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

by Amelia Harding

  Her voice was caring as if speaking to a small child but it had a tone of finality as she kisses my cheek and goes back to her original position. Standing in between my father and me with her left arm around his and her hand in mine.

  I'm not isolating myself and being rude isn't my intention but, what's the point? There really is none. I can't take meeting more people who will look down on me.

  I feel myself moving, eyes glued to the floor letting my mother guide me. All I can really think about is the move. How will their pack be? Will I get to have peace while we're there? Is Alpha Maximus anything like his brother? Stories say that he is tough and vicious but his pack stays loyal and the Beta and Gamma give off a feeling of calm.

  Does that mean the stories are wrong? Surely no one would willingly follow someone outright cruel. Actually, I take that back. After all, there are plenty of young wolves in our pack following Daniel despite knowing his true nature.

  I shake my head, mentally that is, people already think I'm weird enough as is. I don't need to give them more reason to think so. Still, I bite my lip nervously.

  All my questioning has managed to do is make myself worry, erasing the initial hope I felt as the announcement was made. I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I didn't notice we had moved forward through the crowd quite a bit, startling me when I hear two voices that I do not recognize. Immediately I tense up but do not dare to lift my gaze from the floor.

  "Hello I'm Adam Lawson the former Beta" My father's deep charismatic voice greeting David and Carter, I think that's what their names were. "Nice to meet you, sir. I'm David and this is Carter". Even without looking I can tell that was the brown-eyed Gamma speaking and register their respective names to mind just in case.

  "Pleasure, oh crap right sorry, this is my lovely wife Charlotte".

  "Figures after 20 years together and my arm latched around yours and yet you still manage to forget I'm here". It's obvious from my mom's voice that she is joking and being slightly sarcastic, probably with a pleasant smile on her lips and a loving look towards my father. Her hand slips out of mine as she extends her hand to David and Carter.

  "Oh honey it's not that I forget, trust me I've tried. Doesn't work". his calm words that find a way to be charming yet sarcastic earns dad a playful slap on the arm from my mother and the laughs of herself and the two men in front of us. I manage to giggle a bit regardless of my attempts to fully suppress it.

  I feel my mother shift position and soon her arm is gingerly resting on my shoulder. Oh god please please please don't do this, it's not happening please don't make me. silently I plead for her to not draw their attention to me.

  "Ignoring my husband for a bit, his ego is big enough as it is; this is our adorable daughter Hope". Awe crap on a cracker!! Just when I thought I'd get away unnoticed. "Hello hope it's nice to meet you".

  My mother's hand nudges me just a centimeter but I get the point. Looking up shyly for the first time, meeting Carters blue eyes. "Likewise" my voice comes out as barely a whisper but I manage a small smile.

  There's something in his eyes it seems like recognition of some sort but I shake it off and turn my gaze towards David, his friendly smile and relaxed posture puts me at ease and I spare a small wave and a quiet "Hello". My mother looks so proud of me that I have the urge to laugh but keep it at bay.

  Instead, I turn to David and Carter. "Are you staying here at the house or leaving to the main pack house?" I'm not sure where I got the courage to ask but honestly, if they stay here I will still have to carry out all my chores but I know there will be no beatings and I will get to eat regularly.

  Seeing my apparent shy nature they seem a little surprised that I attempted to start a conversation. Truth is I'm not shy by nature just by nurture these past few years having learned that speaking when not spoken to only brings me pain from the people that should have been my friends.

  "We are staying here actually, We were told there are a couple of spare rooms" David informs me and I can feel relief flood through my veins.

  "If you would like I could show you to them, I'm homeschooled so usually I spend a lot of time around the house and like getting things in order. So I know which you can use". Even to me, my voice sounds timid. What I said wasn't exactly a lie but it wasn't the complete truth either. Still, I feel bad for lying to them.

  They, in turn, look over their shoulders at some of the she-wolfs practically eye banging them to their backs and then look back at me as relieved as I felt. I guess they had probably been offered this many times over with different implications and no doubt aggressively.

  "Yes please!" Their plead comes out in unison and I can't help letting a small laugh escape. "You'd think she just saved you from a tank of pariahs". At my father's comment, they scratched the back of their necks looking sheepish but it's David who replies "well she kinda did".

  That's all it takes for all of us to break out in laughter and it feels good to really laugh, it has been so long since I could. "Whenever you're ready just let me know".

  looking at one another most likely having a silent conversation through their mind link they then turn to me. "We can go now if that is fine with you miss Hope". Carter politely tells me and I give a small nod.

  Looking to my parents I hug and kiss them goodbye and they, in turn, bid David and Carter a goodnight and we set off with them basically flanking me and I shrink from the hate-filled gazes that the she-wolfs are directing towards me.

  David seems to notice and after grabbing their suitcases he drapes his free arm over my shoulders in a friendly way and leans down to whisper in my ear. "Don't worry about them, the longer they keep that up the more they risk having their eyes pop out of their skulls and roll away". I give him an amused smile and lead them up to the third floor.

  "These two rooms side by side to each other are empty and actually have a door that connects one to the other inside. It can be opened up so you don't have to go out to go to each other's rooms. I keep the linens and towels in there clean and fully stocked always and the bathroom has whatever products you might need in case you forgot anything. If there's something missing that you need just let me know and I'll try to get it for you".

  Finishing off my explanation I direct them into the first room. "You sound like a hotel worker" David teasingly says making me blush. If he only knew I'm that and more except my salary is pain and misery.

  "In that case, I'll leave you gentleman to it. Enjoy your stay at the White Thorn hotel". Making light of his comment I even add a little curtsy and fake cheesy smile before turning and striding out, Leaving the sound of David's laughter behind as I make my way to my room so I can, for once, fall asleep with a smile on my face. For the first time in forever I got to bring out a piece of the girl I used to be out, and it felt nice.

  Chapter 6

  Carter

  Settling into the room Hope lead me to, I have a million swirling thoughts. When Maximus decided to send both David and me out here, I knew the situation had to be bad. For as much of a show as Daniel put on, he is no Alpha. Or at least not a real one.

  He may have the blood and perhaps, one day, the potential. But, he lacks leadership skills and there's something about him that puts me on edge. There's a look in his eyes that make it clear he is hiding his true nature. Among many other things, I can assume.

  His displeasure at our presence is clear even if he's trying to hide it. The painful truth is, he was never ready to take over. Why it was allowed is beyond me.

  The documents and accounts we received were proof enough that he rules with greed while knowing nothing about how to keep a pack running. All of that is financial though. The pack itself, its members, seem to be a whole other issue.

  I see a lack of harmony which comes from bad leadership. It is easy to see that Jamison should have waited much longer to step down. Unfortunately, despite having been a greatly respected Alpha for a long time, it seems like he simply didn't have it in him to continue leading. He had already
planned to hand it over to Maximus years earlier.

  So, by the time Daniel came of age, he must have passed everything on and settled into the life of a retiree. As much as I like Jamison, it was his selfish decision that has lead to this unprecedented situation. Honestly, if it weren't for Maximus deciding to step in the White Thorn pack would have crumbled and dissolved like many others.

  Apart from all of that, is another issue entirely and her name is Hope Lawson. Maximus had asked us to keep an eye out for her. I have no doubt that Hope plays a huge role in Maximus accepting the responsibility of shouldering the weight of two packs.

  The delicate girl with ocean eyes has no idea how much her life is gonna change or that the Alpha who is feared and respected by all wants nothing more than to give her the world.

  She was different than I would have envisioned. Something about her gaze is sad and heavy with a story untold which brings up many concerns. But, there's an unmistakably endearing quality to her.

  Something about Hope struck a chord. Like i know her. Like I've seen her somewhere. My wolf seemed to recognize her but that was the extent of it. I know for a fact that we haven't been acquainted but something tugs at my mind.

  Its something fleeting that I can't quite grasp so I'll just have to give it time. Whatever the case may be, I know for a fact that the next few days will be interesting.

  Chapter 7

  Hope

  Its been a few days since the announcement and the arrival of Gamma David and Beta Carter. They seem to always be around, asking questions, wanting to get a feel for how things are.

  I spend a good portion of my day with them but speak as little as possible. The lighthearted banter that occurred that first night happens occasionally but not too frequently.

  They're more like glimpses into the girl I was than anything else, I do not want to risk them noticing something wrong with me.

  I want them to treat me like a regular girl, that would surely end if they knew what really went on around here.

  Today is everyone's last day of school here, David and Carter are off taking care of business. I planned this out perfectly.

  With everyone out, I made sure to get all my chores done as quickly as possible so I can enjoy this. For what feels like the first time in years, I'm holding my guitar strumming it while I sit cross-legged on the floor getting ready to play.

  Through music I cleanse my soul, letting all my emotions pour out. But I can also use it to lift my spirits and fill my heart with love and joy.

  It brings back memories and helps me stay strong, knowing that there's always something to work towards.

  There's a song that's been rolling around in my head for days, it expresses so much.

  Every time I play it over in my mind it feels as if I'm naked, exposing myself emotionally, even if no one but my wolf and I are listening.

  For the first time ever I play it, from the very first note I pour every ounce of sincerity and pent up emotion I posses.

  It's only then, when the last lyric escapes my lips, that I realize there are tears cascading down my cheeks burning a trail in their wake.

  Chapter 8

  HOPE

  Setting the guitar down I wipe away my tears thus ending my little pity party.

  Taking a few deep breaths is enough to calm me down but then I hear the distinct sound of someone turning in front of my door to walk away.

  Oh God! no one is supposed to be here. There's no doubt they heard me. After all, I wasn't worried about being too loud or having someone hear it. Without thinking I jump up and swing the door open to be met by a pair of very confused whiskey eyes belonging to Gamma David staring down at me.

  In his hand is a phone being lightly held. When he moves it I see the screen light up clearly showing there is currently someone on the line.

  I blush profusely, hoping whoever it is didn't hear me. "H..hhi" I greet tentatively, wanting to end the silence but my embarrassment making me stutter.

  "Sooooo uh, did you...need something?" I give a small nervous laugh, not used to these kinds of situations. His initially shocked expression turns to one of amusement.

  David taps the screen softly ending the call turning his full attention to me. "you sing" his eyebrow raised, it's clear that was a statement, not a question but all the same I nod.

  "You know I don't bite right? Well not usually at least". His lame joke and crooked smile put me at ease and I roll my eyes letting a small smile grace my lips.

  Pulling the door wide open I offer him entrance into my room. I trust David not to hurt me. "What an honor". He enters and bows then plops down onto my bed. "Ha-ha everyone's a comedian". I sit next to him and bump his arm sideways with my shoulder in a friendly way.

  The once tense atmosphere is now light and relaxed. Without needing further proof I'm already convinced it's a talent that comes naturally to David. He picks up my guitar and examines it.

  "Do you play a lot?" "When i..well I sometimes do. At least I try to when I, you know, have time". I cringe at my incoherent babble. His joyous laugh fills the room. "We're friends now, there's no reason to feel nervous. Plus we'll be family soon"

  I look at him confused, what did he mean by that? "Did you already forget our packs are integrating" his tone is teasing and I playfully glare at him.

  Of Course, that's what he meant! God, I'd swear I'm getting dumber by the day. "I know, I know. Just forgot I guess." I shrug it off nonchalantly. "Sure. Anyways, you should play more often you're really good".

  There's nothing but sincerity and honesty in both his eyes and voice but I decide to ignore it. "It's kind of a private thing". Grabbing the guitar from David, I put it back in its place and turn back to face him.

  "Yea its cool. I'll get out of your way. From the look of it, you have a ton of packing to do". "Yeah I haven't had the chance but since I have some time now I guess I should get it done".

  I open the door for David but before he steps out he leans down and hugs me. "See ya later chica".

  Slowly closing the door with a smile on my face. It's been ages since anyone other than my parents hugged me.

  Carter is more serious than the ever playful David but with that said, he is still very much a good guy. I suppose that's what's helping me look forward to the new change.

  Being around so many new wolves is a daunting thought, but if their Beta and Gamma are an accurate representation of what the pack is like then it assures me that whatever happens will be worth it.

  Taking out boxes that were stored away, I began to pack all of my belongings. Hours pass, people get home and without notice, I soon realize it's the early hours of the morning. Everything I wouldn't need for the time we had left here had been packed away safely.

  Changing into flannel pajama pants and a long sleeve shirt I make my way to bed so I can sleep about three hours or so before I need to be up and about.

  Before I climb into my soft inviting bed I'm stopped short when there's a sound indicating I've stepped on something. Reaching down I grab it and cradle it in my hand.

  Sitting down I examine the object in my hand and my other automatically flies to my neck. Sure enough, I can not feel the ever-present chain around my neck.

  It's a wonder how I hadn't noticed the missing weight of the pendant that is always hidden under my shirt, tucked safely between my breasts. I trace the familiar pattern.

  Two wolves, one upside down the other right side up, their front paws meeting the others tail forming something akin to a circle. Celtic like markings make up the actual wolves while there is a large circle between them acting almost like support with five smaller circles overlapping within it.

  The pendant itself looks to be medieval, beautiful yet tough. It has been mine my entire life. I once asked my parents why I have it or where they got it. Their only response was that it is special and I should cherish it although they made it clear I should keep it hidden which I have.

  No one knows about it but my parents. Often I wonder w
hat the necklace means. Hopefully, I will one day know.

  Chapter 9

  David

  Walking back to my room, I see a text come in. I quickly reassure Maximus that all is well. I knew the house would be empty, save for Hope. I had been searching for her, following the sound of her voice.

  I had wanted to let her know I was here and perhaps get under my Alpha and dear friends skin by letting him hear her voice. He was already on edge, wanting the transition to happen as quickly as possible. Especially considering some of what we've been able to uncover.

  The last thing I expected was the raw emotion pouring out. So much pain and sadness. I stood there frozen just listening, I could hear the sound of tears splashing against the smooth wood of the guitar. The longer we stay here, the more I'm convinced that Hope is hiding something. There's frailty there, a fear she masks with a smile and gentle demeanor.