Welcome Home

The drive to the Kingdom was silent but Malik was okay with that, it gave him more time to process what was happening. Raven looked wide-eyed through the window at the rolling hills and beauty they possessed. The sun was high in the sky and a warm breeze gently swayed the trees. Malik held Ravens hand while he looked out the other window as they started coming up to the town outside the gates. Small houses lined the street before the town square. There were many different shops and people all around selling goods. "Excuse me, Beta Kane," Raven said quietly. Kane looked back at Raven, "yes," he said. "Forgive my manners but are all of these people wolves?" she asked. Beta Kane let out a small laugh and looked ahead at the towns people, "no they are not. We actually have quite a mix of species here, in and around the Kingdom and for the most part they all get along very well. The King is very respected, and I believe that plays a large part in why we flourish as a Kingdom." Raven continued to look out the window smiling thinking how it could be possible to meet another Fae here, "Beta Kane, are there any Fae living in the Kingdom?" she asked. Kane was silent for a moment as if pondering how he should answer that, "why do you ask?" he questioned. Raven tensed, wondering if he was implying that they aren't good people, or if he knew she wasn't all human. She decided to be bold and assume he could sense it, so she said, "Am I safe to assume that you already know why I've asked?" Kane laughed and smacked his hands together, "I knew it. I might be old, but I still got it. One of the others that was with me didn't believe me when I said I could smell it. I could smell the difference in your blood, I just wasn't sure what it was. Now I see, you are part Fae." Kane looked at Malik with a serious expression of joy, "my oh my, it's funny how the moon goddess works, having fated you together. This is truly bound to be a glorious homecoming and the future of the Kingdom will continue to prosper." Malik and Raven looked at each other, eyes narrowed in confusion about what he was talking about. "What do you mean homecoming? I'd like some answers right now before we move any further. I will not put my mate's life in jeopardy going into an unknown situation, so stop the car or explain yourself," Malik said harshly. Raven gently stroked his hand helping to calm his anger, "Malik, it's ok. I don't believe our families would have sent us here had they not been absolutely sure we'd be safe within the Kingdom. Beta Kane, I'm sure you understand where Malik's frustration comes from so if there's anything you can tell us right now to appease our curiosity, it would be appreciated." Beta Kane sighed and turned to look at both of them. "Ophelia was once the King's wife; our Queen, until King Zion found his fated mate Niylah. Ophelia wasn't happy about the situation, as to be expected, but she left willingly and without a threat upon us. The King and Queen became pregnant and had a pup, a son and heir to the throne." He said this while looking directly into Maliks eyes as if he was pleading for him to realize where this story was going. When Malik stayed quiet Kane continued, "Ophelia showed up the day the pup was born and acted on her plan of revenge. Except she took her pain and anger out on the pup instead, disfiguring him and sending him off where no one would find him. At least I don't believe she wanted anyone to find him." He said with a smirk, "that old hag wasn't as powerful as she thought against a true royal." Raven, beside Malik gasped loudly throwing her hand over her mouth and said to Malik, "Oh. My. God. Malik, your green eyes turning red, your massively beautiful black wolf. You and Ares ARE royalty. You're the heir to throne of the KINGDOM," Raven stuttered. She immediately became sullen and bowed her head, "Malik, how the tables have turned, but it looks like I, am not worthy of you." Malik immediately grabbed her face while staring deep into her eyes, "never say that. You are my mate, end of story. Besides, he didn't say I was that pup. I'm sorry Beta Kane but you must be mistaken. If I was royalty than I should have been able to fight for my life each time it was almost taken from me. Yet I was weak, Alpha's are not weak. Also, if I truly am royalty as suspected, why did no one come looking for me? I don't believe anyone visited the pack I was living with." Kane's face dropped with a look of sadness, "Malik, you were cursed, and we aren't sure exactly what all was done, but it's very possible that it affected everything within you. We hope to get those answers back at the castle."

The car came around the large driveway in front of the castle and parked. Raven stared in awe at its magnificence. "It's so beautiful Beta Kane, please tell me we get a tour," she giggled as she bounced on her heels. Malik stood next to her and smiled at how carefree she was, she made him a better person and he couldn't think of a life without her. Before Beta Kane could answer, the large double doors swung open, and both the King and Queen ran down the stairs directly towards Malik. His body stiffened and he unintentionally pulled Raven behind him and growled. The Queen quickly stopped and grabbed the King, halting him where he stood. "Oh dear I'm so sorry, we shouldn't have rushed. It's just, it's just it's been so long. I am Niylah and this is Zion. I understand you were named Malik?" the Queen asked. Raven pushed Malik to the side scoffing at him, "goodness Malik, they are the King and Queen, they are no threat. I apologize," Raven said as she bowed her head. "No no dear, none of that. We will tell you both the whole story once we get inside but you, you are now family so titles are not necessary," Niylah said as she embraced Raven. "We are just so blessed for this miracle and you. We just never thought this day would come," she said as she ushered Raven up the stairs. King Zion stayed by Malik with tears in his eyes, "please, we mean no harm. We are just so happy to finally see you again. I know this must be overwhelming and confusing for you but come, let us sit down and tell you the story of who you are." Malik stared back, frozen while his mind raced with a million different thoughts. He couldn't believe how easy this was, it was almost too good to be true. He hesitated but then nodded his head and allowed the King to walk him up the stairs and into the large castle.

King Zion's POV:

After we all got situated in my study, I had our kitchen staff prepare some snacks and beverages for us. My staff were wonderful and quickly brought in what was asked. I could see the hesitation on Malik's face, and I just hoped that after everything was said and done that, he was willing to stay. "This has been a long time coming my boy and frankly both Niylah and I knew that our paths would cross again someday. That wretched witch thought she could destroy this Kingdom and our lives, yet she was sorely mistaken," I said as I held Niylah's hand. "Let me start out by saying that if anytime you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, please tell me and I'll stop. This is going to be a lot of life changing information and we don't expect you to immediately accept it, but we are more than willing to wait and help you at any time," I said trying to show Malik that I was genuinely overjoyed that he was in front of me. "When I took over the title of Alpha King from my Father I was supposed to, by werewolf law, have found my mate as the throne needed a Luna as well. My Father was a gracious and heroic leader, our people would have followed him into the ocean if he said it was safe. Due to the nature of his ways, our Kingdom voted, and the vast majority approved of my transition without a Luna at the time. Years went by and I still hadn't found my mate, I always tended to be too busy to be mingling outside our gates looking for my mate. At that time we were having some trouble with a small rogue coven, and I enlisted Ophelia to help me. We were a great team and before I knew it, I was asking my people for the approval of a chosen mate with the caveat that if I found my fated mate, she would be the Luna and Queen of the Kingdom. Ophelia agreed only because she had thought at that point in time, I was never going to find my mate. We were wed in a small ceremony because I decided not to follow the wolf tradition since she was not one. We were happy and life was great, Ophelia was a good Queen although she had her flaws she was still respected. Then one year at our annual festival, while talking with my people and looking at all the goods being sold, I came upon the most wonderful scent. I knew at that moment that I had found my mate." I stopped for a moment looking at my wife and how she was still as beautiful as the day I found her. She quickly gave me a loving smile and I continued. "So I had went back to the castle and broke the news to Ophelia knowing that it would break her heart and that was the last thing I wanted to do. We had a good life and I cared for her; I didn't want to hurt her but there was no denying my mate. The moment I looked at Niylah I knew there would never be another. Ophelia was upset and left on good terms knowing that if this ever happened, this would be the outcome. Fast forward to the day that has haunted every moment of sleep I've had since the day of your birth. I never even got to hold you before Ophelia busted into the room and paralyzing us both. I tried so hard, I need you to know that both my wolf and I fought with every ounce of strength we had to break her spell, but we failed. I failed you and your mother, and I've never forgotten that." Niylah quickly squeezed my hand and looked at me with concern in her eyes, "my love you failed no one. There was nothing either of us could have done, she came in and she, at that moment, was far more powerful than us." Sighing, I brought her hand to my lips and gave her a soft kiss, "her revenge should have been with me and not our innocent pup. I should have killed her long before then, but I tried to see the best in her. That is where I failed you, instead of being cautious, I let my feelings get in the way of the safety of my family. Ophelia knew that and she played upon the fact that I thought she would move on peacefully." I bowed my head and stared at the ground for a moment trying to collect my thoughts while Niylah started to finish the story. "You were in my arms, wrapped in a blanket, so pure and innocent. She used her dark magic, brought upon a fierce blow of power to you and then you were gone. Vanished and there was nothing we could do to fix it. The blow must have been the cause of your scar but my son, you are so handsome," she smiled. "Just as Zion fought through her spell she also vanished. We mourned you with sadness, anger, hatred, revenge, loneliness and frustration. We realized at that time that we would spend our time looking for you, we would never give up, but we couldn't evoke panic in our Kingdom. If Ophelia knew that our army was out looking for you, we didn't know if she'd find you a kill you. So instead we formed a story that our pup was stillborn and there would be no heir. That also allowed us to grieve openly without question so we could move on as a Kingdom. We sent parties out scouring the lands for you but there was never any word of anything. We started to believe that you didn't make it or that you had just vanished." Niylah now had tears building in her eyes, so I passed her a tissue and softly rubbed her leg. I could see Malik was deep in thought while Raven spoke up, "What types of parties did you send to look for him without raising suspicion?" I brought my eyes to hers; I knew this question would arise at some point, "you are very perceptive young lady," I said with a slight grin. "The only way to go undetected was to employ a group of rogues." I could hear Raven gasp as Maliks head shot up, "what did you say?" I knew I had to be honest with him even though I was also disgusted by my actions, "I contracted a group of rogues to search every inch of this world if that's what it took for them to find you. We formed a truce for the time being and I paid them a generous amount as long as they stuck to the truce and didn't harm anyone not involved in the process. It was a simple rescue mission for them, find you and bring you back. They were also supposed to find the witch, but she hid well." Malik shook his head, "it was your rogues that took our Luna. They were headed here and were attacked by rogues, they took Kali, our Luna. It was your fault I was beaten daily. The Alpha was distraught and took it out on me." My heart immediately broke at his words, he was beaten. He is an Alpha King, and he was beaten. The more I thought about it the angrier I got. I could feel my pulse rise as my body went a flame. Niylah beside me tried to stoke my arm, "my love, try to calm down. We need to hear Maliks story, we need to know what he endured and discuss the consequences of those who harmed him." I took some long, deep breaths trying to calm my beating heart while looking at Malik. He never broke eye contact with me and continued to look stoic and reserved. "What do you mean, they took your Luna and because of that you were beaten?" I asked him sternly.

Maliks POV:

"What do you mean, they took your Luna and because of that you were beaten?" Zion asked. Raven held my hand gently stroking my palm while nudging me to tell them everything. They aren't going to like what they hear and I'm not going to like reliving it all again, but they need to know what I went through. They need to know what Ophelia's curse did to me. "A wonderful woman named Freya found me in the woods as a baby. She took me to their Alpha, Alpha Greene of the Greene Oak Pack and it was his mate, Luna Kali who allowed me to stay in Freya's care. Freya was good to me, and I bonded with her son Ash, but the Alpha didn't want me there. It didn't get bad until they took a trip to the Kingdom and were attacked by rogues. They took Kali and Alpha Greene never saw her again." Zion sat up straight and growled, "I was unaware of this Malik, I swear to you," he growled even louder. "Had I not sent the rogues out to find you they would have never been attacked. They could have come here to the kingdom and said something about a found child, and we would have known it was you. We could have found you immediately had I not been so desperate at that time." He sat quietly, shoulders sunk forward and his head down, "I truly am sorry for all of this. You didn't deserve any of it." I knew it wasn't his fault, how would he have known they'd take a Luna. He was just trying to find me. I looked right at the both of them, "It's neither of your fault, what happened to Luna Kali or to me. You were doing what any parent would, you were doing anything you could to find me. I like to think now that what I went through made me who I am today. The constant abuse toughened me enough to be able to handle it. I don't really want to get into every detail about my life, it wasn't all that pleasant outside my room. When I turned 18, I couldn't shift. I spent many nights going through the process but never completing it. It must have been from the curse, although it wasn't until I met Raven that it all changed. My wolf Ares became possessive and adamant that we needed to shift to protect her. I find it quite amusing that the one who put the curse on me, was the one who, in a sense, pushed me to shift and break that part of the curse. Had she not attacked us and threatened Raven, who knows if I would have ever shifted." Niylah's eye shot open, and she gasped, "please, tell me what happened." I could see Raven smile beside me while saying, "I wish I could have seen him, but when I came too and finally realized that the most beautiful wolf I had ever seen was my mate, I was flooded with pride and love. I knew what he went through at night dealing with an incomplete shift, and just knowing that he pushed through every barrier within himself because he was going to protect me, made me realize that I was in love with this man. Still somewhat of a stranger, this mate bond is crazy, but he was made for me and I'm so blessed." As I listened to Raven talk, the world around me blurred and it was just us. Without hesitation the moment she said she was blessed I held her face and kissed her. I needed her to feel how I felt at that moment, the way she made me feel. Breaking from the kiss and catching my breath, I turned back to Zion and Niylah, my mother and father and said, "I feel much better now knowing the story and I'm sure as time goes on, we can talk about more details of my life, I'm sure you'd be surprised at everything I've pushed through. After I shifted something in me changed but I can't explain it. I lived my life trying to hide in the shadows out of view and just trying to get through each day alive. When I met Raven, I was weak and aloof. I felt unworthy of a life outside of my small servant's room. She slowly brought out this control, this dominance that I've never known. I started seeing that people tended to show signs of submission around me, but I never knew why. After I shifted, I felt this power surge through my veins. I have this need to punish those who've done wrong and that's not like me." Zion looked at me and puffed out his chest, "you are a King my son. A true born to the royal throne. The power you hold is far greater than that of any other wolf, you will become their leader and it sounds like you will bring peace to the packs. Your ruling is law, it's on you to decide how you want the territories to run. It seems that our way of leading seems the same through many generations, we do not approve of abuse of any kind, and we ensure that justice is brought upon them swiftly. I do admit, since your disappearance I have neglected territories outside of these gates and I apologize for that because it will fall on you to fix. Had I tended to my duties the way I should have, maybe you wouldn't have dealt with such hatred. I promise you this, I will give you every resource I have and every minute of my time to help you become the King you were meant to be." I sighed, looking to Raven and looking back to Zion, "this is a lot to take in King Zion. It's true we came here for answers, but I wasn't prepared for this, to be thrown into a new life. Raven has lived as royalty in the human faction and by birth is to take control once her father passes it to her. I will not leave my mate. I'm sorry but I don't think that I'm right to rule this Kingdom," I said as my voice trembled. I wasn't in any type of place to decide like this, to steer my life in a completely different direction especially knowing that my mate has her own obligations and I intend to stay by her side. Raven quickly took my hand in hers and ran her knuckle down my cheek, "Malik, I will support you in anything you choose to do but your birth right is the throne, this Kingdom. I had my whole life planned out and what I wanted to do but meeting you has changed everything. My position in the human territory is important but your position is takes precedence over mine. I'm not trying to push you into a decision, I'm just letting you know that I support whatever you want to do." As she smiled at me, I thought about our short time together and all the things I wanted to experience with her, that I needed to experience with her. "King Zion," I started before he interrupted. "Please son, call me Zion or father but there is no need for titles." Subconsciously I was thrilled to hear him say that all I've wanted was to know who my parents were and now here they were, and they still wanted me. I wasn't thrown out or abandoned, it was an unfortunate situation and they suffered as I did. Nodding my head I continued, "Father, my life with my mate has just begun and there are so many things I need to do with her for my own selfishness since I've known nothing outside the servant walls of the Greene Oak pack house. If Raven agrees, then I ask that I'm allowed to live the life I never had before I begin to learn the duties as King." Raven squeezed my hand and let out a soft giggle, "I'm so happy for you Malik. I knew you were meant to do great things and I'm so happy I get to watch you become a great ruler. I will be by your side through everything and maybe, just maybe we can come to an agreement between territories to change how they are ruled so I won't be stuck at the mansion away from you. King Zion, I have but one request," she said turning to Zion, "this request is all me so please understand that I'm asking out of my own selfishness to seek justice. I'm not a violent person, I pride myself on being the opposite to ensure peace, but I can't help but look at Malik without a small part of my broken heart flaming with rage. Rage towards the coward that used him as his punching bag his whole life." Raven stopped for a moment sensing the tenseness of my body. I wasn't sure where she was going with this request, but I could feel her genuine concern for me, and I knew this was completely out of love. "Were listening dear, please continue," Zion said. "As I said, I'm not a violent person, but I do understand the consequences you as a ruler must enforce to keep order within this land. I'm sure Malik would like you to meet his family at his old pack and I'm asking that you do not spare the life of his old Alpha." My head snapped to her in utter confusion, I had never heard Raven talk of violence like this before. "Raven, what are you saying?" I asked her. She smirked, "King Zion, hear me out," she started. "My dear, you need not say another word," Niylah said as she placed her hand on Zion's thigh with a somewhat malicious look on her face, "no one touches or harms my child and lives to talk about it. I believe Zion and I agree on that much. We would be honored to meet your family Malik and while we are there, I believe we deserve to have some choice words with the one that allowed our son to live on his land." Raven beside me was beaming, "I agree 100% and I LOVE the way you think Luna Niylah. People like him do not deserve the life they were given and sometimes punishment does nothing to change their compassion or view their wrong doings as barbaric. Please, tell me if I overstep my boundaries but, maybe a look into what the life of a King is like will help Malik in the future. Maybe this justice needs to come at his hand?" I sat staring at the ground knowing they were all looking at me to respond. How could I respond to that? I lived a life of torture and I know that for years; Kavik has been tortured as well. Killing him doesn't take away my pain or change anything but make me a merciless ruler. "Malik, I can see the wheels spinning in your head," Zion said, "but let me put your mind at ease my boy. The choice to take a life isn't easy and no one here will ever tell you it is no matter how bad the person may be. As King, our people look to us to ensure their safety and preservation of life. We are entrusted to make the hard choices and hand out punishments for wrong doings, it's our duty to keep the peace. You must be very clear on the difference between your feelings and the law. I take responsibility for Kavik reigning as long as he did, I should have removed him many years ago after hearing what he's done. When people start to hear of abusive leaders, they panic and chaos ensues, that is what we try to avoid at all costs. Sometimes in order to do that we need to make not so easy decisions, but whatever it is needs to preserve the safety of all of our people, even if it means losing the life of one. You are not a malevolent King if you remove the threat to protect your Kingdom, remember that."

The room went silent for what felt like forever. Malik looked deep in thought at the Kings words and knew that he in fact was right. These were the trials he would need to face in order to understand how to be a trustworthy ruler. After a long exhale Malik looked up to his parents, "you are right, serving the Kingdom will not be easy and can not be done based on my feelings. These are great lessons I'll need to learn and overcome so I agree that Kavik needs to be dealt with. He is but old and feeble now, nonetheless he's alive and after what he's done, he doesn't deserve that. I believe that Freya was to head back to the pack today as well so if you'll allow Raven and I to stay here tonight, we can send word in the AM that we will be arriving there at the end of the week? Raven also needs to send word to her parents." Zion and Niylah were overjoyed to hear that Malik was comfortable enough to stay in the castle with them and they couldn't wait to learn more about both Raven and Malik's lives. "You both are more than welcome here, this is now your home as well," Niylah said happily, "I will have our helpers show you a room and the kitchen staff will begin to prepare a glorious dinner. I think we can all relax tonight and once you've sent word tomorrow; we need to discuss introducing you to the Kingdom. Zion and I also have a lot of explaining to do to them and we just hope they'll all find it in their hearts to forgive us."