I watched as the color drained from Hopes’ face as she took a step back. I didnt know what was going through her mind, goddess I think I just fucked up. “Hope I’m sorry, I didn't mean to…” my words trailed off, what was I gonna say? I just openly admitted that I was probably the last Dire Wolf in existence. I screwed up. Before I could say anything else, Hope had embraced me in a hug.
Ruby. I feel something… familiar about her.
I know what you mean but, I can't figure it out.
“Tell me Rebel, what was your mother's name?” Hope blurted out. “Her name is Rayna, she’s doing well as far as I know.” I pulled away only to find Hope in tears. “Hope are you OK?”
“What is your real name?” she sobbed out. Flora, what’s going on? I’m starting to freak out. What should I do?
What does your heart say?
I dunno. I really didn't know what to do. I wanted to tell her but Rini said to trust no one, and yet here I am stuck in a situation I put myself in. “I understand you dont trust me and that's fine as you should, so I will tell you something that should help ease your mind my dear.” she paused before continuing “I’m Theo’s second chance mate, my first mate died shortly after we married. Karson is my step-son and my sister's name is Rayna Miller.”
“That's not possible, that would make you my aunt!” Everything I just heard felt like my brain was on overload. I felt sick and frightened, I felt as if my head was going to crack open, I didn't feel my legs buckle from underneath me. I could barely hear Hope screaming my name when my vision blurred as I hit the ground, my head hitting the hard ground beneath me.
When I woke up, I could see it was dark outside, I was in an unfamiliar room. I looked over to see Hope sitting beside my bed and Theo standing by the window. “Oh you're awake, I'll go get the doctor.” Theo said as he squeezed my hand and left the room. “I’m so sorry dear I, I didn't mean to overwhelm you.” Hopes’ words felt so sincere. I sat up and instantly felt light-headed again. “What’s going on?” I asked dryly. Hope looked down, unsure of what to say, “I reached out to Rini. She is on her way. Rebel, we will have time to discuss this more later. For now you need to rest.”
After a few moments, Theo walked in with the doctor, “Hello Ms. Rebel I’m Doctor Myers, how are you feeling?” The doctor looked young, mid thirties I’d guess, with brown hair, medium build and glasses that didn't quite fit her face. “Fine I guess.” I mumbled. “According to the labs, and the tests that we ran, you seem to be fine, a bit anemic and a concussion from the fall you took when you fainted, other than that you should be ok. I’ll be able to release you later this evening.” she said with a smile. “Thank you.” I felt like the doctor was holding out more than she knew something doesn't seem right? What the hell is going on?
Once I was released, I went to my home and got into my own bed. I didn't know how to handle the new information that I learned. I’d make sure to talk to Rini when she arrived. This time no one was gonna keep the truth from me.
Morning came too soon, my head was aching, likely from the concussion I received when I fainted yesterday. I quickly got dressed, grabbed a granola bar, dressed my twins, and headed to the pack house. Anxiety was building up, Rini would be here today, and I was beyond excited to see a familiar face. When I entered the house, I was greeted by Hope and Alpha Karson. My goddess, can this man get any hotter? Yes he can, Flora huffed, wagging her tail. “Good morning my dear. How are you feeling?” Hope asked. “To be honest, my head hurts a bit, but other than that I'm fine.” As we walked into the living area, my heart skipped a beat. Rini, who was sitting in an armchair directly across from Theo, turned to me, instantly I felt the tears stinging my eyes as I ran and threw myself directly in her arms.
“There, there. I’m right here Ruby, it's OK” Rini said as she ran her hand on my head as if I were a child. Karson was the first to speak, as I saw the confusion in his face, as well as Hope and Theo.
“I’m sorry Ms. Rini, but I thought her name was Rebel?” I stiffened when I heard his question, shit Rini let my real name slip. “Let us retire, in your office, Alpha Karson, I’m sure you all have questions, especially you, Hope.” Rini said without hesitation. We walked up the few flights of steps to the 3rd floor where Karson’s office was. Hope brought out some toys for the twins and I watched as they sat in the corner and played. Hope and I sat down in the chairs that faced in the opposite direction from Karson’s desk. Theo stood behind his mate and Karson sat at the head of his desk, while Rini stood up against the corner wall. “First things first.” Rini turned to face me, her eyes whited over and she said one word that made my arm hair stand up. “ Remotionem”
I looked around to see everyone staring at me differently. “MATE!” Growled Karson.
Finally, he can sense us, Flora said, her ears perked up and her tail wagging happily. I couldn’t speak, it was like the words were gone. “I’m glad Ruby, it seems your mate was here all along.” Rini said with a smile. Rini turned her head towards Hope and Theo. “Yes, since the barrier is lifted, I'm sure you can sense the nobility in her scent. I didn't mean to hide this from you, but it was to keep Ruby and her pups safe, as I'm sure you can see, she is the last of her kind, the last Dire wolf and the true heir to the crown Princess Ruby Hale, daughter to king Damen and Rayna Miller, your sister.” Rini said without a single pause. “You mean, my sister is alive and well, and Rebel, I mean Ruby is in fact my niece?” Hope asked with desperation in her eyes. “Yes Hope, Rayna is alive and well. When your sister was sold to the mad king and suffered many nights of torture, I was able to help her escape. I used my magic to only make him think she was being executed like the others who became pregnant. I gave her a new life without bringing attention to herself, she was able to find her mate and safely give birth.” Rini explained.
Everything Rini said was now starting to make sense. I looked over to Karson, who was still looking at me with such possession it made me a bit uncomfortable. Rini answered Hope’s every question. I had one single question but I wasn't sure if I should even ask, but I went ahead and asked anyway. “You say I'm the last Dire Wolf and all, only Royalty has emerald eyes, so why does Theo and Hope have slight emerald green eyes?” Everyone turned to look at me. Rini was about to answer when Theo spoke up. “ Because your highness, I’m cousin to the royal bloodline, and as I’m sure Hope told you, she was human when I mated and marked her. She already had green eyes.”
I told you, everything would come to light, and we are not alone.
I just feel like this is all too much.
Be happy, our mate recognizes us now.
Oh how Flora wasn't wrong. I felt a strong pull towards Karson now that he could scent us. I couldn't wait to meet his wolf, I needed to take this slow. I didn't want to rush anything yet. I was lost in thought when Rini tapped me on my shoulder. “Everything all right, child?” “Yes, it's just a bit much, since your arrival I’ve learned that I have more family, and that I'm a princess and now I have the recognition of my mate. What’s next?” Rini took a breath and spoke gently. “Now we will get you recognized by the council members and place you on the throne that you have rightfully inherited.”