Willow From The Ashes (Children Of The Moon Book 1)

by Amelia Harding

  WILLOW FROM THE ASHES

  CHILDREN OF THE MOON SERIES BOOK #1

  AMELIA HARDING

  © 2019 Amelia Harding

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  PROLOGUE

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4-

  Chapter 5-

  Chapter 6-

  Chapter 7-

  Chapter 8-

  Chapter 9-

  Chapter 10-

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12-

  Chapter 13-

  Chapter 14-

  Chapter 15-

  Chapter 16-

  Chapter 17-

  Chapter 18-

  Chapter 19-

  Chapter 20-

  Chapter 21-

  Chapter 22-

  Chapter 23-

  Chapter 24-

  Chapter 25-

  Chapter 26-

  Chapter 27-

  Chapter 28-

  Chapter 29-

  Chapter 30-

  Chapter 31-

  Chapter 32-

  Chapter 33-

  Chapter 34-

  Chapter 35-

  Chapter 36-

  Chapter 37-

  Chapter 38-

  Chapter 39-

  Chapter 40-

  Chapter 41-

  Chapter 42-

  Chapter 43-

  Chapter 44-

  Chapter 45-

  Chapter 46-

  Chapter 47-

  Chapter 48-

  Chapter 49-

  Chapter 50-

  Chapter 51-

  Chapter 52-

  Chapter 53-

  Chapter 54-

  Chapter 55-

  Chapter 56-

  Chapter 57-

  Chapter 58-

  Chapter 59-

  Chapter 60-

  Chapter 61-

  Chapter 62-

  Chapter 63-

  Chapter 64-

  PROLOGUE

  Spring of 1995

  For so many years I have protected everyone with every last fiber of my being, never putting my own interests first. After all, there are more important things than one's own wretched soul. Unfortunately, this time is different.

  My men are out securing the borders; soon we will be at war. War is not a new concept in my life but looking upon the peaceful angelic faces of my newborn child and young son, seeing how they radiate light like glowing embers on a blackened starless night, for the first time in my existence I am afraid and uncertain.

  We caught sight of them...they are coming the words being communicated through the mind link by my second in command reverberate almost making my ears ring.

  Prepare yourselves men, we fight not only for ourselves or our loved ones but for our entire race. We will march out together and may the fates show us mercy

  I can feel my words had the desired effect. Their resolve, pride, and loyalty to our kind are once again strengthened. Soon we will set out, I must think quickly. Taking determined strides I gently but firmly shake my son waking him from his slumber.

  "Is something wrong poppa?" Sleepily rubbing his eyes he awaits my answer and I close my eyes momentarily. This must be done; they cannot be found or suspected to be involved with any of us. It is for their own safety.

  Opening my eyes I meet my sons questioning gaze "we are moments from war, I need you to be a big boy for me, you must be strong and not question my decision, do you understand?"

  His eyes that are so much like my own are wide and nervous but he squares off his shoulders bravely, ready for whatever I ask of him.

  "You must take your sister and leave, run as far as you can. Do not tell anyone who you are or where you lived". "But poppa!" Alarmed he starts to protest but I cut him off, there is not much time left. "It needs to be done so you, my beloved children, will be safe. I swear that I will come for you when everything is over. Even if I need to sacrifice everything I will not abandon you, my child. You and your sister are my heart and soul".

  In his eyes, I can see he knows what must be done. Steeling himself he stands and nods solemnly with the maturity of someone much more seasoned than he, but the sadness and nerves are still hidden in the depths. I have never had to do something so heart-wrenchingly painful.

  "I will protect us and await the day you come for us". Kissing his head I usher him along "Come now, time is of the essence". Lifting my baby girl out of her crib I cradle her lovingly, tears burn wanting to be let free, to leave their searing trail down my cheeks but I push them away and hand her over to my son, then strap a small backpack on him full of money, a couple articles of clothing and a few other provisions.

  Kneeling down I kiss my son and daughter on the forehead for what could be the last time "I love you both. If there is one thing you do not forget let it be that".Making sure they have the pendants that match my own around their necks I tuck them under their shirts.

  "We love you too poppa, do not worry we will be together again". With that I watch my son run off with the small bundle in his arms and turn pushing the pain, sadness and worry away. I am a leader; I must lead my men to victory. It is time for war.

  Chapter 1

  Hope

  12 years Later

  I feel someone shaking me and it pulls me from the depths of blissful sleep. Blink my eyes, I'm met with the smiling face of my beautiful mother with her strawberry blonde bombshell hair, regal features, and sea-foam green eyes.

  Most importantly though is the loving smile gracing her lips. Finally, my mind catches up to me. Letting out a very unladylike squeal I pounce on my mother tackling her into a hug.

  Oh! how I have waited for this day. Today I can officially become a part of my pack. I get to shift and fully embrace the other part of me. My mother's bell-like laughter fills the space within the walls of my room.

  Pulling away she looks me over "Today my little willow takes an important step in her life. This is going to change your life in ways you will soon know. I'm so proud baby girl".

  Rolling my eyes in a joking manner I smile brilliantly at her "you make it sound like I'm getting married or something" my voice light and teasing.

  At that very moment, my dad decides to walk in. "Sweetie, if that were the case I would be hunting the groom down and getting rid of him so I could keep you with us forever".

  Faking a look of utter horror I place my hand over my heart "How unfair of you! I love my non-existent groom. You shouldn't get in the way of true love". A heartbeat later he has me in a headlock ruffling my hair then grabbing mom and me in a hug. Today is gonna be the best day of my life, I can already tell.

  The smell of syrup and pancakes fills my nose and my mouth starts to water. Today may be a big day but breakfast is still important. Slipping into slippers I race down the stairs with dad. Mom chuckles amusedly but takes the steps at her normal pace.

  Our small dine-in table by the kitchen has stacks of pancakes with piles of bacon next to a pan of scrambled eggs. I scoop as much as I can o
nto a plate and proceed to devour it. I can't remember a single moment in my life where I've felt more famished than I do now.

  I'm aware that it is my body preparing for the energy necessary to shift. I would be lying if I said I'm not terrified but the anticipation far outweighs any doubts I may have. Breakfast is filled with conversation and laughter. Both are always in abundance at our house and I love it.

  Mom pardons me from having to help clean up after breakfast. Instead, she sends me back up to get myself changed. By the time I make it back down the kitchen is clean and my parents are waiting to give me my presents.

  Honestly, waking up to the joy of having my parents and getting to spend the morning with them then having my very first shift to look forward to, it's already so much. They could have gotten me nothing and I would have felt happy. I truly am so so lucky

  Just hours later there is no coherent thought left in my mind, It's all been replaced with pain. Mind numbing pain. Every crack, break, and snap leaves me feeling breathless. There is nothing else.

  I'm faintly aware of the sound of someone screaming, blood-curdling cries of pure agony. The realization comes that they are my screams.

  It seems like hours when in reality I know it takes a few minutes, at most, the first time in contrast to the couple of seconds it will take once my body gets used to transforming. Only one thing gets through the haze of blood sweat and pain, the strong deep voice of my father saying it's almost over.

  Knowing that gives me the strength to stop screaming although it had turned into more of an animalistic growl of sorts at that point. Just like it had begun, it was now over.

  The sweet feeling of relief fills my body and allows me to open my eyes and take it all in for the first time. The site that greets me is my parents looking down on me with soft smiles on their faces.

  "You are beautiful" mom whispers as she bends down and runs her fingers through my fur. Looking at my paws I am greeted with the site of black fur with the ends looking as if they were dip-dyed in silver that shimmers in the sunlight.

  "Try out your new legs pup" dad tilts his head and I raise shakily, experimenting with the feel of being in this new form. My parents laugh at my clumsiness making me give them a playful growl barring my teeth at them.

  After a little while, and some much-appreciated help from my parents, I'm running around feeling the wind caress me as I cut through it pushing myself to go faster and faster.

  It seems as if I'm seeing the forest in a whole new light through completely different eyes even though I have spent so much of my childhood walking through them. Exploring and learning the lay of the land to the point where I have come to know it like the back of my hand.

  Regardless, the serene beauty is so much more prominent, the sounds more vivid and clear flooding my senses.

  After close to two hours I was made to shift back, which I did begrudgingly until my parents reminded me that I had to get my things ready to go move in with the rest of the kids around my age to the youth pack house. Being the youngest out of everyone in my age group was hard. It was as if everyone else was in a club I wasn't allowed in.

  They all shared something special I didn't understand yet, they had gone through their change which included the physical change that happened to their human body. All baby fat was lost and the elegant beauty our kind is known for comes to light. Perfection, or as close to it as possible.

  The boys started developing into Adonis's and the girls into beings that would make Aphrodite herself proud. Needless to say, once the few friends I had went through it, they grew closer while pulling away from me. It hurt but I understood.

  Fortunately, I am now part of the 'club' so to speak. Grabbing the only bag from my room that hasn't already been moved to my new one at the youth pack house I stop, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

  I thought I would see someone completely different but not a lot changed which is a disappointment but, perhaps it's just gonna take some time. My hair is the same shade of inky black arranged in natural wavy curls, soft heart-shaped face.

  Same porcelain skin with grey eyes framed by thick lashes. All on a petite, slender frame, almost boyish in my opinion. The only noticeable difference is my height, I seem taller, my hair has more of a shine and bounce to it and my eyes appear brighter.

  "Come on, I'm sure your friends and the rest of the kids are anxious for you to finally move in, you don't want to keep them waiting". The sound of my mother's voice is what finally makes me move. Hugging them both by the front door I head off walking to my new home.

  “We’ll miss you little willow! don’t forget us old people, we are her any time you want to come back home” It is dad who calls out to me and I look back with an affectionate smile.

  For as long as I can remember willow had been my parents nickname for me. Mom loved telling me about how I was born under the willow moon and how special it was. Hearing dad say it almost makes me want to turn back and never move away from them and their unconditional love.

  Part of me is sad that I won't wake up every day and have breakfast with them. Being an only child means I've grown up being attached to my parents. Especially during the past few months that I've been so alone.

  I'm unbelievably grateful to have them but I know it's time so I continue on to my destination. We all do it, its tradition and whatever happens they are never too far away. Making my way up the steps I should have known, the whole day from the second I woke up had been perfect. A little too perfect.

  In life, REAL life, things don't work that way. There is this thing called reality which is supposed to set in because the world is not all cliches and sugar plum fairies. I should have expected it, but I didn't.

  Chapter 2

  Hope

  Just like every day I find myself on my hands and knees, scrubbing the floor meticulously until it is beyond spotless. A strand of my dull lifeless black hair falls in my face and I tuck it back to continue my work.

  It is part of my routine which consists of everything and anything that is needed of me. I can hardly believe what my life turned into, what was supposed to be my new beginning turned out to be my nightmare.

  No one cares. They haven't for a long time, if ever. I live in pain and fear. My life is a never-ending onslaught of ridicule and abuse and yet I carry on, get up in the morning and brave a new day. It's always the same and will probably never change.

  Sometimes I wish I could speak up and stand up for myself but after being mistreated for so long I wouldn't stand a chance against anyone despite being a werewolf as well. You think we would be like a family that loves and cares for each other and for the most part it is, just not for me.

  Every day I wake up painfully early to the feeling of my stomach practically eating itself due to having been forbidden to eat more than three times a week by Alpha Daniel. And of course, an Alpha command is unbreakable.

  This is why I am forced to do all that I do, without the hope of telling an adult who could possibly care and save me. I don't go to school or get educated on pack ways; Daniel took care of that when he made me tell my parents I wished to be homeschooled. At that moment I was glad I had learned everything I could from my parents.

  My father instructed me on the pack hierarchy, I still remember every single word of it: Alphas are born leaders, it runs in their blood and the title gets passed down from father to son. As leaders they were gifted with the ability to command, the command is heard through the tone of their voice if they see it necessary to bind the person or persons to an unbreakable command. The Alpha position gets passed down when the son turns sixteen, sometimes later if the father sees fit.

  Our pack, The White Thorn Pack, is different in that regard. Daniel was named Alpha at the age of sixteen but he was not next in line, his older brother Maximus was. I hardly remember him as he was eight years older than us. When I was ten and Maximus was eighteen, he left to start his own pack with his father's blessing, although reluctant as it was. Since then we h
ave never seen him again. But, his pack Onyx Moon is known to be the strongest, biggest and most vicious pack in the country.

  Alphas are naturally faster and stronger, they command respect not by words but by actions. They are meant to be loyal protectors that value their pack, we are family. The Alphas most trusted men are his second in command, his Beta, and his third in command, also known as Gamma.

  The Alpha female is the mate and wife of the Alpha. She holds the title of Luna. She is to be respected just as the Alpha is. The Alpha is linked with the rest of the pack through a mind link, a mental form of communication, and in turn, all pack members can also communicate with each other whether in wolf or human form.

  After my dad would spend hours diving into the details of responsibilities and the history of the White Thorn pack, my mother would take over and as the hopeless romantic she is, would regale me with tales of mates, how the moon goddess gifted each of us with a mate, our other half.

  In order for us to recognize each other, we were also given signs. Although a male wolf knows just by looking his mate in the eyes, a female must touch her mate to recognize him. There will be, and I quote my mother: "delicious tendrils of electricity that will incite every fiber of your being and make you feel as if you're alive for the very first time in your life" which she would end with a sigh and a dreamy faraway look. She was always one for the dramatics.