Broken Halves

Chapter Three

POV: Cole

"Come back here!" I chase after Memory as I wiggle my fingers in a tickling gesture. My daughter only squeals and runs away faster. My daughter. I will never tire of saying those words. I scoop Memory up into my arms and tickle her sides causing her to erupt into a fit of giggles. Gently, I kiss her forehead and allow her to lay her head down on my shoulder.

"I love you my little angel." I say as I lower my chin to kiss her gently on the forehead. Memory lazily smiles before closing her eyes and falling asleep on my shoulder. I run my fingers lightly through her dark hair before speaking again, this time quietly. "I love you; forever and always baby girl." "Your mom would have loved you to." My heart aches that my sweet Dani will never get to meet the gift that we together created. "You look just like her angel." I continue my whispering. "The only difference is you have my eyes." My heart once again clenches as I imagine Dani never being able to hold Memory like I am. My eyes flutter shut as I am hit with another ache of pain; I will never be able to give her another child.

I am jolted out of my thoughts by the sound of a woman entering the room. I open my eyes and watch as she smiles when she lays her eyes on my daughter. One look at her shiny red hair and I know exactly who she is.

"Auntie Emma." I keep my voice low to avoid waking the sleeping girl in my arms. My aunt smiles but doesn't remove her eyes from my daughter as she begins to speak. "She looks just like my Ella did when I last saw her." Auntie Emma shifts her gaze to instead look up at me. "But her eyes, she has my brother's eyes." "Your eyes Cole." I keep my mouth shut as I sense she is not done, and allow her to continuing talking.

"I want to thank you Cole." "When you were born you were a joy in my life. My nephew, you were just like my own." She pauses for a moment to smile at me before continuing. "I was going through a hard time and ran away with a man who gave me the attention I so desperately wanted. It was rough, but I learned to put my true feelings aside and love him for who he was." "That man gave me my little Ella and I can't thank him enough for that."

"I don't regret the way I went, only that I couldn't spend more time with my daughter." Auntie Emma blinks back tears and my own throat constricts as the same feelings run through me. "She wasn't truly happy until she met you." Auntie Emma continues after taking a moment to compose herself. "You gave my little girl what I could never have given her." "I promise you Cole, I will do for your little girl that you have for mine." I furrow my eyes in confusion. Before I can question her further she has grabbed Memory out of my hands and vanished. My heart constricts, scared that I just lost the only connection to Dani that I will ever have. Except just as soon as Auntie Emma disappears, she is replaced. 

In her place stands the woman in white that I have grown accustom to hearing; The Moon Goddess. I bow my head in respect as she begins to speak. "Cole." Her voice being the same one I heard when I first arrived here. "I have a proposition for you." She sits down in one of the chairs that appears behind her. She folds her hands in her lap, prolonging the suspense.

"It has only happened one other time in the history of our creation." "When a wolf dies and comes to my realm, they are in a world of eternal peace. However, life works differently here than it does in the living realm." "Time runs parallel to the other realm, but here we do not age." I keep my features stoic as she takes a moment to gauge my reaction before continuing.

"When wolves come here the question is always the same. Was it their time?" "Fate is usually never wrong. But Cole I am sorry to say, in your case, they were." "You were not supposed to die that day." Her words feel like a punch to the gut and I find my already hurting heart grow heavier as more sorrow washes over me.

"As always, I can only be your guide." The Moon Goddess continues, ignoring my inner distress. "If you want to return to the world of the living, you must go on a quest and earn your freedom. It will be hard. Many will try to throw you off your course. Only through strength and determination can you overcome these challenges and complete this quest." Her words echo in my mind and for a second I believe I am hearing things. However, as she continues her speech on a possible way to return to the world of the living, hope begins to blossom throughout my veins.

"If you do not sway from your goal, and follow the quest, you will return home to your mate and pack." The Moon Goddess folds her hands and places them gently on her intertwined knees. "This of course means leaving your daughter." The air is pulled out of my lungs as I realize the extent of the decision I am expected to make.

"As your Goddess I am not allowed to say anything that could sway your answer. I can only give you the facts." "The journey will be hard, and you will see things you don't want to see." "I will give you time to decide. However, if you choose the quest I will know and appear. I cannot tell you any more than a farewell, good luck, and a message to guide you if you make the decision." I take a moment to think back to a few moments ago to when Auntie Emma was telling me she would take care of my daughter the way I took care of hers. She knew. She knew I would be presented with the choice to return to Dani and she was assuring me that all would be ok with Memory if I chose to go.

"No need." I say, thinking of a certain green eyed beauty. "I accept the challenge." The Moon Goddess smiles at me, "I figured as much. Go spend time with your family Cole." "You will know when the time is right. I wish you luck on your journey." She stands gracefully from her chair with a look of poise in her stance before continuing. "Have faith Alpha." She turns to me one more time before vanishing before my very eyes as words begin to echo throughout my head.

"Once you have tried,

To prove your mite.

The first time you lost,

Don't lose your sight.

Through bitterness you arrived,

Though hatred you might see,

Don't let it fool you, be who she'd want you to be.

Fights you might face,

But don't get caught up.

Never forget this is a test,

Go now Alpha head on west

Always know what to expect."

I open my eyes as the prophecy drowns off to peer at my daughter. My little girl; my angel. "Memory." She looks up at me and smiles before running over to hug my legs. I lift her up and swing her around. "Daddy!" She squeals causing me to smile, my heart breaking in the process. "Memory you know Daddy loves you right." I begin through choked breath. "And your Mommy won't be here to tell you she loves you, but she does. She loves you very much." My daughter's smile doesn't break as I continue.

"Memory, I have to go away." Surprising me, my little girl kisses my cheek and hugs me tighter. "Go Daddy." She is definitely Dani's daughter. Goddess I love her so much. I set her down and watch as she turns and runs to stand next to Auntie Emma. They both lift up their hands to wave and I lift mine in return.

Turning around, I take a deep breath as I begin my journey. Here I come baby, I'm coming home Dani.

Question of the day: What do you think Cole's quest will entail?  

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