Chapter 59: The Council

Reign

Damien went into the closet and walked out with a pair of leggings and one of his shirts that fit me like a dress. “Here let me help you get dressed. Do you want to take a shower?” “No, I’m still good from last night. Lift your arms.” He said pulling my night shirt, well his shirts over my head and pulling the clean one on over my head. Then helped me put my pants, socks, and shoes. “C’mon, everyone’s waiting.” He pulled me out the door. “Cloie told you I was throwing a fit, didn’t she?” I pouted. “Yeah, but I was already on my way to check on you and bring you down. The council members want to get the trial started.” “Mom told me a little about the counsel, but my question is, why did they wait til now to form?” I asked him as we walked to the conference room. “I’ll let them tell you.” He chuckled. “You’re gonna love this shit though.” He said with a sly grin. “You butt munch!” I whisper-yelled as we walked to our seats making him chuckled.

“Good afternoon your majesties.” Elder Jon greeted. “Elder Jon, ladies, gentlemen, thank you for your understanding for my tardiness.” I smiled. “Of course, your majesty. How are you and our future royals doing?” A female elder asked. “We are doing good. The little ones are much better now that their daddy is near.” “Awe, they know their father’s touch.” She cooed. “Yes, and they know when he’s not near.” We all talked a little and then got down to business after the rest of my girls came in. After all they are my female versions of Damien’s top-ranking males. “Your Majesties, allow me to introduce you to your supernatural counsel...” Elder Jon started. “Our supernatural counsel?” I asked surprised. “Yes, every member here represents their species and will bring their concerns of their people to you and King Damien. They, we...” he motioned to everyone “...have agreed to submit to you and your mate as the King and Queen of all the supernatural world.” He said as all the council members bowed as I choked on the water was drinking. “Are you okay, love?” Damien asked rubbing my back. “Yeah, yeah...I just wasn’t expecting that.” I coughed. “Are you sure you want to do that?” All eyes went wide with confusion. “Please don’t take offense, it’s just that...” I paused “...it’s been barely six months since I found out that I’m a wolf, then a princess to an Alpha Queen, to finding out that I’m pregnant with triplets and that my ex is a wolf-vampire hybrid who decided I was his before I knew anything about this world.” I rambled out shaking my head. Damien squeezed my hand. “I need you to understand that Damien will be the one to handle the majority of the issues. I will be involved but my priority will be our children and the pack members. Your majesty, we understand, and we look forward to watching your children grow and someday rule in your place.” A female elder stated. She bowed. “I am Elder Camina, and this is Elder Roy, we represent the Elvin Realm. There is much to discuss, we will introduce as we go along.” Elder Jon stated. “Of course, I’m ready, we are ready to put this behind us.” Damien stated. “Luther has terrorized my mate for far too long.” He said pulling me into his lap. “My Queen, we understand that this last year has been a difficult one, but we need to hear from you about your relationship with Mr. Garan.” I cringed at the phrase, ‘relationship.’ “There...I wouldn’t call it a relationship. He was a part of my security team, and I went out with him a few times, but when he started getting possessive, planning our future, planning when we would have our first child, even my retirement tour I knew I had to get away from him. All the red flags were waving, and all the alarms started blaring.” I continued to tell them everything that happened and the things he did. “Your Majesty, I am Derek, and this is Stacy, we represent the non-supernatural’s, we will be speaking on behalf of the human realm.” He bowed. “We will bring in Mr. Garan. He stated that he wanted to make a case for himself.” Stacy said in a bored tone. “Delta’s, please bring in the accused.” Elder Derek ordered.

Without a word Shadow and Spyder eased out and returned a few minutes later with Luther in tow, literally, Spyder and Shadow were dragging him into the room. He looked up at me and smiled. “Sweetheart, tell them you love me and that I’ve never hurt you.” He begged me. “I. AM. NOT. YOUR. SWEETHEART!” I gritted out. Damien whispered in my ear to stay calm. “I already told them the whole truth about everything you did to me, so it’s too late.” I told him pushing myself closer to Damien. “Sweetheart, I would never!” He cried out. “Mr. Garan, that is enough!” Elder Camina demanded. “STOP CALLING ME THAT! I’m NOT your sweetheart! I can’t stand that term anymore!” I yelled. “It makes me want to vomit. No one can ever call me that again thanks to you.” “What are you talking about? I’ve only ever loved you...” “LOVED ME? LOVED ME! BULLSHIT! The only one who’s ever loved me has been Damien. He never lays a hand on me in anger, he has never raised his voice at me, and he certainly has never threatened me with death!” “Sweetheart, I never!” He softly said. “Mr. Garan, we have heard Queen Reign’s story and have seen all the evidence.” “Evidence? What evidence? I’m entitled to a defense.” He demanded. “Mr. Garan, this is not the human realm your trial has already been completed.” Elder Camina waved her hand. “No one came to your defense. There were more than a few wolves and vampires to speak against you than speak for you.” Elder Roy added. “They wouldn’t dare.” He growled. “As a matter of fact, not one spoke on your behalf, not even your sister or your father, once they learned of the heinous crimes you committed.” He snorted. “Elder Ali testified that you contacted her to break the King and Queen’s bond.” Elder Roy stated. “That alone is punishable by banishment, but all your other crimes, including poisoning your own father, have increased your punishment to death.” Aunt Ali told him. “You have no right!” He yelled. “We have every right. We are the Royal Elder Counsel.” Elder Jon told him. “No such thing exists.” He snorted. “Now it does, the supernatural realms have agreed to acknowledge Vampire-Alpha Damien and Vampire-Luna Reign Hunt as the King and Queen of all supernatural and human realms.” A tall, lean female spoke. “Your Majesty, I am Elder Dara of the Fae realm. When there is an issue involving either of them, then we will be the ones to investigate.” She explained. “We didn’t think things were as bad as we have been told and seen. The things you have done to her majesty are beyond horrendous.” She said with disgust.

“Please forgive me.” A deep voice pleaded. “Who said that?” Damien asked. “I am Max, Luther is my human.” He said his eyes were pitch black. “I understand that everything my human has done has led to this moment and his actions have brought the death sentence to us.” He looked at me with sadness. “I never wanted to hurt you. I tried to stop him. He would use me as an excuse for the harm he would cause.” He walked in front of me, Shadow stood in a protective stance. “Please, I will not harm her.” Max sighed. “My human’s vampire side is the one who wanted Reign, he went after her. I tried to stop him, but I was always unsuccessful.” Shadow, stand down. I told him, he frowned at me. “Please.” He nodded but stayed next to me. Max kneeled in front of me. “My deepest apologies for all the harm he has caused you. It’s no excuse but the loss of our first mate sent him over the edge. I can only pray that the Moon Goddess shows mercy and allows us to see our mate, Shelly once again.” He explained. “What happened to your mate?” “She was killed in a rogue attack when we were on our way home from shopping for our mating ceremony.” He sighed. “It broke him. I did my best to help him cope but his vampire side took over and corrupted his mind. When he met you, his vampire decided that you would be our mate, even if you didn’t want to be. I also pray that you can forgive him, forgive us.” He said. “I have already immobilized my human; he will remain that way until our death.” He bowed his head. “I don’t know if I can say that I can forgive him right now or ever. I hope Luther realizes how lucky he is to have you.” I cupped his cheek. “Elder Jon, could you sedate Max and then...well...” I trailed off. Damien looked at me. “I know what Luther did, it’s something I will never be able to forget but that doesn’t mean that I can’t show mercy. It’s not in me to be like him. If that is what you wish, then yes it can be arranged.” Elder Jon said. “Thank you, now if you don’t need me for anything else, I would like to get some rest.” I said cradling my baby belly. “Of course, please let us know should you require us.” Elder Dara offered.

“Alpha Queen Reign Dyanera Black Rose Raven Hunt, thank you for your mercy upon us. It would have been my honor to have served your kingdom.” He bowed. “I am ready to die, please carry out our punishment immediately.” He requested. “Your Majesty.” Aunt Ali turned to me. “If that is what he wants, then so be it.” Damien agreed. “Thank you, your Majesties.” Max said as he was led out of the room. “C’mon babygirl.” Damien guided me out of the room after a few minutes. “Damien.” I looked at him. He sighed. “Okay, let’s go.” He placed his hand on the small of my back and helped me out of the pack house. We walked, well, he walked, I waddled to the pack clinic. “Damien, what’s wrong? Reign, are you okay?” Aunt Ebbie asked with worry. “I’m good Ebbie.” I assured her. “She wants to see...” “Oh...well, we just finished prepping him, we were getting ready to administer the sedative.” “May I please?” “Follow me.” He was laying on the bed quietly allowing the nurses to do their job. “Your majesty, what are you doing here?” He lifted his head. “I just felt the need to be here.” I smiled sadly. “You...you shouldn’t be here.” He whispered. “I know but...” “Reign? What are you doing here?” “Luther?” I stepped back. “Please, I’m so sorry.” He sighed. “I don’t know what came over me.” He said. “I...I never meant for any of this to happen.” He tried to rub his face. “Luther...I want to understand.” I swallowed. “You look so much like my Shelly, something took over. Max kept telling me you weren’t Shelly but she’s all I could see. Then Damien came in and I went crazy, I believed you were mine. I wasn’t thinking.” He admitted. “What I did to dad...” “Ssshhh...Avery and I will take care of him and make him comfortable. He’s already spoiling Jyln.” I assured him. “Before I take my last breath, I ask the both of you for your forgiveness.” He asked. “Luther, thank you.” I moved closer to his bed. “I thought it would be a long time before I could ever forgive you...” I looked at him. “I appreciate you telling me. I never wanted things to end up like this. Maybe if it was a different time or place, who knows.” I smiled and took his hand in mine. “I forgive you.” I softly brushed hair from his face, he smiled and closed his eyes. Seconds later the heart monitor went flat line. “What happened?” Aunt Ebbie checked him, “He’s gone, he passed on his own.” She said turning off the monitors. “I guess he just needed your forgiveness.” One of the nurses stated. “Moses, Shadow, please make sure he gets the proper burial.” I told them. Damien nodded to them.

“C’mon, you need to get off your feet.” Damien wrapped his arm around my waist, and I leaned my head on his chest. I let the sound of his heartbeat relax me. “You want me to carry you? Or do want to waddle?” He smiled at me. “Really?” I rolled my eyes, he chuckled. “I guess I’ll waddle.” We made our way back to the pack house in silence. “Hey, you good?” Dad Deklyn asked. “Yup, all good.” He gave me a hug and kissed the top of my head. “As soon as she forgave him, he let go on his own. It’s like he was waiting for her to forgive him. When she said the words, he let go.” Damien said.

A MONTH LATER

I’m in my third month and I am miserable. I can't see my feet; I’m gassy and grumpy. “Is it safe to come in?” Geneva asked peeking through the door. “Yeah, come in.” I told her with a chuckle. She bounced into the room and sat next to me. She placed her little hand on my tummy and rubbed circles on it. “How are the babies?” She asked. “They’re good, I’m so ready for them to be born.” I sighed. “A few more weeks.” Jaz said walking in with a slight waddle. All of us preggos have been spending all our days together. Damien and the boys have been busy with running the kingdom, so they have us under tight security, baby watch security that is. “I don’t know about ya’ll but I’m so ready for these kids to make their appearance.” Ryott snorted. “Dear Goddess, yes!” Cloie agreed. “At least you four are almost done, I still have three months to finish baking.” Jen caressed her belly.

“Good morning my lovely mummy’s.” Aunt Ebbie chirped. “How are we doing this morning?” “We are so ready to pop these little ones out.” Ryott groaned. “Not too much longer.” Aunt Ebbie assured. “Let’s take a look at these pups see what they’re up to.” One of the nurses, who’s allowed to help Aunt Ebbie, brought in the ultrasound machine and an exam table. “Who’s first?” She looked at us. “Fine, I’ll go first.” Jen grumbled. “C’mon little one, let’s see what you’re up to.” She made her way to the exam table. Aunt Ebbie spread the now warm gel on Jenny’s belly, we complained that the gel was cold. She moved the wand over her belly looking for her little shadow. I think he’s gonna take after his daddy. Hahaha...one visit you see him, the next he’s nowhere to be found and the next he is waving at us or has his little ass in the air. “Damn, he’s already giving me grey hair!” Jen grumbled. “Last check up, we heard his heartbeat but couldn’t find him and now he’s friggin’ hiding. I’m WTF, where can he hide?” She shook her head. “I think he’s going to take after his dear ole dad.” I chuckled. “His shadowiness and your...your...well...” I motioned to all of her. She snorted. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She frowned. “Nothing just that he's gonna be just like you and my Shadow.” I started. “Face it, our kids are this kingdoms future.” I admitted. “Yup, that’s a scary thought.” Cloie commented, she looked up at us and we all pretty much had our brows raised at her. “What? You have met their dads, right?” She busted out laughing. “I mean, I love ‘em but c’mon.” “Okay, what did we miss?” Grace walked in with Aleya and Madison behind her. “Nothing really, just how these little bundles are our future.” I told them. “Kinda deep for this early in the morning.” Aleya yawned. “Aleya it's eleven in the morning.” Grace snorted. “Whatever.” Aleya grunted. “Aleya, you feeling, okay?” I asked her. She sighed out. “Yeah, just tired a lot for some reason.” We preggos looked at each other. “Aleya have you and the shadow twins been...” I and Jaz wiggled our brows. “Well, duh, of course.” She rolled her eyes. We all looked at each other and down at our tummy’s. “What?” She looked down to her stomach. “No way...ya think?” She asked wide eyed. “Hey Ebbie, can you check Aleya? We think she might be in the family way.” Jaz laughed motioning to all our baby bellies. “Shut up Jaz!” Aleya snapped. “C’mon, let’s see what we can find.” Ebbie said tugging Aleya to the state-of-the-art exam room Damien had her set up on our floor. Damien didn’t want me in the clinic. It was too far in case of any emergency, and he couldn’t effectively guard it. He pretty much ordered. At that point he had a whole other addition added to the now pack mansion which is now our own private clinic. It was ready to go with a room for each of us for our labor and delivery. “What about you, Grace, Madison?” Ryott asked. “You know, bow chic-ha bow wow.” Ryott snickered shaking her hips. “Ryott, shut up!” Grace chuckled, she huffed, “I guess I should go and see Ebbie also.” She got up and made her way to the exam room. “You really think I should check?” Madison asked. “Never hurts to find out, especially if you have been doing the bed mambo.” I chuckled at her. She followed Grace and Aleya. “This is crazy, more pups coming into the fold.” I smiled.

Grace, Aleya, and Madison came bouncing outta the exam room. “We’re pregnant!” they squealed. We all joined in on the joy and squealing. “What’s going on?” Mom Apryl ran in. “Oh nothing...” Grace giggled. “...just that you’re going to be a grama and a great aunt.” I said. She gave me her best ‘DUH’ look. “Mom,” I giggled and pointed to Grace, Aleya, and Madison. She knitted her brows together. “Mom, Aleya, Madison and I are pregnant.” They smiled at her. A tear crept from Mom’s eye. “Oh, all my babies are having babies.” She hugged Grace and Madison tightly and then took Aleya in her arms. “Your mom would be so happy, and your dad is going to be ecstatic.” She clapped. “We need to plan a big party.” She grinned from ear to ear. “Mom, we still have to tell the dads to be.” Grace laughed. “Details, details.” Mom chuckled waving them away. “I need to talk to Becca and see what we can do.”

“Aaahhh...” I yelled. “Reign sweetie, what’s wrong?” Mom was by my side in seconds, vampire speed is awesome. “The babies, something feels wrong.” I whimpered cradling my tummy. I looked down. “Oh no, no, no. This isn’t happening.” Blood had pooled between my legs, soaking my dress down to the sofa. “Reign, baby!” I heard Damien call running into the room. “What’s wrong? What happened?” he cradled me. “I’m bleeding.” I sobbed. He picked me up and rushed me to the exam room quickly followed by Aunt Ebbie. She pulled the ultrasound machine next to the bedside and asked what happened. “I’m going to have to do an internal look.” Damien looked at her as he eyed the wand, she used to do the internal exam. “Uh, Ebbie, where are you putting that thing?” He asked looking a little pale. “Damien, maybe you should wait outside.” She suggested. “Not a chance.” “Okay, then you need to let me do my job. I need to insert this wand into her...” she motioned to my kitty. “What!” He yelped. “No way! Not a chance.” “Damien, honey bear...” I called with my finger. “Sit down and zip it or go outside.” I gritted. He frowned and sat. “Fine but it better not hurt her!” He growled. Aunt Ebbie slowly inserted the wand and did her exam. “Ah, look there is one of the little rascals and he’s waving.” She removed the wand and I slightly winced. “I’m sorry. Ebbie.” Damien growled. “Hush boy!” She snapped as she checked my tummy with the regular wand. She moved around my tummy... “Well, everything looks normal. Let me ask, did you two enjoy each other last night or in the last several days?” I couldn’t help but blush. “Uummm...no, I mean we have but not like that.” Damien answered for me. She slid the wand over my tummy again... “Okay here we go.” She whispered. “Looks like the placenta is starting to detach from the uterine wall.” She scowled. “That’s bad, isn’t it? The babies need that to get nourishment, don’t they?” Damien asked. “Yes, but we can try to prevent it from getting any worse. We just need at least a couple of more weeks.” She thought out loud. “Maggie, start a line and let’s some fluids flowing, at least two bags.” She instructed. “Reign, I’m going to need you on bed rest for the next two weeks. The best way to keep this from getting worse is complete bed rest. You can go to the bathroom, move to the living room but that’s it. No stress, no worry, etc.” She instructed.

“Ebbie, I’m, the band is supposed to go to London to do an interview with Rolling Stone.” I told her. “Then it will have to be done via phone, video conference or postponed.” Damien chimed in. “But...” “No buts Reign, you are in no way traveling and there is no way those strangers are coming here.” He said. “He is not a stranger! I’ve known Buzz since my first tour. He’s the one that did my first cover story and has been following us and has done just about every story out there on the band.” I snapped. “He’s a human! We are a kingdom of supernatural beings, remember?” He looked at me like I have lost my mind. “A couple of days without shifting won’t hurt anyone.” He kept shaking his head no. Aunt Ebbie and Maggie had quietly made their way out of the room. “NO Reign, this buzzard fool is not coming here! End of story!” He snapped. “Why can’t Buzz, not buzzard, come here?” Jaz waddled in followed by Ryott, Jyden and Koltyn. “He’s a HUMAN! Damn have the hormones turned your brains into mush?” He scowled. “Hey! I’m HUMAN!” Ryott huffed back at him. “You don’t count.” He said after realizing what he just said. “Da, Buzz can be trusted, trust me on that.” Jyden told Damien as he gave Ryott an assuring hug. “We need this interview, it’s part of the deal with the record company to keep them off our back and not make a big stink about the tour.” Ryott reminded him. “Ryott, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by what I said. I always forget you're human.” Damien apologized to Ryott. “There's just so much going on and I can't take a chance with all of our top female's being pregnant.” He explained his feelings and why he didn't want Buzz to come here. “Da, I promise, he can be trusted and like Ry said, we need to do this interview.” Jaz told him.

“Before I agree there are going to be some conditions: One, he’s not to be alone at any time, one of you will be with him at all times. Two, he has two days, no more, that should be more than enough time to get what he needs for this story.” He ordered. “Three, Reign cannot leave this floor. Noah, Jonah, you will fill in for Jyden and Koltyn while they deal with buzzard.” I rolled my eyes at him. “Four, Grant, Grif, you two stick to Reign like a sticky trap. Five, Moses, Shadow, I want buzzard vetted, I want to know what color his socks are. You got me?” He demanded. “Six and last, Spyder, Spencer, you two keep doing what you do, be the shadow’s that you are.” “Yeah, we got it.” Moses and Shadow hurried out to do his majesties bidding. (eye roll) Spyder and Spencer slowly disappeared into the darkness of the corners. I would love to know how they do that. I just glared at him.” Don’t give me that look missy.” He scolded me. “What? I didn’t say a word.” I said giving him my most innocent and loving look. “You didn’t have too, it’s all over your face.” “Whatever, you’re acting like a feral wolf.” I snapped. “Too much has happened so forgive me for being a little protective over you. Plus, this whole placenta thing is not helping either.” He sighed. I patted the bed for him to sit down. “I know but we have to get this done so I don’t have to worry about it once the trips get here.” I cupped his cheek. “Buzz is good people. I promise.” I assured him. “I trust him, and you have to trust me.” I looked up at him. “You do trust me, don't you?” “Of course, I trust you.” “I...I just...love you so much. I can’t stand the thought of losing you or our pups.” We leaned our foreheads against one another and just sat with each other, something we haven’t done in a while.