《Natalia's Fairytale》


 Things you should know-Joka Guide

    Hello Everyone and welcome to my imagination! I guess you can kind of count this as an author''s note, but also a guide. This should go without saying but:


    I DO NOT GIVE ANYONE PERMISSION TO COPY OR POST MY STORY ON ANY OTHER PLATFORM. THIS STORY IS ALSO POSTED ON WATTPAD UNDER NEWTYPEOFROMANCE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU SEE MY STORY POSTED ON OTHER PLATFORMS.  ALL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS ARE OF MY IMAGINATION OR ADAPTIONS TO MY IMAGINATION.


    I tend to write this story in a way that makes everything seem natural. This means that new things and concepts will be introduced with little to no warning and sometimes no explanation. However, this guide will go over the basics of this fantasy world and help you be able to keep along with the story with little to no confusion.


    This world may seem very similar to our times, and it is. This is a parallel "Earth" with the same events and time, but adapted to fit in magical creatures and kingdoms that I want to include. So while yes some things may have happened in real life another way, I am allowing myself creative freedom to adapt and twist them to fit best in my story. This will be a modern Fantasy story.


    You will find all the human nations will have a blend of monarch, parliament, and democratic feel to them, while the magic born nations will be ruled by an absolute monarch system at the top and regulatory system for the different races. (ex.: Fae God is the final voice, but various leaders of different tribes will handle day to day ruling).Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Magic is performed with maji particles, same as mana, in this world, although it is advanced. Its not really due to the science we know, but an advanced manipulation of maji particles and magic that humans came up with over the years. With this knowledge, they created magical items which then allowed to be able to survive and thrive somewhat in this magic filled world.


    Each area has its own culture and language, but everyone is able to communicate due to magical items that translate or learning different languages. So unless its a scene where a magic item is not available, the story will be written with the pretense that everyone understands each other.


    The "Earth" here is flat and with 2 moons and is referred to as just World. They don''t make a habit of naming planets in this dimension. They are aware, to some extent, of what happens when they die due to the many reincarnated souls that kept their memories. They are also aware of other dimensions, worlds, and timelines as well. Their Gods actually interact with them in various ways throughout history.


    Hopefully these notes assist you with following the story. Please leave a comment if you are ever confused, and feel free to refer to this guide as you continue to read. It will be updated as the story goes on and readers post questions. So without further ado, please enjoy the first story to the Jako series (still wondering if I will make this a trilogy or actual series. I guess we will see how the stories and characters develop)!

 Chapter 1

    If someone asked me to rate adulthood in today''s climate I would definitely have to give it 2 stars. I also would NOT recommend it to anyone in particular. I would have to say the silver lining in the chaos of bills and life would be the day drinking. You read that right. The fact that brunch at noon on Sundays is accompanied with unlimited mimosas have gotten me through many hard weeks and heart breaks.  However, this particular brunch will be the best trouble I will forever be thankful for.


    They are called stereotypes for a reason, and I am definitely a testament to this statement. It''s like I eat and breathe CP time and will probably be wheeled into my funeral 30 minutes late. However, all is forgiven if you come dressed to the nines. I try to convince myself of this "fact" as I speed walk through the parking lot of this new place called Seven Heaven. I have not seen 1 bad review about this place and with its bottomless brunch with mimosas you can see why it took us 3 months to even get a reservation. As I walk through the door I can tell this place has everything. A nice quant atmosphere with plenty of picture worthy walls  and cute waiters. Everyone was serving nothing but looks and my girls were no exception.


    "I swear the day you show up on time I''ll be looking for Armageddon to happen.", my home girl Stasha complains while giving me the "look". I just laugh it off as I go around giving my hugs and kisses to the table. As I seat down next to Toni I am able to get a good look at my surroundings and the beautiful women that I have in my life. The restaurant is a two-story location with a DJ on the second floor playing some of the latest hits, and we were seated downstairs. It is completely open with the walls having various half crescent booths dived by visors, with the open floor plan hosting various sized tables, and the elegant rose gold bar as the center piece. This set up was perfect for the elite socialite that liked the option to socialize if the opportunity presented itself, but allow some privacy as well. With the hype around this place you never know who you would run into and you wanted to make sure that you came ready so opportunity wouldn''t leave from knocking too long. And me and my girls definitely came RADDDYYYY!!


    Stasha, 35, was the mama bear of the group, and honestly the most responsible. She was about 5''5", athletic build with just enough curves to make a business suit look like a work of art, with a dark tan that was complements of her Jamaican and Japanese roots, and black hair usually kept blown out or in their natural wide curl status. Today, it was in its sleek form barely touching the top part of her firm behind, and she was wearing a hot pink flowy wide legged pants one-piece that was similar to a button down collar shirt at the top with the sleeves rolled to her elbows. With a gold link chain belt around her waist, large gold hoop earrings, gold and pearl bangles, a thin long gold chain hanging between her petite chest, and orange platform pumps to complete the look. Her almond shaped brown eyes, full lips, and cute button nose placed on a slender face made her the main star of many fantasies. With a simple natural beat, contour and lashes to bring attention to her beautiful face.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Toni, 32, was the ebony goddess of our group. The tone and smoothness of her skin reminded you of the actress Lupita Nyong''o. Today she was rocking her black butterfly locs that framed her heart shaped face. With high cheek bones, plump and full lips, and long beautiful lashes accentuating her upturned brown eyes. It wasn''t a surprise that the only make up she wore was mascara and lip-gloss unless it was a special occasion. She naturally had the body that people spent thousands to have, and with her 5''9" height you would find her picture next to the definition for Brick House. She showed this off in a loose cream colored pants suit that had a wide open blazer and sky blue lace bra underneath. This look was completed with some simple cream colored pointed toe stilettoes and a cute sky blue clutch. Toni was very spiritual and entuned with her ancestry and energy. She was very much about living your life the way you wanted unapologetically. I didn''t always understand it but I did know that her prayers and protections was always with us.


    Then there was me Natalia, 30, and a good medium for the group. My smooth brown skin went perfect with my round face, wide nose, almond brown eyes, plump pink lips, and natural tightly coiled 4c curls that I kept in some kind of protective style. Today I was rocking a blonde tight curled afro wig, my go to look, with a floral wrap tied as a head band. My 5''5" curvaceous frame was styled in a bright yellow dress that had a sleeveless corset with a sweetheart neckline and loose lace at the bottom that went to my knees, but was scrunched up the left side to mid-thigh. Which white stilettoes nails, grey strappy open toed stilettoes wrapped around my ankle, and long strand pearl necklace with matching pearl earrings to bring in the look. I had a natural beat with just a pop of yellow on my undereye, and medium length lashes. I guess my role was more the mediator of our group. Both of my girls could be pretty extreme left or right and I tended to bring them back to reality when they went to far into the dark.


    All of us were beautiful, successful, fun, loving, ambitious black women. We had various careers, different hobbies, and back stories. But what always brought us together was our love for our community. We actually meet at a mixer for a Professional Black Women Group and hit it off immediately. We were all bosses in our own rights and fields and although we stayed busy we always made time to unwind. We had brunch EVERY Sunday, night on the town at least once every two weeks, 1 out of country trip a year on our friendiversary, and 2 in state trips a year. Sometimes we would bring our kids, or nieces and nephews in Toni¡¯s case, and significant others. This has been our routine for the last 10 years. We have seen each other through successes, failures, marriages, heartbreaks, deaths, college graduations, you name it and we were in the mix.


    With that being said it is pretty safe to say that we knew each other like the back of our hands. So, it was no surprise to either of them that I would take the bait of the twins staring at our table from across the room.

 Chapter 2

    I wouldn''t call myself a "flirt" per se. Unless, there are a few drinks in my system. It''s like all of my worries are erased and I am free. My face become flushed and the dimples are on full display as I smile and laugh like there isn''t a care in the world. Everyone is my friend and the world is my oyster! While this makes me a great person to be around when drinking; it also gets me in a lot of trouble. It turns me into a nomadic wonderer, and without a tight grip on me you could lose me quick in a crowd.


    This is the happy bliss I was in when I was approached by two of the most handsomest men I had ever meet. I mean out of this world, mess up my credit, and eat up all my child''s fruit snack fine. At first I believed I had drunk too much, because it seemed as if there was two of them. Then my sluggish brain finally put together that they were twins and identical at that. God sure did bless me today with this beautiful sight, I thought to myself as I swayed to the music half listening to Toni and Stasha fuss. Just when I was about to down my mediator hat I felt someone standing beside me.


    "Corny or smooth?", the deep baritone voice vibrated through my very essence and I couldn''t tell if it was the tequila or this majestic voice that had me feeling warm and tingly. I look over and had to lean back and crane my neck in order to see the full masterpiece before me. I realized it was the one of the twins that I may or may not have been ogling earlier with the most devilish smirk on his face. This man had to be a God, there was just no other reason why he would be this divine. I mean even Toni and Stasha had stopped arguing and was now wondering where this man had been their whole lives. Toni, who was sitting in the middle, was the first to come back to her senses and nudged me to bring me back to reality. I shook my head slightly to clear some of the fog, "Corny", I stated with a sly smirk of my own.


    I guess he was used to those types of reactions, because he kept going with conversation like we just didn''t spend a good 30 seconds staring at this man. " I''m learning about important dates in history, and today is the most important one of them all."


    "How is that?", I asked with my own flirtatious smirk wondering where he was taking this.


    "Well today is the start of a new legacy.", he says as he leans on the table with his right hand and squats down to my eye level.


    "And what legacy is that?", I ask as I lean in a little staring in his stormy grey and forest green swirling eyes.


    "Whatever legacy is birthed after making you my wife.", he finishes with a satisficed smirk. Wait did he really just say that?, I ask myself my face slowly starting to contort itself in a smile. Then I laughed. Like a deep belly, tears coming from my eyes, holding my ribs, joyous, and LOUD type of laugh.


    This 7" masterpiece really just came over here to say this to ME. Now don''t get me wrong, I have NEVER been insecure of how I looked. I KNOW I got it going on, but I wouldn''t call myself a model either. On the other hand this man was the definition of tall, dark and handsome. He had shiny sandy brown hair that was slicked back into a man bun. A strong square jaw, thick eyebrows that were on the brink of being called unkept, swirling grey and forest green round eyes that slightly sunk into his head, his nose wasn''t too big but a little crooked like it had been broken a couple of times, and a slight five o''clock shadow. Then add in a thick muscular neck, and broad shoulders looking like they were ready to burst out of his white Polo button down. With solid muscular arms formed under the sleeves, what looked like the legs of a seasoned lumberjack in black jeans, and what had to be customized dress shoes with the size of those things. I guess if you pictured a Shaq sized Jason Momoa you could understand the sheer surprise I had that this man was hitting on me this hard.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Lucky for me this was not a dream and once I got myself calmed down I could tell he was not offended by "giggle" fest. "Oh my God, I was NOT expecting that!", I exclaimed as wiped the tears from my eyes with a wide smile on my face.


    "And I was not expecting that radiant smile and laugh that I just got. Hopefully that won''t be the only thing you grace me with." You know if this had come from someone else I probably would have cringed, but lets face it handsome privilege is a thing and I support it one hundred percent in this moment.


    "Well if you are this charming, you never know, we maybe able to create some legacies one day." At this point you miss all the shots you do not take and I was not going to let this opportunity pass me up. We will figure out if this is a gift from God or the Devil once I get to know this beautiful potential mistake. A throat clearing behind me interrupted this divine meeting.


    "You know there is room if you and your twin would like to join us." I say in my most "seductive" voice I could muster. Thanking God that I had the Toni Braxton bravado to pull this off. All though Toni was the only other single person and she really wasn''t into interracial dating I knew I could count on her to play wing man and keep the twin entertained at the very minimum.


    This man wasted no time taking the bait either, "It would be our pleasure to accompany you beautiful ladies. Just give me one minute and I''ll go grab him from wherever he has wondered off to."


    "Ok.", I somewhat whisper as I watch him stand up and walk back towards the bar looking for his brother.


    "That man can''t be human.", Stasha states as we all three distractedly watch that magnificent butt walk away.


    "Girl I ain'' gone lie. If he was just 3 shades darker I would throw out all my hesitation and go for it.", Toni joked while shaking her head.


    "Well, he does have a twin so you never know.", I tease.


    "Girl now you know how my family is.", Toni says with a twinge of regret.


    "But back to what you said Ash. I think they are something else as well. There is no way something that beautiful came from a human.", Toni says seriously.


    "Well it''s a good thing I''m down with fae.", I say with a so what look on my face. Its true though, as long as they aren''t slimy and have some what of a humanoid form I am perfectly fine with dating Fae folk. This is the name used for any other form but human. I myself think it is a very incorrect way to clump them all together, but hey who am I to judge. And according to our records all magic born creatures are descendants from the many creations the Fae God Drakonice created at the beginning of time. Hence the reason for calling them fae.


    "Well human or not did you even get his name girl?", Toni asks while she finishes off her 5th mimosa.


    I slap my forehead as I realize that I let my lust cloud my judgement, "No I didn''t. To be honest his name was the last thing on my mind. I''ll make sure to do introductions when he comes back." I look up to see the mystery man and an exact carbon copy headed this way from the end of the bar farthest from us. As they came closer I was able to notice the subtle difference between the two. The other twin was wearing a lime green collard polo shirt tucked into khaki shorts and low khaki tennis shoes that looked like Keds almost. The other differences was a small scar going across his left eyebrow, and although his hair was in a man bun as well it was on top of his head and the bottom part was in a fade. He also looked like the more friendlier and flirtatious one of the two. Now that I saw them next to each other they looked completely different attitude and aura wise. I shifted myself up in my seat and took a sip to get my nerves together as they made it to our table.

 Chapter 3

    The two brothers both had matching smiles as they made it to our table. " Hello beautiful ladies, this is my brother Johnathon, or John for short, and I''m Jacob. I realized on the way over here that introductions flew completely from my mind.", the serious one stated as he reached out his hand to me.


    I stood up to shake his hand back, "No it''s fine I realized the same thing just 2 minutes ago. I am Natalia or Tally for short. This is Toni and Ashley.", I said each name as Jacob shook their hands and John followed suit.


    "Natalia, what a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.", flirted John as he also put a small peck to my hand. My cheeks heated up a little bit as I looked over a little nervously at his brother. He didn''t seem to be bothered by it. If anything he seemed to puff his chest out a little bit as if to say he was proud that he did a good job with something. "Why don''t you guys have a seat", I say as we begin to move over to make room.


    "Do you mind if my brother sits on the other side of you?", Jacob asks.


    "Of course not!" I slide out of the booth as John slides in next to Toni and once he was settled I sat back down.


    The conversation was everything! Everyone was getting along making small talk and jokes here and there. The drinks were flowing, and eventually we had to order another round of food as well. We had stayed so long I was a little surprised we weren''t asked to leave. From my understanding during brunch they had a strict 2 hour time limit for tables unless approved beforehand. At this point we hadn''t realized we had been there that long and was just going with the flow.


    The only weird thing was that BOTH brothers were flirting with me HARD. I am talking full blown pedal to the metal flirting. At one point Toni made the joke, "If I didn''t know any better I would think that you both were going after my friend.". She was obviously joking and laughed really hard afterwards. Me and Ash joined her in the laughter as the alcohol was making us super giggly. You would have thought we were at a comedy show the way we kept laughing the whole time.


    "That''s very precipitative of you.", Jacob states with a straight face.


    "This actually makes this a little easier for us.", John added while finishing his tequila shot.


    "What do mean?", I ask slightly sobering up to make sure I was hearing them right.


    "It''s probably something we should discuss in more detail when you are sober. But in short, me and my brother are both interested in you and would love it if you gave us a chance." You know for a minute there I thought I had completely hallucinated what Jacob said because he stated it so matter of fact and with a straight face. But the look on Toni''s and Ash''s face let me know that I was not tripping and I had heard him correctly.


    "Wwwhat do you mean? Like both of you date me at the same time?" I attempt to clarify with an are you crazy look on my face. I turn my head to my left as John aloofly answers my question, "Yes, I know it may seem a little weird for some, but me and my brother tend to share instead of argue when we want the same thing. This includes pretty much everything in life. If it can''t be given in twos we found it easier to just share. Our dating life is no different."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Now don''t get me wrong I had an idea that they weren''t human and I also had an idea of how magic born got down. They were really practical and took work smarter and not harder to the extreme. However, that does not make this declaration from a complete stranger any less shocking. Yea we talked a little bit about ourselves, but just mundane stuff. Where you from? What line of work are you in? How is your visit going? You know things like that, definitely not in detail, and definitely not enough to be considering dating. The high pitch hyaena laughter coming from Ash and Toni brought me out of my stupor.


    "You have got to be shitting me?", Toni squeeze out in between fits of laughter.


    "This is like too perfect.", Ash chimes in while also laughing herself to tears.


    "Stop it!", I scream/whisper to them while leaning over John in order to swat at Toni (the closest). John and Jacob kind of just stay quiet and look between us like, Can we get in on the joke here? I immediately begin to blush and feel sweat pouring from my underarms and forehead.


    "Is there something we should know?", Jacob asks no longer being able to handle the fits of laughter and my embarrassing slight head banging on the table in silence any more.


    "Why don''t you do the honors Tally?", Toni says as she finally somewhat calms down.


    I lift my head to look at the two confused fae ready to confess my embarrassment before Ash could get a chance to beat me to it. "It''s nothin'' to do with you two specifically. It''s just that yesterday we were talking about different types of relationships. And I was going on a rant about it being taboo for women to date multiple men like brother husbands, but the opposite was perfectly fine with society. I then went on to say I wouldn''t mind trying out that type of dynamic.", I rush this out at super sonic speed and surprisingly the two of them caught every word. They both give this Ohhhh kind of look and proceed to burst  into a small fit of laughter as well. I just continue to sit there and take the laughter and embarrassment since I did bring it on myself. Also let''s keep in mind that we are all way passed tipsy and we know alcohol makes everything easier to digest.


    Once everyone calms down, "Well that''s perfect then right?", John ask once the table settles down.


    "I mean, it sounds like they are giving you a golden opportunity to see if this is something you would like.", Toni teased half seriously.


    "I mean it wouldn''t hurt to see.", Ash added in with her support.


    Now I don''t want you to be confused. They were not coercing me to do this against my will. This was their way of letting me know that they supported whatever decision I wanted to make. Jacob being the best mood reader helped alleviate some pressure from me. "How about this, we are in town for the next two months to handle some business and we won''t be working the entire time. So why don''t you get to know us and see if this is even something you would like to entertain? No pressure or guarantees." In all honestly I was definitely down. I just had to play hard to get because you know you can''t make it THAT easy.


    So I took the olive branch without a second thought. "Yeah, let''s do that. We are actually getting ready to leave so how about I exchange numbers with you guys and we can go from there?" I attempt to say this kind of shy and slow. Trying very hard not to show my true intentions.


    "Of course.", both brothers say together. We exchange numbers and proceed to ask for the check. The brothers of course refused to let us look or pick up the tab, and they walk us out to our cab.

 Chapter 4

    You know the only consequence to that amazing thing called brunch and day drinking is it''s homeboy hangover. That man is something mean, and he takes no prisoners with him. The alarm blaring in the background accompanied with a grunt and nudge in my back forces me to take action and kill the noise. I slowly blink and squint trying to figure out where I am and how I got there. Once I could handle the light I look over at clock and realize it was 8am. I have some slight panic at first because I am suppose to be at work, but then I remember that today is a holiday so I was actually good until noon when I had to go pick up my son from my mother''s house. I sit up and place my bare feet on the ground and just breathe with my eyes clothes as I attempt to get my bearing together. With all of my senses heightened with the fresh maji particles that I just breathed in I sense that everyone for the most part in the house is still sleeping. Then I open my eyes and proceed to take one of the dark purple hangover elixars that Ash''s husband most likely left for us.


    You know one of these days we will grow up and realize just because we are responsibility free the next day does NOT mean we should get black out drunk. However if you need to breathe in order to live I wouldn''t suggest holding your breathe to wait for that moment. I go through my mini mental mantra as I start moving around.


    I look down at my girls sprawled out all over the place with various body parts covered and not covered and proceed to the en suite bathroom. I absolutely adore Ash''s home. It''s a 2 story ranch style property sitting on 15 acres of land. With a horse stable and training grounds on the property. This guest room has honestly been deemed our recovery room to make it easier on poor Paul (Ash''s husband), and equipped with everything we needed.


    The California king sized bed with its many plumped pillows and magic infused cotton bedding faces the balcony. Which is actually a glass wall with a door that opens up to a balcony. The glass is enforced with magic making it dang near impossible to break from the outside or see into the room. But, with some intent you can break the glass from the inside as a fire escape, and see outside with no issues while it still filters the sunlight so it isn''t too harsh. There is a setting that allows you to change the amount of sunlight that is allowed in as well. The door headed to the rest of the house is on the left side of the bed with a good amount of walking space in-between along with a nightstand.


    On the right side is the huge walk in closest and en suite bathroom. The walk in closet itself is big enough to hold a queen sized bed. But is filled with everything me, Toni and my son will need clothing and shoes wise. The bathroom though is my favorite. When you walk in you have the his and her sink to your left and farther down you have a professional vanity set up for two along the wall. Then in front of you is the rainfall shower and soaking tub behind a glass in closure. Perfect so that you can take a shower before soaking in the tub without getting the floor wet. On the right side you have  another door which leads to the electric heated toilet with a heated bidet. And yes she is filthy rich, and yes the master area is even more luxurious.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    I take my time washing the grime and bad decisions of yesterday in the shower as I run my bubble bath. Once I''m done I climb into the tub and let myself sink down completely not thinking twice about my hair bonnet getting wet. I use this time to think over the crazy day I had. More specifically, the twins who call themselves interested in me.


    At first when I awoke I thought I had imagined everything, but when I saw the text on my phone this morning checking on me I realized it did in fact happen. I''m so glad this happened while I was drunk. It is no way I would''ve given ''em my number if I was sober. Not because I wasn''t down, but all the doubts and reasons I shouldn''t even attempt that type of relationship would have held me back. I''m complicated that way. Sometimes I care about what others think and sometimes I don''t. And since I''ve already done it I might as well see where this goes right? I think I''ll take a page out of Toni''s book and just see where this takes me. It''s not like I''m marrying the guys or anything. With my mind made up to just let things happen I finally get out of the tub to get dressed and get ready for my day.


    I put on a simple plain forest green sleeveless sundress with some brown open toed sandals, and do a quick spell on my hair in order to dry it and head out. I call for a cab and text the two sleepy heads on my way out so that they won''t act like I snuck out and abandoned them when they finally wake up. It''s about 11am at this point and I really need to leave in order to make to my mom''s house at noon.


    As I ride in silence with the cab driver I use this time to check my email, listen to voicemails, and return any important calls or text that I missed yesterday. Between that and the nap I took that 45 minute drive felt like 10. I thank and pay the driver as I get out and walk up to my mothers home. This neighborhood really have changed since I was little. While it''s still a commoner''s district you can tell that the people here have been able to make a name for themselves. It''s a very cookie cutter neighborhood with one story 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick homes that have chimneys and various styles of patios. With the different types of flowers, lawns and gardens showcasing each home''s unique personality. My mother loves her some sunflowers so she has some lined up around her patio. You would always find various toys from her grand kids playing stranded in the yard.

 Chapter 5

    I make my way through the danger zone of toys without injury and use my spare key to go inside the house. I''m greeted by the sound of a R&B song that was no doubt popular back in her day, and the smell of roasted pig and various spices from the kitchen. I smile warmly to myself as I place my purse and keys on the hook by the door. I make my way through the living room to the back of the house where the kitchen is.


    One thing I can always count on my mama for is a warm home and a full belly if I ever need it. I catch my mother and father dancing to the song completely unaware of their surroundings. They are so cute it''s almost sickening. 30 years of marriage and you would think they were still newlyweds.


    My father, Marcus, holds my mother from behind completely covering her in his tall and bulky frame. My dad has worked in the magic ore mines most of his life and even with his age you could still tell. With his 6''1" height, 233 lbs of pure muscle, strong jawline, big lips and wide nose he was still quit a catch for his age while being bald. My mother laughed while my dad spun her around bringing my attention back to the present. My mother, Sylvia, is wearing a yellow free flowing knitted dress. Flattering her 5''4" curvaceous frame that has a little bit of extra love in some places. In contrast to my father''s dark skin my mother''s chestnut colored skin was glowing. She could brighten up every room with that angelic laugh, but it''s nothing compared to her smile. She always smiled so hard that it caused her eyes to look like they were closed due to her high cheek bones and we couldn''t forget the dimples on full display. My mother hated how itchy hair felt in the summer heat and cut it off years ago.


    "I hope I''m not interrupting anything at the moment.", with a smirk and a knowing look at the startled couple I enjoy knowing I disrupted a little.


    "You know you have an uncanny power of co---ACK! WOMAN WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!", my father whines while rubbing his head.


    "Ignore that grumpy old man baby. Come sit down and tell me about your night." My mother waves me over to the bar seats at the island in the middle of the kitchen. We hear grumbling and whining from a certain grumpy old man but we both choose to ignore it as he dismisses himself and gives us our privacy.


    I am a HUGE daddy''s girl and my dad worships the ground me and my mother walks on. But we both decided a long time ago that its best for him to only know the details that pertain to my safety, health and happiness when it comes to my dating life.


    "First thing first, where is that child of mine?", I ask as I get comfortable in my seat.


    "He spent the night at your brother''s house and they should be here in a little bit.", she states while placing a plate of eggs, roasted pig, assorted fruit, and pancakes in front of me.


    Mmm I hum to myself with my eyes closed in bliss while I begin eating. I even do a little butt wiggle in my seat. Completely forgetting about the play by play I was suppose to be giving her. My mother just smiles and slightly shakes her head with a chuckle as she sits next to me placing a mimosa in front of each of us. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "Did you and dad already eat?", I ask while I come out of my own world slightly and notice she doesn''t have a plate.


    "Yes. We got up earlier than usual and I had made our portion then. I didn''t want you and the others food to get cold so I just finished this up now." See this is why I love this woman. Not only is she a bad ass witch, but a bomb ass mother and wife.


    "So go ahead and tell me about your night", she prods not letting me off the hook that easily. I chuckle and place my fork down and face her, "You will not believe the day I had...". As I tell her everything her face changes with the anticipation of each new development.


    "You have got to be kidding me!", she exclaims while fanning herself and giving the biggest smile ever.


    "I am not.", I say with a straight pointed look towards her so she understands nothing but facts was given in this tale.


    "Ok then. So what are you going to do? You know me and your dad supports whatever decision you make. I just want you to be sure this is something you really want, and decide how serious you could potentially make this. Because from my understanding magic born tend to treat relationships on a whole other level then us humans. They don''t really date. They just either have sex or get married. That''s it. They don''t really have a grey area. It almost sounds like they offered that "taking it slow" option to you so not to scare you off completely.", she warns me.


    "I know mama.", I sigh out.


    But if I''m being honest with myself, I don''t really have any hesitations about this. I can''t really put it into words, but I don''t really have an urge to fight this development. "As long as it doesn''t end up being an issue for Devion I want to see how this goes.", I tell here sincerely.


    My mom gets up and places her hand over my heart. I feel a warm and tingly sensation surround and envelop it. I can tell she is placing a spell on me before she even says this, "With all that being said just be careful baby. I''ll teach you some defense spells that work on higher ranking magic born and cast some protective spells on you and Dev just to be safe. I don''t think those two will be an issue, but if they are thinking on the lines I think they are it maybe some others that will have an issue with your relationship. Did they tell you what kind of magic born they were?"


    I wait for her to finish and sit back down before answering, "No. I didn''t really push the issue. You taught me it was rude to do that.".


    "That''s my girl!", she says while patting my head.


    "Either way I don''t want to get ahead of myself. So let''s just see how everything plays out.", ready to talk about something else I quickly change the subject. "Did Thomas say when they would be here?" My mother looks at the clock above the sink in front of us before answering, "Yea their cab should be here in a little bit."


    Me and my mama continue to talk about random happenings in our lives. Me complaining about work and dating, and her bragging about retired and happily married life. Ok maybe she wasn''t bragging, but as an envious single person it sure did sound like it. And how could you blame me? My parents were like the perfect example of a turbulent love turned happily ever after.


    They meet while my mom was working in this special magic task force. She has always been a free spirit and being in a elite military force never changed that. She had a habit of "running away" when she got bored and needed a change of scenery. As a commoner in the military you would think they kept a better leash on her. WRONG! Because in the words of my mother, Who gone check me boo? And she could say that. My mom is a bonified savior of human kind, and has always been super smart and remarkably strong. There are even rumors of her being a demihuman, but who really knows? She nor my nana have ever confirmed or denied these rumors.

 Chapter 6

    Back to the story of how they meet. One particular outing my mom had visited this small town on the outskirts of the mining area. She wasn''t that well known at the time so lucky for her she was able to roam around as she pleased. The only thing she did was call herself Sam instead of her real name Sylvia. Not very creative in my opinion, but hey who am I to judge? As she was walking into town she got a little nervous. She could sense a strong killing intent, but no one was freaking out and she didn''t want to make whatever it was aware that it had been sensed. My mom knew her senses were on another level, and wasn''t surprised others didn''t recognize the ominous presence. It just meant whatever it was could mask its aura.


    She walked around town for a little bit and noticed a strange hooded figure in the middle of the town square. People were just walking around this person without reacting expect for the occasional shiver from those with stronger senses. How am I going to play this?, she thought. I don''t want to just jump in there. If it is only here for one person it would be easier to deal with. I guess I will wait and see what it intends to do. My mother had already concealed herself so she wasn''t worried about being sensed. Only General ranked magic born and higher could sense her presence and no human that she knew of. So if she was noticed then it wouldn''t matter about playing it by ear this town was doomed either way. It''s not that she didn''t think she could beat it. It''s just beating it with no casualties and minimum damage was not going to happen.


    My mother had sat herself at a caf¨¦ in front of the square and continued going about her day while keeping an eye on the figure so that she wouldn''t raise any suspension. It''s a good thing I decided to wear some old clothes today. I would have hated to mess up my favorite pair of jeans. She mused while enjoying her piece of cake that was brought out. I wonder how long its going to take it to make a move. I really don''t want to hear CPT Housing bitching from me being gone too long, she thought while eating her cake. I guess the God''s wanted to give her a break because the figure began to move and follow what looked to be a father and son pair that had just walked by. Ugh does someone hate me up there! I had just got this cake!, she screams in her head at the injustice of the God''s and gets up to follow the trio at a safe pace.


    Just to give you all some context, my mother was never a "hero". She believed everyone had their own sense of what was just and unjust, and it wasn''t her place to push her ideals on others. This was honestly just an excuse she gave herself so she wouldn''t feel guilty for being lazy. If it didn''t effect her or her family she didn''t honestly care what happened. They lived in a world where there was someone stronger than you at every corner, and she wasn''t in the habit of dyeing for strangers. That''s why if you think about it, her actions were completely out of character once she realized the ominous figure was only going after two unexpected patrons. But, fate had a way of making us play in their hands regardless of what we would normally do. Like I said earlier the God''s really did favor my mother and she needed to save those two in order to have the happy future she deserved.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    The father and son kept walking through the small town speaking to random people that they knew as they passed. My mom couldn''t really make them out that well, and didn''t want to alert the figure to her presence while using magic in order to see what they looked like. Let''s not make more problems for ourselves than we need. If my mom could have afforded to be distracted she would''ve noticed the small town charm of the place. The roads were really dirt paths that had various people and magic born walking on it while magic carriages and regular carriages pulled by various animals and monsters clobbered along. The wood or brick buildings were very close and some even connected to each other with various alleys and side streets between them that had some shady dealings happening.


    Eventually they make it out of the center square. The scenery changing into a more country setting with various cottages and farmlands being seen instead of the commercial like buildings. The farther and son go into a makeshift shack of a home that was on a plot of land. There had to be a 100 of these homes that lead up a hill to a gate. I guess that is were the main house is. The hooded figure had stopped in front of the house the two went into and began chanting lowly with its gloved hands facing the home. I guess if I''m going to do anything now would be the time to move, my mother thought as she made her way to the hooded figure. She watched him for a little bit to see what kind of spell he was casting and dispelled it half way through. One of my mother''s specialties is cast reading. She can actually read the formulas and equations that make up spells and dispel, rewrite, or manipulate them.


    The hooded figure confused and angry turned around frantically to see who dared messed with its plans.


    "You know its not nice to set people alive on fire. You could''ave been nice enough to kill em first", my mother says as the figure faced her.


    "How long have you been following me", the figure ask in a high pitch tone ignoring her advice.


    "All day actually. This was not how I was planning on spending my outing by the way.", she says with sass and an eye roll.


    "You should have just minded your business", the figure shrills as it sends what looks like arrows made out of air flying towards my mother. The attack is easily blocked by the force field she has surrounding her at all times. My mother just stands there with a bored look on her face. Not really in the mood to keep this going any longer than necessary my mother sends her own attack.


    In an instant the hooded figure is covered in chains that shot up from the ground and held in place as steel arrows rain down on the figure from all sides above it. My mother misses any critical points so not to kill the figure immediately. She needed answers so that her saving this duo wouldn''t go to waste later.


    "Who sent you?", my mother ask the figure that is only able to stay up due to the chains.


    "Whooo are you", the figure rasps out instead of answering my mother''s question.


    "Listen my patience is nonexistent at this point. If I were you I would answer my questions. If you choose not to I will give you the same mercy you were going to give this family.", my mother warns as she smiles sweetly while walking up to the figure lifting it''s head making the hood fall back. Blazing blue eyes in the face of what can be called a porcelain doll stares back at her. The woman''s blonde hair is placed in a tight bun to the back of her head. My mother holds in her shock as she realizes she knew this woman.

 Chapter 7

    Well look at what we have here, my mother thought to herself. Who would have known work would have followed her like this.


    The human shish kabob in front of her was one of the assassins in a terrorist group that her team had just been assigned to annihilate. At least asshole Housing won''t be able to yell at me now. My mom goes through this mantra while holding the assassin''s head and laughing like a diabolical maniac. I am pretty sure that woman pissed herself out of fear or I would have if it was me. (Cue Shudder)


    "It''s your lucky day. You get to live", my mother says to the girl out of nowhere.


    Just as my mother was releasing the arrow spell and closing the holes on the lady''s body a little brown boy comes running out of the front door of the house. "Are you oka maim?", the he ask as he runs to my mother. She looks up from girl after putting a gag spell on her at the little boy a little surprised.


    "You can see us?", my mother ask instead. The little boy shouldn''t'' have been able to see her let alone get this close. My mother had cast a barrier around the fighting space and a time stopping spell outside the barrier to keep civilians from getting involved. She kept an internal clock of all timelines of her spells and she knew she had at least 15 minutes left for the spell. This meant the little boy was strong enough to resist her time spell, and had the ability to dispel her barrier. A feat that not many could accomplish.


    "Yes maim, I watched from the window. I was a little scared when my dad stopped moving and was about to run outside for help and I noticed the mean woman attack you.", the little boy explains.


    "My dad told me not to tell anyone, but I''m a witch like you.", the boy proudly claims while puffing out his non existent chest.


    My mother giggles a little at the handsome little boy. He has to be around 5 years old with deep brown skin a mini afro of tightly coiled hair. He is wearing a white cotton shirt and khaki linen pants that have seen better days. He shows slight signs of malnutrition, but not surprising as he is living in indentured worker quarters.


    "Your dad must be a very smart man that loves you. How about you make a promise with me that you will follow your dad''s advice and not tell anyone else unless me or your him tells you it''s ok?", my mom told me she felt a little bad for this at the time. She had imbedded her words with maji particles so this "promise" was more or less a contract/curse that would force the child to abide if he said agreed. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Yes maim!", the little boy eagerly agrees without thinking twice about it. I see why his dad didn''t want him to tell anyone. Poor baby would''ve been taken advantage of. He is a little too agreeable, my mom thought.


    "That''s a good boy!", my mother says while patting his head, "Now I have to go and take this bad women and see why she was after you and your dad. But I''ll be back this time tomorrow to talk to you and your dad. In the meantime I will put a protection spell on you, your father and your home so that no other bad people can hurt you until then. Can you do me a favor and explain to your daddy what happened when he moves again?" The little boy looked up at my mom like she was an angel and shook his head with enthusiasm.


    "Do you have a mom or any siblings that I should know about?", my mom asked off handed. "No it''s just me and my dad. My mom died while giving birth to me.", the little boy says with a slight frown. Not knowing what to do my mom just patted the little boy''s head sadly.


    Before heading to home base my mom went into the boy''s home and put a protective spell on the kid''s dad. She described him as the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on, and said the moment she laid eyes on him she knew she wanted this man and little boy to be in her future. My mom always had a tendency to be impulsive when it came to matters of attraction and dating. She was either overly into someone or couldn''t care. Her lack of grey either usually caused for lots of heartbreak and problems, but luckily this time she would get exactly what she wanted.


    Fast forward and the little boy and man was my dad and brother Thomas. My mom catching that woman ended up cracking open a huge case. Apparently that group was preparing to start a war for a demon king in the region that had it''s eyes on the United States as it''s new stomping ground. My mother and her team would go on to not only destroy the organization, but my mom would be the one to kill the demon king. This would later on be referred to as the birth of a hero in future records.


    My mom would then go on to save humanity from many calamities. Not because she wanted to be a hero, but because she had a family to protect and everyone just benefitted. Eventually the king tried to bestow my mom with a title, but she turned him down every time. At first because she wouldn''t have been able to marry my dad since he was a commoner. Then because she didn''t want to deal with the politics of being a noble or put that unnecessary burden on her children.


    My mother and father got married 3 years after their meeting and had me 4 years into their marriage once my mom finally beat the demon king and was on break. My father still worked in the mine until he retired and my mom would continue to work in the elite force up until I was 16. Then she decided to retire and just focus on raising her children and taking care of her husband. They had more money than they knew what to do with and with them living as modest commoners they had the freedom to do whatever that wanted to do. And they wanted to raise and spoil their amazing children and eventually spoil their grandchildren later on down the line.

 Chapter 8

    You can make all the plans you want for your life and fate will take a look at your schedule and rip it up while laughing in your face. Like seriously I have been very intentional with living my life. I was VERY specific with the choices I made in order to live the best life for me and my son. And no where in those plans did it include becoming the daughter in law to the Fae God himself. But I am getting ahead of myself here. Let''s go back to 2 weeks after  the initially meeting the twins:


    Due to our schedules it took about two weeks for me and the twins to have our official first date. I was a nervous wreck the entire day. It had been so long since I went out with someone I was really into and I had no idea how this night would go. We had talked everyday after exchanging information, but you know how people can be one way over the phone and another in person. I didn''t believe the twins would act like this deep down, but my uncanny ability to bring out the worst in others always kept me on edge. But regardless of my past, I promised myself I wouldn''t back out and I would give this opportunity an honest try.


    They wouldn''t tell me where we were going, but they did send over what they wanted me to wear. A form fitting heart shaped strapless black dress that had a deep v cut that went to the top of my butt and was snug to every curve of my body. The dress came with built in cups in the front making the girls sit up high front and center. The deep red open toed stilettoes went perfectly with the ruby and diamond jewelry set they sent. I was able to put on the diamond studded tennis bracelet and ruby and diamond tear drop earrings with ease. I guess I will have to wait for either my mom or the twins to get here to put on the necklace, I thought as put the last finish touches on my hair and make up. I went with a smoky eye and deep red lip for the night and left my hair in its natural curly state pulled into a curly ponytail at the top of my head. Leaving my face and neck clear for a more sensual look.


    Grabbing the necklace and black designer clutch they sent as well I went to make sure everything was ready for Devion and my parent''s. Mom and dad was nice enough to come over and keep an eye on Devion so that someone would be at the house when the twins came and when they dropped me off.


    Making sure I had everything I needed I closed the door to my room and walked down the hall to my son''s room. "Hey love are you ok in here?", I ask while knocking on the door.


    "Ya, ma. Come in.", came my son''s muffled curt reply. I open the door to find him laying across his bed with his tablet watching a movie. I smile a little to myself as I take a look around his airplane themed room that had random pieces of clothes and toys on various places of the floor. I did really good with making this one, I brag to myself a little as I take in my babies features. My son''s skin tone was a few shades lighter than mine with curly black hair similiar to Stasha''s curl pattern. At 8 years old he was barely hitting 4ft and 60lbs with a lanky frame. He had a round face with chubby cheeks and light brown almond shaped eyes that seemed a little bit further apart due to not having a prominent nose bridge. You could see some signs of his father with his round ears that he still needed to grow into and his small plump lips that looked to be stuck in a small pout.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Taking a look at his sleeveless white shirt and black loose fitting boxers that he was wearing. I ask, "Are you wearing that to bed?", as I fully walk into the room taking a seat next to him on his bed.


    Without looking up from his show he replies with little interest, "Ya.".


    "Well your mimi and papaw will be here in a little bit.", I say not missing a beat, "You know the rules so no trying to get over on mimi this time ok? You can keep the tablet, but bed time is at 10pm ok?", I give the run down making him look up to me to make sure he heard me. "I''m not playing sir.", I add with a stern look so that he knows I am being serious.


    "Fine mama.", he says with annoyance in his voice.


    "That''s my baby.", I say as I ruffle his curls and kiss the top of his head. He immediately starts whining and trying to dodge my hand. He really hated for people to touch his hair.


    Another thing I should mention about my son is that he has Down Syndrome. So on the outside looking in this could seem like a disrespectful brat being coddled, but in reality this was a huge interaction improvement for my son.


    He has came a long way in his speech and understanding in general. Being born with Down Syndrome Devion wasn''t afforded the same easy start to life I was at his age. Between the surgeries, health issues, many doctor and therapy visits, learning delays, and biases he was one of the strongest people I knew. He was considered non-verbal up until he was 6 when he really started putting sentences together. During that time we used a lot of telepathy to communicate with him. This was an obvious easy first go to since everyone in our family had some kind of magic capacity. However, we soon realized that it wasn''t a feasible solution for the rest of the world, and began focusing more on speaking, sign language, and magical tools that could assist with his communication.


    Dev had a habit of being very literal and honest with his speech and reactions. He didn''t really have the best room reading cues. His initial reactions were always his honest feelings. He didn''t do things with a malicious intent and didn''t really understand that there were some people who were malicious. Or the concept of betrayal and using others for your own personal gain. So me and my family worked really hard with helping him understand these things. Sometimes it can be very difficult to find that balance of  teaching him the ways of the world without corrupting his overall perception. We wanted to give him the space to be himself, and also teach empathy and understanding of others. Currently Communication wise the biggest obstacle has been tone. Especially if he has no interest in the person or conversation. He can definitely come across as an asshole, but hey Rome wasn''t built in a day and I am sure as time goes on he will find the balance that best works from him.


    I stop my mini harassments when I hear a ding signaling that someone had just crossed the barrier placed around my house. I get off of his bed leaving him to his vices and head to the door. I had used my magic sense to tell that it was my parent''s as soon as I heard the ding so I just opened the door before they had a chance to use the spare key.

 Chapter 9

    "OH MY GOD!!", my mother shrieks while cuing for me to do a little spin. She continues hyping me up, "You look so beautiful baby! You killin'' that dress!"


    "You look gorgeous baby", my father says more calmly as he shuts the door and give me a tight hug with a kiss on my cheek.


    I thank them as we walk deeper into the living room and have a seat on the couch. "Oh before I forget. Daddy can you put this necklace on for me?", I ask as I hop up and grab the necklace off the dining room table. I face my back to my dad as he places the silver chain with a single ruby hanging from it on my neck.


    "Oh yes baby that brings everything in perfectly!", my mother continues complementing me. We have some light conversation as we wait for the twins to get here. My father was in the back with my son doing whatever grandsons and papas do when the barrier alerts me of someone coming. I get up and go to the door checking my reflection in the mirror on the wall right by the door. I take a deep breathe to calm myself down and open the door.


    My heart was not ready for the sight before me. "Lord please don''t ever let me wake up from this dream.", I blurt out without thinking. I didn''t even have enough braincells to be embarrassed for the forwardness.


    Jacob was wearing an all black suit that was tailored to perfection on him with a black shirt underneath with the first two buttons undone and black dress shoes. His hair was down and disheveled like he couldn''t keep his hands out of it. Add the dark bedroom eyes and the lord has prepared a beautiful death for me. I am then revived by Johnathon in what has to be a custom made black suit as well but with a deep red shirt that matched my heels. Looking like every bit of a handsome devil with his signature fade and man bun. You know what forget this date I''m going to send my son over to my parent''s house and spend all night memorizing every inch of their skin.


    The light hearted chuckle from one of God''s greatest creations broke me out of my stupor. I awkwardly cleared my throat and checked for drool. "My apologies. Would you like to come in?", I ask once I came to my senses. "Of course", John answers with a knowing smirk.


    "You look amazing by the way.", he adds as he walks in giving me a hug and kiss on the cheek.


    Jacob agrees as he follows suit. The twins follow me to the living room where my parents are sitting looking around like they just got caught doing something they weren''t suppose to be doing. Knowing them they were spying on us during that little exchange.


    Choosing to ignore my parent''s actions I begin introductions, "Mom and dad this is Jacob and Johnathon. Johnathon and Jacob these are my parents Silvia and Marcus Hathaway.". John and Jacob take turns shaking their hands and a little small talk proceeds. Of course my dad does not let them off the hook so easily, "So Jacob and Johnathon do you have a surname?"This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "Yes sir. We are Jacob and Johnathon Joka.", Jacob answers without skipping a beat.


    "Joka? Why does that name sound familiar?", my mother asks my dad as she looks up to him.


    "Wait, y''all wouldn''t be those Joka''s would you?", my dad ask with a suspicious look at the two.


    Johnathon chose to answer him, "Yes, sir. We are the Joka Corporation heirs. Well the sons at least." I could''ve swore I heard a little nervousness in his voice when he answered.


    I dismiss it as a trick of the mind, because it''s no way that the heirs to the most powerful family in this world would be nervous over the opinion of mere commoners. The room instantly grew tense and dense with intimidation aura once he confirms. The atmosphere is so thick that it causes me to stumble backwards a little bit almost falling over. I didn''t think anyone noticed due to the intense stare off going on between them and my parents, but Jacob caught me around my waist before I could even begin to fall. This slip up seems to bring everyone back to reality as they all begin fussing over me and my clumsiness.


    I take the opportunity of the mood change to end things so that we can head out. "Don''t forget we are a phone call away.", my mom says with some slight urgency in her voice.


    I attempt to calm her nerves and reassure her with the motto she engraved into me and my brother for years, "I know mama. No unnecessary risk."


    My parents reluctantly lets us leave after that exchange. I grab my clutch on the way out the door and follow the twins to their car. An older gentlemen with tan weathered skin and a soft smile wearing a black suit and white shirt opens the back door to the car. John extended his hand out towards the opened door, "After you my lady." I smile politely as I take his extended hand and get in the back seat. Eventually I end up sandwiched between the two.


    Both brothers seem to be distracted. I know this has something to do with what happened at my place. However, I look too good and took too much time prepping and stressing over this date to let it be ruined now. While I am curious to see what had my mother so shook up I know its not something I have to push. My mother was never known to hold her tongue for anyone and if I was in any danger she wouldn''t have let me leave the house. I guess it''s going to be up to me to save this date while I can, just thinking about it causes me to sigh deeply.


    I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "You know I was so nervous earlier.", I start off slowly catching their attention and making them look at me. "I have really enjoyed getting to know you both these last couple of weeks. So I wanted this night to go really well. I''m not to sure what happened back there. From my parent''s reaction I am guessing it''s something that we will eventually have to talk about. But for now I hope we can put this aside and enjoy the rest of our evening.", I finish with a reassuring smile and a soft knee squeeze to a knee on each side of me.


    John breaks the silence first, "You''re right love.", he agrees with a warm and reassuring smile.


    Jacob lets out a long breathe before finally giving in, "I was really worried the mood had been killed. I''m glad that you are willing to look past this. I think you will really like what we have planned and I didn''t want this to ruin it for you."


    My heart skips a beat and the butterflies in my stomach start to act up. "Thank you I look forward to see this surprise you guys worked so hard on.", I say with all sincerity. After that we were able to enjoy the rest of the ride to our destination talking about all kinds of randomness.