Charity Moon

by Deanna Kinney

  “I wouldn’t let you leave if you tried.” With the covers pulled over us, I snuggled up close to him and laid my head on his bare chest, the sound of his heartbeat humming me into a deep, dreamless sleep.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  I was alone when I woke the next morning. I got up, stretched, and realized I ached all over. Even my eyelashes were throbbing, but I would die of agony before I complained out loud. Levi was looking for any excuse to bypass my wishes and heal me anyway.

  I opened my door and peeped down the hall. The coast was clear so I snuck across the hall to Levi’s room. I reached for the doorknob, squealing in surprise as Irena appeared beside me.

  “He’s not there, dear,” she said in a sweet voice.

  “Geez! How do you guys do that? You scared the sweet snot out of me!”

  “I’m sorry, dear, but I’ve been watching the hall all morning, making sure you two don’t sneak to see each other. You’re not supposed to see each other on the day of the wedding, you know. Levi left out of your room early this morning to shower. He tried to sneak back in, twice as a matter of fact, but I’m sharper than he thinks. He got mad and left, said he had some errands anyway, but don’t worry, he’ll be back in plenty of time.”

  She took my arm and led me back to my room, shutting the door behind us. “I want you to try on your dress.” At that moment, I noticed it hanging on the outside of the closet door. Had that been there before? I don’t recall seeing it—weird.

  “I can’t wait,” I said with excitement as I shimmied out of my nightgown, not feeling the slightest bit embarrassed.

  Irena grabbed the dress then turned to me and gasped. “Charity honey, have you seen your back?”

  “No, but I feel it. Is it that bad?”

  “You have a huge bruise in the middle of your back. Oh, Levi’s not going to be happy when he sees that. Are you in pain?”

  “Well actually, I am quite a bit sore.”

  “Do you think you’ll be okay for tonight, you know, after the wedding?”

  “You’re kidding, right? As if anything could ruin that moment for me. But speaking of that, do you have any advice for me. I want it to be as special as it can be.”

  “Oh honey, you’re in love, and it’s the first time for both of you, it will be special no matter what. And you’re going to be staying in a secluded suite at the opposite end of the facility from the rest of us, so you’ll have plenty of privacy.”

  “That’s a relief. I was wondering about that. You know, Irena, I’m not sure I can go all day without seeing Levi.”

  “I know, dear. Levi said the same thing, but you can, and it’ll be time for the wedding before you know it. Now, let’s try on this dress.”

  I stepped my feet into the silky fabric and pulled it up around my chest, marveling at how good it felt against my bare skin. Irena zipped me up. It was a strapless gown with rhinestones along the edging. It fit tight like a bodice to my waist and then hung loose to the floor. Vintage lace was layered over the bottom half of the dress with tiny rhinestones throughout, causing the light to catch and reflect.

  “Irena, it’s beautiful. It looks so much better than the picture. I love it. Thank you so much,” I said, hugging her.

  “Honey, it was my pleasure. You know, it fits you perfectly and even covers your bruise on your back, but just barely. I’m not sure you’ll even need a bra, though I have one for you in my shop.”

  “I really need Ashley to see this. Do you mind getting her for me?” I knew she’d be where ever Josh was.

  “Not at all, dear. I saw her headed for the R Wing earlier. She and the others were going to play some Xbox to pass the time. I’ll be right back.”

  Once she was gone I walked over to the closet and opened it. On the back was a full-length mirror. My mouth fell agape as I took in the full view of the dress. It was more beautiful to me that anything I could’ve bought at the store. Though I did think it would look better with a bra. I wished my mom could’ve somehow seen me, but Ashley was with me, and that would just have to do.

  “Oh, Charity, it’s gorgeous,” Ashley said with excitement as she bounded into my room.

  “Isn’t it?”

  “Irena, you did a great job! Turn and let me see.” She took my hand and turned me around to face her. “How are you going to wear your hair?”

  “I don’t know. What do you think?”

  “Well, you have great shoulders and beautiful, creamy skin. I think you should wear it up.”

  “I definitely agree,” Irena chimed in. “We have a girl here named Sissy. She’s a hair stylist, and she’s brilliant. We’ll get her to create you an amazing up-do. I think we should keep your makeup light except to accent your incredible eyes.”

  Ashley added, “Girl, you’re going to be so beautiful. After Levi sees you we’re going to need a defibrillator to start his heart again.”

  We all laughed.

  Once I was out of the dress, I went into the bathroom to freshen up, brush my teeth, and get dressed. It was amazing to me how clothes just appeared in my room and in the right size too. When I emerged from the bathroom, there was a box lying on the bed. I opened it. It was a beautiful set of white, lacey lingerie. I reached for the note. It was from Ashley, and it said simply ‘Have fun’.

  Ashley, Irena, and I went into the meeting room, which I assumed was the biggest room in the facility. They seem to use it for every kind of event. People were working feverishly transforming it into a beautiful wedding room. Two men were assembling an altar on the stage. There was also an arbor with fresh flowers in purple and pink cascading down it and a prayer bench where Levi and I would pray together. All of a sudden, I started to feel very nervous.

  “Charity, are you okay? You look pale,” Ashley asked, reaching her hands out to me.

  “Actually, I’m not feeling so well. I think I need some fresh air.” I put my hand over my mouth and moved swiftly out of the busy room and down the hall until finally I was out the door and into the forest. I felt better instantly.

  It was a beautiful day out, and I took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh, warm air. I loved the Drake House with its amazing space and beauty. It reminded me of an underground castle, very colorful and elegant, although sometimes I felt claustrophobic, but considering there are no windows, I guess it’s logical.

  It felt refreshing to walk about the forest alone, the warm air teasing that summer was around the corner. Summer is my favorite time of the year, when I can frolic in the sun, run barefoot across the grass, lounge on my back on my picnic table and gaze up at the lazy clouds, and chase the ice cream truck through the neighborhood in my Civic. Yes—it’s a glorious time. But this summer will be different. This summer I have Levi. Maybe we can go to the beach and walk barefoot in the sand, collect seashells, and splash in the surf.

  I heard a noise in the forest, snapping me from my dreaming. I spun to survey my surroundings—north—south—east—west—nothing. I laughed. “Get a grip, Charity,” I said out loud. “Stop being so jumpy. You’re getting married—not slaughtered.”

  I turned and continued my walk, not stopping until I reached the lake, breathing a sigh of relief. Finally to see something that reminded me of why I was making such a sacrifice, or was it a sacrifice? I closed my eyes and reflected; I saw myself swimming in that lake, desperate to get to the man I love. I saw him pull me into an embrace after carrying me from the water, the relief he felt to have me safe again, the anger in his werewolf face as he saw me injured, the softness in his eyes as he released Wesley, and the warmth of his arms around me as we slept.

  Next, I saw us sitting in the grass, Levi proclaiming his love to me and asking me to marry him. And lastly, I saw our passionate kiss as he picked me up and spun me around.

  As I stood there—reflecting, suddenly the realization hit me; I remembered the day I prayed for salvation from Frank. The doorbell rang. It was Levi. He’d been sent to me that day to save me. God hadn’t forsaken me after all—showing m
e that He heard my prayer. I knew then, without any doubt, that I was doing the right thing—that Levi was sent to me—a gift of love. I let out a deep sigh and smiled, feeling peace for the first time in days.

  In the next second, a hand clamped down over my mouth as I was pulled behind a tree. I tried to scream and fight until a beautiful voice whispered in my ear. “Charity, it’s me.”

  He released me, and I spun to glare at him in agitation. “Levi Drake, are you trying to give me a heart attack? I thought you were Wesley trying to kidnap me again.”

  “Are you kidding me? You don’t ever have to worry about Wesley again. It’s my mother I’m worried about. If she catches me here I’ll probably get a spanking.”

  His expression looked so innocent I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, you deserve it scaring me like that.”

  “I’m sorry beautiful, but I had to make sure my mother wasn’t following you. But it’s worth the risk to see you again.” He smiled.

  “Why can’t I resist you,” I said, throwing my arms around his neck. “I missed you this morning.”

  “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you. I tried to sneak back into your room twice, but my mom’s like a ninja. She came out of nowhere.”

  “Now you know how I feel all the time. She would be very upset if she knew we were together.”

  “Then we won’t tell her.” He pressed his lips eagerly to mine, and I became warm all over.

  “You taste so good, like honey. Are you sure you’re a werewolf and not a pooh bear,” I teased, still keeping my arms tightly around his neck.

  “I am definitely not a pooh bear. I think I like the wolf man better than that. By the way, I have something for you.” He released me and reached in the front, right pocket of his jeans. He pulled out a beautiful diamond ring.

  My mouth fell open in surprise.

  “With all that’s been going on I haven’t had a chance to get it until today.” He knelt down in the grass on both knees. “Charity Anna Bell, my mate for life and completer of my heart and soul, my gift from above—”

  I gasped at his words. Hadn’t I just thought that same thing?

  “Will you marry me?”

  I smiled widely. “Yes! Yes!”

  He put the ring on my finger, stood, and pulled me into his arms, kissing me until I forgot my own name.

  “Levi, you know I can only wear this when I’m here.”

  “I know. That’s why I bought you a chain to go with it.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a long, gold chain. “This way you can wear it close to your heart, and only the two of us will know it’s there.” He smiled his brilliant smile.

  “Levi, you are the most amazing man, you know that?”

  “Yes, I know.”

  We heard a familiar voice. “I don’t think the two of you are supposed to be together.”

  We turned to see Hector step out of the forest and into view. “Hector, if you say anything I will hit you in the head with another branch!”

  He laughed. “Oh, Miss Charity, I wouldn’t say anything. I think it’s sweet that you guys snuck out to see each other, but it’s not safe for you to be out here right now.”

  “I can keep her safe, Hector.”

  “Yes sir, unless you’re outnumbered. Do you want to take a chance with so much at stake?”

  “Hector’s got a point, Charity. Let’s get you back inside.”

  “Hector, you party pooper,” I pouted.

  We walked together back through the forest, Levi’s arm wrapped tightly around my waist. When we got to the secret entrance, standing in front of the Godzilla tree, Levi kissed me one last time before disappearing back into the forest. He was afraid to face his mother if he entered the facility with me. Personally, I can’t say that I blamed him.

  “Don’t be late!” I yelled out to him before he disappeared completely.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  It finally turned five o’clock, and I was about to get in the shower when there was a knock at the door.

  “Come in.”

  The door opened and a cute, young woman with curly, blonde hair and freckles stepped into view. “Charity, I’m Sissy, the hair stylist. I came to give you a waxing.”

  “Oh really. I’ve never had one before.”

  “Well, you’re in for a real treat. Just lie down on the bed and pull your robe open at the bottom. And don’t be nervous, I see women all the time. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

  “I’m not embarrassed. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t go that far if I were you,” she added with a smirk.

  And soon I understood why.

  “The pain will be all worth it. When I’m done with you you’ll feel like silk.”

  And she was right. When she was finished, my legs felt as smooth as a baby’s butt, not that I know what a baby’s butt feels like, mind you.

  “Okay, I’ll be back in about thirty minutes to do your hair.”

  Once she was gone, I got in the shower and noticed my shampoo had been switched. But this shampoo smelled amazing. It was called raspberry cream. I was beginning to believe there were wolf fairies that sneak in my room and leave goodies behind. With all I’ve witnessed I didn’t doubt it could happen.

  Once my hair was done things started to move fast. A girl named Jamie did amazing things with my makeup, and I looked more like a model than a teenage bride-to-be, or is that a teenage wolf-to-be? Hmm, isn’t there a movie called I Married a Teenage Werewolf? If there is I’m sure it’s a comedy.

  Ashley bounded in my room with enthusiasm. “I ran into Mr. Bones in the hallway. I’m tellin’ you I’m not sure the guy’s all there. You know what I mean?”

  “Oh, he’s all there, he’s just not all here.”

  Ashley and Irena helped me with my dress and when I finally looked in the mirror I couldn’t believe my eyes. “Wow, I look amazing.”

  “I agree. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more beautiful,” Ashley commented. “I love the hair. Maybe we can get Sissy to do our hair for Prom.”

  “Hey, that’s a great idea.”

  There was a knock at the door and Irena went to see who it was. She peeped her head out, and after a few seconds she looked back at me. “I have to leave you for a few minutes, Charity. I’ll be right back.”

  “Ash, something’s wrong.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Did you see Irena’s face? Besides, I can feel it. Something’s really wrong.” I started to panic.

  “Calm down. I’ll go check, okay?”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  She was gone way too long, and when she finally came back, she looked worried. “Okay, here’s the thing, don’t panic, but Wesley’s pack are trying to get through and some fighting’s begun.”

  “Levi?”

  “I don’t know. He’s out there somewhere. But I’ve been assured he’ll be here in time for the ceremony. Don’t worry, Charity. He’s alpha for a reason. He’ll be fine, you’ll see.”

  “I have to go to him.” I raced for the door.

  “No!” she yelled, racing me and jumping in my path.

  I used my advantage of size and pushed my weight against her, but she barely budged. For such a little twerp she sure was strong.

  “Ashley, you know I love you, but if you don’t move out of my way it’s you who’s gonna have a fat lip.”

  “No!”

  “Ash, move!”

  “No!”

  “Just ‘cause you’re small enough to be my child doesn’t mean I’m gonna go easy on you.”

  “Oh yeah, well just ‘cause you’re big enough to be my daddy doesn’t mean I’m gonna listen to you.”

  “Move it!”

  “No!”

  “I think it’s safe to say we have a stalemate,” I said, my voice strained.

  “Yeah, and if you had any sense you’d let the little girl win,” she said, her voice also strained.

  “Surrender is no
t in my DNA.” Quickly, I used all my strength and determination and finally, with much effort, shoved passed her.

  I made a mad dash down the hall when two, big, dark hands appeared out of nowhere and grabbed me. Before I could even gasp, I was dangling over Hector’s shoulder. Ashley crossed her arms over her chest, smiled smugly, and turned and walked back down the hall and out of sight.

  “Now, Miss Charity, you know I can’t let you go out there.”