat. "Show me what you are preparing. We'll figure it out now."


"Well, well, well..." The blond head trainer, Jasper Whitlock, grinned. "If it isn't the cripple and the dead king."

"I am not crippled." I reminded him. Isabella growled, holding on to me tightly.

"Wishing to lose your head, boy?" I ignored them as I looked on to the field and at the young Lycans. They are teenagers, almost full grown and yet, still not finished with their training...weird. The Bloodrose training wearing included metal. To me, it is strange. It's almost like full body armor, the trainees wore. In Lotus, only beginner children are allowed any type of protection. Still, it was rather thin, and didn't protect you from much, though it did stop you from bleeding on the grass too much.

From what I can see of them, they aren't too muscular. They look sloppy, undisciplined- weak. I wonder if they made much of a difference when Maria was using them. Had they really contributed to her victory or was that all just Moonstone?

"Kate and I are to be married." Jasper boasts. "I'm just as royally bonded as she is. I'll call her what I want."

I hadn't noticed Kate standing far off to the side of the field, alone, drink in hand and looking miserable. She scoffed at Jasper's commentary. I wiggle from Isabella and walked over to her. "I thought you hated anything that had to do with helping your sister. Why are you here?"

"Mother is making me." She sulked. "She says I can no longer make promises to men and not keep them. I am 'A Lady'."

I chuckle at her annoyance. It somewhat serves her right. "So, you're marrying him?"

She shrugs. "Call it what you will, a piece of paper and metal loop won't stop me from doing what I want. Jasper whined that we should spend time together first and well, I'd rather not get my head bitten off by my mother again." She gulped the last of her beer and disposed of the empty holder by throwing it on the ground a few feet away from her. "Never mind it. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be Rosalie's shadow? Or is it the other way around?" She teased, her voice becoming lighter, lower; almost secretive. She took a step closer to me, for which, I took one back, away from her. She reeks of alcohol and expensive perfumes.

I frowned. "I was fired. Isabella wanted to see the Lycans. Here we are."

She snorted. "Rosalie fired you? With the way she obsessive over keeping the hybrid happy I would have never thought- Geez, what did you do? Piss in her coffee?"

"Something like that..."

"Huh. Well, if you're no longer playing adviser, would you mind if I get a day with you? After all, it seems everyone else has had the privilege of getting to know you. Wouldn't leave me out, would you? " Her smile becomes larger, then quickly fades. She straightens up. Her face going back to being melancholy. I don't understand why until Isabella approaches us and clasps our hands together.

"Flirting with my wife, Kate?"

Kate shrugged her shoulders lazily. "Depends on what you consider flirting." Isabella huffed, not amused.

"Come, Alice. Whitlock says We're welcomed to watch his Lycans perform. Won't you like to do that instead?" She doesn't wait for answer before pulling me away.

"I don't like her." She mutters bitterly, once we are away.

"You barely know her."

"I don't need to know her well to know you two have nothing in common."

Just like you and Rosalie have nothing in common. I think. I laugh to myself.

"You're jealous?" I teased. She frowns.

"Jealous of what? Is there something I should be jealous of?"

"You tell me that..." She laughed along when she realized I was mocking her then shook her head.

"No. I trust you, but like you said, it's been a long time. What if you now prefer drunken, promiscuous girls?" I pulled her down and kissed her lips.

"Just as you promised me Rosalie and yourself are mutual, I promise you the same with Kate. I doubt she even thinks of me that way." Isabella made a face, but accepted my answer without further question.

Metal armor clinked loudly together as the Lycans took their place on the field, grabbing Isabella's attention once more. She pulled me off to the sidelines where we would watch with Brice.

"Why do they fight in armor?" I wondered aloud. Brice gave a quick chuckle before he answered.

"They are young and new. Rosalie doesn't want the few lycans she has to get unnecessarily hurt while training."

"Few?"

"Where it is somewhat mandatory Lycans train in Lotus, to both serve their kingdom and protect themselves, it's completely optional in Bloodrose. It's not like back at home Alice. Violence doesn't run through the streets. When their is no need to be strong, why waste time?" Isabella added. "Do you remember the first time we were here my love?" She asked with a new found smile. "Do you remember seeing Bloodrose Lycans for the first time?"

I did. We were children and still new to each other. I was watching Isabella train against two students from Bloodrose. Of course, Isabella completely demolished the two, upon her father's request, rendering them forever useless. I didn't look at them as if they were weak. They probably weren't, but against a lotus Alpha, strong enough wouldn't cut it.

I wonder if we would have won if I had Isabella to fight with me against Maria? Perhaps...

Bloodrose isn't strong and I can assume the same for Moonstone lycans as they hide behind metal machines.

The Lycans took their stance and upon the command began to attack each other with an unexpected force. They look a bit pathetic struggling with the heavy armor and their opponent and I suppose it offered opportunity. While one was distracted, the other took advantage and shoved them down, gaining the upper hand. I braced myself, ready to see the true violence begin. I expected to see punches, hard blows, no mercy shown... I wanted to hear screams from the wounded. That would make me feel a little eased about the army. At least I'd know Brice had that covered, bu I was surprised to see pinning their opponent is where they'd stop.

No particularly hard hits. No blood spilled. The Lycans got up bruise free and ego wounded.

Isabella grinned, amused by the show being put on in front of her.

"I'll help Jasper train them." Isabella offered to Brice, who agreed. "They'll need all the help they can get. No just for the army, but for their own good as well." She looked down at me next. "See, the Lycans will be fine. The army will be fine. They just need practice is all. You won't need to put your life at risk at all. I told you. Your persistence to fight is, and will always be, ridiculous. It's my job to fight for you."

"Your delusion that I cannot, or shouldn't, protect myself is what's ridiculous." I snapped back. She sighed, her grin faded. She frown at me disapprovingly.

"Cute little women shouldn't have to protect themselves." I snorted. "Everything will be fine without you. Drop this idea, Alice! I'll chain you to the bed before I let you fight."

I grumbled, uneasy. "I think if Alice wants to join the army. She should. The hybrid will be a great addition. Hasn't she shown you what she can do yet?" A voice said before I could.

I turned around to glare at Rosalie. "I can convince her myself." I pout. She waved me off. I wanted to ask what she was doing here when she should be at the hearing, but that's none of my business anymore, is it?

"Yes, yes. Of course you can. Do you like what you see?" The question is directed at Isabella, but I speak up before she can.

"Barely."

Rosalie didn't seem offended. She shrugged her shoulders and sighed. "I know they need work. We're getting there. That's not why I'm here though. I wanted to tell you, right away. I've changed my mind. I'll send you to Bloodmoon."

Is it wrong that I'm suspicious? She smiled at me when she was just about ready to tear my head off earlier. "Why?" I growled.

"I've thought it over. The situation works for both of us. You want to check on your children."

"And you?"

"I want to talk to Zafrina. In person. Start packing. We'll leave tomorrow."


Mmm... Suspicious or just Rosalie being kindhearted?

Mmm? *Decisions decisions*

Well, I hope you liked this chapter.

More soon.

Till next time

*Flies away*