Luna

14

Finding my way back to the house was easier than I was expecting. But it didn't help the sickening feeling that was growing in the pit of my stomach. Parking beside the garage, I carefully made my way to the house. I wasn't sure if I should knock or just walk in. Unsure, I knocked on the door.
Bailey laughed as she pulled open the door, "Why in the world would you knock?" She pulled me through the door, "This is your house too now."
Nodding, I forced a smile, "It's all just new and overwhelming. I'm not sure how to act and that never happens to me."
Her eyes widened with my honesty, "It'll get easier." Her eyes glazed over, "Mom used to tell me about when she first moved here with Father and how hard it was on her at first but it all worked out."
I smiled, "Thank you."
She shrugged and headed for a family room, "Wanna come and hang out with Connor and I?"
"I think I'm going to shower and sleep but thank you."
She nodded, "Okay but if you change your mind you know where to find us."
"Thank you Bailey. See you in the morning."
Pulling off my shoes, I sprinted up to my new room. My boxes from home were everywhere and I would need to unpack them but I didn't want to tonight. Finding my way to the bathroom, I peeled off my dress and stood under the boiling waterfall. My heart was hurting and I didn't know how to fix it. Maybe a good cry would help. Sitting down I let the full force of my sadness wash over me and began to sob. I sat like this for an hour, until I became too tired to move. Turning off the water, I dried off and pulled on a set of underwear. Moving over to my suitcase in search of my hair brush, I found my stuffed wolf but this one was Josiah's, it smelt just like him. My heart swelled and I hugged it to my chest as I curled up on the unfamiliar bed. Too tired for a mind link, I called my brother.
The phone only rang once.
"JoJo? What's wrong? Are you okay?" His voice was deep and sleepy, I had woken him up.
"Sorry for waking you. I'm just sad and need you."
"I'm here JoJo. You say the word and I'll come pick you up."
"No, you don't have to do that. Thanks for..." Another wave of sobbing hit me as I curled tighter into a ball around the wolf.
"Don't cry. Please Jo, everything's going to be okay. Where's your mate?"
"I don't know."
Josiah growled, "He left you alone?"
"No, there are two others here. I'm just so sad Siah. Why is this happening?"
"Mom says it's because you are feeling everyone's sadness with yours. The pack and your family miss you."
"I miss you guys. Will it get easier?"
"Yes. Just get some rest, you need to build up your strength to handle all this."
"Sing to me?"
This was something he always used to do when I was younger and had nightmares. And once I started getting visions it became a regular thing. As he started to hum to me, I could feel my stress and anxiety slowly subsiding.
"I love you."
"I love you too Sis." He continued to hum for me and pulled me into sleep.

My dreams were dark and creepy as I watched death after death of the different faces I had come to know and love. It was too much, too overwhelming but I couldn't pull myself out of the darkness. I was trapped, forced to watch everyone I love die. An alarm allowed me an escape from the bloody world. As my eyes shot open, I sprinted to the bathroom and threw up in the toilet. Seeing all of that was too much. I had to push it out of my thoughts and be strong, that's what Mother always told me. I wish she was here with me, she understands what I'm going through and can help me.
Taking a deep breath, I brushed my teeth and washed my face of the sweet. A good swim would help distract me. It was five in the morning, giving me an hour before I had to start getting ready for school. Looking over my boxes, I found the one marked 'Swimming' and easily found my wet suit. Even though I didn't need it, it stopped the humans from looking at me funny. Creeping down stairs, I walked through the living room to the back door. I couldn't help but smile when I saw Bailey and Connor sprawled out on the floor surrounded by junk food. It made me think of Cris and I. Silently, I pulled two blankets out of the chest and draped them over the two of them. They both stirred but didn't wake.
Smirking and shaking my head, I headed back down the hallway to the back door. Stepping out into the fresh air my mind swirled with relief. There was nothing better than the smell of the ocean in the morning. Walking down the small path to the water, I slowly began to wade into the water. It smelt like spring and my heart skipped with excitement. Diving into the water, I swam hard for a half an hour and then turned back around. It was so relaxing.
When I was done, I moved to the beach and pulled off my wet suit, leaving me in my bright blue swimsuit. A growl startled me out of my thoughts - it wasn't a growl I knew. Turning around, I could feel the anger rolling off of the man standing before me. He was still in human form but was close to the phase. He was part of Josh's pack, which was confusing.
Snarling, he took a step closer to me, "You are on Darrow territory little girl."
"Calm down. I don't want to fight."
He laughed, "You mean get your ass handed to you."
Not in the mood, I rolled my eyes and headed for the house.
He grabbed my shoulder and tossed me back into the pebbled sand. I yelped as my wrist caught a rock and blood began to ooze from my forearm. "You really shouldn't have done that." Standing to my feet, I snarled and sent a wave of calm over him.
He took a step back, trying to hold on to his anger. "What the fuck are you?"
Smirking, I took a step closer, "Your Alpha's mate."
His eyes widened, "You're Luna?" He looked down at my arm and I could feel the panic. "I'm dead."
Rolling my eyes, I released him from my calming hold and shook my head, "You were doing your job but now you know so may I go?"
He frowned, "What about your arm?"
"It will heal. I've had worse, may I go get ready for school now?"
He looked hesitant and worried, as if he was unsure of what to do. "I'll escort you back."
Not wanting to fight, I nodded my head and picked up my wetsuit. Before I turned back to him, I rinsed off the blood. The cut was deeper than I had thought and it was still healing and bleeding. Sighing, I covered it with my suit and turned back to the man. "Lead the way."
He looked at me funny and started up the path. When we came to the front door, Bailey came bursting out with wide eyes, "JoJo? Where have you been? Josh is going crazy."
The man nodded and bowed his head to us before leaving. The moment was awkward but I flashed him a smile before I moved to Bailey's side.
"I was swimming. I told him last night that I swim every morning."
Bailey laughed, "He is hungover, it makes him quick tempered but I'm glad you're safe."
As she spoke, Josh ripped open the door and snarled, "Where the hell were you?" His eyes widened as he looked over my body. I forgot I was still in my swimsuit. His eyes blackened and he ran a hand through his messy hair. There were rings under his eyes and he looked like he hadn't slept yet.
Laughing, I rolled my eyes, "You look terrible. When did you get back?"
He frowned, "A half hour ago and you weren't here."
Pointing to my attire, I laughed, "I wasn't kidding when I said I swim every morning."
He seemed to relax a little. Not thinking, I tossed my wetsuit over the porch railing to dry but as soon as I did, Josh let out a chilling growl. "What the hell happened?"
"My wrist found a rock." I shrugged and pushed past him. He wasn't my favorite person at the moment.
"What's your problem?"
Feeling all the overwhelming emotions, I snapped. It wasn't like me to ever lose my temper but right now, I was done being nice. "You!"
"What?" He looked annoyed.
Trembling, I fought with my wolf. "You are the only fucking person I know here!" I shoved him back, "And last night I needed you! This place is terrifying for me and you just shoved me away the second we started getting real. So you know what Josh? You have no right to be annoyed or worried about me." Taking a deep breath, I stormed up the stairs.
Bailey laughed under her breath, "You're such an idiot Bubba. Go after her!"
He snarled, "She clearly doesn't want me to."
"You're being stupid. Let your instincts tell you what to do - it's why they're there."
Ignoring their conversation, I stormed to my room and pulled off my clothes before I hopped into the shower. In a half an hour, I jumped out, braided my hair and pulled on the school uniform I was given. It was a high waisted, black skirt that fell almost to my knees with a red, collared, polo shirt that had the school insignia over the right breast. Taking my makeup, I covered the dark circles under my eyes and put on a little mascara. I wasn't in the mood for school but this was life now and I needed to make the best of it. Throwing on my black leather jacket, I pulled open the bathroom door. To my surprise, I found Josh in my bed with two plates of food.
"I made breakfast." His voice was hushed but he still didn't look up at me.
Still feeling a little nauseous from my dream, I shook my head, "That's nice of you but I'm not feeling very well."
"Is it my fault?"
Feeling his hurt and sadness, my heart sunk deeper into my chest and I wanted to make it better. "No. I had bad dreams last night, it made me sick."
His brow furrowed in worry as he set the food down and moved to my side, "Is that normal?"
"It happens, I'll be okay."
He nodded.
Before he could say anything, I sighed, "I'm really sorry I snapped at you. That's not like me."
He nodded and smirked softly, "What happened to all that self control you were talking about?"
Blushing, I shrugged, "It goes out the window when I'm with you, which is scary."
Clinching his jaw, he took in a deep breath. "I'm scared too. You make me feel out of control. All my wolf wants to do is mark and mate you and I don't know if I can stop myself from doing that. Even now it's a constant battle and barely holding on to my sanity. I don't know what to do."
His honesty was shocking. "Spend time with me." I moved closer to him, "Get to know me and let me get to know you and then you won't have to hold back."
His eyes darkened as he cupped my cheek and brought my lips to his. The kiss deepened and I dug my hands through his hair, pulling him closer to me. My wolf purred and urged me on. Needing to stop before we both lost control, I pulled away with a heavy breath.
"And it's very hard for me not to mark you as well."
He growled and smirked as he kissed my forehead, "Good to know. Now please eat?"
Feeling so much better, my mood had instantly brightened from his presence. "Okay."
Together we sat down on my bed and he handed me the plate of food. "How was your swim?"
"Good. How was the rest of your night?"
He shrugged, "Drank too much. I promise that isn't a regular thing for me. Everything was just very overwhelming. I'm sorry, it wasn't the best first impression of me as an Alpha or as a person."
"It did have me worried. I don't want to make you uncomfortable around me."
He shrugged as he took another bite, "It's not your fault. I just need to adjust and get used to the chaos I feel."
Smiling softly, I took a bite of the eggs and nodded. "I can always help you with that."
He shook his head and seemed really distraught, "I don't like it when you use your gifts on me."
Something clicked, "Is that what's been bothering you?"
His eyes widened and he nodded shyly.
"I would never use them on you without your permission. I wouldn't cross that line with you Josh. I promise, you can trust me. I didn't use them on you at the bar when you were about to kill that man and I wouldn't ever use them like that, not when it comes to you."
His shoulders visibly relaxed, "That's a load off my shoulders."
"Why would I ever use them on you? You're my mate. My Mom only uses it on my father as practice to make her stronger and keep her safe and only when he agrees to it. Like you, he hated it. He rarely let me practice on him, only my mom."
"You have to remember I don't know anything about what you are. My father hated what the Luna stood for and never passed down any information."
"What do you want to know?"
He looked at me skeptically, "Isn't it dangerous to let people know about you?"
"Yes but if you have to trust that I would never use my abilities on you then I can trust you with my secrets about me."
He smiled softly, "Can I take you out to dinner tonight and we can talk then?"
"I would love that." My smile brightened as I took a few more bites of food, "Did you make this?"
He nodded, "Yeah."
"It's good." I laughed and took another bite, "Didn't think you were the cooking type."
He rolled his eyes, "Why? Because I'm the almighty, blood thirsty Alpha?"
"Well...Yeah." My cheeks blushed.
"I like it when you blush."
Changing the subject I handed him my plate, "I'm full, want the rest?"
His eye brightened and he took my plate, "We are defiantly going to get along."
Laughing, I stood up and found the box that had the word 'School' written on it. Pulling it open, I found my supplies and big, brown, leather purse. Shoving the things I would need in the bag, I smiled as I found one of my old photo albums I had made.
"What's that?" Josh's voice startled me.
"An old album I made for a class project."
His eyes brightened and reached for the book, "May I see?"
Feeling bold with his presence, I took a seat in his lap and opened the book. Inside was me and Josiah when we were first born. "It has pictures from every year. This was the day after Siah and I were born."
"You guys look identical."
I laughed, "It drove my mom crazy when people couldn't tell who was who."
He smiled and I turned the pages as he looked. He stopped at a picture of me and Cris when we were thirteen. It was a few days after the attack and I still had a massive scratch across my face and down my arm.
Josh stiffened, "What happened?"
"Rogue."
His jaw clenched and he held me tighter, "Is it dead?"
"Cris killed him." My heart hurt at the thought, it was his first kill and it hurt him to take a life.
"Good." His voice was dark.
Turning the pages, I continued to look over all the pictures of me and my friends and family over the years. I laughed at some of them but it didn't hurt to see them in the pictures. Josh was keeping me in a good mood. The last picture was of me and Josiah in human form and in our wolf form - they were taken last summer.
"You're wolves are identical." He sounded amazed.
"Yeah." I laughed, "We used to play pranks on the pack all the time."
He chuckled, "I like it when you really smile. It's beautiful."
Resting against his chest, I sighed in relief, "I like it when you show me your real smile too."
He kissed the top of my head and took in a deep breath of my scent.
After a moment the door flew open and Bailey came barging in, "We need..." She saw us and smirked, "Sorry. Knocking is something I've never been good at."
Not really caring about anything but being in Josh's arms, I shrugged. "It's fine."
She laughed, "Connor and I are ready to head to school. You coming?"
Reluctantly, I got up from Josh's lap and pulled up my bag, "I'm ready." Kissing Josh on the cheek, I skipped over to Bailey.
She laughed and scooped up my hand, "We have to hurry."
Josh was at our sides in an instant. He looked hesitant but kissed his sister on the head and then kissed my cheek, "Be safe."
Bailey laughed, "Don't worry. Connor and I will keep an eye on her."
"Mind link me if anything goes wrong."
I laughed and rolled my eyes, "I can take care of myself. Plus I have my own mind link to you."
He smirked and rolled his eyes, "Just be safe okay?"
"Okay."
Bailey pulled me out of the doorway and down the stairs. In the driveway, Connor was already in his Jeep Wrangler, sitting in the driver's seat smiling at us.
"You two are gonna get us into trouble. Hurry up."
Bailey just laughed as she tossed her bag in the back seat and took the passenger seat. I climbed into the back and buckled up silently. The ride was filled with jokes and laughter from Bailey and Connor, they were so close. It made me think of Cris.
Pulling out my phone I texted him.

*First day of school. I'm nervous and miss you.*

It only took him a moment to reply.

*You're gonna do great JoJo. Everyone loves you*

*Thanks. I needed that. How are you?*

*Fine. Worried about you.*

*Why?*

*Because you're sad and everyone can feel it JoJo.*

*You can?*

*Yeah. There is a funk through the packs and we know it's from you.*

*It will get better. I had a talk with him today.*

*Is he not treating you right?*

*He is a complete gentlemen. I just miss my old life and comfort.*

*It will get better. I have to go but I'll call after school. Okay?*

*Please do.*

*I love you.*

*I love you too.*

Bailey turned around, "Who you talking to?"
"My best friend back home."
Bailey smiled, "What's she like?"
"Well...He's the best ever."
She laughed, "Does Josh know he's a he?"
"Yes. He has met him too."
"How?"
"He is Alpha Alder's only son. He was at the gathering."
She seemed really intrigued by him, "What's his name?"
"Cris."
"Well maybe Josh will let you have him visit. He seems to make you smile."
Feeling a little uncomfortable, I nodded and changed the subject. "Are you and Connor mates?" I already knew that answer but I just needed the distraction.
Bailey burst into laughter, "Oh my gosh! No!"
Connor laughed and stuck out his tongue in disgust, "She's like my sister. That's so messed up."
I laughed at their reaction. Even though I knew they weren't mates, I couldn't help but see how they would react. It was clear their relationship was similar to mine and Cris' "You two remind me of me and Cris."
Bailey laughed, "Your bestie is a total man whore too."
My eyes widened and I blushed, "Well. No."
Connor laughed, "He just doesn't have my sexiness and charm."
I laughed, "You're right. He has class and is the definition of handsome."
Bailey giggled, "Wanna trade best fiends?"
"No way. I don't want to hang out with a walking STD."
We erupted into laughter. They smiled as we pulled into the massive school. My heart fluttered with the sight. It looked almost like a castle and was far more grand than my public school back home.
As Connor parked he smiled back at me, "Don't look too excited."
Forcing a smile, I shrugged, "Is it just your pack or are there humans?"
Bailey snatched up her bag, "Humans but we normally stay away from them."
As I hopped out of the car my heart sunk. I didn't like the feel of this place. It was far too holier than thou and judgmental for me.
Bailey seemed to pick up on my mood, "Want me to go with you to see the Head Master?"
"Head master?"
She giggled, "The principal."
"Oh." My cheeks blushed, "No. I'm sure I'll find my way. You two hurry up to class. I don't want to make you late."
They both nodded but looked a little unsure as they tossed each other different looks.