Down With The Border: A Shadow People Novel

Chapter 11: Done Guessing

Viviana:

"No."

I stared up at Luna Alta and her son. The Luna seemed strangely excited that I was there. This would have been nice, if it was under different circumstances. I would've thought that she would be more concerned about the wolves who had just attacked me. I mean I was completely fine. I had some pretty bad bruises and a large cut on my forehead, but the doctor said that I had no major injuries. Although maybe the question she was asking me was more important. 

Terrence on the other hand, looked scared out of his mind. Ever since he walked through the door he either couldn't stop staring at me, or avoided looking at me. When he first came in, he looked at me and I was caught in his gaze again. But this time it was different. The first time it happened, it was a mix of shock and wonder. This time it was more of a...relief?

"Well," The Luna took a deep breath, "Mates are a gift that the Moon Goddess gives to every wolf. Two wolves who were, quite literally, made for each other form a bond that is greater than any other in any species."

"So it's like soulmates?"

"Exactly." As she spoke her smile somehow got bigger. "Only much stronger. Once you are able to find your mate the bond will be virtually indestructible."

"Wait, so you guys don't know who your mates will be?"

"No," she chuckled, "But there are ways that we can tell."  Sitting forward on the side of the bed, I nodded my head at Alta. I wished I was able to tell who my soulmate is, it sucks that humans have to go around guessing and dating everyone.

"When a wolf comes of age, they-"

"What age is that?" I gasped after the words flew from my lips.

Shit, I can't risk getting kicked out of here. 

"I am so sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you!"

Chuckling, she smiled at Terence.

"No it's alright, dear." She placed her hand on my knee. "I'm glad that you're so excited to learn about us. A wolf comes of age on their 180th birthday."

Excuse me?

"I'm sorry, what?" I sputtered. 

One hundred and eighty years old? How long does a werewolf live?

"Whats wrong dear? When do humans come of age?"

"Well, I mean, we don't really come of age." They both gave me a confused look. "I mean, we have certain milestones."

"A milestone?" Terence said slowly. Him and his mother shared a look, and then turned back to me. I guess they don't have those.

"Like when you turn 16," I began, "You can drive, when you're 18 you're considered an adult, you can drink at 21. Although the ages aren't the same for everyone, it depends on where you live. And we have no way of telling who our soulmate is, we just have to kinda wing it, and some people never find theirs."

They stared blankly at me. I felt my face flush as I looked between the two of them. They probably think I'm crazy.

"That sounds awful," Terrence said after the extremely awkward silence, "And terribly confusing."

I looked up at him and awkwardly chuckled.

"Yeah, it really sucks." I smiled to myself. When I looked back up he was smiling at me. He had such a wonderful smile. His face squished up between his hair and beard, which were both still damp from a shower. He had slightly rosy checks and freckles on his nose. His smile was big and it made his face look chubbier than it was. If it wasn't for his beard he would have major baby face.