35.

"Can you please hurry it up, Jay? Nicky would be home in an hour or so and I want to surprise him," Sienna whined. Jay rolled his eyes as he walked ahead of the two princesses. "And Zarif is coming off his shift soon. It's our first family dinner, hurry it up Delta Jay" Mina pressed also.

"Go to Russia he said. It would be less work he said. No, dad, it ain't." Jay grumbled to himself stepping onto the training grounds. His irritation didn't come from being in Russia per se nor being around the girls. It was the fact that he hasn't found his mate yet and being around his cousins Nikolai and Mina, it rubbed him the wrong way. He was jealous of them finding their happiness when he has searched for his other half three years ago before accepting this role in Dark Blood. "Don't worry Si. I just need to keep your skills polished. Uncle Jonah said you're as good as the other Royals, but are you good as your mate?" he asked going into what his cousins call his 'Delta Mode'.

"As good as Nikolai?" Sienna asked a bit confused. Mina grinned beside her bouncing on her toes. "Niko is a superb fighter in wolf and the human form. He even surpassed daddy who is every inch proud. Jay has been sparring against him for years now and was taught some moves which he's going to show you." she explained. The new princess nodded and positioned herself before Jay, her body felt different, more energetic, and positive about life as a whole. Lana has been in glee since this morning and her happiness reflected on to Sienna.

Jay yelled out the first command then brought her into the few kicks and punches his uncle taught her; her speed in human form was tested then her vigilance for any oncoming attack. It was an hour into their training and Jay was paired with her as Mina sat that mock fight out. She was having trouble in disarming him and rebound attack if she was attacked from behind. Her senses were a bit off and she didn't know why her body felt heated and it grew uncomfortable in the tank top and yoga cutoff pants.

"Is this the alpha's daughter that Uncle Jonah bragged about? Come on Sienna you can do better." Jay taunted as she failed yet again.

"Not now Jay. I'm not feeling 100 for this let's just go..." she grumbled getting up from the grassy ground and fixing her bracelet. Her body swayed slightly but she got a hold of herself before it became noticeable.

"You can be dying of an overdose of wolfs-bane but you still have to defend yourself Sienna. Nikolai won't always be by your side." he snapped going back into his position. His words of Nikolai caused her to flinch a bit. Mina stood up looking closely at Sienna as she fidgeted with her clothes for the umpteenth time; her eyes were no longer plain hazel and focused. They were glazed over and were more golden than hazel.

"Jay. Come on. Let's go." Mina called out trying to get through to her cousin. She knew he meant well but Sienna wasn't used to his rigid training also something was off.

"No. She will stay here until she perfects this. She's no longer a simple alpha's daughter, she's the Russian Princess. She has to know her worth, her role. Know how much danger she's in and must learn to protect herself." Jay was frustrated and he didn't know why, all he knew Sienna had to be trained harder. Niko gave all his men a simple order, 'Be alert at all times'. Nikolai has never been so cautious if he is, then something is brewing.

Sienna felt his frustration and felt angry that he was taking it out on her; she meekly told him again that she just wanted to go in and wait for her mate but he ignored her.

"Again." he shouted going back into position but she didn't move. Her heartbeat became faster; her skin felt like it was burning right off her body. Feeling truly uncomfortable she got rid of her tank top and stayed in her sports bra, the light breeze that brushed past them did nothing to cool her down. "Sienna are you alright?" Mina asked but her voice was distant.

"Of course she's alright" Jay huffed just wanting to finish this session, he received some unsettling news which brought his irritation up another two levels. "Okay, Sienna. Remember to disarm throw your weight into your attacker while grabbing hold of his wrist. Twist then flip." he said again for the seventh time. Sienna simply nodded then shook her head as Lana began howling loudly within her.

"Sienna" Jay shouted again trying to get her attention yet was wary of how she was at the moment. His fast steps brought him closer to her, she was mumbling incoherently while rubbing her temple. "Si, what is with you?" he asked a bit harsh in which he flinched hearing his hostility. Mina's eyes widen as she saw Sienna's eyes shifted to that of her wolf's again but it was no longer the simple rich amber color it now had a fleck of blue which was hypnotic. She was about to warn Jay to step back but it was too late.

"LEAVE ME ALONE" Sienna pushed Jay away with a strength she didn't know she possessed. He fell a few feet away from her landing with a thump. What shocked both Mina and Jay to the core were the fiery handprints on his sweatshirt. In one fast movement, he took it off of his body and began stomping on it, trying to oust the golden flames. With a slack jaw, Mina turned from Jay back to Sienna whose hands were engulfed in flames, her wolf's eyes were wild, her breathing was erratic as she fell to her knees looking at her hands. "Training is over," Jay said meekly looking at his now charred sweatshirt then back to Sienna. Mina still with wide eyes looked over to Jay, 'Things just got more interesting,' she said to him. He simply nodded, Sienna just received her gift, the fire element the same as the late King Michael. They all witnessed and heard how strong King Michael became with that gift, he was unstoppable. "Unbelievable" Sienna muttered getting the hang of accessing her gift. "Niko is so going to freak." Mina laughed.

All three decided not to tell anyone of the new development until Nikolai heard first hand from his mate. It was near dinnertime and the young prince has yet arrived, Sienna was a tad bit worried and called his cell. Sitting in their new sitting room, dressed for dinner she waited for him to pick up, "I am five minutes close my love." he answered with laughter in his voice. "You are late Nicky plus you're going to ruin my surprise for you" she whined. His laughter rang through the phone causing her to chuckle at his new attitude. "And what is this surprise? Can skip dinner for it?" he asked his voice going lower. A blush took over cheeks as she immediately knew what he was saying truthfully, "Ummmm..... No. We have to be at dinner." she rushed out. He laughed once more at her innocence. "I'm coming up, Enna. See you soon" he said hanging up.

Feeling giddy, she threw her phone onto the settee then fixed her outfit. Dressed in grey and maroon jersey material dress which reached above her knee, Sienna felt every way beautiful. Her dark hair was in curls behind her shoulders, the only jewelry she wore were diamond studs and a diamond tennis bracelet and the charm bracelet she shared with her mate. She ran out the door closing it shut before she walked quickly up the long hallway to the entrance of their quarters. The only sound that was heard was the clicking of her peep-toe grey ankle boots which was deafening. Reaching the end of the hallway which led to the rooms, she turned right into another hallway which the stairs from the foyer started. "Is he here yet?" she asked Mikel who stood on the platform of the stairs.

"They just parked princess," he answered laughing softly. She lightly slapped him on the shoulder as all the guards Nikolai left with her knew how excited she was to see him, to show him what she did today. She glanced around and noted how each guard stood post at each and every entrance and exit both above and below. They all have been welcoming to her and made her feel at home, helping her in any way they can. The slamming of the oak doors drew her to Mikel's side, the heavy footsteps sounded throughout the building; a smile was on her face as she spotted Nikolai walking in with his head held high into the foyer from the small hallway. His men followed closely behind, they dispersed when he reached the foot of the stairs. Both their smiles and gazes didn't falter as Nikolai made his way up the marble stairs. His work shirt was rolled up to his elbows while his tie was loose around his neck; his jacket was slung over his arm as he held his briefcase in the same.

"Welcome home baby" she greeted as he was near. As he stepped before her, Nikolai pulled her close to capture her lips as her arms found their way around his neck. She craved that sweet torture all day, the electrifying wave of pleasure shooting down her spine as he claimed her in that one kiss. Ending it he rested his forehead against hers. "Thank you, angel," he said hoarsely. He grew accustomed and always waited for that moment when he came home to her. She took his jacket and briefcase and led him to their suite, his arm was across her shoulders as they walked slowly towards their destination, he complimented her on her outfit and how gorgeous she looked.

"I missed you," she said kissing his cheek. "I missed you too. So much," he replied pulling her into another kiss. She pulled away when they were near the new suite, he was about to turn into his room but she pulled him away. "We no longer have separate rooms. We are fully mated and accepted by each other both human and wolf. This is now our new sanctuary" she said opening the large double black doors. A wide grin took over Nikolai's face as he took in the newly designed suite. The colors were a neutral mix of grey-blue and black. The doors opened into a small room that housed a side table and two mirrors with black frames, artificial decor filled the room before you walk through the archway to access the sitting room. It was very modern with grey and blue living room set, white carpets; slate grey wall with black-framed art pieces against the main wall was a large flat-screen TV enclosed in an entertainment center closure. Sienna pointed out everything to him in which he was pleased. The bedroom area was light and airy which was on the right of the sitting room on the left was the closet and bathroom. "Did you....?" he was about to ask something but she nodded yes frantically to his unspoken question. She pulled him into the newly renovated closet for him and her. They both each had their own side, the walls curving around the vanity area was lined with shoes on either side which made way to where both their clothes were kept. Walking around the floor to ceiling vanity area the back wall housed floor to ceiling mirrors. "This is amazing," Nikolai exclaimed touching his section of ties then business suits, everything was sectioned off. He was proud of how she made their different personalities work together so well, it was very comfortable. He went back out to the main area of the closet where Sienna stood with a remote in her hand. "Press 585," she said giving him the remote. He did what she asked and laughed out loud as all his jewels were revealed from two hidden cupboards at the side of the vanity area. "I love it, angel," he said kissing her head.

"I'm glad you do. Now go take a shower and meet me back here" she ordered. Like a kid in a candy store, he quickly walked over to the bathroom area pleased by the surprise she revealed to him. As he showered Sienna picked out his outfit for dinner. Since it was just family she chose dark loose jeans, a white t-shirt and maroon sports jacket with black elbow patches, for footwear it was a simple black Ralph Lauren ankle boots. Ten minutes after he came in, dressed in a robe, towel drying his hair, Sienna bit her lips trying very hard not to moan as he dropped the robe and walked towards her. "Standing here so innocent, you are killing me." he said in her ear before kissing along her jaw and squeezing her butt. She whimpered as he bit the skin on her neck she was trying hard to resist him but it was too much. "G-Get dressed," she said out loud pulling away and fanning herself. He chuckled and went to do her bidding; he did so quickly then came and sat on the bench before his dresser. Nikolai didn't have to ask as Sienna finished drying his hair then styling it. He watched her in the mirror as she took care of him, finding a piece of jewelry for him, making sure his ring and bracelet was on, even fixing his clothes right. It was endearing to have her doing all this for him on her own decision and the way she moved it came natural. Taking care of her love.

Standing before the mirrors as she fixed his wild hair again he smiled softly at her. "I love you," he said softly. Sienna looked up and focus on his wonderful blue eyes that were filled with so much love and adoration for her. "I love you too," she replied bringing him closer to capture his lips. Stopping before it got heated she took a step back grinning at him, with a confused look on his face he folded his arms and waited on the woman who was full of surprises for him. He didn't care that people were waiting for them in the main dining hall, she came first and always will.

"Today was so great. I got our room fixed up quickly just by the mention of your name. You are quite influential my prince. When they learned I was your girlfriend they went above and beyond" she said laughing. Nikolai shook his head smiling, happy that they all treated her wonderfully. "But what happened during training was so ...... oh my goddess I can't explain it. And for me to have...... Mina said it was a great sign... baby I never felt so alive as much as I did this afternoon." she rambled on.

"What are you talking about, angel?" he asked.

"I received my gift Nikolai" she squealed bouncing on her toes. The look on her mate's face was hilarious, all you saw was a wide smile to rival the joker's. He closed the distance between them bringing her into his arms and spun her around, her laughter was infectious. He placed her back on her feet and asked what was the type of element she gained as a gift.

"What was the gift that your grandfather Michael received while trying to save your grandmother?" she asked shyly.

His eyes widen in shock as she showed him, willing a fireball in the palm of her hand. All Nikolai could think was his mate was now as powerful as him. This is what the Goddess planned for. "Papa would be so happy. You have a piece of the family with you now," he said grinning down at her.

"Mina and Jay were there. I nearly burned Jay but he's okay now" she said extinguishing the fire. He chuckled and brought her in for a hug. "I'm so happy" he mumbled against her hair. "So am I. Let's go give the big news" she said with excitement.

"No. No. No." he said stopping her. Nikolai vowed that he would protect her no matter what. "Let only your guards assigned to you know. We have an unexpected guest also an invited one" he continued. She waited for him to finish as he took a deep breath.

"He came to the office and asked for forgiveness. He said he saw the error in ways to me and wishes to mend broken bonds in the family." Sienna had an idea who he spoke of but could be wrong, three male cousins hated him and for one to come and ask forgiveness seem mighty suspicious.

"Which one is here?" she asked folding her arms, her protective side for Nikolai heightened. He smiled knowing she was on the same page of suspicion as him.

"Cain." was all he said closing his eyes in deep frustration.

The next king.