Prelude 3

Maureen

Someone shoves me while I’m clearing down a table. I lose my balance, stumble ass over the tea kettle right down to the marble floor, and suddenly there’s a shooting pain traveling straight up my forearm.

"That's where you belong, whore." Samantha snorted, just before hawking up a loogie and spitting on my face. An unexpectedly vile behavior comes from such a high-ranking member of the Michaelson Coven. She hovers over me and sneers as the glob of spittle oozes down my face.

Her action triggers something deep inside of me, and I notice the pain in my arm has gone. I pull myself to my feet, and with everything I can muster, I backhanded her, busting both her lips wide open. The hit is so harsh, she crashes onto the floor.

Collective gasps started buzzing around the semi-packed cafe, igniting the tense atmosphere. Touching her lips, "you're going to pay for this!" She screeches, balling her fist to strike me, but it never came — because something has frozen her stiff in place.

"Now, I'd think again if I were you," a raspy voice says. Whipping my head around, it's no one but Tyler Greyson — the alpha of the Howlers. The witch binding Samantha's powers releases her, and she quickly scrambles out of the cafe. "You alright there?" He questions, his deep-green eyes staring at me intensely.

"T-thank you," I stutter, embarrassed that another alpha yet again come to my rescue.

"Daaaddy," a small voice whines. Standing behind him is Tyler Jr. "You promised me cookies," he argues, puffing his little chest out.

"Ty, mind your manners," his father quickly scolds. "Now say hi to the nice lady before we order," he urges the child.

"My name is Tyler Maurice Greyson Jnr, future alpha. It's a pleasure to meet you," he proudly introduces himself.

Chuckling at his adorableness, we shake hands, but I withdraw mine in surprise. For a second there I thought the kid zapped me; an electric pull made my blood warm and cozy. I must be going crazy, there's no way I should feel this way about a four-year kid. Shaking off my obvious discomfort, I flash a smile so fake it's amazing I didn't split my face in two. "Are you guys ready to order now?" I jumped right back into my manager role.

"Yes!" Tyler Jr screams, and his father chuckles, shaking his head. Taking their order, I prepare the cookies, serving them myself, which earned me a huge tip. The generosity brings a smile to my face for the first time in over two weeks.

Just the thought of my mother's silent treatment gets me gloomy all over again. Why can't she understand that I love Dante? Trying to forget my troubles for today, I busy myself with the workload. Blue has taken Martha on a three-week vacation, celebrating the discovery that they'll be having a healthy baby boy in just a short two months. He left me completely responsible, much to everyone's dismay. Nevertheless, here at the cafe offers the best coffee and pastries in town, so they don't have much of a choice. I just wished some of them were like the Greyson's who orders politely and then go on about their business.

Speaking of the Greysons, they're nice people. The current alpha, Tyler is a great guy, he's stern yet friendly. He treats his pack like family as well. I also hear they're called Howlers because of the highly frequent sonic of their howls, it's deadly to anyone's hearing — as if their agility and strength aren't badass enough. The vibration of my back pocket distracts me from my thought, fumbling to get the phone I see it's a text message from Dante.

Your ass looks delicious in those jeans. Blushing like crazy, I tap away my reply, shoving back the phone into the back of my skinny black jeans, trying to hurriedly finish up my afternoon duties. Meet me at our spot in an hour. I replied. Just the thought of what I said sends pleasurable shivers all over my already heated body.

Looking at the clock I see there are forty-five minutes left before our meet-up, a groan slipping from my lips. Focusing on the task at hand, I effectively begin to clear and tidy up the cafe for closing hours. It's Wednesday, Blue normally closes up early on this day, so I'm not worried about getting into trouble.

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Trying to catch our breaths. "I love you forever baby," Dante says brushing away my wet bangs, and kissing my sweaty forehead.

"I'm forever yours," I mumble dreamily, snuggling further into his equally sweaty chest. This is always my reply whenever he utters these three lovely words to me.

I am fortunate enough to be able to catch the eye of Dante DeLuca, The Alpha of the Demon Warriors Pack. People often speak of the color of his eyes. They're a beautiful shade of stormy silver that always holds gentleness and honesty, never once portraying weakness, which is a remarkable trait in him. As he gets older, the lines on his forehead become deeper, however, he is still handsome as his soul shines from deep within — his bone structure is perfectly symmetrical and manly.

"Are you staying for the night, or should I take you home?" He asks rather cautiously as if I'd break from his question.

"I'm staying the night," I reply without hesitation. "Nothing is waiting for me at home," I mumble, burning tears threatening to pour. I can understand why my mom is acting the way she is, but it hurts nonetheless.

A few centuries ago, it was said that a child would break the cycle so witches would be free to choose; if they want to align themselves with a pack or not be forced to have a master. Everyone thought that child was me, including my mom. She had so much hope and respect for me up until she unexpectedly walked into my room with Dante straddled on top of me as I screamed out his name in pure ecstasy. I remember the hurt and disappointment clearly expressed in her eyes breaking my heart.

My mom always looked at me with such love, warmth, and adoration. She didn't even say anything, just turned around, closing the door behind her.

"Shit. I'm really sorry about that baby." Dante cooed, pulling me into his brick wall chest, holding me tightly in his comforting arms as I desperately tried blinking away unshed tears. His touch is so soothing; it almost feels as if I'm on drugs.

Repeating the same words that plague my mind. "It's okay. I'm forever yours." I whisper against his soft lips, kissing him.

"Come on, let's get some sleep. I'm training the preteens in the morning," he complains with a groan making me snicker out loud because I know just how much he hates dealing with the preteens since they're more aggressive than the pups. He kiss my temple, and soon enough sleep consumed us both.

***

Three more weeks without my mom's cheerful and happy voice. Three weeks of silence, awkwardness, and misery. To make the situation even more uncomfortable, word got around the entire Rosewood that I'm sleeping with Dante. It's not like I really care because I know what we have is real, and I can't seem to get enough of him, especially those striking stormy silver eyes of his. Rumor has it that he is cocky and disrespectful. I know My Dante isn't cocky, and he's actually respectful to some people, even to the lower ranks. With these qualities, he makes such a great alpha, just like his ancestors.

Sighing, I fold the last of my clothes. It's my day off so I decided to do some cleaning. Nevertheless, I'm bored now and a stroll to the park doesn't sound like a bad idea. With that thought, I shrug on my coat since it's getting chilly outside these days. Walking into town isn't as easy as I thought it would be. People whispering, looking at me like I'm scum. I'm used to it, but this time is different.

A witch who is willing to give up her body freely to an Alpha is a disgrace in the eyes of the witch community. The awful words that they are saying while boldly pointing at me pain my heart a bit, to know that I've been shunned because of sex. I care deeply for Dante and so does he for me. I can't understand what's wrong with these witches. What evidence do they need to realize that we have a deeper connection far beyond sex? Just because they are used as a sex toy doesn't mean I'm one.

On the contrary, the only person who hasn't shunned me, nor cares about what’s happening is my best friend- who's more like a sister to me, Cammy. Speaking of the devil, she's already in the park sitting, waving at me like a lunatic.

I'm barely seated before I get tackled into a hug. "So how is he? Is he taking care of you? Do I need to chop off his balls, roast them in fire then skin him alive while drinking wine? " Cammy babbles like an excited child on Christmas Day.

I playfully glared at her while smacking her on the arm in which she returns a smirk. "He's amazing. He treats me like a Queen. I really do love him very much." I ramble on like a love-struck puppy making her frown a bit.

"Maureen, I love you. I'm thrilled that you're happy. It seems like Dante loves you very much too, but are you sure your love can be enough? I mean he'll need an heir, a pure one, bearing his family's birthmark. You and I both know that no witch has ever given birth to a pure one before," Cammy replied, sighing heavily.

I just realized I haven't really thought of this before like she has, then again, she always thought outside of the box and stating the obvious. Billions of thoughts entering my mind increase my doubt; however, I push it into the back of my head for now. "Yes. Our love is meant to be. He adores me, and I'm forever his. We are meant to be," I admitted confidently. "Don't worry Cammy, he and I will make it," I reassured my friend.

"As long as you're happy, I'll support you," she genuinely encourages while we embrace each other in a hug.

"Thanks, sis," I mutter happily. As long as I have my best friend, I'll be okay. 'Don't blame me, love made me crazy, If it doesn't, you ain't doing it right, Lord, save me, my drug is my baby, I'll be using for the rest of my life.' Cammy's phone rings interrupting our moment. Judging from the deep frown on her face, I know we're not about to get ice-cream anymore like we usually do when we come here.

"I'm sorry Mar, raincheck?" she questioned with an apologetic facial expression.

"It's fine Cammy; you're the heir to your coven. You have a lot of responsibilities, so I understand." I respond honestly. She gives me a quick goodbye hug before leaving, but I remain behind.

Sitting on a wooden bench with an antique table, I use my water elemental powers to design and trace out Dante's name perfectly with surrounding floating hearts with two of my fingers. A warm smile appears on my face as I admire my artistic skills subconsciously.

"There's no water, so how are you able to do that?" Dante's voice piped in so suddenly frightening me from behind.

"Hi baby, when did you get here?" I chuckle nervously. His once neatly trimmed buzz-cut silver hair now resembles a bird's nest. It looks as if he's been running his long thick fingers through it all day, for it to be in this condition. It's a habit he does when frustrated.

His polo dark yellow shirt has wrinkles at the front, his denim blue jeans have dirt on it, and he's sporting a healing black eye. Even so, this makes him look so sexily dangerous right now. I've been hornier lately, which is strange for me. He's normally the one who's always aroused and ready, but these days I'm the one who's on him. It feels as if we could go hours with sex. I guess that happens when you're dating a hunk like him.

Dante lets out a ferocious and powerful growl roar so loud; the nearby birds fly away. It vibrates through the park breaking my concentration from my lustful thoughts. Gripping my wrist harshly, digging his claws through my pale, soft skin. His hold on me is excruciatingly painful. Yet, I resist the urge to whimper from it. I'm sure it will leave a mark but I’m not about to answer him either way.

"I ASKED YOU A DAMN QUESTION, MAUREEN! HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO WHEEL WATER WITHOUT THE ACTUAL ELEMENT PRESENCE? ANSWER ME, OR YOU WON'T LIKE WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. DON'T YOU FORGET YOU'RE A WITCH AND IT'S VERY DISRESPECTFUL TO DISOBEY A WEREWOLF, ESPECIALLY AN ALPHA TO BE EXACT. SO ANSWER ME NOW!"He roared using his Alpha command for the first time on me.

An alpha command is a powerful force that manipulates your mind and body into doing what's asked of you. I don't know how, but a stronger force pushed me to resist and not submit to him.

Snatching my wrist free from his painful hold, soothing the area, I glare at Dante in distaste. "Water is everywhere Alpha DeLuca," I say icily — his beautiful silver eyes reflect surprise and remorse.

Regardless, I don't care, just turned around — walking away. I can't believe he did that, I thought he was different. I thought he wasn't disrespectful. I thought he loves me, but he's just like the rest of them — having a witch around to satisfy his sexual needs.

"Maureen! I'm sorry; I didn't mean it," he sadly cried out. His voice sounds a bit broken, but I don't look back, only looking forward to my walk home — if I even glance back at Dante I'll crumble and forgive him. My silent treatment, however, didn't stop him from following me straight to my house in wolf form. His wolf is so huge and mesmerizing with its soft silver-white fur looks like freshly fallen snow mix with silver paint.

Without even sparing him a glance, I open the front door to my house, enter, then closing it with my back pressed up against it. Sliding down onto the wooden floor I whimper, my breathing becoming frantic, sobbing uncontrollably afterward — rocking back and forth.

Warm small arms engulf me in a comforting embrace. Immediately I know who it is. "Mamma, I'm sorry I-" I started to mutter, but I'm cut off with a shush.

"It's okay baby girl let it all out. I know you're sad and heartbroken, I know it hurts now but you'll get over it. I swear that you will. Shhh it's gonna be okay," she murmurs in that motherly voice I missed so much for the past few weeks.

I can't believe he used his Alpha command on me. No matter how much I love Dante, he cannot know the full details of my family's history. Just as his family has their own special way of being the strongest pack in Rosewood, so did my coven.

There are two types of witches: Elemental and Non- Elemental. An elemental witch can manipulate the elements of air, water, fire, and earth to their will. Likewise, non-elemental witches can only manipulate objects and matters mostly with the help of a spell or chantation. My family is the only coven to possess two elements; water and air. Not only that, but we do not need to rely on the presence of the element to work our magic. It's even more amazing that we can transform ourselves into the element.

The only disadvantage of being an elemental witch is — you need to have extreme access to it. However, we do not need to be around water to use our powers, because we possess air which can be manipulated into creating water. It has been centuries since the air element has appeared in our family. My mother and I are water elemental witches. We're more defensive witches than attacking ones. Just to show how far we've fallen.

Apparently thousands of years ago a great battle was fought with the Hunters which resulted in a lot of death and bloodshed. My ancestors surrender to them since so many of our people died in battle and the generation must continue. In addition, the land that the Hunters own belongs to my ancestors. My mother's vision is that by the stroke of luck we can reclaim it one day somehow. I know I should support her heartwarming hope, but I don't think we'll ever be free from these bondages that are holding us down.

We'll be nothing more than mere slaves and a disgrace in everyone's eyes. No matter how we try to rebuild our family's legacy, we always fail miserably. These thoughts only depress me more than I already am, but my mom's soothing hug and words lull me to sleep. I don't resist, and close my eyes, trying to forget about my dreadful day.