Pain
As I turned on the highway heading towards my home, I could not deny the heart-wrenching pain I felt spread through my body. I unconsciously pressed my palm into my stomach, massaging it while I let out a soft groan.
"Is it hurting badly?" Daisy asked with a concerned look.
I was unsure how best to explain what I was feeling, so it took a moment to answer her.
"I feel sad, empty, not like myself. Not to mention, I'm having these severe cramps. I swear it feels like my period is on, and the shit is super annoying." I scoffed
Daisy laughed, causing me to turn my head at an angle to where I was glaring at her and still watching the road.
"Relax, you're going to feel like that due to you fighting what the mate bond wants. I wouldn't be surprised that Elijah is also experiencing the same thing."
What?
"Dammit, I almost forget that he felt what I felt when I left the last time. God, I hope he can forgive me." I whispered.
Her hand squeezed my thighs.
"Helena, I know you're trying to do what you think is right, but I honestly think we should return to the packhouse. You are safer there. No one is being forced to protect you."
I shrugged my shoulders.
"Oh, I know that, and I'm grateful that you all would do such a thing for me." I paused, "But, I just can't accept this as my fate; as his fate. What kind of love or life will we have if we're constantly defending our relationship? What if we have kids? What will become of them? Will they, too, suffer the same fate? I have to find a way to protect myself, him, and any future kids we may or may not have." I sighed.
As soon as the words left my mouth, I thought back to my dream. I wondered whatever happened to the child Elias and Phoebe left behind. Did she survive? Did she understand the depth of her parent's love? They were willing to die for one another. I know it was a dream, but that same feeling Phoebe had when Elias made her leave is what I felt now. The more I thought about it, the more I understood her motivation for turning around. Why did she risk not being able to watch her child grow up? Why was it so important to make sure he was safe?
Selflessness
I turned in the driveway, not even bothering to shut the car off. I told Daisy to give me a few minutes to grab the directions to my grandparent's cabin and the keys. Once, I rushed to the kitchen drawer, holding the keys and the directions scribbled on the back of a postcard. Before shutting the drawer, I noticed a crumpled-up picture in the corner. I opened it to see a picture of my grandparents, mom, myself, and dad. I had to be no older than six years old. I smiled at how happy we looked. How at peace we were that day. I tucked the picture in my pants pocket, turned on my heels running back to the car.
While putting the car in reverse, I noticed Daisy's face twitching in discomfort and her hands pinching the bridge of her nose.
"What's wrong, Daisy?"
"Elijah knows your gone, sweetheart, and he is not incredibly happy about it. Not one bit." She sighs
"I am so sorry. Is Elijah yelling at you through the mind link?" I asked
"More like he is chastising me right now. The fact that you're not answering his calls is infuriating him even more."
Fuck
"Oh my God, I left my fucking phone on the kitchen counter. I will call Elijah when we get there. I promise. Can I ask you a question? How come it doesn't hurt you when you're away from Jax like it hurts Elijah and me." I wondered
A guilty look shades her face for just a moment.
" Your bond is going to be different from ours because he is a powerful Alpha, and you're his Luna. The ties to the Moon Goddess is stronger than ours."
That makes sense. The mere mention of Elijah's name has me yearning to see him. To go to him. My resolve shakes a little, but I push my foot harder on the gas pedal, determined to go through with my plans. I must find a way to save us. I will not have him sacrificing his life or the life of others. At least not without a plan.
"So, what is your plan right now?"
"I'm going to go through your werewolf history and see what lies there. Surely, we cannot be the only human and werewolf couple ever to exist. There must be a loophole for us. It is just a place to start. A direction."
"How are you going to go through our history without Elijah? He would know more than me or any wolf in the pack."
I pull the big black book I stole from Elijah's study out of my backpack and give it to her. It took me a while to realize that she was just staring at it with her mouth hanging open.
"Why are you staring at it like that, fool?"
"Helena, this book is centuries old and passed down from one family council member to another with records of their experiences. This could only be read by an Alpha and a member of the Council. How the hell did you get it?"
I shrunk back in my seat.
"I borrowed it from Elijah. I noticed him reading it repeatedly. I figured it was important and would have answers."
"Holy shit, now I see what he was talking about." She shook her head
"Huh, what are you talking about?"
"Just don't worry about it. How far are we away from the cabin?"
I checked the GPS in the car.
"We're about fifteen minutes away."
I could not shake the feeling that she was hiding something, but I didn't want to push the issue.
"You need to protect this book. Do you understand?" She asked as she put it back in my backpack, placing it in the backseat.
"Um, sure"
Why the hell is the book so important?
We drove in silence for the rest of the drive. My mind is spinning in various directions while trying to bury the pain in the pit of my stomach. Soon, the outline of the cabin became visible, and dispute being empty for over six months, someone kept up the yard. I put the car in park while Daisy rushed to my side with a protective stance. Her nostrils flared, and her head swiveled from side to side.
"What is going on with you, girl? I huffed, trying to move around her, causing her to snake her arms around my waist tightly.
"There are two different fresh scents. One is a werewolf, and from the smell of henbane, the other is a witch. Their scents are no older than a day old." She went very still, and her eyes glossed over. Minutes passed before she started talking again. "Stay here, Luna. I am going to look around." As soon as the words left her mouth, she was gone in a blink of an eye.
Holy fuck, she is fast.
I shuddered at the loss of warmth from her arms. I quickly surveyed the area feeling like someone was watching me. Shaking the paranoia off, I grabbed my backpack from the backseat, swinging it over my shoulder, and then I heard something. A voice. An unspoken female voice.
"Helena, I am glad you finally came."
I immediately turned around, thinking that whoever it was, they were right behind me, but there was no one.
Okay, so my separation from Elijah turns me into a basket case.
"Helena, you're not going to be able to see me. This form of communication is only mental, and I can't keep it up, so I'm going to need you to listen very carefully."
What in the fuck?
"Who the hell are you?"
"Who I am is of no consequence, but what I am to you is. Our fates have always been intertwined, and I have waited for your return for an exceedingly long time. My time is dwindling. Our face-to-face reunion will have to wait.
"Wait a minute, what do you mean you've been waiting for my return? How do I even know you? Why is your time dwindling?
"Ssh, sweet girl."
A sudden sense of peace washed over me, causing my rigid posture to become relaxed.
"The time for answers will come. The only thing you need to know is that we are friends and have been for centuries. Some bonds will withstand even death, which you will soon find out. I can't keep this line of communication open for exceptionally long. You're fighting me."
"I am not fighting you! You're not even here for, fucks sake."
A soft laugh sounds in my head.
"You have no idea what kind of power you can wield, but that is not important right now. You are getting closer to the truth, which is why I can get through to you. You're on the right track, Helena. Keep digging. keep searching for the answers to the problems you have, and the closer you get to that in which you seek, you will find me."
"Lady, what in the fuck is you on. This is not a game. This is real life, and I don't have time to play 'Riddle Me This'. You better give me some answers, got dammit!
"I must say your spirit is a little more intense than what I remember. Look in the pocket on the side of your backpack."
I removed the backpack from my shoulder, fumbling through the pocket when I noticed a yellow rose. As soon as my hands touched it, a memory resurfaced, and I was sure it wasn't mine, but it felt like mine. I was transported to a meadow full of yellow roses, and a cottage was in the middle. It felt like home.
"What was that?"
"Soon, Helena. Do you know what a yellow rose signifies?
"Yes, friendship."
"Whenever you're in trouble, just hold on to this rose and call out my name. I will be there to help you."
Her voice started to fade away.
"I can barely hear you now. I don't even know your name."
The voice was just a whisper by now.
"When the time comes that you need me, you will already know my name."
I stood there waiting for her to say something else.
Hello?
Crazy lady?
Dammit, Lady?
A hand touched my shoulder from behind, causing me to let out a terrified scream. Daisy's hand clamped over my mouth before I could finish screaming.
"Helena, are you all right. I am sorry it took me so long; the perimeter is secure. The scents are only outside. Let's get inside and warm up." She opened the backseat door and grabbed my suitcase leading me to the front door.
My hands held a slight tremble as I fumbled with the key. God, I am turning into a crazed person now. I wonder if I should check myself into a mental asylum. Hearing voices in your head is a common symptom of an underlying mental illness. After a few minutes, I was finally able to twist the lock, letting us in. I immediately made a left upon entering, heading towards the light switch.
Taking off my shoes and tucking them in the living room corner, I made a B-line straight to the kitchen, making my way to the liquor cabin. I grab two shot glasses out of the cabinet, washing them off before heading to the freezer. My eyes twinkle when I find a bottle of Remy Martin 1738 Royal Cognac.
Dammit, I hope there is some fucking ice in here.
To my surprise, the freezer is stocked to the brim with food. I will revisit that later. Right now, I need a damn drink. Pulling the cork from the bottle, I pour two drinks for Daisy and me. Call me all fashion, but again I hate drinking alone. Handing the glass to Daisy, I am met with a quizzical eyebrow.
"Don't ask bitch. Just drink with me." I glare at her to make sure she knows I am serious.
"Whatever you say, Luna." She smiles.
The rush of the warm brown liquid coats my chest causing a tremble to resonate throughout my body. For a moment in time, I felt like just another typical teenager sneaking a drink out of her parent's liquor cabinet. I smile at the idea of Daisy and I being regular teenage girls, and just coming up here to get away from our insufferable boyfriends only to badmouth them while getting tipsy laughing at whatever ridiculous thing comes out of our mouths.
"What has you smiling over there? Are you over their daydreaming about fucking Elijah?" She giggles.
I could not help the silly grin that stretched across my face.
"As appealing as fucking Elijah in my head is, I was thinking of how normal it would have felt if this was just two girls hanging out." I sighed.
"Your relationship won't be like this forever, Helena. We knew their would-be consequences to your union with Elijah from the moment we met you. We are all here for you."
Here goes some more bullshit. I swear my fucking head will explode with all the secrets these motherfuckers have.
"Daisy, what do you mean the first moment you saw me? How long has everyone known I'm Elijah's mate?"
She takes a deep sigh running her long fingers through her tangled dark hair.
"I shouldn't have said that. I know you might not want to hear this, but that is a conversation you will have to have with your mate." Her shoulders square, letting me know that is all she will say.
"Whatever, Daisy. You know, keeping a secret is dangerously close to lying to someone. The person who keeps a secret may be wise but there not as wise as a person with no secrets. You should look that quote up by E.W Howe and print it out so you, Elijah, and your whole pack can read it repeatedly" I storm off in the direction of the study.
"Helena, it's not like that." I hear her yelling out as I close the door.
Pulling the chair up from under the desk, I plop down as a gust of wind exits my chest. How dare Daisy not tell me any of this shit after my encounter with Elijah? Did they think me so weak I could not handle it? Did he not want me as his mate? Was he trying to find a way out of it, and when he couldn't, he just rolled with the punches?
Scanning the desk, I noticed a cordless house phone plugged into the wall, and without thinking, I grabbed it. I harshly dialed Elijah's phone number when I heard the dial tone. After about three rings, I hear his voice.
"Who the fuck is this?"
Jesus, take the wheel. Even his voice makes me squirm. Get a grip, Helena!
"Elijah, it's me." I sigh
When I heard his voice, that hole I desperately tried to ignore made an appearance. Anger no longer existed. I missed him. All I wanted was to just be in his arms where I knew I was safe. Where I was loved. Where I wanted to be.
"Helena, your disobedience is starting to be a pain in my ass. You should have waited on me. How am I supposed to keep you safe when you keep fucking disappearing on me?" He yelled.
Okay, feelings are gone.
"I am not your lackey. I don't have to listen to you if I don't want to. This is not 1938 jackass. If I want to do something, I am going to do it. Period."
"I love you, Helena. I can't lose you because you are too stubborn to accept that I am only doing what I must do to keep you safe. Your every fucking thing to me. If anything were to happen to you, my heart would stop. There is no me without you." His anguished voice thunders through the phone.
Does he love me?
Whoa, he loves me.
I have never heard him say that four-letter word and the feeling that coursed through my already confused mind was unnerving. I have only been dating him for five damn days. How the hell could he love me? On second thought, did I love him? The answer to that question came to me immediately.
"I love you too," I whispered.
He laughs.
"I know that you love me, sweetheart. Why else would you try to protect my pack and me? I understand why you left, but you are not safe without me, Helena. You need to tell me where you are right now. You're not sleeping anywhere else but in my bed."
I sighed.
"I haven't even figured out how to help us. Help your pack. I don't want anyone risking their lives for me, and I certainly don't want anyone using me as leverage over you. I am just a useless human. I don't know how to help us."
A new feeling of shame creeps up on me. I just don't fit in Elijah's world.
"Sweetheart, we will figure this out together. Tell me where.."
His sentence ends when I hear a big booming sound coming from the living room. My eyes shot towards the door, and my breathing became more erratic.
"What the fuck was that sound?"
"I don't know, but it came from the living room. Oh god, Daisy is out there." I gasp.
I started to get out of the chair to run and see if she needed help.
"Sit your ass back in the chair, Helena." He orders.
I instantly sit back down. My body obeyed before my mind registered the command.
Fuck, he is controlling me over the phone. What the fuck?
"Tell me where the fuck you are. Now!"
"I'm at my grandpa-"
The door bursts open, flying off the hinges as a man's body is catapulted to the wall. I scream, and the last thing I hear is Elijah's ferocious growl vibrating from the phone as it goes dead.
Daisy dashes to the unknown man in a blink of eye-grabbing his throat and nearly crushing his windpipe as she lifts him, pressing him against the wall.
Holy shit, I have never seen her look this scary. Her eyes are coal-black, her fingers look like claws, and I can see canines in her mouth.
"Who the fuck are you, and why are you here?" She snarls.
The guy's face is turning an unusual shade of purple as he tries to talk through the pressure applied to his throat.
"Daisy, he can't breathe! He can't answer shit if you kill him." I half-screamed in panic.
She drops the guy immediately, her claws retracting.
I stare at the guy as he tries to stand up. Something about his face seems familiar. I have seen that face before.
"Mr. Costello? Is that you?"
Warm brown eyes stare up at me as he gives me a weak smile.
"Yes, Helena. It is me. You look so much like your grandmother." He gives a low laugh.
I rushed over to his side and gave him a tight hug, stopping when he winced. I turn around to Daisy, glaring at her.
"Damn, Xena Warrior Princess, you couldn't at ask who it was before you assaulted the guy."
Her shoulders shrug, "My bad. Shit, I saw a creepy bastard coming through the door. I will ask questions after I immobilize him. Who the hell is he anyway?"
"He is the caretaker of the property. I've known him since I was a kid." I turn back towards Mr. Costello. "Are you okay?" He gives me a slight nod, signaling he is okay. "I'm sure you have questions about what you saw."
He clears his throat.
"No, I don't. Your overgrown Amazon friend is a bloody werewolf. And a rude one at that." He scoffs.
My mouth hangs open, "You know they exist?"
"Yes, child. You don't get my age and don't see a thing or two. Besides, most of the humans in this town are aware of the supernatural. Why are you here?" He asks
"Long story. Would you like a cup of coffee?"
We walk out to the kitchen, and I start to make some coffee while Daisy and Mr. Costello sit at the table. Daisy is deep in thought, so I clear my throat as I hand her a cup of hot coffee.
"Thanks for protecting me, Daisy. I appreciate everything you do and continue to do." I kiss the top of her head before taking a seat across from her.
"Always, Luna."
"Luna? So, you mated to their Alpha? It doesn't surprise me." He smiles widely at me.
"Why are you not surprised?"
"Your aura has always been strong, relentless even. It makes sense that you would only be mated to one that is equally strong."
What?
"You're a warlock?" Daisy asks.
"Yes, I am. I'm the last male of my line." He quietly adds.
"Wow, that is freaking weird. Did my grandparents know? I would have never guessed."
"Your grandparents knew a lot of things they shouldn't have known." He huffs. "But they were good people, and they knew the importance of keeping my secret."
Secrets...?
"What kind of secrets were they keeping? Whose secrets were they keeping?" The words came out in a rush.
His face takes on a meaningful look.
"My dear little one, when the time comes, all the answers you seek to the problems you have will be revealed." He gave me a side smirk.
My back goes rigid, and I narrow my eyes at him. Does he know the lady? His words are oddly similar to what the voice in my head said. I gave him an accusing look, to which he replied with a wink.
Son of a bitch. He knows her.
I started to question him more, but before I could push one fucking word out, a loud howl pierced the air.
Daisy swallows hard, and her back gets straighter.
My heart is pounding, my palms are sweaty, and that hole is non-existent now.
The door breaks open like someone kicked it, and his scent reaches me before his body does. Before we had a chance to react, Elijah stood in front of me, inches away from my face. With an emotionally filled stare. Anger, relief, lust, fear, and other emotions run through him and me. I can't help to shrink back at his vigorous gaze.
He grips my chin tightly, forcing me to look at him while his left arm circles around my waist, lifting me off the chair and pressing my breast against his bare chest. My legs instantly wrapped around him, and I realized he was as naked as a newborn baby. The touch of his hard cock pressing against my warmth cements that knowledge even further into my consciousness.
Warm liquid seeps into the seat of my panties as his stare intensifies, and his nostrils flare, smelling my arousal. A slow mischievous grin takes over, causing his grip on my chin to loosen up. He brings his nose to the crook of my neck, biting down on my flesh. God, it felt so good my toes curled, and a string of moans escaped my tight lips.
"I'm still pissed, my foolish little toy, but the smell of your pussy does lessen some of my rage. I wonder how I will punish thee." He whispers in my air.
The hot air that caresses my ear as he talks makes my clit throb with anticipation for whatever punishment he has in store for me.
"Please punish me, Alpha," I hum.
He growls, and my back arches.
"Daisy and Evan pack up her belongings. We will be going back to my estate tonight."
By the time he finished the order we were out the door going down the steps. He removes my legs from his waist, gently placing the balls of my feet firmly on the dirt.
"You're going to meet my wolf, little mate. Do not be afraid. We would and could never hurt you."
I nod a silent yes as he walks a few feet from me. I finally see a full view of his massive cock, and my tongue darts between my lips, wetting them.
He is hung like a fucking horse, bro.
He smirks as he reads my dirty thoughts. Taking a deep breath and exhaling, I see his form turn into the beautiful white wolf I saw in the woods that night. He has got to be at least eight feet tall and thick. I can't deny that I'm a little scared right now. Sensing my apprehension, he kneels on all fours, resting his head in between the space his front legs create. A deep purr sounds from him, making me relax into peacefulness.
I slowly walked towards him circling his humongous body, admiring how beautiful he indeed was. He looked just like the wolf I saw in the woods. Just like Elias's wolf in my dream. When I reach his large head, his eyes are no longer green but a brilliant blue.
"This is fucking amazing." I grinned.
Suddenly, I feel the wetness of his tongue as he licks the side of my face.
"Your wolf tongue feels just as good as your normal tongue, you freak." I laughed.
Motioning for me to get on his back, I comply. When I'm finally in a good position, my hands grip his fur.
"I have my horse now. I've always wanted one."
The deep rumbling from his chest makes his body quiver. I can safely assume he is laughing at my remark.
Hold on, mate.
Cool, I can hear his thoughts even as a wolf.
Just as I was going to say something, the white wolf takes off into the darkness of the woods.