Chapter 19 Not your queen

Quinn Shalom...

The back of the plane opened just like in those video games Kenneth used to play with Miles. There was no inspiring music, no NPC waiting to greet us and tell us what we needed to do. Jake walked out like the hero he was raised to be, with the Vice President and head of National Security by his side. Matthias walked with them, inclining his head and talking, looking every bit the adviser to a king. Secret Service agents followed them. Suddenly, I wished I had gone with Saul and Nic to New Orleans. Chelsey stood timidly beside me with Ryan and Corey in their wolves on either side of us. Soldiers and police were everywhere.

I turned my head to watch another plane landing. "I guess the vampires are here."

Glancing around at the Ravers, I shifted Justice in his sling.

Carl raised his lip over his tooth when his eldest brother Craig walked toward us. We still weren't certain that he hadn't betrayed us. He was a spy for James and told Jake this truth but then he didn't tell us when James was coming, Chelsey had barely escaped capture with Ryan and Justice. It was all a little too convenient. I hadn't seen him since the battle between the Ravers and Demonus Fae. I was honestly surprised he was still alive.

"Luna Shalom, good to see you," Craig greeted me, but Carl remained between us. "I'm glad you're okay, little brother." The rumbling in Carl's chest deepened and I wondered why he didn't shift back to his skin, then I noticed one ear flicking toward the media corral. He didn't want his human photographed.

"Hello, Beta Craig." I stepped past the giant Raver with a glance toward those taking our photographs and held out my hand. "I'm glad you survived the battle," I lied, and everyone smelled it. The Ravers all rumbled their agreement with my truth in their chests.

Craig bowed his head. "I'm sorry, I was under orders."

"Orders that almost got her killed and her son abducted by a Dark Fae clan that wants to control the Monarchy. That almost did control it through James," Chelsey sneered as Corey and Ryan bared their teeth.

"Chelsey, control your temper and wolves," I scolded then I shifted my eyes back to Craig. "We are supposed to go to Monarchy headquarters, where is our transportation?"

"I have a car for you. Alpha Vanguard..."

"Justice and I go with them," I inclined my head at the Ravers. "We'll wait in the hanger with the Vampires until something can be found." I walked after Jake with Chelsey, surrounded by a wall of fangs and claws.

"I'm sorry, my queen," Craig called after me and I resisted the urge to shout at him that I would never be his queen. The reporters were shouting my name and questions about the Revelation Night and my mate status. I ignored them. The limo I was supposed to get into pulled into the hanger ahead of us. As we entered the hanger, the doors closed behind us. I was surprised to see Luka getting off the plane first. He came quickly over and hugged me.

"Amelia will be so happy."

"I'm so glad you're okay," I gushed as I hugged him back. "They told me you got exposed, that you're a Raver." I looked him over worriedly. He looked the same, but I could smell the slight change to his scent. "Are you truly okay? How's Amelia? The baby?"

"Which one? We had a strong son and Amelia's pregnant with a daughter."

"Really? I'm so happy for you."

"Come in, there is a lot to talk about." Luka glanced at the Ravers wandering around the hanger checking it. "Will... will they be okay out here?"

"Yes, fine... Chelsey, stay here." I said as I saw them helping James out of the limo. He seemed to be wearing a prosthetic and he leaned on a cane to walk.

"What is he doing here?" She hissed.

"The former Monarch?" Luka looked confused.

"He's under the influence of a Blessed Demonus and doesn't know it. He almost got us all killed," Chelsey revealed quietly then she held out her hand to Luka. "I'm Chelsey Thomson."

"Luka Montrouge." He smelled his fingers after they shook hands then inhaled and tipped his head, "You are Rand's daughter. I'm glad you survived. He was a good wolf."

Chelsey looked so surprised as a tear leaked from her eye. "He was."

I pulled a napkin from the pack pocket and handed it to her as Ryan's wolf leaned against her hip. "Luka, this is Chelsey's mate, Ryan Wems. His mom locked him in the safe room that night." As I made the introduction, I watched worry bloom then fade from Luka's face as his predator appraised the Raver wolf.

"I am glad you were spared, young wolf." Luka nodded to him then asked me, "May I scent your son?"

I nodded, holding my son out. "His name is Justice Julian." I trusted the vampire who had fought his way across the Q.Z. to return to his human beloved. If I had met Luka without Amelia, I would have run away from him as fast as my wolf's legs could carry us but seeing his gentle care for his human beloved and her fierce devotion to him, I knew she was the more dangerous of the two. Some of the Ravers moved closer as Luka's predator held Justice. I knew they worried for Justice's safety, but I didn't. Luka loved children. Eyes slit like a cat's looked from my son to me.

"He's so strong." Luka tipped his head. His fangs showed as he asked, "Who were your parents?"

"I don't remember our real last name, they died when I was very young," I admitted.

As Luka returned to his mortal form, he sighed then asked, "Do... Do you mind if my grandfather smells you? He's very old, he might know who your ancestors were."

I had never thought that I could have the answer so easily. I stared at him for a moment then nodded, as I took Justice back, trying not to get my hopes up. It had been so long since I had given up that curiosity. Even Saul had not been able to discern who my parents might have been or who killed them, though he was still trying. We were called to the plane, so I followed Luka. I did not want to meet James again. Part of me still resented him for leading the Demonus Fae to my son and none of me trusted him after learning he had a blessed Demonus lover for two decades.

I suddenly felt cold as I walked and looked around. It was the same feeling I had when I was at the manor in the mountains with Mr. Black. The feeling of being watched by Gerard through a mirror. Clutching Justice closer, I looked around again. There were dozens of people in the hanger, and I had no idea which of them might work for him.

"What is it, Miss Shalom?" Chelsey asked.

I realized my scent had changed because Luka turned suddenly and appraised me as Carl moved closer quickly. I ducked my head like something was wrong with Justice as I turned more toward Carl, letting his Raver's bulk hide me as I revealed, "Gerard is watching us. I can feel it."

Chelsey swallowed, but cleverly unzipped my backpack and pulled out a package of baby wipes.

"Who?" Luka asked in confusion as Carl raised his lip to show the giant dagger fangs all Ravers possessed.

"The Demonus Fae Clan Leader who is after Justice. He already has the Rosesea Princess, he wants my son so he can control both species. Justice is the heir of the American Wolf Monarchy," I whispered as I made of show of carrying Justice like he had a diaper leak toward the bathroom. I wanted to be out of sight when I put on my cloak.

"Where are you going, Queen Quinn?" The mocking tone of the former Monarch's voice reminded me of the last time we met, and my wolf growled in my chest before I could stop her.

"Justice needs a diaper, Alpha Vanguard, please excuse me."

"I just wanted to protect the monarchy. I'm sorry I accused you of being a traitor." The insincerity in his tone made my temper boil as he continued, "But we couldn't let you go public with misinformation that would cause a panic."

"Misinformation?" I sputtered. "Ha! My husband sent your head of Lycan Intelligence information on the Human Purity Movement and their actions against Nonhumans for almost a decade. He tried to prevent the Revelation Night. There was no misinformation from him or the Q.Z. research group's findings which have been proved and still show the threat the H.P.M. presents. Maybe you should ask your secretary where the data Kenneth sent went. Maybe she made another call and the Demonus are on their way to attack us again as they did at Monarch Mountain."

James snarled at me. "How dare you..."

"I think we've had this conversation before. You are the traitor to the Monarchy, not me." Walking away, I retreated behind Carl and Corey with Luka and Chelsey at my shoulder. "I just want to clear my husband and reveal the truth so people can start to heal."

"You're going to be the queen, Mrs. Phillips. You need to let go of your foolish human ideas and accept your place. The Humans will slaughter us if they think..." James called after me because he couldn't get past the Ravers.

"I will never be queen." Interrupting him, I shouted my denial as I shuddered with a sudden chill, "And my son will not be Monarch."

"Yeah, you should have made your blessed Demonus slut the queen when you had the chance," Chelsey snapped at him. Going into the bathroom, I was surprised when Luka came in with me and Chelsey.

"There's one here, I know it. I feel it." Panting, I shook as I shrugged out of the diaperbag pack. I checked and changed Justice's diaper. When I glanced at the vampire, it was obvious he was communicating with someone. "Luka?"

"Shalom, you and Chelsey stay here." A screeching sound, gunfire, and growling howls came through the door as he opened it, changing into his Raver as he slammed it behind him.

Chelsey cursed as she pulled out the scarlet cloak and fastened it around my shoulders while I put Justice in his sling. There was an explosion outside, and we smelled smoke. We were trapped.

"We need Galen and Nic." I said as I pulled the messaging mirror from the pack. I put the candle on the edge and lit it. Gold scrolls appeared around the edge as I said, "Galen Morganason... Galen, help us! The Demonus are attacking! Galen, where are you? Nicolea Trinity... Merle Greyson... Is anyone there?"

Outside, it sounded like a warzone.

VvvvvV

Petra had ridden with James to meet his brother who was flying in. While they rode, he held her hand as he looked out the window. "James, love, what's wrong?"

He sighed as if heavily burdened. "My brother is a fool who is going to let his mate destroy us."

"Jacob found Shalom? Is the baby safe?" she asked worriedly.

"Justice?" He snorted derisively after he said the name, "Yes, the heir of the monarchy is fine. He is bringing her and the surviving Ravers here. The press is going to make a circus of their arrival. People will only see us as those monsters and not as the civilized beings we are."

"Perhaps we shouldn't be here. Jacob doesn't really like me. He never lets me do anything for him. I have been running the office affairs of the Monarch since your ascension, but he constantly refuses my help." She sighed as she complained, "I can't even make his coffee correctly. He never drinks it." Using her tethers into his soul to stoke his resentment about being removed from the position of monarch by his grandfather, she drew out his anger.

"Can I tell you something, my precious?" James clutched the stump of his leg and growled, "My whole life was devoted to the monarchy, but my father never intended to make me monarch, he never saw the foolishness of the Revelation Plan like I did. Jake can't see it either, he's going to let his foolish mate destroy us all."

"What can I do to help you?" Petra cooed, then she looked at the message on his phone. "It looks like the human Vice President is with him and they will arrive within a few moments of the Vampire King's representatives. He didn't have me contact them again." She frowned as she wondered what was going on. "Do you know what is going on? Jacob met with them all a few weeks ago."

"Probably something his mate demanded," James growled as he became more agitated.

Petra used her tone to enthrall him, "Maybe you should give her a ride so you can talk to her personally."

They parked on the runway near a terminal. James shook his head as he watched the planes taxiing back toward a hanger. The smaller private jet rolled right into a large hanger. The larger military flight stopped on the taxi way parking and the rear opened in full view of the press.

James rolled down the window, "Beta Craig, tell Mrs. Phillips to come ride with me."

"Yes, Alpha James."

Craig bowed and walked toward Quinn who was walking surrounded by Ravers. She was with a teenaged girl and two Ravers in wolf-form.

"What the hell is that woman thinking?! Walking off a plane in broad daylight surrounded by the beasts of most people's nightmares." James shook his head as he watched her with Craig, then the Beta scowled and backed away.

"Alpha James, she is refusing to go anywhere without the Ravers. She said she would wait in the hanger. I'm sorry," Craig apologized.

"Tell my driver to take me to the hanger," James growled then put the window up, glaring after Jake who was walking ahead with the vice president.

"Perhaps I should stay here," Petra suggested then goaded him, "Or we can just leave. It's just rude that he didn't come to greet you. He's obviously ignoring you."

"No, I was still the monarch for two decades. Jake needs to listen to me." He kissed her knuckles, "I appreciate your concern for my feelings but I'm not a lame dog now. Wait here, this may take a while."

Petra kissed him lightly on the lips then watched him get out and limp on his prosthetic leg with a cane. She quickly pulled out her messaging mirror and pressed her finger to the corner. "Gerard Morganason."

It only took a moment before black eyes appeared then Gerard's face.

"She's here. Quinn Phillips is here with her son and maybe a dozen Ravers." Opening the window then sinking into the shadows of the car, Petra held the mirror facing outward so he could see. "Jacob brought her here with the Vice President on a military plane then the liaison from the Rosesea King arrived."

"Find a mirror, Petra. Open the way for the clan to come aid you," Gerard ordered. "Hurry, before she escapes with the child again."

Petra shimmered into the shadow, slipped out of the car unseen, and moved quickly to the bathroom but there was only a tiny mirror over the sink. Glancing around, she looked at the jet. She moved invisibly past Quinn and her groups as the woman shouted over her shoulder that she would never be queen or let her son be monarch.

Then the teenager mocked James, "Yeah, you should have made your blessed Demonus slut the queen when you had the chance."

Petra cursed as she slipped onto the plane and into the private area. She would never be able to return to her place in the werewolf monarchy. Standing in front of a floor-to-ceiling mirror, she pressed the messaging mirror against it. The edges of the mirror swirled with golden marks then rippled like water. She stepped through it to the clan.

Gerard was on his knees, panting. He looked like a corpse after using his power to create the new traveling mirror. He wheezed out, "Hurry, capture the werewolf prince. Petra, go back..."

"Master, Mrs. Phillips knows what I am. The girl with her told James," Petra revealed.

"Take your brother and go protect Aliza." Gerard's anger lashed her like a physical blow. "And Petra, make certain James can't tell his brother anything he might know about you."

She smiled as her eyes turned black. "Yes, Master." She stepped back through the mirror.

The four Demonus were attacking the humans, vampires, and werewolves. Petra looked around then ran down the step of the plane in her mortal form. She counted on the fact she appeared a terrified woman in this guise but suddenly, the silver gray warform of the former monarch tackled her, snarling ferociously. She could feel his sense of betrayal and rage as she laid beneath him.

"Yes, my monarch I am a traitor but that doesn't mean I didn't love..." she paused as he hesitated to bite her while she melted into her succubus.

He stared at her, growling out, "Love?"

"Oh poor James... You thought I loved you... No, I loved the perks of my job and feeding from your powerful soul every time we had sex." She rolled him over and inhaled, drawing his lift-glow out of him, he struggled weakly as she drained him. "I'll miss that part of us. A soul freely given tastes so..."

An explosion caught her spread wings and tossed her away from him. Glancing around as she stood, she saw the Ravers had killed all but one of her clan brothers. Suddenly a brilliant light filled the hanger. Without waiting to see who had come, she escaped through the door and flew toward her apartment. She had to get to Liam and go to Aliza as quickly as they could, or Gerard would punish them for failing to capture the child.