Chapter 202 Best Mates

Chapter 202 Best Mates

HAZEL'S POV

She looks like me; I thought, or maybe I look like her. My hair was still dripping wet as I trudged back to the hideout. Maddox dashed off so quickly before I could even get two sentences in. I knew he didn't mean to peep on me, and it was my fault, anyhow. I knew better than to be taking baths in lakes in places that were strange to me. But I was just so irritated and my blood seemed hot, so I had to cool down. I promised myself I'd talk with Declan when I saw him.

My footsteps were silent as I hiked up to the others. Lucinda's head fell backward as she laughed, just the way I always do. Her nose was a clone of mine, and her hair, though it was styled in many braids, was the same length as mine, just a bit more kinky. I glared at the woman who left me at birth, my eyes welled with tears. There were so many times I wished I had her around when I was growing up. I quickly blinked back my tears and proceeded toward them.

My stomach churned the way Isis was treating her; like she was royalty. Dimitri was grinning at whatever Lucinda was babbling about, but I could see he was forcing the smile. My dad was just staring at her like she was made of gold or something metaphysical. Carson was laughing the loudest, throwing in his inappropriate remarks here and there. Cedella was lying down next to a sleeping Tia, caressing her hair while she reacted to something Alphonso said. But my mate, his thoughts were loud in my head.  My husband was fascinated — no, satisfied that this was how I'd look when I became Lucinda's age, and he loved what he was seeing. I reminded myself to slap him on his head later.

Everyone was absorbed in friendly conversations, everybody except Queen Magdalena. The timeless, enchanting beauty was just standing there, glaring at me, rubbing her elegant fingers over her lips.

"Hazel, how was your swim?" Her soothing voice caused the others to stop talking and turn their attention to me.

"Great," I snapped, not bothering to meet Lucinda's eyes that were boring into my forehead. "Zander, can we talk in private?"

"Sure Kitten," Zander replied.

"Declan will be OK," Lucinda interrupted, standing to her feet and stalking over to me. I overlooked her.

"Declan?" Zander called through the packlink, but there was no reply. He tried Maddox and still nothing.

"Declan. What happened to Declan?" Dimitri interrogated, his tone loaded with concern for his friend.

"Declan is alright. I was at the river and —" I started to explain when everybody's eyes seemed to be directed over my shoulders. I turned to inspect what had gotten them so distracted, merely to see Maddox rushing over to us. He was panting heavily. He faltered and skidded to mine and Zander's feet.

He was still on his palms and knees when he transformed back into Declan.

Zander and Carson were quick to help him to his feet.

"Are you high, man?" Carson demanded to know. Declan's pupils were dilated, and he was drenched in sweat.

"Declan, what happened?" Zander roared. But Declan seemed to be in and out of it.

"Buddy, are you OK?" Dimitri clutched his jaw. "What has gotten you so frazzled?"

Declan's eyes were now fixated on Dimitri."M-m-mate." His voice was so fatigued it came out in a whisper.

"Quick, get him over here," Isis pointed to where she wanted them to put him.

"M-m-mate," Declan kept repeating.

"Yes, buddy. I'm here, your mate is right here," Dimitri cooed. He cherished his bromance with Declan too and I could tell he felt wonderful knowing his friend felt the same way. He took one of the saucer leaves and filled it with some water. "Here, drink up." Dimitri fed him the water after they placed him on the ground with his back and head resting on a rainbow-coloured stone.

"My mate," he said again, this time a little rougher.

"Yes, we are best mates," Dimitri chuckled, raising his hand to feed Declan some more water. But the Gamma shook his head from side to side, refusing to sip anymore. I gasped when I saw what happened next.

He flicked to his feet, his eyes were filled with smoky dark mist. His teeth were razor-sharp as he howled. "MATE!"

Zander's eyes widened. "Wait, Declan, are you saying you found your mate?"

"Yes," Declan calmed down. His body went weak again, and he stumbled.

"Easy there, buddy," Dimitri said as he caught him.

"Harper. That's her name."

My throat got dry as I heard that name. "Harper?" I asked. Declan nodded his head. Magdalena and Lucinda were staring deep into each other's eyes. "What is going on? You two know something," I accused. "Do you know who this Harper is?"

"Yes, sweetheart. Why don't you take a seat and I will explain everything." Lucinda sighed.

"Please, just spit it out!" I got frustrated again.

"Bad man. Hit her. Have to save her." Declan still couldn't say complete sentences. Whatever happened to him still hadn't worn off yet.

"Give him some of this. It will fix him up," Magdalena handed Zander a small pouch.

"What's this?" Zander asked.

"It's fairy dust," the queen replied.

"What must I do with it?" Zander inquired.

"Have you never watched Peter Pan, Alpha? You sprinkle some over his head, and it will make him fly," Carson explained.

"No," Magdalena spoke. "Just put some in his mouth."

So Zander sprinkled some dust on Declan's tongue.

"Woah," Declan exclaimed as his eyes popped. "I feel better."

"Good. Now let's get seated, so we can hear what Lucy has to say." Isis sighed.

I followed everyone and sat on the ground. It was softer than I expected like I was sitting on clouds. I cleared my throat and waited for Lucinda to speak.

"As you all know, I gave birth to two babies, not one —" she began, but I didn't need to hear anymore.

"Harper is my sister?" I yelped.

"Yes, honey, she is," Lucinda answered.

"This is — great news," Dad beamed.

Everyone was again lost in their chattering. I zoned them out as I felt the bile swelling in my throat. The rusty, metallic taste was just nasty in my mouth. My head got light, and I felt like I was being charred from the inside. I inclined my head to the side and began to vomit up what seemed like my entrails.

"Kitten, are you OK?" Zander was beside me in a second.

"I feel so weak. I think my powers are taking a toll on me."

"Magdalena, you have to help her," Zander yelled. "Please, we have to hurry."

"I need my —" The queen paused when she touched me. Her face seemed to glow brighter then her hand cupped my tummy. "The Luna is with child!" She announced. We were all so stunned our bodies froze in place.