The Last Crescent

Chapter 27

Neoma

We sat in the driveway, the silence stretching between us like an uneasy blanket. I'd never seen Ava so lost for words before. Her gaze was fixed on the windshield, her eyes glassy as she seemed to struggle with the enormity of what had happened.

"So... this means Curtis is a target too?" Her voice was shaky, barely above a whisper. I wanted to offer her comfort and reassurance, but the truth was, there was no easy answer. "Yes."

Ava's shoulders slumped, and she let out a shaky breath. "Before today, my biggest fear was not being his mate—thinking I might end up like Anais. But now... I can't even imagine a world without him." Tears began to trail down her cheeks. She hastily wiped them away with her sleeve, her movements frantic and desperate. "I'm so sorry, Neoma, that you've had to live with this kind of fear." She pulled me into a tight, almost suffocating hug. "I want to help."

I wrapped my arms around her, offering what comfort I could. "No one is taking you guys away from us." As we broke apart, a blue car pulled up alongside us. "That must be Anna."

We got out of the car, and Anna rolled down the window, her expression serious. "They went further south from here. It's up to you whether or not you want to tell the guys about this."

A part of me ached to run to Greyson, to seek solace in his arms and feel safe. But I knew that revealing this to him might lead to an overreaction, and he could end up getting hurt. It was clear he hadn't yet learned how to balance emotions with strategy. "Thanks, Anna, for everything." She gave a small, understanding smile and then drove off.

Ava and I made our way inside. I glanced at her, noting the guilt and fear etched deeply on her face. I knew that if I asked her not to tell Curtis, it would strain their relationship, but I also knew his safety was her top priority.

Don't tell them.

Greyson

Neoma was still out shopping, and soon she'd be meeting with the matriarch of the pack—a meeting I had no part in. Men were traditionally excluded from these gatherings. My father used to joke that it was just a chance for the women to complain about the men in their lives, but I never took it seriously. Tradition required that I let my mate attend, despite my protective instincts.

It was also tradition for the future alpha to visit his grandmother every once in a while. I picked a bouquet of wildflowers and headed toward my grandparents' cottage. The journey was familiar and comforting. My grandmother had always wanted to incorporate a piece of her human past into their home.

The flowers that surrounded the front porch were part of her collection. Each plant was a flower my grandfather had brought home for her. After his passing, my father and I continued the tradition, of bringing new flowers she hadn't planted yet.

As I approached, the scent of blooming flowers mingled with the fresh, earthy aroma of the garden. The cottage looked charming as ever, with its quaint wooden structure and vibrant flower beds.

"Is that my grand pup I see?" My grandmother's voice was warm and welcoming. Despite her age, she looked remarkably youthful, her silver hair framing her face like a halo.

"Good afternoon, grandmama." I embraced her and handed over the bouquet. Her eyes lit up with joy. "Always so polite, I see." She placed the flowers in a basket near the door, where it seemed to blend seamlessly with the other floral arrangements.

"Are you here to spy on what I might discuss with your young mate?" she asked with a twinkle in her eye.

I removed my shoes and set them by the door. "Not... necessarily."

She chuckled, leading me into the cozy living room. "Yeah, okay, Greyson. If you say so." The house, though small, felt grand in its way. My grandfather had built it with his own hands, and I could still sense his presence in every corner.

"Would you like some sweet tea? I just made a pitcher," she called from the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed tea and baking pound cake filled the air. I walked to the kitchen doorway, leaning against the frame. "No thanks, I'm fine." I watched as she expertly prepared the batter for her famous pound cake, the sight and smell evoking a comforting sense of nostalgia.

"I may not have the wolf senses that others do, but I can tell when something's troubling my grandbaby," she said, her voice softening with concern. My grandmother had always been intuitive, a trait that made her a remarkable Luna.

"It's nothing big. I just don't know how to protect her. She's been through so much alone already." I hopped onto the counter and grabbed a cookie from her jar, the familiar taste offering a brief respite.

"That's life, honey. Your grandfather struggled with the same thing." She mixed the batter and placed it into the oven. "The important thing is that you're there for her. You make her feel less alone, just as your grandfather did for me."

I chuckled softly. "I hope so. Maybe I'm finally doing something right."

"You are, dear. And you'll be a fine Alpha one day. Even when I join your grandfather in the next world, we'll be proud of you and the life you build." Her words about meeting my grandfather always struck a chord, but now, with my mate, I understood her grief.

"You miss him, don't you?" I asked gently.

She nodded, her eyes reflecting years of longing. "Every day, just like you miss her." I couldn't imagine going through life not being with your mate I don't want to imagine it...

I hopped down from the counter. "I should get going. I need to update Neoma's brother on the situation."

"Alright, dear. I'll see you Sunday for dinner, yes?" she asked, her smile warm and reassuring.

"Yes, ma'am."

3:34 PM

After leaving my grandmother's and having a brief meeting with Aku, I walked back to the house, hoping to catch Neoma before she arrived. As I approached the driveway, I noticed Anna, Neoma, and Ava. They looked unusually tense, their expressions heavy with unspoken concerns. I quickened my pace, worry gnawing at me.

Ava headed inside with Neoma, leaving Anna leaning against the car. "What happened?" I asked, my voice filled with concern. She turned to me and said, "You should go talk to her." Anna then got into her car and started the engine. I felt my muscles tense as Anna rolled her window down and said, "She's safe, Greyson. That's all that matters. Remember that." She pulled out of the driveway before I could respond.

I walked inside to see Ava walking up the stairs and Neoma paced in the foyer "You want to talk about it?" I asked softly, my voice steady.

"No... yes. I don't know. Part of me wishes this never happened, that I was normal." her voice breaking. I could feel the weight of her sadness, a burden she had carried for too long.

"Well, I know we haven't known each other long, and I know you've been through so much alone. I don't have all the answers, but I know we can get through this—together." I took her hand gently in mine, my touch meant to offer comfort.

She squeezed my hand, her eyes closing as she took a deep breath. "Thank you." Her voice was a whisper, filled with gratitude and relief.

We stood in silence for a while, simply being present for each other. The room was quiet except for the soft hum of packmates throughout the house.