The Hawthrone Heir(UNEDITED)
Chapter 25

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A MOTHER’S GIFT

Destiny

It's my birthday today and I'm feeling depressed more than anything else. I miss my mom. I haven't celebrated my birthday in years. And I still don't want a celebration, but something tells me I won't get that.

"Good morning," I greet the crowd of trainees, and a string of good mornings rings throughout the training ground.

"Before we get started, congrats are in order. Congratulations!” I yell, managing a smile. “You guys have made major progress in training, despite the short amount of time. So far, you're able to keep up with Demon which means you can keep up with my speed which also means, you guys have passed your comfort zone a little," I inform them and they look rather pleased with themselves.

I chuckle, remembering how they felt insulted the first morning of training when I turned up with Demon.

Today is a training day. I need everyone beyond their level and comfort zone and that's where Demon comes in. If they can keep up with him, they have a chance with me.

"Okay. Today, it's all about speed endurance and this is where Demon fits. He'll test your speed capabilities and limits." I announce, seeing most of them staring at us wide-eyed.

"The hell! How does a fucking mutt defines how fast we are!?" Someone yelled, Demon growls at the disrespect and I growl at the insult of the bold outburst.

"Step forward and show yourself!" I barked, as a warrior dutifully marched forward, smirking.

"Okay then. Here's the deal. Both you and Demon race the perimeter of the building, if you win, we lose the dog." I bargained, and he nods in arrogance.

Both him and Demon line up and I blow the whistle, indicating the start of the race. He takes off but Demon doesn't. Hahaha, prick. The cocky shit is giving that ass a head start.

The pack looks on curiously as to why Demon's just laying here, but in the blink of an eye, he takes off. And in twenty minutes, he jogs back around to where we all are standing—five minutes later, the warrior comes into view, nearly stumbling when he sees Demon already at the finish line.

"Now that's out of the way like I said Demon will test your speed. And if that example wasn't enough. Let me tell you a secret. It took Demon twenty minutes. It takes me ten or even less." I see shock and disbelief, so I continue.

"Demon is not your average dog. He's trained in both defense and combat skills. His speed, sense of smell, and sensory senses are heightened. Long story short, you catch up to Demon, then you've got a chance with me.”

“And just for your protection, never and I mean NEVER insult his skills. He won't think twice in the slightest about killing you," I inform the crowd, seeing Demon smirk and lightly growl at them in a teasing manner. And I try biting back my laughter. That's my baby.

"Okay. Let's do this, go!"

That was weeks ago and I must say, they've even endured my other drilling techniques; which includes balancing their weight on a ball and special stances in combat training.

"So for now, we'll be doing underwater fighting. Don't look so scared. It means you're excellent in your wolf forms against rogues, but witches are different, especially these witches. All you'll be doing is combat moves underwater.” I try and explain to the frowning crowd.

“Therefore, it's safe to train with the elements of water and air. For those elements being the main factors, it will also build up your stamina with the weight of the water alright. Then let's get shit done," I say energetically and to my surprise, all of them look more than eager to begin.

******

Tyler's been avoiding me all morning only to turn up an hour ago, giving me a beautiful, tall, white, dress, saying to get ready because we're going out. Where's he taking us? He refuses to tell me no matter how much I begged, but I'm ready either way.

"Tyler. The Inn? You could've just said we're going to Blue & Martha's," I grumbled. Scoffing out loud once the blindfold came off, he just rolls his eyes.

We're inside, but why is it so dark? I thought to myself.

"SURPRISE!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

"Damn it, I could've killed you guys!" I exclaimed, glaring at everyone gathered around in the middle of the room.

Do they not know they scared the crap out of me? I couldn't keep my annoyance though, as it quickly vanishes and I beam that everyone that matters are here.

"Happy birthday kid," German says kissing my forehead.

“Happy birthday Destiny,” Casey squeals embracing me awkwardly with a drooling Achilles on her hip.

"Let's party!" Luca hollers in joy like it's his party.

The party's in full swing and I'm grinding on a very flexible Tyler. He's one hell of a dancer with the way his body slithers so perfectly with mine but we come to an abrupt end as the music gets cut.

Grandma Sara, along with my dad comes out of the kitchen with a huge four-layer freaking cake—that's designed with lily flowers, diamonds, and butterflies. My favorite things when I was a child.

Holy shit. I grin excitedly and everyone snickers.

"Happy birthday, baby girl," my Dad says with a little sadness in his voice. I hug him and we cut the cake together.

"Destiny," Grandma Sara calls out to me—way too serious for my liking with a beautiful large box in hand. The room falls quiet at the authority in her voice. "This is from your mother. But first, she has a message," she says.

What the hell!

"Alexis, you can do it now dear," Grandma Sara ordered. And with that command, the lights turn low and—a video starts up and it has a picture of my mom.

******

"Destiny, my sweet baby," my Mom says smiling into the camera. "I knew I would never make it to your eighteenth, much less your nineteenth birthday. None of us ever does. My mother didn't and her mother didn't and unfortunately, that's our family's sad reality.”

“But that's not your reality or the future generation of Hawthorne women. I made arrangements with Sara. She has a box. I'm assuming your father is with you. Open it together and I also wanted you to be surrounded by people that matter to you, honey." She says coughing slightly.

My dad and I look at each other in uncertainty and Sara brings the box and I hesitate. Dad gives a reassuring smile and we open it together. Inside a beautiful white-silverish suit that appears to be an armor that includes weapons; a bow with arrows, a sword, kunai knives, daggers, and shuriken among others.

This looks so badass, how come I've never seen them before?

Also inside the box, lays a huge book with a flash drive attached to it—labeled ‘Dante DeLuca’ and Sara continue the video.

"Dante, I love you forever and I always will. I'm sorry you weren't there, nor did I reached out to you either or Cammy. Camela, your my sister, I'm sorry. Please forgive me.”

“Dante. That book and flash drive have pictures and videos of every moment in Destiny's childhood. Every ultrasound, the day of her birth. Among everything, it's the least I could do for you. By the way, your wife, Anna. She's a good person and I hold no grudge.”

“Destiny. That suit is a special armor that has been in our family since the beginning of time. It's now yours Angel. It fuses with your powers and so do the weapons. Haha. I always knew you'd make an awesome alpha, but you're an even greater warrior.”

“I will assume you're wearing white. It's required for what's next. The ancestors know you've inherited more than just your father's beautiful silver eyes and a filthy mouth." Luca snickers at that. Come on mom, gives us a break.

"Now Dante. I need both you and Destiny to stand up and hold hands. I also need you guys to form a circle, but give them some space guys," Grandma Sara orders.

"Dante. When Sara says now, I need you to give Destiny the only mark she desperately needs, your mark which means a father's bond,” my mom says. “It helps with what comes next. Destiny. This hasn't been done in centuries, but it's worth the try,” she added.

What is mom talking about as I watch her stand up, revealing a beautiful white dress much similar to mine?

"I, Maureen Mystic Hawthorne, daughter of Edith Reese Hawthorne, heir of the Hawthorne covenant, give you my everything." I look at grandma Sara and she nods. Okay then, here goes nothing.

"I, Destiny Edith Hawthorne accepts and pledge to uphold justice and honor my word as heir to the Hawthorne-" before I can finish, I hear, "Dante! Now," the next thing I see is my dad's canines coming out as he digs them into my wrist.

Bloody hell, it hurts!

Immediately, I fall to the ground, but no one except for Alexis and my dad steps forward. But they don't attempt to help me and my body feels like it's getting ripped into shreds from the inside. Why does this hurt so much? I can feel my tears building up.

"Destiny! Baby! What the hell did you do to her?!" I hear Tyler's frantic voice and I see Brandon, Travis, and his dad trying to hold him back. I feel the dire need to do something, but what?

"Let it out, Destiny. Unleash it," dad instructs.

"It's okay Destiny. You can do this," Alexis encourages me too and so I did.

"AHHH," I scream, more like roar animalistically. I don't recognize my voice—shattering the windows.

As quickly as the pain came, it went away—my necklace shines a blinding light and I start to levitate in mid-air without any effort. What the hell! It's as if, I'm flying. Why do I feel so drained, all of a sudden?

--------

"Oh my god. She's beautiful," I hear Aunt Cammy’s whisper. I groan. What the heck happened?

It takes me a while, but suddenly it hits me and I open my eyes. The moment I do, it's like I'm seeing for the very first time and in control. Wow, everything looks so extremely clear and brighter now!

"Easy sweetheart. It'll take a moment for you to adjust," Aunt Cammy informs me. What the hell is she saying? She must have seen my confused as hell face and a mirror is brought out. Ancestors!

Everyone is looking at me in awe and Tyler looks at me like he would just pounce on me right here and now. Oh boy, I wouldn't mind.

I see him smirk.

Wait. Did I say that out loud?

“No you didn't beautiful, but I can read your thoughts now. And yea, I would pounce on you right here and now.”

Oh My God! I feel like crying. We can communicate through our thoughts like regular were-couples.

"I assume it worked," my mom's voice says, I almost forgot about the video currently playing. "Destiny, you'll experience changes both physically, and mentally. Your powers will be heightened including your primal side. Your father is the best person to see you through that, trust him, baby. I know how stubborn you can be.”

“I know by now, you're surrounded by people you love and who cares deeply about you, and for that, I'm happy.”

“Sweetheart. With great power, there's an even greater responsibility. Use, honor, and respect them and in return, they'll respect and protect you.” She declared with a warning.

“Dante. You take care of what's ours you hear me? She may look like me but she's all you," she retorts smiling at that.

"Cammy. I trust you to keep him in line yeah? Demon, my little-hotheaded pup. You continue to be a good boy okay? And finally, Aunt Sara. A million thanks will never be enough for what you've done for my family. I understand why my mother sent her guardian away. It was for a greater purpose.”

“Destiny, my baby.” She croaked out, wiping her glistened eyes. “Happy Birthday. I love you and remember, never be a victim to society's cruelty." With that, the video goes blank.

What! No, that can't be it. Mom, please come back!

"Mommy! Mama! No!" I scream at the screen and I'm engulfed in a protective and comforting hug.

German.

"I know baby girl. It's okay. It's okay." He keeps repeating. I stayed in his arms for a while until I'm suddenly surrounded by a huge freaking group hug. Not like I'm complaining. These idiots are my family.

-------

We've been home for some time now and I've been in the bathroom. Staring memorize at the woman I now see in the mirror. She's beautiful. Her eyes are now a brighter, yet deeper shade of silver and her once raven dark hair now has silver-white streaks. Even her necklace is a bit different. The joining hearts had shaped themselves into a wolf's head.

“Just when I thought that you couldn't be any sexier.” I turn around to see Tyler staring at me with love in his beautiful green eyes.

"You've been staring all this time, haven't you," I state rather than ask. He stalks up to me like I'm his damn prey.

"I adore you," he whispers nibbling on my neck and a burst of desire hits me in my lower region. I swear this man makes my womanhood unruly. His arms stop roaming around my body and I whine only for them to slowly lower down my back, grabbing my ass roughly. And damn it if I don't like it.

"This will not be gentle." He growls out.

"Yes daddy," I whisper making his eyes go pitch freaking black. I'm thrown on the bed and I don't get a chance to breathe before Tyler plunges his tongue and starts ravishing my mouth. I can feel his huge bulge poking me. My panties are in shreds. Ugh. I swear that was one of my favorite pairs.

“I'll replace it like the others.” His smug voice fills my head and before I can come up with a snarky comment, my legs are spread wide open and Tyler enters my already wet entrance in one swift moment.

"Fuck!" I yell. This asshole. Mhmm, I feel so full though and I love this amazing new feeling.

******

"Goddess. I see Tyler staked his claim on you, as if his mark and scent aren't enough," Luca grumbles with an eye roll towards my bite marks and hickeys.

"I know right, but I must say Destiny. I love your new hair color. It's so cool," Jenny compliments.

"Thanks. I've been getting looks all morning," I grumble. This new transformation, making me stick out like a sore thumb.

"How's Dante?" asked Alexis.

"I haven't heard from him, even though I tried calling. I even went by the house, do you guys think he regrets marking me?"

"Are you stupid or did you hit your head harder than we thought?” Luca retorts. “Come on, your mom left him a shit load of important memories. Give him time to process that babe," Luca coos and he's right.

That's why this jerk is my bestie.

"Okay. You're right! Let's go to hell. Thank god after this week, we're out of here." God knows I'm tired of school, even though I hardly ever go.

------

"Hey. Remember we need to meet up later, after training." Jenny reminds me, once we're out of school. Blue's and Martha's anniversary is coming up and we're planning a big party. Can't wait to see the final details!

"Yeah. See you guys!" I holler while jumping in my car.

I'm driving, nodding to ‘Girls just wanna have fun’ blasting through my radio. In a flash, I see something appear in the middle of the road and I swerve to avoid it—the brakes fail. I end up slamming right into a nearby tree, I hit my head so hard, my senses are disoriented and my vision is blurry. I can feel blood oozing out of my left leg that is pinned down underneath the reck. I think it's crushed.

"Tempo di dormire Tesoro, perdonami[Time to sleep treasure, forgive me]," a sad voice says before everything becomes black.

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