Willow From The Ashes (Children Of The Moon Book 1)

by Amelia Harding

  Back then I was too, even until not long ago I dreamed of my mate, of my savior who would take me away but I cannot think that way. I cannot be a weak damsel in distress. Despite everything, despite knowing I am weak and in reality without my wolf I would have died by now.

  Regardless of that, I will save myself. Soon something will change, I can feel it in my bones. Getting up, done with my task I take a second to look around. The ornate glass and wrought iron doors, the foyer with its Ionic columns of Italian breccia marble. The Grand Staircase made of white marble steps and a wrought iron and bronze railing. The mansion itself made of limestone constructed in the French eighteenth-century fashion measures sixty-thousand square feet and contains forty-eight rooms.

  Everything immaculate, it's meant to look rich and luxurious but to me, it is cold and lifeless like its inhabitants. I can't but hate the place where I have been tortured and severely abused for years.

  Out of nowhere as I climb the staircase, I am hit with one of my dizzy spells and my last thought before blacking out is 'and to think I once found this all so beautiful'.

  Young twelve years old me stands in the middle of the foyer where the youth pack inhabitants are currently standing around, a smile plastered to my face. There is joy and anticipation radiating off of me. My wolf is ecstatic to get the chance for us to make new friends and get to go out on runs as a group.

  I'm not sure what reaction I expected but I expected something, anything at least. This was not the case; everyone was silent and just stared at me with a look of, is that? No, it can't be. Why would they already hate me? I just got here.

  I refuse to believe it and instead spot Angelina who I still consider my friend, sitting along with the alphas son Daniel Van de Berg. I'm not surprised seeing as I have heard the rumors that they are dating. Running over I stop before them, gushing

  "Hey Ang! Can you believe I'm here? Finally right. I missed you so much! ". Hugging her tightly I feel her tense and never hug back; abruptly she pushes me back and slaps me.

  "Just cause you're here doesn't mean any of us wanted you to be. Never touch me you filth, WE.ARE.NOT.FRIENDS". Stressing the last words, I feel the smile slip off my face as I stand up.

  The slap had been so hard that it sent me crashing to the floor. I'm so confused, I don't understand. I watch Daniel wrap his arms around Ang, the laughter of everyone present serving almost like background noise. My thoughts rushing around at too quick a pace for me to fully register it.

  "But we were friends, we've always been together. Why? Why are all of you being this way? I don't understand" the confusion can clearly be heard in my voice as it comes out barely louder than a whisper. Tears sting my eyes but I refuse to let them fall. Daniel and Angelina scowl at me

  "You were a pathetic cow; don't you realize all that time you were holding me back? My new REAL friends and Daniel helped me see how much more I could be. I finally have the position I deserved all along, I'm popular, everyone wants me or wants to be me and we'll be damned if we, for a second, let a runt like you jeopardize any of our reputations."

  I am stunned. This girl is not the same one I laughed, played, and cried with. My sister by bond, not blood. Unexpectedly, Daniel grabs me by my hair yanking my head back roughly

  "You are weak and sad; the weak must be dealt with and shown their place. One day this will be my pack and by then I'll make sure every one of us shows you what your position here is. YOU ARE NEVER ALLOWED TO SPEAK TO MY FATHER OR ANY OF THE GROWN UPS ABOUT ANYTHING THAT OCCURS HERE OR HAPPENS TO YOU AT OUR HANDS. YOU WILL FOLLOW OUR EVERY ORDER NO MATTER WHAT IT IS LIKE THE LITTLE BITCH YOU ARE!"

  His voice going from a low angry hiss to a booming yell making sure everyone hears the alpha command he just issued. That moment my fate was sealed. Getting thrown on the ground and spat on, everyone takes turns kicking me violently and repeatedly as I cover my head and silently pray to the moon goddess to bestow strength upon me.

  Before my mind drags me under the blankets of pain induced darkness I register the coppery taste of blood in my mouth and my low whimpers lost in the sea of screams and insults.

  Opening my eyes to find myself at the foot of the stairs, I shake my head to clear it. Not only from the haze brought on by one of my dizzy spells that seem to happen increasingly often but also from the memory of my first time in this wretched house.

  That was the start of it all. It's been over five years since that day, so much has happened. Although, it appears to have only affected me. To them all was good and well, they continued their lives as usual.

  The only difference is they now have a maid and personal punching bag to do their bidding. But times, they are changing.

  Mark my words.

  Chapter 3

  Hope

  The next day I make the mistake of finishing my chores later than usual which gave the opening for me to get stopped by Alpha Daniel. Standing there looking as sadistic as ever, his dirty blonde hair spiked and cold blue eyes looking down at me in disgust, his slightly golden toned arms flexed as they cross over his chest.

  "Hello, dear Hope. How are you today?" I lower my head at his tone knowing he is toying with me. Acting polite before shattering my will again.

  I hate hearing my name being spoken by him. It is cruel; the fates had a sense of humor when I was named Hope. "Morning Alpha Daniel, I was just finishing the chores" I reply quietly and respectfully trying to move things along. This is a daily ritual I have become accustomed to after all.

  Daniel bends down and runs his finger across the floor tile then looks at his finger and tuts at the dirt that doesn't exist. No matter how well I clean, he always says it's still dirty just as an excuse to hurt me. I mean look at it, you could eat off that friggin floor. "I'm disappointed Hope" he stands to his full height of six feet. I know what is coming next so I brace myself.

  Just then his on again off again girlfriend, and my once best friend, Angelina comes strutting up looking as fake as always. "Did I miss it yet?" she asks with such excitement that is nothing short of sick.

  Daniel tells her she's just in time before kissing her and turning. In one swift movement he punches me and my body buckles from the blow, not missing a beat he grabs me by my hair pulling me by it harshly he slams my face against the floor.

  "Why is it that no matter how many times I teach you this lesson, you still can't get it right?" Daniel hisses through clenched teeth. He scrapes my face against the tile roughly before slamming it down a few times, my eyesight blurring as the blood drips down into them.

  My mind is close to unconsciousness when I hear the click of heels and a kick is dealt to my stomach, then my ribs over and over. I don't bother to fight as more people come up and hurt me.

  When they all walk away laughing and chatting I wait until I'm sure I'm all alone and heave myself up looking down to see my blood smeared, covering the freshly cleaned floor.

  Not wanting to risk another beating I don't bother to go clean myself up instead I clean until it is spotless. Dumping the dirty water I go to the bathroom and fix myself up as best I can, rushing so I can go make dinner. Cooking is one of the few times I feel at peace as well as during the rare occasions I get to play my guitar and sing. It is old but I have taken great care of it. My grandpa had gifted it to me before he died shortly after my 11th birthday.

  Making a feast of four types of pasta, three meat dishes, two seafood platters, and three desserts. I set up the table just in time to walk out and up to my poor excuse for a room unnoticed without having a single bite of it. It's not a rare occurrence for me to go hungry. At first, it was like torture. Now I hardly pay it any mind.

  Slipping into my safe haven I sigh. This is the one place that is relatively my own. On rare occasions, my parents visit briefly. Which means my room is in good condition with expensive furniture which my mother picked out for me. I know that I can have my things safely in here without them being destroyed or thrown out. That would risk unwanted suspicions.

  Tha
t is also the reason why I have nice clothes instead of rags. My mom always insists on buying me new clothes and trinkets whenever she is out shopping and spots something that reminds her of me. Most of it is a bit big on me but that is good, it hides my weight loss and allows me to feel comfortable instead of self-conscious. Especially, since I own a lot of cardigans and jackets. That way I can keep my injuries covered at all times while still looking presentable enough.

  Remember, there's an important pack meeting tonight, it is formal

  Daniel informs everyone at once via mind link. That is odd, this isn't one of our normally scheduled monthly meetings. Even then those are usually casual. I wonder what it has to do with.

  Maybe Daniels father, Jamison, will finally do something about the mess Daniel is turning this pack into. It's funny how people will let things slip or not worry about censoring conversations when you're practically invisible to them.

  Unbeknownst to anyone, since taking over the pack, Daniel has been driving it into the ground. Making reckless financial decisions and neglecting pack training and duties. That's causing it to crumble under its own weight. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

  Chapter 4

  Hope

  Looking through my closet I know I don't want to wear a dress. Daniel may have said formal but that doesn't mean I have to go for heels and a dress. Spotting a nice pair of black dress pants with white stripes I grab them. Next, I pair it with a red wrap around long sleeve top. A black cardigan brings it all together and conceals my thin frame.

  Adding red suede ballet slippers ensures I look appropriate while being comfortable. Finally, I decide on some light bracelets and earrings, knowing it will make my mom happy to see I made an effort.

  I take some time delicately applying foundation and powder. Not too heavy but enough to give me a healthy complexion, in contrast to the sickly pale it currently is with a fading bruise. Other than that I throw my hair in a french braid after brushing it out.

  Looking at myself in the mirror my grey eyes look pained and broken. My black hair once shiny and beautiful is now limp and lackluster. The clothes do a good job of making my body appear more filled out than it is. Still, it's evident I'm too skinny but this is as good as it gets.

  I hear everyone arriving and going to the enormous ballroom built into the pack house for this very purpose. Although this was meant to purely be a youth pack house, Daniel made the decision to carry out official events here. As well as using the empty guest rooms for any visitors that may need to stay. Although, that rarely happens if ever.

  The ballroom itself is lavish and elaborately adorned. The ceiling features winged cherubs and a Baccarat crystal chandelier. The walls equally detailed having been hand carved. Beautifully polished Bubinga wood flooring. In a corner, there is a solid gold piano for when the room is used for celebrations to match the gold fixtures in the room.

  I plaster on a smile and head into the ballroom. The men decked out in dress pants and shirts with ties varying in color and design. The girls in dresses ranging from maxi dresses that flow down to their ankles, mini dresses that are so tight they defy logic and everything in between. Thankfully I notice not all women are wearing dresses, some like me, went for pants or dressy jeans with blouses or tops.

  Not stalling myself anymore I head down over to where I spot my parents and hug them “You look nice little willow” mom whispers to me and I smile tensely before we settle into our seats watching as Daniel and his father stand in front of the pack. Even though Daniel is now Alpha I still call his father Alpha Jamison. He is, in my opinion, very handsome.

  Matching Daniels height of an even six feet in height, he keeps in good physical shape. Alpha Jamison Van de Berg has a natural regal aura with playful blue eyes and a charming smile with a sun-kissed complexion and dirty blonde almost brown hair just long enough to be slicked back. He is clad in a black suit and cream colored dress shirt with a classic black tie.

  Close to his side sitting nearby is his wife Gwendolyn who is in one word: Stunning. The picture of elegance with her flawless ivory skin, naturally platinum blonde loose curls that reach just past her shoulders and is done in a half up half down hairdo tonight. She's wearing very little makeup and a delicate cream dress that hugs her figure then flows out until it reaches the floor, accentuating her tall stature of five feet eleven inches and graceful demeanor.

  Next to his mother is Daniel, a smirk intact as always. I begrudgingly notice he cleaned up nicely in a gunmetal grey suit with a purple dress shirt and a silver and purple tie. He looks elegant like his parents but has a devilish air that some might find alluring. What really caught my attention though are the two men sitting by his side which I do not recognize. Although even from here I can tell they give off a vibe of power so they must be high ranking wolves from a different pack. Both look roughly the same height as Daniel and Alpha Jamison, perhaps a few inches taller. But, that is where the similarities end.

  One has his arms crossed in a relaxed way with a friendly smile that reflects in his dark brown eyes. His black hair is cut very short and he has a caramel complexion that hints to a Hispanic descent. He is wearing beige dress slacks with a light greyish blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a loose dark blue tie.

  The man next to him has very chiseled features with a strong square jaw that gives way to electric blue eyes and slightly long midnight black hair. He's wearing a navy blue three-piece suit with a blue and white pinstriped dress shirt and a solid navy blue tie. He is classically handsome but curiously enough, I feel no attraction to him what so ever. Like his friend he has a friendly demeanor but has a powerful assertive presence.

  Finally, Alpha Jamison calls for everyone's attention effectively quieting the crowd and starting the meeting. I can feel curiosity spike as Daniel has always conducted the meeting since he took over as Alpha, never one to miss a chance to hear himself talk or show his power and hold over the pack.

  "We would like to thank you all for coming today I am aware this was very short notice but it concerns a very important matter. I know you all may not be aware of this but the pack has fallen on rough times and to ensure its security we have made a decision, it is a temporary situation to ensure the survival of our pack". Jamison steps aside so his son can continue.

  "It has been decided that our pack will temporarily move and be under the control and leadership of my older brother Maximus, making us a part of the onyx moon pack until we resolve our minor problems and strengthen ourselves as a whole. At that time we will return to our current place of residence and once again be under my leadership. To ensure a smooth transition the onyx moon packs Beta and Gamma, who are on stage with us at the moment, will be staying here assessing our pack and getting to know us".

  This announcement comes as a shock and everyone starts chattering. Some are excited while others are not so happy about the change. But me? I'm just looking at Daniel, at the performance he is putting on as the stoic leader while in his eyes you can see the underlying rage at having to relinquish power and not be top dog. Even if it is only for a while.

  The Beta and Gamma stand up to be introduced "This is David Moreno he is the Gamma" Daniel points at the brown-eyed man, then turns and points at the blue-eyed man " and this is Beta Carter Murphy". They both nod slightly and wave but aren't asked to say anything before they sit back down. I roll my eyes, typical Daniel, can't spare more than a second of attention.

  "Please quiet down, we leave in two weeks' time so everyone must pack and prepare to leave. We are not yet sure of the living arrangements but my brother, Alpha Maximus, has assured us it will all be ready for our arrival. You are all dismissed". Now that it's over, all I can think about is how will this change my life. Will it be for the better or for the worst?. Perhaps this is the change I have been waiting for.

  Everyone is still packed in the ballroom awaiting their chance to meet and greet the two newcomers. I would rather head up to bed, I'm dead on my feet but I feel it
would be a sign of disrespect.

  So, I stay near my parents, not attempting to approach them but not leaving either. Waiting for my chance to go back to my refuge.

  Chapter 5

  Hope

  "Sweetheart, aren't you going to try to greet the new guests?" My mom questions softly knowing that in all this commotion no one will hear what was said but us.

  Sighing softly I gently squeeze her hand which is holding my left one. "Mom, I don't really feel up to it. it's not like they'll notice with the entire pack pouncing on them". She chuckles slightly shaking her head. "You need to at least greet them, honey. It's not healthy to isolate yourself all the time. Plus it is our duty to be welcoming especially since they are here to help".