Francoise Hardy -Fleur De Lune
・ 。゚: *. .* :゚.
Luna Pov
・ 。゚: *. .* :゚.
JACKSON KENNER KNEW HOW TO MAKE MY SISTER GIDDY, EVEN THOUGH SHE REALLY WASN'T THAT TYPE.
My sister for the most part was composed, reserved, and particularly studious. It was not an abnormal occurrence to find her inside reading with her long hair piled onto her head, drinking a cup of hot tea on a chilly Autumn day. Sometimes if she had the time, she'd journey to Marcel's stables and ride his horses. When I asked her why she liked it...she responded, "To me, it's paradise, like flying in a dream... It's a privilege to be able to partake in something like that."
I tried riding horses...each time I ended up sore and in ice baths... It just wasn't for me but she was a different kind of girl...and Jackson was a different kind of guy.
He was always the first to take any leadership roles up for grabs. Unlike most boys in the pack, he didn't party like a frat boy. In his free time, he was helping others, and when he wasn't he was exploring the terrain of the bayou. When he returned, he always had stories to tell the children of the pack about how he nearly escaped the jaws of a bloodthirsty gator.
So, Jack offered her the daisies he had picked, her favorite, and asked if she'd like to accompany him to Maize, the new bookstore in the Quarter on Blue Cork Avenue.
That surprised me, he must've been paying more attention than I thought.
The polite man transformed my sister into an unrecognizable blushing, giggling mess. Jilly and I had to help her say yes but she said the three-lettered word!
The date was set, and Hayley marked it down on the fridge calendar for all eyes to see...even dad's.
We hadn't forgotten about the Angel of Death's warning, we planned to discuss it over dinner... It was just going to be the three of us since it was date night for our parents.
I didn't want to dwell on the fact that someone could perish because we saved Ms. Delane. Of course, I was worried and stressed but I couldn't bring Jilly and especially Hayley down.
My stuff would have to wait...
·𖥸·
I found myself in the basement that my mother had converted into a gym. How she managed to fit all the gear and weapons I don't know.
"Are you ready?"
Laughing at my mother's high spirits, I looked down at my outfit for the day which coincidentally matched hers.
A black cropped Nirvana tee, with sweat pants.
"Of course! What's your favorite song?"
She looked at me, puzzled before I gestured to her shirt. "Oh, something in the way is the best in my opinion. Don't bother asking your father, if the entails aren't G.S. he's not invested."
"Haha, I loved teen spirit. You can never go wrong with that one."
"True... start warming up. We are going to be sparring today."
Smiling I began doing the basic warm-up exercises, stretching my tendons and muscles. Compared to my sisters I was very flexible, Davina and I had attended gymnastics classes from a young age. When it came to getting out of weird positions, we were quite good at it.
Before I moved on I sipped some of my water in my tye-dye bottle Davina painted two summers ago.
My legs started burning after I finished my second set of ten squats...whew only eighty more to go...
·𖥸·
"Did you guys kiss?"
I leaned against the wall mat, barely sidestepping my mother's sharp jab.
"No."
She frowned as I stepped forward, elbow raised to strike - -
And she successfully countered it.
Fighting with my mom was challenging, I rarely was ever victorious. But that also pushed me to be better.
I landed a few quick hits and she popped me in the ear. Her reflexes were fantastic, I guess I could say the same for me. Being a werewitch had more than a few perks. She immediately apologized, I knew she meant it.
Tilting my head to the side, I winced but carried on, trying to figure out how to close in. Her guard was spot on, better than dad's even! And his father, my dead grandfather had been a part of the mafia in Russia.
"Hmmm...at dinner I sensed some chemistry, are you sure nothing happened?"
Bewildered, by her question and high kick I jumped back. "We fell asleep after we talked about pack stuff...he woke me up and gave me a cup of coffee. Is it important if he smiled?"
She hummed, looking off into the distance as she blocked my left hook.
"I saw the calendar, y'all's ship sank...but what about dream guy? Do you think that Marcel's friend Nik- -"
Her voice was cut off by her vibrating phone.
Seeing her frown I became worried. "Who is it."
"It's your father...he's calling an emergency family meeting."
"Oh..."
He must've seen the calendar.
·𖥸·
Mom and I came out of the basement and trekked out to the patio which was our designated meeting place for the warmer three seasons.
As it turns out, I had only been half right.
Dad had seen the calendar, but he wasn't upset. He was unbiased about it.
What backwards world did I live in?
There had been a time when I brought a guy home named Alec, but I recall Dad treating him as if he was at the same level as the mud on his boots.
It didn't end well for Alec or me. I was so upset that I gave dad the silent treatment for a week until Mom made him apologize.
What was the difference between Hayley and me?
For a moment, I let myself wonder if Dad would treat my dream guy the same way. Perhaps my father was a little overprotective? By a little, I meant a lot... So, maybe, it wouldn't matter if dream guy took Alec's place.
I concluded that the results would remain constant. I had never known anyone to stand up to my father.
The odds of dream guy existing and being ballsy enough to stand up to my dad were in the negative percentages.
We were sitting on our backyard patio (this was something we did every morning before each of our days began).
Autumn had transformed our hang-out area... The tiles harbored a chill that made you want to curl your toes in defense. I had been wise to wear shoes, unlike Jilly, who only wore thin ankle socks. Straw-woven chairs were settled around a stone-embellished burn pit. There was a faint hint of smoke in the air. My parents were curled up together on a sofa looking as cute as ever. Hayley sat alone on an ottoman with Shadow at her feet, and Jilly and I shared a wide armchair.
Spending time together was paramount in order to maintain the strong bond we all shared.
"I'll have to chat with him later."
Mom nodded, smiling as she stuck her head on dad's chest. "And I'll handle the threatening."
Jilian cackled, clutching her sides. "Don't worry about going to Maize Hayley...they're gonna kill him."
Hayley tore blades of grass from the ground and threw them in her direction, but if Jilly noticed, she didn't retaliate.
"Jackson's a good guy. If he wasn't... Hayley wouldn't have said yes."
My parents nodded at my words, "Jack's a good kid, but he's never been in a relationship with one of you girls. He needs to know the rules."
Hayley turned to Mom, aghast. "There are rules?"
She responded, "Of course, decree number one, break her heart, and I'll break yours."
Hayley and I laughed, but the expressions on our parents' faces displayed no humor.
"In all honesty, your happiness is all that matters," Mom said as she smiled softly, breaking the silence that had settled over us.
Dad sighed, looking from Hayley to me, he tensed when he looked at me.
Uh oh.
"Is there anything you need to tell me, little wolf? You look stressed."
I waved my hand, dismaying my feelings of uneasiness over the whole 'Angel of Death appearing at our house' thing.
Telling my parents about the whole ordeal would make them want to come after Death...which would be very, very bad.
Yawning, I stretched my arms over my head to feign tiredness. After hearing Death's warning, I felt wide awake.
"Jack and I stayed up pretty late talking last night."
He hummed under his breath, and I sensed his interest from afar.
"We concluded that until we physically travel to Tennessee to carry out a thorough investigation, there's no telling where the Calders sent that money. There's also the possibility that could lead us to who kidnapped the alphas of the Timber and Lockwood pack. We also have to consider the paternity of Kate's heir."
My father sat straight up, causing my mother to dislodge from his lap with a groan.
"How do you know they sent money?"
"Jack picked up a paper trail. He couldn't figure out where it lead to."
"It could have gone overseas," Mom intervened, wearing a concentrated expression. "The trail could've run cold there. Kate could also be in some serious trouble."
I nodded, whipping out my phone to send Jack a quick text. Neither of us had thought of that.
"Which is why I have to find out where she is so we can send help her way," I mumbled under my breath, sighing.
"You really need to get that locator spell going, it could take hours," Hayley said, giving me a small smile as she patted my shoulder.
"That isn't the worst idea," I muttered rising, I waved goodbye to Jilly and my parents as Hayley and I walked into the house.
·𖥸·
While Hayley remained downstairs examining the objects from Kelly Delane's hidey spot, I found myself in the shower.
It wasn't a long one but as always I found the time to daydream. Whenever I did I noticed that I was never alone.
Dream guy accompanied me everywhere.
It was like my subconscious kept him constantly in the rearview. He was like a red wine stain on a white dress, impossible to overlook and dismiss. But unlike a stain, he wasn't bothersome, if anything thinking of him made me feel more peaceful.
There was a nuanced tingling in my chest and a faint warmth that followed. I closed my eyes and placed a hand on my chest... I hadn't felt like that since the night Marcel almost hit that wolf driving me home.
My heart raced the more I thought of those blue, alluring eyes and the way they bore into my own.
I sensed that he had been feeling the same...the combination of feelings was so intense my hands began to tremble. I remember catching my breath afterward, it was as if my body acknowledged that nothing else in the vicinity mattered but him. Not even breathing as odd as that sounded.
What the hell was wrong with me? What was up with that wolf?
What did it all mean? I asked in my head, but thankfully there was no answer.
Was it a sign? And if it was a sign, a sign of what?
Was it possible my ability to have premonitions seeped into my dreams? Ever since my first visions I had been able to predict the minutest of things, like if a particular flower pot broke. Could I be dreaming of the future and not even know until it happened?
Or was I just experiencing good ole deja vu?
Running my fingers through my dripping curls, groaning as I walked into my room, a towel wrapped around my frame.
Was today going to be filled with questions I couldn't answer?
For the day, I chose to wear a blue button-up top, with white shorts, boots, and a soft knit cardigan.
It was fall, this time of year Davina's closet looked like it had been bombed by vibrant oranges, mellow purples, and mustard yellows. I tended to keep the same color palette year-round; various pastels paired with earthy/neutral tones. The seasonal tops were usually gifts that I always cherished.
Gathering my damp curls into a low ponytail, I gently nudged Shadow with my foot, he was whining for attention.
"As soon as I get this locator spell done, I'll play with you okay?"
I knelt down to his eye level and held my hand out, within seconds his large paw was lying in my hand.
His penny-brown eyes stared into my own, he barked lowly, affectionately licking my face. Shrinking away I chuckled, gathering my laptop and notebook.
Shadow was silent as he trailed behind me downstairs, he wagged his tail once he saw Hayley sitting cross-legged on the island
"Anything?"
She shook her head frowning. "Other than the crystal being iridescent, there isn't anything interesting about it or the world map. They are pretty old though. The world map is outdated."
I expected this.
"Kelly did say that she didn't practice the craft anymore... maybe it was some type of heirloom from her great, great aunt."
"Must be something like that..." Hayley muttered under her breath, she slid off the island landing with a soft thud... "Mom spilled grape juice on our map, do you want to go with me to get a new one?"
"Absolutely."
Hearing my reply she smirked, "Great, now we can finish our conversation from the other night."
"Are you going to borrow Jilly's jeep?" I asked when we finally made it outside. She scrunched up her nose in distaste.
"That thing? Oh, no... we're biking."
I was baffled, to say the least. "All the way to White Beard?"
White Beard was lower-level a supply shop for witches located in Prairieville. Compared to most stores it did a good job of disguising its proper purpose. It was also a mile away from our house.
"Yep, I need the exercise."
I glanced at my sister quizzically as Shadow jumped up, and Hayley mocked his action. I had Jackson to thank for this...
Slowly but surely we managed to pull our old bikes out of the courage, Mom came out to help air our tires and sent us on our merry way.
Hayley raced off, and I was close behind her, the two of us laughing.
It felt like we were kids again... if only Jilly was here... then everything would be complete.
Faded leaves that had accumulated on our gravel road, lay silently now that there was no breeze to swirl them around in the air. They crunched satisfyingly under the tires of our bikes, and Shadow's four paws.
Hayley leaned back, and her dark hair obscured my view. "How are you doing back there, slowpoke?"
I smirked, inhaling deeply."I'm doing just fine, Hails, you should slow down and enjoy the view."
Fall was here. The sweet smell of decaying leaves was heavy in the air, and the footprints of chipmunks covered the ground. I had no doubt that their cheeks had been stuffed full of nuts. I could picture it now.
"So..."
The sound of my sister's voice brought me to reality. I peddled faster, noticing that she was several feet ahead, Shadow gleefully ran between us.
"So, what?"
"That guy you were talking about the other night... How exactly does he make you feel?"
I allowed silence to fill the air before I responded. I had to think about what to say, I wasn't trying to sound crazy.
"He makes me feel a little strange..." I bit my lip, "It's a good kind of strange though."
We were finally off our gravel road but I continued after the right turn onto the street.
"The feeling he gives me is warm, albeit fleeting. It's comparable to water...think of the smoothness... remember the ocean at our grandparent's place. That is such a peculiar description but instead of being pulled down by the current... I feel as if I'm aimlessly drifting. It's like a whole new world and all of my stress...all of my worries wilt into the background."
I exhaled peddling as I observed the beautiful scenery.
"From what I hear, I'd say that you are very much crushing on this guy. House would probably tell you that your dopamine levels are up. Take what he says with a grain of salt, love is real."
Apprehension bubbled in my stomach as I prepared to ask her questions that I was too afraid to ask myself.
"Do you think dream guy is real? I mean I know what I feel is real but is he merely a figment of my imagination my brain created to alleviate stress?"
Hayley shook her head, "With your powers? Absolutely not. You have the ability to see and experience events from the past, present, and future. Luna, this could potentially be the love of your life that you're seeing..."
Huh... I hadn't thought of it that way before...
"He could be my mate?" I asked, over Shadow's excessive barking.
A mate is basically a werewolf's soulmate. It's the person you're meant to be with, though very few people find their true loves, it's rarely discussed during times like these. In theory, you could find out who your mate is just by hearing their voice or even looking them in the eye. It was involuntary and regarded as an intimate phenomenon. As an unbreakable bond was formed between the two individuals.
Hayley nodded her head as we pulled to the side when we noticed a big truck barreling down the curvy road.
"Prick," Hayley muttered under her breath after he had passed.
I grinned, hearing her say another series of expletives. Not many people knew it but my sister was quite easy to piss off.
"As I was saying... it could be possible that he isyour mate. You should read the book on my nightstand, Fullest Moon, it's by a werewolf named Ansel. His works are incredible."
I frowned, concerned, "Ansel discloses that he is a werewolf to the public?"
"No, but I have written to him in the past."
"I'll have to check it out, thanks for the recommendation, Hails."
·𖥸·
White Beard was dead around this time, only one person stood behind the counter.
Before I even stepped foot in the quaint shop I sensed the pretentiousness of the person coming off in waves. An elderly lady looked to be explaining something to the red-headed woman who was bent over laughing.
How rude...
Frowning I pulled open the door, catching her vicious words.
"I mean you really aren't all there are you? Simpleton, it's acaci not ague."
Those herbs were always confused with eachother, both were used for protection. It wasn't right that she was treating this poor lady this way.
The older woman's lip trembled and I had the good sense she was about to cry. I intervened, sticking my hands on my hips.
"Hey, snake, isn't this the time of year when you usually molt? I reckon you should go into hibernation early... before you embarrass yourself trying to sound superior when you are anything but."
My sister chuckled beside me while Genevieve's red-lipped smile slipped off her pale face.
The woman shot me a sly grin and left the store leaving Genevieve, Hayley, and me in the store.
"At least my scales gleam, no one likes balls of dirty hair sailing around, wolf."
Her lip curled up the last word and I sent her my most amiable smirk.
"Yet despite all my shedding every hot-blooded thing seems to want me, can you say the same for yourself?"
The Quarter witch flushed, and her eyes fell to her hands.
I lead Hayley to the back of the shop where the maps were located, satisfied beyond belief.
With my sister's help, we scoured the shelves searching for the perfect map, we were equally picky when it came to shopping.
"This one's perfect," Hayley whispered, as she unruled the dusty thing. I coughed, squinting my eyes at her. "Are you sure? It's awfully old?"
Hayley clicked her tongue, "In the description, it says that a witch with clairvoyance in the 1700s created this map."
I hummed examining the careful embroidery work, it seemed as if the person utilized the juices of berries to stain as it was parts of the world were illustrated in tints and hues of blues and purples...
As we made our way to Genevieve, she turned her back to us, rolling her eyes.
Placing the map gently on the counter, I cleared my throat. Something about her sapped my patience.
With a sigh, she turned around, I noticed that her eyes had dark circles under them.
I was tempted to ask if she was alright but what was the point if I was going to be reciprocated with a 'fuck off and die attitude.'
She wordlessly scanned the item, "That'll be $200."
Sliding the money across the counter she bagged the item and handed Hayley the receipt.
"Genevieve."
The woman looked up in a bewildered sort of way, her owl-like blue eyes narrowed. "Oh, what is it now?"
Since she had tilted her head, I noticed the blooming bruise on her neck. Her sweater only covered so much.
"If you ever need anything - -"
" I know the damn number...everyone does."
Envy was coming off of her but so was stress. I couldn't help her if she didn't want it. I had tried.
As Hayley and I began to head out I heard her mutter, "Thank you, Luna," under her breath.
I regretted what I had said earlier. Looks weren't everything, and I knew that but the way she hurt that lady irked me.
Stopping in my tracks, I turned to her. She slowly met my eyes, no longer did I detect her superior attitude.
I liked Genevieve well enough when she was genuine, she was a couple of years older than me, and we had a lot in common. We came from elite witch families and we both had a lot on our plates. Though that didn't mean we would be friends.
"I'm sorry for what I said earlier."
She stared blankly at me, and I looked over at the window hearing Shadow bark. She didn't make this easy.
"I'm sorry too," she pulled on the ends of her long red hair, "for what I said... everyone likes you."
I chuckled at that. "I was exaggerating, trust me, I have my fair share of enemies who wish me dead."
Genevieve rocked back on her heels, nodding. "Well, I don't...just so you know..."
Smiling I bowed my head, "I appreciate that."
With my head held high, I exited the shop, I could still feel her eyes on my back as I headed towards Hayley and my bike.
·𖥸·
Two hours later, my hand was beginning to feel numb from staying in the same position.
I was working on the locator spell while Hayley was reading in the bath, and Jilly was over at Marcel's playing poker with Diego.
To be honest, I would gladly soak in hot water with aromatic bubbles up to my chin, and lose money I bet than be doing what I was currently doing.
Noticing that the crystal was glowing I looked down, just as Shadow came bounding from the other side of the room.
I had yet to play with him.
The crystal from Kelly Delane's house circled in the Mid-western parts of America, refusing to move anywhere else.
It glowed, and seconds later it fiercely rooted itself to the map.
Damn, that had to be the border of Tennessee.
There was the possibility that the three of them; Kate, Mason, and Tyler could still be there.
After doing some research, I discovered that Tyler Lockwood was not a true (person from Tennessee), he was from a town in Virginia called Mystic Falls. He played college football and was the star of the town. He was also Mason Lockwood's nephew. I found some papers about the mayor of Mystic Falls, Carol Lockwood, dying in a water accident, I wondered if that was the reason for Tyler leaving for his uncle.
I texted Jack the results of the locator spell, and he replied almost instantly.
Shouldn't you be telling your dad this stuff?
I refuse to spoil the time my parents spend together for pack stuff
He would probably say that it's his job as King
Probably and I would say that it's my job as their daughter to make sure they spend time with each other
I neatly rolled up the map and stored away the Crystal as I waited for him to stop typing.
You are so thoughtful. What color goes best with my eyes?
I scrolled down noticing he had sent me pictures of him wearing two different colored flannels, one green, and one gray.
Shadow licked my hand, breaking my concentration. I shooed him away, getting off the floor and onto my bed.
Green
Really?
Yes, Cutie :P
The typing icon popped up before it faded away.
Hmmm... how strange...
My phone rang shrilly, instead of Jackson it was Crystal's number.
"Hey, Luna, I called to give you an update."
I sighed, feeling the stress coming on as I began to worry about her aunt's well-being. "Is she alright?"
"Yeah, she um just got out of surgery. They removed her from the ICU she's stable now."
Relief flooded through me.
She was ok.
"That's great."
"Mhmm, hey would you like to go to Rousseau's with me? I could use a coke right about now, but I don't think me being alone is the best idea."
I agreed and promised to be there within the hour.
Picking up the slobbery baseball Shadow dropped at my feet, I held it up signaling his attention.
"Let's play, some ball, boy."
·𖥸·
After scrubbing my hands free from my demon dog's slobber... I asked Dad to drop me off at Rousseau's.
He was curious, I knew he would be.
I was seventeen after all, what business did I have in a bar?
Technically since part of it was a restaurant, I could sit there. But I just told him the truth.
"Crystal sounds like she is going through a tough time. Are you sure you don't want me to go after Belthazor?"
I laughed, at the thought of my dad demon hunting, but when I looked over at him I stopped. His posture was rigid, and there was a glint in his eyes. I swore I saw a hint of gold in them.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, he untensed slightly, I've always given off a palliative influence. Usually, others calmed down as soon as they came in contact with me. When I was around people in pain they seemed to be a bit better. Hayley theorized it had something to do with my witch side, whereas Dad proposed it had more to do with my wolf. I didn't care or mind. The significance of being able to diffuse situations was a vital skill.
"Dad, what have we talked about?"
He rolled his eyes, "I have faith in you...it's him I don't trust. And I know you and your sisters do your own thing...but you are still my girls."
I smiled at the last thing he said, his love for my sisters, and I was potent yet candid. There were moments when I could understand his protectiveness. Sometimes I was even appreciative of it. And there were other junctures when I was vexed by it.
"Never trust a demon unless you have a good reason. And we always will be."
He sighed, "That should apply to everyone, little wolf."
As my Dad crept into the parking space, I saw Crystal wave.
Her face was pale, making her freckles more prominent and she was sporting sweatpants and a tie-dye ripped tee with a tank top underneath.
Even from here, I could sense her unease and despair.
I allowed myself a few moments to calm down, I was seconds away from crying.
But I waved back and sent her one of my best smiles.
Just fake it until you make it, Luna.
My father took the key out of the ignition and proceeded to prop his feet up on the dashboard of his truck.
Bewildered, I looked over at him. "Are you going to sit out here?"
"Where else am I going to go?"
He was grinning, but I didn't find the situation to be humorous.
"Back on your date."
"When you want to go back home, I'll take you, and then I'll go back to spending time with your mother." His tone was firm, and instead of arguing, I thanked him for the ride and hopped out of the truck.
I knew he was protective but sitting outside of Rousseau's?
Really, Dad?!
·𖥸·
Rosseau's radiated rustic charm in every eyeful you got of the place. With the dark wood accents, antique furnishings, striking monochromatic artworks, and ruby red walls it was a hip spot to hang for a reason. The atmosphere was breathtaking...the humans, wolves, vampires, and even the occasional demon turned up here to chill.
Here the supernatural world was merged with the human one.
Maybe that's why it felt so great, fewer secrets and more fun...
Crystal and I walked over to a table, and the moment we sat down, we were directly offered service by a sweet waitress.
The perks of being a princess.
Callie may have been a witch but she still respected my title.
A few humans nodded at me, their curious eyes pivoted over my face.
I caught what they whispered under their breath, "Now, that's the kind of girl you risk it all for..."
"You think she'll say yes if I ask her out?"
"She looks to be way beyond your pay grade."
Fighting to keep a smile off my face, I spotted Thierry and Marcel in the corner, they raised their glasses, and I did the same with my iced coke before I turned to Crystal.
"So, how have you been doing? Feel free to go into detail, maybe I can help in some way, shape, or form..."
Crystal sighed, and her eyes fell to the floor. "To be honest... I am not doing too well. My Aunt is the only family I have."
She was telling the truth.
I placed my hand over hers, "I may not be able to relate since I have a big family, but I understand your sadness."
Her brows gently rose as she sipped on her coke.
"You understand my sadness?"
I nodded, a tender smile taking over my face as I thought of my parents, my siblings, Gibbs my godfather, Marcel, the Dravens, Pru, Phoebe, Piper, Paige, and my grandparents.
"I'm an empath."
Her eyes narrowed, "I feel as if you aren't joking."
"Your feelings would be valid."
Crystal laughed softly and ran her hands through her frizzy hair.
"I can't believe this. Last night you fought a red demon in my Aunt's living room! And now you can feel what others are feeling. Bloody hell, you are Supergirl!"
Blushing, I downed more of the icy coke as she gushed over my combat skills.
"Who taught you how to fight? I've never seen anyone be so graceful yet dangerous at the same time."
"My mother taught me how to fight."
"Really? I was betting on your dad, he does seem to be a bit protective of you."
I nodded, hearing a whistle behind me, I turned around.
"Ain't you Jason's daughter?" A man in his forties asked, and I turned back to face Crystal.
Her eyes were as wide as saucers, and I mirrored her expression.
"I think you are... You know that your daddy took my pack from me. I've been waiting for this moment."
WHY ME?
Why couldn't he choose someone else?
I did not know this man, but I had a bad, bad feeling about him.
"If he did take your pack, you lost to him in the tournament fair and square," I found myself standing up for my father. I knew my mouth was only going to get me in more trouble, but I couldn't help it.
I spun around back to Crystal, my heart racing in my chest. I could feel everyone's eyes in the bar on me.
The hush of the room made my chest tighten with apprehension.
The windows rattled, and the sound of the wind only added to the suspense.
I found myself looking in the mirror above Crystal's head. I nearly gasped, seeing the Angel of Death staring back at me. His gaunt face was grim as he nodded at me before vanishing.
What the hell?
"Hey! I'm talking to you, little princess - -"
The very second his hand touched my shoulder, it was gone.
I turned expecting to see Marcel or even Thiery, but my father stood over the man who now lay at my feet.
I threw money on the table and took Crystal's hand, determined to get out of there.
·𖥸·
"Hey, are you alright?" Crystal asked her tentative energy encircling me the instant her hand touched my back.
It was a comforting gesture.
I nodded wordlessly, I felt a bit fuzzy, to be honest. This is not the first time something like this had taken place. I was thankful that my dad stayed behind because I don't know what I would've done.
It wasn't that I was afraid of the man...he angered me...people like him angered me.
They threatened to burn down everything my father and my family had built.
And I hated them for it but was it worth wrecking my reputation for one satisfying breath of relief that one of them had been eliminated?
No, no it was not.
Swallowing thickly, I turned to her. Crystal wore a concerned expression, it didn't fit well on her.
"I'm fine, things like this...well they kind of happen all the time."
"About what that guy said in there, is it true?"
I tensed, waiting for her next inquiry. "Are you a princess?"
I laughed, not being able to contain my surprise. "I happen to be the princess of close to half of the Eight Great Wolf Nations."
"Wolf?" Her nose scrunched up and before I could answer her my father stepped out of Rousseaus followed closely by Marcel and Thierry.
I stood as did Crystal.
"Are you alright?" My dad asked looking me over, and I nodded, shrugging my shoulders.
Marcel asked a similar question to Crystal whose ears tinged with pink as she replied.
"His hand wasn't on me long enough to do any damage."
My dad nodded, a rough expression taking over his face. Feeling his rage, I leaned over to hug him with the hope I would quell it.
"Dad I'm fine... everything is ok..."
His hand came to cradle the back of my head, "I wish it was."
I pulled away confused, "What do you mean? Is Mom alright?" I demand, and he nodded.
"Your mother is alright but Jackson just informed me that more alphas have gone missing."
·𖥸·
I promised Crystal that we would talk later, and she looked thrilled at the idea.
Something about me drew people in. I knew that I had been endowed with good looks but they weren't everything. It couldn't have been all the good in me because I had a little bad too.
Dad and I talked about the news of Alpha's going missing on the drive home.
We had both agreed that it wasn't a coincidence, this had been planned out. The alpha's of Linden and Blair were missing and had been for over forty-eight hours. While the Calder pack was sitting pretty, the two co-alphas even suggested taking over as leader for the two packs, but Jackson and Dad shut that shit down.
We theorized that either the Calder pack was next or they were the ones who were doing the kidnapping.
When he pulled up to the house he didn't turn off his truck, he glanced over at me smiling. "Don't throw any parties."
I laughed, "The only party I'll be throwing is on Thursday night at the reservation."
Right, that was two days away...And I had so much to do! But at least I finished that John Locke paper!
"That's my girl."
After I planted a kiss on his cheek, I hopped down from the truck running to the house.
Hayley would kill me if I didn't help her get ready.
·𖥸·
"I feel like it's too springy for fall."
Hayley narrowed her eyes at me in the mirror, and I folded my arms over my chest getting defensive.
The yellow and blue butterfly dress she was wearing was perfect for a spring day but not a fall one.
Her door banged open and Jilly stood under the frame, sporting her usual brick-red lipstick, hoop earrings, and leather jacket.
"Did you miss me?"
Hayley frizzed up, hissing at Jilly to leave.
Playing the mediator stood between them. "Let's all remain calm."
Jilly sighed, looking at me pleadingly, "I'm just trying to show my support. You guys know how good I am with clothes."
Hayley sighed and didn't say anything else as she pulled more items from her lowly stocked closet. She had never been one to shop regularly.
Half an hour of no's later and Jilly snapped jumping up, aggressively pointing at Hayley who became offended by the motion.
"That's it! I can't take it anymore, you are wearing one of my dresses."
She rendered Hayley speechless as she left for her room. I reclined back yawning, it was only noon and Jackson would be arriving at the house in twenty minutes or less. Her makeup and hair weren't done but miracles had been pulled out of magicians' hats before.
On a hanger, Jilian brought in a cream-colored cardigan and a, maroon dress with a sweetheart neckline.
I thought Hayley would hate it because of the low neckline, she dressed modestly but for some reason she loved it.
I hugged my sisters, overjoyed with the fact that some miracles did happen.
·𖥸·
It wasn't long until I was grabbing Fullest Moon by Ansel off my sister's nightstand.
The cover was black and speckled with stars, a yellow moon peeked from the top, followed by red trees that lined the bottom.
I would be lying if I said that it didn't intrigue me.
So, I flipped open the page and sipped on my tea as I made my way to the terrace.
I.
We all have a hunger... cravings... and longings... This truth will toll like a brass bell when it's hit... even at the end of days when greed has taken over civilization and the skies have dimmed... Wolves are tenacious creatures...ravenous beings especially susceptible to feeling deprived but there has been one thing proven to remedy the constraint. A stunning clarity in the vague opacity of life... Once the wolf finds its other half, two parts evolve into one. Whether they pick familiarity or camaraderie, clarity permits them to be whole on the inside... entirely complete.
I turned the page, and then another and another... This book had me enthralled, my heart pounded in my chest and once again I was reminded of the feeling that wolf's eyes gave me. I sunk into the rocking chair and threw a throw blanket over my lap not taking my eyes off the italicized black printed words.
·𖥸·
Three hours later, I was sticking Fullest Moons on my sister's nightstand. I had finished the book and my brain was buzzing from everything Ansel said about undeniable insatiable hungers and the clarities that remedied them.
I opened the pack of ground turkey and I busied myself shaping patties, pitching Shadow a small treat.
As I laid them in the cast-iron skillet Jilly came down from her room. "Ooh, sis, what are you making?"
"That's for you to find out at supper... Aren't you supposed to go pick up Hayley?"
Jilian stomped to the front door. I rolled my eyes she was so theatrical.
"Ok, Mom."
I flinched at the door being slammed.
What a day it was...
𖥸
Dictionary: Angel of Death- is an ancient, powerful being that is simply neutral. Premonition - is the ability to see and experience events from the past, present, and future. Mate- a werewolf's soulmate. Acaci - herb used for protection, Ague - herb used for protection or hex breaking. Clairvoyance - the art or practice of foretelling future events. Belthazor was Cole Turner's demon half that Phoebe Halliwell siphoned out. An empath is a term used for a witch who has the power of empathy, meaning they are able to feel the emotions of others.
A/N: Part two should be out soon if everything goes well!! I hope you enjoyed it! In the next chapter, there are going to be some interesting developments :)
