Always Luna

BONUS ~ surprise

noun ~ an unexpected or astonishing event

PHOENIX

"Do you think you can do that?" I questioned.

Gaia turned to me, one arm folded as the other cupped her cheek. She stared at the blank space before us, scanning its surroundings with pursed lips.

"You will have to remove a couple of those trees." She pointed.

I followed her gaze, taking note of which ones she spoke of. "Okay, that's fine we can use it for supplies."

She hummed, nodding. "I think it will go well."

"Think, or know?" I grunted. "You are a gifted witch..."

She quirked an eyebrow. "So impatient."

I scowled at her, a small growl starting in my throat. I was about to speak again when she cut me off.

"It will work. It will be beautiful." She chuckled before shooting me a pointed look. "You care for your mate deeply, don't you?"

I scowled. "Why wouldn't I?"

She shrugged, lazily looking back to the trees before us. "You have changed, dear."

Gritting my teeth, I debated on ignoring her. I didn't like people calling me out for how I have changed, being called soft was not something I admired. Deep within me, I felt the gut twisting annoyance of being anything other than strong and worthy.

Shaking my head, I glared down at my feet. Nova was right, I couldn't let my past, my father, ruin me.

"She is everything to me." I muttered.

She had the gut to snort in laughter. "A blind man could see how much you dote on her, dear. It is endearing to see you such a way. Anna would love her."

I froze at the mention of my mother's name. A heavy weight settled in my chest, one that my chest burning with emotions. I wished my mother could meet Nova, she would've adored her. They were both gentle in nature, I could only imagine what the two of them would get up to when Mum would be in one of her boisterous moods. She would've doted on our children to the point we would only be part-time parents.

I sighed heavily, the painful hope in my chest of what could've been always had me feeling weak. I was just a boy, thrown into the world of running a pack so young. I missed her.

"You are starting to remind me of her, dear." Gaia continued, coming to stand beside me.

I furrowed my eyebrows, my voice a soft whisper. "I am not like her..."

"You are your mother's son. You are not your father, that I am sure of." She smiled, patting my bicep. "Now, unless you want to cry, I suggest you go rally up some help. If you want this house built for Christmas you won't be able to do it alone."

***

"How's it looking, Alpha?"

I glanced up at Alex, my fingers pressing into my temple against the glare of the setting sun. "That looks great."

He beamed, hopping down from his perch. "Great! I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's done."

I patted him once on the shoulder, nodding in agreement.

Summer was fading, as was the remainder of our long lighted days. The house had it's foundations, and the trees were cleared. Nova had left for the mountains only two days prior, and I enjoyed throwing myself into the graft because it kept me distracted. But as the sun went down, my chest filled with longing for our sunsets together.