Luna | The Wolves of Lusana [Vol. 2]

Ten

It had been nearly five years since the last time I had visited Branson in southwest Missouri. From what I had remembered, it was always busy, but this would be expected especially from a city heavily reliant on tourist attractions and the summer weather. Now, in August, the weather was still warm but by fall almost all of the businesses and entertainment attractions would be closed for the season and the population would plummet.

Elijah drove, the radio letting out bouts of country music as we went up and down hills in the middle of the woods. It was nice out today, but I had a feeling the weather would change. I could never understand Missouri's weather patterns and made a point to bring a jacket just in case.

Elijah said his sister and niece were joining us while her husband, the alpha of the Moonkin pack was too busy to join us. I couldn't help but wonder whether his family would like me. I wanted to impress them, to show that regardless of the fact that I was human, I was still worthy to be Elijah's mate even if I wasn't quite sure about being their Luna. I hoped I didn't make any enemies.

"What are you worried about?" Elijah asked as he turned his blinker on, following a semi onto the off ramp.

"Nothing." I replied with a smile.

"Hmm," Elijah hummed, unconvinced, "I know that look."

"It's just," I sighed, "What if your sister doesn't like me."

"She'll love you." He paused, "And if she doesn't, my niece certainly will. She's been so excited to meet you ever since I told her I found my mate."

"Really?" I asked, looking over at him and he smiled, his eyes shining.

"Really," He replied, his smile never wavering, "she calls you Auntie Em."

I could tell he loved his family, but there was still a sadness there he had yet to fully show. I knew something had happened to his mother, but what? I was afraid to ask, he would tell me when he was ready. But I couldn't help but wonder if that will ever happen.

Suddenly my phone pinged, pulling me from my thoughts as I looked down, opening the text. It was from Daniel.

Hey, are we still on for our camping trip?

I looked up, "Hey, so, um, Daniel and I—" I started looking over at Elijah.

"Yes?"

"Well, we go on a camping trip every year and I was going to go. I know it's short notice I'm just letting you know." I rambled.

"That sounds fun, when we're you guys planning to go?" He asked not taking his eyes off of the road.

"Next week."

"Where?" He inquired, clearing his throat.

"We haven't decided yet."

"There's some old camping grounds a few miles away from my border that you guys could use. I'll see if I can have one of my wolves go with you."

"I um, I don't think that will be necessary." I protested but Elijah looked over at me, his expression saying he would never budge. "Daniel and I can handle ourselves."

"Emilia..." he warned.

"Elijah."

"I don't want either of you getting hurt." He finally said and I shook my head.

"We'll be fine and if anything happens, we're right off of the border." I said, texting Daniel the information.

Elijah sighed, "Fine. But we're still discussing this."

I had no idea what I was going to get myself into. But at the time, I thought we would be safe, I was wrong.

* * *

Ten minutes later we were parking the car and making our way toward the aquarium on the boardwalk. A gigantic octopus statue was placed across the side of the building and I couldn't help but stare at it in awe. It was huge, like a gigantic kraken. Suddenly, Elijah's hand was in mine and we were walking into the building. Then as soon as we arrived, a little girl run up to us and immediately hugged my waist.

"Oh!"

"Auntie Em!" She squealed and I looked over at Elijah nervously.

"Um hi." I said nervously, patting her head and fighting the urge to pick her up and hold her.

"Charlotte!" I heard a woman call before she ran up to us. The woman was tall just like Elijah and had the same color eyes and hair. I knew immediately that she was Elijah's sister, "I'm so sorry Emilia, she was just so excited to meet you. I'm Everleigh, but everyone just calls me Eve and this is my daughter Charlotte. It's so great to meet you!"

And then she was hugging me. This family must really like hugging. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it. I hugged her back and waited a few seconds before I pulled away.

Eve smiled at me before she reached for charlotte's hand but she had already claimed mine, choosing to squeeze herself in-between Elijah and I. "Charlotte, please."

"It's okay." I paused, smiling down at Charlotte before I looked back at Eve, worry evident on her face, I assumed she didn't want to make things awkward for me, "She's fine, I don't mind."

"Okay." She breathed a sigh of relief.

Elijah cleared his throat, "Excuse me, I think you forgot someone."

Nope!" Charlotte said, grinning before practically dragging me toward a small aquarium next to the desk where we could purchase our tickets.

"I'll go get our tickets." Elijah called and I just shook my head following Charlotte.

I watched her as she pressed her hand up against the glass, mesmerized at the fish swimming, unbothered from their surroundings. I couldn't hide my smile as I watched her, she couldn't be more than five years old. Those bright blue eyes and chestnut brown hair would definitely turn heads when she's older. Her parents definitely had their hands full.

"Look at that one!" Charlotte exclaimed and I immediately looked where she was pointing. A seahorse was wrapping it's tail around the grass, and I smiled.

"He looks nice doesn't he?" I said, leaning down to get a closer look.

She nodded then her face went so serious I wondered what had just crossed her mind, then she looked up at me, curiosity filling her features, "Auntie Em?"

"Yes?"

"Are you and Uncle Eli married?" She asked, as innocently as ever.

"No, we aren't." I replied and I was shocked to find a pang of sadness shoot through me as I did.

I knew I wasn't ready for that, I still wanted to know Elijah more. But why wait when you know he's your soulmate?

"Are you going to get married?" She didn't even pause when she added, "Mommy says you're his mate."

"I am his mate but I don't know when we'll get married."

"Are we ready?" Elijah asked from behind us and I jumped, "Oh, sorry Lia I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay, I—"

"Uncle Eli, you need to marry her!" Charlotte exclaimed and I covered my mouth with my hand, stifling a laugh as I watched her walk towards him and got on one knee as if to demonstrate what he needed to do.

"Charlotte, honey, they just met not too long ago." Eve said, she too was trying to hide her smile, "You can't force that. It takes time."

Charlotte huffed and crossed her arms, "But they're mates!"

"We are Charlotte," I said, hoping to keep her from having a tantrum, "And I promise when we get married you'll be our flower girl how does that sound?"

"Do I have to wear a dress?" She asked, grimacing.

"Not if you don't want to."

"Okay!" She said excitedly before grabbing Elijah's hand and dragging him away while Eve mouthed a thank you.

I shrugged and we followed them further into the aquarium. Yes, this would be a perfect afternoon. I just wished Danny could have joined us. But that was just as well, he was probably preparing for our camping trip next week. Watching Elijah with Charlotte, I couldn't fight the feeling of wanting my own one day, but I knew that it would happen in time.