Charity Moon

by Deanna Kinney

Chapter Nine

  Monday morning I stepped out into a beautiful, cloudless day, filling my lungs with the crisp air and humming the tune “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood”. “Hey, baby, did you miss me?” I asked my little, red Civic as I patted her on the hood. She didn’t answer. I got in and drove with renewed excitement to school, no longer dreading it. No, I didn’t dread it at all. I was counting the minutes.

  Levi was waiting for me in the parking lot. My breath caught the moment I spotted him leaning against his blue Mustang. Taking in the full sight of him, his wavy, brown hair blowing in the slight breeze; his dark jeans, white t-shirt and cool shades brought the word ‘eye candy’ immediately to mind. If he were really eye candy he’d be a Godiva chocolate truffle, drizzled in caramel, with whipped cream, topped with a green M&M. Then multiply that times ten.

  His face beamed when I approached. And, to be honest, I’m sure mine did as well.

  He walked me silently to my first class, and I almost thought he was going to hold my hand, but I was disappointed that he never did.

  Later, I couldn’t slow my feet as I walked with eager speed down the hallway heading toward the cafeteria. As I rounded the corner I overheard Bunny, one of the meanest girls in school, bullying a small girl named Missy. She and her friends had Missy backed against the lockers, taunting her. Missy’s a sweet, quiet girl with straight, dark blonde hair and glasses. I was about to walk right past until Missy began to cry. That did it! I was angry! No one’s ever had the gall to stand up against Bunny, but I was ready for the challenge. Actually, I felt giddy at the idea. I stepped in between them and pointed my finger in Bunny’s face. “Don’t be stupid! A person who bullies is spitting in the face of God, since He made us all to be different. I wouldn’t want to spit in God’s face if I were you.”

  “Oh yeah, and what’s He gonna do to me?” she challenged, cocking her head at me and smirking.

  “Well, He sent me, so let’s find out. You know what really ticks me off? Is that bullying means that you think you’re better than someone else, but that big, nasty zit on your nose says otherwise. How ‘bout I get that for you.”

  I raised my fist, as though to hit her, when she stepped backwards, her mouth agape in disbelief, then, squaring her jaw, said, “As much as I’d like to continue this, I have to get to class.” She swung her hair and walked away, her chin tilted high.

  I couldn’t help catching sight of her feet shuffling faster than normal. I laughed, turning to face Missy.

  “Wow, thanks,” she said, wide-eyed.

  “No problem. Notice how her friends left her high and dry once I confronted her? That’s a bully for ya. I’m sure they’ll get a tongue-lashing for that one. If she messes with you again just let me know. Hey, why don’t you sit with us in lunch today?”

  “Really?” she asked in disbelief.

  “Sure. Come on. Ashley will love it.”

  I took her hand in mine and towed her with me. Her hand was small and delicate in mine, and I instantly felt satisfied in my sudden decision to help her. She seemed so helpless and fragile. I felt needed for the first time in a while, and it felt good.

  When we reached our table everyone was already seated. “Hey guys, you remember Missy.”

  “Why is she sitting here?” Delaney asked, her perfectly tweezed eyebrows knitting together in annoyance.

  “She’ll be sitting with us from now on, and if you don’t like it you can go sit somewhere else.”

  “No that’s fine. It’s nice to have you join us, Missy.”

  That’s more like it.

  When I turned to Missy she was beaming. It didn’t take long for Ashley to latch onto her, and soon they were good friends, swapping lip-gloss and browsing each other’s iPods.

  I glanced across the room to see Levi taking his seat. From that moment on, there was no escaping his gaze. I could feel it on me with every breath I took, and I wasn’t the only one who noticed.

  “So, Charity,” Delaney said, “what did you do to Levi? He’s practically salivating all over himself over there.”

  I laughed. “Well, it’s interesting you should ask. We’ve been meeting in secret and well—no, I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you what we’ve been doing. I promised. But let’s just say salivating has become the norm for him these days.” I smirked.

  I heard Levi’s booming laughter from across the room and instantly wondered if he’d somehow heard me.

  “That’s funny, Charity, real funny.”

  “Thanks.”

  And that was the last I heard of that.

  In Art class, Levi’s hand ever so gently brushed against mine when he was reaching for his pencil that had skidded across my desk. When his eyes met mine, sending heat spreading through my core, I knew it was no accident. His eyes blazed with intensity, and I met his gaze head on, unable to look away. I wasn’t quite sure what was happening. After so long of busting each other’s chops, giving in to this sweetness was a new sensation for me, but it was one I intended to explore more fully.

  Everyday Levi made a point of walking me to my classes, as if it were routine. I didn’t argue, but I was rattled with emotion as we walked silently down each crowded hallway.

  Something unspoken was happening between us, something too amazing to describe. I was falling hard. Then, instantly the knowledge was there, hitting me in the face, I’ve been falling from the beginning, but was too stubborn to admit it. Only now I wasn’t just falling, I was catapulting, headed straight for happiness or heartbreak, but one was coming and coming fast.

  In the week since I learned his secret, Levi was no longer a mystery guy. He seemed more comfortable and real. Real about who he was and how he felt about me. He didn’t say it, but if his eyes were a neon sign, it’d be flashing, “I love you”.

  As each day passed, his warmth was melting away the last of my hard-core shell, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. I was suddenly walking in uncharted territory, and I have to confess it was a little scary.

  On Friday he was walking me silently to my car, just like every day that week, but I couldn’t help noticing he looked a little sad, his head down and hands clasped.

  “Levi, is everything all right? You seem distracted by something.”

  “It’s just a situation my parents and I are trying to come to an agreement about. It’s nothing. Actually, I was wondering if you’d spend the day with me tomorrow? You and Ashley could come and have breakfast with us, then we could hang out for the rest of the day.” He had his hand in his pocket, jiggling his keys nervously.

  “That’d be great.”

  “I’ll pick you up at seven?”

  “Seven’s good, but what about Ashley?”

  “I’ll drop Josh at her house, and he’ll drive her in her car. Sound good?”

  “Sounds great. I’ll see you then.” We stared at each other for a long moment before his eyes reluctantly broke free. He turned and headed to his car, stealing one last glance at me over his shoulder.

  I have to admit it was nice seeing everyone again, and breakfast was, of course, wonderful. I enjoyed spending time with Levi’s parents, and seeing a couple so in love was refreshing. They frequently involved me in their conversations, making sure I felt welcome and included.

  I looked around and observed how happy everyone seemed to be. Women were passing, humming tunes. Children were laughing, and some of the guys were taking jabs at each other, all in play of course. I felt at peace for the first time in so very long. And as crazy as it might sound, I got a glimpse into what a normal, happy family looks like, okay maybe not normal by human standards, but normal to them, and I found myself longing to be part of it.

  It felt like deja vu when Levi took my hand and asked me to take a walk with him. I eagerly agreed. Ashley was so absorbed in Josh she didn’t even notice us exiting the room.

  “You enjoy walks, huh?”

  “Well, with everyone’s exceptional hearing around here, it’s the only way to get some real priva
cy.”

  I noticed he seemed to be getting nervous, so I took his hand and held it tightly while we walked. It was amazing how thrilling such a simple gesture felt. His hand was engulfing mine in a way that felt like they were made for each other.

  Before long, we came to a break in the trees and there, in the middle of the forest, was a huge lake. “Wow, it’s beautiful. I didn’t know this was here.”

  “Most people around here don’t. This part of the forest is privately owned, so trespassers aren’t allowed here. This lake occupies space between both the east and west territory.”

  “So who owns it?”

  “Right now? I guess that would be me.”

  “How convenient. So, do you own the lake too? You could call it Drake Lake.” I smirked.

  “Funny, Charity. Actually, I do own this part of the lake since it’s on my property, but Wesley owns the other half. We’ve never named it though.”

  “Until now, you mean.”

  He laughed softly. “Yes, until now.”

  “So Wesley could be standing beside this lake right now too?”

  “Yes. If you swam straight that way, eventually you would cross into his territory, or boundary, as we call it.”

  “So this lake would be a good way to sneak up on each other if one of you were to invade the other, huh?”

  “Sure, but we usually have someone looking out. Werewolves don’t normally invade without just cause, and even then it’s rare. But there are others who might invade without warning.”

  “I’m not sure I want to know. Do you have someone looking out now?”

  “Yes, but you can’t see them. They’re called watchers.”

  “Good.” I breathed a sigh of relief.

  “I told you I wouldn’t let anything happen to you, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, because you feel guilty, I remember.”

  “No, Charity, that’s not it.” He huffed in frustration, running his hand through his hair. “I wish I could explain it to you, but I’m not sure I know how, or even if I should.”

  “Please try.” I took his hand and pulled him down to sit with me in the grass.

  He hesitated a moment before beginning. “Well, I told you that I became alpha when I turned eighteen, but what I didn’t tell you is that one of my first duties as alpha, aside from choosing my elite, is to choose a bride and start a family in order to keep the alpha line growing. Because I don’t have any brothers, if I die before having a son, our pack as we know it, will die.”

  I wasn’t sure how I felt about what he was saying. Did that mean I had to say goodbye to him? Were we over before we even started? Or worse, did that mean he would be with someone else? Just the idea made me feel nauseous.

  “It’s against the rules for the alpha to pick a human bride, and yet I can’t bring myself to pick anyone in the pack. There aren’t any girls my age in our pack anyway. They’re either too young or too old. I would have to pick someone in another pack, and despite the pressure I’m getting, I just can’t seem to bring myself to do it. The truth is, I have my eye on a girl outside of the pack—a human girl, but it’s impossible. Even if it weren’t against the rules, she’s made it clear, more than once, that she loathes me.” He was playing with a blade of grass, when suddenly his piercing eyes flickered to mine and flamed with intensity.

  “Then she’s a fool—and a liar,” I responded, meeting his gaze with the same intensity. The words just spilled out of me before I even realized it.

  “Charity, what are you saying? He asked with hopeful anticipation, jerking up a blade of grass and tossing it absent-mindedly aside.

  “I’m saying that any woman, human or pack, would be lucky to have you.” There they go again, spilling out against my will.

  “Charity, do you mean it?” he asked, coming up on his knees.

  “Absolutely.” And again.

  He took my hand in his. “Would you consider yourself lucky to have me?”

  “Undoubtedly.” Shut up, Charity!

  He smiled widely then swallowed hard. “Then can I ask you—will you be my bride?” His expression was eager and hopeful and yet also cautious somehow.

  Oh boy, see what I get. I stood and began pacing as I collected my thoughts. I kept thinking—was this really happening? Could I do this? I turned to face him. “Well, that’s a big decision for me to make, Levi. I mean I’m still trying to come to grips with all of this, this—stuff. And let’s be honest, the idea of my children turning into dogs is a little unnerving, wouldn’t you say? Okay, maybe you wouldn’t. Having said that, however—I think I could consider it, if the man asking me was truly and deeply in love with me.”

  In a flash he was by my side. “Charity—I am truly and deeply, in the most painful way imaginable, in love with you. I fell in love with you the moment your crystal blue eyes met mine in our Calculus class on that first day. And I’ve been tormented ever since. I’m tired of doing things the way everyone else expects me to do it. For once, I want to make a decision based upon what I want. And if you love me too I’d do anything to make you my bride. I’ll go against the pack if I have to.”

  Then it hit me. “Levi, is this the situation you and your parents were disagreeing about?”

  “Yes. They want me to be happy, but they don’t understand.”

  “I can’t let you make a choice between me and your pack.”

  He put both hands firmly on my shoulders, peering down at me. “There is no choice. Once I saw you there could never be another choice for me, no matter how hard I try to fight it, and I’m tired of fighting it. Aren’t you tired of fighting, Charity?”

  I paused and turned away from him for a moment. Could I let myself go, forsaking control and giving in to the love I was feeling? Could I risk trusting again? Then I felt it—my resolve broke. I smiled widely as I turned back to face him. “Yes I am. I’m tired of fighting. I must be a total idiot.” I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him passionately, catching him by surprise. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me tightly against him as his lips moved eagerly against mine. His embrace felt so good I made myself ignore the pain throbbing through my ribcage.

  He pulled back to look at me. “Is that a yes?”

  “That’s definitely a yes.”

  He picked me up and spun me around. “You’ve made me a very happy man Charity Bell.” His laugh was full of such felicity.

  “Ouch, ouch!”

  “Oh, sorry. I forgot you were hurt. Are you okay?” He put me down gently onto my feet.

  “I’m great, actually. But, what about your law?”

  “Don’t worry. You leave that to me.”

  “Okay, no need to twist my arm on that subject. So, if we get married in two years or so, that gives me time to get adjusted to this lifestyle of yours, time for us to graduate and for me to enroll in nursing classes at Windrake Community College. I’ll also have plenty of time to plan a beautiful—”

  “Um, Charity,” Levi interrupted, “we can’t get married in two years.”

  “Oh—okay, three years then.”

  “No, I mean, we have to get married right away. The pack is already putting pressure on me. I have to fulfill this obligation immediately.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I was an obligation.”

  “Please, Charity, you know what I mean. I don’t have a choice.”

  “Well, I do! I can’t get married to you while I’m still in high school! My mom would kill me! I’m only eighteen for cryin’ out loud!” I felt my anxiety level building.

  “Do you even understand the seriousness of my predicament? This is life or death for my pack!”

  “That’s your problem, not mine! You’re the alpha!”

  “Charity, you don’t really mean that!”

  “No! Of course I don’t! And why are you yelling at me?!”

  “Why are you yelling at me?! And it’s not just my problem anyway! It’s too dangerous for you to be left unmarked! Wesley still wants you, and if he were
to get hold of you—”

  “I thought you said you could protect me from Wesley!” I attacked in exasperation.

  “I can, but not for long! He’s very clever! He’ll find a way to get to you!”

  “Either you can or you can’t, which is it?!” And stop yelling at me!”

  “You stop yelling at me! I can protect you, but—”

  “No you can’t! What if he finds me?! What if he forces himself on me?! I won’t live like that, Levi! I’ll kill myself first!”

  “Stop, Charity!” His hands began to shake.

  “No! I mean it!”