"Carson, we all missed you so much," one of the Werewolf Kings, a masculine blonde named Iain, said as he gave me a giant hug. I then remembered that he and the brunette named Archer were my fathers/brothers and fellow Moon Wolves. "We've been waiting to meet you since the day of the car crash two months ago. I didn't expect to meet you like this, much less thought to never see you again."

"I never expected you two to be my fathers AND brothers, either. But when it comes to our Mother, there's no telling what She has up her sleeves," I commented. "All the same, I'm glad to finally meet the two of you."

Archer smiled widely. "Me too, Carson," he replied. "And you should know that-"

I held up a hand, cutting him off. "I know all about the Elite Eight being my mates, Regan's sentence to eternal damnation, and myself being the next in line to rule the supernatural," I said. "She talked to me when I was in between periods of me getting my strength back and all of that."

It had been nearly two months since I was rushed to the hospital and I was placed in a coma that almost took me out a couple of times. But even then, I had already known that Gia and Lucas were long gone and were happy in Elysium with the angels. And while I knew that I wanted to do right by them, the Moon Goddess had something else in mind that was definitely fit for royalty- in more ways than one.

And since I had woken up the previous day, the hospital was running amok with newly-resurrected patients and families reuniting with their loved ones. "It's all because of you coming back to us," Fianna had said as I saw the same little vampire boy and his father giving me a bear hug while a female nurse (a mermaid) was reunited with her werewolf mate.

And even Bianca the huntress came to my room with her sister Arianna (looking as fresh as a daisy) and her three main friends (with Colleen gifting me a giant raspberry cheesecake as she introduced me to her high-school brother). And yes, I had noticed a large number of gifts- from enough flowers to establish my florist shop and the stuffed animals to opulent jewels to make Kate Middleton turn green with envy and some monetary gifts that I planned to donate to charity.

And now, here I was with my brothers/fathers as I was finished getting my vitals run by Cathy Sue McNeese, a motherly nurse who made sure that I got all my meals in just yesterday.

"So, what do we do now?" I asked as I was greeted by Fianna and her mother, the latter handing me a change of clothes.

"Well, Lady Ciara and Miles are getting things ready for a homecoming party in your honor, and all of the Elite Eight and their friend Eurydice Joneslake is organizing your wardrobe for tonight," Iain replied. "After the celebrations, we got you a room ready at our manor and even that young phoenix has every set up down with your bedroom. And fair warning: he's very opulent as he is loyal and true."

"And where're my mates?"

Archer grinned. "Abby Mae has them working to prevent them from rushing to see you," he chuckled. "And she threatened to castrate them if they go against her. You better believe that she's one tough cookie."

"You already know," Mama Marianna replied. "So, Carson. Are you ready for your arrival?"

I took a deep breath, silencing the rising tide of nerves that were shaking. "As much as I enjoyed dissolving into the skies, I'm ready to come back to Earth and embrace my destiny," I replied, standing up and reaching for my bag of toiletries (thanks, Colleen!). "Let's get ready."

***********

Two hours later, I was in one of the large guest rooms as I faced the mirror, smoothing out the wrinkles of my new Armani tuxedo (custom-designed by Eurydice) and reflecting on all that's been said and done. I never imagined being back home and not in the basement (it was converted into a game room by orders of Alpha Female Ciara). And I never imagined to not be seen as a runt anymore.

It's funny how a near-death experience and being placed in a coma can get people to open up their eyes and see how it is. As for Regan? Well, he and I were never meant to be as he made it clear when he rejected me two years ago. Some people could change while others were dead-set in their ways.

There was a knock on the door, interrupting my thoughts. "Come in," I said, expecting to see one of the council members as they wanted to talk to me. Instead, the door swung open to reveal Alain, the red-headed merman who was now dressed in a sea-green tuxedo. Givenchy. Following him was Eurydice Joneslake (dressed in a red Zac Posen tuxedo). "Wait, what are you-"

Alain held up a hand to cut me off. "I just needed to see you alive and breathing," he commented. "And while I know that Ciara is going to kill me for disturbing you, I couldn't help myself."

"How so?" I wanted to know, motioning for him and Eurydice to join me on the queen-sized bed.

"Carson, the Elite Eight has been searching for their final person to complete their bond," the rose-gold-haired phoenix replied, all trace of humor gone. "And when they learned of you being in that car crash and saw you banged up, they were completely devastated. They were praying like crazy to your mother for you to come back to them."

My eyes went slightly wide. "Wow," I said.

Alain nodded. "My merman side Neptune wanted to tear a new one into that bastard who broke your heart that day," he confessed. "Zechariah's Orion and Dominic's vampire Thorn were on the verge of a breakdown- so much so that they needed to be sedated and rest. And you know that the angel and demon known as Francisco and Quentin were ready to guard you to make sure that no one disturbs you.

"But now, you're here with us and we're so glad that you chose to come back and let yourself be loved. I thank your Mother that you are now taking up the mantle as the Moon Wolf who is blessed beyond measure. And my friends and I, as your mates, vow to you that you will be loved and cherished as you should have been. Regan Zallenda, may he rot in hell, missed out on the chance to be your prince. He was a hateful bastard who was too stubborn to see the truth."

"Thank you," I replied. "I said to him that his rejection had set me free from the heartache and misery. I don't think I could've survived him sleeping with endless females while I was dying. Hence the Soul Conversion."

"True," Eurydice agreed. "But I just want to ask you something."

"Fire away."

"Do you personally regret cutting ties with the pack back then?"

Did I, readers? I mean, I knew that Ciara and her families, Miles and his grandmother, the wolves who showed me compassion and those who didn't know, and even the pups would miss me. But those who bullied me (even though they repented, especially Keith) would have seen me as a threat and would kill me. "No," I said. "I needed to save myself from dying and needed to escape from being killed- though I now know that no one can kill me. Even so, I needed to protect myself and get some normalcy back."

The two nodded as Ciara came in, smiling faintly. "I heard everything," she replied. "And you did what you needed to do. I'm really sorry for what that pig did. May his worm-heartened carcass burn in hell. But Carson, how are you feeling right now?"

I took a deep breath. "I'm just taking things one day at a time and just getting used to this," I admitted. "I mean, it's not every day that I'm royalty in many ways I never imagined."

We all laughed before a bright light filled the room, taking the shape of Mom in her opulent glory. "Mom," I breathed.

"My child," she said. "I just came to see how you are doing with coming back to life."

"I'm still reeling from excitement if I can be honest. But yeah, it's good to be back."

Mom smiled. "As you should." She turned to the other three, all of them dropping into a low bow. "You may rise. Right now, I must speak to my son alone of important matters."

"No offense, Your Grace, but since Carson is my new bestie I need to make sure that I stick by his side," the phoenix replied. "So you can call me his Guardian."

"Of course," Mom replied. "Ciara? Alain?"

"I can leave," Ciara replied. "But Carson, I want details later, okay?"

I nodded as she and Alain left. "What's going on?"

Mom sat down on the bed next to my right. "Carson, as a Moon Wolf, you are destined for greatness and you are going to be the most powerful being next to me," she began. "But even so, there will be another threat who is after you."

"Oh, boy," I said, hissing a slow breath. "Is it another rogue wolf who is seeking revenge on Regan's behalf?"

She shook her head no. "No, Carson. This Alpha will want you as his mate. And he is love-struck and hungry for power. He is to show up tonight at the party, but will not manifest until he decides the time is right. Be careful, Carson."

I nodded. "I'll tell Archer and Iain as soon as possible," I promised her.

"That's all I ask," Mom said. "The huntress known as Bianca has sworn to be your Guardian as well as the witch Fianna and her mate. But I will have two more people to join you to protect you, one of which is your final mate."

"Wait, ANOTHER MATE?!" Eurydice exclaimed. "Who?!"

Mom smiled. "You'll know who it is on the night of Carson's birthday and when he begins to shift. But for now, keep your ears and eyes tuned, both of you. Not all closed eyes are asleep."

She faded away, leaving the two of us omegas to our thoughts.

"Boy, you just woke up yesterday and there's a lovesick bastard who's thirsty for power," Eurydice replied. "The guys are not going to be happy about this."

"You think?" I replied, taking a few deep breaths to calm my racing heart. "What a life I'm living, right. Nothing is ever easy, even if you're a royal descended from a deity."

I had a feeling that after tonight, things are going to get very eventful and full of surprises. At least I'm no longer in the basement anymore wasting away. I'm now ready for anything and everything.

Well, we'll have to wait and see if Carson's words will ring true. And in the next chapter, the one that'll officially close out act one of this mega-saga, you'll hear from the mystery threat who's head over heels and wanting Carson for himself! And folks, that chapter is going to be crucial for what's ahead, so make sure to stay tuned for what's going down!

Dedication: TessaTuring.

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