Beastmora- The Golden Six Read online

  “Good,” Emalia paused before smacking Valeria’s arm, “I can’t believe you were so stupid. Do you know how irresponsible you’ve been? Mom and Dad are beside themselves right now. I had to stop them from flying here in the middle of the damn day. Do you realize how dangerous and reckless what you just did is? How could you think that you could just ride Thoren over here like it was a stroll in the woods? You are not bound to him like Dad is.”

  “But I-,” Valeria started but was swiftly cut off by Emalia, the omega wolf was clearly not finished with the lecture, and she started to fiddle with her necklace, glad it had not fallen to the ground just like her communicator.

  “You could’ve been killed. Do you know how devastated not only our parents but Demetri, Henrik and I would’ve been? You of all beasts should know that you can’t fly a dragon that you aren’t bound to! You are so lucky that Thoren caught you in time!”

  “But I thought with the stabilizing magic-,” She said only to be once again interrupted by her sister.

  “You mean the stabilizing magic that is created between a rider and the dragon? Which can only be achieved once bound?!,” Emalia exclaimed causing Thoren to jump from his spot beside her.

  Valeria couldn’t think of anything to say and figured if she did open her mouth, it wouldn’t go well. With a sigh, her sister rose from her seat and moved towards the kitchen and out of Valeria’s sight as she opened the fridge. She’d grabbed a cup of blood from the icebox and handed it to Valeria.

  “You need to drink so that you can heal. You’ve got lacerations from Thoren’s claws on your back and some from his spikes on the brachial aspect of your arm. You didn’t lose as much blood as I originally thought, you’ll heal by moonrise.”

  Valeria didn’t realize how thirsty she was until she got a whiff of the blood and she greedily took the cup and began downing its contents — pleased to find that it one of her favorites, Type A four Phoenix.

  “You’re lucky that I keep blood on hand,” Emalia said sitting down on the coffee table with another sigh, the mood turning serious as her sister whispered her next words, “You could have died, V.”

  “I know,” Valeria whispered as she looked down at her empty cup with a frown, culpability settling deep into her stomach, “I guess the Elder’s were right. I am immature, impulsive, and irresponsible.”

  “Is that what this is about? Did you get rejected from the program? Valeria that is not worth risking your life over,” Emalia’s expression was angry even as her words were soft. Valeria once again tried to push down the inescapable responsibility for the upset look in her sister’s eyes. She could only envision the way her parents looked right now.

  Thoren let out a strangled noise and shuffled closer to Valeria. She leaned down and gave him a scratch on the head, “Thanks for catching me.”

  “He shouldn’t have had to catch you at all,” Emalia chastised before turning her gaze to the dragon, “Don’t think I forgot about your role in all of this, mister.”

  The dragon let out a series of noises that Valeria knew to be words but couldn’t understand herself. The only beasts who could understand the language of magical creatures were wolves. Valeria was always jealous of that aspect of being a wolf. She listened as her sister chastised Thoren for bringing her here and thinking with his stomach instead of his brain.

  “Where’s Callan?” Valeria asked, realizing her sister’s mate was nowhere in sight.

  “He said you were fine and went to bed,” Emalia explained, her face telling her that she clearly disagreed with his actions.

  “Sounds like him,” Valeria snorted and then a realization dawned on her, “I haven’t hit my stopping age yet! I’m going to have claw marks on me forever. I’m going to have scars for the rest of my life.”

  Valeria let out a frustrated shriek and buried her face in her hands, wishing the ground would swallow her whole. She heard Emalia let out a withering sigh before Valeria’s hands were removed from her face. Her sister was looking at her with a forced, empathetic smile.

  “A lot of beasts have scars. Mom does, Dad does, Callan does, even Thoren does.”

  “Yeah but their scars are from battle, they’re heroes. My scars are just proof of everything the Elder’s said to me,” Valeria argued, feeling sorrier for herself than ever.

  Emalia sighed for what seemed to be the hundredth time that day and ran her hand down her face.

  “I can’t deal with this. I’ve got work tomorrow. Let’s just go to bed. We can deal with everything at dusk.”

  “Okay,” Valeria said, standing slowly and following Emalia to the extra bedroom a couple of feet away, “Thanks Em.”

  “Get some sleep,” Emalia said before leaving her in the room alone, as soon as her head hit the pillow she was fast asleep.

  ◆◆◆

  Valeria woke slowly, as she became aware of the presence occupying the room with her. She opened her eyes, blinking before her gaze landed on her mother’s. Florence was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Valeria with an unreadable gaze. She was wearing her GSI uniform, a form-fitting black suit that had ‘First Lieutenant’ sewed in golden silk above her right breast. She didn’t look happy.

  “Hi Mom,” Valeria murmured, preparing herself for the lecture she was about to endure. Instead of a lecture, Florence just stared at her for a long moment before in a flash; she was crushed against her mother’s chest.

  “Do you know how worried I was?” Her mom said, her voice filled with relief; her arms were wrapped tightly around Valeria as she pressed her nose into Valeria’s hair. Valeria couldn’t help but reciprocate the embrace, her arms wrapping around her mother’s narrow waist. She had been so afraid and to feel her mother’s arms around her was extremely comforting, “I thought you fell to your death.”

  “I’m so sorry, Mom. I was just so upset about what the Elder’s said, and Demetri kept being, well himself and I felt like I was a failure and I made a mistake,” Valeria sobbed, squeezing her mother tightly as she babbled an apology, “I didn’t think I would fall, I was so scared Mom. I’m so sorry.”

  “Shh, Darling. Your father and I understand. I’m not mad at you, well I admit I was furious this morning and a bit of this evening, but honestly I am just relieved you’re alive. That doesn’t mean you’re not in trouble because you unquestionably are, but I must say I’m impressed you managed to sneak out without notice,” Her mother soothed, running her fingers through Valeria’s messy hair and Valeria couldn’t help but smile at the last bit.

  “You’re not going to lecture me?” Valeria asked tentatively, pulling back to look up at her mother’s face.

  “No. Your sister has already done it, and honestly, you hear her words over mine,”

  Florence responded with a sigh, Valeria felt a stab of guilt at the words and the sad glint in her mother’s eyes. Valeria knew she was being unfair, but she couldn’t help it.

  “As for your summer plans, your father and I enrolled you into the Grey Academy Summer program. I’m aware you are struggling to select a specialization, this program will allow you to experience numerous fields and hopefully find you the independence that you seek.”

  “The Grey Academy?” Valeria’s eyes widened in surprise, “But that’s an orphanage!”

  “Nothing is ever simply one thing, Valeria,” Florence replied, her eyes shining with hidden meaning, “The Grey Academy is a place for learning and development. It began as an orphanage, but as time went on, it became much more. Your father worked very arduously to make this a safe and prosperous place for young minds.”

  “What? Can’t you speak like a normal beast,” Valeria whined, and her mother raised a manicured eyebrow at her.

  “Just like you, I am educated. I simply choose to apply my knowledge. Something you could afford to do more often,” Florence emphasized her point by poking the tip of Valeria’s nose, “But I digress. You’ll be attending the Grey Academy for your own benefit. Term begins two nights from now.”

  “
I’ll leave you to get dressed,” Florence stated as she gracefully stood and exited the room. Her mother never made any sound when she moved, no vampire did. That’s why vampire’s wear heels or noisy shoes to show they were not a threat, but if you wore soundless shoes, you implied malintent. The soft clicking of her boots was the only indication that she had moved and once she was gone Valeria sighed looking down at her hands. She quickly rose from the bed and going through the motions of getting ready for the night. Luckily her bag had not fallen along with her communicator. When Valeria exited the bedroom, her mother was typing quickly on her communicator, her fingers moving so fast they were a blur across the projected keyboard.

  “Mom?” Valeria called, her mother’s eyes snapped up, and she closed out what she was doing, “Everything okay?”

  “Just work,” Her mother replied, standing gracefully and Nebby’s head poked out from her spot buried in her mother’s hair, “You’re accompanying me to work. This will be night one of your punishment.”

  “Okay,” Valeria said, then glanced around the small space, “Where’s Em?”

  “Emalia and Callan went to work. I asked them to give us some time to talk,” Florence responded, and Valeria followed her mother onto the balcony where Nebby freed herself from black locks and grew. Florence stretched out her hand, and Nebby’s nose bumped it. Valeria felt a pang of jealousy as she watched the interaction. A stark reminder of what had gotten her into the situation in the first place.

  “Did you know that the first time I rode Nebby, I fell off?” Her mother commented as her hand scratched the crimson dragons chin.

  “Really?” Valeria asked shock painted across her face. She couldn’t picture it; her mother rode Nebby like it was as effortless as breathing.

  “Yes. I was cocky a little thing back then, a bit like Demetri actually and ignored the Masters. They had told me I needed more time to connect, but I disagreed,” Florence’s lips were caught in a nostalgic smile, “If Nebby had not caught me, I would have died.”

  “She can feel me. My emotions, my thoughts…” Her mother moved her fingers across the crimson scales, keeping her eyes locked with Nebbys, “And I feel hers. She is a part of me just as I am a part of her. Unbound you cannot feel any of this. Nebby can’t feel your pain. You are fortunate Thoren was paying attention to the weight on his back, most dragons would not have noticed, and you would be dead. One night you will feel this type of bond. Perhaps not this cycle but one night you will. So be patient. Bide your time, Valeria.”

  “I’m sorry,” Valeria responded, her lips downturned at the remembrance of her mistake.

  “Apologize only once. The frequency in which you speak it makes it less genuine, it then becomes a habit,” Her mother’s red gaze locked with her own and there was an intensity there as if making sure Valeria knew that this was important, “Now let’s depart before I’m even later for work.”

  With that, her mother slid elegantly into place upon Nebby’s back before offering a hand to Valeria who gratefully took it. Valeria was slightly scared of riding a dragon again, she knew she was being ridiculous, but the memory of falling from Thoren’s back was still fresh in her mind.

  “I would never put you in danger,” Her mother soothed, her hand still in Valeria’s and she smiled at her.

  “I know,” Valeria responded, and with that, they took off towards the GSI building. The ride was smooth and much slower than usual. Valeria could tell it was for her benefit, to distract herself from the reminder of last night. She looked out at the city, Kalissa was a grand mixture of all the different architectures from all over the planet. Nothing was representing one territory over the other. No buildings kept a color scheme either. It was a kaleidoscope of color, each diverse in their own way. The GSI building was no different. It stood tall, the palace that held this dynasties ruler standing on the opposite side of the city. The middle was a giant square with gold statues erected in honor of the Golden Six after the Demon War.

  They landed with a soft thud; Nebby shrunk as soon as they were off and made her way back into Florence’s black hair. Valeria followed her mother into the GSI building, she had only seen the outside of the building once or twice, but she’d never been inside. As they entered through the metal doors, Valeria was accosted by the magical security scan and the bright fairy lights that lined the ceiling of the hallway.

  “Welcome Lieutenant Dracul, Nebby and Guest,” An automated voice spoke out as they walked down the hall which opened to a spacious room with various neutral toned, furniture scattered about the area and a viewing screen along the east wall. The floor was a dark grey that paired well with the white walls and open windows. She could see the stars almost as if she was outside herself.

  “This is the top floor, it duels as a roof entrance and lounge area,” Her mother explained, as they walked towards the silver lift. Above the metal doorway, a display screen showed different floors. Florence pressed the square button to summon the elevator, and soon, the doors opened to reveal the small compartment. After they were both inside, the doors slid shut, “First Lieutenant Florence Dracul, Floor fourteen. Team A: Authorization three-two-seven-seven-four-six-three-seven.”

  “Access Granted,” The same automated voice spoke before the lift moved down one floor then opened its doors to reveal another hallway.

  “Team A is the only team that was given an entire floor to keep the information confidential,” Her mother stated as they walked, “Teams B through Z share, five teams to one floor. Team A is equipped with personal interrogation rooms, personal data vaults, and holding cells. All personnel are processed with an extensive background check, and no one gets in or out of this floor without authorization or notation.”

  “Why?” Valeria questioned.

  “We deal with highly classified cases,” Florence answered.

  “Like what?”

  “That’s classified,” She had a twinkle in her eyes as she said this. The bleak corridor finally came to an end as they entered the main room; it had one wide dark, wooden table that took up much of the spacious room. The circular room had rows of clear doors, opening to small offices, with two desks in each. At the farthest wall stood a stairway that led up to a single office that looked over the common room. Her mother led her toward the door closest to the staircase, the plaque across the door read ‘First Lieutenant Dracul’ and ‘Second Lieutenant Claire.’ The room was spacious enough to hold two desks, two bookcases and a small door that Valeria assumed led to a washroom. Sitting at the desk was her sister’s mate, Callan. Callan Claire had olive skin, black hair that was tied back into a bun and electric blue eyes. The wolf was one of the tallest beasts she had ever seen; he towered over everyone in their family.

  “Well, if it isn’t the in-laws! Thanks for showing up to work, Florence,” Callan said in a teasing tone, his Wolfish accent making him hard to understand at times. He was leaning back against his chair as they walked in, his blue viewing screen which had been lit up when they’d walked in closing down when Valeria looked at it.

  “Not quite. Emalia has not asked for your hand,” Florence replied her eyes lighting up in mischief, reminding Valeria of her twin. Callan fought in the wars with her mother as the wolf general when he was just fifty-five cycles old. Only twenty-five cycles older than Henrik was now. Her sister’s mate had replaced his father, who was a member of the original Golden Six after he was killed. Florence and Callan had been partners for a long time and were constantly poking fun at one another. A running joke in their family was that Emalia had not proposed yet even though they had been together for cycles.

  “Speaking of which, why hasn’t she?” Callan inquired, now leaning forward on his elbows head cocked to the side in a very wolf-like manner. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showcasing the beginnings of his tattoos. His muscled arms had a phoenix on the left which represented Xander, another member of the six and a snake on the right representing Florence. His uncle had been killed in the demon wars leaving Xander
and Florence to pick up the pieces of the wolf left behind. Her mother often referred to Callan as her fifth child.

  “She doesn’t want to marry you obviously,” Florence retorted, the corners of her lips twitching up.

  “Wow going for the low blows tonight, are we?” Callan asked, raising his eyebrows in mock shock.

  “Everything pertaining to you is a low blow, dear,” Florence rebutted, a smirk on her lips before turning her gaze to Valeria and gesturing towards the chair to her tidy desk, “Here is your very comfortable punishment chair. Blood is in the icebox.”

  “What? Where are you going?” Valeria asked her eyes flickering to Callan as she sat down, “You aren’t leaving me with him, right?”

  “Oh you wish,” Callan scoffed rising from his seat.

  “I won’t be gone but an hour or two. There was a break out of demons,” Florence explained before she pulled Nebby from her hair and set her on the table, “Nebby will stay with you.”

  “We are going to be late,” Callan said as he pushed Florence towards the door, sounding almost like Henrik when they were leaving for a playdate.

  “We are already late,” Florence replied before her eyes narrowed and she moved quickly behind him, yanking out his hair, “Your hair is a nest. Did you even try this evening?”

  “Hey! Get off! My hair is fine,” Callan objected trying to bat off her hands but she was too quick. She managed to undo and redo his hair into a tight bun, the side braided into a vampiric knot Valeria recognized, one he wouldn’t be getting out of any time soon, “Wow thanks, Mom.”

  “Silence, you brat,” Florence said, tugging slightly on the bun and Callan made a face at her as he moved out of the room, “Behave while I’m gone.”