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

by Amelia Harding

  I soak in her warmth, her scent, the feel of her hair tumbling forward to brush against my neck. I memorize every bit of her before forcing myself to stand and guide us back home in contented silence, our fingers intertwined.

  Chapter 47

  Hope

  I slip into a haze once I'm finally in bed. Before parting, Maximus informed me that I'll be expected to accompany them to the council meeting this weekend. For some reason, they want me there personally to give a report on what I've found. Nevermind the fact that my findings amount to nothing of use as of late.

  The notion of being before the council which governs over our race now that royals aren't around anymore is terrifying. The entire situation is way above me but I don't have much of a choice.

  It was my decision to help and this is a part of it. The precarious position we're in and the possibility of a full-scale vampire threat means the council must be informed and ultimately involved if things escalate.

  Those are things I can worry about tomorrow because nothing can dampen my mood tonight. I did it, I got my wolf back, I shifted again. I'm certain I wouldn't have succeeded on the first try without Maximus presence. He kept me grounded to myself and the earth. His confidence in me steeled my own and that was indispensable.

  I feel whole in a way I hadn't known in so long. This kind of happiness is frightening in its own way because I know the shoe has to drop at some point. It is impossible to be this happy forever.

  Maximus is a part of that happiness and as I get closer to him I become more convinced of something that is too good to be true. A connection we share that's so deep that I can't possibly be imagining it. Its become obvious that it is not one-sided.

  If what I suspect is true then Maximus already knows and has since we arrived. I could ask but I won't be able to bear it if he denies me or I end up being wrong.

  Once my birthday arrives there will be no need to ask. All of a sudden a week feels a lifetime away.

  Rehashing tonight in my mind I slip into a fitful sleep full of memories I had tried to suppress and had been fairly successful at.

  Memories of pain and shame. Of cold blue eyes and a permanent sneer. Of drunken words slurred in the night wanting to reveal the hate behind years of torment. Why now? Why does my mind do this to me? Just allow me to enjoy this moment.

  Chapter 48

  Hope

  "You thinking sexy boss girl or tough smart chick? It's all about the image". Its the morning before the council meeting and I'm packing up with Bailey's help.

  Shes currently rummaging through my wardrobe insisting I need a power outfit for the meeting. What does one even wear to those?

  "Neither one of those sound like personas I can pull off. What do we have in the 'I'm just trying to make it through this' category? That is closer to my speed".

  Bailey rolls her eyes than jumps right back in. "You need to start giving yourself more credit. Confidence is key to pulling anything off. Ooh, I've got it! Classic sophisticated sexy. Like, I'm young but I know what I'm talking about so take me seriously".

  As Bai says this she pulls out a crisp white button down and black slim ankle-length dress pants. She tosses them on the bed then adds a black velvet blazer and pumps I've never had the chance to wear. "Doesn't that seem like a bit much Bai? I don't want to look over the top".

  "Don't be silly, it would be disrespectful not to look nice. This will make you look professional, you don't want to be singled out. You'll already be nervous, it's rare for anyone who isn't a high ranking officer to be invited. You need to act as if you belong it'll help you feel better".

  I nod and grab a garment bag to pack the outfit without having it get all wrinkled. "I see your point. I've just been trying not to psyche myself out so I avoided thinking about it too much. Especially since I basically have nothing to share".

  In the days after my shift, I doubled down on research. I dug up an obscure connection between one of the families and an officer that once served the kings army against the vampires many decades ago. Even that would have nothing to do with a princess of any kind.

  "Trust in yourself and you'll be fine. You will be giving your report just like a dozen other people will probably be doing too. It will be over before you know it. Plus, you'll get to travel with our handsome Alpha who you're definitely not into". I throw a pillow at Bailey and nearly knock a lamp over in the process.

  "Its for business and nothing else. Anyways, I think I have everything packed now that we settled on an outfit. We are leaving tonight and returning the morning after tomorrow so it's not like I need much".

  "Wait, one thing is missing! give me a sec". Bailey runs out the door and comes back a few minutes later with a black tie "What's that for?" I ask wondering why I would need a tie.

  "It's for your boss lady outfit. Just trust me it will look good". I take it from her hand and throw it into my small suitcase. If Bailey says it will work then I'll just go with it.

  "Remember to text me if anything juicy happens". "I can't imagine anything noteworthy occurring but if it does you'll be the first to know". With that assurance, we hug and Bailey leaves after wishing me a safe trip.

  No more than a minute later there's a knock at my door and A face I've missed pops in "Hey chica, are you all packed up?" David asks with his usual easy smile in place.

  "Just got done. Are you and Carter going too?" "Carter is staying behind, can't have all three of us leaving at the same time".

  I hadn't considered that. Of course, they wouldn't want to leave the pack exposed without any of its leaders. "That works, I've been saying way more of him anyways. You're the one who is always running around".

  "What can I say? My talents are needed everywhere. I'm in high demand around here".

  "I don't doubt it. May I ask you to use your skills to get my suitcase down into the car?" I give my best smile making David shake his head.

  "I feel used but with a smile like that, I'll put up with it". He winks playfully and takes my suitcase. I follow behind him down the stairs. Once outside I see my parents waiting by the car.

  Practically skipping over I give them both the biggest hug I can muster "We'll see you soon baby girl" My mom kisses my cheek.

  "Don't let the place intimidate you. They are all just there doing their job and you will have the Alpha and Gamma with you". My dads' words closely mimic what Bailey had said. There's no reason for me to be nervous.

  I assure him I'll be fine even though deep down I'm aware the nerves will remain. The goodbyes are wrapped up and Maximus finally emerges from the house with the three Enforcers that will be coming along as guards, something I was assured is customary.

  Maximus, David and I take one car with Maximus at the wheel despite Davids protests. The guards follow behind in their own car.

  Endless miles of road awaits us. Until we reach our destination we are isolated in this car together. My mind can't quite decide whether that's a good or bad thing. Regardless I snuggle into my seat settling in for the long ride.

  Chapter 49

  Hope

  It takes us most of the day to arrive. We stopped a couple of times to stretch our legs, eat or use the bathroom along the way. Truthfully I slept most of the time.

  Something about being in the compact space with people you trust and feel safe with coupled with the steady drone of tires on open road lulled me to sleep.

  Night has fallen when we get there but the place is still full of activity. Those who travel to see the council stay on the property in a wing made to house guests.

  The building itself is massive with a Beaux-Arts feel, the large decorative columns and ornate windows adding to the imposing beauty of this important building.

  We are escorted into the building towards the rooms through large arched doorways. The inside is even grander than the outer appearance with vaulted ceilings and elaborate carvings that mimic the intricate architecture of the outside.

  The flooring is marbled and polished so perfectly
I swear I can see my reflection. I must have started to fall behind a bit because I feel a hand guiding me forward to quicken my pace a little. It turns out to be David attempting to keep me from getting separated from them.

  Entering a less hectic section we come upon a grand staircase and ascend towards our lodgings. The man escorting us shows us to a suite and informs us that dinner was already served but someone will be up to bring us some so we can settle in and rest up for tomorrow.

  The suite is spacious with a shared common room that branches off into four separate bedrooms and two shared bathrooms. The place is beautiful, lavish and comfortable but not excessively so.

  Off to the right side of the common room, two of the Enforcers share a room while the third bunks with David and they have the first adjoining bathroom. To the left of the common area is my room with the bathroom I'll be sharing with Maximus.

  I'm grateful I will only be sharing with one person but knowing its Maximus makes me feel a bit awkward. I may be at ease around him now but sharing a bathroom is so personal. I'll have to remember to always lock the door when going in. Best to avoid an embarrassing situation.

  We are barely done getting our things put away when the food arrives. We eat together in the common area and I enjoy listening to the men banter back and forth.

  I add my two cents here and there but I mostly keep to myself. Despite sleeping during most of the ride here I still feel exhausted and I'm positive it's most likely my mind trying to keep itself calm.

  Saying my goodnights I slip into my room and take the opportunity to shower quickly and dress for bed. Jumping in I'm happy to find the bed soft and plush.

  I send a quick text to Bailey and my parents so they know we arrived safely then sink in preparing for a hopefully good nights sleep.

  Chapter 50

  Hope

  The restful sleep I hoped for never came. Through a half-awake fog, I heard everyone else turn in and soft snores in the distance. In the wee hours of the morning, I roughly pulled the covers off and sat up with a frustrated groan.

  Perhaps a small walk down the hallway will help me stretch my restless legs and tire me out enough that my anxiety over tomorrow can't keep me up any longer.

  My long sleeve shirt and pajama pants are decent so I slip out as quietly as possible not wanting to wake anyone else. The hallway is dead silent as is to be expected.

  With no one milling about I can now walk slowly and appreciate the various paintings adorning the walls. I lose myself to the night as I wander the hallways enjoying the solitude.

  I register the sound of someone else walking nearby but ignore it and continue walking along. Feeling calmer and now finally ready for bed I retrace my steps. My mind is so preoccupied with finding my way back that I don't realize my path is about to cross with whoever is out and about as well.

  "Allegra?"

  Snapping my face to the side where a hallway that branches out meets this main area I see a man standing there. He looks to be in his forties or fifties but obviously still strong.

  Salt and pepper hair is combed back with a matching neatly trimmed beard. He is wearing a coat, dress shirt, and pants which makes me believe he must have either been outside or recently arrived.

  What strikes me the most though are his eyes. They are weathered in a way only someone who has lived too much can have. They are violet and currently wide in either surprise or shock I'm not sure which.

  "I'm sorry, I think you're mistaking me for someone else". My voice is polite, I don't want to embarrass him, after all, it is late and it's easy to get things mixed up in your head when you're tired.

  "Of course, I apologize silly me. What is your name? If I may ask". The strangers' voice is polite and holds an air of regalness despite its gravelly tone. "I'm Hope, Hope Lawson. It is nice to meet you". I offer my hand in greeting and he takes it.

  "A pleasure to meet you, Hope, My name is Silas Kouris. You look remarkably like someone I knew long ago. When you passed by the resemblance was so strong that I called out. I hope I did not scare you".

  Ending the handshake I wave away his worry "There was no need to apologize it was a simple mistake that happens often. Besides catching me off guard there's no harm done".

  Silas smiles softly and dips his head slightly "I appreciate your understanding but it is probably about time we both go to our rooms. If we aren't careful morning will arrive with us looking tired and ill-prepared for the day".

  I have to agree with Silas and wish him good night before continuing my stroll back to our suite. Something about him seems familiar and I can't quite put my finger on it so I give up.

  Once in the room once again I jump onto the luxurious mattress except this time sleep welcomes me kindly.

  Chapter 51

  Hope

  My late night outing had not gone unnoticed. When I've showered, done my hair and light makeup, dressed and stepped out into the common room there was no one but Maximus.

  He is looking devilishly handsome in a sharp three-piece gunmetal suit without the jacket. The sleeves of the crisp white dress shirt were folded up to the elbow revealing his muscular forearm.

  His eyes looked impossibly blue today and almost glowed like bio-luminescence in the deep sea. Striking, powerful and unbearably beautiful. Honestly, those are words that could simply describe the man himself.

  I almost felt embarrassed at openly checking him out but quickly realized Maximus was doing the same and in fact complimented me while running his fingers down my straightened hair which I had done for the first time in years.

  That is when he brought up hearing me slip out and back in then asked if all was fine. I was able to quickly reassure him I just couldn't sleep when the others finally emerged and we made our way down to the meeting room.

  The room itself was the size of a giant ballroom and that only added to my nerves. I kept myself looking composed and unaffected on the outside but I still appreciated when David and Maximus both squeezed my shoulder in support before we walked in.

  Once inside and seated everyone was formal and all business. The Enforcers were standing by the wall behind us while Maximus David and I were seated.

  The table was heavy and massive easily able to accommodate a few dozen men. Raised slightly higher was a platform with a much smaller table where it appears the council often sat to oversee issues. This time though since we were few we all sat at one end of this table together with them around the head of it.

  Looking at the men settling down as we prepared to begin I made eye contact with a familiar face from last night. Silas sat beside the older looking man at the head of the table and he gave a barely perceivable nod in my direction when our eyes met.

  Somehow his presence among all the unfamiliar faces feels comforting even reassuring and my nerves start to calm. Introductions were made and then the meeting officially began.

  I tried to remain as focused as possible not wanting to let my mind wander and be caught off guard. The discussion was long and a lot of speculation and possible theories were thrown back and forth.

  When my turn came I stood and spoke as confidently and clearly as I could. My research hasn't led to much so far but a couple of the council members seemed impressed at how detailed and in-depth it was.

  Then I'm once again seated and I feel Maximus discreetly squeeze my trembling hand beneath the table.

  I risk a side glance at his face and he looks as stoic as ever now speaking again but there's something shining in his eyes and I hope I'm the reason for it although that's so presumptuous of me.

  I can't help it though, all I wanted was to make Maximus and David proud after they have trusted me with this.

  We break for a small lunch and they reconvene without me this time. I am left to my own devices with one of the Enforcers Ezequiel who is Jonah and Emma's father to look after me.

  While leaving I once again felt Silas eyes on me and I have to wonder who Allegra is or was. What did she mean to him? Did something
happen to her? The flicker of sadness that clouds his eyes every time he looks at me lead me to believe the answers aren't good.

  For a while, I just mill about before going back to the room to make sure all of my stuff in neatly packed away and grabbing one of the books I brought. Assuring Ezequiel that I will be fine on my own and he is free to do what he wants I make my way to a small garden I had spotted out back.

  Despite what I said, Ezequiel still followed at a distance not wanting to go against his Alphas order to stay close to me. That is fine, I really don't mind it I just didn't want him stuck being bored babysitting me.