My Blood Moon

Chapter 8

             After everyone congratulated Jase for gaining the title of Beta, we all just sat around and talked about meaningless things. For instance, whether or not the big test is History next Friday is gonna be hard. Or how the drive to the track tomorrow will most likely be full of Coach’s crazy mannerisms. Yeah, the guys said we still have to go – if we value our lives at all, that is. Apparently Coach will tear all of us a new one if we don’t show – whatever that even means. That man is really starting to irk me.

Xander and Trey talked with their mates about silly things for a while – like who had the best hair and joked around about who had better muscles.

“It’s time.” Derreck says, placing a soft kiss to me temple before gracefully rising to his feet.

Everyone but Rhys, Jase, and I stand, making themselves follow after our Alpha. As they pass us by, they quickly pull each of us in for a tight hug. I can see the fear start to register in Trey and Xander’s eyes as they pull away from me – I’m even starting to feel it through our pack bond. I nod reassuringly, knowing they’re probably thinking about how possible it is that this is the last time they see Jase and I.

I’m surprised when Ashanti rushes over and wraps her arms tight around my neck, tears streaming down her face and neck already. “I’m sorry…” sniff. “but I’m just not ready. I’ve only just gotten to know you and you’re already heading out to war. It’s just so much sooner than it seemed at first.”

“I know.” I say, gently rubbing her back while trying to soothe her.

“Come on, Ash, you don’t wan to scare her off.” Trey says with a chuckles and I can hear the strange edge to his voice.

He pulls on her arm and she quickly wraps her arms around him. I watch as he sighs before lifting her into his arms bridal-style and walks her outside, the whole time she’s sobbing into his chest. I can’t help but worry for them when she’s like that – apparently she’s been bullied most of her life and the pack is the only place where she feels accepted. Also, she’s an orphan…so she’s been moved around a lot to different members of her family. I don’t blame her for being so sad, she’s scared of losing more family.

I know just how she feels.

I’m caught by surprise as Aubrie pulls me into her again as tears roll down her cheeks. “Stay safe, it would be a shame to not have someone as awesome as you to cook for.”

I can’t help but laugh at that – she’s really become a sister to me and I’m definitely going to fight to get back to everyone. “Well, you always have Xander.”

“But he complains too much!” She wails dramatically with a small, watery smirk behind her tears.

“Okay, time to stop bashing the mate…I don’t complain that much, yeash!” Xander has to pry her off of me, because we’re pretty sure she’d never let me go if she had the choice, and gives me a small nod. “Take care, Beks.”

I nod back to him with a smile. “Don’t give everyone too much trouble tonight.”

“No promises.” He smirks and I don’t even try to hide my eye roll.

Nervous energy and anticipation starts to lace the air around us as Derreck gives me a look. “I’ll see you in two hours.”

I love you. He sends through our mate bond.

I smile at him before he turns, making his way out swiftly. I can feel his anxiety and fear, along with the pain of being separated at a time like this, through our link. I also know he doesn’t want me to know he’s feeling this way, and that’s the reason he left so fast…also, I can sense the unshed tears he’s hiding from everyone. I watch silently as the others scurry off to catch up with him.