Jason's Awakening (Moonhunters)

by Remy Marie

  “Fascinating,” Trini watched as Jason scrunched up his face.

  He’s making a mental note. He’s so damn cute, sometimes.

  “It truly is Jason, Greg, I surprised you never told them this?” King Bidziil mentioned as he looked in Greg’s direction.

  “It must have slipped my mind,” Greg replied as he searched in his pockets for a cigar. He smiled once he brought the tobacco product out.

  “Don’t you dare light that thing in here, you know the rules,” King Bidziil ordered as he gave a stern look at Greg. The sheriff frowned as he placed his cigar into his pocket. The king then turned his attention back to Trini. “Trini, if you would, I would like to run a few tests on your blood. If we have traces of Jasper’s DNA in your blood, we should be able to host the West Alocenia king. The process should take a few days, so in the meantime, enjoy our city, and welcome to East Alocenia.” King Bidziil said with a smile on his face.

  Chapter 27

  Mate, this is intense. I’ve never seen such a death stare between two people before,” Mohinder commented as they witnessed the meeting between the East and West Alocenia kings. The West King of Alocenia slowly walked into the throne room. Behind him were ten of his followers. Each wore military outfits similar to what the U.S Military would wear. However, their patches were not American flags and were instead what Jason presumed the state flag of West Alocenia. Based on what Jason heard, their Alpha was never called king; instead, he was often referred to as general. The general was a well-built man; he had cropped salt and peppered hair. His body was tense, showing that he had experience in the military. His grey eyes were like flashlights, as they stared directly into Bidziil’s eyes. Both set of eyes not making a move, each waiting for the other to flinch.

  “General Worthington, welcome to East Alocenia,” Bidziil said breaking the staring contest.

  “You can skip the usual bullshit. I’m only here because of the Mantra Treaty. The quicker we go over this evidence, the quicker I can get the fuck out of what you call a city,” General Worthington commented.

  Jason took the insult the general made to heart. Over the last three days, since they stayed in the city of Korywen, the citizens have shown him the best hospitality.

  “Sure, general, my sister is bringing the lab results right now. I was just making small talk, something I see West Alocenians don’t often do.” The general did not respond well to King Bidziil’s comments as he shifted uneasily. There was a strong tension between the two as they waited for the king’s sister.

  After a few moments of awkward silence, King Bidziil recognized his sister’s footsteps and smiled. “My sister, Rose, is coming now. She has the evidence so we can get this meeting over with.”

  Jason turned and looked towards the main entrance. As Jason waited, his nose picked up a scent he had never smelled before. It was as if his favorite smells of warm cookies, vanilla, butterscotch, and fresh linens were mixed in a blender and became a new smell. His heartbeat quickened as the smell overpowered Jason. He felt his legs grow weak, and Jason had to command his knees to lock into place to keep from falling. His heartbeat continued to rise until it stopped when he saw her. Rose appeared through the double bronze doors with a mile long grin on her face. The moment Jason saw her, he knew that he was in trouble.

  Rose was gorgeous. Her light copper colored skin was similar to her brother’s, indicating her lineage to her Cherokee heritage. The more Jason stared, the deeper his desire grew. Her brunette hair was double braided in a tight braid with white and black feathers infused. She wore a pelt that covered her upper chest and a brown tribal miniskirt that left her flat stomach exposed. Jason inspected her figure and grew infatuated with every detail from her breast to her toned legs. In his heart, there was a large battle brewing over his new desire over Rose versus his love for Trini.

  Rose continued to walk to towards her brother until she stops and puts her nose in the air. She turned back around and gave a flirtatious smile towards Jason, followed by a wink. Her smile sent Jason over the edge as his heart resumed its quick prior pace. Is Rose attracted to me as well? Jason didn’t answer his own question as he shook his head, to get the unfaithful thoughts out.

  “Rose, did you bring it?” King Bidziil asked.

  “Yes, I have it right here. Proof that Jasper attacked them,” Rose replied as she handed the king the test results. Bidziil reviewed the paper file before handing them to Worthington. The general grabbed the paper as if he was receiving a bad test result from a professor and studied the blood test as well. He mumbled to himself before handing the marks to one of his advisors behind him.

  “This test could have been fabricated,” General Worthington admitted. His face looked unamused as he looked back at the King of East Alocenia.

  “How so? We followed the standard procedure based on the Mantra Treaty. That test is valid, and you know it!” Rose spoke up, out of turn.

  The general used his wolf and growled at Rose. “If I wanted your option, I would have asked for it. Speak out of turn again, and I’ll put you to death in the Highton combat pits before you can say you’re sorry.” King Bidziil did not like the general’s reply as he roared loudly while jumping out of his chair. His roar shook the throne room as his casual nature was replace with rage.

  “You are a guest here; do not make me regret it. Talk to my sister in that tone again, I will personally rip out your fucking throat. I don’t care if I start a damn war. Just know that you will die before you touch my sister,” King Bidziil threatened General Worthington. The guards that Worthington brought with him stood at the ready as they stared at their general for further instructions.

  Oddly, Jason felt the urge to defend Rose as well. He felt her fear and sensed that she was frightened. Jason had to fight from keeping his wolf from appearing in the throne room as Rose was threatened. Jason felt the connection that he needed to protect her. Something he had never felt before. He was confused on why he never felt the natural connection with Trini. Jason looked his left, at Trini, and felt shame and disappointment. Trini noticed Jason’s stare and looked back at him with her signature smile.

  Does she know?

  The tension in the throne room was tight, as both East and West Alocenia citizens stood ready to fight. The general raised a hand and his soldiers relaxed. A small smile appeared on Worthington’s face as he looked back at Bidziil.

  “While this evidence is agreeable, we will still need Jasper to give his side of the story. Perhaps he was invoked by the humans. Stories can be made up,” The general mentioned as he looked towards Jason and his friends. His grey eyes were as cold as ice. “Neither or less, until we can get Jasper’s point of view, I am afraid we cannot allow you access to our lands.”

  The crowd grew restless from the general’s response. Multiple conversations occurred as they were stunned by the general’s remarks.

  King Bidziil shook his head as he raised his hands to silence the crowd. His eyes showed rage. However, his body showed restraint as he stood in defiance of the general. “Jasper is one of your citizens. The evidence provided is substantial. It should allow us to travel on your lands to find him and serve justice for the crimes he has committed. You are in direct violation of the Mantra Treaty. A treaty in which you help to create, I remind you. Jasper is a rogue wolf and needs to be punished for his actions. If you defend him, you are an accessory to the fact, and will face his justice as well.” Bidziil took a breath and walked in front of Worthington to look him directly in the eyes. “Your crimes indicate that you are unfit to lead, and I believe you are withholding important information in regards to a rogue wolf. In accordance with the Mantra Treaty, I challenge you to combat to the death, winner decides on Jasper’s fate,” Bidziil growled.

  The crowd gasps at Bidziil’s words, while Worthington produced a dark smile. “As you wish, my king,” Worthington replied.

  Chapter 28

  The crowd dispersed after the general agreed to the king’s challenge. King Bidzi
il and Rose returned to the king’s quarters upstairs. Jason watched as Rose disappeared into Bidziil’s room. He watched as Rose’s butt swayed as she followed her brother into his chamber. As Jason watched Rose’s body move, he fell into a deep trance unaware of his surroundings, until a large rough hand clasped on his shoulder and shook him hard.

  “Mate, are doing you okay?” Mohinder asked as he pulled Jason out of his spell.

  “Huh?” Jason eyes adjusted as he realized that the majority of the crowd left the throne room. The reminders were only, Greg, Allison, Trini, and Isabella. Each looked concerned as they stared at Jason. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  Jason lied, he was not fine. He inside his heart, there was a large civil war brewing. On one side was his love for Trini, the outgoing girl next door, who has been his crush since he met her at Geek Haven. On the other side, was this new unknown contender, the princess of East Alocenia. Could she possibly be my mate?

  Isabella gave Jason a strange look along with Greg as they watched Jason act abnormal. Trini walked closer and placed her hand on Jason’s lower back. She rubbed his back and looked into his eyes.

  “Are you sure you’re okay, Jason? You seemed out of it towards the end of the two kings’ conversation,” Trini asked as her face showed concern and confusion.

  “Yes, I am okay.” Jason felt a sharp pain in his chest as he lied to Trini. Why am I still lying to her! Jason yelled in his head. “The challenge that King Bidziil made to fight General Worthington to death is that truly to the death?” Jason asked attempting to change the subject.

  “It’s to the death,” Greg replied. “Our law permits that King Bidziil and General Worthington have three days to get their affairs in order. Once then, they will meet for combat until the death. Which king ever wins, they will choose the new leader to be the alpha for the new land, and most importantly their original agreement point would be fulfilled.”

  “That’s barbaric,” Isabella replied disgusted.

  “That’s how our rules are settled,” Greg rebutted. “It was worse two hundred years ago. Wars were started then. Werewolves only solve problems with violence. There is no other answer.”

  “There has to be some way else,” Isabella contradicted. Jason could tell, Greg was getting annoyed with his conversation with Isabella.

  “There is no other damn answer. You either kill to get what you want, or you die for what you want. That is the culture of a wolf,” Greg roared. It was clear he was bothered by the conversation. He shook his head negatively as he removed the cigar from his pocket.

  “Greg, remember the King’s rule,” Allison reminded Greg, as she grabbed his arm.

  “Fuck the king,” Greg replied as he stuck his cigar in his mouth. “Allison, I’m going on a run. Watch the pups. I’ll see you guys in three days.” Greg growled upset as he walked away.

  “Yes sir,” Allison nodded, not disagreeing with Greg’s last command.

  “Greg, I’m sorry,” Isabella whispered as watched Greg leave the mansion. Allison grabbed Isabella’s hand and rubbed it in a comforting motion.

  “Hey, don’t you beat yourself up over this. Greg has a soft spot on state squabbles. He hates the how all the states are divided. He was born in a world, where all werewolves lived in peace. Not in the state where they are now. It's best you let him go on his run. I’ve been on the receiving end of an argument with Greg, and let’s just say you don’t want to be on the end of that. Do you know what is usually needed right now? Beer, and not any beer. The best lager in Korywen. This shit is better than moonshine. I can’t believe I haven’t taken y’all to this bar yet. Let’s go to Wolfsbane.”

  The group walked through the town of Korywen and made it to the bar named Wolfsbane. As they walked, the conversation between werewolves on the street was about the upcoming alpha fight. The hype from the citizens reminded Jason of the promos he would hear for a primer mixed martial arts matchup. Some argued that King Bidziil would win, while others argued that General Worthington would win. Honestly, Jason hoped that King Bidziil would win the match. He couldn’t imagine the leader Worthington chooses if he won. Not to mention, the look on Rose’s face watching her brother lose a fight. Jason shook his head once he thought of Rose. Why do I keep thinking of her, why is she always on my damn mind! Jason felt ashamed as he looked at Trini who was laughing at a joke from Mohinder.

  The group of five made it to the bar named Wolfsbane. The two-story brick tavern looked to have many patrons, as the citizens of Korywen loudly laughed and shouted as they enjoyed their beverages. Based on Jason’s view of the large window, there was an abundance of young faces. Allison’s smile grew as she looked at the bar. The twinkle in her eyes looked as if she was meeting a long lost friend.

  “Oh Wolfsbane, how I missed you. Alright, let’s go in!” Allison shouted as she grabbed the wooden handle to the saloon and yanked the door open. She proudly walked into the bar with her arms opened wide and shouted, “I’m home!” The young crowd of werewolves looked at Allison and clapped as if they planned for her homecoming. Allison slapped hands with multiple citizens as she made her way to the bartender. She reminded Jason of a war hero returning home, how she hugged and fist-pumped her way forward. Once she made it to the bartender, she whispered in his ear and pointed towards Jason and the others. She nodded and then waved the group to come forward.

  Jason was not granted the same respect of Allison, as he and the others found themselves having to swim through the unmoving patrons. While Allison was Moses parting the Red Sea, Jason felt like Ramesses being swept away in the sea. Once arriving at the bar, Jason looked at the bartender, and he reminded Jason of a 19th-century bartender. He had a long brown handlebar mustache, along with a white dress shirt. His long brown hair was slicked back as he gave the group a toothy smile.

  “How y’all doing?” the bartender asked in a Cajun accent. I’m Willie, and Cher here says that y’all never had a Honey Wolf lager yet. Let me welcome you to the pack. First rounds on me, afterward Allison set y’all up with a tab.” Willie then nodded and turned to draft getting five ice cold beers ready. He returned placing each glass in front of the group of five. Jason looked at the glass filled with the nutmeg colored drink and could see the frost from the cold beer. He could smell the hops along with an ingredient he couldn’t put his nose on. Before Jason could request the ingredient, Isabella had already spoken up for him.

  “Willie, I recognize most of the ingredients, except one. What is it? It’s spicy and nutty at the same time.”

  “That’s our secret ingredient, Cher, its called nomannic. A special spice that only grown in the swamps in this area. A whole flower grounded up is potent enough to knock a full-grown werewolf on their ass. However, we use a pinch of it in our brew. It’s strong enough for werewolves to actually get drunk after a few drinks. Just like when we were humans, go ahead and try it, Cher. You won’t be disappointed,” Willie responded as he wiped down the counter beside the group.

  “I already did mate. That has to be best pint of American lager I’ve ever tasted,” Mohinder said as he slammed the empty glass on the wooden bar. A loud belch escaped his lips as Willie walked back to the tap and poured Mohinder another glass. Jason watched amazed as Mohinder chugged half the beer once it was placed in front of him.

  The group sat in the bar for the next two hours, drinking happily as the joined in with the other patrons singing bar tunes. They laughed, drank, and sang as the night grew old. Trini was the first one to break their cycle as she slammed her hand on hard on the bar top.

  “Did you guys see Rose’s outfit?” Trini asked excitedly.

  Oh no, please don’t bring her up again.

  “Yes, oh my God, what an outfit. She rocked the fuck out it too. She has a body of a diosa. Allison don’t take this the wrong way, but if she’s gay, you may be in trouble,” Isabella added.

  Allison laughed at Isabella’s comment as she took a sip of her drink. “Isabella, my saucy Latina, if you want to add Rose in our gro
up. I will happily not disagree. As for her outfit, they sell them down the street. She shops there all the time. If we left now, we might be able to get something before they close.”

  Trini’s eyes opened wide, as she choked on her beer. Jason could tell she was drunk.

  “Oh my God, I would love to do that. We should do a girl’s shopping trip. We should all get those outfits. Jason, you wouldn’t mind if we left you for a bit?” Jason shook his head, no, as he took another sip of his beer. “Alright my lady wolves, let’s go hunting for shopping deals.” The trio of women left their bar stools and exited the bar.

  Jason finished his beer and indicated to Willie for a refill. Willie refilled Jason’s beer and placed it back in front of him. Jason took a large gulp and burped afterwards. Mohinder looked over at Jason and frowned.

  “Is everything alright mate? You look like someone pissed in your porridge. Not to mention, your bloody leading me in pints, which is rare, you alright?”

  In Jason mind, he told himself that everything was fine. However, his mouth was not communicating with his brain as he expressed his feelings.

  “Do you remember, that night at the Italian restaurant, during your first date with Jennifer? What was that feeling of meeting your female mate?” Jason asked.

  “Do I remember? That was one of the best nights of my life. It was like one of the sappy romantic films where everything freezes and the only thing you see is the one. Allison was right about what she said about mating. The moment I smelled Jennifer, I knew she was the one. It was as if my entire favorite smells mixed into one. She stirred my sexual arousal like never before. In a matter of seconds, she just made my knob go stiffer than ever before. She didn’t even have to say anything. Just her appearance set me off, but you know that was just the beginning. We have so much in common. It was like we were predicted to be together, yeah. She is my yang, and I’m her yin, but I don’t have to explain this to you mate, you said you had the same feeling about Trini.”