The Dragon's Queen

Chapter 16: Morning After

Karisma’s POV

I wake up to sunlight pouring into the room and groan. I never felt so comfy on a couch before. The sound of the door opening made me sit up. That was when I noticed why I was so comfortable. I was on Rieley’s bed. It was so soft. The blankets were silky smooth, and the mattress felt like I was sitting on a soft, fluffy cloud.

I look up and see the young girl who came with Kai to my house a few days ago. Only this time, she is smiling at me, instead of glaring at me. “Good morning, Karisma.” She said as she held out a glass towards me. I sniffed the air and caught the scent of blood. I looked up at her in confusion.

“I looked into your personal file and saw that you were part vampire. I brought you some blood here, so it is on a need to know basis… since Alpha Philip had filled out the documents to cover your natural scent with a regular wolf scent.” She said, looking down. I knew Papa had to fill out a lot of documents when he told me that he was adopting me… but I didn’t know that anyone could have access to them.

She must have noticed my expression because she held up her other hand. “Oh, my name is Raven Jackman. Kai and Riely are my elder siblings. I turn 18 next year.” She said. That made me relax. It was no secret that Kai and Riley’s siblings and cousins were all special, even for regular shifters and magic users.

I mean, I heard that Raven and her twin brothers, Alistar and Ambrose, all graduated from the academy and have been working for their families since they were 15. Though I don’t know much about what they are like personally, since the three of them keep to their family group more or less. I take the glass from her and start to drink it down, but I still keep an eye on her.

“I know I didn’t give a good impression the first time we met at your pack last weekend, but that was just me being on guard for my big brother.” She said. I finished the glass and looked at her curiously. “Being on guard?” I asked. I can not see any reason for Kai to need his little sister’s protection from anything. He is a strong and capable warrior himself. From the rumors I hear he could have become the alpha king if he ever challenged Alpha Luca.

She gave me a gentle smile as she nodded. “Yes. Many females try to get into my brother’s pants. It is normal for me or Riely to be the ones to put them in their places, as Kai is the kind of man who would never harm a female. At least if he could help it.” She said. Oh. Yeah, I guess that would make sense. There are always people who don’t understand the meaning of ‘No.’ sometimes. Both men and women get harassed everywhere in the world.

“Well, your brother is good-looking and strong, so I can see why any woman would be after him.” I mumbled. Then I remembered who I was talking to and clamped my hand over my mouth. ‘Crap. I hope she is not going to lump me in the same category again.’ I scream out in my head.

Instead, I hear her laughing. “Yeah. I can see that. All of my brothers are good-looking. I am just glad that they don’t let their looks go to their heads and think they are the gods' gift to females… like some males I have met myself.” She said with a smile. I give her a slow smile in return. Then there was a knock on the door.

I turn to see it already opening. Two men pop their heads inside. “Hey, sis. Can we come in?” One of them asks. Raven turns to them and nods. “Yes, you may. Come meet Karisma.” She says. Both men walk into the room. They have similar facial features, but anyone could tell that they are fraternal twins and not identical.

Both were at least 6’4 tall and had great muscles that meant they worked out a lot, but one had silver hair with red and black streaks running through it and forest green eyes. The other has black hair and deep ocean blue eyes. The one with silver hair dramatically bowed at the waist and grinned at me. “Hello. My name is Ambrose Jackman. It is a pleasure to meet you.” His eyes had a playful spark to them, but I could see that he was a trained warrior. He just kept his cards close to himself.

I nodded my head and held out my hand. “Karisma Wright.” I said. He took it and shocked me by kissing the back of my hand. It didn’t give me the icky feeling like some men have. It seemed like he was just greeting me with respect and not coming onto me. Then the other man came closer as soon as his brother released my hand. “And I am Alistar Jackman.” He said as he also kissed the back of my hand.

Raven rolled her eyes. “How come you boys are polite to her and not me. I think I feel a little hurt.” She grumbled. Ambrose and Alistar both looked at each other before smirking at Raven. Then in a flash, Ambrose and Alistar were on either side of their sister. Hugging her between the two of them as they rubbed their faces on her cheeks.

“Awwww. We had no idea that you would be so jealous, sissy.” Ambrose said in a body tone. “We promise you are the best big sister we have.” Alistar added. I couldn’t help it. I started laughing as Raven’s face grew red hot really fast. “You brats!” She growled as she reached for them. Before she could grab them, they quickly released her and jumped back a chuckling at their sister.

Anyone could see the sibling love between them. Then out of nowhere, I was tackled from behind. “Willow!” A familiar voice growled. As I was face down in the blankets. The weight was removed, and I pushed myself up and turned. I was shocked to see Willow and Jason. Jason was holding Willow by the collar of her shirt like she was a wiggling kitten being held by its scruff.

“Miss. Riley told us that she was recovering. You can’t just pounce on her like that.” Jason was scolding Willow. I looked towards the door to see Miss. Riley was standing there with a smile on her face and arms crossed over her chest. “Come on, Jason. You can not tell me that you were just as worried as I was.” Willow said as she continued to reach for me. She was acting like I was going to disappear if she wasn’t holding on to me.

Jason didn’t relent and forced Willow to sit down at the foot of the bed. Then he released her and came over towards me. Not pouncing on me, like Willow, he held a made face and was checking me over for anything out of place. After seeing that I was good, and pulled me close and held me tight.

“I trusted that Miss. Riley had taken care of you, but I just had to see you for myself. You scared me half to death. I never knew having a little sister would shave years off my life.” He said. Grumbling that last part in such a deeper tone that I thought his wolf was saying it. I placed my arms around him and held him tighter than before. “Miss. Riley did have a doctor care for me, but I am glad to see you and Willow. It is helping with the emotional aftereffects.” I said.

“I have cleared them to stay here with you and do any assignments they need to do online. Until we get you transferred to the academy.” Miss. Riley said as she walked closer to the bed. “As for now… How about we head downstairs for some breakfast?” She added and held out an arm towards the door.