Brittany Snow as Esme Wood

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"The Sun god has no solution to our problem," Original Drago tells his comrades.

"Neither does my goddess." Elder Thomas says.

"He did tell us that we were made privy by the prophecy they gave to us, but we chose to ignore their warning. He said that the Ancient One has chosen these two to do what my god and your goddess failed to do for millennia," continues Original Drago.

"The Moon goddess warned us that they will be infused with powers greater than our combined ones," cautions Wein Shade.

"That I will like to see," sneers Elder Wolffang.

"How is this supposed to work? Do we report to them? Do they rule in our place? What?" Wein Sheng asks.

"I don't know, Sheng. All that we're told is that they are the Chosen Ones. And with that comes more power than ours."

"Moon goddess also said they were warned to fix things but..."

"...they never could agree on anything. Just like us sometimes," Original Lucien interrupts Elder Conan.

"The Moon goddess also said the Omega renounced her? For your Sun god. What the fuck? Has that ever been done?" Elder Farrar wonders.

"And to make matter worse, Sun god tells us that their calls to him will now always take precedence over ours."

"Our Moon goddess said the same. Even though he is no longer hers, she is bound to help him if he ever calls on her before us too," Wein Aphid moans.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Rants El Payne. "Dargon you've been very quiet through all this. No opinion, my friend?"

"We've always known the prophecy, and you threw it in my face several times. 'Don't fight the prophecy', you said. Well, the prophecy is coming to pass so suck it up!"

"What did you just say to me?" El Payne shoves El Dargon against the table.

"Gentlemen, please! Not now." Yells Original Drago. "We are in uncharted territory and we need to work together. Remember we are the ruling council. The buck stops with us. Let's send for them and see what we are up against."

"At least we agree to give them their school, maybe that will placate them?" Wein Shade wonders.

"Maybe, we'll see. Come, my brothers, let's be united for once," Elder Conan says.

"Bring them to us," Original Vlad commands the guards.

"And so it starts," whispers El Dargon.

This time there is a slight change in the atmosphere. The Ruling Council members are no longer sure and in command. Esme and I, on the other hand, are certain and determined. My mates, Cole, Esme and I bow to the Ruling Council and wait for Original Drago to speak.

"Leave us!" He commands the guard. "Now we have two matters in front of us to settle. The first is the request to build this school. Tell us more about it," he asks.

"Thank you, Original Drago. This school has we previously mentioned will be in Nebraska. It will be available to all supernaturals, all ranks, all genders. There will be no division. This is our short-term plan. Our long-term goal includes expanding this school into a little city of its own. Protected by every one of us, including you sirs if you choose."

Esme injects, "our vision is simple; PEARL for all. 'Promote. Equality. Accessibility. Relationship. Leadership.' for all. The plan is to turn it into a joint academy for all supernatural. Our logo is simple; everyone leaves their ego, title and ranks at the door. A boarding school where everyone will pitch in to make it a safe haven once completed."

"Good going, girl. Beauty and Brains, that's my girl."

"Shut up Cal."

"That sounds too simple and naïve," says Elder Thomas. "Do you think you can accomplish all of this in your lifetime?"

I reply, "maybe not Elder Thomas sir. Every good idea originated from a simple thought. History has shown us the losses and pain from all the destruction and savagery we wage upon each other. Pardon me but nothing you all have done has worked. As an Omega, I know what my friends and I went through. The abuse, the neglect. No one should have to go through that. And you cannot tell me you were not aware of the abuse of power in the packs, clans, coven, and gatherings."

"We may be naïve, but we are doing something. We are prepared to help the helpless and empower the downtrodden. Cal and I both have the experience of being abused and discarded, so we can help those in the same situation. Just for the record, we are not going into this, half-cocked. We have plans and will gladly share them with you along the way," Esme says.

"And you call me the prophet."

"Shut up Cal, or I'll string you up."

"Not in front of them, you won't."

"We'll like your help and your approval, sirs. And we need you to help us get the word out to every clan, pack, coven, and gathering about the school. We want to teach them to interact better with each other and finally with humans. No one is going anywhere so we must learn to live with each other. We want a place where all previous misconceptions, fights can be laid to rest, and everyone can hopefully learn to live together in peace. If we can't live in peace with each other, how can we with the humans?"

"That's a lot for the two of you to take on, how do you plan to accomplish this financially? Without our help," EL Dargon asks.

"We don't need your financial help," Esme rebuts.

"You don't?" whispers Wein Aphid.

"No sir we don't," I reinstate.

"This project will cost millions of dollars," says Elder Alexi.

"The initial cost will be assumed by myself, Esme Wood, High Lord Raphael Klyne, Alpha Lord Darric Grey, Alpha Salim Taylor, High Lord Tobias Hunter, High Lady Georgiana Klyne. As we receive word from any leader interested, we plan to ask them for a donation, too."

"You know 'pay it forward' kinda thing," Esme giggles.

"Pay it forward? Who are you and what have you done with Esme?"

"Just one more, Cal, one more smart-alecky remark."

"We have discussed this project of yours," starts Elder Alexi. "We have decided to give our approval on one condition."

"And what is that, sir?" I ask.

"That you run every decision through us for approval before implementation. Since we are heads of all supernatural, it stands to reason that anything that affects us collectively must meet with our approval, don't you agree?"

"Are they freaking kidding me? We'll spend our lives coming and going from this mausoleum they call home forever. No."

"Let me handle this Esme."

"Respectfully Elder Alexi, that request is not feasible. Esme and I will have to spend all our time here running every decision by you. We hope you will trust us enough to know that we will run the major decision by you but micromanaging us will only delay this project, sir."

"Why can't we read their minds, Drago?"

"I've always been able to read Esme's since she was born but I draw a blank," El Dargon adds.

"Neither can we," reply the other members.

"Did you hear that Esme?"

"Yes, I am so loving this. Do I look like I'm laughing my ass off?"

I glance at Esme," Aah no?"

"Because I am. The first time that excuse of a father of mine cannot read my mind but I can read his. Remind me to thank Ancient One when we see him again."

"I don't think he gave us these powers to play one-upmanship with the ruling council, Esme."

"What we can tell you, right now sirs, is that Alpha Salim is set to start the building project. We don't have estimated time of completion yet, but we hope to have the first buildings up in about a year and the students in house about six months later."

"Also, as Cal mentioned before, the long-term plan will expand the area into a town of its own. We hope this will include humans who may migrate to the town. This will allow the students to learn to interact with humans."

"And who will head this school of yours?" asks Original Vlad.

"School of ours you mean, Original Vlad sir. My sister Minerva Yorke will head this school. She's my half-sister and former Gamma from the Blood Rose Pack. We hope to appoint along with her a representative from each of the other groups as co-administrators."

"Sounds eerily familiar to our set up here. Are you trying to create another ruling council?" Asks Elder Wolffang.

"Not at all, sir. We just don't want any group feeling left out or not represented."

"You seem to have all your ducks in a row so to speak. One question that has been bugging me," says Wein Aeden.

"Yes sir," I look pointedly at Wein Aeden. Even though he and the other Weins have been shimmering in and out, I can see them in both forms – visible and invisible. "And what is that sir?" I ask.

"Everyone I think he can see me, see us even in our invisible state," he whispers.

"Does your task from the Ancient One stop there, with the school? Or do you two have other plans that may disrupt the status quo?"

"I cannot tell you what else we may do. But one thing we both will do is notify you of any major plans we have," I reassure them.

"Then back to my initial question, you are telling us that you will not run your decisions through us," Original Drago hisses.

His aura changes along with the other members and they become one of attack and suppression. I feel a slight nudge but no pain. My mates bend over and Cole falls to the ground, all groaning and writhing in pain.

Instinctively Esme and I cover them with our protective aura. My blue and her red auras create a purple shield over them. Shit! So much for not letting them know our powers are superior to the ruling council's. I have so much explaining to do.

Originals Drago, Lucien, and Vlad stand up and chant, their chairs topple, and our mates are thrown out the doors. What the fuck? Happens so fast, I didn't see it coming. The doors slam shut after them and seal Esme and me in with fifteen pissed off power-wielding men.

All fifteen stand up, the Weins shimmer. The weres growl and their teeth and claws elongate. The vampires hiss and their fangs protrude. The warlocks chant, covering all fifteen in protective auras. The room blazes with rainbow-colored flashes.

"I think the gloves are off, Cal."

"I believe you're right."

"What now?"

"First, we defend only; ourselves and mates. And if they persist, we fry their asses."

"About time."

"You two will not use your powers in this chamber," Elder Alexi yells.

"Only in defense sir. We came here respectfully to ask for your permission and hopefully work with you for the betterment of our kind. You all were witnesses to the charge given to us by our creator as his Chosen Ones. Do you still decide to go against his wish? AND YOU DARE TO HURT OUR MATES. NO MORE SIRS. YOU EITHER GET ON BOARD OR..."

"OR WHAT?" Yells Original Drago.

"GET ROASTED," Esme finishes.

And she flies up to the ceiling. I do the same. I look at the Weins and I shimmer over the council members, hidden from their sight. My heart is racing uncontrollably, and my eyes laser on to Weins. My hands tremble as I look around the room and its occupants. My senses are heightened more than ever before. I hear Esme gasp and turn to her.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"You shimmered and then fucking disappeared, how?"

"I just thought of shimmering like the Weins and it happened. Try it."

Esme shimmers and becomes invisible to all but me.

"Just think of which of their powers you need and it works for us, only stronger?"

"Did I ever tell the Ancient One I love him? I fucking love the dude. Let's kick some pompous asses."

"Not too much damage, just a 'join us or move out of our way' kind of tussle, okay, please."

"Fine. But I deal with the Elementals."

"Be my guest. They are all yours."

And we get to work. Surprisingly whatever we think to do happens.

Esme starts to chant and the Elementals' protective veil over the council members melts away. Once the veil lifts, I shimmer to the Weins and bind them with an invisible cord. And Esme binds the Elementals in an impregnable force field.

The weres were more difficult. All six werecats and werewolves scatter to different areas of the room.

"Esme, I need your help. The weres are all over. I can't get at them all without leaving myself open to an attack."

"I have an idea. Come on down and we land on two separate parts of the room. The weres will gang up on us and once they do..."

"...we bind them."

I float down as does Esme and just as she predicted the werewolves surround me and the werecats do the same to Esme.

I twirl my finger and they are tied in invisible cord same as the Weins. Esme does the same to the werecats. Now the vampires.

We turn and face the three vampires. I join my right hand to Esme's left and our purple flame glows. They may be a tougher group to subdue.

We point at them. I encase them in ice and Esme surrounds them with fire. They struggle out of the ice, but they cannot get out of the ring of fire.

"EVERYONE STOP!" quivers Original Drago from inside the fiery circle. "Gentlemen, can we act like civilized beings and work out a compromise?"

"This is not over mutt," snares Elder Thomas.

"I'm sure it isn't. We have decided to see this to the end. We didn't choose this, but it has been laid at our feet. So, a word of warning, we will not hesitate to incapacitate anyone who dares to hurt our mates, our families or intentionally disrupt what we plan to do."

"Esme, I think we have their collective approval now, don't you?"

"Cal, I believe we do."

"Sirs," I bow and walk out of the room.

Esme follows and I see her give them the middle finger. Esme! I need to teach that girl the act of subtlety.

I am so powered up that I can probably fry the lot of them without a sweat. Thank the Sun god for Cal's temperament. At least I got to tweak those Elementals for a minute. Judgmental idiots! No wonder they rarely get anything right.

And he can no longer read my mind. I felt him trying. How the tides have turned. Now I read his mind. He runs after Cal and me as we walk out of the room.

"You've met your bane?" El Dargon asks.

"Says who?" I reply defiantly.

"Even if I can no longer read your mind, I could still read his. A wolf? Times are indeed changing. Take care of yourself, Esme," he smiles.

"I plan to."

"For the first time in my existence, I can't read someone's mind. Not yours or Cal's. You two are the chosen ones, aren't you? And I assume, I can no longer drop in unannounced anymore either, can I?"

"What do you think? No you cannot," I yell.

Cal holds my hand and I calm down.

El Dargon looks at our joined hands and says, "he is your root, isn't he?"

"Always has been."

"May I ask for my first and only favor, Esme?"

"Esme, he looks so sad. Be gentle and grant him his request," Cal begs me.

"Whatever."

"May I hug you? The last time I held you was when you were a baby."

"Hold me?" I ask in shock. That isn't what I thought he would ask for.

"Okay."

He steps forward and hugs me. He whispers in my ear, "No matter what happened before, I am your father. All you have to do is call me whenever you need me."

"I won't..."

"...she will El Dargon, sir," Cal interrupts me.

He releases me.

"Good. Take care of her, Cal. A word of caution, even though we cannot read your minds and intentions, we can still read those of your mates and family members."

"Thank you, sir," Cal says as I walk off without a word.

I know when to leave Esme alone. And now is the time to leave her the fuck alone. I walk a step behind her. She's been here before and hopefully knows where to find our mates. I need to get the hell out of this place.

"They are in the waiting room. Come on let's get out of here," Esme finally speaks.

We find out mates. The mood is somber. Esme and I both teleport our mates, Jeffery and ourselves back to Yorke Manor.

"What took you so long," Georgiana ask?

"Let's just say, we ran into a little brick wall also known as the 'ruling council'," Rafe tells her.

"I'm dying to hear that story. But first Salim is waiting for all of you in the den. Something about a prior meeting with you guys."

"Shit! I forgot about Salim in all the ruckus of the last two days," Darric says.

"Come on, let's get this over with," I tell them.

We all make haste to the den and sitting cozily in one of our sofas are Alpha Salim and Roman.

"Where have you all been? I was about to leave." Alpha Salim gets up and shakes our hands.

"Good to see you Alpha Salim, and our apologies. We had a bit of a problem that needed to be dealt with."

"Hey Salim, Roman," Esme greets as she walks past Salim towards the chair near Roman.

"Rrrr" Alpha Salim roars, Roman gets up and does the same at Esme, both circling her as if she's their favorite meal.

Cole growls at them in defense of his mate.

"Okay what the hell is wrong with you Salim, are you off your rocker or something?" Esme asks.

"Why do you smell like our mate, witch?"

"WHAT?"

"Witch you're covered in our mate's scent. Where have you been? Who touched you?" Alpha Salim says, sniffing her all over.

"The only person who has touched me is...NOOOOOOOOOO! No way! Even the Sun god can't be that cruel. There is no way, I REPEAT NO WAY ON EARTH AM I CALLING EITHER ONE OF YOU TWO BONE HEADS DADDY! YOU HEAR ME! NO WAY! SUN GOD WHY ME?"

And I bend over, plop into a chair, clutch my sides, laughing as tears run down my eyes.

Yes, my dears, El Dargon is Salim and Roman's mate. And Esme's two daddies to be. Now I can put up the cover and blurb for the third book 😍.

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