by Lecia Bester
"Emily, your aunt and uncle are here to see you. I'll let them in. They should be able to answer most of the questions you have." Gee thanx. What a fountain of knowledge he is. He turns around to leave the room but stops at the door, standing there for a moment with his back turned to me. Then he leaves just as silently as he appeared.
Why is our mate leaving?
Deciding to give the whole thought conversation ago, I think up a reply without actually saying it. To my surprise, the voice responds.
Our mate is the soul we are meant to be with. The Moon Goddess has bound us together.
She continues like she knows exactly what I was about to ask.
Our body craves his. We will be stronger together. Not all wolves are lucky enough to find their mates and we really shouldn’t waste time. Call him back.
I don't get a chance to respond. My aunt rushes into the room and crushes me in a hug.
"Oh, honey. You are probably so confused and lost. I'll explain everything. I'm just happy you are safe and that Conner was there." How does my aunt know Conner? My brain feels like it's going to burst. I'm trying to understand, but I have no idea what I'm even trying to understand.
"Aunt Rose, can you please just start from the beginning and make it simple because I have no idea what's happening." She seems nervous, and I imagine I can hear her heartbeat start racing in her chest. Don't be silly, Emily. There's no way you can hear that.
Actually, you can. It's one of my strengths as a wolf, and now it's yours.
Great, now my thoughts aren't even my own anymore. My aunt takes a deep breath.
"Darling, first of all, your uncle and I love you very much." When people say that in movies, the worst usually follows.
"You are our family, and nothing is going to change that. Your parents loved you like they would their own." Like I was their own? Did that mean my parents aren't my biological parents? What?
Chapter 11 - The Truth
CONNOR
"Father, tell me what is going on right now." I'm trying to be civil, but it's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.
"She's my mate, and I have the right to know everything!" I'm in my father's office, and he's sitting behind his big wooden desk. I'm pacing up and down. My temper is all over the show right now. After the first shift, our control improves, but right now, I'm a loose cannon.
"Son, control yourself first. Sit down and take a deep breath, hell, take a shot of whisky." Luckily, my father always has whiskey in his office, so I do just that and take a seat, clenching the chair handles so tight that they squeak in protest.
"First, I'm happy you found your mate. But there are some things you need to know. Emily is from the Royal Pack" She's royalty?
"Her uncle Michael Jenner is a distant cousin of the Alpha of The Royal Pack. I'm not sure what you know about the assassination attempt 17 years ago..." I'm focused on every word my father is saying, but nothing is making sense yet, other than Emily being from the Royal Pack.
"Father, I don't see where this is going... ." I'm impatient, and my father needs to speed this up. I don't need a history lesson right now.
"The Jenners had reason to believe Erin, Amelia’s actual uncle, was involved with killing the King and Queen. He wanted to be alpha of the Royal Pack. When the Jenners got the call from Erin about the death ofAmelia’s parents, they suspected Erin had something to do with it, so they didn’t tell Erin that they found Emily on their porch that night. Deciding her own pack wasn’t a safe place, they contacted Marc and asked for advice. That's when we assisted in hiding Emily until we could find her brother Tristan or prove Erin was guilty. Neither happened.”
“So she’s been in hiding all this time?”
“As a Royal with alpha blood, she can technically challenge Erin for leadership. Hiding her in the mundane world seemed like the only option. If anyone even suspected who she was, Erin would’ve killed her." I shake my head, trying to process this revelation.
"Emily...an alpha. That’s very rare."
"That is correct. Her foster family where a trusted human family who, at times, helped the Royal Pack with integrating wolves into society, finding them jobs, etc. They were all killed in a car accident, Amelia, I mean Emily, was supposed to have died in the same accident, but she survived." The secrecy surrounding her arrival is starting to make sense now.
"So nobody thought to prepare her that she's a wolf? Much less a Royal pack member?"
"Son, if there were another way, we would have done it. Our time was so limited, and our options even more so. There's one other thing. The Moon Goddess has always blessed the Royals with gifts. We never know what generation will receive them, but we suspect Emily or Tristan might have received a gift or even both of them." Being a royal alpha isn't enough. She also probably has a superpower. Great. I shift around in my seat.
"We have reason to believe Tristan is alive. I have warriors within the Royal Guard who informed me that Erin is looking for him. If we can find Tristan before his uncle does, we can help him take his place as Alpha of the Royal Pack. There are rumors amongst the other Alpha's. We are on the brink of pack wars, and Erin is fueling it. He wants the lower ranking packs gone." My mind is reeling. This is a lot.
"Father, why didn't you tell me about the rumors?"
"Your mother reminded me that you wanted to have a senior year to yourself. I stepped into my father's role -your grandfather when I'd just turned 18. It's a lot of responsibility on a kid, and a small part of me still wonders what a normal senior year could have been. I wanted that for you, but the Moon Goddess has other plans." My father was intimidating, yes, scary definitely. But he loved his family and his pack. Sometimes I get so frustrated with him, but I realize he understands me more than I thought.
"Emily being my destined mate also complicates things. She's at the center of this whole mess, and she doesn't even know it yet."
"Son, nobody could have known she would be your destined mate. It does complicate things, yes, but we will keep her safe. For now, the most important thing for you to do is making sure she's okay. It might be best for her aunt to speak to her about her lineage. She trusts Rose.” Sometimes wolves who awaken with no preparation go mad and become rogues.
The stories about people being killed by vicious unexplained animal attacks are usually based on such wolves. Part of the packs' role is to prevent the world from finding out about us and then killing the rogues. The Elemental Pack is known for producing some of the best warriors, and we help other packs kill rogues if they overstep or jeopardize our existence.
"Father, I need you to speak to mother for me. You know how she gets about mating ceremonies. Emily won't be able to handle that on top of everything else. It's custom to mate as soon as possible, but Emily has no idea about our customs, and I'm just worried mother will overwhelm her." My father gives a little chuckle. We both love our mother, but the woman goes crazy about mating ceremonies, and babies, and happily ever afters.
"Of course, son. I'll speak with her, but you know she can't always control it." Our discussion comes to an abrupt halt when we hear the front door slam shut. Coming out of my fathers' office, I see Rose Jenner running down the steps calling after Emily.
Chapter 12 – Overwhelmed
EMILY
I'm sitting in a room I don't recognize, hearing voices, and my aunt is trying to convince me werewolves exist. The more she explains, the less believable it becomes.
"Darling, I know this is a lot, and I'm so unbelievably sorry that we didn't prepare you, but it was the only way to keep you safe." My aunt has been telling me this over and over, but it's not necessary. I'm not mad. I'm just...I don't even know. It's all too much. I have a wolf...no scratch that, I am a wolf. My biological father was murdered. My foster family was murdered. My uncle wants me dead. The boy that gives me tingles is my destined mate, whatever that means. My real name is Amelia, and I'm expected to be a Luna even though I have no idea what a Luna is. Oh, and there's someone cal
led a Moon Goddess.
"Jess has kept an eye on you since you started school and..."
"What? You asked Jess to be my friend?" Add that to the list I just mentioned. My breathing became fast and shallow, and I feel like I will have a panic attack. I feel Cymera try to calm me.
Just breath, Emily. Everything will be just fine.
"Just fine...Just fine? Nothing is fucking fine!" I feel rage boil up inside me. It's not a feeling I'm used to having. I need fresh air, I need to breathe, I need just to be alone. I sit up abruptly, and without grabbing a jacket or shoes, I head for the door, sprinting down the staircase four steps at a time.
I have no idea where the exit is, but I follow the scent of pine trees until it takes me through the back door. The house is right on the edge of the forest. I turn back briefly, not a house. More like a mansion, but I see my aunt and uncle running after me, so I head towards the woods as quickly as my legs will carry me. I don't know why I'm running. All I know is I need space. Twenty minutes later, my lungs are burning and my feet are covered in cuts from the rough forest floor.
I've reached the river and sit on a rock, trying to catch my breath. It's no longer the quiet forest I walked through just a week ago. Now it's alive. I can hear everything. All the little creatures that live here, the water rushing downstream, is louder. I even hear the footsteps of my destined mate approach before he's even visible. I know it's him because the tingling sensation erupts all over my body.
"Conner, I just need to be alone for a moment to process all of this." He ignores me and comes to sit, taking my hand in his. It almost burns me, and I feel my wolf start to relax. He excites, burns, and calms me down all at the same time. I want to lean into him, but I don't even know him. My brain and my body are at odds right now.
"I can't begin to understand how confused you must be. You've lived your life believing you are human when in fact, you are so much more special. It's a lot, and I just want you to know that if you want to ask questions or know anything, that you can ask me." I give in and put my head on his left shoulder, his arm coming around and holding me to him. I feel the tears roll down my cheeks. I wasn't even aware I was crying.
You are not pathetic. We are strong together, and with Connor, you'll be even stronger. You can trust him.
I want to believe Cymera, but it feels like my life is a complete mess right now. The man sitting next to me is the only thing keeping me from running away. The thought of leaving him gives me chest pain. This destined mate thing is so strange.
"I'd like to just sit here for a bit if you don't mind." Connor started getting up, and I reached for his hand, stopping him.
"No, wait, please sit with me..." It comes out as a whisper, but he immediately sits back down and puts his arm around me again. I feel safe, even if I'm not sure where I belong in this new world. I definitely know I belong next to him. About an hour passes, and I feel Connor shift next to me.
"I'm guessing you were never one of those girls wishing you could wake up and be a princess?" I look up, and he's smiling at me. Good gracious, he's attractive. His green eyes are staring directly into mine, and my heart starts pounding in my chest.
"Is it normal to feel like this?" It comes out in a whisper.
"If your heart is beating anywhere near as fast as mine, the answer is yes." Holding my gaze, he brushes away a strand of hair, and the slightest touch of his fingers leaves a burning sensation. I should be overwhelmed. I should probably get checked into a mental facility, actually, but for some reason, this man makes me believe all of it. If he can be real, and what I'm feeling is real, then surely the rest can't be too far-fetched.
"We should head back soon. It's almost morning, and you need a shower after your little adventure through the woods.” I look down and see my legs and feet are covered in dirt. I look like a homeless hobbit. Blood rushes to my cheeks, and before I know it, I'm being lifted and carried through the forest back to the massive house.
"I can walk you know. You'll pull something carrying me all the way back."
"You weigh nothing, relax. I saw the cuts on your feet from running through the woods, and I don't want you to walk on them." Cuts? My feet? I didn't feel any pain. All I saw was dirt.
Chapter 13 – Prophecy
CONNOR
Emily is in the shower washing off the forest, and I'm sitting in the packhouse's lounge. My father and Emily's uncle have been in a meeting for the last hour. I hear the shower cut off and sit upright. I don't know why I'm so nervous around her, but I can't control it. She's walking down the steps, and I grab the first-aid kit, motioning for her to sit. I want to have a look at the cuts on her feet. She keeps her eyes locked on mine as she takes a seat in front of the fireplace.
"What's in the bag?" She looks at it like it's a bomb.
"Just some alcohol and gauze to clean the cuts on your feet. They should heal quicker than usual, but we still don't want you to get an infection." She's wearing one of my T-shirts, and it stops mid-thigh. Before I can stop myself, I'm wondering what she's wearing underneath. I shake the thought out of my head. I sit in front of her on my knees and lightly place my hand behind her right calf, lifting it slightly up. The hem of the shirt also lifts up, and I clench my jaw, trying to ignore the ample amount of exposed skin.
"I don't think it's necessary. I didn't see any cuts in the shower." She's holding onto the chair with both hands like she might fall off of it.
"I saw the cuts when we were sitting in the forest. I'll be quick, I promise." Sliding my hand down her leg, I take her foot to examine it. I don't see anything: no cuts, no redness, no bruising. Just perfect soft skin. How is that possible?
"It seems your right, not even a scratch." The prophecy my father started to tell me about comes to mind. I need to speak to him. I place her foot back down.
"Thank you for wanting to help, though." She moves to sit with both her legs tucked underneath her and stares at the fire. She seems anxious or stressed, fiddling with her hands in her lap. I cover her hand with mine, trying to calm her.
"Whatever is happening, we'll figure it out. I'm right here, and I'll do anything to help you." She looks at me, and I see uncertainty across her beautiful face. Her hair is still wet and causing drops of water to stain the T-shirt. Not a trace of makeup, and all I can do is stare at the freckles dusted over the bridge of her nose. I want to kiss her so badly it hurts, but I know if I move just a little too fast, she'll run.
"I don't understand any of this. Last week I didn't even know you, and now it feels like you are the only person in the world I can trust." Shaking her head, she removes my hand from hers. "I need some space. My body and my wolf are telling me to trust you, but right now, I need a little time to process." She heads for the stairs, but I grab her hand, turning her around.
"I'll give you the space you want, but just know that I'm right here waiting for you when you are ready." I feel her hand leave mine and my wolf whimpers. It's temporary. I try to comfort him while I watch her disappear at the top of the stairs, trying my best not to follow her. The door to my father's office opens up eventually, and Emily's uncle walks out but stops in front of me.
"Your father and I have decided it would be best for Emily to stay in the packhouse where she will have protection. Our house is too exposed, and with the Royals visiting in a few weeks, we need to have a plan." He's a smart man and a trusted advisor to my father.
"I agree. It will be easier for me to watch over her from here. I'll even help her adjust to everything."
"Her aunt will stay with her in the west wing until she’s settled. I've arranged for their belongings to be packed." That's ridiculous, she's my mate, and she will stay in my room. My nostrils flare, and my hands form fists next to my side.
"No, she'll stay with me. The west wing is on the other side of the packhouse." He takes a slight step back before composing himself again and straightening his tie.
"Connor, I understand she is your mate and if these were normal circumstances
, I'd agree. Just think about Emily for a second. All of this is new, and forcing her into it too fast will scare her. Let her come to you." He's right. My wolf needs to understand that.
"You are right. I apologize. I haven't shifted yet, and my wolf is on edge." He nods at me and walks up the stairs to speak with Emily. I hear my father call me.
Walking into the office, I see him search for something on his bookshelf. He pulls out one of our packs' old journals. Every alpha of the Elemental Pack kept one full of valuable information that’s passed down to each new alpha. They talk about all manner of mystical beings and legends. The journal he took out is about five centuries old and preserved by magic with an orange moonstone lodged in the leather binding.
"When I heard Emily survived the car accident, it got me thinking about a prophecy I once read. The Moon Goddess blessed a beautiful she-wolf with a gift to help her mate who was cursed. She wanted to heal him. Using the fire moonstone, the Moon Goddess blessed her with the gift of healing, allowing her to save her mate's life, who was the Alpha of the Elemental Pack. When rogues heard about this, they made a plan to kidnap the Luna and use her to replenish their ranks.
The alpha rescued her, but he was stabbed through the heart with a silver blade in the battle. His Luna didn’t have the moonstone and with her energy depleted from healing all the rogues, the only option she had was to use her own life. She saved her mates once more but died in his arms.
The alpha realized much later that his mate blessed the entire pack with extraordinary healing abilities. That is why we are the warriors and the defenders. We heal much quicker, but over the centuries, that ability has started to fade. They say another healer is born when the fire-moonstone shines again." He removes the stone from the leather binding, and both of us stare at it. It's glowing, which means a healer has been awakened.