The Beast And The Blessed

Thirty-Seven: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

I was grateful that Killian let us take the cars. I didn't want to be carried again, whether it was like a sack of flour or cradled to his chest. It made me feel weak, and I didn't want to return to my family and be seen as anything other than a queen.

My eyes were locked on the passing trees and ruins as we drove through them. It was fascinating to watch the men who chose to run in their Lycan form, sprinting alongside the vehicles as they jumped and dodged debris.

The world had changed a lot over the last century. I remember seeing pictures in my school books of tall and shiny cities packed full of humans, practically crawling on top of each other just to move around. But after The Great War, their cities fell, and they had to rebuild. Most of their technology made it through, but the other species refused to let humans gain that much power and control over the world again.

Now the humans kept their towns small, trying to hide them in any natural structures they could find. Some even went underground and built their cities in the Earth.

But the evidence of the destruction was fascinating to see first-hand. It was a reminder that things would always be changing. It was not wise to be comfortable in life as we know it.

Going back to my family, was terrifying and exciting. I wanted to prove to them that I was more than just the human who failed to shift. I was going to be their Queen, someone they could be proud of.

I had given up hope of our relationship mending when I chose to run away.

I had left them behind when I was taken by the king.

While the little voice in the back of my mind was quietly whispering that I didn't need them, it was largely overshadowed by the insecurities screaming that I wanted to see my dad smile at me again like he had when I would learn something new. I wanted my mom to pull me into a hug and tell me everything was alright like she did when I had a bad dream.

Only now, the monsters she had been chasing away from those nightmares ... I was living with them, making love to one of them, and would be ruling over them.

Killian's warm hand settled on mine over my thigh as we approached the border, and I felt myself still, not realizing I had begun to shake with anxiety. I looked over at the large beast crammed in the back of the SUV with me.

He wanted to run free with the rest of his warriors. Instead, he sat with me, silently

see Jake. Did Killian know that we

him to be punished for cheating on me and treating me like shit at the end. But I knew

eyes widened as we drove through the pack land. My old pack mates lined the

learned

my chest tighten as the memories of their bullying, abuse, and torment washed through my mind. I looked over my shoulder, watching through the window as the pack sank back into the woods once we had moved

knew they would be in a hurry to beat the vehicle back to the pack house. But when we pulled up, I was stunned as the pack silently gathered back in their skins with their eyes

or Jake straightening them out once he took control, I had never seen them so organized and respectful. The warriors that

asked as quietly as I could, hoping

area is secure," Killian muttered, his eyes

I wondered aloud, figuring it was because of the added

precious to our people, and I will not risk any harm coming your way." His voice remained low and hard but the way they briefly flickered back to me had my cheeks

really meant that it was because I was human that I needed the extra protection. But his use of the

eyes stayed locked on him as he

up straight, lifting my chin just before he pulled open the metal barrier between us. His large hand was out and waiting as he winked

his eyes. He was like a different person, one that seemed to adore me and who I could see myself falling

His Queen.

smiled up at him,

to throw my status in my old pack's face. It was a possibility, but I refused to believe that it was anything less

bowed before us with Haylee hot on his heels. He dipped

forcing his eyes away from me and glaring down

before looking over the crowd. Each face brought