Fear
The literal definition of fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined. When I read the message on the car, this is what I truly felt.
It's not like I have never been afraid of something, but this was different. I didn't feel fear for my life but his life, for their lives, and the fear was indescribable. Whoever wrote this bullshit wanted me dead; they knew I was Elijah's mate, and the message was about me but for him. I loved him, I loved Daisy, and although I haven't met his entire pack, I loved them too.
As the wheels in my head started to spin, I was vaguely aware of Daisy gripping my shoulders, trying to bring me out of my thoughts. I focused my eyes until her face came into full view and the fear there mirrored precisely what I felt inside. My instincts at once kicked in, and this was not about self-preservation; no, this was about saving the lives of the people that I cared the most about. Rather she feared for her own life, and the life of her pack or mine was uncertain.
"Helena, are you in shock? I don't like the color on your face." She gently rubbed my shoulders as she spoke.
I need to keep them safe. But how?
"I'm fine. Just a little startled, but I'm fine. Are you okay?" I asked.
She gave me a confused look, "Girl, hell yes, I'm all right. I'm just pissed at whoever wrote this bullshit, and I'm going to rip their fucking heart out of their chest the moment I find out who did this." She growled.
I almost laughed at what she said until I could see her pupils expand like Elijah did when he was mad, which showed me that her wolf was trying to come out. I placed my hands in the same position she did before speaking.
"Relax, Daisy. Gain some control and get some perspective. We must handle this situation very carefully. My life is not the only life that is in danger."
Realization dawned on her face, and she took a deep breath before her eyes went back to normal.
"Ok, Luna. What is the next move."? She asked, startling me with her question.
How the fuck am I supposed to know what to do?
I walked over to the car, inspecting the words painted on the window while gently touching it. I brought my nose to it, smelling it.
"This was written with latex paint, and it's dry. This means this happened a little over an hour ago. Only a handful of stores sell latex-based paint so we can track the person that way. Also, it's probably a woman and not a man." I pointed to the shoeprint by the left passenger side door. "Look, at the print, it's narrow and small, just like a woman's feet. Judging by the length, I'm going to say it is about twenty-two or twenty-three centimeters. Which means it is a size six or six-and-half shoe. Most luckily, a woman." I stated.
I lifted my head to be met with Daisy's curious expression.
"Bitch, how do you know all this?" She asked.
I shrugged my shoulders, "Let's just say I watch a lot of Forensic Files in my spare time. Who knew that I could apply that knowledge to my actual life? It's not every day I get a threatened." A nervous chuckle left my lips.
She pulled me into a hug, almost crushing my spine.
"Helena, please don't worry. I promise we will find out who is responsible, and they will pay with their life." She growled.
Whoa, wait a minute. We can't just commit murder because someone left a threatening message. At best, we should put the culprit in jail for premeditated murder but damn kill them. That is a bit much.
"Listen, we can't kill them. We need to detain whoever and put whomever on trial. We need to figure out why this person wants me dead. Who else knows that I'm Elijah's, human mate? And we also need to figure out if they're willing to harm anyone else to get to me?"
"Who gives a fuck about the why, Helena? They threatened your life, and this is a serious offense. I promise you, now that Elijah knows about this, heads will roll." I grimaced at her last statement.
I completely forgot about Elijah. Of course, he would want to kill whoever was responsible. In the short amount of time that I have known him, it was apparent he has a bad temper. I felt a sudden ping in my soul at that moment. Can I let him risk his life, his soul for me? I can't explain my thought process, but morally, killing is wrong. If it were done in self-defense, I'm still not sure if I would agree with it. The fact of the matter is I didn't want him to kill anyone for me. I didn't want anyone to sacrifice their lives for me, for us. And if Heaven and Hell truly existed, I didn't want his soul marred with such a terrible sin.
Would I be willing to give up the one thing, the one person that I wanted to be with more than I wanted to breathe air? Would I leave to protect him, my family, and friends if it meant I would be miserable?
You bet your ass I would!
"Daisy, when will Elijah be back?" I nervously asked.
She gave me a sorrowful look, "He is about an hour out. Don't worry Luna; I will keep you safe until he returns." Her shoulders rose a bit.
Damn, I felt terrible for what I was about to do. Here Daisy was, thinking I was nervous because I was scared when really, I'm worried because I must leave here. It would be too selfish for me to stay and allow them to risk their safety for me.
"Can you walk me back to my room? I'm a little tired."
"Sure, follow me. Once Elijah gets back, I will send him up." She rubbed soothing circles in my back.
Such a good friend
A five-minute walk seemed like an eternity as I contemplated my escape. I knew that Elijah and even Daisy would be upset. I just hoped they understood that this was my way of keeping them safe. I'm just a human. I can't fight off any supernatural creatures that come after us, but I at least can lead them away from here. She tried to enter with me when we reached the door, but I abruptly turned around, pulling her in a hug.
I breathed in her vanilla scent, committing it to memory.
I love you.
"Thanks for everything you have ever done for me, Daisy. I will never forget it." I pulled away, shutting the door in her puzzled face.
I scurried around the room, grabbing my clothes, phone, and a book that I noticed was on Elijah's work desk the other night. It was rules and regulations for the Council. Indeed, this would have answers to our dilemma. I don't believe that we are the only human and supernatural couple ever existed. I need to find solutions.
I pulled my phone out, dialing my mother's number. Through all this drama, I realized I had not spoken with her. I needed to make sure she was safe. I needed to hear her voice.
Mom: Hey, baby. Daisy told me you broke your phone. How are you doing?
Me: (A deep sigh) Mom, I am fine. I missed you. Please tell me you are safe.
Mom: Of course, I am safe. Why wouldn't I be? Lucas and I are having a blast, and honestly, sweetheart, we might not be back in town until Friday. The transmission in the car needs to be repaired. The mechanic said it would be ready sometime Thursday afternoon. Do you need me to Cashapp you any money?
Me: Mom, I am fine. I still have about three hundred dollars in my account. I will be fine until you come back. I really wanted to ask you about Grandma and Grandpa's cabin. Are the utilities still on there?
Mom: Yes, it is. Honey, I haven't been there since the beginning of this year. I am not sure how clean it is, and I know there is no food there. Why do you want to go there?
I really hate lying to her.
Me: I just wanted to get away for a little while. Clear my head. Do you know where the keys are? I might head up there sometime this week.
Mom: Helena, what about school? Can you afford to miss that number of days? What is going on, baby? I know it may seem like you cannot talk to me, but you can. You are my number one priority, even if I do not show it all the time. Is it a boy? Do I need to whip a little knuckleheaded boy's ass?
I laugh.
Me: Mama, I don't think that would be necessary. Although, there is a guy that is special to me. His name is Elijah. You can meet him when you come back.
If he is still talking to me. If it is safe.
Mom: Oh, my baby finally has a boyfriend. I thought you were a lesbian. Not that it would matter. I would love you either way. I must meet him ASAP. I hope you are not having sex. You should at least get on birth control, just in case. Please tell me you are not having sex.
My blush intensifies the more she rambles.
Me: Calm down, woman. I am not having sex. I promise we will discuss those things when you come home. I will be okay with the school. They agreed to send my classwork and homework through email to avoid getting behind. Can you tell me where the keys are?
I groaned.
Mom: Okay, honey. The keys are in the kitchen drawer by the stove, and there should be some directions written down on a piece of paper in case you need it. Be careful, Helena. I remember Grandpa telling me there used to be a problem with wild animals there. I must go, sweetheart Lucas is calling me. I love you, baby.
Me: I love you too, Mom. Be safe.
I shake that nagging feeling of guilt associated with the lies I told her and the shit I am about to do here. I throw my phone in my backpack and make my way back to Elijah's desk, pulling out a piece of paper and a pen.
Elijah,
Please don't be mad. I did not know what else to do. I refuse to sit by idly while you and your pack defend me, even die for me. I cannot protect you or your family in any way that would be sufficient. The only thing I can do to assure your safety and theirs is to leave. God, I did not know how much you meant to me until the thought of me losing you became very real. This was not an easy decision for me to make, and I hope you know that. I refuse to be the cause of your death or anyone else. I remember a teacher telling me that goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I will miss you until we meet again. How can such a statement mirror the exact way I feel now? This is not me telling you goodbye, Elijah. This is me promising you that I will find a way to make your world see it is okay for us to be together. It is okay for me to love you. Where I am going, I swear I will be safe. I borrowed your book, and I will find a way through these ridiculous rules. I love you. Please be safe and don't worry about me.
P.S Don't fucking destroy the room.
I folded the note placing it in an envelope, sealing my heart with it. I stared at it longer than necessary as a tear rolled down my cheek, making a splash on the center of the envelope. I skillfully placed it on the bed where I knew he would find it. I opened the door stepping into the hallway with one last glance at our room. Since I gave the staff the day off, there was no soul in sight.
Making my way to the garage, I grabbed the keys to the Range Rover, opened the driver-side door settling in the seat. The ache in my heart and stomach increased as the bond became aware of my plans. It was physically hurting me to think about leaving him. Shaking my head, I placed the key in the ignition. When I reached to pull the gear out of the park, a voice startled me from the backseat.
"Did you really think you could fool me, Helena?" Daisy's angry voice boomed.
I just stared at her with my mouth open before my shock and confusion turned to anger.
"Are you fucking stalking me?" I asked, annoyed.
"You bet your ass I am. I knew you would try something like this. Why, Helena? This is not helping anyone." She climbed into the passenger seat.
"I can't sit here and put your lives in danger. You are not going to stop me, Daisy. I have made up my mind. I am going to figure this out and make it safe for everyone." I declared.
She smiled, which caught me off guard.
"I am not going to stop you, Luna. What I am going to do is stay with you and protect you. You're my friend, and you have to do what you have to do, but you won't be doing it alone."
Her eyes stared a hole through me.
"I can't ask you to disobey Elijah."
"You didn't ask me, I'm telling you. So, let us get a move on before Elijah comes back. It's hard keeping him out of my mind."
Fuck, the whole mind link thing.
"Will it hurt you ignoring him?"
She took a deep breath while closing her eyes.
"No, it doesn't hurt. It's just tiresome." She laughed.
I placed the car in drive, turning my head, "Are you sure you want to follow me. I don't have a clear-cut plan right now. I'm sort of winging it." I laughed.
" I would follow you anywhere, friend." She buckled her seatbelt.
I pulled the car out of the garage, sending a prayer to the Moon Goddess.
If you are real and you can hear me. Please help us.