The Dragon's Queen

Chapter 15: Honest Feelings

Karisma’s POV

After Alpha Luca and Beta Tobais left. Riley pulled out her phone from her back pocket and pressed her thumb to the screen. Holding the unlocked phone out to me, and smiled at me. “Here you go. You are free to call your family to let them know that you are safe and sound… though you will be staying with us until further notice.” She said.

I nodded and pulled out my own cell. Pulling up Papa’s contact, I used Riley’s phone to call. Since I have nothing to hide, I put it on speaker. Papa picks up after a few rings. “Hello, this is Alpha Philip.”

The sound of his voice made me miss home. “Papa.” I whimpered out. I didn’t know exactly how much I was missing him and my mother until it finally sank in that I was not with them. “Little one.” I hear his voice breaking a bit. From the look of sadness that Riley was giving me, she could hear it too. “Are you alright, little one? Are your wounds in pain? Do you need me to bring you anything?” I laughed lightly at the last question. “Papa, the Royal Moon pack in a full day travel away. I would be allowed home by the time you tried to bring something here.” I said.

Riley smiled as she placed a hand over mine. That was when I noticed that I was gripping the table tightly. I let go of the table and put my hands in my lap. “I am fine, Papa. Miss Riley made sure that my injuries were taken care of and has already told the Alpha King about what happened.” I spoke in a calm voice.

“What did Alpha King Luca say?” Papa asked. I took a deep breath. “I am to stay in Miss. Riley’s care for the next few days. I am sure that within that time, you and Alpha Damian will receive a royal summons for the case to be presented in front of the Alpha King and Luna Queen.” I said. Staying close to the truth without disobeying the Alpha King. Even though he didn’t alpha command me to keep completely silent about this.

“I understand. Your mother and I will prepare ourselves for when we are summoned… but how are you holding up, little one?” Papa asked. His tone sounds like he is on to her. I open my mouth to say that I am fine… but I could not force the usual words out. The truth was, I was afraid. Afraid that I was going to lose my family. Afraid that something else is going to come up and disrupt my life.

Feeling the comfort of my wolf and my vampire. I find the strength to speak once more. “I know I am safe in Miss. Riley’s care… but I miss my family so much. I wish you or Jason were here, Papa.” I said honestly. I felt tears in my eyes, but I didn’t let them fall. I saw Riley tapping on her tablet silently.

“Listen, little one. No matter the distance between you and us, your family will always be here for you. We love you as if you were born from our flesh. We will be together again as soon as the alpha king resolves this conflict.” Papa said. His calm voice soothed my racing heart. I looked up to see Riley watching me. I try not to show others how weak I am, but going from the kind look in Riley’s eyes… I don’t feel judged for my insecurities. For the first time. I feel like they are normal.

“I will remember, Papa. I love you and hope to see you soon.” I said. Wanting to shower and sleep the rest of the day away. “I love you, too, little one. To the moon and stars above.” Papa replied. I ended the call and handed Riley her phone back. She smiled and put it on the table. “I understand your fears, and they are completely justified, but I know that Aunt Melody and Uncle Luca will do what is right. You were not in the wrong, nor are you wrong for being born the way you are.” She said.

I stiffened, but she just pointed to a set of doors behind me. “The doors on the left will take you to my closet. Please feel free to use anything that would bring you comfort, and the doors on the right are the bathroom. Take a hot shower or a nice, good soak in the tub.” She said. “I will give you some privacy while I take care of some details with my brother before turning in for the night. Are you hungry?”

I shook my head. Eating was the absolute last thing on my mind. I just wanted all of this to be over with so I could be home. “Alright. There is an intercom on the nightstand. If you feel hungry at all, press the number 3 and then the big call button. It will put you in contact with one of the omegas on duty, and they can bring you anything from the kitchen.” She said. I nodded and bowed my head as she went to leave.

“You are safe here, Karisma. I won’t let anything happen to you.” I gasped and looked up to meet her deep blue eyes. She was not making false statements, and she was not trying to placate me. She genuinely means it when she says I am safe. Feeling the tears coming, and bowed my head again. “Thank you, Miss. Riley.” She just smiled and waved as she left the room. I turned and headed to find something to wear from her closet.

Riley’s POV

I walked down the hall towards my brother’s room. Wanting to give Karisma some time to herself. She reminds me a lot of how I was when I was younger. At ten years old, I was taking on the world and having to keep up a brave face.

I can tell that Alpha Philip and his family have done what they can, but some of her fears and scars run deeper. I know that Uncle Luca and Aunt Melody will take care of these issues, but only Karisma can give herself peace with her past demons.

A few hours later…

I am heading back to my room for bed. I am already tired of this crazy case. From the looks of it, the Moonlight Rose pack will either need to be dismembered or we need to change out all of the ranked members. I don’t think letting Alpha Philip absorb the pack into his would work because of all the negative thoughts that Alpha Damian has indoctrinated into his pack… it would not work with pack loyalties. It seems that Alpha Damian has a big hatred for hybrids and rogues alike.

Karisma’s only sin in his eyes was that she was both. It was why he never reprimanded his beta the first time he had attacked Karisma on school grounds. Though the first time should have taught them that she wasn’t just going to take it. The intel we got on that incident was that her wolf took over her body and threw the beta across the room in front of students and staff. That made her an outsider at school. To the shifters, she was a loose cannon with no control over her own wolf, and to the humans, she was a bully who had no issues beating the s**t out of the teachers if they crossed her. She may have to finish her last year of school at the academy, but that could rock even more boats.

‘She could take a test and be transferred as a scholarship student to transfer.’ Ember suggested. ‘Oh. That is a good idea. I will run that by Aunt Melody in the morning.’ I replied.

I walk into my room to see a figure on the couch in my reading corner. I walk over and see that Karisma is wearing some sweatpants and one of Kai’s hoodies I borrowed from him. I picked up the book that was on the floor next to her. ‘Poor thing. So tired that she fell asleep reading.’ I thought to myself. I look down at the book and smile. It was “Touching Rune” by S.E. Smith.

It was one of my favorites. I put it back on the shelf, and because I couldn’t help myself… I picked up the teenager and brought her over to my bed. She should be comfortable. She is our guest. Tucking her into bed was adorable. She rubbed her face more into my brother’s hoodie as she settled into the large bed.

“Don’t worry, Karisma. Things all happen for a reason.” I whisper to her before I go over and crawl into the other side of the bed. The next few days are going to be crazy.