Chapter 70 - Surprised by Three Mates

April POV

“Alright, tomorrow is the day we’ve all been training for,” Dad said. My parents had called a meeting at the training center.

“As you all know, Catherine and her “army” will be here to fight. They aim to kill the Queen of all species. Your Queen. And to take my daughter, to force her to do her bidding. We of course won’t allow it. With the help of every single one of you.. we believe we will have the upper hand here. We will make them regret ever following Catherine and her dark ways.” He continued.

The crowd of warriors cheered at the thought of finishing this once and for all.

“Here is the plan,” Dad said. He held his hand out and mom grabbed it, they shared loving looks before she took the front and began speaking.

“You’ve all been assigned designated posts. We will have extra patrols out tonight just in case Catherine plans to attack early.” Mom said.

“Word from my spy says they’ve already begun their journey here. Catherine is unpredictable, she could attack at any time. We believe she plans to use her army as a distraction to get to Genevieve.. but of course, she can’t kill the Queen without this.” Josephine held the spelled dagger in the air.

“Your job is to hold back the army.. but let Catherine through.” Mom said. Murmurs filled the crowd as the warriors looked at each other confused.

“Let her through? But didn’t we train to fight her?” One of the warriors asked.

“No. Catherine is far too powerful.. she would surely wipe out a third of our army with the flick of a wrist. She is very dangerous and does not care how many lives she takes.. which is why you will leave her to us.” Mom said.

“Now. She may even try to turn some of you against us with the promise to raise your dead loved ones from the grave. This promise is false. Do not give in.. Catherine will do and say anything to get the upper hand here.” Josephine said.

“We would never betray our queen!” Someone yelled. That of course sent several others to agree.

“I have faith in every single one of you.” Mom said.

“The training center is open to any and all who wish to not fight. That’s where the children will be kept. Once everyone is in there, I will place a spell.. sealing the doors, keeping anyone out, and everyone safely inside. Everyone knows their part, right? If you have questions, please feel free to speak to Brandon or Damian. When we’ve spotted the army, either Brandon or Damien will send a mass link to everyone. You will have 10 minutes before I seal the training center completely. There will be a designated spot for the injured, who we will heal and try our best to make sure everyone leaves this battle with their lives. Any questions?” Mom asked. Warriors shook their heads.

“Then may you all take your leave. I have faith that we can defeat Catherine. We are all strong.” Mom finished then everyone cheered and began to leave.

“Can I fight?” Viktor asked me. I gave him the look all big sisters do.

“You know you can’t. I know you want to, but it’s not safe and I can’t lose you.” I said.

“But you could bring me back.. I can help! I’m strong, I’m smart.. I may only be 16 but that doesn’t mean I should stand back from the fight. It’s our family, we fight together.” He said. I placed my hand on the back of his neck.

“Viktor, you know mom won’t allow it. I know you can handle yourself.. but it’s not my place to allow it. If you want to fight you need to talk to mom and dad.” I said. He pressed his forehead against mine and sighed.

“I’m just afraid if I don’t try.. I will lose you all.” He said. I pulled him into my arms and held him tight.

“You won’t lose us. We are far more powerful than her.” I said. He gave me a smile and nodded.

“I’m still going to ask mom.” He said. I let out a chuckle and sighed.

“If mom agrees, I know you will be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield,” I said. I watched as he walked off, knowing mom would never agree to it. He’s the baby.. and even though he’s a very skilled fighter.. Mom refuses to let anyone under 18 fight.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around.

“Ahhh, are you ready to kill this b*tch or what?” Sebastian asked.

“Goddess, I’m more than ready. Did you find what I asked for?” I asked.

“Yeah, I don’t know why you wanted it but here you go. Mom had it locked up.. but you know how I am with locks. Nothing can keep Sebastian out of anything.” He said. He handed me the vial of grey dust and I quickly stuffed it into my pocket.

“So what exactly is it?” He asked. I shook my head.

“Just something I needed for a spell,” I said. He shrugged his shoulders.

“So how do you feel? Seraphine has been throwing up constantly and I feel awful that there’s nothing I can do. I didn’t realize growing a pup could be so.. exhausting.” He said.

“Exhausting? Most definitely. I know she’s a couple of weeks farther along than me.. but d*mn.. it truly is a lot of work.” I giggled.

“Hey, but I guess it’ll all be worth it in the long run when we’re both holding our pups. I can’t wait, April. I’m so excited to be a dad.” He said. I smiled brightly at the thought.

“You’ll be amazing,” I said. He pulled me in for a quick hug, then as he pulled away his eyes glazed over.

“Looks like I’m going to grab some cheeseburgers.. Seraphine has been craving them like crazy these last few days. Want anything?” He asked. I shook my head.

“Don’t forget her extra pickles,” I said. He chuckled.

“She’d surely have my head if I did.” He said. He then turned and made his way to the door.

I turned around to head towards the door as well when I tripped on air (yet, again) but before I could reach the ground, familiar hands wrapped around my waist gently and caught me.

“We keep meeting like this..” Alexei said as he pulled me up.

“Being pregnant has made me even more clumsy than before.” I giggled. He pressed his soft, plump lips against mine.

“What’s this?” Alexei asked as he felt around my jacket pocket.

“A prenatal concoction,” I said. He looked at me curiously.

“What about the prenatal vitamins the Doctor gave you?” He asked.

“Taking those too,” I said.

“Wow, I didn’t realize you’d have to take so much.” He said. I shrugged my shoulders.

“Just want to make sure the pup is as healthy as can be,” I said.

“You ready to get inside? I think Josephine and your Mom are ready to discuss the full plan.” He said. I nodded my head.

“Let’s do this,” I said.

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“Okay, so.. we want to lead her into the ballroom. Knowing Catherine, she’ll walk directly through all the fighting without even a glance.. just to find you and your mom. In the ballroom.. That’s where your mom will be waiting. I’m almost certain Catherine will try to attack her there.. but obviously, without the dagger, she can’t take her life.” Josephine said.

“Don’t you think she’ll try to get the dagger first?” I asked. That’s when Josephine pulled out a dagger that looks exactly like the other.

“Here.” She handed me both daggers. I could tell a small difference in power.. but honestly, if you weren’t trying to sus it out, you wouldn’t even be able to tell a difference.

“What happens if she stabs mom with the fake?” I asked.

“The moment she touches the fake, it will begin to leech off of her magic. If she uses it.. The power will backfire.. it will completely stun Catherine and affect her magic capabilities. She won’t be nearly as strong as she was before using the fake one.” Josephine said. I nodded, this isn’t a bad idea.

“Okay.. so. We get her to the ballroom where Mom will be waiting with the dagger.. then what?” I asked.

“I'm going to play it off like I’m giving myself up to save everyone. I will give her the dagger, and once she uses it.. that’s when you come in and attack. You’ll plunge the real dagger into her heart, take Josephine’s amulet, then incinerate the b*tch.” Mom said. I snorted at mom foul language but nonetheless nodded.

“I can do this,” I said.

“I never doubted you.” Mom smiled.

“What do we do if that fails?” I asked.

“We will throw everything we have at her. Surely, with the both of us.. she won’t be able to get away. We’ll hold her while Josephine here, takes the dagger, and kills Catherine herself. Which of course will end with you turning her to ash, as you know.” She said.

“What if you guys mix up the daggers?” Alastair asked, which made Josephine snort.

“The real one has a chipped handle. The fake doesn’t. Just make sure you check before we begin and there won’t be a mix-up.” Josephine said. I looked at the handles and noted that she was right. If I focus on my abilities enough, I can clearly tell which is which. I handed mom the fake and tucked the real one under my belt.

“Alright so.. I guess that's everything.” Mom said. She pulled me in for a hug. When she pulled away she gave me a big smile.

“Maria prepared a huge feast. So, let’s all go get ready. She wanted to do something extra special before we all went to war.” Mom said. I smiled and nodded.

Alastair and Klaus grabbed each of my hands. Alexei walked beside Klaus as we all began to file out of the main hall.

The smell of steak, chicken, burgers and so much more hit my nose causing my mouth to water instantly.

“Dear goddess..” I moaned as we got closer to the dining hall.

“I’ve been waiting to eat all day..” Alastair said.

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