Learning to Bow

A Human Luna

Werewolves. I stared at the pale ceiling, clenching and unclenching my fists in a bout of panic. How many were in this house? Jack, Cassidy, Marilee, Joseph? That's 4. What about James? Willow and Downing? I sighed through my stress and rolled over, putting my face in my pillow.

Jack said I could never leave. Because of some supernatural bond, I was trapped here. I didn't even know what that meant, really.

A soft knock sounded at my door. I chose to ignore it, my nails digging into my hand. I didn't know how to deal with this. It was too much.

Voices sounded on the other side of the door, one whispered, "She just needs some time." I needed more than just time. I needed to get out of here.

Another knock sounded on the door and Willow called through, "Ara." She began, "Talk to me?" Her voice was kind and unsure. Willow wasn't a- a-, she wasn't like Jack and Cassidy. Covered in blood, standing naked in the forest. This was all too strange for me, and I kept trying to make sense of it, but no explanation was working. It wasn't physically possible.

Willow knocked again.

"Ara, I know you're confused," she said, "Talk to me." My fist shook at the intensity in which I clutched it shut. I was afraid of the answers I'd get if I'd asked.

"Please." She said low. It was her last attempt. I knew that if I didn't open that door, she would go away and I could continue to wallow in my personal bubble of misery. But I also knew that would be admitting defeat. I heard a sigh on the other side of the door. Before she could walk away for good, I crawled out of bed and pulled the door open.

On the other side of the door was a surprised Willow and Jack behind her looking hopeful. I pulled Willow in by the hand, and shut the door before Jack could even think he was invited. I didn't speak as I made my way back to my bed and sat down. Willow found herself a seat at my desk. At first, we merely sat in silence. I stared out the window at the sun, still high in the sky just beginning its descent. Willow's eyes traveled everywhere but to me.

My stomach rumbled and I clutched it embarrassed.

"That's right, you missed lunch." Willow said under her breath, barely audible enough for me to hear.

"It's fine." I said. Willow turned to me.

"I'm human too, you know," she said. I nodded. "You want to know more, don't you?" I struggled with that. I wasn't really sure how much I wanted to know. I shrugged.

"I want to know how trapped I am." I said honestly. I saw Willow bite her lip briefly before she released it.

"You're not trapped. You're just a part of a mating bond," she said. I furrowed my brow. That was a term I hadn't heard quite yet. "Wolves imprint, meaning that they are only capable of being with one other person after they find their mates. So for Jack, he'll never be able to think about another female again. For him, you're it. And he'll do anything for you." I cringed.

"That's terrible," I said to her. Her eyes widened in confusion. "I mean, his choice was taken from him and now he can never fall in love." It also sucked for me, because this probably meant the decision was taken from me as well. Willow smiled then.

"You don't get it. He has fallen in love," she said softly. I looked away, uncomfortable. "Usually the mating bond is between two wolves, but you're a human. So you won't feel the effects of the mating bond. You're solely on the receiving end." I gritted my teeth and closed my eyes. When I reopened them, they were troubled and anxious.

"So what, are you bonded with that Joseph boy or something? And Marilee with Downing?" I asked. Willow chucked and gave me a warm smile.

"No, nothing like that. Actually Joseph and Marilee are mates, but the bond is rare between humans and wolves. The only other couple I'd seen is James and Cassidy," Willow added. I nodded, my eyebrows still furrowed together. "This really is a good thing. I can't express how lucky you are, Ara. You've been chosen for a reason, you just don't know what it is yet."