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

by Amelia Harding

  Maximus

  I was a massive jackass. I treated her like a child and showed complete contempt. It hadn't been my intention but it was the only way I could mask my reactions. That I could pull in the reigns.

  Adam had been trying to let his daughter know dinner would be served soon but after many failed attempts he had come down and said she must be resting.

  I'm not sure why I did it. I had gone to grab something from my bedroom and had my legs inadvertently carry me to the room I knew now belonged to Hope. At least for the time being. My wolf growled inside, wanting to be closer. My better judgment knew that wasn't a good idea.

  Instead, I listened at the door. Not much could be heard except for the low hum of music that my keen hearing could pick up as well as the soft sound of her steady breathing.

  I told myself I would only peek in to make sure all was good. A cursory glance revealed she wasn't on the bed which meant Hope must be in the bath. At that point, my reaction should have been to walk out. Instead, I slowly and quietly slipped into the bathroom.

  There she was with her eyes closed and features relaxed. Alabaster skin glistening from the water. Body obscured from the chest down by the bubbles, feeling like a tease.

  My pulse quickened and it took every ounce of restraint not to pull her out of the bath. Tasting those wet lips and caressing her smooth body. I could feel the hardness straining against my zipper.

  I had done all I could since the moment she arrived to keep my bodies reaction at bay but Its a battle I was quickly losing.

  I was still standing there when her eyes opened. I clung onto the tough exterior I had long ago perfected to mask the war going on in me. As well as concealing the fact that I had been standing there for some just watching her bathe without her knowledge like some pervert.

  My words were clipped and harsh but it was all I could do to get out of there without doing anything impulsive.

  I can't keep taking risks like that, I also can't continue to treat her so coldly. Hating me is not what I want. Hopefully, I can find a better way to get close to Hope if only for the sake of her and my sanity.

  Chapter 17

  Hope

  I unplug the drain and stand nearly falling over in the process. I half crawl half climb out and reach for a towel.

  The process is slow and I just wanna scream and cry and throw things. I'm not a brat, I don't demand attention, I don't want anything, I just want a body that isn't shutting down and a life of peace. I lean against the sink, attempting to compose myself while simultaneously avoiding my reflection in the mirror.

  My fathers voice comes to mind, the guidance and wisdom he tried to impart in me as a child. He always told me to remember the willow lives inside me. Always adjusting and bending but never breaking. Continuously trying to grow no matter the circumstance. Repeating that to myself brings a sense of comfort.

  I grab my undergarments and slide them on, picking out a maroon sweater dress paired with opaque black tights and knee-high flat boots. Adding a light jacket to add a little extra warmth and further conceal how frail my figure is.

  I break out the makeup trying to look as decent as possible with light foundation, a subtle cat eye, and bold red lipstick.

  Braiding my hair I look down at the time and jump grabbing my phone and start to sprint, or at least attempting to, not wanting to be late. Walking into the dining room the power is so palpable its almost suffocating.

  In all, there are three Alphas, two Betas, two Gammas and, four warriors. I'm pretty sure I've never seen so many powerful figures in a non-battle setting.

  Slowly I make my way to the empty seat beside my mother and do my best to blend in with the furniture. This night is so not gonna be fun. Conversation is happening all around and I'm thankful that no attention has been drawn to me.

  The first course is served and it is some sort of soup with white rice and I sigh in relief. I'll be able to handle this without my stomach spasming on me. Gingerly, I eat the soup remembering the etiquette my mother drilled into me.

  At one point I look up to see David give me a reassuring smile that I return. David may be the one good thing that comes out of all of this. I had nearly forgotten what it felt like to have a friend.

  The main dish is brought out, rack of lamb and risotto with a side salad of asparagus. My stomach does an unpleasant flip and I quickly excuse myself telling my mom I have a migraine and need to lie down.

  Halfway to the stairs I'm dreading the climb but preferring it over sitting there knowing all that heavy food would make me sick.

  I should have paid more attention because at some point I made a wrong turn or two and end up in a random place in the mansion that I've never seen. I turn to try to retrace my steps but curiosity gets the best of me.

  Everyone is downstairs, what's the harm with looking around? With my mind made up, I go further down the hall where two massive oak doors lead to an unknown room. Making sure there's no one around, I gently inch the door open and peek inside.

  Seeing it empty, I quickly step in closing the door behind me. Now that I'm inside the low lighting reveals rows upon rows of books that stretch from floor to ceiling with a grand piano at the center of the room.

  To the side is a small lounge area with big comfortable looking chairs as well as a love seat and sofa perfect for spending a lazy day reading.

  The only light source is a crystal gold plated chandelier and a few matching ornate lamps here and there. I run my hands over the books and withdraw one randomly, turning it over I see the title 'blood & chocolate'. I giggle to myself, how ironic. Striding to one of the plush chairs I get comfortable and open the book and begin reading, feeling a sense of calm come over me.

  I must have lost track of time because thirty pages in I hear footsteps coming in the distance. Bolting upright in a panic I shut the book.

  As the door opens I throw myself down onto the floor, the book still in hand. The chair shields me but also keeps me from seeing who it is. I don't need to, the power in the air automatically alerts me to the fact that it is undoubtedly one of the Alphas.

  The footsteps continue gliding across the floor towards me. Okay, okay. This is fine no need to panic it's not like I snuck in here without permission after lying about not feeling well.

  Crap, why do these things always happen to me? As he nears me to the right, I keep crawling to the left using the sofas to stay hidden. If I'm lucky I'll be able to sneak out the door.

  In theory, it should have worked except I bumped into the side table, knocking over the lamp on top of it. The footsteps freeze and then whoever it is turns and takes long strides to my frozen form.

  My brain goes into hyperdrive trying to come up with a way out of this, but I draw a complete blank and muster up the courage to look up. Of course, it's just my luck. Standing there is Alpha Maximus. I should feel lucky that it's not Daniel instead. I give a sheepish smile and a nervous chuckle.

  Getting into a kneeling position I fix a stray hair that has come loose from my braid and attempt to talk my way through this.

  "Fancy meeting you here Alpha. It's funny huh I was just here...which isn't my room but I was looking for some aspirin and then here I was...in a library...with no aspirin". I finish lamely and purse my lips nodding for no reason except looking like an idiot.

  Glancing up I'm surprised to see an amused expression on his face and he squats down picking up the book that had carelessly slipped from my hands. He looks it over and smirks at seeing what it is.

  "Don't tell me you believe in werewolves, that's just silly". His voice is playful and light, the tone rich and deep making me smile. Out of relief, of course. "What can I say, I'm a believer".

  He holds the book out to me and I grasp it and stand brushing nonexistent dust off my dress. I shrug knowing its absurd for a real werewolf to be reading a fictional story about them. Alpha Maximus just shakes his head and walks ahead opening the door.

  "I'm going to bet the migraine was a lie and the
snooping was deliberate". It's a statement that comes off as a question and I open my mouth to object but promptly close it causing him to give me a knowing look. "If I let you go, would you know how to get to your room?" I wave my hand as if to say of course but he clearly doesn't buy it.

  "Come on, I'll take you". I pass by him out the open door. It's strange, the second we walk out of the library his whole face changes. Even his stance is different.

  Gone is the teasing Alpha from moments ago causing the easiness I had felt around him to dissipate. About a million turns and a flight of stairs later we arrive in front of my temporary room.

  I respectfully nod my head and turn opening the door. As I'm about to close it he stops the door with his hand."Hardly anyone goes into that library, it needs to be organized and cared for". He stops and looks me straight in the eyes as if waiting for me to do or say something but I'm not sure where he's even going with this.

  "You should report there in the morning around nine, get started on putting things in order". Just like that, he turns and walks away nonchalantly. I close my door dumbfounded, completely not having expected it. But soon enough, I'm grinning like a fool and flopping into bed.

  If I'm right and my body really is starting to give out then at least I'll spend the meantime doing something I enjoy in peace and safety. unknowingly Alpha Maximus just handed me what I've always wanted and I couldn't be happier or more grateful.

  Chapter 18

  Hope

  Surprisingly I fall asleep pretty quickly. Next thing I know I'm opening my eyes and peering at the alarm to see it's 8:30.

  The events of last night come into mind and I remember that I'm supposed to be at the library in half an hour. Groggily I pull the covers away, the morning sun filtering through the curtains.

  Sitting up I feel an ache deep in my bones, my feet touch the floor but as I put my weight on them to stand I collapse to the floor.

  My chest aches as my heart beats at an irregular rhythm. The beats are quick and strong followed by a few missed ones. I lay there on the floor struggling to breathe grabbing at my neck as if I could will my breathing to regulate.

  After five minutes I'm close to passing out when slowly it ceases. I don't stand right away feeling weak. Finally, I just manage to drag myself to a sitting position and grip onto the nightstand to get up. Leaning against the wall I make it to the bathroom to wash up then throw on some jeans. A black long sleeve shirt is paired with a duster length cardigan with a rusty red, grey, and black geometric pattern.

  Sliding my feet into my boots I don't bother with makeup and just tie my hair up. Slowly but surely I find my way to the library and breathe in deeply as I close the door behind me. The smell of leather and wood calming me and my aching head.

  Rummaging around I find a notebook and pen, taking the time to inventory the books trying to find which books are out of place and how best to organize it all. Roughly three hours later I sit down cracking my neck to relieve the pressure. A dull ache in my stomach brings to my attention that I didn't even bother eating breakfast this morning.

  I suppose I've just gotten so used to not being able to eat that I didn't even consider it. I stop for a second realizing how sad and depressing that sounds. Just then I rub my eyes and hear the door open.

  Anxiously I snap my gaze that way just to meet Alpha Maximus steely gaze. Looking down I see a tray with a bowl of fruit salad, pancakes, and orange juice. He deliberately walks my way without a word.

  He sets the tray down in front of me and squats down to be at eye level. "You need to eat, just because I give you a task does not mean you neglect yourself. I will not do this again but I expect to see you down in the kitchen every morning". He stands to leave but something comes over me and I stand. "Why do you care anyway?" My tone sounds almost offended and I can't imagine why.

  He simply looks back with the same hard stare "Because I notice things". Just like that he turns and walks away. What the hell is that supposed to mean? bewildered I survey the contents of the tray and cautiously grab a piece of watermelon and nibble on it.

  I manage to keep down almost half of the bowl of grapes and melon as well as a bit of the juice and a couple bites of pancake.

  The more I think about it the guiltier I feel for the tone I used. It's obvious that despite being a strong leader and vicious warrior he cares for those in his pack and under his protection. It's unsettling though, it's not what I'm used to.

  Chapter 19

  Hope

  Soon enough life became a routine, every day I wake up and head down to the kitchen to eat before anyone else does. Then, I would head to the library to work which takes up most of my day only taking a break to grab something for lunch.

  Usually, I would take my dinner to my room to be in peace and fall asleep reading a book. Rinse and repeat.

  To some, that would seem like torture but for me It's bliss. For the first time in years I don't wake up afraid, I walk freely without the constant paranoia of who will be around the corner. I get to eat regularly even if it is just a little at a time.

  Slowly but surely I can feel myself getting better, stronger even. I'm still nowhere near where I should be and I can no longer feel my wolf but now I have faith that I can get there.

  The thought of getting to have that part of myself back that I believed would be gone forever keeps me going.

  Today seems like every other day since starting my current routine. I'm on my way to grab a quick bowl of oatmeal before heading to the library.

  My mood feels lighter than it had been in so long. I don't want to speak too soon. I know better than anyone that life can change in the blink of an eye. But, for now, I can admit that being brought to the Onyx Moon pack has been a blessing.

  I'm so blissfully lost in my own thoughts that I nearly bump into someone. Normally I may run into a couple of people throughout the day but I'm usually up before things get busy and stay secluded in the library for the majority of the day.

  Thankfully, having gained a little weight and feeling somewhat healthier has helped my reflexes. I manage to narrowly avoid them. I start to apologize before even seeing who it was.

  "I'm very sorry, I was a bit distracted". My head slightly tilted down as the words rush out. "You should raise your head and look the person in the eye when you apologize". Although I haven't known him long, I know right away who this voice belongs to.

  Raising my head, I am met by the electric blue eyes of Carter. I offer a small sheepish smile and he just shakes his head. I get the feeling he is somewhat amused by my awkwardness. Although his face gives little away.

  "Just be careful, alright?" he advises and I give a mock salute which he ignores and looks down at his watch.

  A large sigh escapes his lips and I debate whether to ask if everything is okay or not. Before I can come to a decision though he looks at me for a few seconds. "Are you busy at the moment Hope?" Now curious I shake my head.

  It is true after all, I was only on my way to grab breakfast. "Can you do me a favor? I'm running late and need these taken to the Alpha. I don't have the time and you would be helping me by doing this."

  He extends his right hand towards me with a folder I hadn't even noticed before. I hesitate for a second. I have a vague idea of where his office is but I usually stay away from there.

  My interactions with Alpha Maximus are kept at a minimum and I'm thankful for that. He may have been kind to me and given me the opportunity to care for the library but, that doesn't mean he's any less intimidating. In the few interactions we've had, he seems to run hot and cold.

  My hesitation is brief though. It's obvious that Carter would never have asked me if he had an alternative. Delivering a simple folder is nothing to worry about.

  Besides, if I really am determined to become a better stronger version of myself then, I need to start by not shying away from such small matters.

  "No worries, I can do that for you. Go now, I'll take care of it". Reaching out I grab the folder
and bring it towards my chest. I offer him my best smile and turn. I haven't even taken three steps before I feel his presence gone from the hallway. I guess he really was in a big hurry.

  Wracking my brain I do my best to remember the general vicinity of the Alphas office. I take a few wrong turns, at one point I end up at a home theater that I didn't even know was here.

  Eventually, I reach the correct area. I recognize a couple of higher ranking pack members around discussing this or that. The doors to their meeting room are open and you can see it is currently empty. I spot the heavy oak doors with the Alphas initials and assume that has to be it.

  I'm not exactly sure what I expected. Perhaps a secretary of some sort with a desk outside the door. Having to state your name and the reason for needing an audience. Maybe even having to make an appointment or receive permission to speak to the Alpha.