I could feel his presence. So domineering, almost suffocating. While I felt confident I could stay hidden, it was only a matter of time before he discovered my hiding space. Making a run for it didn’t seem a viable option. Besides, this is my garden. I have very few things that are mine, but this is one of them. How dare he intrude on my space.“ I have no desire to kill you, sir. Although perhaps I should since you are trespassing in a space that does not belong to you.” My hand slammed over my mouth in an attempt to stop any other words from carelessly falling out. After the words tumbled from my mouth, I was surprised I had the audacity to say them. I was strong and powerful, but I doubt I would prevail in a one on one fight with this stranger. I said what I said, though. At this point, I had to stand my ground and suppress my fear. Luckily this boldness came while I still remained hidden in the bushes. “Show yourself!” His tone flat and emotionless yet menacing nonetheless. He
“I will belong to no one, unless I choose it.” I saw amusement sparkle in his eyes. As quick as it came, it was gone. Replaced with a cold stare.“No one can escape their destiny.”He stepped away from me. His hand leaving my throat. “You should leave.” He commanded. “Did you forget this is my garden? Shouldn’t you be the one to leave?”In a flash he was upon me, his hand around my neck. “Do not test me, girl.” He growled. The roughness of his voice coupled with his hand on my throat had me wanting to make nothing but reckless decisions. “Why? Will you punish me if I do?” I said wantonly. I blushed at my boldness. Never before had I been so bold, especially to a strong male wolf. The shock of my boldness hit instantly, when I realized I was little riding hood in this scenario, not the big bad wolf. My lip trembled as the realization hit that I was playing outside of my league. “Punish you.” He said both words slowly and deliberately. His voice a deep rumble that reverberated ar
My body was heavy with exhaustion the next morning. The first hint of light was on the horizon and I was preparing the breads for breakfast. Bagels, danish, and croissants all had to be shaped and baked. As I portioned and formed the bagels I let my mind drift back to the night before. I am determined to identify last night's stranger. His aura seemed too strong to be a slave. He was likely a warrior assigned to the royal guard. He had to have already had his moon ceremony. His wolf was magnificent. The Kingdom of the Moon pack membership is by mating or invitation only. The royal pack is run on a very literal interpretation of rules of class and hierarchy, as is outlined in the sacred texts. No tradition is too antiquated to be enforced within this pack. Other packs comply with the rigid rules and strict interpretations when in the presence of the royal family and clergy. Once left to their own controls, the Alpha of the pack determines local customs and interpretations, but unde
The estate was bustling. The soft sounds of people conversing and working in the distance disrupted my walk to the chicken coops. Usually, the estate is tranquil. The only sounds are insects, livestock, and birds. This time of year, I listen to the long whistle mating calls of the quail. I walk on a cut path through the field to the coop and on occasion will startle a pair of quail from the grasses and delight in watching the way they waddle run to the next hiding spot. I hear the starlings chirps and whistles. Their feathers a stunningly black iridescent speckled with rainbow hued white and brown. During the heat of the summer their beaks are a stark yellow, long with a sharp point. When I have a moment to steal away, I love laying in the fields watching the large flocks of starlings make shapes in the sky. If I was lucky I would see the beautiful red bird. Legends say that the red bird is a messenger from the spirit world. To cross paths with one is a sign that lost loved o
“Silk, satin, lace— oh yes! You MUST have lace, taffeta, chiffon, charmeuse, organza, tulle so much tulle! Oh we can do so much with what I’ve holed away all these years my girl!” Agatha gushed. We are tucked away in the corner of the sewing room with sketches strewn about the table and floor. It’s overwhelming. “Lace… ummmmm I—“ “Lace! Of course you will have lace! At least to cover your head for the temple ritual!” Agatha insisted. “I just want something simple. Not too complicated. Elegant and…” I was searching for a delicate way to tone down Agatha’s enthusiasm. “Oh you will be ELEGANT! Ravishing! Demure! You will be the talk of the moon ceremony. Nothing but the best for the Alpha’s daughter!” Agatha jubilantly decreed. Agatha has been at this estate as long as I remember. She served my father’s household before Osiris. She became a mother figure to me when he passed away. The next hour was filled with sketches of all sorts of dresses. Mermaid, trumpet, A-line,
“Malakai planned to hold the children of each alpha family of the realm hostage in exchange for each pack swearing fealty to him and proclaiming the Kingdom of the Moon pack the King and overall Alpha of the realm.” My father explained. The fire popped in dramatic timing. I gasped. The idea of being taken from papa and mother shook me to my core. “Th-that’s awful” I stammer barely above a whisper. “It was absolute panic. All the alphas awoke after the blood moon to discover their children had vanished. Each pack assembled hunting parties to search for the missing children. Malakai had taken the children into the deep cave system on the Kingdom of the Moon pack territory.” “Malakai then called a summit of all Alphas. It was held at the edge of our territory. Where the black woods meet the wheat fields at the northernmost tip.”My father had always warned against venturing too close to the black woods. The woods were so thick with trees and underbrush, it was shaded even on the most
“Professor says we have to sign up for the Harvest Fair by the end of the week.” Dmitry explained. “We have to enter at least one contest in order to get our participation grade.”“What contests will you be entering?” I asked as I prepared the vegetables for supper. Dmitry would tell me about his school day each afternoon as I made dinner for the staff and the Alpha’s family. This was the best part of my day. “I think my best chance is in wood crafts. I've been whittling a barn owl. His wings are outstretched and talons ready to snatch an unsuspecting field mouse.” “I can’t wait to see it!”“I definitely want to enter the pie eating contest. I’m sure I won’t win but losing never tasted so good!” He patted his belly in a fit of giggles. “I heard this year the pies will be made of carrots!” I said solemnly as I poked the carrot I was peeling in his direction. “Ha. Ha. You’re joking. That’s not true!”“Oh, but it is!” I counter dramatically. “The crust of the pie will be beets and c
“Come, let me see the dress on you,” Agatha coaxes. I had finished my needlecraft submission, traditional harvest dress. The Harvest Fair was a tradition older than the realm. It was a festival thanking the moon goddess for the harvest that sustains us. It was tradition to make offerings to the goddess, wear bright embroidered dresses, dance, play games, and feast. “I think I need help getting into this.” I grumbled. “Yes, the festival dresses are very form fitting.” Agatha sympathized. I had spent the last year embroidering the birds and wildflowers on the estate to appliqué them to my festival dress. I was saving what they looked like in my muscle memory, so even if I was far away after my moon ceremony I would still remember what they looked like. Agatha got me buttoned in. I stood looking in the mirror, not recognizing myself. “Ah!” Agatha gasped. “You’re so grown! If only your father were here to see the young lady you have blossomed into.” I smiled to stop the tears