Oracle Days

Chapter Twenty Eight

The war between werewolves and vampires had only just begun, yet all Alpha Elias could think about was taking me on a date. The thought alone was absurd.

Aurora and I lay on our beds, the dim glow of the bedside lamp casting soft shadows against the walls. Between us, an open bag of sweets lay scattered, an indulgence from our trip to the mall. I plucked a peach ring from the pile, letting the sugary coating dissolve on my tongue, while Aurora absentmindedly tossed Skittles into her mouth.

"So, you really had no idea you were mates?" she asked, her brows knitting together in disbelief.

"Yes... maybe," I admitted, shifting uncomfortably. "I felt something, but I told myself it wasn't possible. Him and me, soulmates?" I scoffed, shaking my head.

Aurora let out a soft laugh, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You're telling me, sister. I had no idea either." She shook her head, her giggles bubbling up between us, lightening the weight of my words.

But the laughter didn't last long.

"It's not just that," I muttered, throwing my hands up in frustration. "I don't want to rule this pack."

Aurora's smile faltered. "I get it, Meredith," she said, her voice gentler now. "Being Luna is a huge responsibility, and stepping into that role for the first time? It's overwhelming."

She held my gaze, her expression sincere. "When I became Luna, I was terrified. The pressure was suffocating. But you'll grow into it. And you won't be alone, you have people who will stand by you. You have me."

Despite my frustration, I found comfort in her words. She always had a way of grounding me, of making the impossible seem... survivable.

I bit my lip, watching as she popped another handful of Skittles into her mouth, unfazed by the gravity of our conversation. A small laugh escaped me. "Only you could give a pep talk with a mouth full of Skittles."

Aurora grinned. "What can I say? I have layers."

I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. "How old is Elias, anyway?" I asked, more to change the subject than anything.

Aurora shrugged. "I think he just turned twenty-two."

I blinked, surprised. "Really? I thought he was older." His presence, his confidence, the way he carried himself... It felt like he'd lived a lifetime already.

Aurora laughed. "Yeah, he gives off that 'brooding, mysterious older guy' vibe, huh? But nope, just another overconfident twenty-something with too much responsibility."

I nodded slowly, still wrapping my head around it. "It's kind of intimidating," I admitted.

Aurora tapped her chin thoughtfully, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, if he were older, we could've pitched the whole 'generous benefactor' angle. Unlimited Skittles, no questions asked. A true investment in our happiness."

I snorted, shaking my head. "Can you imagine Elias keeping up with our midnight snack runs? He'd probably have us on some strict, 'Luna-approved' meal plan."

Aurora scoffed, tossing a Skittle into the air and catching it with ease. "Please, that man looks like he survives on black coffee and sheer determination. I doubt he even knows what a snack is."

A shift in the atmosphere swept over me as my thoughts lingered on Aurora and her mate. "What about...?" I trailed off, unsure of how—or if—I should even ask.

Her gaze hardened, but her voice remained calm. "Atlas. He knows where to find me. And if he truly wants to, he'll come back for me."

Then, without warning, Aurora straightened, her expression shifting. "Shit, you should get ready." Her tone was suddenly grave, as if this date were a mission that required precise preparation.

She dug through the bag on the floor, her hands moving with purpose until she pulled out the dress we'd chosen earlier. A triumphant grin spread across her face as she held it up. With a resigned sigh, I took it from her without protest.

Slipping into the bathroom, I changed quickly, the fabric hugging my frame in a way that made me feel more put together than I actually was. I tied my hair into a messy bun, scrubbed the taste of sugar from my teeth, and took one last look in the mirror. My reflection stared back, uncertain and restless.

Stepping back into the room, I grabbed my shoes and shot Aurora a look. "I won't be gone long."

She smirked. "I wouldn't bet on that."

I flipped her off as I walked out, and she blew me a kiss in return.

As I stepped outside, I found Elias leaning casually against a sleek black motorcycle, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. His leather jacket framed his broad shoulders perfectly, and his golden eyes flickered toward me beneath the dim streetlights.

A slow, knowing smile played on his lips. "Hop on," he said, tossing me a helmet.

It hit my chest a little harder than I expected, and I winced.

"My bad," he said, though he didn't sound sorry in the slightest. He flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his boot.

Sliding the helmet on, I climbed onto the back of the bike, hesitant. I gripped the edges of the seat, but before I could settle, Elias reached back, his hands closing over my wrists and guiding them to his waist.

My breath caught slightly at the touch, but I didn't argue.

"Hold on tight," he murmured.

Then, without warning, he took off, the bike surging forward as the city lights blurred past us. The wind whipped against my skin, sending a thrill through me as I clung to him.

I barely had time to catch my breath before we were weaving through the streets, past the edge of his territory and into the heart of the human city. Towering buildings loomed around us, neon signs flashing against the dark sky. It was rare to get permission to leave the pack's land, and I was struck by how alive everything felt here so different from the world I knew.

Elias rode with the kind of reckless confidence that made my stomach twist, equal parts exhilaration and terror. I tightened my grip around his waist, half out of necessity, half out of something I refused to name.

By the time we reached our destination, the roaring waves of the ocean greeted us. Elias pulled into a parking space outside an oceanfront restaurant, its warm lights spilling onto the pavement.

I swung my leg off the bike, glancing up at the elegant sign above the entrance. Abella.

The sound of crashing waves filled the air, the salty breeze wrapping around me like an old memory.