Chapter Three: Or Is It June?

Mateo left the infirmary with confusion clouding his thoughts. Zeus was intentionally shutting him out, which meant he couldn’t ask the beast any questions. It was safe to say that he was beyond annoyed. He felt sorry for the next person to piss him off while he was in this state.

He was pacing in his office when the phone rang. He frowned, not recognizing the number.

“Santiago,” he answered.

“Mateo, I need your help!” the voice of his ally Royce Fallon reached his ears.

“If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard that statement from you, I would rule the world. Talk to me, buddy,” he sighed.

He could use the distraction.

“Buddy? Is this Mateo speaking? Are you feeling okay?” Royce teased.

“Don’t annoy me, Fallon. My mind isn’t up for any tricks or funny comments. What do you need?” he asked.

“Alright, you Grinch! I need your help to find someone,” Royce sighed.

“Well, go on!” Mateo encouraged.

“Her name is Juniper Evigan. She’s somewhat disappeared and no one knows where she is or where her grandmother is,” Royce continued.

Mateo was confused. “Isn’t she dead?”

The last he’d heard about the Evigan spawn was that she failed to shift when the time came and she was never heard from again.

“No, she isn’t. I was with her just yesterday. The last time anyone saw her was last night,” Royce replied. Mateo could detect the stress in his friend’s voice.

“You care about her,” he commented.

“I do! I love her like a little sister. She still hasn’t shifted and I need to find her. I can’t ask these stupid pack members because their Alpha had already tarnished her reputation five years ago. She’s really nothing like what they have said about her,” Royce stressed.

“I hear you, buddy! I’ll be on the lookout for her. I’ll ask around for you. You know people can’t say no to the monster,” Mateo responded.

“If you knew how to, that would’ve been the perfect moment to laugh,” Royce teased. Mateo immediately thought about his inability to smile, according to a certain blonde.

“Yeah, yeah! I hope you find her, for your sake that is. You sound like you’re on the verge of heartbreak,” he taunted.

“If I find her, I’ll introduce her to you so that you can see for yourself,” Royce chuckled.

“I’ll hold you to that! Let me get to searching for you,” Mateo said.

They finished their phone call and Mateo got around to making phone calls to different Alphas, asking them if they’d seen the girl. Most of them hadn’t and one of them asked what she looked like. That’s when Mateo realized that he hadn’t bothered to ask. He just told everyone who was curious to call Royce and ask him themselves. He was about to make yet another phone call when Orion walked into his office.

“Is this a good time?” he asked.

“Might as well be,” Mateo replied. Orion took a seat.

“What the hell happened back there?” Orion questioned. Mateo knew exactly what he was referring to.

“When you find out, please do share,” he sighed.

Orion was surprised. “You mean you don’t know why Zeus basically staked claim on Caroline?”

“The damn wolf is shutting me out. I don’t know what happened between him and Mama Deo, or why he did that. All I know is that I can’t stop thinking about the girl, and I don’t mean just thinking. I mean full-on missing and all that shit. I want her here as we speak. When she calls my name, my whole body comes alive. She smells like heaven to me and I’m addicted to her scent. When I touch her, tingles erupt between us. She actually arouses me and you know no woman has ever been able to do that,” Mateo explained. Orion was absolutely knocked for six.

“What about Odessa?” he asked his best friend.

“I don’t know at this point. It’s been in the family for two hundred and eighty-nine years now. Ten Alphas have been cursed with it. This pack hasn’t had a real Luna in three hundred years, and now this? I really don’t know,” Mateo replied, rubbing his face between his hands.

“And Zeus knows,” Orion said knowingly.

“That would be my guess. For some reason, it seems I’m not allowed to know. All he’s instructed me to do is to open up to Caroline and tell her absolutely everything about us,” Mateo said frustratingly.

“That’s a strange request. You just met the girl and there’s no forgetting that she’s a rogue. Isn’t it a risk?” Orion asked in concern.

“You and I are thinking the same, but you know I never dispute Zeus’ word. He’s never failed me, so if he says this is what I have to do, then this is what I’m doing,” Mateo sighed.

“Alright, man! I’ll be there the whole way. I’d say she’s harmless, but then again, she tamed Zeus, so there’s no knowing what she’s capable of,” Orion chuckled.

“Zeus isn’t the only one she’s taming,” Mateo mumbled to himself.

“Well, I’m sure you’re just itching to go back to her, so I’ll let you. I’m supervising patrols tonight,” Orion informed.

Mateo nodded. “You go do that.”

They walked out together, with Orion heading in the opposite direction of the infirmary. The night sky was decorated with twinkling stars as Mateo walked towards the infirmary. A part of him was excited to see Caroline again.

It was eerily quiet when he walked in, the occasional sound of beeping machines being heard. When he got to her room, his heart dropped to his feet.

She wasn’t there!

The only thing there was a half-eaten tuna sandwich.

His mind was reeling with possibilities. The fact that he didn’t know anything about her meant that anyone could have her and he would not even know where to start looking, or what their intention could be with her.

For the first time in his life, he felt utterly useless. Even Zeus was panicking, if the growl he released throughout the infirmary was anything to go by. He walked out of the room just as Pete was walking down the corridor. In a flash, he had the man pinned to the wall by his throat.

“Where is she?” he growled.

“Who are you talking about?” Pete barely got out.

His growling got louder as his grip got tighter. “Caroline! WHERE IS SHE?”

“I don’t know, Alpha. I didn’t even know that she was missing,” Pete replied, which only made him tighten his hold around the man’s neck.

Only a few seconds more and he would be dead.

“MATEO! PUT THE MAN DOWN!”

Mateo turned to the source of the voice to find her calmly sitting in a wheelchair. His sister and her friend were looking towards him guiltily. He let go of the man and inspected Caroline. She seemed fine, but that didn’t do anything to simmer his anger.

“Where were you?” he asked his sister.

“They took me outside to breathe. This place was suffocating me,” Caroline replied.

“What she said,” Alexa added.

“We’re sorry if we freaked you out. We didn’t know when you would be back and she really wanted out,” Valentine said nervously.

“If you want to be mad at anyone, then be mad at me,” Caroline smiled.

She knew he couldn’t be mad at her.

“You’re not staying here,” he decided. The wheelchair gave him an idea.

“Didn’t think so,” Caroline giggled.

Alexa turned to her. “What? You knew he wouldn’t let you stay here?”

Caroline shrugged. “Yep! I was just waiting.”

“Valentine, please arrange clothes for her and bring them to my room,” Mateo said as he approached the blonde.

He pushed her out of the infirmary and headed straight to the main pack house. Nothing was said between them as they headed there. The only sounds around them were the casual murmurs of pack members and the creatures of the night. The curious pack members who watched their Alpha wheel a rogue to the main pack house were confused but wouldn’t dare question him.

Upon entry, Mateo watched as Caroline’s awed expression grew with every inch of the place her eyes took in. He loved watching her like this. Even he’ll admit that the place is exquisite, with his little sister to thank for that. When their mother died, he couldn’t have got rid of her gloomy designs fast enough. Valentine was more than happy to re-decorate and she’d done a magnificent job at it.

“This place is so beautiful, it’s almost unreal,” she whispered.

“Well, believe it, because it’s your new home,” he replied.

“That statement would’ve gone so perfectly with a smile,” she teased.

“Fat chance!” he smirked.

“You can smirk, but you can’t genuinely smile. There’s something dearly wrong with you, Mateo,” she giggled. His insides unsettled him at the foreign feeling ignited by the sound of his name and her melodious laugh.

“If only you knew just how much is wrong with me,” he sighed.

“Don’t worry, I’ll fix you! How many women get to say that they caught Alpha Mateo Santiago’s attention? Rogues nonetheless?” she asked.

“Ha! None and I don’t think you get to say that either,” he challenged.

She raised an amused eyebrow as she folded her arms. “Oh? So there’s another woman you’ve given this much attention to?”

He knew he was caught out. “Well, no b,,,”

“No, there are no buts about it! I’m a first and you’re just afraid to admit it,” she stated.

“I’m not afraid to admit it. I just don’t want to admit it,” he stressed. He watched as a flash of hurt made its appearance on her features, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

“Denial will only drown you Mateo,” she said emotionlessly.

He cocked his head to the side. “And what exactly am I denying?”

“That you need me,” she replied before wheeling herself away, leaving him stumped.

He has never needed anyone in his life. Growing up with uncaring parents taught him to be independent. Losing them at the age of fifteen forced him to take up a responsibility that he wasn’t ready for, and even then he didn’t need anyone.

He’s the most powerful and feared Alpha in the world with everything he needs, or is it really everything? He’s always felt like he was missing something, but Odessa made sure he could never get what he truly desires, so she couldn’t be right.

He doesn’t need her.

“Alpha,” Max greeted him as he walked into the lounge to find him and Caroline watching TV.

“Max! Where’s everyone?” he asked his Gamma.

“No clue! I didn’t ask questions,” Max responded. Mateo nodded in understanding.

“Caroline, have you eaten?” he asked the girl.

“Yep!” she replied. Her lack of enthusiasm and words irked him.

“Well, you have to come and rest now,” he instructed.

“I don’t really have to,” she replied, her eyes fixed onto the screen.

She was purposely annoying him.

He scowled. “This isn’t a negotiation.”

“Good thing I wasn’t negotiating,” she said emotionlessly, still not looking his way.

He could feel himself getting highly irritated by her childish behavior. Max sat there, watching on amusedly as his Alpha looked undecided on how to handle the situation before him. How many would relish seeing him like this!

He’s never undecided about anything and he always knows how to handle situations, and yet this one mystified him.

He decided to save his Alpha. “Hey Carol, how’s your leg feeling?”

“I think it’s fully healed. It’s just the pain that needs to go away now, so it should be fine when I wake up,” she smiled.

“So, don’t you think you should rest? I mean you had a rough morning and you don’t want to set your body back. The more you rest, the quicker you can be fully rested to move around freely,” Max pointed out.

“I guess I see what you’re saying. Mateo, can you take me up now?” she said as she turned to him. Mateo could only nod.

“Thank you,” he linked his Gamma.

“Anytime, Alpha,” Max replied.

Mateo carried her up the stairs to his room. The main pack house has four floors, with the very top floor being his. It’s where his room and office are. He let her pull the handle since his hands were occupied.

He watched as, once again, her whole face lit up as she took the room in. Her reaction surprised him since his room is dark. Most would picture it as cold and devoid, but she seemed fascinated.

His king-sized orthopedic bed had black bedding on it, with silk sheets and the finest cotton duvet. His plump feather pillows were also covered in black. He loves his sleep and only accepts sleeping with quality bedding to enhance that experience.

Dark gray walls surround the room, while a black and gray carpet covers the floor in his room and closet. The bathroom on the other hand is laid with black tiles. A TV is mounted onto the wall with a dark cabinet beneath it.

His closet cabinets and shelves were made from the darkest shade of mahogany. The air conditioning in the room ensures that it stays cold. All in all, the place resembles the darkness that consumes him.

“I love it! It could use some color here and there, but it’s beautiful,” she spoke, stunning him once more.

“You don’t think it’s too dark?” he asked curiously.

“I didn’t expect it to be full of brightness if that’s what you’re wondering. You don’t strike me as a rainbow theme kind of guy,” she joked. He put her down on the bed.

“Well, good. What are you thinking, in terms of adding color, as you put it?” he asked.

“Well, the main colors here right now are black and gray, so it would only make sense to add a color that goes well with both. I think I’d rather surprise you,” she smiled.

He raised an eyebrow. “How are you going to do that while I’m here?”

“You’re not always in your room Mateo. I’ll lock you out if I must,” she replied with a silly smile.

“And where would you get the key to my room?” he asked.

“You’d be surprised what I’m capable of,” she countered, making an unfamiliar shiver run down his spine.

He decided to change tactics. “Alright! When do you plan to make these changes?”

“Tomorrow! Val and Lexi are taking me shopping,” she said. He picked up the plea in her voice.

“I’ll give you my card and send Max and Sam with you,” he replied.

Her eyes indicated the pure excitement she was feeling as she beamed. “Really?”

He nodded. “Really.”

“Thank you! I would hug you if it didn’t hurt to stand,” she smiled. He was just satisfied to have brought her so much joy.

“It’s okay! I don’t want you stressing yourself,” he replied.

“Well, what am I sleeping in? This thing is uncomfortable,” she said as she scrunched her nose, referring to the hospital gown she was in.

“I can only offer you a T-shirt,” he offered.

She nodded. “It will do.”

He went into his closet to get her a T-shirt. He would need to make space for her to put her stuff, especially if she was going shopping. He went back to give her the T-shirt and stepped out to give her some privacy.

He was surprised to go back to find her already passed out. Shaking his head in amusement, he settled her properly into the bed, tucking her in comfortably. Once settled, he couldn’t help but watch her sleep.

She was even more beautiful in her sleep. Before he could talk himself out of doing it, he leaned down and pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead. He jumped at the feeling that coursed through him, but seeing the smile on her face and hearing her content sigh made him feel content too.

He moved off to his office and sat down in his chair. For all it was worth, he would try his beast again.

“Zeus,” he called.

“What?” the beast replied. He was taken aback at the response.

“Why am I feeling like this?” he asked.

“Because things are happening! I’m not going to lie to you and say that I know what’s going on, because I honestly don’t,” his wolf replied.

“You don’t? Then why the hell are you going around like a fucking love sick puppy?” Mateo asked in confusion.

“Doesn’t the fact that, for the first time in our life, we’re excited by a woman mean anything to you? We’ve always wanted more, and the opportunity has presented itself. Live a little, dipshit,” Zeus chuckled.

“Are you fucking serious? You staked claim on a rogue and now you’re telling me to live a little? She could have a mate you know,” Mateo pointed out.

“There’s no harm in us having fun before she finds her mate,” the beast replied nonchalantly.

“You are hearing yourself, right?” Mateo said in disbelief.

“Look, there really is no harm with this situation. She seems to be a willing participant too, so why not?” Zeus replied.

“So, you’re not going to attach yourself, right?” Mateo asked, even though Zeus had already staked claim.

“Nah! If anyone is going to get attached, it’s you,” Zeus teased.

“Fuck you!” Mateo growled.

“I’m sure she’ll be glad to,” the beast chuckled.

Mateo shook his head. “You’re an ass.”

“We were made this way. Live the fuck with it!” he said proudly.

“Yeah, yeah! So what exactly are we looking for from this girl? A relationship?” Mateo asked.

“We could give it a shot. We’ve never had one and, without her, we’ll never have one again. Like I said, the fact that she caught our attention has to mean something,” Zeus reasoned.

“Alpha, we have a situation at the northern border,” a link from one of his warriors Davis interrupted him.

“What is it?” he asked.

“There’s an Anastasia here for you. She insists it’s an emergency,” Davis replied.

Anastasia? He hadn’t seen her in over two years now. What could she possibly want from him?

“I’m coming!” he replied before shutting the link.

He got outside and shifted into his beast. Standing proudly at six foot two, the beast is taller than most men and bigger than even the deadliest bears on the planet. A shiny and velvety black coat shimmers as he whizzes through the trees.

His unique pupils become silver every time he unleashes his beast. Because of his vast land, it took him four minutes to get to the northern border. He spotted three of his warriors and his Beta as he shifted to his human form. Orion handed him a pair of shorts, which he gladly accepted.

His eyes shifted to the once bold and confident witch who was now covered in blood and injuries. Her usually mischievous eyes were rimmed red and only fear clouded them. She was trembling and from her worn clothing, he could tell that she’d been running from something or someone. To see someone as powerful as her in this state can only mean this is a serious situation. She’s a valued ally to him and he would do everything in his power to help her.

“Ana! What happened to you?” he asked, engulfing her in a hug.

“They attacked! They killed everyone at my coven. Mateo, I don’t have anywhere to go. I have no one,” she sobbed onto his chest.

Mateo’s men watched on curiously since they’d never seen their Alpha so accommodating of a woman. They’d never even seen him even pay attention to a woman, but Orion knew better. He’d met the witch a few times before, so he knew that she was more of an ally than anything.

Both he and Mateo have a soft spot for her because she’s one of the nicest people around, so seeing her like this got to him too. Mateo looked to his best friend for help. While he has a soft spot for the witch, he’s not all that excellent with comforting people.

“Hey, you can stay here. You’ve got me, Val, Lexi and Matt okay? We won’t leave you. How long ago did they attack?” Orion asked.

“They attacked this morning. I escaped and ran,” she replied. Orion nodded in understanding.

“Val?” he linked his mate.

“I hate you. I was just about to fall asleep,” she complained. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her adorableness.

“I’m sorry, baby, but I need your help,” he sighed.

“Aren’t you patrolling? What in the world would you need my help for?” she asked in confusion.

“Ana’s here,” he told her.

“REALLY? IS SHE COMING TO VISIT?” she squealed. His mate was just as fond of the witch.

“Baby, calm down with the squealing. Yes, she’s here, but she’s not in the best condition. I need you to come and get her and get her cleaned up and settled. She’s staying with us from now on so just set her up in one of the extra rooms. We need to figure out what happened to her home. Please hurry because your brother is itching to kill someone,” he explained.

“I’m on my way,” she replied before shutting off the link.

Orion turned to Mateo. “Val’s coming to get her.”

“Thanks,” his best friend said with a nod.

“Are you okay with that, Ana? Val’s coming to get you,” Orion asked the woman.

She nodded. “That’s fine.”

“I swear I’m going to avenge you, Ana. Can you remember anything about the attackers and the attack?” Mateo asked her.

“There were vampires and another coven of witches. The majority of us were only just starting with our day. They attacked out of nowhere and they were ruthless. Everything happened too quickly for me to even think or stop to look. I was just worried about my life,” she blubbered in explanation.

“Oh sweetie, come here!” Valentine said at the sight of her friend. The men didn’t realize that she’d arrived as Anastasia switched siblings.

“Val, I’m taking a few of the guys down there to check the scene and find out what’s going on. If we’re not back by tomorrow morning, my card is in the second drawer in my office, so you can take Caroline shopping. You may as well take Ana too since she’s got nothing now. We’ll be back as soon as possible. Take care of her and Caroline,” Mateo instructed.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got them. I’ll wake up Lexi and tell her the new plan. Just go and make sure you come back with answers,” Valentine said strictly. She was like her brother in many ways when it came to situations like this.

Orion turned to her. “I love you, baby! Please be safe.”

“You be safe too! I love you,” Valentine said before kissing him briefly. She took Anastasia and they walked back to the pack house.

“Max, Sam!” Mateo linked them.

“Yes, Alpha,” they replied.

“The girls want to go shopping tomorrow. I’m leaving them in your care. There’s business to attend to and I don’t know when Orion and I will be back. Keep checking in with the trackers and everyone on patrol until I come back. You’re both in charge,” he instructed.

“Got it!” they replied before he shut the link.

“You three are coming with us. Let’s go,” Mateo told the three patrollers.

The five of them shifted into their wolves and followed Anastasia’s scent as a trail for them. Her coven was two hours from their territory by car, so it would take them thirty minutes by wolf. Paws hit the ground as they whizzed through the trees, avoiding being seen by any humans, even though it would be impossible for any humans to see them. They were too quick for the human eye.

They arrived at the coven territory with five minutes to spare, but were immediately hit by the stench of blood. It was everywhere, and the sight of the scene wasn’t any better. Bodies upon bodies lay dead everywhere. There were dead witches, vampires and even werewolves. While Anastasia had called it an attack, Mateo and Orion could only think of it as a massacre. Somebody wanted these witches and their families dead, and they wanted them killed in the worst way possible.

“Where do we even start looking for answers in a place like this?” Orion asked.

“We need to identify where the vampires come from. The wolves all smell like rogues,” Mateo noted as he took out his phone.

“Dom?” Orion asked knowingly. Mateo gave a slight nod.

“Santiago, what can I do for you, buddy?” Domitius’ voice reached their ears.

“Can you track me and come to where I am?” Mateo asked him.

“Hold on,” the man replied, before flashing before them moments later.

Standing at six foot three with broad shoulders and the muscles to match, Domitius Stanislavski stood tall and confident. His long black hair reached his shoulders, while his brown eyes looked around him in disbelief. The Vampire Prince had seen his fair share of violence, but this was brutality at its best.

“What in the bloody hell happened here?” he asked the five men before him.

“We have no clue! Anastasia managed to get away from the clear carnage that took place here. She ran all the way to my territory and she is devastated. She says there were a combination of witches from another coven and vampires, so she must’ve made it out before the wolves attacked,” Mateo replied.

“This looks like it was planned. All the witches from this coven were meant to die. The question is, who wanted them dead and why?” Orion added.

“What did you need my help with?” Domitius asked.

“Well, we’ve identified that the wolves were all rogues. Do you think you can find out where the vampires come from?” Mateo asked him.

“I would need a witch. As you know, every vampire coven has their own mark. The witches have this spell that lifts the mark off of the vampire and sort of broadcasts it over the vampire’s head. Once it’s in view, I’ll be able to identify the mark,” Domitius explained.

Mateo pursed his lips. “Then we’ll get you a witch.”

“There’s only one problem. The only coven of witches that can do this are Naturalists and their coven was wiped out a few years back. There have been reports of two hidden survivors, so you would need to do a lot of digging,” Domitius added.

“Hidden witches are almost impossible to find,” Mateo frowned.

“A Naturalist witch is your only hope,” Domitius stressed.

“What is a Naturalist witch exactly?” Orion asked.

“It’s a witch that specializes in controlling the elements. They’re able to do other witch things too, but their specialty is the elements. They are the most powerful of the witches to ever exist,” Mateo explained.

Orion scowled. “Well, where would we even begin to look for one of those?”

“Mama Deo might be a headstart at this point,” Mateo said thoughtfully.

“That’s your resident witch, right?” Domitius asked.

Mateo nodded. “Yeah!”

“Well, as soon as you find the witch I need, call me again and I’ll assist you immediately,” Domitius smiled.

“Thanks, man,” Mateo sighed.

The Vampire Prince teleported himself back while the werewolves made their journey back home. The massacre had become a number one priority in Mateo’s mind and he would do everything in his power to find out all he could about it. He didn’t know where he would find the said witch, but he would try for Anastasia.

They reached their territory minutes later and he immediately went searching for Mama Deo. Orion was right behind him as they headed to the woman’s cottage, just a little while away from the pack houses. She wanted the privacy, so they allowed her to stay there with her grandson, who happens to be a werewolf. It was now after one in the morning, so they weren’t surprised to find the lights out, but this was an urgent matter.

They knocked on the door for some time before it was opened by Luca, Mama Deo’s grandson. He looked drowsy and confused, probably wondering why his Alpha and Beta were at his door so early in the morning. He let them in, unsure of their intentions.

“Alpha, what can I do for you?” he asked.

“Where’s your grandmother, Luca?” Mateo asked.

Luca frowned. “She’s gone. I thought you knew this.”

Orion raised his eyebrow. “What do you mean by ‘gone’?”

“She came back from the infirmary earlier on and she was mumbling something about nature and ‘the man’. I don’t know what man she was talking about. She didn’t even register my presence as she packed a bag. Before I could ask any more questions, Merlin appeared and took her with him,” Luca explained.

Mateo wasn’t following. “Merlin? Who the hell is Merlin?”

“Merlin is the last wizard alive,” Luca replied.

“So what is Mama Deo doing with him?” Orion asked.

Luca shrugged. “I don’t know about that. I just know that they’re close.”

“Did she say when she would be back?” Mateo asked.

“No, Alpha,” Luca replied.

Mateo couldn’t help but feel annoyed. Mama Deo was his only hope and now he would have to wait for her to return before he could ask her anything. Without her, he wasn’t sure who else he would ask for help.

“It’s fine, Luca. Please link me the moment she gets back,” Mateo requested.

“Will do, Alpha,” Luca agreed.

Mateo and Orion decided to call it a night and head back to the pack house. They would pick up their search later on in that day. Plus, Mateo was secretly excited to get to his bed now that he had company in it.

He walked into his room to find her sprawled across it. She was sleeping in starfish form, making him shake his head at the sight. She was adorable by all means. He changed into pajama bottoms before joining her.

***

Birds were chirping beautifully outside. Their melody was a surprising contrast for the cloudy weather outside. I could hear people talking in the distance and what sounded like fighting. It seemed like any other normal day for normal people, except for me.

You see, I was on fire.

I was heating up like crazy. At first, I thought it was because of Mateo’s warm body covering my own, until I realized that my skin was turning red. At the unfamiliar scorch, Mateo’s eyes flew open.

“Caroline! Are you okay? What’s going on?” he asked.

“Shower!” I mumbled as a searing pain shot through my spine.

He immediately got into action, carrying me to the shower. I didn’t expect him to get in it with me as he blasted the cold water from the shower head. I gasped at the sensation, while the bathroom steamed up. It was like the first time I discovered my elemental ability, except this time I wasn’t actually on fire. I was just really hot.

For some reason, Mateo held onto me like I would disappear from him, which I was secretly grateful for. Now that I don’t have my grandparents with me, it was great to have him there, even if I couldn’t tell him what was going on with me.

I was about to tell him that I was fine when my arm broke by itself. We both looked at it in shock. I was too stunned to scream until my knee did the same thing. That’s when the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt in my life took over my body. I screamed out and could vaguely feel myself being carried out of the shower.

“What the hell is going on in here?” I heard Orion shout.

“She’s shifting, but if I didn’t know any better, I’d think it’s her first shift,” Mateo replied.

Well then, I’m screwed.

“Oh my Goddess, June!” Valentine and Alexa rushed into the room. I was too gone to even shout at them for revealing my secret.

“Did you just say ‘June’?” Mateo asked, moving his hands from me. The loss of contact made me whimper, which was shocking to me.

“Right now is not the time to question what you heard. We need to get her outside,” Valentine instructed, as my back snapped in half. I was beyond crying and screaming now as the pain clouded my senses.

I was carried outside, only to be met by a violent storm. It was even hailing, but Valentine insisted that I needed to be outside.

“June honey, you need to breathe, okay? I know it probably hurts like a bitch, but we’re here for you and you’re going to get through it,” Alexa comforted. I felt a little better and it stopped hailing. Mateo’s hand was unconsciously stroking my hair.

“How the hell is it hailing in the middle of summer?” Max asked. I only noticed then that he, Trey, Sam and some girl I don’t know were also outside in the rain. The girl was staring at me in confusion.

“Please come here,” I whispered to her. Everyone looked at me weirdly but she approached in any case.

When I touched her hand, the strangest thing happened. The only way I can describe it is that I was transported within her mind. I could see all her memories, read her thoughts and consume her knowledge. I figured out from everything that she’s a witch, and according to her thoughts, she believes I’m one too. I let go of her hand and she frowned.

“What just happened?” she asked me.

Before I could reply, I could feel myself shifting. My bones were on fire and Mateo let go of me as I watched my foot transform into a paw. I could no longer scream as I let the process take place. During this time, it stopped raining as the sky began to clear up.

My senses multiplied even more and I could hear sounds from miles away. I stood on all four paws and watched the reactions of the people around me. All eyes held wonder, but one, which held both wonder and lust.

“She’s massive!” Orion commented.

“She’s bigger than an average Alpha female, but a little smaller than an average Alpha male,” Trey added. Alexa and Valentine shared a knowing look.

Alexa beamed, reaching out to touch my fur. “You’re beautiful, June.”

It tickled, causing me to yip. Mateo stepped forward and did the same thing, but my reaction to his touch was totally different as I purred in satisfaction. The sun was blazing and I was sure everyone would be dry in minutes. I enjoyed being in this state and I realized that I hadn’t checked up on the most important, uh, person in all this.

“Star?” I reached out to her.

“We did it! We shifted!” she squealed. Hearing her squeal had to be the funniest and strangest thing I’ve ever heard in my life.

“Well, someone’s happy,” I teased.

“Can you believe it, June? We did it! After so long, we did it!” she said excitedly.

“I wonder what we look like,” I said in thought.

“We can’t exactly ask anyone to show us,” she sighed. That gave me an idea and I decided to stare into Mateo’s eyes. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy, but he figured it out pretty quickly.

“You want to know what you look like?” he asked in amusement. I yipped.

“Will you guys be okay here? I’ll take her for a run down to the lake,” Mateo told everyone else.

“We’ll be okay! We’re going to make breakfast for her because she’ll definitely want to eat when you come back,” Alexa smiled.

“Bro, take it easy on her okay? Just hear her out,” Valentine told him. He nodded as I realized something.

“Star, we’re going to have to tell him,” I told her.

“Just tell him about our werewolf story that everyone knows and how we ended up here. Don’t mention our abilities yet,” she replied.

“Got it,” I said before looking up.

I was stunned as I was met by a sleek and massive midnight-black wolf. He emanated great power and I was turned on like crazy. His eyes were now silver as he looked down at me curiously. His height towered over me and I could easily fit under his muzzle. I didn’t even realize that it was just the two of us left behind. He tilted his head in the direction of the woods and I knew he was telling me to follow him.

We took off as he whizzed through the trees. For someone who had just shifted, I was surprised that Starlet could keep up with Zeus. The beast was fast, regardless of his massive size. We ran all the way to a clearing and I saw the glistening water ahead. We trotted towards it and when we got there, he signaled for me to go forward.

I did as I was told and I inwardly smiled when I saw myself. Starlet is a pure white wolf with ocean-blue eyes.

Huh, I guess my eyes change too when I shift.

White wolves are rare but not unheard of. Normally they represent strength and power, and they’re normally Lunas. I wouldn’t know about the Luna part, or the strong and powerful part, but I’ll take a guess and say I’m white because of who I am, being an Alpha’s daughter and all.

“Here you go! Just go behind that tree and think of yourself as a human again and you’ll be able to shift. You clearly have some explaining to do,” Mateo said behind me.

He was dressed in a T-shirt and shorts and he was holding the same items in his hands. I took them from him and went behind a tree to shift like he said. It was difficult at first, but I got it after a while. I was surprised to find that the T-shirt and shorts smelled a whole lot like him.

I stepped out to find him sitting at a nearby rock and he patted the spot beside him. I sat down, but didn’t expect him to put his arm around me. I smiled and cuddled myself into his side. With my small size, it was the perfect fit.

“So, your name’s not Caroline,” he teased.

“No, no it’s not,” I giggled.

“Royce called last night. He’s looking for you now that I’ve figured out that you’re Juniper Evigan,” he said sternly.

I inwardly swooned at the sound of my name rolling off his tongue, ESPECIALLY in that tone.

“I figured he would,” I sighed.

“Care to explain?” he asked.

“Do you have time?” I countered.

“For this? All the time in the world,” he smirked.

I sighed and told him the whole story from the beginning, just like I did with the girls. One would think that I’d cried enough, but I was crying once again as I re-told the story of my nightmarish life up until yesterday.

I didn’t miss the fact that his grip on me had tightened, or that he was shaking violently. When I was done, I let him calm down as I also recollected myself. The sky had become cloudy again. The poor people of this pack must be so confused.

“I hate your parents,” he mumbled.

I couldn’t help but giggle. “After all that, that’s the first thing you say?”

“I’m sorry, but I do. They’re my number one enemies. They hate me and I hate them right back. I hated them even before hearing about your story. I’ve hated them since just before my parents were killed. They hate me because before I came into power, their pack was the number one pack in the world, and then they got overpowered by a sixteen year old teenage boy,” he explained. That got me full-on laughing.

“I can just imagine how pissed off they were,” I sighed as I wiped away my tears.

“I’m sorry about your grandparents,” he said, brushing my hair away from my face.

“It’s going to take some time for me to get over my grandmother’s death. I mean, she’s the only person who loved me and stood up for me after that day, but I’ll deal with it,” I said sadly. He picked me up and placed me between his legs so that he could wrap both his arms around me.

I’ve never felt safer.

“Do you want to avenge her death?” he surprised me by asking.

“Not now! I’ve just shifted and I’d like to get used to the feeling,” I smiled.

“We’ll be behind you the whole way if you want to,” he said seriously.

I raised my eyebrows in perplexity. “You would do that for me?”

“Yep! You’re part of my pack now remember?” he smirked.

“Well, technically, not yet,” I pointed out.

“Details, details! What about Royce? He’s got every Alpha looking for you. Don’t you want to let him know that you’re safe?” he asked.

“Not yet! When I met Royce, I didn’t like the fact that I was some weakling who was being associated with the Alpha-to-be. I want to be a completely different person when I see him again,” I replied. He bit his lip in thought.

“I have an idea, but only if you’re okay with it,” he said, unsure.

I laughed at how adorable he looked. “Well, spit it out!”

“Well, your father is handing over the reins to Royce in a month and a half’s time. The pack is hosting some inauguration ball for him and they’ve invited every Alpha and Luna to attend. You can come with me as my Luna,” he explained.

My heart melted at his words.

“Mateo Santiago, are you asking me to be your date?” I teased.

“No, Juniper Evigan, I’m not. I’m asking you to be my Luna,” he smirked.

I narrowed my eyes in curiosity. “Is this just for the event?”

“Not really. I want you to be my Luna until you meet your mate,” he replied. I was surprised.

“Oh, I don’t have a mate,” I informed him.

He frowned. “You don’t?”

“Yep! My grandmother told me that I don’t have a mate. She didn’t say why or how she knew this,” I sighed. He was quiet for a while with his brows furrowed.

“I don’t have a mate either,” he suddenly said.

“Don’t have one or you lost one?” I asked.

“I don’t and can’t have one. Two hundred and eighty-nine years ago, a spell was placed on my family. The Alpha born son would suffer the fate of dying alone. The curse’s name is called Odessa, and it was cast by a powerful witch who goes by that name. It isn’t clear what exactly happened, but my ancestor Francisco, the Alpha at the time, pissed her off and that’s when she cast the spell. He hadn’t found his mate yet, so the pack didn’t have a Luna. This pack hasn’t had a Luna for three hundred years,” he explained.

Now I was just astonished.

I frowned, looking up at him. “Well, if the pack hasn’t had a Luna in so long, and you’re cursed, how exactly would this work?”

“I guess you’d be Luna by title. You’re a pure white wolf and the size of a Luna female in any case. Clearly you’ve got something in you that’s powerful and Zeus likes it. Like I told you before, Zeus and I don’t pay attention to women, so the fact that you have our attention, and are mate-less, makes us both very happy. You can be our mate by title if you’d like,” he proposed.

“What do you mean by ‘mate by title’? Can’t you just mark me?” I questioned.

“No, I can’t. A part of the curse is that we’re physically unable to mark a she-wolf. Odessa wasn’t kidding when she said we would die alone,” he explained.

“Well, that’s just twisted! Why are you paying for your ancestor’s mistake?” I said a little angrily. Ever since I first spoke to Mateo, I could tell that he yearns for something more, and now I understand exactly what that ‘more’ is.

“I wish I knew. This is the one thing I’ve never been able to figure out. I was told by my grandfather of the curse, and my father and some Elders confirmed it. There aren’t any books or such on this, so I’ve never known where to look for answers or solutions to reversing the curse,” he sighed.

“Wait, if your pack is cursed and hasn’t had a Luna in so long, then how were the past Alphas able to be born?” I asked.

“The curse doesn’t say anything about not finding love or having sex with she-wolves. We’re able to do so, but the love would be a human kind of love. It wouldn’t be as powerful as the bond between mates, and the pack would never really have a true Luna. My father is the only past Alpha who came up with the brilliant idea of a Luna by title. He fell in love with my mother and she’d already lost her mate from a rogue attack just days after meeting him,” he replied.

“So, I would be the second Luna by title that the pack has?” I smiled.

“Correct,” he agreed.

“Do you really want me to?” I asked to be sure.

“I do,” he said seriously.

“You may now kiss the bride,” I giggled.

He shook his head. “There’s something wrong with you.”

That sparked a memory in my mind.

“I never thought that would ever be said to me,” I whispered.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“My grandmother had a very, uh, flamboyant personality. I used to say those very words to her almost every day, so it’s weird to have them said to me since she’s the only person I spent most of my time with” I explained as my eyes watered.

“Tell me about her,” he said, rubbing circles on my arm.

“She was amazing, the best grandmother in the world really. When she lost my grandad, she made me her number one priority first before finally grieving her mate. Even then, she didn’t take that long to grieve because she felt I needed her attention. She was a sneaky lady by all means. She taught me how to cook a lot of things. I think we finished like four recipe books, having made everything in them. She taught me how to be independent and she always urged me to learn more about everything. I ended up reading things like encyclopedias for fun, just so that I could know a whole lot of stuff. As much as I’d like to say that being contained made me miss out on life, that would be a lie. I learnt so much while being contained, that I’m now able to say that I know more about the world than most people who live on it. The only difference perhaps is that I haven’t seen the world I live in, but now I guess I’m free to do just that,” I smiled.

“Your grandmother was a stellar woman for raising a wise young lady,” he whispered in my ear.

That sent a quiver of desire down my vertebrae.

“Thank you,” I sighed. I was really content being here in his arms, especially now that the sun was shining.

Seriously, the people of this pack must be going insane with this confused weather.

“So? Will you be my Luna?” he asked.

“Since it’s such a big commitment you’re asking of me, I’m going to let you ask me again, in more of a special way,” I giggled.

“Like a proposal?” he whined.

I burst out laughing. “Are you whining?”

That had to be the last thing I expected him to do.

“Yes I am, thank you very much! I’m not a romantic person and you’re asking the impossible of me,” he huffed.

“Oh boo hoo! You’re asking me into a lifetime arrangement here. Make the bloody effort,” I teased.

“I’m going to get you back for this,” he promised.

“I look forward to it,” I purred.

As expected, a growl rumbled from his chest.

“Death of me,” he mumbled, making me giggle before my stomach roared.

“Let’s get you and Starlet fed,” he smirked.

I frowned as we stood up. “You know my wolf’s name?”

“Yep! Zeus was having the conversation I just had with you, with her. Apparently, you both want to be wooed,” he said as he rolled his eyes.

“Ah, got it! Can we walk back? I don’t feel like running or shifting,” I requested, adding a pout for good measure. He narrowed his eyes at me.

“That pout is a deadly weapon,” he murmured, making me laugh.

I pouted once more. “Better yet, please carry me?”

Now he was just downright glaring at me.

“Hop on,” he sighed.

We walked the whole way back with him telling me all about the pack. He told me some stuff that Val and Lexi had already told me, as well as some other new things. He shared with me what my basic responsibilities as Luna would be, and I was actually cool with them.

They’re easy enough to handle, although I shouldn’t be too quick to think so since this pack has one thousand, four hundred and ninety-seven pack members. I’ve never heard of so many wolves being in one pack. My father’s pack only has nine hundred and eighty-one last I heard.

“She’s still alive!” Valentine said in relief as we walked into the kitchen. She was with Alexa and Anastasia, or at least that’s the name I picked up from the woman’s mind.

I giggled, hopping down from his back. “He couldn’t kill me, even if he wanted to.”

“Wow! I thought you had an amazing body before, but now I’m just jealous,” Alexa said as she eyed my legs. I didn’t even know that my body had changed.

Mateo frowned as he looked at them. “I didn’t even notice.”

“Glad to see you’re not just in it for my body, babe,” I teased, making him growl.

“I’m leaving before I decide to kill you after all, baby doll,” he grumbled.

“You are too adorable, thinking that you’re actually capable of that,” I taunted. He glared at me before going upstairs.

“You two look cozy,” Alexa commented.

“It’s a long story,” I smiled.

“Does he know everything?” Valentine asked.

“Sort of! I didn’t tell him about, you know,” I hinted. I was glad to see that I didn’t have to work to make sure they knew what I was referring to. I went to the fridge to get myself a glass of water.

“Does he know that you’re a witch?” Anastasia whispered, making me choke on the water.

“WHAT?” Valentine, Alexa and I whisper-yelled.

Anastasia looked perplexed. “You mean you don’t know?”

“I just shifted for the first time an hour ago. Do you really think I would know if I was a witch?” I asked wide-eyed. It was hard trying to keep our voices low.

“Well, that’s the vibe I’m picking up from you. Just like vampires and werewolves, witches are able to sense each other, and you, my dear, are a witch,” she explained lowly.

Oh, so she’s a witch.

“Ana, meet Juniper, our newest pack member. June, meet Anastasia. She’s a witch and an ally to my brother,” Valentine introduced.

“I know! It’s nice to meet you,” I smiled.

“What do you mean you know? Did Mateo tell you about her?” Alexa asked.

“Nope! I know everything about her, and I mean everything, down to her memories and thoughts,” I replied.

“When you touched my hand; I thought it was strange that my mind felt like it was being tickled,” Anastasia said in awe.

“Yeah, I basically went through it, although I don’t know how,” I admitted before my stomach grumbled really loudly.

“FEED HER NOW WILL YOU?” Mateo shouted from somewhere in the house, making us laugh.

“Let’s get you fed before we piss off the beast,” Valentine giggled.