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

by Amelia Harding

  "Okay, I know its all supposed to be a surprise but I at least need to know what kind of dress to get" I pipe up from my place in the back seat. "Easy, get something sexy" Bailey emphasizes the word and I swat at her nodding towards my mom feeling a little embarrassed while the rest laugh.

  "Sorry Mrs. L" Bailey calls out but is still sporting her usual playful smile.

  "Oh, come on now sweetheart. I'm old but not that old. I'm not gonna clutch my pearls at the mention of something sexy" mom quips and I relax joining in the laughter.

  "What these young girls don't know is you only get sexier with age. I mean look at Charlotte and me, we're some foxy ladies" Alesha states from the front seat beside my mom who seconds the statement.

  "I think we can agree that we are all sexy women. Don't worry Hope between all of us we'll steer you in the right direction. We'll all be lookin like snacks for your party I can guarantee that" Kaida jumps in and there are whoops of agreement all around.

  The luxury mall is huge but thankfully coming on a weekday means there are plenty of people but it isn't overly packed.

  Turns out its an outdoor mall with the walkways outside. There are trees and foliage all around with a canal that runs through with small bridges to go over it to the shops on the other side. Off in the distance, I even spot a small waterfall.

  This is by far the nicest mall I have ever seen and it makes the experience feel even more special. Looking at the guide we discuss a few different places and decide which to hit first. The upscale boutique closest seems like a good enough place to start so we are off.

  At first, we all split up to scout the options out. I wasn't really feeling any of the dresses. There were, of course, some beautiful ones but nothing that really popped out at me.

  Finding my mom and Bailey we search out Alesha and Kaida. Kaida is the only one to have grabbed a dress but in the end, after trying it on opted to keep looking.

  The second one had a larger selection with soft blush couches to lounge on. An attendant offered to help but we politely declined, wanting the freedom to roam but she was nice enough to bring us drinks. This time instead of splitting up we stuck close to each other.

  We were like kids in a candy store grabbing different dresses and passing them to whoever we thought it would look good on. With a handful of dresses each, we went to the fitting area.

  All of the fitting room doors were mirrored and there was a large platform with a mirror that ran the full length of the wall so you could see yourself from all sides.

  Bailey went first and we all relaxed on the couches having chosen to go one at a time so we could all see the dresses and help choose. The second dress ended up being the winner for Bai. Unique and ethereal with lots of personality.

  The long nude off the shoulder tulle dress has sheer long sleeves, a fitted bodice, and flowy skirt with embroidered red floral accents and green vine embroidery that goes down the bodice and sleeves onto the top of the skirt. It was practically made for her.

  Kaida finds hers on the first try. A navy fitted satin floor length dress with low back and a sweetheart neckline. The dress looks like it is painted on and accentuates how amazing her body is while popping beautifully of her skin tone and dark hair.

  Mom quickly decides on a stunning fitted crepe aqua gown with a scoop neck and a short train. Alesha tries on her first dress and we all know it is the one.

  The dress is long, gold and slinky with a slit up to mid-thigh and a draped neckline. The gold contrasting with her dark rich skin is striking and I imagine Kane having a small heart attack once he sees her in it.

  I am the last to go and the crew seems to be the pickiest with me wanting nothing short of the perfect dress. About five dresses in I grab one Bai had thrown in my hands at the last second and slip it on. With one look I know this is my dress and I've never felt more beautiful.

  The chiffon dress is long and strapless with an intricately pleated bodice that is fitted and gives way to the flowy skirt. At the top, it starts off in a deep almost black purple and gradually ombres until the very body is a slightly purple-tinged white. As the dress lightens it becomes sheerer so my legs are clearly visible through the fabric. This gives a bit of sexiness to this otherwise demure dress.

  It is a perfect mix of edgy and sweet which I think encompasses two sides of my style. When I step out I'm relieved that they all agree and love it.

  Changing back into my clothes we all go up and pay then jump around from shop to shop getting accessories and shoes to finish off our outfits.

  On a whim, we pop into a nail salon in the mall and get our nails done. I choose a dark plum polish and decide to play up the sultriness with dark wine lips on that day to contrast with my black hair and light skin.

  Night has fallen by the time we are out and we take all the bags to the car so we can have dinner at the Indian restaurant on the property.

  Finally, full happy and satisfied with the days work we go to pile into the car to drive back. Standing beside the car waiting for my turn to jump in a breeze carries a familiar scent of coriander, citrus, and red cedar.

  My mind struggles to place it but then the memory of the parking garage floods back and I know it belongs to the man who took away my senses for those few terrifying moments.

  I start looking around frantically but stop myself. There are so many people around, pinpointing him would be impossible and I doubt I will see him if he doesn't want me to. This shopping trip has been amazing and focusing on this will only ruin it and cause everyone to worry.

  Shoving it all down and ignoring the tingle at the back of my neck that lets me know someone is indeed watching, I hop in and join the flow of conversation allowing myself to relax.

  If I stopped to think I would realize how many things and red flags I've been letting slide by and go ignored lately without telling anyone.

  But, I don't. I just do my best to protect myself and the tentative peace and happiness I have found. On their own none of them seem too bad but they start to stack and it becomes obvious there's something going on and I'm a part of it.

  Instead, I allow myself to be blissfully ignorant and end the night in hugs and laughter.

  Chapter 60

  Hope

  The party grows ever nearer along with my possible life-altering birthday. Those two things make it hard to focus and to a certain degree, I'm not even sure if continuing the research even matters.

  I wasn't able to dig up anything that resulted in definitive answers and since the council meeting, I haven't even been asked for reports.

  I know they must have decided on some course of action in the meeting I wasn't privy to. Most likely figuring out the target has taken a back seat to finding the threat itself. After all, if the threat is eliminated the target doesn't matter seeing as they would be safe.

  Still, until I'm told otherwise I will continue to research it just feels less urgent which is a good thing considering I've had to take time away from it the last week or so. I crack my neck in an attempt to loosen the tension. After waking this morning I made my way to the kitchens.

  Patrols have dwindled so regular meal routines and assignments are back in place. There were only two people cooking this morning.

  Eloise, an elderly woman from my pack and Gerald, one of the young Enforcers who I've cooked with before and seems to enjoy it. I offered them a hand and then ate with them once we were all finished.

  It would have been an enjoyable morning were it not for the feeling of eyes watching me. I felt paranoid and silly until I spotted Daniel and one of his lackeys keeping tabs on me. They were hiding and trying to go unnoticed which mostly worked but they messed up once or twice.

  Not having the energy to deal with whatever they have going on, I do my best to block them out. After breakfast, I find shelter in the solitude of the library once more.

  Here, I can finally feel at peace without looking over my shoulder. Nevertheless, I lock the doors so anyone entering would have to knock first.r />
  The vampire threat, Daniels strange behavior, the unknown stalker...It is all too much. So, I do what I do best, immerse myself in books. Keeping my mind occupied will stop me from overthinking everything and that is what I want.

  It isn't until my stomach starts painfully growling that I pull myself out of my haze and look at the clock to see it is already the afternoon. Patting my angry stomach and promising to feed it I put everything away in its rightful place and find myself in the kitchens again.

  The pinpricks going down my neck alert me to someone watching my every move but I go about my business making a sandwich. Sitting at the kitchen Island with the sandwich, chips and a drink I scarf it all down. Now sated I momentarily consider going to my room and having an afternoon nap.

  As tempting as that is it would be a waste of a nice day already having cooped myself up for most of it. Passing by a few familiar faces from my time here I offer greetings and stop to have some quick small talk before I'm finally out the back door.

  Breathing in the crisp spring breeze mixed with the fresh smell of grass is unbelievably common. I'm so caught up in it that I don't notice the child barreling towards me.

  That is, until they make contact with my left side and I have to dig my right foot into the ground and lower my body to keep from falling over.

  If I hadn't grown stronger and started to build up muscle since arriving here I would have been completely bowled over by that and probably have a sprain or two to show for it.

  Looking down at whoever had launched themselves onto me I see The wide eyes of little Emma looking pleased with catching me off guard.

  Behind her is Jonah looking amused. "Hi, Hope! We haven't seen you in sooo long" whines Emma. "No it hasn't" Jonah says rolling his eyes. "Well, I've missed Emma so so much that it's felt like forever" I reply back hugging Em.

  Emma on her part hugs back while sticking her tongue out at her brother. "Being with her every day feels like forever" Jonah quips back lightheartedly. Despite myself, I laugh and Jonah looks mighty proud of himself and Emma starts protesting and calling him mean.

  "Come on now, were you guys going somewhere?" I ask before the sibling begin to squabble. "We had our first training session with Ms. Kaida and were going home when we saw you" explained Jonah.

  "Do you have homework?" I ask knowing classes are still in session although spring break is almost here. "Nope! we always get it done on the ride home so we can have free time" Emma informs me while tugging me along.

  "That's really smart. So, you guys wanna go to the courts?" I ask and they immediately nod enthusiastically.

  The courts are the area where you can go to play just about any sport you want. We end up at the basketball courts.

  I don't really know how to play but we mostly mess around taking shots and challenging each other to silly things like getting the ball in the basket shooting backward.

  Running back and forth on the court is easy for us but actually getting the ball in the hoop seems to be a skill the three of us lack.

  Jonah is the best of us but that isn't saying much. Still, it is fun, carefree and exactly what I needed. After a while, we leave the courts knowing dinner time is near.

  On our way back we come across Carter who approaches "Getting back from the courts?" he asks trying to look casual but I can see alertness in his eyes. "Yeah, it's starting to get late in the evening so we called it a wrap" I answer.

  "That's good, we're doing some training so we told everyone to stay in for the night so they don't get caught up. You should all get back inside before sundown" Carter is obviously trying to hint at something. They have a plan of some sort for tonight and need the pack to be none the wiser.

  "I'll go take Emma and Jonah home so their parents don't worry". "Get yourself back in the pack house safely too" he says with a nod, ruffling Jonah's hair before walking away.

  For the millionth time, I wish I had a mind link to the Onyx Moon pack so I could just mentally ask Carter for details.

  Although even if I did I doubt Carter would let me in on exactly what is going on. There's no reason for me to be let in on some secret mission.

  Getting Jonah and Emma back, I get to see Lauren and she thanks me for getting them in safely and spending the afternoon looking after them.

  I make sure to be in myself before sunset noting how with the exception of a few Enforcers spread out, the coast is clear.

  Everyone must have gotten the memo probably thinking nothing of it or picking up on anything being wrong.

  The feeling of being watched is there again and I groan in annoyance grabbing a small plate of dinner and heading up to lock myself in my room with some tv for the night. At least there I can be in peace without being surveilled.

  Hopefully whatever Carter and most likely David and Maximus are doing is a success and they can return unharmed. I'm not sure I could handle anything happening to them. They have all become important to me in different ways.

  Chapter 61

  Maximus

  The sun is setting and all the players are in place. Carter and Kane are positioned outside of pack territory to the East ready to move when the time is right.

  David is also in position roughly North West still within our territory close enough that he can catch the vampires scent and track him from a distance without being noticed.

  Just as the last rays of sun are disappearing beyond the horizon I receive the first message through our link.

  Trap set comes the voice of the guard who was tasked with setting the stage for the prisoners' escape.

  We don't have to wait long before he takes the bait. Normally, if there weren't trackers at the ready the speed in which vampires run would mean his scent would disperse and be incredibly hard to track by the time we had caught on and started the pursuit.

  Because this was planned though, despite the distance the men will be clear on his trail. Using tracker techniques they have masked their scent which will help them stay hidden.

  On the hunt, Northbound relays David so Carter and Kane can give chase from the opposite direction.

  Not only will they be close enough to come to Davids aid if necessary but if the vampire changes direction we will have men on both sides.

  Heard is Carter's response.

  I hate not being out there. I want to be with my guys but in this instance, the right move was for me to stay back. That doesn't erase any of the sting or frustration of not being at the front keeping them safe.

  He stashed a bag five miles outside territory lines. Retrieved it. Still moving Northbound towards the city.

  I wonder what could be in the bag? Perhaps clothes, weapons or a way to contact his people. Those would seem to be the most obvious choices. Moving into the city will be both good and bad.

  It will be harder for our men to be noticed but it also means plenty of people which makes keeping a visual more complicated.

  For a while, things are silent making me antsy. I almost sigh in relief when a message comes through. Stopped at a cafe in the city. Removed a phone from the bag and made a call. Ambient noise drowned most of the conversation out but I caught the gist of it. He relayed his escape and is waiting for pick up David explains getting right to the point.

  We are on your 3 o'clock approximately thirty meters away with full visual on the vampire Kane informs David of their position.

  Now they sit and wait on high alert in case there's any indicator they have been found out. A trap is unlikely given the crowded public place he chose most likely as a safety precaution for himself on the off chance we caught onto his escape and found him.

  Black car approaching, the vampire has stood and the car is coming to a stop in front of the cafe David alerts the rest.

  Copy comes Carter's voice. My body is so tense that I can practically feel every muscle in it. This is the moment of truth. Either we catch the best break possible or we end up empty-handed with no prisoner to leverage.

  The window is lowering, I don't have a
clear visual in. Do you? David asks hurriedly.

  We have a clear view in, there is a man most likely another vamp Kane informs.

  Are there any distinguishing marks? any way we can track them? We need something I send back.

  The door is opening and our vampire got in. They are taking off, I will follow at a distance. My fucking view was obscured. Tell me you got something C the frustration in Davids' voice is palpable even through the mind link.

  I got something but if its real things just got ugly is Carter's grim response.