To say I was surprise was an understatement. I was continually kept out of the loops and I feel like Invictus takes fun in slapping information in my face. I was angry and at the same time I was scared out of my mind. The soldiers wore sleek white uniforms with a red and blue sash that ran across their chest. Medals hung from their chest. They all looked dangerous.

They all straightened up when they saw Invictus emerged. Invictus walked to my side and placed a hand on my elbow. Caden quickly took away his arm. I wanted to scream and shout. I wanted him to let me go so I can run away but instead I remained quiet and allowed him to walk up to another man who stood tall and powerful. His hair was the same auburn color as Invictus except it was just a tad duller in color but his facial features mirrored Invictus. He nodded his head at Invictus when we approached.

"Welcome home, son." He spoke before pulling Invictus into a hug.

I tugged on my arm for Invictus to let go but he held on tight. When they were done he pulled back completely.

"Deidre this is my father, Simon. He is the Lycan King. My mother is back at the palace." He started as he looked at me with no emotions before turning back to his father. "Father, this is Deidre. She's human."

I pursed my lips. Did he really have to tell everyone? I felt like I was handicapped just because I was human. His father's eyes moved to me and I saw that it was the same murky green eyes that Invictus had.

"Deidre." Simon spoke before he smiled. "It is nice to meet you. Although, I am wondering why my son decided to bring home a human after years of him disappearing."

I scoffed out loud and then I was appalled at my bad reaction. I lowered my head. "I am sorry. I did not mean to be disrespectful. It was just that I was also wondering the same thing."

Simon frowned and then glanced back at Invictus. "Don't tell me you kidnap the poor girl?"

Max and Caden snickered behind us and Marc sent a hit to the back of their heads.

"No. I will explain once we get inside the palace." Invictus simply said and although his father was reluctant he decided to let it go.

We were directed into a luxurious car where Simon sat in the front seat with the driver and Invictus and I sat in the back. I scooted far away from Invictus and as close as I can to the window as I can. I clung onto the door handle as if it was my life.

"Why are you sitting so far away from me?" He asked.

"I am not." I replied back with my chin in the air. I continued to look straight ahead. I heard him huff before turning to look ahead too.

We passed through thick masses of trees that stood high for a couple of miles until we reached a high marble gate. When we reached the entrance the large metal gate slowly opened allowing us entrance. My palms began to sweat like I was dipping them in water. I released the door handle finally to run them along my thighs. My heart rate picked up speed.

I was nervous and scared.

I looked ahead as we drove up the black pavement. Slowly, a building began to peek out from behind the trees. I took a sharp intake of breath as I saw how humongous it was. The house was completely made out of bricks and intricate window designs. Bronze sculptures lined the wall. The front had round arches roof each beautifully even. At the very tip of the castles were bronze like domes. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

I didn't realize I stopped all my movements until I heard a throat clearing. I glanced around to see Invictus looking at me intently. I coughed a little and sniffled before turning towards my door where someone opened it for me. It felt so weird and awkward for someone to do it. I turned to see it was a young man dressed also fashionably.

"Thank you." I smiled at him. The man smiled back and his facial feature softened. Invictus was by my side the next and he placed a hand on my arm as he practically yanked me away from the man. I stumbled on my way to catch up to him.

"Stop." I said loud enough for him and me to hear each other. He stopped to look at me. "You're hurting me. Let me go."

He released me immediately before moving closer to me. "Don't speak to anyone unless I tell you that you can."

I frowned. Was he really ashamed of me as his mate that he would do that to me? It hurt me even more to think of it this way. I was about to reply back to him when I heard a woman squeal. I turned to look and saw a woman who had light blonde hair and some wrinkles around her face come bounding down the stairs and towards us.

When she was just a yard away she threw herself into Invictus's arms.

"You're home." The woman said happily. "I am so happy, Invictus."

"I missed you, mama." Invictus whispered into the woman's shoulder. The woman chuckled before pulling back to look at me.

"And who is this?" She asked as she looked at me with curious eyes.

"I'm Deidre." I replied and put my hand out for her to shake but instead the woman slapped it away and pulled me into a hug.

"You are beautiful!" She said. I was stunned for a moment before I wrapped my arms around her. She made me miss my mom. It brought back emotions inside of me that I hid away for years.

"Thank you. You are very kind." I whispered. She pulled back and cupped my cheek in a motherly manner before turning back to her son and slapping him on the arm.

"Don't you dare leave for so long like that again. If I have to chain you down, I will, Invictus." She threatened. Simon walked up to her side and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"My dear mate, can you stop beating up our son or he would run away before we can get him to settle down." Simon chided her gently before kissing her forehead.

"Nonsense. He won't run away now. He has something important with him." Her eyes were glinting with amusement as she looked at me. Invictus pinched the bridge of his nose before shaking his head.

"Mama, please." He began.

"Oh, fine. I will leave it-"

"Invictus!" Another voice squealed and we all turned to glance up the steps. Another blonde hair woman with a curvaceous body and angelic face came bounding the steps. Her breasts were almost literally popping out of her royal dress.

She threw herself into Invictus's arm and hugged him tightly. He let go of my arm to wrap his arms around her and a stab of jealousy hit me. I bit the inside of my lips to stop myself from flinging the woman off from him. The woman pulled back and pulled Invictus down for a kiss and I couldn't take it any longer. I turned away and began walking up the steps away from everyone.

To hell with him.

To hell with her.

They can both go to hell.

I was not going to stay here and watch. I bounded up the steps faster but because my human speed was puny compared to lycan speed, Marc caught up to me. He took me by the elbow to stop me.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I need to get out of here." I said and glanced briefly at them still hugging each other. "Please."

Marc took pity because he nodded and allowed me to run up the steps. The people at the door opened it for me and I ran inside. I didn't know where I was going but my bare feet padded through the marble floor until I reached an empty hallway where I leaned against it and closed my eyes. I needed a moment to myself.

And ever since I met Invictus...

I haven't had a moment to myself at all.

I was experiencing so much emotions, I couldn't begin to understand what I was feeling. After three days of being immersed in this world I was more than overwhelmed.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder and my eyes flew opened immediately to see it was Invictus only he wore royal clothing. He grinned at me.

"Invictus?" I whispered. "H-how di-"

"No. Not Invictus, beautiful. I am Akoni." He spoke and I noticed the difference. He had a thicker accent in comparison to Invictus. I straightened up from the wall and regarded his feature carefully. Everything about him mirrored Invictus.

"H-how-"I began again and his smile broadened.

"I am Invictu's twin." He replied. "He is older than me by a few seconds."

"Twin?" I repeated after him.

"Twin." He confirmed and he smiled again. He looked adorable and just as gorgeous as Invictus.

This was too much. My eyes fluttered close and blank dark abyss took over.