The Lunar Child: The Elemental Wolves

by M. D. Butler

  Me: Is she out? She can’t stay there, Alpha.

  Alpha: Why are you still calling me Alpha? You have your mate now. You can create your own pack.

  He’s stalling on purpose. He has something to say that I’m not going to like.

  Jahla comes over before he texts back.

  “Do you guys want anything while you wait? Have you looked at the menu yet?”

  She’s completely relaxed, and it soothes my growing frustration at the alpha. I know the others felt it through the link, but they didn’t speak on it.

  She’s done a complete turnaround from the scared little mouse that we met this morning. Hard to believe that’s been less than a day. Guess this mate thing is having a positive effect on her confidence. It must help to know that she doesn’t have to constantly look over her shoulder for someone from her pack either. She knows we won’t let them hurt her.

  “We’ll just have waters, sweetheart.”

  “Speak for yourself, Mav. Hey, babe. Can I get a coke, a double bacon cheeseburger with double fries, and a slice of whatever pie Delores had you mix up in the back?”

  The idiot is actually giving her puppy eyes as he gives her his order, causing her to burst out laughing. We all smile, and I give Cash an approving nod at a job well done, even though I know he’s serious about the food.

  “Figured you’d be hungry. Do any of you want something to eat now that the ice has been broken?” her smile is so beautiful. I’m so caught up in its glow that I don’t realize it’s my turn to give my order until Den elbows me, hard, in the ribs.

  “Fuck, man. Calm your tits. Sorry, angel. I’ll have a sprite and two platters of the fully loaded nachos.” She giggles again while writing down my order. If our antics make her laugh, I’ll make a fool of myself on an hourly basis.

  “Okay, I’ll be right back with your drinks.” She walks off with a smile, and we all watch her go with the same expression on our faces. I’m still smiling when I pull my phone back out, but it drops when I look at the alpha’s message.

  Alpha: I had to tell him that she has found her mate because he wouldn’t release her. Had to threaten to notify the council about his refusal to abide by the mating regulations before he agreed. Bastard says he won’t cut the link until he gets verbal confirmation from her. I’m on my way to you now so I can act as a witness.

  Alpha: One of you is going to have to stand as her mate. I didn’t tell him that there are four of you. Piece of shit doesn’t deserve to know everything that’s going on.

  Me: When will you be here? Does she have to go back there? He makes her cook breakfast for the pack house. Does she still have to do that until he breaks the link?

  Doesn’t matter what he says because she’s not doing it. Not without one of us with her, and we’re liable to snap the luna’s neck on sight for touching her.

  Alpha: I told him that we’d agree to the meeting on the understanding that she won’t be performing any pack duties from this moment forward.

  Me: Good. We weren’t going to take her back there, anyway.

  Alpha: I figured, lol.

  Alpha: I should be there by lunchtime tomorrow. We had to get everyone plane tickets and rental cars.

  Me: Who is everyone?

  Alpha: I may have told your parents. They demanded they be allowed to come.

  Alpha: Your moms are pretty scary when told no.

  I laugh out loud at that, and all the guys turn to look at me. Alpha will be here tomorrow. The ‘rents are coming with him. Our moms scare the shit out of him, apparently. I switch to the link in case anyone is listening in.

  All of them? Siblings, too?

  Cash has gone a little pale at the thought of his little sisters coming. I can see his thoughts going towards the possibility of them rubbing off on Jahla. The crying to get their way is enough to have me hoping they stay home, too.

  “He didn’t say, but I don’t think they’re staying long. They just want to meet Jahla,” who chooses that moment to pop up with our drinks.

  “Who just wants to meet me?”

  Shit, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.

  “Can we talk about it when we get home tonight? It’s tied into something else, but it’s nothing bad. I promise.”

  She looks at me for a minute before frowning and walking away.

  “Damn, day one and you’ve pissed her off. Not going to count the lunch thing since that was a collective effort.”

  “Shut up, Cash.” He just grins as he sips his drink.

  He’s not lying, though. I think Jahla is pissed at me for not giving her an answer. Again.

  I can see where she’s coming from. All of this shit has happened in the span of less than a day, and she has only gotten a couple of answers to her many questions.

  She’s frustrated, I get it.

  We can’t talk about it here, though. There are too many ears.

  Mav is giving me pitying looks, and Den is glaring at me for pissing her off, no doubt.

  “Look, there’s no way around it. She’s going to have to be mad for now. Wait, did you program my number in her phone?”

  “Yeah, I put all of ours in there like the beast demanded.” That remark earns Cash a swift kick to the shin from Den. “Ow! Are you wearing steel-toed boots?!”

  “Stop being dramatic. I can ask her to text me so I have her number, then I’ll tell her what’s going on that way.”

  Good idea. I was feeling bad for you, and worried about us for a second there.

  Mavrin switches to the link, so he must have something meaningful to say. That’s usually the case.

  Why? I’m the one who pissed her off, Mav.

  Yeah, but her reaction said all. She’s the silent, but deadly type. Not like the farts, Cashel. Cash closes his mouth, and Mav continues. Started oozing dominance before she walked off. I think our wolves have started bonding just by finding her and staying close. You know, scenting her, touching her, things of that nature. It must be making her true self come out, but she may not realize it or know what to do about it.

  So, what you saying is that she doesn’t know what she’s capable of, and we should tread carefully. Got it.

  We all nod in affirmation, and Jahla comes over with a huge tray laden with a few of our meals. I take a deep breath as I prepare to fix my mess.

  “Hey, angel. Do you have your phone on you?”

  “It’s in the back,” is all she says as she quietly places the plates on the table.

  Fuck.

  “Can you get it and send me a text? I know you want me to answer your question, but I can’t with ears around. I can text you, though. I really don’t want you mad at me.”

  I start to channel Cash with the puppy eyes, but realize I don’t have to. I’m desperate as fuck to have her forgiveness, and I know that’s coming through every pore on my body.

  She sighs before saying, “You promise to answer my questions?”

  “Yes!” I eagerly take my chance.

  “Okay. I’ll text you whenever I have a chance. Thanks, Krixie.”

  She does an evil smirk as she walks away, and I wonder what it’s for when Cash cackles loudly.

  “Yo, she called you Krixie! Like Trixie! Dude, I’m totally calling you that from now on.”

  She set me up. Her smirk proves that she did that on purpose. Ugh, she’s like two different people. One side good and sweet, the other vindictive and petty.

  My beautiful angel can also be a devilish little minx.

  “Shut up, Cash.”

  Chapter 9

  Jahla

  My shift is flying by faster than it ever has. Could have something to do with time moving quicker when you’re having fun.

  Despite the little hiccup we had earlier, I’ve enjoyed having the guys here. I stop by their table in between serving the other customers in my section and walk away smiling or laughing each time. They’ve brought light into my dreary world, and I have no desire to go back to my mundane life.

  Mother, I�
��m starting to get sappy.

  It is what it is, though.

  It scares me a little with how fast I’ve accepted the fact that I have multiple mates, but I’ve reconciled myself to my fate. Especially since I never thought I’d have a mate at all, let alone four that are all fine as hell.

  Krix told me about their alpha and parents coming tomorrow. I’m choosing to push that to the back of my mind to keep my nerves at bay. Too many what ifs.

  What if they don’t like me?

  What if they think I’m a freak like everyone else?

  What if they don’t think I’m good enough for their sons?

  What if they make their sons reject me?

  See! So many things that could ratchet my nerves through the roof. I’m not going to worry about that right now. Has a seventeen-year-old ever stroked out from the pressure of meeting their mates’ parents?

  I’d probably be the first if I let it get to me.

  I’m about to go settle a table’s bill when the bell over the door jingles again, and in walks the bane of my existence.

  Just like that, my happiness dissolves like a block of ice on hot pavement as the hellhounds strut in. I should’ve expected this after Mavrin dismissed Blythe in favor of me during English, but I’d forgotten all about it.

  They never really come to the diner to eat. They think it’s below them to come to such a cheap eatery, but make a point to pop up to remind me of my bottom of the barrel status every now and then.

  I glance at Delores, who’s taking care of the customers sitting at the bar. She has a deep frown on her face. She’s never liked them.

  Unfortunately, they sit at a booth in my section. I steal a glance at the guys as I grab some menus and head over. They’re all glower at the group with strong looks of dislike.

  Glad to know they don’t like them. Gives me a little boost of courage as I make my way to the table.

  Time to fake the hell out of being polite.

  “Hello. Can I start you off with something to drink?”

  “Cut the shit, freak. How do you know them?” Guess we’re going straight to the real reason they’re here. Good.

  “I just met them today. Same as everyone else. Are you going to order something, or not?”

  I can tell they weren’t expecting my sass. Tough titty, bitches. I’ve always kept my head down and given in to them. Never once spoke out against them, or shown any form of resistance until this moment. I’m tired of hiding, and the guys have given me a little bit of power.

  I’m not taking shit from these assholes anymore.

  “What gives you the balls to speak to me like that? Don’t think that you’re hot shit just because they’re giving you a little attention. You’re still a nothing-ass freak.”

  Ooh! Little Blythe is a tad bit upset about being blown off, it seems.

  “Yeah, they only want you now because you’re an easy target since you have no friends.”

  Of course, Sierra has to put her two cents in.

  “They’re just working up the courage to come at us. They’re intimidated by us because they know we’re at the top.”

  Carmen may be below Blythe in status, but she isn’t any less vicious.

  “Is that why they shot you down? Because they secret want a chance with you? Doesn’t look like a smart move if they plan on working their way up to you later. Looks like they don’t want you at all.”

  I’ve never given my mouth the freedom to speak so recklessly, but it feels so damn good.

  “No one wants you, you little freaky as bitch!”

  She hates it so much that the guys are interested in me instead of her.

  A dark side of me relishes that fact.

  “Obviously, they do. Now, either order something, or leave. You’re taking a table from people who actually want to eat.”

  With that said, I look directly into Blythe’s eyes for the first time in my life, challenging her. She glares back and becomes more and more agitated.

  Suddenly, jumps up and gets in my face. She’s no longer looking in my eyes; however, choosing to growl at my nose instead despite her towering height of 5’9” to my 5’4”.

  “Do you really want to do this here, slut? In front of your little harem? I’ll gladly beat your ass!”

  “Try it.”

  My wolf is snarling in my head, but I sense her satisfaction at Blythe’s reluctant submission. She couldn’t hold my stare. I don’t have time to dwell on that because she chooses that moment to screech in my face.

  No words, just a high pitch noise like a spoiled brat who isn’t getting their way. Why hasn’t she tried to hit me yet? Any other time, I would be beaten through the floor by now.

  “Get out.” I don’t take my eyes away from Blythe’s, but I know Delores is standing at my back. “You’ve disturbed my customers and harassed my employee enough for the day. Leave, now.”

  “You can’t kick us out! One word from us, and you won’t even have a diner.”

  This comes from Sierra. I notice that neither she nor Carmen have moved from their seat, and both have looks of disbelief on their faces. I don’t know if it’s from what’s going on between me and Blythe, or from getting kicked out of a place for the first time.

  “I’m well aware of who your daddies are, and I don’t give a shit. I had them sign papers saying they would leave me be to run my place however I want, and I want to kick y’all out. They thought they were too good to be bothered by a little diner, just like you little girls act every time you come in here. Now, you don’t have to worry about coming back. Make sure you tell your daddies what you did. I’ll be happy to send over the videos from the cameras. Now, get. All three of you are banned.”

  Well, shit. I didn’t know about all of that.

  I keep my eyes on Blythe as they march to the door, hatred seething from them like smoke. Turning to thank Delores, I smile as she just waves me off on her way back to the counter. The other customers are giving me nods of approval. They’re all human, and don’t really like the pack kids, though they don’t know they shift into wolves. They just know that they’re all spoiled brats who get away with everything.

  They won’t stand up to them because their families practically own the town, but they also won’t step in when they get what they deserve. Like just now.

  I freeze as I spin towards the guys’ table. They’re all standing beside their booth with faces a mixture of astonishment and pride. I bet they got up as soon as Blythe did. I knew they would have my back if need be.

  “We’ll talk about this later,” I say to them. “I’m off in about an hour, then we can go to your house. I still have homework.”

  With that, I walk away from them to finish my shift. My back is straight, and my head is held high. Like I said, I’m done taking bullshit. It’s time to show everyone that the new Jahla Hardnett has arrived.

  Denahi

  I know I’m not alone when I say that Jahla’s display of dominance has my dick hard as fuck.

  I was about to put my fist down that Blythe bitch’s throat for daring to speak to my little pixie that way, but she conquered her ass without blinking an eye.

  Good thing, too. Pop would tan my hide if I hit a girl. Ma would probably pat me on the back for it. She doesn’t like bullies.

  The others are just sitting in the booth staring down at the now cleared off table, but I’m watching Jahla flit around the diner as she tends to the customers in her section like the little pixie she is. At least to me. There’s another waitress working the other side of the room, but the older woman hasn’t paid us any attention.

  Did you feel the blast of dominance coming off her when she challenged that chick?

  The reverence in Cash’s voice is reflected on the others’ faces.

  It’s like we’ve awakened a beast by showing up. There’s no way she’s ever acted like that, but it appears to be a natural reaction. Did you see their faces? They were fucking flabbergasted!

  I think Krix is the most stun
ned. He’d already started planning ways to strengthen her confidence and teach her how to stand up for herself. Serves him right for not giving her a chance.

  We’ve helped her realize that she has someone in her corner that will have her back.

  Pride is creeping through the link from Mav.

  She’s an alpha. They all turn to me as I make that statement. It’s the way she’s meant to react. She’ll ask about it later because it’s new to her, but that’s what it is.

  But she’s never acted like this before. You can tell from the way everyone treats her. Alpha tendencies come out during childhood when the wolf starts to emerge. It’s to give us time to acclimate to its strength before we shift.

  You’re not thinking, Krix. She’s never shifted. She has a wolf, but she’s mainly dormant. She only has heightened senses, strength and healing. Hell, she only has those as protection until we come along. Everything else about her is bound.

  Den’s right. Finally, the voice of reason returns. Her true self is awakening. It’s why she’s comfortable letting us stay near her, even though she hasn’t been able to trust anybody before.

  We’re rattling her chains! We all turn to stare at Cash.

  What?

  Think about it! Almost everything about her was bound by the Mother when she was born to protect her from being found. There’s no way the people in our pack are the only ones who know about the prophecy. I mean, it came to be over two hundred years ago. Of course, the Mother would bind her to make sure she stayed hidden until we could find her. Now that we’ve been united, the beginning of the bonding process is shaking things up! Her true nature is starting to come out!

  That makes sense, but did you really have to say “rattling her chains”? I thought you were better than that, Cash.

  Fuck off, Mavrin.

  We all snicker at their banter. I look up to see the diner has cleared out, and the other waitress is wiping down the last table while Jahla is restocking things behind the bar. I stand to go over to her, unable to resist her pull.

  “Hey, you almost done?” I don’t recognize the soft voice leaving my lips, but she smiles so I’ll keep using it.

  Only for her.

  “Yeah, just getting a few things stocked. Del isn’t letting me work every day anymore. Says I’m not allowed to come in on the weekends, and I can only come in three days a week from now on. Apparently, I have a social life now. I have to act like a normal teenager.” She rolls her eyes, but I know she’s not mad about it.