by Drea Shane
“Your mother’s absence has been hard on us all. I miss her every day, and I know you do too. I can see it. I wish she was here to see how you’ve become a woman and soon, a mated Luna. Without her here, you’ve missed a lot of talks I haven’t been able to have with you. It might be uncomfortable, but you can always come to me with some of that. I’ll never be able to replace your mom, but I want to be your Alpha, Dad, and friend, Sydney.”
That wasn’t the response I expected at all. I loved my dad, but I still didn’t feel comfortable talking to him about some of the things I needed to know. This was where my plan came into place. With a deep breath, I started the discussion that would hopefully solve my problems.
“Thank you, Daddy, I know I’m a brat sometimes, and I love you for putting up with me. I actually have a proposition that might be beneficial for both of us.” I made eye contact with him before continuing my spiel.
“There are a few things I need you can’t help me with. Before continuing, you should know that I’m going to keep my promise and respect Assembly. I don’t want to embarrass you or the pack.”
He sighed. “That pleases me to hear, Sydney. I know this isn’t what you wanted, and I’m sorry there’s no other way for you. But you are strong and will make a great Luna. Trust in the process, and you will find your true mate. Anyway, before I get into what brought me here, let’s hear the rest.”
Here went nothing. “You’ll be proud of me, I understand my importance now. There’s a small problem and a few things you can’t help me with. My wardrobe isn’t acceptable for this type of function. I’m not going to impress anybody in jeans and a tank top. I know this wasn’t a thought-out plan, but I need clothes, not girl clothes––woman clothes.”
I could see the argument coming, so I needed to continue. I raised my hand to stop him from speaking and went on.
“That’s not the only thing. I have questions, the kind you can’t answer or that I don’t want you to. Some subjects aren’t meant for family. You can’t expect me to become a Luna without knowing about women in general. Then there are the questions about the opposite sex. Relationship advice—non-shifter related, of course. I hadn’t thought about becoming needed so young.”
Now it was time to spit it out. This was the make it or break it question. “My point is, Daddy, I need outside help. I know other female shifters aren’t allowed here, especially for Assembly, and I can’t leave the compound.”
“You’re right, we can’t afford all our females to be in one place. It’s too dangerous.”
Whew. Agreement on something. “So, I propose a compromise. I want to hire a virtual personal assistant or life coach that can help me with both of my problems.”
“Sydney, I’m not sure that’s the best idea. We can’t draw attention to ourselves, especially with all the younger pack alphas here. Besides, we need to finish the conversation I planned first.”
“That’s the thing, Daddy. I need somebody on the outside. I’m sure you don’t want me in chat rooms asking people about guys and dating. That could become inappropriate very fast. And without any fashion sense, what if I end up wearing something trashy or stuffy? I have no way to measure that.”
With a slight pause, I clear my throat and kept on going. It was too late to stop. So, I kept the momentum going.
“This needs to go well. If I’m picking a mate for life, I deserve to feel special and pretty. Also, I should know what the hell is going on. What if a wolf takes advantage of me, and I don’t know that it’s wrong because nobody told me?”
My reasoning was solid. Yes, I laid it on a little thick but needed to make my point. This was the only chance to get him to say yes. If Dad over-thought the situation, the answer would be an automatic no. If he spoke to Joe, which would be humiliating, it’d be a hell no.
Joe would rather see me in regular clothes, with no makeup. Lacking knowledge of the opposite sex; bonus. He’d have a better chance with me.
And yes, the infuriating shifter would. How I felt about Joe when he was and wasn’t in enforcer mode, had blurred. Another problem that didn’t help matters.
It was Dad’s turn to talk, but I was ready to answer any objections he might have. I needed this lifeline. I understood how protective everybody is about me, but they needed to let me grow up at some point.
“For the sake of avoiding another argument, I will give you this much.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, Daddy! This means a lot to me, and I promise to be very careful.”
My heart was beating a mile a minute, and I had to sit on my hands to keep from clapping. I got my way for once.
“Now that we’ve solved that problem, what did you want to talk to me about? I know you didn’t come to hear me grovel.” I gave him another smile of encouragement, still curious about the box and his motives for seeking me out.
He sighed. “Like I said before, we’re long overdue for a talk. You’ll have to be patient as I tell you the story and ask you to keep a level head. With all these Alphas here, I can’t have you run off or cause a scene.
“You may not like the secrets we kept, but they’re secrets for a reason. With your mating coming up, I must prepare you for the real reason I called Assembly. Never forget how much I love you, especially after learning the truth.”
I’m not sure why, but an ominous feeling grew along with the curiosity. This was something big. In that moment, I knew the secrets he spilled would forever change my life and alter my reality. Only I wasn’t sure how much—yet.
Dad pulled the box from behind him and placed it on his lap. While he was gathering courage, I took a moment to look at the box.
It was very old and made of wood. There were engravings all over. I couldn’t read anything written. The symbols were familiar—moons in various states of the lunar cycle.
Something like déjà-vu hit me hard. As soon as he lifted the lid, everything went black and I was gone.
When I finally regained internal consciousness, it felt impossible to open my eyes. No matter how hard I tried, they wouldn’t budge. Something was fighting me.
I started to panic, that feeling of having no control, not being able to move or do anything myself. A vague recollection in the back of my mind explained that some people felt terrified from experiencing sleep paralysis. Is that what this was?
The possibility worried me. Goddess, hear my plea. I’m sorry for all the mean, awful, accurate things I said. I’d sugar coat shit, but missed my calling as an ‘Oompa-Loompa.’ Sarcasm was my only weapon against, well . . . everything.
Then, sensations reminded me of the time I was on a roller coaster ride. Everything swirled, and no outside noise emitted—except in my mind. There wasn’t any defining sound; some static, but nothing else.
My vision started in much the same way; not outside, but within. At first, snatches of pictures popped into view. The flashes of light, gone faster than I could process or define.
Once they slowed down a bit, I started to see what was filtering through. The sound slowed as well. Yet, that didn't make them any less confusing.
The scenes were fantastical. There were clouds and blue skies everywhere my eyes could see. I was outside looking in. Standing in front of the most elaborate castle I’d ever imagined. I only noticed the tall formation, while seeing people at the edges of my vision.
Was this Heaven? It's the only way this could be real and not a dream. The strangest part of it all? How familiar everything was. It felt as if I’d been here before. That wasn't possible because I’d never died—not even for a short period of time. Well, not that I knew of.
My assessment recalled the bit about sleep paralysis. I was dead and hadn’t figured it out yet. I wasn’t an expert on that stuff. It was possible.
Next, I focused on the sounds. The mesmerizing range of harps playing only reinforced my guess. They always played harps in heaven. With that idea in mind, I looked around closer at the details. Maybe Mom was close by, and we’d have a talk about all
the changes happening. I might even have a chance to meet past Lunas. The thought brought joy to my heart.
Eager to find out, I searched everywhere but didn't have any luck. Nobody seemed to pay attention. I was either invisible or dreaming. In fact, noticing the people in the surroundings, painted a very different picture. I didn't see any angel wings and not a single feather.
Upon that realization, I started to see obvious details I missed. This was the past. The long-ago past. We’re talking B.C. past. I wasn’t sure what time-period, but definitely ancient Greece. Unless I’d arrived at a frat party, complete with togas and an elaborate set design.
Nope, that wasn’t likely. Knowing something unusual was happening, freaked me out. The familiar panic rose. There was no way I’d be in ancient Greece, but this couldn't be a dream either. Everything about the experience was too realistic, and I’d never seen this in any of my history books. I’d remember.
Before I could think about the situation’s validity, increased levels of panic took over, and the edges of my vision went dim. The encroaching darkness started in the corners of my line of sight. Blackness grew toward the center until it swallowed me whole. Then, nothing.
My vision came back with a quick snap.
I looked around, taking in the surroundings, and trying to get my bearings. The more aware I became, the less I remembered about my dream or whatever that was. The feelings they invoked still lingered. Déjà-vu and a feeling of belonging had seeped through my consciousness.
This was my room, and relief radiated. I was home, only confused about what happened. A noise from across the room caught my attention, and I strained to look up. My body didn't protest. It seemed everything was fine.
Upon sitting up, I put a name to the face and voice. It was Dad, and he looked as if he’d aged many years since our last interaction, which was . . .
Now everything rushed back. Our conversation, the box he brought with him, then nothing. I must’ve passed out.
Before I got a word out, he strode across the room and embraced me in a very tight hug. He didn't show this type of affection, so I must've scared him. I wrapped my arms around him in return.
"I'm so glad you're okay. I worried sick you wouldn't wake up."
"Okay, I'm confused. Why wouldn't I wake up? I passed out; no big deal. It must be stress from having everybody here. Add to that, the conversation put off some strong vibes. Whatever you had to say was big; life-changing big.”
He was shaking. My Alpha was brimming with emotion. That alone gave me pause. "What's going on? Why so shaken up? I'm right here, and nothing’s wrong. If you want, we can have that talk I interrupted. I'm dying to hear the rest and see what you brought."
When he pulled away, he wore a look of sorrow that only confused me more. Something else was wrong and had been traumatic for him. I wanted to ask, but he beat me to it.
"My dear, you didn't just pass out. You've been asleep for more than a day. I wasn't sure what to do for you. We don't get sick; this was a first.”
The silence encouraged him to continue.
“I don't know what happened. I opened the box and started to tell you why we needed to have a conversation. Now I'm afraid to bring that box near you. This is Assembly, it's important that you find your mate, more important than you know."
I couldn't have heard him right. Assembly? He wasn't worried about me, but Assembly. My cheeks began to flush as anger grew. How could he put that above his own daughter? Was he faking this emotional turmoil? Was I only a pawn?
"That's what concerned you? Stupid Assembly? Just great, Dad, I mean Alpha. What about me, your daughter? Don't you care about my well-being, or did I take time away from your stupid, ancient ritual?”
I know, I know. I stood up for myself. I was such a bitch.
Dad sprung back like I’d slapped him. The look in his eyes, sad but caring. Was I wrong?
Transparency on everything he knew and planned would solve mixed signals. Enough of the games, and no more orders. I was sick and tired how this pack treated me like a sheltered child. Before making my declaration, he spoke.
"No, wait. You twisted everything and turned it against me. I care for and love you more than words could ever express. There're other forces at work, greater than us, and more important than my feelings. Yes, I'm being vague, but after that last passing out episode, you're not ready for the truth yet.”
My anger only gained intensity. I fisted my hands, trying to get a grip on my wolf. She’d awoken fighting for control. It wouldn't be the first time my temper ruled. Especially so close to my birthday, it was increasingly easier to lose my cool.
"Why? Why do you shelter me like a child? I don't know much about our culture and the shifter world, yet I'm supposed to be a Luna with a powerful Alpha by my side. Without knowledge, I may be a powerful Luna, but I'll also be a naïve Luna—which makes me a very dangerous Luna. Go ahead, Dad, underestimate me. That’ll be fun."
My wolf let out a low growl. She was trying to force the change, and I was very close to letting her. The only things that stopped her and let me regain control were his next words.
"You're right. I’ve kept you in the dark, and I'm very sorry about that. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Your mother should’ve had this conversation with you, spilling the secrets we've kept. I never anticipated having you go through this without her.”
The sadness in his eyes conveyed how much truth there was to his words. Thinking about Mom again brought tears and severe feeling of loss from my jagged and torn heart. I remembered like it was yesterday.
My mind drifted, and the scene of her kidnapping formed through the eyes of my younger self. We were playing hide and seek; laughing and running. Our distraction led us too close to our territory border. She stepped out of our property as I raced behind her.
I was almost to the border, ready to cross, following my mom. The vicious growl emanating from a wolf was the only warning before he pounced on her.
On instinct, I started forward again but Mom's Alpha voice ordered me not to. She knew I couldn't go against orders. Mad, I lost my cool and shifted where I stood.
It felt as if an invisible wall went up between us. I'd never felt so helpless in all my life. So, I paced back and forth in quick, succinct movements as my whole world fell to pieces.
I could never un-see the rogue wolf that took her away, rough and bloody.
This wolf was beyond the Goddess’s reach. Turned away from his human side, he was other—he was half-transformed; more animal than man. Greasy, shoulder-length hair-the color of motor-oil, hung in his face. The hair hid the still-shifted maw.
With every claw used to hold onto her, blood seeped from the puncture wounds and slashes. He wasn’t careful because his humanity had long gone.
Once the rogue noticed they weren’t alone, Mom fell to the ground like a rag doll, head lolling to the side. The shifter sniffed the air stepping as close to the line as he dared. When it became clear I wasn't leaving the boundary, he returned his focus to grabbing her.
Her blue eyes were wide and unfocused. She was sticky and coated in blood from the claw marks marring her. He shredded some of her clothes in the frenzy and wasn’t careful with where he sliced.
She looked broken, although I saw shallow breathing, her mind was vacant, or so I thought.
Mom’s last words came, strangled and hoarse from injury.
“You’re my daughter in every way that matters. Go on to do great things, Sydney. Keep the faith, and know that I love you so incredibly much. The pack will keep you safe. When the time is right, your father will explain . . .”
Then, they were gone, nothing but bloody spots in the grass to mark their presence.
I went into shock as I lay down and whined, traumatized over the loss of my mom and best friend.
After that, my mind blocked everything else out. I only know what they said happened when they found me.
As my dad's voice grew louder and louder, my mind snapped back t
o the present. I could feel the tears in my eyes and saw the pain in his. He knew who was on my mind, and I was sure he was thinking about her also.
He was hesitant as he spoke in a soft voice. "I wish you never had to experience loss in that way. I’ve sheltered you too much, terrified to lose you the same way. That's why I called Assembly––to make sure you’d always be safe.”
Trying to stay respectful, I rolled my eyes internally. Having protection wasn’t the issue. In fact, they’d more likely need protection from me.
"You have a good heart, Daddy, but it's in the wrong place. How can I be a Luna if I don't know anything about shifters? I doubt all Alphas are kind and loving. We’re an animalistic species, and our instincts aren’t all human. I need knowledge before you send me away in the care of another. I'm right about this, and you know it."
He scrubbed his hand across his face, looking tired, and once again, I noticed how old he looked. In a tone, soft enough to convey his emotion and strong enough to assert his dominance, he spoke. "I've done a lot of thinking while you’ve been out. Many of your arguments have been childish, but some of them have also been right. I’ll always have your best interests in mind, so there were a few things I took care of for you.”
My brows scrunched in confusion. What could he be talking about? But again, he started talking before my mouth opened.
“First, I have something for you. This is the single most important thing you will ever own. It’s a family heirloom, and it’s very special.”
I watched as he pulled out a long but small box. It looked suspiciously like a jewelry box. Dad handed it to me with great care. Whatever was inside was important and precious for him to take that much care in handing it over.
With curiosity, I gently took off the lid and peered inside. It was a necklace, a beautiful necklace. I had never seen anything like it in all my almost eighteen years.
The chain the charm sat on was very thin and dainty. It looked like it could fall off or break easily. What really drew my attention was the charm at the end of it.
