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.

run free with the rest of his warriors. Instead,

anxious to see. I was also nervous to see Jake. Did Killian know that we had been together? If he found

on me and treating me like shit at the end.

My old pack mates lined the road in their

least Jake had learned from his

the familiar faces made 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

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

or Jake straightening them out once he took control, I had never seen them so organized and respectful. The warriors that had come with us surrounded the vehicles, and I remained seated as Killian's hand stayed

asked as quietly as I could, hoping no one

the area is secure," Killian muttered, his

this the last time you were here," I wondered aloud,

time you were not with me. You are precious to our people, and I will not risk any harm coming your way." His voice remained low and hard but

needed the extra protection. But his use of the word precious had my stomach filling with

eyes turned black, signaling that someone was mind-linking him. My eyes stayed locked on him as he strode around the front of the car with the confidence of a king, stopping when he reached my

large hand was

see myself falling for quite easily. I could see the acceptance of us in his eyes as I placed my hand in his, and

His Queen.

I smiled up at

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

as Jake approached cautiously. "Your majesty," He bowed before us with Haylee hot on

glaring down at my ex-boyfriend. "My condolences for the loss

from Jake, briefly meeting Haylee's sneer of disgust before looking over the crowd. Each face brought back different memories, but the two that I had been looking for