Hybrid Mates

I was born into a progressive wolf pack. Our pack is much different than the traditional packs. We are more like a monarch. My father was a King, not an Alpha. My mother was a queen, and I was a princess.

Our family lived in remote southern Louisiana. There were a lot of vamps in the area. We intermingled with them. I have a family that is both vampy and wolf.

The wolf packs outside of our area were not fond of our way of doing things, but it worked for us. The wolves protected the vamps because they wanted to. They were our family.

Of course, nothing lasts forever. Some vamps and some wolves wanted to disrupt our happy community, and they did. I was 16 when the war started. My parents sent me away during the war.

I went to college and became a real estate agent for one of the biggest developers in Louisiana, Lance Astor St. John. He built it, and I sold it. That's how I met Bishop Crown.

"I am sending a very important client to look at a house with you today, Miya," Lance said as he barged into my office.

I waved him off. I was on a very important call, but he did not seem to care at all.

"Miya!" he shouted at me.

So, I abruptly ended my call. "Are you out of your mind? That was important!" I yelled at him.

"I am sorry but listen to me. Bishop Crown is coming to the office. He wants to look at some of the properties, and I need you to charm him," Lance said with a huge smile.

When I think back on this day, I can honestly say that day changed all of our lives forever. It is unreal every thing that happened after I met Bishop.

"Who is Bishop Crown?" I asked

Lance shook his head at me like I was supposed to know who he was talking about.

"Miya, he is an attorney for King Robin and Countess Wren, and he is their son," he said.

"I do not care who he is. He gets no special treatment from me. I am showing a house this afternoon to the Wallace family. Remember?" I spoke.

"Cancel it. Call Bishop and set up some houses to show him. That's an order," Lance said.

"An order?" I responded.

Lance left the room. I remember how mad I was at that moment. I was so furious with Lance and Bishop both. I did not even know Bishop yet.

I was a good girl, and I made the call. I called Bishop to find out what he was looking for in a house so that I could take care of his needs. He was very kind on the phone. I looked over a few properties for him and made my selections. I called him back went over the properties, and he picked a few on the lake. I made all the arrangements to meet him that afternoon.

I walked down the hall to Lance's office to let him know how mad I was before I headed out to meet Bishop. I walked past his secretary opened his door while he was on the phone.

"Hey, I just wanted you to know I am heading to meet Bishop and that you owe me big," I said and walked away without giving him a chance to respond. He knew I was mad and let it go.

Lance and I always had a great working relationship. He knew when to let me be. He was always a great listener. He knew my family history. He was raised by vamps and was very fond of how my family had always treated the vamp community.

What I did not know that day as I left to meet Bishop was his family was not as fond of wolves, but Bishop was. Lance thought I could get him to buy the biggest house because I was a wolf. Lance thought Bishop would not try to negotiate with me.

As I approached my car in the parking deck, a little black sports car pulled up behind me and blew the horn. I was annoyed, to say the least.

"What?" I said as I glared at the driver.

"Lance told me to look for the most beautiful, extremely mad as hell woman in the parking deck. Is that you?" Bishop said with a big smile on his face.

"I am not mad at you, sir, but I am very upset with him. How can I help you?" I said. All I could think was this has to be the sexiest man I have ever seen in my life.

"We have an appointment. I am Bishop Crown," he said.

"Well, I was planning to meet you at the house in an hour," I said. At this point, I was annoyed. I had not eaten, and now he wants to be pushy.

"I thought I would give you a ride. That way you can tell me all about the house on the way. I can try to make a quick decision, and I won't take up too much of your time," he said.

What a charmer. Well, the house price stands. I am not coming down on it, I thought.

"Thanks, but I need to grab a bite on the way," I said and turned to get in my car, "I will be there in an hour."

"Please get in. I will buy you lunch," he said.

"Okay, we can discuss the houses over a speedy lunch," I said.

What the hell am I doing? Is he charming to me? I will be professional.

"Let me get the door for you," he said as he jumped out of his car and came around quickly to open my door.

Nice bod vamp boy, but I am not charmed so easily, I thought.

"I would hope it takes more than my body to charm you," he said.

"Vamps are not supposed to be able to read my mind," I said.

"Well, I am special, and so are you, Princess Miya," he said.

"I am sorry, not sorry. I don't get out much, I guess," I said.

I know at that moment I was every shade of red.

"I will remember that in case I need to use it in negotiating a better price on my house," he said.

"It will take more than an embarrassment to get me to lower the price of the house, Mr. Crown," I said.

Bishop closed my door and jumped into his little sports car.

"I can put the top up if you are worried about your hair," he said.

I laughed. "I am a wolf, Mr. Crown. I have perfect hair. You can leave the top down," I said with a smile. He smiled back, and I got a glimpse of his fangs. I gasped.

"I am sorry, not sorry," he said with a laugh.

We both laughed.

"I thought you were used to vamps and fangs," he said.

"I am, but it's been a long time," I said.

We rode in silence to a small deli close to the lake. "Is this okay? I hear the food is great," he said.

"It's fine. I just need a quick bite to carry me through the rest of the day. The houses I am showing you are huge and have a lot of acreages. You don't want me to pass out halfway through the tour, do you?" I said.

He smiled again. He never stops smiling. "Why don't I grab you something, and you can eat while I look at the information of the houses," he said.

I nodded. He walked up to the deli. I watched him walk away, minding my thoughts. When he returned with a brown paper bag, I was surprised.

"What is this?" I asked.

"It's your favorite," he said.

"Please don't read my mind. It's annoying," I said. I took the ugly brown paper bag and looked inside. It was my favorite, avocado burger and fries.

"Don't worry about the car; please eat," he said. He held back his beautiful smile, afraid I would see his fangs again.

"I am not afraid of them. It's just been so long since I was in the presence of a vamp. Don't hold back your smile," I said.

I ate as he drove us to the house. I absolutely did not want him to be interested in me. I did not want to start another war. I was promised to another wolf eventually. I had made a point to avoid the chosen wolf for me in hopes he would fall in love with someone else.

When Bishop pulled up the 7281 Washington cove, he was in awe.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" I said.

"It really is," he responded.

"I live right down the street," I said.

"Nice selling point. A beautiful neighbor is always a plus," he said.

"Well, I have had a hard time selling it. I think the creepy basement is a turn-off," I said.

"Well, you know us vamps, we like the creepy basement," he said.

"It has a cool wine cellar. It is almost exactly like mine," I said.

"The cellar of the house," he asked.

"Both," I said.

"Do you want to see it?" I asked.

"The wine cellar or your house," he asked.

That was it. The way he looked at me. I knew I was in trouble. This will not end well, I thought.

"Sorry. That was too forward," he said.

"Not at all. I can show you my house if you want to see it. Would you like to look at this one first," I asked.

"Umm, yes. I am sorry. Yes. Please show me the house, Miss Miya. I want to see it," he said.

We walked the property. I don't remember ever having such a wonderful time showing a house. He was so kind and charming.

When I took him inside the house, he was in awe.

"I thought you lived in a huge house, Mr. Crown. I was honestly afraid this would be too modest for you," I said.

"I mostly was in boarding schools. I have only been to my family home a few times. I want a nice place to start a family, maybe someday," he said.

"Oh. Well, this place is perfect for that," I said.

"I will take it," he said.

"You haven't even seen the entire house," I said, puzzled.

He starred at me for what seemed like forever, "I have seen everything I need to see," he said.

"I can get the paperwork ready. I have everything on my computer at home. You can drop me off there. I can make Lance bring me my car," I said.

"How about I go with you to do the paperwork after we can go get your car and maybe celebrate?" he said.

"Sure. Why not!" I said.

Bishop knew I was worried about him coming to my house. "I will be a gentleman," he said.

I don't know what came over me, but I immediately started thinking about what if he wasn't. He smiled, and I turned red again.

"Stop reading my mind. It is just rude," I said.

Bishop laughed as he followed me out of the house. He opened the door and smiled as he shut it. I am in so much trouble, I thought.

"Maybe not," he said.

"I need a witch and a blocking spell. Know any?" I asked him.

He laughed. "Which way to your house?" he asked.

"I am next door," I responded.

"Oh. Hmm, well then, neighbor, you could be in trouble. I don't know if I can live this close to you," he said.

"Flirting will get you nowhere with me," I said.

"Thank goodness I have a smoking hot bod," he said, and flashed his fangs.

"True," I responded.

For the five minutes it took us to drive from his soon-to-be new home to mine, I tried desperately not to think about how hot he was. He was the first man to make me feel like I needed to wolf out and have a wild night of romance. I had never been with any man. At 28, I was way past having a fling, but he made me want him. Maybe it was the fangs.

I knew I was in trouble the moment I walked into my house with him. I took him to my home office and called Lance to tell him the house was sold. He was even happier I sold it at the full asking price. I did not really give him time to congratulate me. I had paperwork to do.

"Miya, I am an attorney. I can help you with the paperwork so you can finish quicker," Bishop said.

"Trying to run from me I see. Are you afraid to be in the big bad wolf's house?" I asked.

"Not at all, but I would love to take you out to celebrate," he said.

"No worries. I have a template to make all this go quick. I just need to fill in your information and I will be done with my part. My secretary will handle the rest. If I can be honest I am not into partying. I would be happy to build a fire and hang out in my backyard," I said.

"Sure. While you're doing all the paperwork, can I see the creepy basement?" he asked.

"Sure, but you do know my personal chambers in down there. Please don't mess with it," I said.

Bishop walked out of my office. I knew he was snooping. He was trying to figure me out. I did not care. I had nothing to hide.

Bishop came back with a picture of my parents. "I knew them. They were so kind to me when I was growing up," he said.

"Yes they were kind to everyone," I responded.

"I have to confess something Miya. I asked for you to show me the house. I asked Lance to send you. I wanted to see you. I am sorry if I was devious in going about this. I had to see if you were still beautiful," he said.

"Bishop I do not remember you. If you were with us when I was young, I do not remember," I said.

"You were 16. I was much older than you but I told your father when you became old enough I wanted to be first in line to be your mate. But then everything fell apart," He said.

"Most of the vamps in our village were orphaned. You have parents. I am very confused," I said.

"My parents helped start the alliance. The countess was my mother she married the King after the queen died. He adopted me and changed my name to hide me," he said.

"Barlow?" I asked.

"Yes," he responded.

"That is why you can read my mind, which is why I am so attracted to you. We were supposed to be mates," I said.

"Yes. I wanted to reach out to you sooner, but I did not want to disrupt your life," he said.

"You are not disrupting my life. I need answers. I think I need answers. I am not sure what I need," I said.

"Miya, why don't we just hang out tonight and see what we remember," he said.

"Okay, let me email all this to Allison. There is wood on the patio. Why don't you build us a fire and I will cook us a meal. Wait. You don't eat regular food. I think I have something in the wine cellar. I cannot think," I stammered over my words.

I was in such shock. I thought Barlow died when I was young. He was standing in front of me. The man I was first promised to. The man I was supposed to have a life with. I did not know how to handle it.

I quickly emailed all the documents. I called Allison. I turned off all my phones. I wanted to concentrate on Barlow for the night. I wanted to see if I was still in love with him.

As I tried to put all this in a neat little box Bishop grabbed me and kissed me.

"I never stopped loving you," he said.

I said nothing. I did not know what to say at that moment. I like everything nice and neat and my life in the matter of one afternoon was a hot mess.

"I can still read your thoughts," he said.

"Good. Do you know what I am thinking now," I responded?

"Yes, but I think there are some things you need to know first," he said.

"I know everything I need to know. I have waited my entire life for you to come for me. I have waited for you in every way," I said.

I had waited. I was a 28-year-old wolf virgin. I thought my mate was dead. I thought my family was going to make me mate with some idiot. I had spent the last few years avoiding everyone so I could stay single. My goal was to stay alone long enough I no longer had to mate. Here he was in front of me. He was a sexy beast and technically he was mine.

"It could be dangerous for you. I could be dangerous for you. I am not sure you want this," he said.

"Yes. I want this," I said.

I could feel my inner wolf. She was growling for him. "I cannot control her," I said.

"I know. You've waited too long. You could seriously hurt us both," he said.

I went to him. I placed my hand on his chest. I immediately felt this wild urge to have him. My entire body became like a raging fire.

"You need to calm down. How long has it been since you released your wolf?" he asked.

"Months," I responded.

I was on him. I kissed him. I scratched at him. I could not stop I wanted every part of him.

"Come back to me Miya," he demanded.

"I cannot. I have to have you now," I said.

My desire for him was overwhelming. I could only think of giving myself to him at that moment.

"Miya, Listen to me. We have to do this right. Your wolf is very strong. If you bite me I will die," he said.

The thought of something bad happening to him brought me out of the trance.

" I .... I .... I am sorry," I said.

He held me so close at that moment. I had to silence my inner wolf. She was furious. She had been without for so long. She wanted him. He knew how strong my desire was for him.

"Why didn't I know when I saw you," I asked.

"Your wolf has been asleep for a long time. She recognized me when you spoke my name," he said.

"I am so embarrassed. Let me get off of you and straighten myself up. This is no way for a lady to behave," I said.

He laughed.

"What should I call you Bishop or Barlow?" I asked.

"Bishop is fine. Let's not get your inner wolf a reason to try to attack me," he said.

"I would never rape a man. I am pretty sure you were a willing participant," I said.

"Yes. Right up to the point I thought your inner wolf was going to bite me," he said.

"What now?" I asked.

"Well, tonight let's build that fire. We will be neighbors soon. Unless you don't want me to move into the house now," he said.

"I would love for you to be close by," I said.

"Remind me tomorrow to have the house wolf proofed. I don't need you wandering in and having your way with me," he said with a laugh.

"I would never. I am a lady," I said.

"You might be. But your wolf is a wild woman," he said.

Bishop and I spent the night on my patio talking about my family. It was the first time in years I was able to openly talk about my home. It felt so good. There were only a few times I wanted to release my wolf on him. I knew that night I had to find a way to let her out so I could have Bishop without killing him.

Bishop and I continued to see each other a lot over the next few weeks. He walked over to my house almost every night. On the nights he did not come to see me my wolf was hard to handle. She wanted him.

After a month of the flirty dinners, Bishop came to my door in tears. "We need to talk," he said.

I let him in and kissed him on the cheek. "Whatever it is, it's okay," I told him.

"I want to ask you something," he said.

Bishop got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

"It would be the greatest honor in my life if you would marry me and be my wife. I love you, Miya. I have always loved you," he said.

Bishop placed the blue diamond on my finger that I recognized as my mother's ring. He had asked my brother for permission to marry me. He went to my family and got the ring of a queen to ask me to be his wife.

"Yes," I said.

"You do understand everything if we marry. You understand we will have to be careful. Some people will never want this to happen," he said.

"Yes. I do. I am willing to take the risk to be your bride," I answered.

Bishop was so happy at that moment. He kissed me. For the first time since he told me who he was, he really touched me. He caressed my body. The way he felt touching me brought out my wolf.

"Keep her under control," he said.

"We will have to release her at some point," I said.

"You need to take your wolf form and let her run. It is the only way to control her. She needs a release. I want to be able to make love to my wife without worrying she will lose control and kill me," he said.

"I will lock myself in my chamber and take my wolf form tonight," I told him.

"I will stay here with you tonight in case you need me," he said.

"I need to call my brother and tell him," I said.

There was a knock at the door. I kissed Bishop and went to open the door. The knocking was hard and loud. I knew who it was.

"Waylen is that you?" I said as I opened the door. It was my brother. I leaped into his arms.

"I have missed you, sis," he said.

"Of course you have. I am your favorite sibling," I said.

"Is Bishop here?" he asked.

He grabbed my hand and smiled. "I see you said yes," he said. I nodded.

"I am so happy for you sis," he said.

"Did you bring Maggie and the kids," I asked?

"No. We have things to discuss. I thought it was best if it was just me," he said.

Waylen walked into the kitchen. "The three of us need to make some decisions. We have to make them tonight," he began. "You know this union will be frowned upon by some. Not your family. We love all creatures. I married a witch. She is the love of my life. I would never deny anyone happiness. But you both need to know that you will have to be careful. You can't flaunt who you are. You cannot have a big wedding. This has to be a small family affair or just elope as we did. Go to New Orleans or Las Vegas. Go somewhere no one will pay attention to you getting married. But keep it quiet. Do you understand?" he said.

We both nodded.

"The other thing is your wolf. You have to release her so you don't kill your mate. Bishop and I talked about her being so aggressive toward him. I knew you had stopped taking wolf form a long time ago. Now it is going to be a pain to control but you have to figure it out. I know it's hard but you need to let her out. She has to have a release or you could hurt yourself or him or both of you," he said.

"I thought it was best I stop taking my wolf form. I was afraid to do it here all alone. I set up a chamber in the basement but I was just afraid," I said.

"That is why I am here. It is best if Bishop is at a safe distance while you practice taking your wolf form a few times then we will go from there," Waylen said.

"I understand. I love him. I do not want to hurt him. I want to be his wife. I want to be able to touch him without killing him," I said.

Waylen had always been the best brother a girl could ask for. We couldn't see a lot of each other. He and his amazing wife Maggie kept their lives very private since having children.

Maggie was a witch from Savannah so they choose to live within reach of her family. Waylen was happy. There were very accepting of him. I was happy for my brother. I always wished I could be around my nieces and nephews but it was dangerous.

Our entire lives had been dangerous since the war. We were ousted for having a belief that everyone was equal. My parents were such kind loving wolves. They raised me and my brother to be kind-hearted like them.

Now my brother was on my doorstep risking everything to make sure I could be happy like him. The world was a dangerous place for a wolf that mixed with someone other than a wolf.

My brother and his witch wife and me with my soon to be vamp husband. Why couldn't it just be that simple? Why couldn't we just be happy people with happy lives? Why the other wolves couldn't let us be, I do not understand. It cost us so much just for happiness.

Waylen stayed a week with me while I let out my wolf. I know he missed his family. Listening to him telling his kids goodnight every night and how much he missed them made me long for a family of my own.

There was the other problem the only way I would be able to have children with Bishop was with the help of a witch. Lucky for me my brother married one. Unlucky for me she did not like using her magic unless it was necessary.

Before any of this could even be talked about I had to figure out a way to control my wolf. I did not understand at the time. Other wolves and vamps married with no issues, but my wolf bond to Bishop was developed when I was very young, and then she was deprived so she was furious and wanted to be pleased.

The man was risking his life to be with me. He had waited on me. I had waited on him even if I had not known at the time who I was waiting on it was him. I had refused my arranged marriage and chosen to be alone. My wolf must have known he was out there. Now she wanted him.

The turning every night was hard. I managed by thinking about his touch. I thought about being able to make love to my husband. I thought about our life together. It was agony but I did it for him. I did it for my wolf I had suffered. I had not been good to her. I deserved this pain. She should not have been silenced all these years.

The last night my brother was with me. I took my wolf form and he let me run. Every other night I remained in my chamber. Waylen felt it was important for me to run. He hoped I could control myself. If I succeeded in staying in control I would be ready to marry Bishop.

I ran and ran. I went to the lake. I swam. It felt liberated. Then I saw him. It was hard for me. I ran to his window and peered in at him. I did not know if he saw me at first. Then his eyes met mine. He saw me in my wolf form. He came to the window. I could tell he was afraid. He examined me. Looking at my beautiful silver fur, peering into my deep blue eyes. I could tell he was pleased with my form. I howled loudly. I howled so loud my brother came.

As I stood outside his window my wolf was calm. We were meant to be and my wolf knew it. My brother motioned for Bishop to come outside.

"She won't hurt you," Waylen called to him.

I knew Bishop was nervous but he came. He touched my fur. It was exhilarating to feel his hand running through my fur. My wolf remained calm. I was so proud of her.

"You think she is okay now," Bishop asked my brother.

"I believe so. I think we did it," Waylen said.

"I am proud of you sis," Waylen said.

Waylen left the next day to be with his family. Bishop and I started planning our wedding. Our perfect life was within reach. We were about to be the happiest people on earth.