I smiled and nodded in understanding. “Sorry to make your realities worse, but there’s definitely something going on with the wendigos. There’s just certain behaviors that don’t feel right.”
He sighed, and I saw the age on his face for a second. At only 25 years old, the stress was catching up to him. “Them taking the bait is definitely a cause for concern. They were organized, and it seemed like they know what they’re doing. That’s uncharacteristic. What if they’re some new breed? They could be mutations of the wendigos from the past?”
I sighed, “That probably makes more sense than them following a leader. Save some bodies for testing? I’m sure you can get something out of it. Compare it to the characteristics of a werewolf, I guess.”
“It’s not really your problem anymore, is it? With you going back to the island with the lycans.”
“I’m coming back, Jax.” I sat down in the chair across from him. “I’ll come back this time, I promise. This is nowhere near finished.” I thought of Gabby again. I needed to find out everything about the wendigos, to know how to eliminate them forever. I wanted to help Jackson through this and build back up our relationship. I didn’t want to abandon him again. I couldn’t. He stared at me for a while, not saying anything.
“I’m sorry about your pack members.”
I nodded, “Me too. Sebastian says I’ve got an entire pack waiting for me, but it’s still sad, you know. I failed them.”
“Terrible things happen everywhere, don’t they?” It felt like he was trying to say leaving fixed nothing. I wanted to say that it felt like terrible things only happened here, but that would be mean. I found a home when I left, and things fell apart when I returned. Maybe going to Lunar Island with Sebastian would be good.
✽✽✽
I had been too distracted to check for a bruise after the party and didn’t notice it until we were on the ship leaving. Diana had been furious, so it wasn’t a surprise to me. I managed to find my way to the ship’s kitchen, and was holding ice to my face, when Sebastian walked in. He looked at me, but said nothing, going to the fridge instead. He looked inside for a long while before pulling out some fruits. He stood at the counter and cut them, glancing at me every once in a while. He kept smiling, which was starting to weird me out. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I can’t smile at you?”
“Why are you smiling at me?”
He brought his fruit bowl to the table and took a seat across from me. He said nothing, as quiet as he had been the whole time. There were two forks with him, and he handed one over to me and placed the bowl between us. We stared at one another for a little while; him eating his fruit, before I put my ice down and got a strawberry. “You’re pretty.” He shrugged. I choked.
“What?” I managed to get out through my coughing fit.
“You asked why I’m smiling at you. I think you’re pretty. I meant to say that the other night, but nothing really went how we expected it to, did it?”
“I forgot about that. Got all dressed up for nothing. Brett was really proud of his work.”
He smirked, “He had a lot to be proud of. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you the entire party. Not that it lasted very long.”
Clyde. Nat. I frowned, “A lot went wrong that night.”
“Are you saying I’m shallow for thinking about how great you looked, considering how much went wrong?”
I ate more fruit. “I didn’t say that at all. I was just making a comment.”
He stared at me; all traces of joking gone. “Nat wasn’t your fault either. Cain and I should’ve listened to you. You did what you could, your instincts aren’t bad.”
I nodded. “Well, not sure if you heard, but I don’t have a pack anymore. Maverick and Diana don’t trust me because of what happened to Clyde.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes, “We both know you still have a pack, but I am sorry to hear they don’t trust you. It’s hard to gain back the respect of a pack that doesn’t trust you, I would know.”
“Did you ever get a handle on your rebellions?”
“Lucian tells me the people are excited to meet you. That seems to have united them.”
I smiled nervously, “What exactly are we doing there?”
“Nat’s body is being returned for starters. His brothers will want to bury him and mourn. I’d like you to explore the island as much as you can, and then we’ll take part in the mating ritual.”
CHAPTER 26
The island was as beautiful as I remembered last time I traveled here. The water glistened, waves washing along the beach rhythmically. Trees and plant life surrounded the giant stone kingdom. It reminded me what I was here for. This was a business trip; we were here to get stuff done. Leith came up behind me, smiling. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
I nodded, “I can’t help but feel drawn to it. My lycan blood is humming at the chance to be here. My wolf recognizes it as home, she needs this.”
“Does it feel different from last time?”
“Not really,” I shook my head. “I was too anxious to enjoy it. I feel like I’m meant to be here this time.”
“You were always meant to be here. Your mother is here, is she not?”
“Why would my mother be here?”
“What did you think happened to lycans after the war?”
I looked back out at the island, “I assumed they were all executed. My mother was.”
“I’m sorry. I just assumed she came back here.”
Everything would’ve been so different. I’d probably already be with Sebastian. Gabby would be alive. I’d never have to deal with Dad. I never would’ve met Jax or Eli. I’d also feel no responsibility to help, and Sebastian might not have either. “Did a lot of the lycans come back after the war?”
He nodded, “Sebastian insisted if we were exiled, they got to be returned safely. He wanted as little harmed as possible. The only ones who didn’t return were those who wanted to stay. I’m sure many, if not all, were executed or managed to sneak back onto the island.”
I nodded sadly, our conversation ending as we approached the island and got ready to land. I found Brett so we could stick together. He always made things enjoyable.
I tried my hardest to pay attention as we went through the island. I wanted to memorize as much of it as I could this time. Six years ago, I’d wanted it to end as soon as possible and hadn’t paid attention to details.
It seemed like everything was connected. Every building and every street were the same style, all one large design connecting everything together. It felt like a pack which left questions lingering in my mind. Why design it on the premise of community and then decide to overtake the werewolves? I had never really imagined lycans as the type to value pack life. Maybe I was wrong.
They hung banners along streets, congratulatory words strung along every few streets. It seemed they loved Sebastian. People wanted him home.
The castle was simplistic and clean. It felt empty and cold. Cain had collected several guardians upon arrival to help with an arrangement for Nat. Leith had volunteered for administrative duties to alleviate Sebastian. Brett knew his way around and went to reclaim his old room. That left me with Sebastian.
“Your people seem excited you’re back, judging by the banners,” I smiled at him as we walked down the hallway. There were paintings lining the walls, some with people, others of nature and distinct destination points.
“They’re excited about you being here.” He looked at me, “It’s also for the moon festival.”
That wasn’t something that werewolves celebrated. It was one of those things we knew happened but didn’t know anything about. “Moon festival?” I questioned.
“It’s our annual thank you to the moon goddess. Every summer, the lycans throw a big festival lasting several days at a time to worship and praise the goddess. It’s a time of community and life.” He smiled thinking about it. “Tents and booths are set up. It’s a place to showcase what everyone has
spent their time working on this year, from artwork to music to food. Right now, it’s the perfect time for you to be here. You’ll get to experience our culture, and hopefully can find a home amongst us.” He looked innocent, his feelings on display. He really wanted me to fit in here and enjoy it. He wanted me to belong.
I had been paying such close attention to him and his words I didn’t realize we’d come to a stop in front of a room. “This room will be yours. I’m over there,” He motioned to the room at the end of the hall. “If you need anything, don't hesitate to find me.” He didn’t expect to share a room, despite coming here to make me his queen. “I didn’t know if you’d be comfortable sharing a room with me, so I made sure you were still close by but got your privacy.”
“No, yeah, you’re right. Thank you. Privacy is good.” An awkward silence settled between us, as we stood there looking at each other. “Um… I would like to visit the festival at some point. It sounds like fun.”
He nodded, “Awesome. I’d like that too. It’s starting tonight, so maybe we can go through it tomorrow? I’ve got some work to do tonight.”
I suddenly realized how very bored I would be here. I had no knowledge of the place and didn’t feel comfortable wandering around. Was I supposed to sit around waiting for him to hang out with me? “Work? I’d love to help with that if I can.”
He nodded, “I figured you would. I wasn’t sure if you’d want to get settled first?”
“I have nothing to get settled. I’m ready to work when you are.”
“Then let’s go.”
✽✽✽
He told me there were 6 people on his council, including himself. I knew Cain and Leith but wouldn’t know anyone else. When we arrived at the council room, they were standing around catching up with one another. Leith was in between two beautiful women. One of them had a sleeked back ponytail reminding me of the party while the other had wild red curls. They were both heavily tattooed along their exposed arms. They caught my eye as we entered the room, and I felt their eyes sizing me up, no doubt making their judgments about me. I looked away to see that the last council member was Lucian. He had stubble along his jaw just as last time I saw him. His eyes glanced at the two girls and then back at me, a smirk forming as he realized they were staring at me.
Lucian walked over to me as Sebastian left my side to go over to Leith. “I see you’ve returned, Princess.” He lifted my hand to his lips, kissing it gently. “I was sad we hadn’t gotten the chance to get to know one another the last time you were here. If I had known who you were then, I certainly would’ve insisted you stay longer.”
I gave him a small smile. Being near him gave me an unpleasant feeling. “I came back, didn’t I? It appears you’ll get your wish.”
“It does seem like I’ll get my wish after all, doesn’t it? Our parents have all passed, I’m afraid, so it’s important we keep the people left as close as we can.” Sebastian gave both girls a hug, his face lighting up with a laugh at something one of them said. I couldn’t help but raise my eyebrow at what was so funny. Lucian followed my line of sight and chucked slightly. “Princess, you’ve nothing to worry about. You are the only one he is thinking about now, I assure you.” Now? I turned to him, mouth opening, prepared to ask what he meant, when Sebastian cleared his throat.
“If we could all take our seats to figure things out, that would be much appreciated. I’m sure you have some questions.” He made his way over to me as he spoke. “Selene, this is my council. It seems you’ve already met Lucian, and that would be Nomi and Tasmin.” Sleek hair was Nomi, curly hair was Tasmin. I smiled at them and nodded.
“I’m Selene.”
Nomi raised an eyebrow, regarding me coolly. “We know.” Great, as unfriendly as I had thought. I took a seat, not wanting to say anything that could start an argument. They didn’t know me; they had every right not to trust me.
“Nomi and Tasmin are my 3rd and 4th in command.” Sebastian explained, taking a seat on my left. “They stayed behind with Lucian to look after the pack.”
Leith took the seat to my right, as the rest of them filled up the table. “We covered the party, and everything we’ve discovered about the wendigos. I’ve already filled them in about Nat’s death. He’s been given to his family, and they will bury him how they see fit. They know that’s why we came back, but don’t know much else.” He looked at Sebastian pointedly. “And as I’m sure you know; they wish to talk about the festival after.”
Sebastian nodded. “Nat’s death was a terrible sacrifice, but the punishment was severe. I am certain this will aid in keeping the treaty strong.”
Nomi coughed out a laugh, “The punishment was severe? I didn’t see you bring a wolf back with them, so I don’t see how the punishment was even a little bit just. You know we would demand his head.”
He looked at her for a few seconds, “Are you questioning my judgement, Nomi?”
“Everyone knows a wolf’s judgement can be clouded when they find their mate. Yours isn’t even of our kind, so how should I know what to think?”
“My judgement isn’t clouded, and she is a lycan. I wanted the wolf’s head, too, but the reaper wouldn’t allow it. We reached a judgement far worse than death.”
“Half-lycan.” Nomi countered. “What’d you do to him?”
I didn’t like the way she was talking about me with me sitting right there. She could voice her opinions if she wanted, but she wouldn’t act like I didn’t deserve to be here. “My reaper stripped his wolf.” We held eye contact for a while, a silent challenge. I was waiting for her to say something, but she never did. She only nodded.
“That’s the worst thing you could’ve done, Seb.” Tasmin threw him a grin. “Don’t you think leaving might cause a strain in your treaty, though? You deal out a punishment like that and then leave with all your people, including one of theirs.”
“Must we debate the treaty again? I thought we solved this before I left. It was a risk we all agreed was worth taking. I am choosing to trust them.”
“Okay, fine. Why’d you come back then, if you trust them so much?”
I was reeling. She’d called him Seb. And the way they spoke to him, it was like they had no respect for his authority. Any other alpha would’ve put them in their place, but he allowed it. I couldn’t believe it. Sebastian turned to look at me, smiling proudly. “I’ve come to make Selene my queen. We’re going to complete the mating ritual.” The two girls glanced at each other, opening and closing their mouths, as if they wanted to speak but thought better of it.
Tasmin smiled finally, “I’m happy for you Seb. Hopefully your mate is as strong as you think she is.”
I opened my mouth, confused about why I needed to be strong, but not stupid. I knew I had just been disrespected. “She’s stronger.” Leith cut in, his voice leaving no room for argument. What the hell was happening? It felt like I wasn’t in my body. I was so angry, being talked about like I wasn’t even there.
“As much fun as this is,” Lucian cut in, “I’d like to know why you’re bothering with this treaty. Those alphas can’t even respect it while you’re there helping them. What’s the point?”
“Hope.” I spoke up before Sebastian could. “A new future is worth it. They killed my mother for being a lycan, taken from me before I had a chance to know her. We aren’t meant to be fighting one another. The moon goddess allows wolves and lycans to mate because they are meant to be one. Don’t you want a chance at peace?”
He stared at me, doubt on his face. “I… don’t trust them.”
I hesitated, not wanting to offend anyone. “They don’t trust you, and they have more reason not to than you do. Everyone knows who’s stronger, and many of them remember how little of a chance they stood against lycans.” I let that sit in the air, choosing not to try to convince them anymore. I could tell they didn’t like what I was saying, but they knew I was right.
CHAPTER 27
The meeting had gone on longer than I expected, the back a
nd forth arguing never ceasing. We circled back to the conversation of stripping Russel of his wolf; they wanted to know how it happened and who was responsible. Sebastian explained what had happened, but it seemed Nomi and Tasmin didn’t want to accept it. Lucian continued to question the treaty, saying we should let the wendigos wipe out as many wolves as possible first, and then revisit the topic when they had no other option. That was a hard pass.
The mating ritual got brought up, Sebastian being vague about the details, but assuring everyone it would be happening.
They discussed the festival for hours, going over locations for different events. They ironed out who would be where and what it would showcase. They advised him on where and who to visit. They seemed to know who in the pack would be most resistant to the treaty and they wanted to make sure we stopped by to meet them. The lycans needed to feel protected; they wanted to know their alpha and his new mate was acting in their best interest. They wanted to meet me for themselves, to form their judgements before accepting me. Apparently, they had the power of stopping our mating, so it was important I gain their respect. I had never known a pack to be able to stop a mating, and no one seemed to want to clue me in about it.
✽✽✽
I was staring at the ceiling in my room, the sun silently rising outside my window. I spent the night tossing, and turning, more bothered than I would’ve liked to be. Tasmin had called him Seb. Lucian made it sound like he had been with one of those girls before I came into the picture. They didn’t seem to respect his authority, nor were they very pleased I existed. And above all that, no one was handing over information about the mating ritual I had apparently agreed to take part in. My stomach was in knots as I continued to play back the meeting in my head. At the end of it, Leith had walked me back to my room, Sebastian staying behind to talk to his friends. He hadn’t given me any answers or comfort about what I had witnessed.
I was cold, unsettled and unable to relax. My mind wandered through every awful thing in my life, deciding I needed emotional torture and not sleep. I thought of how I didn’t know Jackson; the guilt eating away at me. He was strong and good, trying his hardest to be the best alpha he could possible. Eli and Gabby were in mind, reminding me of all I had lost and would never again have. I groaned, flipping over in bed angrily. I needed this to end. I was so sick of being angry and in pain.
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