Dark Rising

By Aggie Lee

Freya Linwood is an Elemental/wolf hybrid. Her and her family protect the magical creatures in the forest. Her dad is the forest King, so she is a Princess. Not the frilly kind of princess though, a warrior, a fighter, and a defender and has no problem standing up for herself or to protect the weak.

There have been a lot of strange attacks going on around the world. Dark Magic, people coming up missing and entire packs being wiped out. This of course has everybody on high alert and they are joining together with the Lycan’s.

The Lycan King eagerly accepts the offer to join forces and his son Prince Damion will be one of there best fighters. Prince Damion is the description of tall dark and handsome, and he knows it. He is arrogant, has a huge ego, and is a total player and does not want a mate. All of these things irritate Freya, she is the exact opposite so when she finds out that he is her mate she is not happy.

Tempers flair and sparks fly and while they are trying to figure out what they want they are in the middle of a war. A war with an ancient Vampire who is set on world domination. He is tired of the wolves and Lycans living peacefully with the weak pathetic humans and wants to wipe them out. With his mastery of sorcery and the new technology he is building an army.

Once he meets Freya he becomes obsessed with her, her blood is sweet, she is powerful, and can’t forget beautiful and he wants to add her to his “collection”.

Damion risks everything to protect his mate, even though he said he did not want one, he realized that he cannot be without her and he has to win her over and make her his Queen.

The battles rage, the sparks fly and good finally triumphs over evil and Freya and Damion are the future King and Queen of the Lycans.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Apr 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224350759

Book preview

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Chapter 1

Freya

Taking a long look around my room, my little space in the universe. It’s difficult to depart from the place where I have all of my family pictures on the wall, my books when I need to relax and the place I can completely be myself. I mean, I know I will be back I am just not sure when.

My name is Freya Linwood, half Elemental, and half Wolf, which means I’m a hybrid, and the majority of people don’t approve of hybrids. Looking a little different than others has made me self-conscious, and my room has always been my haven, my no matter what happens go-to place.

I find it difficult to make friends, maybe because I am not like most girls. I always feel out of place when I try to hang out with girls my age.

Most of them are catty, boy-crazy and consider me old-fashioned because I am waiting for my

mate. They sleep around and have no desire to find their mate. I was always raised that meeting you mate is special.

Alora, my mother the Alpha female wolf is descendant from the Valkyries. Her fighting skills in and out of wolf form are unmatched.

My dad, Atticus, is an Energy Elemental, he can manipulate any existing energy, create it, and release it. He is also the Forest King, and his job is to watch over and protect the magical creatures that live in the forests. Being an Elemental, means he is an interdimensional being with the ability travel virtually anywhere. He chose to take this role here and stay in this dimension when he found out my mother was his mate. His family frowned upon it. They did not agree with him being with a mere wolf and I don’t think he has talked to them since. He never mentions them to us.

These days there is not much belief in magic, but it’s still all around us, humans are just too busy to notice it.

My element is air, I control the wind. It sounds pretty basic, but it has its advantages. I can create a blast of wind, and tornadoes. I am able to breathe anywhere so I can breathe underwater and swim with mermaids and dolphins. Once in a while, I go to underwater caves to be alone. Also, I can turn into a mist and hover or hide. It is great

for spying and playing hide and go seek. I can levitate and fly and have telekinesis, which means I can move stuff with my mind.

My wolf is Valeria, we call her Vee for short. She is awesome and absolutely my best friend. She is wise beyond my years, so I always go to her for advice. Well, her or my mom.

She is pure white and absolutely beautiful. She can tap into some of my elemental abilities, running super-fast, you know like the wind, and turning into a mist, and be semi-solid, making her much more dangerous than the average wolf.

My twin brother Ardis is a fire elemental, controlling fire and magma. He can create it, control it, absorb it, and re-use it. When he can absorb the energy of the fire then it saves his mana, magic energy, for something else.

His favorite party trick to do is to breathe fire and make fireworks. He also has an obsession with popping popcorn, which is cool, but he is still totally jealous that I can fly, and he can’t. Of course, as his baby sis I use this to pick on him at times. My brother is an impressive guy, just like my dad, and even though we pick on each other, I love him dearly.

His Wolf, Jax fierce and brave, but also still likes to be petted and will always accept a belly rub. He is a unique auburn color, and he can shoot fire just like my brother. He also looks like

he is on fire. It is so cool, but of course, I would never admit that to Ardis. He is only 2 minutes older than me, but he still calls me his baby sister.

It is a week before our 18th birthday. We are getting ready to go into the Lycan territory where we will be staying with the Royal family. There have been a lot of peculiar things going on. Dark magic we have not encountered in a long time, and pack members going missing, just to name a few. This has been increasing, and it is cause for worry. We will be working alongside the Lycans to launch a full-scale investigation and collaborated training, so no matter what we find we will be ready.

We have gone off to battles before, but this time my dad is really worried. He’s trying to hide it, it is unusual for my dad to worry, but when he does it puts everybody on edge.

Assembling a group of the best fighters and warriors from all over. The Lycans, the best wolf fighters, and ourselves. We will train together to form a team, and hopefully, be able to help when one of these attacks happens.

I am really excited to be on this special team with the best of the best. My brother and I just want to make our parents proud, but I am also really nervous. We live in the Sanctuary. It is fairly secluded, and we have not been around a

lot of other people. Since we are hybrids, some are not very welcoming. I’m nervous because we look a little different, and honestly, most people have never seen an Elemental, so it draws attention, and I really don’t like the attention.

It’s nice my parents get along with the King and Queen, and my brother is buds with the future King Damion and his friends. The downside for me is Damion and I have always clashed. I guess I am the more stubborn, and Ardis is so laid back that he can get along with anybody.

Oh, but Damion Blackthorn is the most gorgeous creature I have ever seen. If you looked up tall, dark, and handsome, it would have his picture. He looks like a straight-up GQ model. The problem is that he knows it and is a player. Even though I have always had a little crush on him, I totally ignore it.

I’m always catching myself staring at him, and I know he has noticed it too. He does not pay me much attention. I am not the type of girl he goes for, not fancy or always dressed up. I’m more like a tomboy and, even though he is absolutely gorgeous, our personalities clash, and looks only go so far.

Damion is a great warrior, never backs down, and is always ready to defend his pack. He expects the best out of his fighters, which is great, but he doesn’t think ahead or use any kind of

strategy. My family and I are the exact opposite. Using strategy to make things simpler and reduce casualties. He is a brute force kinda guy. Charging in and kills things and does not really think about anybody else. In previous meetings, we have had some disagreements on how to do things.

On the bright side, we will get to meet so many new people, wolves, and Lycans from all over the world. We take in all kinds of magical creatures so there are more than just wolves in our pack, but The Sanctuary is still very isolated. I have been lucky to be able to meet and grow up with some creatures that most have never seen.

We have a few half-vampire and half-wolf hybrids. Neither race wanted them, so they are with us. We have taken in a lot of wolves that have lost their mate or were rejected and kicked out of the pack. We find that many of the Rogues are not rouges by choice and have no desire to attack. They just want a chance to live, and they are always welcome here.

We all live together and share in the day-to- day chores and responsibilities. My mom and I love to cook and are always either preparing breakfast or dinner. We are very self-sufficient and grow a lot of our crops for fresh veggies, and we have a small bakery.

Everybody trains, not just the men. Some packs and races only allow the men to train and fight, but here everybody trains. It is still a very simple life, and our Sanctuary reminds me of a village that you would see on a postcard.

***

Heading downstairs to get ready to leave, I can see my mother giving the last instructions to our Betas. Kaleb and Lyra are mates and are more than capable of taking care of things while we are gone. Being the Alpha that she is, my mom worries and wants to make sure everything is taken care of. My dad and brother already have the luggage ready to go and are impatiently waiting for me and mom.

Alora, my dad yells, they will take care of everything, it will all be here waiting for us. My mom shoots him the evil eye showing her aggravation at his rushing. Ardis and I kind of chuckle at them. They are truly in love, nevertheless, drive each other crazy.

Saying our goodbyes to Kaleb and Lyra we load up and are ready to go. Since we are Elementals, we don’t travel like most creatures. We can, mostly my dad, travel by opening a portal and

going to any forest we need to. It’s kind of like the

movie Stargate. He dials in, and off we go.

It takes a little getting used to. The first time I did it I got motion sickness that lasted for days. It was not a pleasant experience, but I have grown used to it by now.

Arriving two days before the other guests gives us plenty of time to settle in. No doubt my brother and his buds are going to get into some kind of mischief, and I can relax without them bothering me.

Traveling interdimensional has its perks. We arrived within minutes of leaving and there is no luggage check or customs to go through. When we step through the portal the royal family is there waiting for us. The Lycan King Thaddeus, his beautiful Queen Marina, and of course their son Damion.

Alora, Atticus, so glad you could make it. We have been looking forward to your arrival, Thaddeus is eager to greet us. He looks over at me and Ardis, Wow you two have grown since the last time I saw you. What’s it been, Atticus, three years now?

My dad agrees, I believe so, I wish we had come under better circumstances. Unfortunately, it seems we only get together if there is something amiss.

I see Damion standing back fidgeting and rolling his eyes, I can tell he is bored and, questioning why he really needs to be here. I think he has gotten more attractive. Did not think that was possible. Finally, he comes over and greets my parents, then fist bumps Ardis.

Long time no see, bro! Glad you made it! He looks at me, Oh hey, Freya, nice to see you, too.

Hey, Damion, nice to see you again, I say in the sweetest tone I can muster up. I mean it is good to see him he is easy on the eyes. Radiating power, and you start to think wow! And then, he opens his mouth and talks and that thought leaves my brain.

Chapter

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Damion

Awakened by a banging on my door and my mom yelling, it’s time to get up!

UGG! It’s like 8 a.m., why so early?

Don’t you remember what today is? The Forest King and his family will be here in a little bit. They are coming early, before the others.

Shit! I forgot that was today. Ok, give me a few. I’m up! I’ll be down. The she-wolf in bed with me, I don’t even know her name, is trying to be frisky.

Sorry, babe. Last night was great, but I have to go, I say.

Come on Damion! One more for the road, baby,

She pleads.

Sorry, nope! I have Royal duties to perform. Get dressed, and I’ll have one of the drivers take you home, I respond.

She is complaining but that is how it must be. She left her number, but I am not going to call her.

Jumping in the shower trying to clear my head. The boys and I were out late last night and there was a lot of alcohol involved. As a Lycan, I can consume large amounts of alcohol, but it still gives me a headache. I remember picking up the she-wolf. She was smoking hot and ready to go. She was a good time, but I am not interested in anything more.

My mom is mind-linking me. She is so irate that I brought the she-wolf home. She keeps going on about waiting for my mate. When you find your mate you will change your ways, blah, blah. I tell her I am absolutely not interested in finding a mate. I do not need a mate to become King, and I am not a one-girl kind of guy. I get bored easily, so I like variety.

Getting out of the shower and catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Damn! No wonder all the ladies like me. I am one good-looking dude. I flex a little and make sure the muscles still look good. The typical tall dark and handsome, and I am a Prince, a future King. That makes me even more attractive. The guys hate it when we go out and all the girls give me all the attention, then they have to pick from what I don’t want.

I get downstairs for breakfast so I will be able to eat before our guests arrive. The Forest king and his family will be arriving shortly, and then the other Alphas and pack warriors arriving from all over in 2 days.

The good part is my bud, Ardis will be here for 2 days before all the boring meetings start. The training and getting to know the different packs with their different fighting styles is great, but the meetings are so boring to me.

We have plans to go out on the town and pick up some she-wolves. I know Ardis’s birthday is coming up, and he is so old-fashioned. He loves the ladies but still wants to find his mate.

Where they live, I do not think there are many females his age or anybody his age actually.

We made plans to have some fun before he ties himself down. Of course, just because you turn 18 does not mean you will find your mate immediately, I am 20 and have not found mine yet. I’m ok with that, it just saves me the bother of having to reject her.

Ardis is cool to hang out with, being a fire elemental and all. Dude can do some cool shit. He has a twin sister, Freya. She is gorgeous and looks a lot like her mother. Being a hybrid, she is different. She has white-silver hair and beautiful crystal blue eyes. The last time I saw them, I would catch her staring at me. I mean, who could blame her? When she saw I noticed, she would blush. It was kind of cute, but cute is not what I am interested in. She is old-fashioned like her brother and is waiting for her mate. She is a total prude and stick in the mud. Even though she is gorgeous, we clash and try not to be around each other. I hope that since it has been a

few years, and she has grown up, she will be out of the prude phase.

We will all be running some trainings, and Atticus will be in charge when we are going to battle. I’ve got mad respect for him, but we have very different fighting styles.

I get into the great hall, ready to greet our guests. Man, I hope this doesn’t take long. I have so many other things I could be doing.

They finally arrive and my parents are greeting them. Formality stuff, blah, blah. I’m just ready to get this over with. I respectfully greet the King and Queen, then turn to Ardis.

Bro! I’m glad you made it, I say while giving him

a fist bump.

Yeah, me too, it’s great to see you it’s been a while, Ardis replies.

I see Freya staring at me. I mean, of course, she is staring at me. Oh hey, Freya, nice to see you, too.

She responds, Hey, Damion, nice to see you again, totally formal and uninterested. So, I am guessing she is not out of the prude phase.

Well, I guess you guys want to see your rooms. Hey, I’m going to take Ardis and Freya to their rooms, ok?" I kiss my mom on the head. This way I seem helpful, the parents can chat, and, hopefully, we can hang out and get into something fun.

Chapter

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Freya

My parents are chatting it up. My mom and Queen Marina are all about the remodeling of the old hotel. The Lycans bought this old Hotel in the mountains of California and have completely restored it. Originally built in the 1920s and in that era, everything was a bit over the top. I love the fact that they kept so much of its natural beauty.

As we are walking, I realized just how enormous this lobby is. Queen Marina kept the chandelier, hanging from the vaulted ceiling over the middle of the room. I wonder how many lights are actually on that thing. The double staircases leading up to a balcony on the second floor. The staircase is covered in red carpet, making it feel like you’re going to a red- carpet movie premiere. The check-in desk is original. It is made of cherry and ornately carved designs cover its entirety. As we approach large overstuffed couches line either side under each of the stairs.

Queen Marina left the original sign-in book and the bell you would ring for service. It adds to the nostalgia of this beautiful hotel. The spacious lobby and the balcony are perfect for pack meetings and announcements.

It serves our purposes perfectly and can hold several families. There are meeting rooms and a large eating area, plus an enormous kitchen. I hope they will let us volunteer to cook some meals.

Damion is leading us to our rooms. He and Ardis are chatting and catching up. When we get on the elevator his buddies come rushing in.

Hey! Hold the door! We are coming too, these are Damion’s best friend, and future Betta, Colton, along with Mason, and Jacob. They are his younger twin brothers.

Hold up! We are not all going to fit in this elevator, I say. Grabbing my suitcase and getting off. I’ll wait for the next one. What floor am I on? I ask Damion but he is ignoring me, Hey, hello! What floor am I on? I repeat.

He finally responds, laughing at me, What do I get if I tell you? He asks, with the cockiest smirk on his face.

His cockiness irks me, so I respond, I won’t punch you in the face. I say this with the sweetest smile I can muster.

Really, Freya, you need to loosen up. We are on the top floor. Here’s your key for room 402. I am sure you can find it. Damion replies.

Yes, I can. Thank you, I say.

They go off, and I wait for the next elevator, thankful I do not have to hear more guy talk. I am glad Ardis has friends. Our pack is so small, and honestly, most of them are older, or very young. There really aren’t many in our age group. I am more of a loner, not bothered by the lack of people our age. Besides, I have the coolest parents, so I hang out with them a lot.

I love this hotel, it is old-fashioned, giving it a comfy, homey kind of vibe. Of course, they have added all the modern touches such as big-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and a state-of-the-art gym, but so far, I am loving this place.

I step off the elevator and look up and down the long hall wondering which direction my room is. Then I see number 402 on the brass plate of a door just off the elevator. I used my key and go in and get settled.

My room is spacious enough and very simply decorated. Mostly white, with a hint of turquoise, which is one of my favorite colors. I put my clothes in the closet and plop down on the bed. It is a queen- size bed, super comfy and has a fluffy down comforter. It’s like sleeping on a cloud, and I love it.

The best part of the room is the balcony. I can leave the doors open, and the wind can come in. My elemental side loves nature, so if we can bring that in, that is great. I love the breeze and the smell of the mountain air. It is absolutely invigorating. I can see so much of the mountain from here and can’t wait to explore it.

The guys goofing off interrupts the peace and tranquility. I think they are making plans to go out later. Ardis’s room is a couple of doors down, and he seems to enjoy the balcony as well. I see Damion staring at me, with a confused look on his face. I have no idea why. I head back inside, having heard enough guy talk for now.

I notice a bookshelf with several kinds of books, a small desk, office chair and a big, overstuffed bean bag chair. It has a plush cover, great for snuggling up on.

I walk over to the bookshelf and look at all the books. Picking the book on ancient magic and curl up in the beanbag chair to read