Lunar wolves: The chase (Book 2) - Complete

Chapter 6 - Secret plans ...

Glinda

What on earth was he doing outside my window?! Well, it was too late to back out now.

“Where are you going, Princess?” Gareth sat on the soft earth of the forest just outside my window, with his back leaning against a tree. If he didn’t speak, I would have thought he was asleep. It was plain creepy sometimes how calm he could be.

“I need some pictures. Some rare creatures come out once in a thousand years only on this kind of moon. Are you going to tattle on me again or are you coming with me?” I glared at him. He got up, chewing on a blade of grass.

“Well now, if it’s that important, who am I to stand in your way? Lead the way, Princess.” He grinned. That was easy… maybe way too easy. I led the way into the forest where I saw the cocoons, looking back his way every couple of steps wondering why he wasn’t stopping me.

Seeing the cocoons, I started taking pictures just as the butterflies found their way out. For so long they were captured in their prison of silk and finally, they could fight their way out. Once they started climbing out one by one.

Their luminous purple and blue wings would spread as they sat there for a minute or so. At that time, I got the most precious pictures of them up close. I was sure there were photographers out there that only dreamt of this opportunity.

One, then two, then three started sitting on my shoulders and my arms. I put my camera down and slowly walked into the middle of their breeding ground as more landed on me. I heard my camera click, and they flew up into the air and around me.

Their beautiful colours flying around and around, making me so happy that I started twirling in between them. It was amazing seeing their colours go by so fast, hearing their wings flap so close to my ears. It was one of those moments in life you would never forget.

You wanted to burn it into your memory. A branch snapped, and they took off in a swarm looking like moonlight. I heard the click of the camera and looked in Gareth’s direction.

“Thank you, that was so incredible!” I smiled, feeling my eyes sparkle with the excitement of the moment.

“Sure Princess. Now I have to get you home.” In the moonlight I could just make out the slight blush on his cheeks. I didn’t even fight. I couldn’t wait to see the pictures I took and develop them. I already had so many ideas of what I wanted to frame and where I wanted to put them.

Excited, I climbed back through the window, finding my mom in my room patiently waiting.

“Thought you could sneak out, and I wouldn’t know, huh?” Mom looked amused and, for once, not angry.

“But mom, give me a chance to explain. Just look at these. They are…” We saw picture after picture that Gareth took of me playing between the butterflies. When did he do that? I heard the camera, but I didn’t really realize. I was captured at the moment.

“Not only a great photographer but also very photogenic. You look absolutely beautiful, Glinda!” Mom sounded proud, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“But I didn’t take these. I didn’t even know that he took these…” My voice was thick with surprise. They were incredible.

“Well, I definitely want one or two of them. They are stunning. Now regarding sneaking out. I need you to be up at six tomorrow morning to help in the kitchen in the packhouse.” Mom raised an eyebrow and tried her best to look serious.

“Why?! Only Omegas work at that time of the morning?” I sighed deeply. I knew this was going to happen if they caught me. I just hoped that they wouldn’t punish me.

“I know, Omega’s and daughters who don’t listen to their parents. Six am sharp! Good night.” She shut my door and disappeared… That was so not fair!! She must have known if she was waiting in my room! GARETH! He probably let my dad know that we left! That’s why he was so nice about everything!!

Willow

The dinner went off without a hitch, only instead of taking my place at the table, I decided to take my place as staff. Checking dishes before they go out so make sure they were perfect. Making sure the wine flowed, and that staff acted promptly when called by guests. Until one member walked up to me.

“Ms. Willow. The Master wants to know why you aren’t eating with the guests.” She didn’t look me in the eye. If I sent the poor staff member with the message, he might just fire her on the spot, so I glided to the table, taking a stand next to his chair. I rested my elbow on the back of the chair.

“You called Master.” I smiled at the guests, keeping my voice low.

“What are you doing?” He asked under his breath, trying his best not to lose his temper.

“My job, remember?” My voice was thick with poison.

“Don’t be petty.” He snapped and I just kept smiling.

“I’m not. Now behave in front of your important guests. You don’t want to upset them.” I sighed and turned to walk away. He grabbed hold of my hand, then turned it to kiss the palm when he saw the Councillor watching intently.

Slightly tugging at my arm, so I would take my place to his left. A staff member immediately brought me my plate of food.

“I see you and the Councillor are getting pretty cozy.” He kept his voice low.

“No, you saw him try and missed where I put him in his place. Is that why you are angry at me?” I was really bored with his sudden jealousy.

“I’m not angry.” He almost hissed. I knew to just leave it for now, or he would start drinking too much, too fast, and before we knew it, half of the people there would be having a drinking contest while the rest would be totally disgusted with what was happening. I was not going to allow that at one of my dinners!

“You are going to behave yourself, Radagast, or I won’t help you with my sisters. That is a promise.” My eyes burned with anger and I saw him recognize anger in my expression. He turned his head to his right like a proper gentleman and started talking to the young male sitting there.

The poor man seemed so nervous he nearly dropped his fork while talking to Radagast. The main course was brought out, then dessert, lastly some coffee and chocolate for the ladies and the men excused themselves for cognac and cigars. Radagast kissed me on my cheek.

“Remember, behave or no sisters,” I warned him, smiling at him. Anger turned his face red, but he left the dining room, leading the rest of the gentlemen out. I got up and led the ladies to the ladies' sitting room. Some of them wanted to know when Radagast and I were going to tie the knot.

They were very surprised when they found out that I was his sister-in-law, and we weren’t “romantically involved”. Okay fine, so it was not proper yet in social circles to admit that I was his official mistress. It felt like the night dragged on forever with all the pleasantries and being the perfect hostess!

When the last ladies left, I took a deep breath. I was about to make my way to my room when a pair of strong arms grabbed me from behind and pushed me up against the wall.

“You dare threaten me? In front of our guests,” Radagast looked furious.

“I didn’t threaten you. That, my darling, was a promise. Now let me go!” I tried to pull out of his grasp.

“I… I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Willow, I just can’t lose you as well. Don’t, please, don’t leave me.” His grip softened, and he lowered his head down on my shoulder. “You know I can’t do anything without you.”

“Then remember that the next time you try and remind me of my place! I will be sleeping in my room again tonight. I need to be up early to greet our guests when they leave in the morning, and you smell of drink!” I pushed him away, and he let go just enough to look into my eyes.

“But I need you.” He sounded like a child about to throw a tantrum.

“No, you don’t. Now go to bed.” I called one of the servants standing near the entrance to help him to his chambers. Tomorrow, we start by planning to take my sisters. I couldn’t be seen half-drunk and smelling of his touch!

Walking into my room, I dropped my shoes on the floor, unzipped my dress and walked to the bathroom to take off my make-up. Something shiny caught my eye and when I looked towards my dressing table, I saw a little black box with a silver bow around it.

That wasn’t there when I left my room earlier. There was a note behind it with my name on, in handwriting, I don’t know.

“Dearest Willow, thank you for the warm welcome we received while staying at Silver-fox Castle. Your hospitality will be remembered in the future.” A gift from the witch’s council! That was a very rare honour! I was almost too scared to open the little box and my hands shook when I pulled open the bow and lifted the lid. Inside was a pin with their seal on it! I quickly read the rest of the note.

“We have taken the liberty of giving you your council pin already. The secretary will be in contact with you to arrange the details for your initiation ceremony. Kindest Regards Witch’s Council” A council member?! Me?

I wondered if Radagast knew. He had to. They wouldn’t have decided this without consulting him. I was sure of it! Wow! I felt like a Princess!! Was this how my sisters felt when they shifted for the first time?! That once in a lifetime experience?

I twirled around my room excitedly. I had to sleep, so I would look my best in the morning when I saw them off, proudly wearing my pin! Putting it back in the box, I safely put the box in my drawer and almost skipped to the bathroom. What felt like an evening of utter hell had just turned into a life-changer for me.

Melissa

I had to meet with our coven to let them know about the latest developments, but I didn’t want Frank and the girls to know. For a change, I was to be the one breaking the rules and sneaking out without protection. I worked a spell to make sure all of them slept deeply. Putting on my cloak, I snuck out the trap door and through the forest.

When I reached the coven mother’s house, she had already assembled everyone, knowing that I was on my way. Her psychic abilities focused like a fine art.

“Melissa, what is this about Willow returning?” Moonstar frowned.

“Yes, I’m afraid she has. With that monster of a man, Radagast! We fear they might try and attack again! Frank has extra guards protecting our girls, but we all know how unfair the council fights. They won’t care for the lives of others!” I felt the weight of my words settling on my shoulders.

“Melissa, you always underestimate your wolf family.” Moonstar shrugged.

“I don’t! I want them to be safe! Look at what happened to my darling Isobel when I let her go with that man!” I glared at Moonstar.

“Melissa, you cannot stop destiny from happening. You know that.” Celestial looked bored as usual.

“No! I won’t believe that! Isobel was not destined to die so young! Her baby would not have been destined to die before it was born!!” I hit right back. My coven left the council many years ago, but they sometimes reminded me of the councillors.

“You are too close to what is happening, my dear. You can’t see clearly.” Moonstar shrugged. I knew they were concerned about the council, but clearly, they weren’t concerned enough.

“Then look on my behalf so I can change what might go wrong!” I begged them with tears starting to form. “I can’t lose another daughter… not to that man!!”

“Darling, you know I would if I could. You know the price for doing such magic, and you aren’t willing to pay for it,” Moonstar shrugged.

“Take my life. I will pay with mine!” I shouted.

“NO Melissa! You will stop this nonsense this instance! Not only won’t you be able to change destiny if you are dead, but I won’t allow one of our coven members to sacrifice themselves for a council witch! Daughter or not!” Celestial lost her temper.

I fell to the ground crying and Celestial bent down, taking my chin in her hands.

“My baby girl. You aren’t alone. Remember that. We are all in this together, okay? We will stand with the wolves like we always have and protect your family. Trust in your family. Trust in us. Now go home. Your spell will soon wear off, and then your husband will realize you are gone.” Her voice softened.

I thanked them and quickly made my way back home. Upset and not fully concentrating on where I was going, I stumbled over a tree root and twisted my ankle, crying out in pain.

“Oh, that’s just great!!” How did I explain my being out here without a guard?! I tried getting up, but it was impossible, the pain was too much. I had only one option left… I had to crawl to the trap door, pull myself through, and hope to the goddess that nobody saw me!

Just as I closed the door, I heard footsteps on the stairs and cried in pain.

“Mellissa?! Melissa! Where are you?!” Frank was the first to react.

“Over here! I think I might have twisted my ankle,” I shouted, hoping I could lie my way out of it.