The Pack House

Blue Moon (mini chapter)

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The next day was warm.

Half the snow had melted away and the sun was warm. "We can go back to the field. They will be moving around," Marc pointed out.

I wasn't exactly happy with him at the moment. "I want to go see Zach and Charlie first."

"The longer we wait the more scarce prey grows." Marc frowned. "It's up to you but I'm hungry."

My stomach growled in agreement. The idea of willingly giving up food didn't set well with me either. Plus, hunting with Marc was fun. Even if I wasn't sure if I could trust him anymore. "I'm sorry about last night."

"Why do you hide things from me?"

Marc laughed humorlessly. "Because I want to make you happy but I know that all I can do is cause you misery."

I wanted groan. What was this 'woe-is-me' shit he was constantly going on about? He wasn't some damaged damsel--or maybe he was. "What is it?"

"Witches used to be all through this land. Back when prey was plentiful and the lands were peaceful. The meadow was a sacred ground for them--I suppose that's why the animals are still alive there." Marc was quiet a moment. "Forgive me if parts of this story don't make sense. It's all a mix of tall tales and things I cause from others. It was said that when Arrow came here, he and his men slaughtered many innocent people. Consequently the Coven leaders--witches with blood that links back to Salem--cursed this land, and all who inhabit it."

A shiver traveled down my spine. Witches were isolated creatures for the most part. Most of them were peace loving people practicing the craft as a religious. Then there were those who toyed with Dark Magik--this were the ones you were told to fear. I could remember the childhood tales of the witch who used puppy-tails in her potions, to keep us out of the woods. But behind every story like that was a real life account.

"That's why there's no food?"

"It was like a disease hit, I guess. Some old-timers would talk about how sick animals would collapse in the woods and their flesh would be black, taste of tar, and burn like acid."

I was growing uneasy--was he trying to scare me. "All I know is that each year food is harder to come across."

"So why not leave?"

"Arrow would lose that way. He would be giving the witches what they wanted." Marc shrugged. "Not that it's a bad idea. I've thought about leaving a million times. But alone, how could I? Anyway, not only did they curse the food but they set us below the Blue Moon. It was their way of punishing us for our cruelty to Omegas. The cycle varies year from year but once in some season--I've seen it in all four--males will carry children of the Warriors."

I sucked in a breath in horror and shock. "How?"

"Magik," shrugged Marc. "But few have survived it. And if they do the father comes forward and kills the bastard and the omega--once he's with child he will bare children again."

My head spun. "And you think it's a Blue Moon now?"

"It could be. I'm afraid to risk it." Marc replied. "It's for your safety."

"Would you kill me if I got...pregnant?"

"Of course not! Mason I would sooner die than put you in harms way. And carrying a child would risk your life. I won't have it. Until I know the moon has passed I can't have sex with you."

It made sense. For once I didn't even want to argue. It all felt surreal. We walked quietly while the eeriness set in. Cursed lands, witches, and male pregnancy. What else could the Moon Goddess throw my way with this whole mate thing?

Abruptly a breeze swept in carrying a scent that both relieved and terrified me.

Zach.

QOTC: thoughts on the plot/story/Blue Moon?
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