The Shadow Howlers

Selena looked around the room as everyone continued to sleep. She wasn’t sure what she should do. When she heard something behind her, she turned around and saw Andrew standing there.

“How did I put everyone to sleep?” Selena asked with concern.

“Your father is Eros, and he has the gift of sedation. In our realm, that would only cause someone to feel tired, but here, it makes people go to sleep. They should all wake up soon. You will notice some of your parent’s gifts were passed down to you. Now you know you have this one; you should be able to control it.” Andrew smiled at her as she stared at him in disbelief.

“I wasn’t expecting anything this powerful.” Selena turned back around when she heard a few people moving. She ran to Zaiden and kneeled beside him. He opened his eyes and looked up at her.

“What happened?” Zaiden asked, looking around at the others as he sat up. He felt like he’d been asleep for hours.

“Apparently, I have the ability to put people to sleep. Andrew says I’ll be getting more abilities from Eros and Psyche.” Selena explained.

“Wow, so you put us to sleep. Will that work on the evil sisters?” Bianca asked as she helped Trisha and Polly up.

“It may slow them down a little, but they won’t go to sleep. Some of your other abilities will help when you get them. Once you’re fully mated, Zaiden should also have some of your abilities.” Andrew stated.

“That’s so cool, but we can’t be sleeping on the job, so try not to use it on us, okay, Queen Selena?” Polly asked. Next to her, Trisha nodded in agreement.

“I promise I won’t put you to sleep again.” Selena kissed the tops of their heads.

“Aren’t they just the cutest little pups.” Leto mindlinked her.

“Yes, they are, and they want to be my guards. They take their job extremely seriously.” Selena replied.

“Hmmm, maybe we can give them a gift too. Let me think about it.” Leto wanted to do something for the girls. Loyalty like theirs should be rewarded.

“Let’s go eat some dinner. This has been a long day.” Zaiden put his arm around Selena, and they headed toward the dining hall. Everyone kept stealing glances at Selena, but she wasn’t aware. She was deep in thought about her new powers and wondering what others she would have. When they reached the dining hall, she looked at the others with confusion.

“Why is everyone staring at me?” Selena asked.

“You look like you’re glowing. I thought it was because you were happy with Zaiden, but it’s more than that. Your hair is shining like gold.” Bianca answered her.

“That’s because she’s gaining her goddess abilities. Once she marks Zaiden, her changes will be even more evident. She’s a goddess, and even on earth, people will notice.” Andrew replied. Selena’s face turned red as everyone stared at her in shock. Zaiden was proud of his mate. He knew from the moment he laid eyes on her that she was special.

“Come on, my goddess. Let’s eat, and then you can mark me,” he said, taking her hand.

Polly and Trisha sat next to each other so they could talk while they ate and kept an eye on Selena. They whispered, not realizing everyone could hear them. Leto listened carefully, hoping it would give her some idea of what gift she could give them.

“Do you think King Zaiden will say we don’t need to guard her anymore because of her special powers?” Trisha whispered.

“No, because she could still be poisoned or something else. We have to watch her even more because bad people may come here to take her.” Polly answered.

“What if these bad sisters come? How are we going to stop them from hurting the Queen?” Trisha asked, taking a bite of her chicken.

“I don’t know, but we need to think of something,” Polly replied. Leto thought about what gift she could give the pups to help them protect their Queen without getting themselves hurt. When the idea came, she giggled excitedly. It was perfect for the two pups.

“After you’re done eating, take Trisha and Polly outside. I have a surprise for them.” Leto mindlinked Selena. She hurried through her meal and waited for the girls to get done.

“Can you come outside with me for a minute? I have something my wolf wants to show you.” Selena said to Polly and Trisha.

“She wants to show us something?” Polly asked in disbelief.

“Yes.” Everyone got up from the table, anxious to see what Leto was going to show the pups. When they got outside, Selena had the girls stand in the yard while everyone else stayed back.

“Leto says to hold your hands out toward that large tree.” Polly and Trisha did as she said. Suddenly, glitter flew through the air and stuck to the tree, covering the entire trunk. The pups squealed and giggled.

“How did we do that?” Trisha asked excitedly.

“Leto wanted to give you something to help protect me. Now, if you see anyone suspicious, you can cover them in glitter. It will confuse them and give one of the guards time to get to them before they hurt anyone.” Selena explained. Polly and Trisha’s mouths fell open.

“We have powers too?” Polly asked softly.

“Yep. She said you needed them because you have an important job.” The girls ran to Selena and hugged her tight.

“Thank you, Leto.” They said simultaneously. All the adults smiled at how happy the girls were.

When everyone returned inside, Polly and Trisha walked Selena to her room. Then they ran to their room, talking excitedly about their new power. Zaiden pulled Selena into his arms.

“You’re incredible.” He said, kissing her. Selena smiled up at him.

“Are you ready for me to mark you?” She asked while running her hands over his muscular chest and abdomen. She felt like a whole new woman compared to a few days ago when she was still deaf, mute, and wolfless.

“I need a shower first after that training,” Zaiden replied. Selena took his hand and pulled him into the bathroom.

“Then we can do it while we take a shower.” She said, pulling her clothes off. Zaiden had still planned on taking things slowly. They’d only started having sex yesterday, but when he saw her gorgeous glowing skin, those thoughts went out the window. He turned the water on and removed his clothes.

“Come on, my goddess queen, claim your king,” he said, lifting her so she could wrap her legs around his waist as the water ran over them. Selena shifted slightly.

“I want you inside of me when I mark you.” She kissed him as he put her back against the wall. Zaiden slid inside of her and tilted his head. Selena bit into his neck, and they felt more than just the typical sparks and warmth. Something more powerful was happening, and both began glowing brightly. When Selena pulled back, they looked at each other in shock.

“What just happened?” Zaiden asked. Leto mindlinked them both.

“You’re now fully mated, and the power of the gods is now yours. Tonight, enjoy each other because tomorrow, the gates of hell will open.”