Luna

Arrivals

Everyone had arrived, apart from Alpha Darrow and Alpha Wilson. Alpha Ross had turned out to be a much nicer man than his father. Yes, he was hot headed but his mate calmed him down in a pleasing way. I could feel the pleasure that it brought to Goddess - as the day of my blessing grew closer I became more in tuned with her. Alpha Ross and his mate had a three year old daughter named Amber who adored me - it was precious.
After everyone settled in and were shown to their rooms, we all prepared for dinner. I thought their would have been more tension. Mom had told me that it would be overwhelming but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The energy was light and happy, everyone seemed to be very calm and at ease, even with the massive room filled with high ranked wolves from different packs. It made me feel less anxious knowing everyone could get along.
Relaxing, Beth, Heidi and myself all got each other ready in my room. Beth had me wear a simple bright blue sun dress. It was snug but not too tight, it went a little past mid thigh, had short sleeves, and an unraveling neckline. It was very flattering on me but I refused to wear shoes when Beth brought out the heels she wanted me in.
"Nope. I will not do that to myself."
Beth and Heidi laughed. Beth shook her head, "You can't be barefoot."
"Why not? I always am." I hated shoes, they made my feet hurt and when I could, I didn't wear them.
Heidi laughed, "But it's the first dinner with everyone before everything starts tomorrow."
Shrugging, I tossed the shoes back into her bag, "Never gonna happen. I doubt anyone will even notice."
Beth sighed, "Fine but then you have to at least wear your hair down and out of braids for once."
"But it's too long."
Heidi rolled her eyes, "Why are you so stubborn?"
"Fine hair down but I'm still not wearing shoes."
Beth chuckled, "The struggle."
Rolling my eyes, I undid my braid and let the waves fall down around my face. Before they could stop me, I made a small braid that started behind my ear and traveled above my forehead before it went behind my other ear, framing my face and keeping the hair out of my eyes.
Beth smiled, "That's perfect."
Heidi just laughed at us as she slipped into her own red dress, "We're late."
Beth sighed, "We wouldn't be if our Luna didn't fight us so hard."
Laughing, I pulled open my door, "You like it."
We skipped down the staircase and laughed as we came to the main dining room. Everyone was laughing and cheering as they told stories of the past year. It was relaxing to see the tension had seemed to melt away. Unfortunately, as we entered the room, everyone shot us curious looks. My cheeks flushed with the stares. As I had suspected my Dad looked at me as if he had never seen me before in my life. My mom smiled proudly at me but then pursed her lips when she saw my bare feet.
Beth just laughed at the stares as she pulled Heidi and myself to the young adult table. Cris had a seat saved and he waved me over. Eagerly, I took my place beside him and relaxed with his calming energy.
"You look like a girl!"
I rolled my eyes, "But I could still kick your ass in a fight."
His eyes widened, "I don't think that has ever been the case."
"Shut up! You know whenever we spar, I always win."
He shook his head, "Not in human form."
"It's been a year. I bet I could now!"
He laughed, "Is that a challenge?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"It's on."
The table erupted into laughter. Josiah shook his head at Cris, "Be careful buddy." He lifted up his shirt to show a scar I had accidentally given him when I was still trying to get my gifts under control, "She can be lethal."
Everyone's eyes bugged out of their face as they looked from the scar to me.
My cheeks flushed, "It was an accident, I can't take the full credit for that." I defended myself. "And I healed it right away."
Josiah laughed, "I know. I'm just giving him a warning JoJo."
Rolling my eyes, I dug into my food. Music began to play throughout the room, it was a soft piano lullaby piece and it filled me with joy. As I took another bite of food, little Amber came to my side and tugged at my arm.
"Luma?"
Everyone giggled at her name for me. I smiled down at her, "Yes Amber?"
Her cheeks blushed, "Damce wit me?"
My heart melted with her request and there was no hesitation as I scooped her up into my arms and carried her to the front of the room, where there was a small empty area. Laughing as I swayed her around, she clapped and giggled, enjoying the sway of the music. Her parents gleamed over at me as I twirled their baby daughter around. When the song ended, she ran over to Cris and pulled him by his hand to where we had been dancing.
"Damce!" She squealed with delight when he scooped me up into his arms and twirled me around.
I couldn't help the laughter of pure bliss that escaped me as I was spun around the room in Cris's arms. Slowly, Josiah grabbed Beth and Luke grabbed Heidi as they danced around with us as more couples joined in. It was like we were children again. There wasn't a worry in the world, only joy. Unfortunately, the feeling was slowly pulled away from me as the energy shifted and someone arrived. My breath caught and I stumbled in my movement, the rush of anger and hatred was too much.
Cris looked down at me in confusion, "Is something wrong?"
"They're here."
Everyone froze with my words. Alpha Ross just shrugged, "They aren't as scary as the stories make them seem. I grew up with Alpha Wilson, she has a heart. It's little but it's there."
We looked at him in confusion before my father asked what everyone was thinking, "She?"
Alpha Ross nodded, "Yeah. After her father died two years ago, she took over."
No one knew this and I was surprised my mother hadn't seen it. She always sees when someone passes and the raising of a new Alpha.
My father nodded, "And Alpha Darrow?"
Alpha Ross looked down as he exposed his neck where there were four large scars that ran down and into his shirt, "Don't cross him."
A chill ran through my spine as I felt his energy, power and anger come through the front doors. Pushing back the nauseating anger and calming the large gathering of friends, I turned up the music and continued to dance around as Cris led me through the tables. My hair bounced as we laughed with the others. Amber pulled at my dress again and reached up at me, "I go."
Cris scooped her up into his arms and we all three danced in a circle. She giggled as she held tight around my neck and Cris's, keeping us close together.
"Mama! Papa! Damce!" She waved over to them and they stood, joining into our playful energy.
This continued for another song before the large wooden doors on the opposite side of the massive room flew open. I could feel Alpha Darrow and Alpha Wilson walk in with two others. Everyone froze but I refused to let them kill the fun we were having. Instead of turning to see them, I laughed and continued to dance around with Cris. He quickly complied and moved me closer to them. Without making eye contact - afraid I'd lose my nerve - I laughed and pulled him back to the dance floor.
He chuckled and whispered into my ear, "Aren't you curious?"
"I feel off, just dance. I need to gain some control."
He looked at me worried before he held me closer and spun me.
Mother stood and moved to the door, "Welcome Alphas and ladies! Please eat, you must be hungry after your travels. We were just enjoying some dancing if you'd care to join."
The anger still rolled off of the two Alphas as they spoke with my mother and father but the other females skipped over to me, "Luna?"
Pulling away from Cris, I turned and met their gazes, a little shocked with how they knew it was me. "Who are you two?" I smiled at the two blondes, they were so beautiful.
One of them smiled brightly, "We are Alpha Wilson's sisters. I'm Kate and this is Lizzy." She pointed to her sister. They both looked to be around eighteen, maybe seventeen years old.
I pulled them both into hugs, "It's so nice to finally meet you." Pointing over at Cris, I began the introductions, "This is Cris. And my twin Josiah with him is Beth. Then Luke and Heidi are over there." I pointed as I went and everyone seemed to look at me with shock but I ignored them naming all the families.
Amber pulled on my dress so I easily pulled her up into my arms, "This is Amber."
Her cheeks blushed and she waved shyly at the girls, "Member me?"
They smiled and nodded. Kate gave her hand a little shake, "You were only two back then. You have really grown!"
Amber laughed, "I'm big now!"
Smiling, I moved over to the table, "And this is Tyler and Sam."
As the two girls looked over to them, the world seemed to freeze. I could feel the waves of love violently rolling off of all four of them. Tyler shot out of his chair and pulled Kate into a passionate kiss.
Alpha Wilson growled but I raised my hand to her, "Mates." I said in amazement with a silly smirk on my face, I had never been present for a mate finding before. The emotions that seeped off of them were unreal. I had never felt such a powerful emotion before. It was stronger than anger, than fear - something I never thought possible.
Sam blushed as he moved over to a blushing Lizzy and scooped up her hand, "Mine." They said together.
Looking over to Alpha Wilson, I calmed the anger she began to feel.
She growled at me, "Don't." Her blonde hair matched her sisters but her features were harder, more angry. It was easy to see she had been through something awful in her life and my heart ached for her.
"You need to calm yourself. This is a place of peace." My mother attempted to defend me.
Her hazel eyes watched me with anger but slowly softened as she saw her sisters take their seats beside their mates. Her frame was beginning to shake violently, "I'll be back."
She snapped up Alpha Darrow's hand, pulling him out the door before I had a chance to be introduced or get a look at him. As the doors slammed shut, a wave of a mouth watering scent hit me harder than anything I had ever smelt before. My wolf purred with the fresh, musky smell, urging me to follow it.
Instead, I shook my head and turned to our new guests. Slowly, the energy began to calm and go back to normal as everyone continued with their meals and relaxed conversation. The girls easily fit in to the conversation as they curled up close to their new mates. Before too long, Alpha Wilson came back and took a seat beside Alpha Ross. Before I could move to welcome her back, one of Cris's favorite songs played and he scooped me up out of my seat. Again he danced me around the room as we laughed at the memories the song brought back.
"I've missed you so much Josie."
We slowed as the music came to an end, "Once I'm stronger I'll be able to come visit you more."
Smiling, he looked behind me with a furrowed brow.
"What's wrong?"
He held my face, forcing me to keep my eyes on him, "Alpha Darrow." His eyes moved back to mine as he whispered, "I don't like the way he is looking at us. It's eerie."
I attempted to look back but Josiah moved beside Cris, "What's going on?"
"Cris is being weird." I half laughed.
Josiah's eyes widened. "No. Keep talking to me JoJo."
Looking at the two in confusion, I pulled my face from Cris' hold - distracted by their strange behavior. "What's wrong with you guys?"
Josiah just smiled, "Aren't you so happy for Tyler and Sam and their new mates? I mean who would have thought?"
I frowned, he was trying to keep my attention. "What are you doing?"
His eyes widened innocently, "Who me?"
"Yes you. Drop the act." My body began to go ridged with anticipation as someone moved my way. The smell from before grew stronger as I turned to look at who had approached. My eyes were at eye level with a massive, broad chest, wrapped in a grey shirt. He bent down and buried his face into my hair at the base of my neck - sending a wave of electricity throughout my body.
Josiah growled and pulled me behind him and Cris, "That's no way to treat your Luna. Show some respect."
As his words slipped past his lips, my eyes met with Alpha Darrow. My body ached and moved toward him as my world froze with my heart. His black eyes looked right into my soul as my wolf purred. He had dark brown hair, a sharp jaw line and perfect cheekbones. He was the most handsomest man I had ever laid my eyes on.
Mine!
I tried to take a step back from him but he only moved forward, stalking toward me. My heart beat frantically as Josiah and Cris snarled.
Alpha Darrow let out a chilling growl and snarled, "Mine." His eyes blazed as he fought back his wolf.
Everyone froze as the room went completely silent. Josiah growled and grabbed me, keeping me behind him. This was a bad move, I could feel Alpha Darrow's anger grow more powerful than before as he moved his fist back for a punch. I quickly slipped in front of Josiah to stop the punch and shoved him out of the path. Alpha Darrow easily adjusted and his fist met Josiah's jaw with a blinding pain. Cris moved me away from the trembling Alpha and slammed his fist against Darrow's nose and I whimpered.
The men froze with the sound.
Standing up straight, I collected myself. "Finish your dinners." I moved away from the anger filled, testosterone flared men.
Alpha Darrow's empty face watched me before reaching out for my arm. "Mine."
Taking a deep breath, I fought the desire to run into his arms. "This is our haven for peace between our kind. Fighting is not tolerated. Please eat your dinner." I pointed to the table of our leaders.
Stepping back from me, his eyes turned green and worry filled his features for a moment - or at least I thought it's what I saw. His jaw clenched and he moved to the table of Alphas before I had a chance to understand his feelings.
Watching him, my body slowly began to burn as I felt a premonition coming. My eyes locked with Darrow's as the blood tears spilled from my eyes and ran down my cheeks and chest. His nose flared as he shot back up out of his seat - fear clearly in his green eyes. Reaching out for Cris, I gripped tight to his shirt, pulling myself to him as my sight was blinded with the blur of rogues.
The vision was strange, all I could see was a gathering. No one was attacking anyone or in any harm. It was confusing and frustrating as I held onto the sight, attempting to make sense of it. But before I could gather any helpful information, I was pulled away by shouting.
"Let me see her! She is mine!" Alpha Darrow snarled as I slowly began to wake up in my bed. His voice was deep and husky - my body ached for him.
Father spoke, "She needs rest."
Darrow growled, "Let me in! I don't want to hurt you."
Josiah's hand ran over my forehead as he hummed my favorite song.
Another painful growl came from Darrow, "Don't touch her! Mine!"
Josiah growled, "You need to get yourself under control. Leave her alone. You don't deserve her."
His words hurt me and I whimpered at the thought. Why would Josiah say such a thing. Forcing my eyes opened, I grabbed Josiah's hand to stop him.
Josiah looked down at me in surprise, "You're awake!"
Darrow made a move for me but my father stopped him with the assistance of Cris and Alpha Alder. Dad growled, "She will find you when she's ready. Give her some space."
Avoiding his piercing gaze, I looked up at my brother in confusion. I wanted Darrow beside me, I wanted to be in his arms. But there was a sickening fear in the pit of my stomach.
Josiah glared, "Don't even think about it JoJo."
Darrow growled and stomped off shaking in anger. I wanted to run after him but Josiah stopped me, "You need to rest. It's late and he will be here in the morning."
"Fine." I grumbled and crossed my arms.
Rolling his eyes, he kissed the top of my head, "Sleep. I'll be next door." He tucked my stuffed wolf under my arm.
Father leaned down and kissed my forehead as he looked at me with pity, "I'm sorry baby girl."
My jaw clinched, he had no reason to be sorry for me.
Alpha Alder nodded at me, "Goodnight JoJo."
"Night."
Cris came over to my side and sat down beside me, "I'm really sorry about tonight."
Shrugging, I looked away from his piercing gaze, "It wasn't your fault. It was a shock to everyone. I'm just glad no one got hurt."
He looked sad, "This isn't how you were supposed to find him."
I forced a painful smile - my head ached from the premonition. "Goddess has a plan."
Cris frowned as he leaned down and kissed my cheek, "Get some rest. I'll see you in the morning. You're gonna get that ass of yours kicked."
Giggling, I shoved him playfully, "Other way around. You're going down."
He rolled his eyes, "Get some sleep."
"Night. Sleep tight."
"Don't let the bloodsuckers bite." He smirked.
We laughed softly as he made his way out of my room.
Once I was alone again, my heart began to ache and a pull deep in my chest begged me to go find my mate. He needed me. My wolf begged with me.
Please. We need him. He hurts. For me? Just this once?
Taking a deep breath, I changed into my pajamas which consisted of a pair of short, bright blue, Nike spandex, a pair of wool socks and a grey sweatshirt from my high school back home. Taking a deep breath, I opened my door and looked around. Everyone seemed to be in their rooms locked up for the night. Heading to the opposite side of the house, I silently followed his delicious scent. It led me to what I assumed was his door, just as I was about to knock, her voice stopped me, making me feel nauseous.
"What the hell is wrong with you tonight Darrow?" It was Alpha Wilson.
"Just go away Maya. I'm not in the mood." His voice was dark.
"Really? She's going to reject you, just get over it and move on man."
He growled, "Don't push me Maya."
"If you're going to be this way, I'm getting dressed." My heart stop and stomach turned with her words. Why was she naked? Why did he let her take her clothes off? My wolf howled in pain as a small whimper passed through my lips.
His voice darkened, "What was that?"
Before he could find me, I silently ran down the hall, headed for the lookout. As I turned the corner, he pushed open his door while he growled and sniffed the air. "Fuck Maya! She was here."
She laughed, "Have fun with that. Might as well get it over with tonight."
My heart ached as I continued running to the tower, sobbing as I went. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. It wasn't supposed to hurt this much. Sprinting up the spiraling staircase, I quickly climbed out the window and scaled the roof until I found a safe place, hidden from sight. My wolf silently wailed in pain with heart break but still she needed to be near him. My stomach turned again but this time I didn't hold back and I threw up over the edge. How could he do this to me?
His voice came from the window, "Where are you?"
I stayed silent, not wanting to see him.
He stuck his head out the window and looked down at the ground, "Did you jump?" His voice broke in sadness, "If you can hear me, nothing happened with Maya. I couldn't touch another female after seeing you, no one can compare." His words were broken and I could feel the pain and sadness he was feeling. "Nothing happened." It was easy to hear his vulnerability in his voice but I fought back the emotions it made me feel.
His words didn't match up with what I had heard. She was naked in his room. I can't believed I had saved everything for him. It made me feel so stupid to think he would have done the same. But no, he couldn't even keep it in his pants for one night while I was in bed in pain. The thought made me sick again and I cried until exhaustion took me.
Sleep was almost impossible, I tossed and turned all night on the roof and when it was finally morning, I had maybe two hours of sleep total.
Josiah opened a connection with me, Where are you?
Hiding.
You almost gave me a heart attack, I was headed to break down that bastards door.
Even though Alpha Darrow had hurt me, I couldn't help the snarl that escaped into my thoughts.
Sorry JoJo. Come out of hiding and get some food. We need our Luna strong and healthy. Plus you have that fight with Cris today.
A twinge of excitement broke through my broken heart. On my way.
Sneaking back in through the window, I made my way down to the dinning room - not bothering to change my clothes. Unfortunately, everyone was already seated at their tables. Alpha Darrow sat beside Maya with his black eyes moving over my body. Feeling a little uncomfortable and jealous of how Maya leaned into him, I turned and took my seat beside Cris.
"There you are Josie!" He smiled and wrapped me up in a half hug.
Josiah growled at someone behind me - most likely Alpha Darrow. "Why didn't you put clothes on JoJo?"
"No desire to get dressed today. You're lucky I'm here at all."
He shook his head, "You're showing too much skin."
Rolling my eyes, I smiled up at Cris, "Morning."
He laughed, "Ready to lose?"
It was nice to be beside him, his happy and calming nature was relaxing after the night I had had. I leaned against his side, "I don't lose."
He laughed, "Eat up, you'll need your strength."
My stomach flipped at the thought of food. I wasn't in the mood to eat and I doubt I would have been able to keep anything down. My mood darkened, "Maybe we should have a rain check?"
Everyone looked at me with wide eyes. Cris stiffened, "Is everything okay?"
I bit my lip, "Feeling a little nauseous."
Josiah frowned, "Wolves don't get sick."
Glaring at him, I shook my head, "Must be a reaction to my vision last night." It was a lie and I knew Cris and Josiah could tell but no one else seemed to notice.
Cris frowned, "Wanna go check out the gardens?"
Even Cris couldn't help me feel better today. "No. I think I'll go get dressed and help Beth with the children today."
Cris and Josiah looked at me with worry but I shook it off and gave my plate to Josiah, "Eat up. Don't want it to go to waist."
Before he could comment, I stood and walked out. I could feel Alpha Darrow's eyes on me. Mom shouted from across the dinning room, "Josie please come here."
I couldn't disrespect her by ignoring her but I needed to get out of here. Scowling, I turned and walked to her side, keeping my eyes on her. "Yes Mother?"
"We have training today. You need to eat."
"I'm not feeling well. May I take the morning off until my stomach settles?"
She looked at me suspiciously, "No."
"Beth asked for my help with the children today. It won't take more than a few hours."
She sighed, "What's wrong?"
The table fell silent and I scowled at my mom. She had no right to ask me that in front of everyone. "I told you, I'm not feeling well today. The vision last night took a lot out of me."
She scowled, knowing I was lying. "And your vision?"
The table of Alphas and mates went silent and they all looked at me. Father smiled, "Tell the table Josie."
Right now, I didn't like my parents at all. I needed to be alone, to find some kind of control. Clinching my jaw shut tight, I turned to the others, "Rogues are gathering in nomans land. Nothing anyone needs to worry about at this time. I'll keep you all updated."
Maya smirked, "Where at?"
"Not needed information."
She raised an eyebrow, "I think that's for us to determine."
"No, it's not." I wasn't going to play this game of power. I would destroy her if I pulled out the big guns but I wouldn't need to. Everyone would side with me, well, everyone apart from my mate.
Her anger rolled off her as she began to tremble, "Do not disrespect me pup."
The table snarled at her and I smirked.
Alpha Alder stood, "We know you have never attended a gathering but our Lunas are given the utmost respect Maya, they give us our power, our strength."
"We need to know where the threat is coming from. And that...thing." She pointed to me.
Darrow stood and growled beside her, "Maya, let it go."
She clenched her teeth and glared at him.
Mom smiled sweetly at me, "Thank you Josie. Meet me in the gym when you're done with helping Beth."
Nodding, I stood tall and walked back to my room. After taking a shower, I pulled on a pair of Jean shorts and black T-shirt - the cold didn't effect me. Finding my way back down stairs, I went straight to Beth.
"Where are the kids meeting today?"
She looked at me funny, "Good morning to you too."
"Sorry." I hugged her, "Good morning."
She smiled, "So I hear, I told you I needed help with the children today?"
My cheeks blushed, "Please?"
She laughed, "I would love the help. There are six new children this year." She smiled at the thought. Her blonde hair was curled and framed her soft features as her hazel eyes gleamed with the idea of more children.
"You will be an amazing mother one day."
She laughed, "Just need to find my mate."
The thought only made me more sad and I flinched away from her.
"Sorry." She looked back at the table of Alphas, "If it helps, he hasn't taken his eyes off you."
"It doesn't." I stood and braided my hair, "I'll be back after breakfast."
She nodded sympathetically at me, "Sorry Josie."
Giving her half a hug, I shrugged, "Not your fault."
Walking back out of the room, I made my way to one of the meeting rooms. It was my favorite room because of the old piano. Sitting on the bench, I ran my fingers along the porcelain keys. I had tried to teach myself how to play but was always busy training that I never had time. All I knew was one song but I was pretty good at it.
Taking a deep breath, I began to play the melancholy lullaby. There was a nock on the door before Mom came in and sat down beside me, "You should learn to play something happier."
"Don't have time."
She sighed, "What's wrong baby girl?"
"I feel so out of control."
She nodded, "What happened last night?"
I frowned and finished the song, "I don't want to talk about it."
"Did Darrow hurt you?"
"Mom! I don't want to talk about it."
She growled, "Do not talk to me like that young lady."
I bit my lip and turned from her. My emotions were out of control.
"Let me see your neck JoJo."
"What? Why?"
"Did he mark you?" She seemed angry, Mom never got angry.
"No! We haven't even had a conversation."
She relaxed, "Then what did he do to hurt you so bad? You can't lie to me, I'm still Luna, I still feel your pain."
"Please. Just drop it."
Mom huffed in frustration, "Fine. Beth is ready for you."
"Thank you." I stood and ran out of the door, not able to get away from her fast enough.
As I ran through the hallway, I turned back to see if she was following. Taking my eyes off my path was a bad idea because I smacked right into a wall. A wall that sent a rush of electricity through my body. Shaking my head, I stumbled back and looked up into two big green eyes. His scent hit me then and my wolf purred in relief. Fighting off the pleasure, my eyes filled with tears and I ran past him before he could say anything. He was with another female last night, I kept telling myself this to keep me from turning around. But the worst part was that I could smell her on him.
Beth was already in the nursery room. It was in the north side of the mansion and overlooked the gardens with a massive window that almost took up the entire wall. There were at least fifteen kids under the age of three, screaming and playing.
Beth looked up at me gratefully and handed me a child, "Hold her."
The little girl was a cutie. She had black curly hair and sucked on her pacifier while she held on to my braid. Amber came up and lifted her arms out to me as she sniffled and wiped away her tears.
"Hold."
It was heart breaking to see her so sad. Quickly, I scooped her up in my arms. The other little girl fussed and pointed to the other children so I put her down and she crawled over to them. As I held Amber, she slowly began to drift in and out of sleep in my arms. Moving to the window, I watched the forest and hummed Amber a song.
Beth sighed, "I need to used the restroom. Be back Josie."
"Okay."
Deciding to work with kids today was not the best idea I had had. Their emotions were so extreme as they bounced from pure bliss to broken hearted in a second. It wasn't helping me find any control.
Soon Amber gave up on sleeping, "Damce?"
Putting on one of my favorite piano pieces, I swayed her around the room as some of the other children joined in laughing. Unfortunately I could feel him before I saw him. Darrow was headed this way.
Ambers eyes widened, "He coming."
I froze, not wanting to turn around, "It's okay baby girl, you're safe."
She nodded, "He save me when the meanie stole me from Momma."
This confused me, "What?"
She wiggled in my arms trying to escape. When I set her down she sprinted for the door, forcing me to look at him. He had a small boy in his hands and my heart ached at the sight. Did he have kids with her?
Amber wrapped her tiny frame around his leg in excitement, "Dawow! Who dat?" She pointed to the boy in his arms.
He easily scooped her up, "This is a friend I found wandering around the halls. He escaped."
She giggled, "Luma!" She yelled at me.
"Yeah?" I attempted to clear my head of the chaos.
She kissed Darrow's cheek, "Meet Dawow! Daddy says he bad but no. Dawow keep me safe."
I smiled, "That's good."
She giggled, "Dawow isn't Luma pretty!"
He cleared his throat awkwardly, "Yes."
Amber clapped her hands together, "Damce with us!" She demanded.
I needed him out of here. Needed to clear my head. The roller coaster of emotions inside me was overwhelming. Reaching out, I plucked her out of his arms, "I think Alpha needs to go."
Her eyes filled with tears, "No!"
"It's okay. You can see him later."
"Pwomise?"
He nodded, "Promise."
Hardening my features, I looked up into his mesmerizing eyes, "What did you need?"
He looked sad, "Found this little guy in the halls. I think he escaped."
"Hey Zaden." I smiled at the blushing boy.
"No tell Momma."
I pulled him into my other arm, "You can't run away like that."
He nodded and buried his head into my shoulder as he cried, "Sowwy."
I rocked him as I looked back to Darrow, "Thank you."
He nodded but Amber grabbed him before he could leave and I scowled.
"Kisses?"
He looked at me a little uncomfortable before he leaned over and pressed his lips to her forehead, "You stay safe and..."
She giggled, "No let no one pick on me."
He smiled and nodded, "Bye Ammy."
"Bye." Her eyes filled with tears and I could not imagine what he had done to make her love him so much. I mean he had clearly almost killed her father. This only made my head swirl with more unanswered questions and confusion.
Before he left, he looked up at me with piercing eyes that held a little sadness in his stoned features, "Could we..."
"No." The answer came out with out even a thought.
He stiffened and mumbled under his breath, "Just like that." He walked out the door shaking his head and gripping his hair in frustration.
It took all my power to not run to him and calm his anger and frustration. To not run my fingers through his hair, to sooth him. Frustrated with myself, I sat down with the children and began to play at an attempt to distract my worsening mood. To my surprise and delight, it worked.