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.

to run free with the rest of his warriors. Instead, he sat with

parents that I was anxious to see. I was also nervous to see

part of me wanted him to be punished for cheating on me and treating me like shit at the end. But

the pack land. My old pack

learned

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 into the woods once we had moved

hurry to beat the vehicle back to the pack house. But when we pulled up, I was stunned as the pack silently gathered

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

they doing?" I asked as quietly as I could, hoping no one outside of our car

is secure," Killian muttered, his eyes scanning

do this the last time you were here," I wondered aloud, figuring it was because of the added threat of the

will not risk any harm coming your way." His voice remained low and hard

I needed the extra protection. But his use of

here," Killian insisted as his 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

us. His large hand was out and

felt my chest stop moving as I stared into his eyes. He was like a different person, one that seemed to adore me and who I could see myself falling for quite easily. I could see the acceptance of us in his eyes as I placed my

His Queen.

smiled up at him, temporarily

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

the corner of my eye made me turn, and I watched as Jake approached cautiously. "Your majesty," He bowed before us with Haylee hot on his heels. He dipped his head before Killian, waiting for an acknowledgment to stand

eyes away from me and glaring down at my ex-boyfriend. "My condolences for the loss

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