Away from the pack

Cassi's POV…

My eyelids felt so heavy—so heavy were they that whenever I tried opening them, it felt like lifting a boulder. Never have I felt so lifeless and almost left with little blood in my system.

Finally, with much effort, I opened my eyes slightly only to behold complete darkness—I didn't have any idea if it was day or nighttime; everywhere was pitch black. The wind continuously left trails of goosebumps on my now pale skin as I tasted my blood, which overflowed from my lips.

“Why … Didn't I slapter to pieces?” I questioned myself in an inaudible tone. There I laid motionless due to the numbness that took over my whole body—my legs inclusively. Then again, I didn't even have the will to stand up. I want to die!

Why can't the moon goddess grant me that simple wish? It's not too much to ask for, right? I assumed my wish came through as bright rays of light emanated from nowhere—so bright it was that I had to shut my eyes.

Briefly, the light disappeared and when I snapped my eyes opened, I gaped and gasped at the presence of two beautiful creatures—I can't sincerely categorize them as normal wolves since they're so fucking beautiful. Perhaps they are celestial beings because no wolf can look this pretty—their overflowing snowy white hair—blemish free skin—mesmerizing crimson red eyes. The two females were clothed in a lengthy white gown, with the wind gently sweeping it on the grass.

They both ogled curiously at me for a long time before they began speaking incomprehensibly. Their conversation was quite long, since I could feel my consciousness slowly drifting away again.

Then again, I felt at peace for some reason—I don't even know where I am, who they are, yet I find solace here. Maybe…just potentially, I'm in heaven and they are angels.

Yeah, that's the only possible explanation.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*

A light groan elicited from my lips, and the flickering of my eyelashes followed. Unlike the previous time, I didn't find it difficult, but awoke with ease.

Steadily, I sat upright on the bed and held my forehead with my right hand—I felt so fucking light-headed. Subsequently, I realized there were zero pains surging through my body. Sharply, I removed the blanket from my body, before roaming my eyes swiftly over myself. I'm clothed in a white robe, and when I checked for scars or any signs of injuries, there were none.

“Okay. What the fuck is happening here?” I muttered with a thudding heart; where the fuck am I? How the fuck am alive?

I panicked inwardly, but managed to get down from the bed. Dragging my feet slowly yet fearfully towards the window, I took every detail of the room into consideration—it's aesthetically decorated with a queen-sized bed, and a dark wallpaper and the everlasting fragrance of Rosemary. Going over to the window, I attempted to part the curtains apart, hoping to have a glimpse of the outside world when the door got pushed open.

Fastly, I turned to the door and my eyes met with a middle-aged woman…with snowy but short white hair.

“You're awake! Thanks for the moon goddess” she smiled heartwarming as she stepped further in with the tray which I presumed contained my meal.

‘She's a werewolf’ I concluded mentally, due to her scent. I felt highly hesitant to say a word, since I'm still shocked and fucking perplexed.

“Dear, please come” she gestured, still maintaining that smile. Reluctantly, I went over to the couches.

“How are you feeling now? Are you still hurting anywhere?” She asked, worry in her voice.

It felt new and strange and wonderful. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone cared about me.

“No ma'am. Er…uh…can I know where I am, please? Is this…heaven?” I instantly regretted my utterance. She burst into laughter, amazed by the ridiculousness of my question.

I folded my lips, totally embarrassed. Thankfully, she stopped once she observed how flushed my cheeks were due to shame. “Forgive me for laughing, dear, but you're quite the questionnaire” she snickered.

“Yet it's understandable, you see, you're in the Crimson Moon Pack, dear. You were found lying almost half dead at the bottom of that cliff. Did…you jump from the top?” her question was left unanswered since I stylishly ignored that one.

“So…everyone here is a female and possesses white hair and crimson eyes?” I asked, fucking curious—I mean, everyone that I've encountered have these same features.

“Quite correct. Except for Luna—Luna, Celina. Now that you're here, it's somewhat shocking how you smell so much like Luna” she said with an uncertain tone. She took a brief sniff of my hazel brown hair as if trying to ascertain something.

“Okay…” I ran out of words and fell into silence; I hope that doesn't repeat itself; it was really weird. She ultimately introduced herself as Mrs. Smith, the beta in the pack. She was very nice and friendly to me. Afterward, I was dressed in baggy pants and an oversized shirt before being led out of the house.

Apparently, the pack is populated by females with little males, yet the pack was astounding. The people and even the surroundings—it was total bliss. Mrs. Smith and I conversed as we stood at the balcony, but paused when a loud trumpet was heard.

“Fuck! That's too raucous” I mumbled only for her to laugh. “Is that right? Well, it's the signal” She informed me with a bright smile on her face.

“Oh? What signal?” I asked out of curiosity as I tried to make a sense out of it.

“The Alpha and Luna are back. Come, off to the royal palace” She responded and I nodded.

 ★★

“Why does she have Luna's scent?” I heard some ask in what seemed like a whisper.

“Fuck! Her eyes are like that of the Alpha”. Another turned to her friend and said then looked back at me.

“Wait…who is she?” A voice asked and I almost smelled disgust.

“I've never seen her before” Some snarled and I was pretty sure they must have rolled their eyes.

“She's really attractive” Another said and a smile almost curled up my lips.

I have been called many things but never attractive or beautiful or breathtaking.

I could only chew my lips in discomfort as the mummers escalated with every step I took. Never had I had so many eyes gaping at me at the same time—they weren't glaring at me, but their eyes were filled with something else. Mrs. Smith could only comfort me indirectly by flashing me warm smiles simultaneously. “Come. We'll welcome them together” Mrs. Smith held my hand as we halted at the entrance of the pulchritudinous place—not even the palace back at the pack is as breathtaking as this.

Despite how reassuring Mrs. Smith tried to act, they are creeping me out like fuck. Soon, two palanquins were dropped, and a loud cheer erupted from the crowd that had gathered.

“The Alpha and Luna were out fighting a pack of rogues. They emerged victorious” Mrs. Smith said to me, needless of the fact I didn't ask. I gulped down nothingness—won't I get chased out?

I'm technically not a guest nor was I born here—I'm a rogue, right? Won't they chase me out? All these thoughts caused my heart to thump recklessly and sweat accumulated on my forehead.

The figures alighted from the palanquin—the Alpha I presumed was easily handsome with a pair of crimson red eyes but bestowed with immaculate white hair, while the Luna was simply…. Surreal.

Then again, I found it strange how similar and utterly familiar our hair was. Apart from that…we shared some features. The Alpha and I shared the same celestial nose—the Luna had the same redness of my lips. “Like…what the hell?” I batted my lashes confused, and unknowingly, Mrs. Smith smiled brightly, staring at me.

“Welcome back, Alpha Vincenzo!” The people yelled.

“Luna Celina welcome” Some called out.

“We missed you two!” Others yelled.

“Thanks for the handwork!!” Some said.

“You're loved.” Others screamed.

All their voices blending into one another that one could barely make out their words.

The two mates waved sweetly at the crowd while walking towards Mrs. Smith and me. Ultimately, they arrived at the entrance.

“Welcome back Alpha and Luna” Mrs. Smith bowed respectfully, and I did the same. I refused to lift my head up since they were yet to leave.

‘Huh? What the hell is it now? Did I do something wrong? I'm sure I haven't, so why can't they walk away already?’

I thought worriedly, only for a light step to be heard.

“Your…name?” the sweetest voice I never imagined existed asked, getting me to lift my eyes up.

“Cassi… Cassandra Williams” I responded slowly, highly agitated. “Cassandra?” Alpha, Vincenzo repeated before exchanging a surprised glance with Luna Celina. Silence stepped in for a short time before my hands were suddenly cupped by Luna.

“Lu… Luna!?” I stuttered shockingly, not because of the sudden hold but the gleeful smile she's portraying.

“Luna Celina? What's the matter?” Mrs. Smith asked from behind. Luna didn't respond and instead led me into the glorious living room.

“Seth? Seth! Seth!” she began yelling, a bit hysterically if you ask me. I became so confused I couldn't even speak again. Glanced at my wrist which was encircled by those delicate fingers of hers, I smiled, unexpectedly relaxed by the tenderness of her hold. A young man dressed in a shabby cloth came strolling lackadaisically.

“Luna Celina, you're back? Welcome. How was the …”

“Forget about that now, Seth. I need you to carry out a test right now.” she tapped demandingly, then let go of my wrist.

'I'll be back sweetheart' she smiled beautifully at me then went over to the young man. While I stood there, completely fazed, Alpha Vincenzo came to stand beside me.

“Al… Alpha?” I stuttered, a bit intimidated by the overly powerful aura hanging over him. He glanced down at me and smiled charmingly at me too.

“My,you're so beautiful, Cassandra” He said, his voice so calm and cool.

I felt a kind of tugging feeling in my chest once he called my full name—it sounded so…. Peculiar with his voice. He caressed my hair gently, staring down at me with unhidden care in his eyes.

“Cassandra JoAnn” the name he called got me staring wide-eyed at him.

“How…how do you know…my middle name?” I stuttered, now staggering away from his hold. He chuckled softly; in his eyes was the look of unusually warmness - Cassie had only been looked like that by her parents. Why would an Alpha be staring at her like that?

“I know because I, personally, gave you that name, JoAnn”