Luna

13

After I had showered and pulled on my cream, beach shorts and old drug rug sweatshirt, I walked back down stairs in search of Bailey. She was in the kitchen with a very handsome man who looked like Kyle. It must have been Connor.
Bailey smiled when she saw me, "We made pizza!"
"Perfect." I took a seat at the bar, "You must be Connor?"
The guy smirked and puffed out his chest. "Luna."
"Josie." I shook his hand.
Bailey took a seat beside me, "Could I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"What's the big deal about being Luna?"
I stiffened in confusion, "Do you not know the histories?"
Josh came in and opened the refrigerator, "Our father didn't believe in the power of the Luna, he claimed it was just a way for the Wallace and Alder pack to keep control over the others."
This was frustrating to me, "Did he go to my mother's blessing?"
"No. He saw no point."
It clicked, that's why my mother couldn't warn him about Alpha Rickards coming after his mate, Josh's mother. "I see. So you guys don't know anything about my family?"
Everyone shook there head as they watched me with curiosity. Bailey laughed, "You don't look any different than any other wolf. What's so special about your family?"
My wolf wanted to growl at her disrespect but I fought it back - she didn't know. "You see, my ancestor - the first Luna - gave her soul to the Goddess to protect our kind. War had broken out between us and the humans and we couldn't find a way to work together because Alphas are naturally very territorial and defensive. She was the first Luna, given the power to control the energy of the Alphas and see what is to come. Ever since then her daughters have been passed the task of being Luna and watching over our kind."
Bailey looked unconvinced, "What was with the full moon thing this last week?"
"I got my blessing and the powers of my mother were passed down to me."
Connor frowned, "So what do you do?"
"I can communicate with the Alphas who were present, heal, see the future, calm a wolf from taking over."
Bailey scoffed, "No you can't!"
Josh laughed, "She saved Kyle's life. She was the one who saw that ambush coming and warned me."
Connor's eyes widened, "No way! That's so freaked cool!"
Bailey still seemed skeptical, "Prove it. Do something Luna like."
Not sure what to do, I figured I would just call for the Luna and her power. Climbing off my seat, I stood and rolled my head back, "Luna. Luceat lux vestra."
Instantly the white shadows filled my vision but this time it wasn't hard to hold onto her power. She was a part of me, we were one.
Bailey laughed, "That's it? Your eyes go white and silver."
Goddess laughed as she took control of me. "Try to phase."
Bailey snickered and began stepped away from the counter as she shook. Easily, I shoved calm into her and she froze, unable to make the shift.
"Oh my gosh! How are you doing this?" She squealed in excitement.
Releasing her, I felt my nose bleed - I needed to practice more, I was weak. Feeling Goddess leave me, I was given my sight back. "Believe me now?"
She nodded and laughed, "Yes! That was crazy."
Josh growled as he came and wiped the blood from my face, "I don't like that."
"I'm not hurt. It's just what happens." I attempted to sooth him, "I do need to practice more if I want to be strong enough to be a good Luna."
"I'm sure Bailey, Connor, and Kyle with help."
"And you?"
He looked hesitant, "Maybe but I don't like being told what to do."
Laughing, I nudged him, "No one does and I don't tell you, I make you do what I want." I tried to make it come out playful and sarcastic but it didn't seem convincing.
"So I saw." He looked at me funny, almost sizing me up.
"That was a joke Josh. When I get in that state my actions belong to Goddess, I'm her vessel - I lean back and let her do her thing."
"It sounds terrible."
"Relaxing in fact. Trusting someone enough to give them full control over you is very freeing."
Bailey laughed, "You're gonna be a very interesting one to have in our pack."
Conner burst into laughter, "Wait till she meets the elder!" His laughter grew, "They will hate..."
Josh growled, stopping him from finishing his sentence.
My heart hurt, "They will hate me?"
Josh shook his head, "No. They just won't understand you, you have a different way of thinking."
The thought made me sad but the wasn't anything I could do about it. This was my new home now and it was so different than my father's pack. I could feel the anger and blood thirst of the pack and it made me ache for the calming presence of my old home.
Turning to Bailey, I distracted myself."So what's the plan tonight?"
Josh interrupted her before she could answer, "We are going out."
"Oh are we?" I was feeling a little sassy, "I don't remember being asked."
He shook his head and playfully rolled his eyes, "And she's back!"
Smirking, I ignored his comment, "So Bay what are we doing tonight?"
Her eyes widened in amusement as she looked from me to her brother.
Josh turned me around in his arms. Dipping down, he ran his nose along my neck and placed a soft kiss on my sensitive spot. Pleasure pulsed through me and I fought back the moan it caused. I knew what he was doing and two could play this game. As he placed small kisses up my neck, sending pulses of pleasure though me, he asked again, "Come to the bar with me and some of the guys."
Smirking, I rested my hands on his hips, letting his shirt move up so I made contact with skin. He growled his deep, hungry growl. Standing on my tip toes, I nipped at his sensitive spot on the base of his neck. He couldn't hold back his moan. My smirk brightened, "No."
He pulled away and took a step back, "What?"
Laughing, I rolled my eyes, "Don't try and use your body to get what you want, I will win that game. I have crazy self control." At least normally that was true but in his case, I knew I was at his mercy.
Bailey and Connor erupted into laughter as they cut the pizza and watched us in amazement.
Josh glared down at me, "Why don't you wanna go with me?"
Shrugging, I attempted to get away from him.
Unfortunately he was stronger than me, "Jo?"
"I don't have anything nice to wear. That box hasn't gotten here yet." It was true but not my real reasoning.
Bailey squealed, "I have so many things you can try." She scooped up my hand and in her other was a plate of pizza as she ran us back upstairs. "This is going to be so much fun! Come on Connor."
Looking back I saw Connor hurry after us and Josh smirk after me, he looked a little too smug for my liking but it felt good to be the reason he was so happy. When she pulled open her door, all I could think was Cris. She had the same books as him and the same posters on her wall. Sitting me down on her bed, Connor sat beside me with his plate of pizza as he watched with amusement. She ran to her closet and started pulling clothes off their handlers.
Sticking her head out, she smiled. "You're going to Shady Cove." It was more of a statement than a question.
"Okay?"
"So it needs to be a nice dress." She laid out different dresses on the bed.
"These will be too short, you're so much smaller than me."
She rolled her eyes, "More for Josh to admire."
"You mean get mad about."
She just laughed and tossed me a small black dress, "This one and I have perfect heals for you!"
Knowing I wasn't going to get out of this, I took the dress and went to her bathroom. Taking off my clothes, I pulled on the dress. It was very snug against my body and didn't even make it halfway down my thighs before it ended. The top had small sleeves and the front had a deep V-neckline, forcing me to go without a bra. It made my hips look wider than they were and gave me a very curvy shape. It even made my bubbly butt look amazing. This dress was going to give Josh a heart attack.
Walking out Bailey squealed, "You're so hot! That's the one."
Connor watched me with wide eyes, "Damn."
My cheeks blushed as I braided my hair into a loose, messy, french braid. Bailey handed me a pair of dark blue, close toed heels. I slipped them on, giving me three more inches of height. "How do I look?"
Bailey nodded, "Blue balls material."
"What's that?"
They both bursted into laughter but I didn't understand why. Josh had said those words before and I hadn't understood then either. Maybe it was a joke with this pack.
Connor looked at me with amazement.
Bailey just shook her head, "Nothing."
Feeling curious, I nodded my head and then snatched up my phone texting Cris.
*Hey. Made it here safe. Miss you.*
*Good. I miss you too. How are things?*
*Okay. Still adjusting, it's a lot. But what are blue balls?*
*Haha Why?*
*They have been brought up in two conversations now and I don't get it.*
*Haha you sure you want to know?*
*Is it bad?*
*You'll blush and get embarrassed.*
*Yes I want to know still.*
*Haha It's when a guy gets super turned on sexually and doesn't get any. It hurts them.*
*Hurts?*
*Like a really bad ache in the side. Haha. So who has blue balls?*
*Josh.*
*Haha. Poor guy.*
*Will it kill him?*
*NO! It's just guy stuff. Don't worry about it. He has ways to fix it.*
*How?*
*By taking care of himself. This is getting weird JoJo.*
*Okay sorry. Thanks for helping. I have to go but talk later.*
*Okay. I love you.*
*I love you too.*
Setting my phone back down, I looked up at four amused eyes. Bailey laughed, "Did you ask someone what it was?"
"Yeah." My cheeks brightened, "I feel stupid."
She shook her head and laughed, "Don't be. It's cute. But Josh wants you." She tapped her head, "Time for you two to get going."
Nodding, I pulled off my heels and ran downstairs after putting on a light layer of makeup on in my room. When I came to the last four stairs, my eyes met with a lustful gaze from Josh. Pulling down my dress, I slipped on my heels and walked to his side, "Ready?"
He took in a shaky breath. "You're going to kill me."
Wiggling and dancing in front of him, I laughed, "But what a way to die."
His hands fisted and jaw clenched, "Be carful baby, I only have so much self control."
His nickname for me sent desire pulsing through me and I was amazed.
He smirked, "You like that?"
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled him down and desperately pushed my lips to his. He was surprised at first but quickly took control and snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me against his chest. My fingers strangled in his hair as he nibbled at my bottom lip. Before I could give him access, the front door swung open.
Shocked, I took a step back from Josh, breathing heavily. Josh moved me in front of him with a smirk. "Hey guys."
Four men stood in the door way looking a little shocked. Kyle laughed, "Were we interrupting something?"
Josh growled, "Yes."
My cheeks flushed, "No!"
The men laughed.
Josh just smiled and addressed them, "Nick, Sam, Nate, this is my mate, Luna."
They all smiled at me.
"It's nice to meet you all. Congratulations Nick."
His smile brightened and chest puffed out in pride, "Thank you Luna."
"Please call me Josie."
Nate looked at me funny, "Why?"
"That's my name."
The three men all looked very confused. Nate continued, "Then why did Alpha call you Luna."
Amazed by their lack of understanding, I looked up to Josh, "Does no one in your pack know about the Lunas?"
He stiffened and jaw clenched, "It's not something my father taught."
Smiling at the men, I sent them away, "Would you excuse us for a moment?"
They all looked from me to Josh in confusion. Kyle cleared his throat, "We'll meet you there." They shut the door.
Josh glared at me, "What was that for?"
"You don't believe me." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.
He stiffened again and watched his fingers intertwine with each other as he thought. "I'm trying to. It's a lot to take in after the life I grew up knowing."
It hurt, it hurt really bad knowing he didn't believe in my family, in what I stood for, in the sacrifices I had to make to keep others safe.
"Don't cry."
I hadn't even felt the tears until he was wiping them away. Pulling away I took a deep breath. I was done with being sad for tonight, I wanted to be with my mate and relax. "It's fine. Let's go celebrate your new members."
He looked at me skeptically but nodded, "Our new members."
Smiling at his words, I let him lead me to his truck. The drive was short and the darkness had taken over the sky. I was bummed that I had missed the sunset but it would be back tomorrow. We came to building right on the beach. It was small but fancy. Shady Cove was written on a sign over the front entrance.
"What is this?"
Josh smiled, "A bar."
"Not legal." I pointed to myself as a reminder.
He smirked, "You aren't eighteen?"
My cheeks flushed, "I'm not twenty-one."
He jumped out and pulled open my door, "Don't worry. No one is going to card you."
Pulling down the dress, I gathered myself before looking up at him, "Why not?"
His jaw clenched, "Because you're with me." I could feel jealousy already rolling off of him.
I sighed, this better not be one of those nights. Heading for the entrance, a large man looked me up and down before he opened the door for me. "Welcome."
Josh was still a few hundred yards behind me and I smirked back at him. "Looks like I didn't need you after all." I whispered under my breath, knowing he could still hear me.
He glared at me and stomped after me. Feeling bold, I made my way through the crowd in search of a familiar face without him. The music was loud and there was a mix of wolves and humans in the crowd. Finding my way to the bar, I smiled. Beth and I had gone to a few bars and she had shown me how to get drinks. As I leaned over the counter, a man cleared his throat beside me - he was human.
"Can I buy you a drink?"
Smirking, I turned my attention to him, "Sure."
"What's your drink?"
Not knowing, I improvised, "Surprise me."
His eyes darkened with lust as he order me a drink. It was nauseating, which was new. He was a handsome man and normally I would have been flattered but now it just made me sick to my stomach.
The bartender handed me a large blue drink, "Thanks." I smiled at the man.
He nodded, "You new here?"
"Yeah just moved her from the west coast with a friend. Who I should go find but I'll see you around." I gave him a polite smile.
He nodded and smiled back at me, "Yes you will."
Walking away, I felt disgusted with myself. I wouldn't be doing that again. Finding my way through the crowd again, I headed to a back corner of the room where there was a small table. I could see Kyle but was too short to see anyone else. Eventually I made it to the table and took my place beside a stone faced Josh. He glared at me.
"Where did you get that?"
"The bar? Want one?"
"How did you get that?" He clarified with anger.
"Someone bought it for me?"
The whole table froze and looked at me with shocked eyes as they stiffened.
Josh began to shake, "Excuse me?"
Placing my hand on his chest, I calmed him, "And then I came right over to find you because I'm here with you."
He relaxed with my words and tried to fight off a smile but it didn't work. He leaned down and placed a kiss on my neck. "You are mine."
I trembled with his touch, loving how he effected me, "Only yours." The words were not mine but I still said them and if I was being honest, meant them with my whole heart.
His chest vibrated with my words as he snaked his arm around me and forcefully pulled me to his chest. It was a thrill being able to effect him like this.
Sam cleared his throat, "How was your trip Alpha?"
Josh pulled away from me reluctantly, "Fine. We will need to set up a pack meeting. Do you think everyone will be able to make it here this weekend?"
Kyle nodded, "For you, they would do anything."
Josh smiled, "Saturday night at seven. We have a lot to talk about."
Sam smiled, "I'll tell the leaders tomorrow."
Moving to take a drink of my strange blue liquid, Josh grabbed it from my hand and took a drink, "Let me get you something else. I'll have this."
"Okay?"
Heading through the crowd, he moved to the bar and left me with the four men. They all smiled at me, they had a very calming presence around them, which was surprising to me. I was expecting anger and blood thirst.
Sam, who looked like he was already a few in, smirked, "Why haven't you let him mark you?"
"That's none of your business."
He laughed, "He is a good man, I don't care what your Alphas say about him. He is better than them all."
"I never said he was bad, I don't know him very well and I'm trying to get to know him better." I wasn't mad at the man, he was defending his Alpha. I thought it was sweet.
"You better be good to him." His eyes looked dazed and I knew he wouldn't remember this.
Laughing, I shrugged and let my sarcasm ooze through my tone, "I was planning on rejecting him, you know that's why I came all this way with him after only knowing him for less than a week."
The men looked at me with wide, fearful eyes.
"It was a joke! I couldn't service without him."
Nick smiled, "It only gets better the more you let yourself trust your mate." He sounded like he knew first hand and of course he did. His mate just had two babies.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Josh appeared behind me holding bears for everyone, "Keep what in mind?" He handed everyone a drink.
Before I could answer, I felt a premonition coming. Clutching on to Josh's shirt, I began to shake. Before it could have me, I looked up in Josh's worried eyes, "Hold me." I buried my face into his chest, trying to hide myself from the watching eyes.
The sight before me shifted back to an empty forest. I saw two rogues but they were just sitting there, watching something I couldn't see. It was strange. No one was in trouble and nothing happened. The vision flashed light and then my sight was my own again.
Josh looked at me with wide eyes, "What happened?"
"Nothing." Taking a step back from him, I took a deep breath, "Everything's fine." Looking toward the men, I meant to excuse myself.
They all looked at me in shock, like I was missing my head. Kyle gasped, "Your eyes? They're bleeding."
Blushing, I pulled out my handkerchief and wiped away the blood, "It happens."
They continued to look at me and then Josh, confused with what was happening.
Josh pulled me back to his chest as if nothing had transpired, "Here, this is for you." He handed me a glass of wine as he took a sip of his own beer.
The night slowly began to become less tense until all the guys were all completely drunk. After having six beers, they moved to shots and I lost count of how many they had had. It was weird seeing Josh intoxicated, he laughed and smiled openly. There was no anger, no hiding. I had only had two drinks but was still feeling buzzed. As I made my way to the bar to get another drink, the man from before snatched up my hand and pulled me to the dance floor. Laughing, I shook my head in embarrassment.
"No. I don't dance but thank you."
He was very intoxicated, "Dance."
"No"
He moved to pull me closer but was tossed to the side by Josh, "She said no!" His voice was dark and filled with his Alpha tone. He was shaking again but this time his wolf was bound to win because of the alcohol.
"Josh!" I yelled over the music but his eyes were locked on the whimpering man.
He looked as if he were about ready to kill him. Taking a deep breath, I stood in front of Josh and pressed my hands to his chest. Enjoying the sparks it created, I stopped for a moment. "I'm yours Josh. Only yours. I'm safe now." Shaking my head, I looked up to find Josh watching me.
"Did he hurt you?"
"No. He just wanted to dance. Leave the human alone."
Josh growled, "Don't order me around."
Rolling my eyes, I moved to go back to the bar. Alphas are so temperamental.
Josh grabbed me around the waist and pulled me back to his chest. Leaning down his lips brushed my ear, "I want to dance with you." He nipped at my ear, causing me to whimper in pleasure.
"I don't know how to."
"Bull shit. I've seen you." He ran his nose along my neck as he placed small kisses everywhere.
"Not like this." Having him holding me this way was making my wolf go crazy with desire. She wanted me to take him right there on the dance floor.
His chest vibrated in joy, "I'll teach you." Grabbing my hips, he brought me back to his and we started to sway. Slowly, I watched the girls and guys around me, quickly picking up on how to dance like this. As we danced, I began to feel him grow against me. My cheeks flushed but it only sent an overwhelming rush of desire through me. Josh placed a kiss over my sensitive spot and took in a deep breath as I let out a small moan. Before I knew it, he was turning me around in his arms and forcing a leg between mine.
"You smell so delicious." His voice was husky.
And then it clicked, he could smell my arousal. But I wasn't embarrassed, I could feel his. Smirking up at him, I scooped up his hand and pulled him out the back door to the beach. He followed eagerly behind me, watching me with hazy eyes. The fresh air, cleared my lustful mind. The alcohol was making me feel bold and he looked too out of it for my liking. This was a bad idea.
As he made his way to my side, he smirked, "You are very beautiful."
I turned and looked out at the lights in the water, "This place is beautiful."
He frowned as he attempted to get my attention, "Why don't you trust me?" He huffed and sunk down on his butt, siting in the sand like a child.
"I don't know you. We only just met."
"But you have so much control all the time and you never get carried away with me. Why?"
Understanding where he was going with this, I took a seat beside him and sighed, "It's a Luna thing. We are naturally very in control of our wolves."
He pouted like a child and it made my heart stutter, "Let her play. Her mate wants to play."
"I know he does but our wolves are only part of us."
He frowned and played with the sand, "My wolf and I used to always get along, until you came around."
"You say that like its a bad thing."
He rolled his eyes, "No. It's just frustrating and exhausting." He fell back in the sand and looked up at the stars. "So much work."
"Me?" I laughed, "I'm an open book. You mister are confusing and cryptic and private."
"Am not. I tell you more than most." He defended himself.
"Getting to know someone isn't about facts and secret sharing. There's more to it."
He looked at me as if I were crazy.
Before he could comment, I yawned in exhaustion and stood. "May we go back to the house? I have school tomorrow."
He tossed me his keys, "Take the truck. I'll be a little longer." My heart ached, why didn't he want to come with me? I needed him. It was my first night here and today had been crazy. It was scary being here, I didn't really know anyone and everything was new. He was the one person I had some background with, he was something for me to hold on to. But he just dismissed me and it made me angry and hurt. Not giving him a second look, I stomped back to the truck.