The pier on the edge of Stay’s Landing was the only place in town I had ever known true peace.
If I had known what the winter would bring I would have spent more time out on this pier, drinking in the sun and soaking up as much of the seaside breeze as I could have. I’d have filled my lungs with the salty sweet air and held on as tight as I could, praying it would never escape and the peaceful moments that accompanied it would wash away the chaos to come.
But of course, I didn’t know that then. So I look back on those days and remember the serenity that once was, I use those memories to quiet the war raging in my mind, to subside the guilt that filled my lungs.
Stay’s Landing was a small seaside town, tucked between mountain ridges. It housed a modest population - only around 100-something people called this port home, and a few fisherman would come and go. With the expansive mountains and the treacherous seaside it didn’t make for the ideal port of call for many, and the only residents that were left were lifetime Lander’s, as we affectionately called ourself. A lot of us were multi-generational, a family tree sprawled out from pillar to post. I was born here, but my parents were not, making me even more of a rarity. The way my mother tells it, she and my father had separated from their own small town lives in search of something bigger, only toi fall in love with the sturdy trees and crisp air of Stay’s. They bought a tiny cottage deep in the wood, my mother getting herself a job at the library and my father his own at the docks. They were far enough from the bustle of town- if you could call it that- to feel remote, but close enough that they didn’t need a car save for winters. We had a few crickety bikes that we used until the snow was too thick to traverse, and a beat up old Impala for the rest of the time.
Most would get bored of this life, I suppose, but in my 17 years I never had once.
I loved my life, my structure, my routine. Every morning I would wake up to the hum of my mother, singing a forgotten sea shanty as she warmed a pot of coffee on our old wood stove. The house always smelled like cut grass, firewood and cinnamon. You can’t say that smell isn’t cozy. I drank it in, and for that smell alone I loved mornings. This particular morning, the one I remember the most, the summer was beginning to set and mornings were cool. I pulled my curly mess of hair into a bun on top of my head, noting how badly it needed a wash. I pulled a bulky knit sweater over my thin pajama top, letting the yawn escape my lips as I stretched sleepily. The sun was beaming above, my room warmed in the golden yellow of it’s light. I was perfectly content as I traversed the creaky wooden steps down to the kitchen.
Mom stood smiling, a pot of coffee in her hand, “You always manage to find your way out of bed just as I finish the pot!” she smiled, her green eyes crinkling. She had already been up for a while, and was ready for the day. She’d fastened her straight blonde hair into a low ponytail at the nape of her neck, and absentmindedly kept pushing her now too-long bangs out of her eyes. Her coral linen dress clung loosely to her frame, wooden buttons down the front. I envied how naturally beautiful she was, with her tanned skin and her golden hair. She was tall and lean, toned from years of lifting heavy books and gardening. Seemingly the only thing I inherited from her were her eyes, a mossy green that held a knowing sparkle.
I took the coffee cup she handed to me, cradling the warmth in my hands and inhaling the scent, “Mmm, it’s a gift!” I replied, taking a sip of the rich liquid.
“I’ll never know how you drink that stuff black. That’s definitely your father’s genes.” She said, a flash of pain crossing her eyes as she remembered my father. I’d never gotten to know him, he’d been killed shortly after Mom found out she was expecting. It hurt her to relive that day, so I never asked. Truthfully, I don’t think I even know the extent of what happened.
“It makes you tough, mom!” I smiled, bringing her back from her memories. A small smile danced across her lips as she poured her coffee in a travel mug.
“Don’t forget you have a shift in the archives this afternoon, Theo. Mains has something up his sleeve, I wouldn’t be late if I were you!”
I crinkled my nose and smiled as my mother gathered her things in a straw tote, tossing it in the basket on her bike and heading off for another day of books. I had taken up a part time job with the library, too, though my time was mainly spent helping old man Mains in the town’s historical archives. Cataloguing, tagging and dusting took up my afternoons as I listened to Mains’ stories of Stay’s Landing in times of Yore. He was the closest to a father figure I’d ever had, and even though I put on a show about the hard work he made me do I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I soaked in the quiet of our tiny kitchen a little longer and finished my coffee, determined to enjoy my Saturday morning in the sunshine before cramming myself in the dusty basement of the archives. My porcelain skin would never catch a tan, only freckle, but that wouldn’t stop me from trying.
I headed upstairs, pulling on a pair of tattered jean shorts and strappy sandals, pairing it with a loose, sunflower yellow button up top - wooden buttons to match my mom. I shoved the cardigan I had been wearing into a tote bag, along with a book of poetry I had been reading. Looping the bag handles on the doorframe, ready to go, I pulled myself into the bathroom and pulled out my hair from the trap of the bun. My fiery red curls escaped in wild tendrils, bouncing around my face and down to my waist. My hair was a mystery, genetically. My mother, with her pin straight blonde hair, and my father, with his raven hair and Italian lineage seemed an unlikely pairing to produce someone with wild curly locks like mine, but yet here I was. Everyone in town had their own theories of where I’d gotten it from; some said fae, others said the Moon Goddess herself. My favourite was the story of Old Man Mains- and how I got my name.
The story goes- or legend, if you feel like upping the ante- that I, Theo Martin, was forged in fire. My mother was newly single, having lost my father- her mate- tragically months before. She had buckled down, asking for more responsibility at her quiet library job. Mainstay Books- a bookshop turned library turned treasure trove in town was run by old rickety Theodore Mains, but everyone called him Mains. He was getting older, and had longed for more time to quietly spend compiling the historical documents in the archives. My mother, wild eyed, came pleading for more time and responsibility- and he handed over the keys. She was fully in charge of the upstairs bookshop, selling the antiques and knick knacks and loaning books out to Lander’s as they pleased.
It was about 7 months into my mother’s pregnancy when a rogue attack struck town, and a glass bottle on fire was thrown through the window of the little bookshop. As my mother tells it, she tried to get out through the creaky wooden doors but they wouldn’t budge, and the flames caught quick on the old books. She grasped her stomach and said a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess to protect her unborn pup, and reunite her with her mate in the next realm...but as she did a pair of strong arms carried her out into the cool winter breeze, saving her life. Her saviour was none other than Theodore Mains, who had carried her like a feather despite his age. She vowed then to name me Theo, in honour of him.
Just a few months later, there I was- the flames ablaze atop my head.
The story of my namesake always made me feel warm inside, and it made me love my hair early. I was the only person in all of Stay’s landing with red hair, which could have so easily been a curse. It was long, curly and wild- it often took ages to do anything more than a simple bun or braid, but the curls helped make it look a little more put together. I smiled inwardly as I gazed at my locks in the mirror, quickly snapping out of my trance and pulling them back in a thick braid out of my face. I quickly brushed my teeth, washing the stale coffee aftertaste away with the cool mint. I dabbed some chapstick on my dry lips and swept some mascara over my long eyelashes. I was lucky t
My legs burned with each pedal, but I relished in what was left of the summer air. It was September now, and the heat would only last a few more weeks before the dull of fall would set in, chilling the air and dampening the sun. My legs had gotten strong, a mix between the midnight runs I took with Sage and the many years of biking and hiking the Stay’s Landing hillside. Mom and I only took the car out when we needed to, during torrential downpour and when the snow was too thick to traverse by pedal. I couldn’t remember the last time we’d attempted the 4-hour drive through the mountains to the city, we only did it when we needed something Stay’s could not provide, and that was rare.
I stepped out into the cool air and locked the back door behind me, once again tugging to make sure it was tightly closed. Sage was bubbling over, fighting to come forward. I resisted, first scanning to make sure the coast was clear. I ducked behind a stone wall and took off my clothes, shuddering in the cool breeze. As werewolves we were all too used to nudity, but I still tried to cover myself as I scurried to tuck my clothes in my bag, hanging it from my bike handlebars. It was one thing to catch a glimpse of someone in the woods, post patrol and slipping something on. It was another to see them in the buff behind the libra
I stumbled backwards at his words. Inherently, I knew they were true. Only Alpha’s could open a mind link within a pack, so it was at least true he was ancestral of the Ember Pack elders.“How? Who are you? Our Alpha had no offspring.”
Ibolted in my house out of the sudden rain, breathless and awestruck by what had become. I said a silent prayer as I crept up the stairs, begging the Moon Goddess not to wake my mother. I made it to my room without stirring her and quickly peeled off my wet clothes, pulling on the softest flannel pajamas I owned and burying my exhausted body into the well awaited warmth of my bed.
I heard the blood rush in my ears as soon as the Alpha's hand met mine, my body became numb and I counted my breaths, trying to leave my mind open as a vessel to contact my pack. Since Beta Friendrich's death we rarely comminucated through the mind link anymore. It was mainly used in emergency situations or to announce the arrival of visiitors. I could almost hear the sound of the door opening, rusty and creaking in my mind. Before long Alpha Rhode's voiuce rang out, clear through the routes and tunnels of the link, visiting every pack member."My name is Alpha Rhodes, I hereby lay claim to this pack. The Ember Pack will now be joined with the former Kronos and Genesis packs of the West. Any and all questions will be answered in person this evening. Theo Martin will explain the details."I felt the snap as my mind link became my own, now with the murmerings of nervous pack members across the entirety of the town. I swallowed hard, before speaking "Al
The sound of my alarm blaring stirred me out of bed, and I sluggishly pulled myself from the comfort of my blankets to silence it. I was exhausted, my whole body yearned for rest. It had been alert and on edge for twodays now, having been battered unwieldingly by the rapid changes around us. "Don't expect it to stop anytime soon!" Sage warned me, but I knew she was right. Something told me that this would be the first of many days in a row spent training under the guidance of the new Alpha, and my already sore muscles were about to be beaten to submission.I stumbled to the bathroom, hastily brushing my teeth and pulling my thick hair into a bun at the top of my head, securing it with a thin elastic headband and several bobby pins. While I was physically fit enough, I was by no means athletic and my stomach turned thinking about the battering I was to endure. I slipped into a pair of tight wrestling shorts I had bought ages agoto wear when I wore a dr
I had hoped to make it to the car and hope without being caught by Mains or my mother, but Goddess knows I could never be so lucky. She stuck her head out the door toward the back parking lot the minute I walked up to the car, her voice clear and warning across the lot,"Not so fast, young lady. I expect a report!"I sighed, and followed suit, not wanting to play victim to the same wrath I'd felt the day before. My mother swooped on me in the doorway, peppering me with questions about the turnout and the training, asking if I'd learned anything about our new neighbours from the West."Whoa, Mom, slow down!" I laughed, amused at her antics. Ignoring her huff, I patted her arm, "I'm spent. Maybe a seat and a cup of tea?""Fine! But then you're telling me everything!" She said, wagging her finger at me before disappearing to her office to get a cup of tea ready. I made my way over to a soft little nook in the front
The rest of the day milled on, dry and aching as I felt out in the space for my mate. I wanted nothing more than to be with him, surrounded by him and the electric heat that closed the space between us. I so longed for him, but the turmoil of my body and mind were not in harmony. Inwardly my thoughts were muddled, painful. Normally I would turn to my mom in times like these. I would spill my fears over her perfectly cooked eggs at the counter in our little cottage, the hot coffee and morning sunbeams washing away my dread. I thought now to the charred walls and burnt memories, our cottage another ruin in the wasteland my land has become. Even my beloved dock, steadfast and strong as it was, had become much to dangerous for me to sit alone and work through my maze of thoughts. I felt so alone under the weight of my life. What a way to spend your birthday. I thought of my friends, how I so desperately wanted to let them in and to celebrate. I had found my mate! He loved me too! I
As the strategy meeting came to a close and we all retreated to our preparation points I felt the calloused hand of Jonas meet my elbow, his low whisper in my ear."Alpha's chambers, now."His voice was gruff and bone chilling, the fear lingered on the back of my neck as I swallowed it down. Funny how I was not afraid of the battle ahead, but the scolding tone of my own packmate sent my senses into a fight or flight frenzy.As we walked through the wooden corridor towards the office I could pick up the residual hints of my mate's scent wafting in the air. Somehow that reminder of him, that hint of his once-before closeness worked magic in calming my nerves. Seeing his towering, chiseled frame as we broke the threshhold of his office even more so. His back was turned, he'd clearly been pacing, but the crease of his furrowed brow softened as our eyes met.This miniscule act of intimacy was enough to send Jonas back into a rage. His low, ne
The Pack House's Great Hall was a room rarely used. It was reserved for tactical meetings and the occasional party, but I couldn't remember the last time the wide oak doors were swung open, the room aired out and the curtains drawn. With all of our warriors and the visiting help we found ourselves with way too many ranks for any other room, so here we stood.I timed my entrance, not wanting to walk in with Rhodes, knowing I couldn't stop myself from standing too close, his scent intoxicating and the invisible strings tied around our souls straining to pull us back together. I was only a few feet away from him and yet I missed him. I yearned to be next to him, buried safe in his arms and drunk with love and comfort. But being with him had to wait. As blurred as our minds both were with the confirmation of our hunch, there were more important tasks at hand.I stepped over the threshhold, my eyes taking in the rows and rows of brave men and women we had gather
Rhodes drew in a sharp breath, almost a gasp. We stared at each other, in disbelief, drinking the moment. I felt myself being drawn to him, as if a thread was holding us together, pulling us nearer. The only thing I could see were his amber eyes, boring into mine, I swear I could hear the thump of our hearts beating in time, could feel the blood pulsating through my veins. It’s as if the whole world fell away and there was only him.“Come with me.” Rhodes said gruffly, “Now.” His eyes darkened and his voice was rough, he wrapped his calloused hand around my wrist, sparks emanating from his palm as he gently pulled me through the pack house corridors and towards his bedroom.Once we were alone he turned to me,“Is it? Are you…&rd
Sleep came easy, but rest was unrelenting. As soon as my eyes closed I was tormented by images of shadows draping themselves sickeningly across the swells of Stay's landing. Their menacing black grip grasped at our buildings, dragging them from the light and into the clutches of a ravenous night. Truth be told, I had expected the nightmares to come. I had expected the feeling of ice in my veins, of panic and cold sweats and fear as I lie between sleep and waking. In a way this prepared me for the mania that would come, the fear that would undoubtedly paralyse me where I stood. The shadows slunk along the stone pathways of my home, hissing as they slithered like indiscernible snakes around the structures of town. They singed the ground beneath them, the air around them growing thick and warm as the world burned. I felt myself gasping for air as the embers in the shadow's wake begain to flutter as the flames caught. Smoke was billowing all aro
Torrance’s bedroom was already emptier than I had expected. She’d gone ahead and wrestled all of her summer clothes, every tank top and sparkly sandal shoved into trunks and boxes. Her round, bubbly handwriting decorated the sides, little hearts dotting the i’s and swirling underlines cementing in that she was really leaving.“Don’t look so sad, Red. I’ll be back to visit!” She said, sticking out her bottom lip as she hugged me into her.“I can’t help it,” I said, trying to make my tone sound light even though it was weighed down with merciless grief, “you’re my best friend and you’re leaving me.”“I’m going with my mate!”“Why couldn’t you have mated with an orphan with no responsibilities that loves mountains? Maybe a geologist. A geologist would be happy here.”Torrance only rolled her eyes at my antics, her sparkling grin both
The next two weeks were here and gone in a blur, between training and studying and battening down the hatches I began to know myself in a whole new level of exhaustion. Muscles I didn't even know existed ached, I loaded up on more carbs than I even thought possible, I pushed myself past the limit and past the next one too. Even Sage, deep within me, panted for a rest.The promised week of rest could not come faster, I yearned for the days of easy patrol runs and light agility training. I hadn't run for leisure in weeks, and the feeling was sorely missed. I felt a lot of myself slipping. I hadn't been back to my pier since the day my mother left. I hadn't run for myself, I hadn't read a piece of broken poetry or breathed in the calming sense of nature. It felt like an eternity since I paused and felt the earth under my feet, since I felt the swimming thoughts in my mind clear. I felt like I was but a blur.Rhodes had pulled away, too, the pressure of the imp
I was no stranger to the falsified sense of peace that had graced our dinner table the evening before. Everything and everyone I loved shared in the final meal, my mother to my right and Alpha Rhodes seated at the head of the table to my left. Torrance and her newfound mate were cuddled up, sharing in hushed whispers as they got to know one another. Her parents looked on adoringly, and laughter and warmth radiated across the room. I was all but haunted by my conversation with Clarice, the promise of a new and unfamiliar future on the horizon. When morning came, everything would change.As the dawning light crept in the Alpha and I sighed. Neither of us had slept a wink, but we hadn’t shared a word either. It was as if we were both in denial of what was to come. As the frost settled and the cold winter air whipped around the pack house, the haunting whistles made soundtrack to our somber morning. We worked in tandem, handing each other
"Mate."Torrance replied, stepping out from behind me, her breathing heavy. They drifted towards each other weightlessly, almost as if on autopilot, They glided into one another's arms, holding each other at the elbows. Their conversation was hushed, in whispers, as the familiarity of their souls called out to their mate.Leona sighed, and I looked back at her beaming smile, her eyes brimming with tears and pride as she watched her daughter meeting her other half. I beamed, squeezing the Alpha's hand in excitement as I watched my best friend accept her new role. The daughter of a Beta now the mate of another. A Goddess perfect pairing.Moments passed, no one dare interrupt the fate's meeting. The duo seemed to hold the same regard for public forum, however, and they pulled apart to let the official meeting commence. Torrance stood nervously close to her new mate, their arms touching as she let the Alpha speak."Well! Even more now than b