~CARTER~
The rushing water that pounded against my flesh helped the burning ache and soreness in my muscles.
My eyes were closed and I tried to keep my breathing at a slower pace, still attempting to calm myself from the intense run.
"Are you done moping? We're going to become a prune if we stay under the water much longer."
I didn't answer and my wolf sighed, knowing I was in a bad mood.
"The twins had it under control."
That's far from the point.
"You're upset that those weak cowards were bragging about raping Harper. You're blazing with rage, even after three hours of intense running and hunting because you can't get the heartbreaking expression Harper had on her face out of your mind."
I turned the knob of the shower to the right, shutting the hot stream of water and allowing the droplets to continue their descent down my body. I stood there and took another deep breath, letting the air out slowly.
And you can?
"It doesn't matter if I can't. I'm not standing buck naked in the shower."
Rolling my eyes, I opened the door of the shower and stepped onto the drying mat. Reaching for my white towel, I wrapped it around my waist and then snagged a second one to wipe my face first.
"Carter."
She should have been able to go shopping without a hint of worry. She was minding her own fucking business and these fucking lowlife shifters thought they could hurt MY mate! Our one and only female in our pack. Don't lecture me right now, because I'm not in the fucking mood for jokes. If it wasn't for the tiny speck of control I have right now, I would’ve already been at the South Cardinal base, roaring up a fucking massacre.
My wolf was silent for a long moment and I took the chance to dry my hair with a towel.
"I understand your anger, but you guys did your duty."
It's my responsibility to protect her. Our responsibility as a pack to make sure our Alpha female is safe. Yes, if you're going to lecture me about how we did our duty bullshit, I fucking know that. The problem is this shouldn't have happened. Why is it that people have suddenly forgotten about the rules? If they think they can try and take my Harper away from me, from our pack, I'll just have to teach a valuable lesson to the South so they don't forget where they stand.
"Carter. Stop being hard on yourself. I'll be your logic 101 communicator for a second. Yes, you're absolutely fucking right. This shouldn't have happened. BUT it did. This is the current reality we and many other wolf shifters are facing and you're right, it has to stop. Whether it's by force or not, our best tactic in promoting change is talking with the 1st Gen Alphas. They don't see what goes on around here. They don't know how bad shit is because the 2nd Alphas only have so much they can share through a communicator or email. If the 1st Gen Alphas are coming down here, that means your father will tag along. He'll support whatever you say, and if shifters won't say anything out of fear, we will. We have the strength to fight, we just need a strong enough voice to help our concerns be heard."
Closing my eyes, I breathed deeply and knew that my wolf was right.
Even if my raging anger didn't want to listen, I had to smarten up and realize making anger-laced decisions would be a bad move. Especially as an Alpha.
Opening my eyes once again, I focused on drying my hair with the towel and finally answered.
You know, sometimes you're actually smart.
"Fuck off." He huffed and went to his corner. "My ass is tired worrying about you. I'm sleeping."
Thank you.
"Welcome…asshole."
Smirking at his insult, I tightened the towel around my waist and quickly combed out my hair.
When I was finished and the washroom was clean, I walked out into the hall, my ears picking up a rather annoying clawing sound.
Deciding to investigate, I strode over to the living room just as the front door opened and Ian stepped into the house, mid-yawn. He closed the door and slipped his shoes off, taking a few steps forward before he noticed me.
With a quick glance at my almost-naked body, he frowned.
"I feel more insulted being greeted by my Alpha in nothing but a towel."
"I didn't come here to greet you." I huffed, but my amusement was apparent. "That's Damien's job. I was here because I heard clawing sounds."
We looked to the couch, where Damien sat reading the next book in that series he was officially addicted to.
"What book is he reading now?" Ian sighed.
"Think it was called Maestra? I only remember because the first book cover was pretty dope. Levi helped order book two and it came in today," I explained. Ian nodded and ran his fingers through his long green-silver ombre hair.
"No wonder he hasn't even noticed us," Ian replied. "So, what was the scratching sound?"
Before I spoke, the scratching sound returned, and Ian and I glanced past Damien's figure on the couch to see Muffin was scratching the door.
"Muffin? Why is she scratching at the door? She knows how to use her litterbox," Ian noted. I frowned, my senses telling me something could be wrong.
"Is it a full moon tonight?"
"Yes? Why…oh fuck. Was anyone watching Harper?" Ian asked.
I turned around and walked down the hall to her room. She'd been asleep since the car ride and I'd locked the door so no one would disturb her.
Unlocking it, I poked my head inside and groaned.
"No one warned me she could open windows when she sleepwalks."
"Was the door locked?" Ian asked as he reached my side and I moved to let him enter the room and witness for himself our mate's sleepwalking skills.
"Fuck. I completely forgot today was a full moon."
"You're not the only one. I don't think she's in danger though. Or Muffin wouldn't be silently clawing the door," I voiced. The two of us headed back to where Muffin had paused in her clawing to sit back and stare at us.
"Meow meow." She looked calm and lifted her paw to point to the door.
"Harper's outside?" I asked.
"Meow!" Muffin got up and began to run in a circle.
I nodded in understanding and looked at Ian. "You coming?"
"Of course." He lowered his bag that had been on his right shoulder.
He quickly stripped to his boxers and I opened the door to let Muffin out, the cool breeze flowing into the room.
I hoped Harper hadn't been out for long, because I'd changed her into a simple t-shirt, knowing that was her comfortable way of sleeping.
Well…she loved sleeping in the nude, but that would have been distracting.
We made our way out, closing the door until there was a small space left, and set off to find where Harper had gone.
Muffin’s excitement was apparent as she ran forward, going straight into the forest. With an exchange of looks with Ian, we shifted with ease, darting off into the forest and following Muffin's little body as she led the way.
As we got closer, I noticed the familiar scenery and I instinctively ran faster, knowing exactly where Harper was.
In less than a minute I entered the clearing full of pink roses and my body shifted back to my human form. I couldn't care less that I was buck naked and the chill of the night didn't bother my burning hot body after our run here.
I figured Ian would be here shortly, but my gaze landed on Harper. She stood in the middle of the fields, her head tilted upward as she stared at the large full moon that shone brightly in the sky.
Slowly approaching her, I noticed Muffin had reached Harper and was currently sitting next to her feet, staring back at me.
As I arrived and stood behind her, Harper slowly turned around to face me, her glowing teal eyes in a daze.
I brushed a few strands of hair from her face to let her acknowledge my presence. Even if I was physically in front of her, I wasn't sure if she really saw me yet.
Her eyes blinked slowly, and from the way they trailed down my body to my feet and back up, I gathered that she finally realized I was here.
"The Moon is angry." Her emotionless tone made me worried, especially matched with the announcement.
Her focus drifted to my right and I looked over to see Ian stood a few steps away. He wore his boxers still, which must have been enchanted with magic to prevent them from shredding when he shifted back and forth.
"What do you mean the Moon is angry, Harper?"
"The increased amount of female shifter deaths is contributing to the imbalance that is tilting this World’s fate in the wrong direction. Equilibrium is key. Tranquility is fought for. Ignoring the balance will only lead your race to oblivion, yet no one heeds my warnings. No one listens to my call. Only I hear her cries and only I can stop this spiraling catastrophe from becoming your reality," Harper muttered and lowered her eyes to Muffin, who looked up at her.
"Meow?"
Harper nodded and raised her gaze back up to us.
"It's time for you do your royal duties. Time is precious. I saved Harper because she's the key to seeking unity. She will shift from Wolf Seeker to Wolf Lover, one who spreads her compassion and love for this race across the lands, as well as proof that love can be shared among more than two shifters. It is your role to help her and to gather allies who can promote the same lifestyle. If not, your race will have very few females remaining, and if I'm ignored, I will cease to bless the birth of children." Her voice held immense power and I knew it wasn't Harper speaking, but the Moon herself.
She was angry to the point that she'd be willing to stop us from populating. Our race would literally die off in a few decades and that would lead to wolf shifter demise and an imbalance in all races.
"Wouldn't that lead to the demise of all races? You're talking about balance, but wolf shifters are a part of the balance among humans, witches, vampires, and other shifters in the world."
Her glowing teal eyes narrowed on Ian and I could feel his tension through our pack bond.
Be careful with how you speak, Ian. It's not Harper.
"All right."
"Sorry," Ian immediately apologized.
Harper slowly nodded, accepting the apology before she turned around. We watched her walk farther into the field of pink roses that moved away from her to create the single-file path.
We followed her, trailing close behind with Muffin a bit ahead of me. Harper reached a black rock and turned around to sit down.
We stood at attention, while Muffin hopped up into Harper's lap and began to purr when Harper stroked her slowly.
"All races are to blame. Not just wolf or human. You are all children of Mother Nature and yet, you treat her like she did not birth you. You litter the grounds with garbage and the blood of your comrades. You pollute your air with chemicals that kill your fellow animals daily. Wars and disagreements break out left and right, yet I, the Moon, should worry about the end of all races? My focus is on my race. Yet it seems I'm experiencing the same fate as Mother Nature."
"What can we do to stop it? Is there even a way?" I asked, humbling myself as I displayed my worry, knowing her words shouldn't be taken lightly.
"You are on the right path, but those who would rather witness the demise of all races are in the lead. As you noticed today, forces are ready to do anything for the blade I've bestowed to Harper."
"Why do they need it?" Ian questioned. "I know it has immense power, but only Harper can use it."
"The blade does indeed have immense power and that includes giving the user the ability to bless any race to reproduce," Harper replied.
"You mean…the blade…or more specifically, Harper channeling the power of the blade, can bless an individual with a child? Kind of like an Alpha in charge of the growth of our population. Wouldn't they need your permission still?" I questioned.
"The blade hosts a part of me in a physical form. With the use of Harper's magic, I can manifest in her body as I have done now. Though I am able do it easily when it is a full moon, I cannot otherwise. The blade has had its purpose for everyone in the Blessed Lake line and Harper's time to help stop the decline of your race has arrived. Her ability to bless those worthy of children will not be as simple, and I would have the final say through her, but it would enable a quicker method of bearing children. Especially for female wolves who are getting closer to extinction than the wolf race itself. That would be one of the few responsibilities Harper would carry, but if the blade and Harper get into the wrong hands before then, all hope will be lost."
I glanced over at Ian and he met my gaze, looking just as determined as I. We both returned our focus to Harper and bowed our heads.
"We'll do whatever needs to be done to protect Harper and the blade. Please grant us your patience and wisdom in times of difficulty and trial," I whispered.
We raised our heads back up to see her smile pleasantly. "Excellent. I will take my leave. Are there any other inquiries?" Her gaze moved to Ian. He straightened up and looked deep in thought for a second.
"Does that mean Harper has witch qualities in her and…well..." He trailed off but his question was answered.
"When you meet her parents, you will gain your answer. As for your other question, Harper's destined mates have been finalized. She may have as many partners as she likes, but her chosen royal mates have been written in stone."
"Royal mates?"
I hadn't realized my wolf was up and listening, but his mention of the plural form of the word heightened my wonder.
"Mates?" Ian asked.
Harper smirked and shrugged. "I will take my leave. I shouldn't have stayed this long to begin with. If Harper sleeps tomorrow away, do not be alarmed. Farewell, Prince Moonshine and Ian Chestwood. May you conquer the trials ahead of you."
I dashed forward with outstretched arms to stop Harper from falling over. Muffin hopped off her lap and I scooped Harper up, sitting down on the rock with her in my lap. My eyes scanned her from head to toe, and aside from her body being cold to the touch, she looked okay.
Ian knelt in front of me and reached out to place his hand on Harper's right cheek. Muffin hopped back onto Harper, moving up until she was snuggled against my chest and the space between Harper's neck and left shoulder. She began to purr, enjoying the warmth the small spot gave.
With a sigh, I stared at Harper and thought about what happened, especially the last part.
"Why are you so worried about being left behind?" I asked.
Ian was quiet for a long moment and when I glanced over at him I saw his sad expression.
"What if Harper gets so caught up in all of this…and abandons me because I'm not strong or knowledgeable enough to know how to protect her?"
"Who said you weren't?" I countered, wanting to know where this type of negative thinking came from. Ian was normally confident in who he was and his power, but as of late, it felt like he was going backward in his development.
"Some of the new Alpha wolves at the station." He mumbled his response and I didn't need him to say anymore. It was unnecessary, as my mind was already putting two and two together.
"You need to stop doubting Harper's loyalty over Alphas who are jealous of what you are and can become. Do you think I stop training or get sad because Alphas hate me? No. I worked hard to become better, stronger, wiser. Those who have time to bring you down only crave to watch you fail as they rise above you. You weren't a pushover back when those shady officers were taking bribes and closing cases where the killer was quite obvious. Don't let a bunch of new wolves who have no sense of how hard you’ve worked get to you. As for Harper, she'll love us no matter what. Even if she's destined for a 7th mate, so be it. She won't abandon who she loves, especially one who helped make her childhood a lot easier than it could have been. Now stop being a moping ass. I hate being nice to you." I grumbled the last part and Ian sighed.
"You complain about your wolf being savage when you're the same."
"Hmph. I'm cold," I mumbled and rose up. I began to step forward and knew Ian was following me from behind.
"This will probably be the only time I'll ever say this..." Ian began. I stopped midway, deciding to give him his chance to say whatever else he wanted to tell me.
"But I look up to you…and hope one day I can walk alongside you. I have a lot of catching up to do, and I'm not saying I still don't have my times of doubt, but I hope to keep receiving your guidance. Even if it’s a tad annoying for you."
A smile formed on my lips and I glanced over my shoulder to see that his confident silver eyes had returned, making my smile widen into a grin.
"Keep annoying me. At least it will remind you to strive for that goal to stand next to me. Not just as my Beta but as an equal Alpha. I'll try to not go easy on you."
With that, I walked away, knowing Ian wouldn't be too far behind. I could feel the hint of happiness and acceptance run through me and I knew this conversation had benefited Ian a lot more than I would have imagined.
Maybe the Moon knew we needed this?
"The Moon's actions always lead to a better future. All we have to do is take the time to listen."
I mentally nodded in agreement and lowered my eyes to Harper and Muffin, who were both fast asleep.
We will listen to the Moon's words and prepare, for we won't allow our race to end. Not when our pack can do something about it.