DAYLILY: Awakening

by Lecia Bester

  "...and you think Emily is the healer?"

  Chapter 14 - Small Spaces

  EMILY

  Since my uncle came to tell me that I'd be staying in this massive mansion which everyone calls The Pack House, I've been exploring. I found my way to the kitchen, the lounge area, and the library. There is a massive pool and a gym, but people are always there, and I don't feel like speaking to anybody. My aunt also temporarily moved with me to help me adjust. It's only been two days, and I'm hoping I get to go to school tomorrow. That would feel normal, at least.

  I've also been avoiding Jess. I know it's not her fault, but I feel a little betrayed that she didn't say anything to me. Coming around a corner, I'm hit in the face with Connor's scent. Like he just stepped out of the shower, and it hangs in the air like steam. I follow it, and before I know it, I'm outside his door. I hear him inside, moving about. I want to go in so badly, but I also have no idea how I feel about this destined mate thing. I'm not a hardcore feminist or anything, but I wouldn't say I like the idea of not having a choice.

  But I know if I did have a choice, I'd choose him. Suddenly the door swings open, and Connor is in front of me with a towel barely draped around his hips. Still wet from his shower, I can't help but stare at his muscled torso. Lean muscles make straight lines over his abdomen. I abruptly pull my eyes upwards before they venture lower. He's looking right at me, smiling. My heart is going to jump out of my chest at any moment.

  "Hi...err hey Connor..." His smile widens, and a blush creeps up my cheek.

  "Hi, beautiful. I'm happy you found your way to this side of the packhouse. I would've come looking for you soon if you hadn't." He walks back into his room, leaving his door open as an invitation. I venture a step inside. I was so overwhelmed the last time I was here that I failed to see how stunning it is: Emerald and gold finishing, no clutter anywhere. Nothing like you’d expect walking into a boys' room.

  A wooden desk is facing the window and books line the left wall next to his massive bed. Steam from his shower still fills the room, and the scent of sandalwood and sage surrounds me. It's a bit overwhelming, and I take a step backward out of the room. He turns around, eyeing me.

  "You okay?" He's standing very still. Almost like I'm a wild animal he doesn't want to scare off.

  "Yes. Sorry, it's just..." I decide to be honest. " You are overwhelming. Well, not you...your scent is overwhelming, and I feel like I have less control. Not control exactly. Ugh... I don't know how to describe it." I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration. I feel his hand wrap around my wrist, pulling it down.

  "I know exactly what you are trying to say." I don't see a trace of humor in his eyes. He's sincere.

  "I have the same problem with you, believe it or not. How about I get dressed and meet you downstairs in 10 minutes. I want to talk to you about something, so don't run away". He's smiling again and slowly releases my wrist. All I can do is nod and retreat out of the room. Focus on your breathing Emily. In and out. In and out. I'm slowly making my way down the steps focusing not to miss one and break my face. When I look up, Jess is at the bottom of the staircase waiting for me with a sheepish smile on her face.

  "Hey, girl..." She's fidgety. It's the first time I've seen her nervous. "So I should apologize for lying to you." Now she's staring at the ground.

  "Hi Jess, there's no need. My aunt and uncle explained everything to me, and I get why you didn't tell me. Something about an Alpha command." I smile genuinely. I didn't understand the Alpha command thing, but I did know that she couldn't have told me even if she wanted to. Relief washes over her face.

  "Thank goodness. Imagine my future Luna hating me. That would be the worst..." She hugs me but sees the confused look on my face. "Ugh, I'm such an idiot. I forgot you are new to all of this. Forget the Luna thing. Let's have a coffee away from the packhouse. You can ask me questions, and I can tell you everything you want to know." She's pulling me towards the door when I hear somehow clearing their throat behind me. Turning around, I see Connor at the top of the steps with his arms folded, glaring at Jess. It's intimidating as hell, and I feel like a child that was caught doing something bad. Jess, on the other hand, flips her hair and squares her shoulders.

  "We are going to go have some time, Connor. You can't join because...well, you are not a girl." She even lifts her chin and stares directly at him. He, on the other hand, slowly walks down the steps. I can see every muscle under his white t-shirt ripple. How many push-ups does it take to be built like that? Probably like 12 million.

  "Actually, I'm taking Emily on a date, so your girl time will have to wait." He comes to stand right next to me with his hand on my lower back, my body goes rigid in response, and I widen my eyes at Jess. She snorts and pouts her lips.

  "Fine. You get this win, but tomorrow girl...it's you and me!" Turning on her heel, she saunters out the front door like it's a runway. I see Luke getting off his bike just as Jess gets into her car. He doesn't notice us. All he's looking at is Jess spinning away in her Jeep.

  "Let's go. I want to show you something." Conner grabs my hand like it's the most natural thing in the world, and we walk over to his Jeep. He whistles at Luke. Luke gives him a middle finger in return. Boys.

  Chapter 15 - Fire Moonstone

  CONNOR

  I'm driving Emily to the edge of the pack border. I told my father that changing her name now would confuse her and everyone else for that matter. Emily or Amelia, her name doesn't change anything about where she comes from. I told her aunt and uncle that I'd talk to her about the shift tonight. Jess would've been better, but she hasn't awakened yet.

  That leaves me, and considering we'd both be doing this for the first time together, I figured it could be something special we share. On the other side of the border is unclaimed forest. Miles and miles stretching out, enough for a wolf to run for the first time without the danger of crossing another pack. The river lining the border is low and easy enough for a wolf to cross.

  "It's so beautiful here. Boston had skyscrapers and crowded streets. I thought I loved the hustle and the white noise, but now that I'm here... I feel at home." I've only seen the back of her head this whole ride because she's been staring out the window. When she finally turns to look at me, I see her smiling. Not the fake one she gives everyone, a genuine glowing smile, and for the first time, I notice the tiny dimple on her left cheek.

  I want to kiss it so badly, and before I could even stop myself, I brush my thumb over it. Her eyes close, and my hand lingers there. That familiar spark runs up my arm. I pull back, and she opens her eyes like she just woke up from a long nap. Brushing her hair out of her face, she turns and gets out of the Jeep.

  "We have to talk about tonight, Emily." I'm not sure how to tell her any of this, so I jump into it.

  "We are going to shift into our wolf form for the first time at midnight." I'm searching her face for a shocked reaction but nothing. She stares at me, waiting for me to continue, so I do.

  "I haven't shifted yet, so this will be my first time. Our pack usually gives each wolf their privacy the first shift because emotions are heightened, nudity isn't for everyone, and our wolves are hard to control during the first shift. This is the pack border and on the other side of the river is neutral ground. It's enough space for our wolves to run, and it's safe." Still nothing. She's just staring at me, not moving a limb.

  "Emily..." She blinks.

  "Will it hurt?" Shit, how do I tell her yes without freaking her out?

  "The first time is painful, but the more we shift, the less painful it becomes. After tonight we will be able to control when we shift." Silence...

  "I brought you a birthday gift. I know it's not really what you thought it would be, and a lot happened that night, but this made me think of you." I handed her the small green box. My father suggested we give her the fire moonstone. If she turns out to be the healer, the stone won't burn her. She hesitantly accepts the box and opens it, a small gasp escaping he
r lips.

  "Connor, it's beautiful. What stone is this?" She takes the pendant out, the stone resting in her palm. No sign of discomfort or that it's too hot for her to touch. She even lifts it to the light before placing it back into the box.

  " I can't accept this." She hands the box back to me. I'm just staring at her. She's the healer. I can't believe it. My father was right. I close her hands over the box.

  "It's yours." I take the pendant out of the box, careful not to touch the stone and motion for her to turn around. She moves her hair over her right shoulder, and I fasten the pendant, my hand lingering at the nape of her neck. She takes a step forward, snapping me out of my daze, and turns around. The pendant is resting in the center of her chest, and it's glowing. She's smiling now, and I can't help but smile back at her.

  "The pendant looks perfect...like it was made for you." Because it was, I don't tell her anything about the prophecy; her plate is overloaded as it is right now.

  "Thank you." She's whispering, and before I could even realize what was happening, she took a step forward, place both her hands on my shoulders and kissed me on my cheek. Her lips barely touched my skin but felt like I was set on fire. My wolf wanted to shift right there, but I managed to stand still.

  I placed my hand over my cheek where she just kissed me, and it was warm. When I looked up, she was blushing, her own cheeks red, including the tip of her nose. I couldn't stop myself. I abruptly stepped forward and placed my hand behind her neck. With the softest tug, I pulled her to me and crashed my lips to hers.

  Sparks, tingles, whatever the fuck you want to call it, erupted between us and after a few seconds, I felt her kiss me back. I took that as my queue and deepened the kiss just a little. I've already pushed the boundary, and sticking my tongue down her throat right now did not seem like a good idea. I let her take the lead, her lips molding to mine. With my one hand behind her neck, my other one pulled her body to mine and kept her there. It was just a kiss, but it felt more intimate than anything thing I've ever done.

  She pulls back slightly, and I let her. She's taking deep breaths like I just stole her oxygen, and she stole mine. Resting my forehead on hers, I close my eyes and take in her scent; it's intoxicating. I finally look up and see the sun setting. Shit, I lost track of time. Taking her hand in mine and start towards my Jeep.

  "We need to get a few things before midnight. Let's go."

  Chapter 16 – Fullmoon

  EMILY

  I can't believe in the last two weeks, my life went from the sad girl who lost her entire family to becoming the wolf-girl who has a family and a purpose. Now I look at myself in the mirror and I have no idea why, but I'm okay with all of it. Not less sad, I still miss my family, but at the start of school, I felt like I just existed. No, something that was missing is now there. It was Cymera. I needed her to awaken. The thin hazel circle that surrounds my blue iris is a sign that we share this body.

  Tonight we will become one Emily. You need not fear it.

  I know. It's just... everyone I know of has been preparing for this day since they were born. Jess, my aunt and uncle, Connor. How on earth am I suppose to get naked in front of this man?

  We are wolves. Nudity doesn't bother us. Tonight isn't about you and Connor. It will help that he's here with you, but it's about us.

  "You okay?" Shit, I've been so lost in thought speaking to Cymera, I forgot Conner is sitting next to me in the car.

  "Yes. Sorry, I was speaking with Cymera. All of this is so new. I was hoping she had some helpful tips." I give him a half-smile.

  "Your wolf's name is Cymera? That's a beautiful name. My wolf is Erin. He's been hounding me to ask you, but I didn't want to push." Cymera basically purred when she heard his name. Pulling into the familiar clearing, I grab the bag with towels and soap. We have about 10 minutes before midnight.

  The moon is full and shining so brightly. I can see all the way across the river. I'm trying to remember what underwear I put on this morning. Not that I plan on letting Connor see anything but still. This is why I wish people would tell me everything from the start. Not bits and pieces. I would've put on better underwear...ugh.

  "Okay, so where do we do this?" I'm faking confidence right now. Connor probably knows it, too, because he gives a little chuckle. I start laughing with him but abruptly stop when he pulls his shirt over his head. Good grief, the man should stop wearing clothes altogether. He looks directly at me while he loosens his belt and unzips his pants. I feel my cheeks fill with heat, and I focus on keeping my eyes locked onto his.

  "Figured I'd break the ice and go first." Without any warning, he rids himself of the last bit of clothing. The man in front of me is butt naked, standing with his hands on his hips. It should feel awkward, but it doesn't. Even though I'm trying my best to stay focused on his face, the rest of him is in full view, and all I can say is, I definitely should've worn better underwear. I gather up the courage to lift my shirt over my head. Next to go are my pants. Connor doesn't flinch. He doesn't look anywhere except my face. With shaky hands, I reach back to unclasp my bra, but it's not working. Dammit...

  Before I know what's happening, Connor is standing behind me. His hands move mine away, and with one quick flick, my bra is loose. He slowly slides the straps over my shoulders, and I let it fall to the ground. His body isn't touching mine, but the electricity between us is enough to power the town. I feel him step away and take that as my queue to remove the rest. When I turn around, I see Connor walk a few steps back, his eyes closed and the full moon is shining on his face. The man is beautiful. Then it started...

  I feel a dull headache build. Minutes later, it's excruciating. I crouch down and hear my bones crack. I'm screaming, or Connor is screaming. Then suddenly, I feel like I'm looking at the world through a mirror.

  It's over, Emily. We did it--our first full moon shift.

  Cymera looks to the left. A massive black wolf with piercing green eyes is staring right at us. He takes a step forward, but Cymera growls at him. Defeated, he turns around and jumps over the river, running into the forest.

  Tonight is about us. Our mate must respect that and give us our space.

  That was Connor?

  Yes. He's an Alpha, so his wolf is much larger than a regular wolf, so are you, Emily. Remember that. Relax now, let's run.

  Cymera jumped with ease over the river and sprinted towards the forest. Her vision in the darkness was perfect. This felt so natural that I relaxed, letting her take complete control. A few hours later, we returned to the river and saw Conner on the other side, already in human form. Cymera gave over control, and the shift back was less painful.

  Sorry about getting you dirty. Wash off in the river.

  Walking through the river, I decided to take a quick dip, wet my hair, and get most of the dirt out of it. I'm still detangling the mess when I hear- or rather feel Conner close behind me. The water covers me just above my hips, with my arm covering my chest. I turn around and see Connor holding a shampoo bottle.

  "Turn around. I'll help you." I slowly turn. Connor places a small amount of shampoo in his palm and starts massaging it onto my scalp. The feeling is sensational, and I let out a soft moan. I hear him chuckle.

  "It's so relaxing to have someone wash my hair." I'm leaning back into him. Connor brings his face right next to mine.

  "Lie back, let's rinse this off." Dipping me backward, the water washes away the shampoo. I was so relaxed that I forgot to cover my chest. I open my eyes slightly panicked, but Connor is looking only at my face. The embarrassment I started to feel disappeared. He brings me up, and now we are standing face to face. I decide to do what feels right and slowly lift my lips towards his.

  I feel his grip on my arms tighten like he's restraining himself. I barely touch him before he responds, deepening the kiss. I'm consumed by him and place my arms over his shoulders. He takes it as a sign, putting an arm behind me, he pulls us together. His hand spreads across my back while the other holds me just belo
w my jaw. We continue to kiss like this for a few minutes, but the sunrise comes over the trees.

  Conner pulls back and smiles at me. "We should get dry and dressed before people come looking for us."

  Chapter 17 – Stamina

  CONNOR

  After our shift last night, my parents and her family decided that we can go back to school on Monday. Emily is coping well with everything. Better than any of us expected. On the way back to the packhouse, I couldn't stop thinking about her. Her beautiful white wolf, her soft lips. The way her body pressed against mine in the river. I had to shift a little because the drive back was becoming a little uncomfortable. She opened up to me, and we spoke about how her parents died. In return, I told her about my family, the Elemental Pack, and my father's plans to hand it over to me next year. We even bantered, and I saw her light up for the first time. Just being two young people in a car, talking about life and listening to music. It was almost...normal.

  I was pulled into a meeting with my father and the council when we returned to the packhouse. My father insisted I be present. The Royal Pack will be here in 6 weeks, and we need a game plan. Usually, we host a gala at the packhouse and invite every wolf to join. Nearby pack alphas also attend and bring along a few single wolves who have yet to meet their mates. It's an exciting event usually, but now I'm dreading the whole thing.

  "I don't think he'd recognize his niece, you know. The last time he saw her, she was a baby." The debate is about whether or not Emily should attend the gala, and my father thinks she should be there. If everything goes as planned and we find Tristan, Eric can be confronted in front of a valid council with more than three of the alphas in the North Region. It's the only way to overthrow a Royal. The only problem is finding Tristan."