“Claire,” Raven started to shake her sister. She couldn’t figure out why she was unconscious or how she ended up laying in the forest naked. There could only be one explanation Claire had encountered a vampire. This wasn’t good, the forest of wolves was no longer safe especially if her sister was getting into fights. “Sister, you need to wake up.” She spoke louder, Claire’s eyes started to open.

“Wha-,” Claire leaned forward covering her chest. “Where,” Raven noticed her sister’s eyes wandering the forest. It was like she was searching for something or better yet someone. “Raven, you’re awake.” She handed her sister some clothes to change into. “Thanks,” Claire put on the clothes. The garments consisted of a blue tank top and blue jeans.

“What happened?” Raven handed Claire her jacket. She took it from her putting it on. “I found you unconscious in the forest. Did someone attack you if so, where is that bastard I’ll fucking kill him.” She started sniffing the air, nothing out of the ordinary.

“It’s nothing,” Claire answered. “I must have fallen asleep in wolf form.” She zipped up her jacket. “I tend to do that sometimes. It helps me learn to control the rage that builds in the form. If you were smart, you’d start doing that as well.” Raven let out a sigh. This was an obvious lie, they were in the middle of a forest covered with werewolf scouts. Most of these scouts were men. No woman in their right mind would risk falling asleep naked in that sort of situation. Especially her sister. “Anyway, we should probably get going.” She started to walk ahead of her.

“Right,” Raven continued to walk with her sister.

The two sisters stopped at the mountain with the highest peak. The place Claire assumed Lord Grimm’s castle had been hidden. The entire mountain was made of hard rock, there appeared to be a large cave in what would have been the entrance to a cavern. Raven tried to break through the rocks with her claws but it was no use. The rocks were too heavy for either of them to lift. “Are you sure this is the right place?” Raven glanced up at the mountain. There wasn’t any sign of a castle and there wasn’t a way inside.

“This has to be it,” Claire tried to dig into the cave-in. “No good, we can’t get inside.” She placed her hand on the mountain. “Wait, Raven, look at this,” She motioned her sister toward the mountain base. Raven ran her fingers across the rock, these markings on the rock, they were done by. Raven withdrew her claws. “Well, what do you think?” Claire put her hands in her in jacket pockets.

“We have to climb this,” Raven glanced up at the mountain peak. Claire started to argue with her. “Think about it,” She interrupted. “If this place is Lord Grimm’s stronghold. The goal would be to keep the vampires from getting inside. The best way for him to do that is to make it so only werewolves can reach the castle.” She explained. “This cave in, it was done on purpose to keep vampires out.”

“You’re serious,” Claire glanced up at the mountain. “I mean I guess that makes sense but,” She groaned. “Do we really have to climb this entire mountain?” She complained. “That’s going to require a lot of climbing still,” She placed her hand on the markings. “It would explain the claw marks. For a werewolf climbing is second nature.” She let out a deep sigh. “Let’s do it,” She removed her jacket, stuffing it in her bag. “Give me a boost,” Claire stepped back, Raven got in position. She charged at her sister being lifted into the air. She sunk her claws into the hard rock piercing it. “You’re turn.” She held her hand out to her sister. “Raven?”

“I have a better idea,” Raven started to climb a nearby tree. She stepped back jumping as far as she could off the top of the tree. Her claws scraped against the mountain side leaving gashes on the rock. “See, told you I had a better idea.” She smiled at her sister.

“Show off,” Claire started climbing, staying a couple of feet behind her sister.

Raven continued to climb to the top of the mountain. Once she arrived at the mountain peak, her navy-blue eyes took sight at the castle sheltered by the treacherous mountain. The castle was made of stone with wolf engravings drawn on the side of it. She was breath taken by sight, the forest that surrounded the Luminous Castle was filled with wolves and food for them to hunt.

“This is amazing,” Claire spoke reaching the top of the mountain. “I never expected Lord Grimm’s castle to be so,” She began stumbling on her words. “Extravagant.” Raven had to admit this castle was a real sight to behold too bad only werewolves got the chance to see it. Probably for the best, vampires would only stain the décor. “I wonder what the inside looks like.”

“Let’s find out,” Raven noticed the giant slope that led down the mountain. She ran toward it using her feet to surf down the slope. She dodged the many protruding rocks along the way landing into the forestry below. “Made it,” She smirked. “That was easy right, sis,” She glanced up at the mountain.

“I can do this,” Claire attempted to surf down like her sister. “Oh no,” Her foot slid into one of the small protruding rocks causing her to lose her balance. Claire screamed falling on her back, sinking her claws into the slide. She swerved out of the way of the rocks that were sticking out of the mountain. Her path was brought into a crash course with her sister. “Catch me,” Claire screamed, Raven dodged her causing her to crash into a sharp thorn bush.

“Oh, sorry,” Raven apologized. “You said catch you, my instincts said dodge.” Claire climbed out the thorn bush with cuts on her arms. Several leaves were caught in the strands of her brunette hair. “Are you okay?” She put her hands on her hips.

“I’m fine,” Claire removed the leaves from her hair. “Next time you can surf down the slope and I will just slide down and hopefully.” She rose to her feet dusting herself off. “Not crash into a thorn bush.” The wounds on her arms started to heal due to her special ability. “Let’s go,”

The sisters were approached by several wolves, their noses sniffing around their bodies. The pack of wolves continued to walk circles around them. After a few minutes, the circle search stopped. The silver furred wolves began to escort them to the castle entrance. Once the sisters arrived, the wolves sat patiently at the giant door leading into the castle.

Raven’s eyes remained on the castle door, inside she would find Lord Grimm. She hoped that she could finally put this Lycan charade behind her. Her sister, she has been a huge help but, this isn’t her problem to solve. Raven had to deal with Lycan and she had to do it on her own. If Claire continued to get involved, Lycan would hurt her. “I should speak to Lord Grimm alone,” She spoke. “Wait out here and I’ll be right back.”

“I’m not going to argue,” Claire embraced her. “Even though part of me wishes I could be there. I know,” She half smiled. “You can handle it from here. But ugh,” She put her hands in her jacket pockets. “Promise me that you will show Lord Grimm the Sun Repellant IX. It’s crucial he learns of it. I put the meds in your pocket.” Raven reached into her pocket pulling out the Sun Repellant IX. “I’ll be out here if you need me.”

“Thank you, sister,” Raven stuffed the Sun Repellent IX into her bag. “I couldn’t have made it here without your help.” She hugged her. “I’d better go,” She walked to the entrance of the castle. She took one deep breath before opening the door.

The second Raven entered the castle. She found herself surrounded by stone walls. The halls were lined up with armored figurines. The entire castle was decorated in a medieval fashion. She continued to walk up the grand stone steps which lead to the shrine of wolves, Lord Grimm’s throne room. Her eyes wandered to the many rooms some of them were well guarded. The werewolves that roamed the halls were all shirtless including the women. Each of them following the werewolf tradition. Luckily, Raven didn’t have to follow that same tradition being in an outside pack. She didn’t even want to imagine herself topless around Lycan.

“Halt,” The male werewolf blocked the entry to the shrine of wolves. “You must be new,” He glared into her eyes. “No one is allowed to see Lord Grimm, not without first mentioning their rank and pack name.” Raven bit her lip, this isn’t going to go well. She’s the Omega, she’s not even allowed to be at the castle.

“You see ugh,” Raven chuckled. “I don’t actually remember my rank or my pack name. I was thinking that maybe just this once you could-,” She started to walk past him, the werewolf guard next to him blocked her path.

“No exceptions,” He glared at her. “That is,” She watched as his dark brown eyes trailed down to her breasts. “Unless, you’re here to provide Lord Grimm with some company.” He licked his lips. “I’m sure he’d enjoy himself.” Raven smiled at him.

“I bet he would,” Raven agreed. “Too bad, I’m not up for grabs.” She crossed her arms. “Fine,” She let out a sigh of defeat. “If you must know, I’m the Omega of Nightshade.” She answered. “Now can I please see Lord Grimm, I need to talk to-,” The guards started laughing at her. “Are you guys even-,” Raven started to listen in on their conversation catching her name as it fled their lips.

“That’s her right,” The guard chuckled. “The girl with the hot tits, you know, she’s the one Lycan won’t shut up about.” Raven glanced down at her chest. These guys are such perverts, she should just kill them. Too bad, she wasn’t strong enough to or she would.

“Oh right,” The other guard laughed. “Lycan did say she’s the Omega in his pack.” They glanced over at her. “I can see why he likes her, she’s got nice-,” Raven cleared her throat getting their attention. “Can’t you see we’re talking,” He motioned towards his friend. “Shouldn’t you be over there taking care of your cruel wanting for Lycan’s di-,” Raven held her out hand to him.

“What was that,” Raven countered. “Okay boys,” She crossed her arms. “It’s clear to me, Lycan has been spreading all kinds of rumors about me. So, enlighten me, what has Lycan said about me?” She glared into their eyes. “Know what,” She let out a sigh. “Forget it, I don’t really care if he doesn’t have enough balls to say it to my face. I’m not going to be bothered with it, just let me inside.” She started to walk past them. Their sharp spears created a wall over the door. “I came a long way to-,”

“You must be a Beta rank or higher to see Lord Grimm.” The guard replied. “There are no exceptions.” Raven growled, so what this entire trip was for nothing. She couldn’t accept that, she wouldn’t accept that. They were going to let her see the king.

“Why don’t you run along,” The other Guard spoke. “Perhaps, you should stick to what you’re good at and get back to pleasing Lycan. I’m sure he’d be more than happy to talk to his father for you after you give him a little treat.” He smirked, “You’ve already done it once.” That’s a complete lie, she’s never sucked Lycan’s dick. The last thing she wanted to put in her mouth is the taste of disappointment.

“I’ll pass,” Raven countered. “I did not come here to be told that I can’t see the king.” She argued. “Either you let me pass or,” They glared deep into her eyes. The guards bared their sharp fangs at her forcing her to step back. “This is absurd, why can’t I just see Lord Grimm. His son literally just asked me to marry him. You’re telling me I can’t even meet his father first.” The guards glanced over at each other.

“Prince Lycan is going to make you his wife.” The guard on the left turned his eyes to his friend. “What should we do?” He put his hand up to shield his lips from her view. Raven used her enhanced werewolf hearing to listen in on the conversation. “If she’s marrying Lycan that does make her part of the royal family, right?”

“I think that makes her a princess,” The other guard answered. “Either way, she’s not married to Prince Lycan yet. I don’t see the engagement ring.” Raven started searching in her bag for the engagement ring that Lycan gave her.

“Are you talking about this ring?” Raven pulled out the silver ring with a diamond carved to look like a full moon. The exact ring, Lycan gave her. The guard took the ring from her examining it.

“That’s the one,” The Guard noted, handing it back to her. Raven stuffed the ring back into her bag. “I’m not sure what to do here,” He crossed his arms. “Lord Grimm never specified how we were supposed to address “the wife”.” He paused. “You haven’t agreed to marry Lycan yet have you?”

“No, I told him to wait.” Raven answered. “I wanted to speak to his father first.” She let out a sigh. “The longer you keep me here at the castle waiting to speak to Lord Grimm. The longer Lycan will be kept waiting. I shouldn’t have to remind you of what happens if Lycan is kept waiting for too long.” The guards gulped in fear. “Could both of you please just step aside and let me pass.”

“I suppose it is for the sake of his son.” The guards replied with a nod. “Very well Omega, we will let you pass.” They opened the doors to the shrine of wolves. Raven stepped into the room, the doors shut behind her.

The shrine of wolves was made of stone. Several wolf statues were gathered in a circle around the room. The center of the floor had an engraving of a wolf head, the fangs bared in anger. The ceiling above had an opening allowing the sunlight to beam into the room. A last defense in case the vampires made it to the king. Raven eyes met at the throne where the great Lord Grimm sat.

“Lord Grimm,” Raven started to approach him. His black eyes glared deeply into hers. The Lord bared his sharp fangs at her. “Sorry,” She lowered her head bowing before his feet. “I’m still getting used to-,”

“You are the Omega in my son’s pack.” Lord Grimm’s voice filled with anger. “You are not allowed to be in this castle. Let alone stand before me,” Raven started to tremble in fear. “I should punish you for breaking my code but,” He paused. “I’m feeling a bit generous today, consider yourself lucky.” She started to look up at him, he glared at her. “You are not to look at me, that is a right reserved for those worthy of my time.”

“I’m sorry,” Raven apologized. “I wasn’t aware.” She closed her eyes. “Lord Grimm, I was hoping I could talk to you about your son Lycan.” She heard the Lord rise from his throne. She started to tremble as his boots pressed against the ground. The sound of his footsteps, he’s starting to get closer.

“My son,” Lord Grimm repeated, she nodded. “Tell me,” She could feel the anger starting to steam from his words. “What business does an Omega have telling me how to raise my son?” She forced a swallow. “Tell me Omega, what has my son done this time?”

“I fear that,” Raven knew these words were going to upset him. Still, she couldn’t stay silent. Something had to be done about Lycan. Lord Grimm is the only person who could help her, she had to try. “Leader Lycan has been abusing his power as Alpha.” He growled at her. “He asked me to bear his child last night. Earlier today, Lycan has asked me to marry him both times he pulled rank trying to leave me with no choice. Something must be done, this can’t be allowed to continue.”

“My son is taking my advice,” Lord Grimm reminded her. “Why would I stop him from doing what I asked him to do?” He added. “I have measured you against every female werewolf I have in my army. I have determined that you make for the perfect queen, by being recruited into Nightshade. You’ve proven to be strong. You and your sister were both strong candidates for Lycan’s hand.”

“The reason I have chosen you over your sister is because,” Lord Grimm continued. “You possess the ability to be a great leader. Your sister on the other hand does not.” She heard his footsteps echoing behind her. “Is there a problem with my method of selection?”

“There is,” Raven replied, Lord Grimm’s footsteps stopped. Her heart started to beat out of her chest. She was afraid to say this but it had to be said. “You haven’t considered the most important factor.”

“I have considered every factor,” Lord Grimm countered. “Tell me Omega,” He lifted her chin forcing her to look into his eyes. “What important factor could I have missed?” Raven forced a swallow before answering.

“Love,” Raven answered. “I’m sorry to say this but,” She tightened her hand into a fist. “I’m not in love with your son. This relationship you’re asking for, it will never work. I refuse to marry for any reason but love.” She glanced up at him. “I will not serve as Lycan’s side piece, I’m not some trophy to be placed underneath your son’s arm to boost morale.” He started laughing at her.

“My dear,” Lord Grimm spoke. “Love is not an important factor.” Raven couldn’t believe that he would even say that to her. “What matters is the fact you are best equipped to be my son’s wife.” He snapped his fingers, a servant brought him a glass of wine. “The benefits will more than make up for the lack of real affection.” He took a drink from the glass. “You will be a princess,” He took a seat on his throne. “You will have your very own title among the werewolves.” He handed his drink to a servant to hold for him. “There will be riches beyond your comprehension.” He explained. “You would cast that aside for the overrated connection that is love.” Lord Grimm laughed. “I’m sure even you aren’t that naïve.”

“Think what you want of me,” Raven argued. “I don’t need the title of Princess or the wealth that comes with it.” She started to remember the fame she had as a human. “I have already been down that path.” She could still remember the fans cheering her name as she sang her angelic melody. “I know exactly where it leads.” The adoration of the public, the wealth, she had those things before. “It’s nice for a while but,” Her heart started to freeze in her chest. Strange, she would think of him at this moment. “The person I left behind to attain that dream.” Her heart started to ache in her chest. Leaving him behind, it was the hardest thing she ever had to do.

“It wasn’t worth it.” Raven admitted. “The feelings we shared for each other.” She placed her hand on her heart clinging to her memories of him. “They can’t be replaced by a title,” She chuckled. “No amount of wealth could ever buy those feelings.” She added. “I’m not going to marry someone unless it is for love.”

“I don’t recall giving you an option,” Lord Grimm retorted. “You will marry my son,” He rose from his throne. “You will bear his children,” He walked toward her. “and you will do as you are told.” He showed the contract she signed stating Erika Ravenheart, her former self, was killed. “You are only alive because I allow you to be.” That’s true, Lord Grimm could kill whenever he pleased. “About that boy, you share feelings for,” Raven glared into his eyes. Lord Grimm better not threaten his life. She won’t let anyone hurt him. “That was in your human life and should be forgotten like we agreed in the contract.” She accepted her defeat on the subject. “Either you marry my son or,” He glared into her eyes. “I will make you regret the day you joined our ranks. Do I make myself clear?”

“That’s not fair,” Raven countered. “You can’t make me marry him.”

“Fair,” Lord Grimm laughed. “My son used to say that to me. Would you like to hear what I told him?” He offered. “Life isn’t fair,” He took a seat on this throne. “I am merely doing what is best for my fellow werewolves.” He snapped his fingers. The two guards entered the room. “Get her out of my sight.” The guards grabbed her by her arms forcing her to leave, Raven struggled to get free of their grasp.

“Best for the werewolves,” Raven laughed, “Or,” She removed her arms from the guard’s grasp. “Best for your son.” She stormed out of the castle. The door slammed behind her as her anger continued to build. Lord Grimm, the only person who could help her had abandoned her. There was nothing she could do, she had to marry Lycan.

“Sister,” Claire approached her. “How did it go, is Lord Grimm going to help us?” Raven’s eyes drifted away. “I see,” She let out a deep sigh. “I guess we’re on our own. Come here,” She grabbed her embracing her. “We’ll figure something out. I’m not going to give up and you can’t either.” Raven tried to fight but no matter how hard she tried. The tears continued to flee her eyes. “We’ll get through this.”

“You’re right,” Raven wiped the tears from her eyes. “There has to be something else that we’re missing,” She has only skimmed over the werewolf handbook. She could try to read over it. She could find some sort of loophole to marrying Lycan. “We just don’t know enough yet,” If that failed, she could ask the other pack members. One of them at least had to know something that would help her.

“That’s true,” Claire put her hands in her jacket pockets. “Speaking of not knowing things,” She half smiled at her. “Did you show Lord Grimm the medicine we found on that vampire?” No, she never got the chance. Even so, why would she give it to him when he refused to help her? Perhaps a vampire needed to break into the castle and take care of him. She would make a point to be friends with the vampire that did kill him. “Give it to me,” Claire held her hand out. “Lord Grimm needs to know about it.”

“No,” Raven refused. “I’m not going to help him if he’s not going to help me.” Claire snatched her bag. “That’s mine,” She tried to take her bag back. Claire faced her back toward her. She pulled out the bottle of Sun Repellant IX throwing Raven’s bag back to her. “Bitch,” Raven caught her bag closing it.

“I’m only as bitchy as my sister.” Claire put the Sun Repellant in her jacket pocket. “You wait here, I’ll deal with this.” She proceeded into the castle. Claire walked up the stairs to the shrine of the wolves.

“Stop,” The guards blocked her path with their sharp spears. “You must first state your rank and the name of the pack you were assigned.” Her rank wasn’t high enough to see Lord Grimm but, this is important.

“I’m the Medic of Nightshade,” Claire answered.

“Another member of Nightshade,” The guard glanced over at the other guard. “Like we told your friend. You must be of the Beta rank or higher to see Lord Grimm. The fact you are even here goes against werewolf code.”

“It’s important,” Claire replied. “Please let me speak with him.” Her navy-blue eyes stared deep into theirs. The guards once again glanced over at each other. They shrugged their shoulders moving their spears aside and opening the door for her. Claire stepped into the shrine of wolves bowing before Lord Grimm.

“You are from my son’s pack,” Lord Grimm spoke. “My son must have lost his head allowing the lesser of his ranks to meet with me. I will be sure to discuss this matter with him. I will not allow my son to disrespect me like this.” He crushed the cup in his hand, shattering it to pieces. The red wine spilled out on his unscathed hand. Claire gulped imagining that cup was her skull being crushed. “What is your purpose?”

“My purpose is,” Claire reached into her jacket pocket. “This,” She tossed the bottle of Sun Repellant IX to him. Lord Grimm caught the pill bottle. His eyes began to focus on the label. “That medicine allows vampires to be out during the day. I saw the effects first hand on a vampire by the name of Patience.”

“I see,” Lord Grimm continued to examine the bottle. “You are Claire correct?” She replied with a nod. “I must say unlike your sister. You never fail to impress me. In your short time as a werewolf. You have healed dozens of our kind and now you bring me this.” He smirked at the pill bottle in his hand. “Excellent work,”

“Thank you,” Claire’s eyes wandered around the throne room. There was only one area that caught her attention, the ceiling. The ceiling had a gap used to boost the effects of sun and the moon by forcing the light down to the throne room. This medicine rendered this last piece of defense useless. “What do you intend to do about this medicine?” She asked. “I can tell that you have been relying on their weakness to the sun to gain the advantage. Now that this advantage is gone, this can only be bad for us.”

“Here,” Lord Grimm tossed Claire the meds, she caught it. “I trust that you will be able to create an antidote for the medicine. In the meantime, I need you to find out how long it lasts. That way I can devise a temporary strategy for it.” Claire replied with a nod. “You’ve done a great job so far, I doubt you’d start failing me now.

“Of course not,” Claire put the Sun Repellant IX in her pocket. “I wouldn’t want to risk disappointing you.” Lord Grimm snapped his fingers. The guard entered the room escorting her out.

“Oh and Claire,” Lord Grimm called out. “Do try to control your incompetent sister.” She replied with a nod. She took her leave of the castle being escorted out by the guards.

The doors to Luminous castle shut, Claire stepped outside where her sister was waiting for her return. “How did it go?” Raven crossed her arms. “Were you able to talk to Lord Grimm?” Claire replied with a nod.

“I think it went well,” Claire answered. “We should head back to camp before Lycan throws one of his infamous temper tantrums.” That is the last thing they needed, Lycan had a bad habit of taking his temper out on the other pack members. The sooner they got back to camp the better.