Chapter 200 James’ Mate

Chapter 200 James’ Mate
???'s POV

Poor James stood completely frozen in front of his mate. His companions were just as mesmerized by the woman they saw. 

Her hair was woven into long micro-braids that touched the small of her back. Her Nubian nose was a little different, it had a tiny jewel that glinted on the left side. But the ebony-black skin, the wispy eyelashes, the plump coral lips, and the eyebrows that were always turned up at the inward tips, furrowed, as if judging everything you're doing, were exactly as James remembered. His eyes raked her figure. She seemed more mature, and he liked that. It had been 19 years since he'd seen her, so of course she'd look different. But one thing was for sure: she was even more beautiful than ever. 

"Lucinda," James whispered. "Is it really you?" He held his breath and closed his eyes. 

Lucinda stretched out her fist and ran her palm over his cheek. James gasped for air, leaning into her touch. His frame erupted with sparks at every juncture of his body. "Yes, my love. It is me." James opened his eyes now. His eyeballs were misty black, showing his wolf longed for their mate. Tears flowed easily down his face as his heart filled with glee. "I missed you so much, James. I think about you every day." Lucinda was crying too, her body longing for his touch. James couldn't take not being closer to her, so he smashed his lips onto hers. His grip went to the back of her head as their kiss intensified. The others said nothing. They let the couple have their moment. 

Hazel's body trembled with resentment in Zander's hold. A mixture of emotions was swirling inside of her. She wanted to explode. She was happy her mother was alive, but she just couldn't understand why her mom left her for so long. 

The kissing couple pulled away, giggling between their tears. "Now that you are back in my life, Lu-Lu, know that I'm never letting you go," James admitted, before embracing her once more. He hugged her so tightly, Lucinda couldn't breathe. "My Mate," he whispered in her ear before pulling away from her. 

"Zander, please put me down," Hazel asked. Lucinda's eyes bore past James's shoulder and landed on her estranged daughter. Lucinda's hands trembled as they flew to her mouth to contain her sobs. 

Hazel made the first few steps toward her mother, and then Lucinda did the same. "Hazel," Lucinda bawled. "My sweet daughter."

Hazel stopped hating that she called her daughter. "But you left me and never came back."

Lucinda sniffled and hurried over to capture Hazel's palms in her hands. "Listen, Hazel. Leaving you was the hardest thing I'd ever done. Believe me, I never wanted to leave you or your father. But I did it for your safety."

Lucinda pulled Hazel in for a hug, but she wiggled in protest. "No! You could have made it known you were alive. I mourned you every day. At least when I thought Dad died, he had amnesia, so he couldn't remember me. But as soon as he remembered, he came for me," Hazel yelled. "You knew where I was, but you never tried to get me or even send word to let me know you were OK." 

"It wasn't your mother's fault, child. Calm down and keep quiet before your little tantrum gives away our hideout," the fairy queen spoke. "But then again, I cannot blame you for your rage. You are the great hybrid. I can sense your body isn't managing your powers very well."

Hazel let out a massive breath. "I need to clear my head." Apparently, she was feeling a little more like herself. Being near Queen Magdalena seemed to have given her a bit of strength. 

"Very well then. You can go for a walk. But keep on the straight path and when you reach the river, you should turn back," Queen Magdalena warned. 

"I'll go with her," Zander informed. 

"No Alpha, Zander, she'll be OK. My son cannot set foot on this neutral land. I'm afraid he chose a side, the side of evil. No Faes that have chosen a side, whether good or evil, can walk the path of the Neutral Lake." The Queen explained. 

"It's OK Zander. I'll be careful, and I will link you if I need you." Hazel set off to clear her head. 

"So, old woman. You've seen better days," Lucinda laughed while she addressed Isis. 

The elderly witch hugged her dear friend. "Yes I have, Fatty," Isis pinched her cheek. "It's good to see you, old friend."

"You too." Lucinda sighed. "And Alpha Zander, you've grown into a handsome beast. I used to change your diapers," Lucinda confessed. "Nevertheless, it's an honour to officially meet you," she stretched her palm to shake his. Zander was at a loss for words. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, it's just you really look like Hazel," he shook her hand. 

"It's my turn," Carson shoved Zander. "Hi, I'm Carson Danvers, best friend to Luna," he bowed. 

Lucinda laughed. "I know who you are, Carson, and I'm pleased to meet you." 

Dimitri was over the pleasantries. All he wanted to do was fix Hazel and get the fuck out of dodge. But now he was in the Fae World, and it was obvious that shit had hit the fan. Now this was just another distraction and time wasted that he could use to search for his mate and daughter. 

"You must be Dimitri Winterbourne," Lucinda said. "You are just as how I saw you in my vision. Don't worry, you'll see Zoey and your daughter soon."

Dimitri looked up at her in shock. "Are you just saying that to make me feel better?"

"No, I've seen it. King Lucifer will fall, and your mate and daughter will go home with you."

Dimitri got hopeful. "So, do you know where they are?"

"No," Lucinda sighed. "But we'll find out soon." 

Dimitri's mind seemed at ease for now. 

Lucinda's views landed on Declan. She noticed he was trying to distance himself from them. She saw the pain in his eyes. But before she could call to him. The ghostly image of Cedella stepped from behind him. Hiding behind her transparent figure was a Dark Fae. 

Queen Magdalena was frozen on the spot. "Ce — Cedella?"

"Yes, mother. I have come home." 

The queen fell to her knees. Her body could hardly contain her grief. "But how — how did this happen?" 

"I promise to tell you everything, but first there is someone I want you to meet," Cedella said. She pulled the child in front of her. "Mother, this is Tia, my daughter." Queen Magdalena was tongue-tied. "I know you know who her father is. But please Mother, I beg you, take care of her like she was your own. She is nothing like her father."

"Her father's blood may run through her veins, but she has her mother's heart," Magdalena touched the child's face. She stared into her eyes. "And my eyes. Come here, child. I am your grandmother." Tia smiled. "And from now on, you are my responsibility." 

Cedella wept. "Thank you, Mother."

"Come with me. We shall find somewhere private to talk."

Magdalena, Cedella, and Tia went a little further from the group, out of the werewolves' earshot and Cedella told her mother everything that happened. 

Meanwhile, Declan was still standing by himself. He refused to introduce himself to Hazel's mother. He just felt even more alone than ever. 

The Fae World was supposed to be his release from all of this, but it seemed every time he took five steps ahead, something fucked up will happen, and it will send him ten steps backward. 

Lucinda walked up to him. "Why so quiet, Declan?"

"I'm sorry, Miss Lucinda, if I seem rude. I'm just not feeling up to talking to anyone."

"I understand — I know you are hurting but —"

"Look," Declan cut her off. He didn't need her to apologize to him or pity him. It wasn't anybody's fault Hazel's twin died. But when his eyes connected with Lucinda, all he saw was Hazel. He just couldn't take the pain anymore. "I need to get out of here." He pulled his shirt over his head and dropped it on the ground. 

"Declan, wait!" Zander tried to stop him. 

"No. Let him go," Lucinda told Zander. 

"Dec, please be careful," Dim begged his friend.

Declan sprinted off into the woods. He leapt and within a second, he transformed into his wolf. Maddox howled. He was frustrated that he and his human were hurting so much. His nostrils widened and in no time they caught onto their Luna's essence. They didn't wish to, but Maddox's mind still told him she was their mate. He darted up the trail. He could hear the ripples of the river, and then it came into view. His paws struck the brakes when he saw her, their Luna, buck naked, bathing in the water.