The Cultist

The next day the pack was quiet, but everything seemed to have gone back to normal. It was my day off, and Rhory said he'd come see me at some point - but when? I might as well go for a walk, stretch my legs. There is a path in the woods that leads to a waterfall. I'll go there. 

I toss on something comfortable and head out, leaving Bre snoring comfortably in her bed. I toy with my mother's rose pendant as I walk down and out the dorms, heading outside to be greeted by the crisp fall wind. I love this time of the year, comfy sweaters are my favorite. 

Heading towards the path, I quickly realize I am not alone - running into Juniper seemingly lost and by herself. "Oh, hello - I uh." Juniper fidgets, looking from me to the woods. 

"Lost?" I give her a polite smile. "Where are you trying to get to?" 'Be cautious with her. She smells strange.' Vesper growls, clearly agitated by the new female. 

"Yes-no? I mean...Circe told me Rainer was out here waiting for me." Juniper relaxes a bit, looking at me with a big smile. "Have you seen him?" 

"Alpha Rainer? I have not run into him on my way here..." I look around, taking a sniff of the air to see if I smelled anyone. "Circe told you that? Perhaps she was told wrong? I would assume he is down by the barracks with the warriors around this time..." I think Circe and likely Evette are up to no good, but it isn't really my place nor do I want to get involved in this drama. 

"Oh..." Juniper seems to realize perhaps she was lied to. "That makes sense." That smile on her lips deflated as she looked around. "I should go back to the pack house then? But everyone there makes me...uncomfortable. I feel like they don't like me." 

"Only the upper ranks stay at the packhouse. I would make sense they are all on edge with your arrival. I figure Rainer and Ander are looking to get you a job? You are friends-" I am interrupted by her sudden anger at my words.

"I am Rainer's fated mate! I am to be Luna! I am not just a friend!" Juniper snaps at me, clearly having a moment. Her eyes widen after she realizes what she has said, looking at me apologetically. "Please don't say anything to anyone." 

I just kind of stand there confused for a moment, then Vesper chimes into my mind. 'Cultist. That is why she smells strange. She is one of those brainwashed by the so-called Moon Goddess they serve. Fated Mates are nothing more than a term to control werewolves under the guise of witchcraft used by those cultists that say the Moon Goddess speaks to them.'

This girl is crazy, got it. "I am sorry, Juniper. I know not what you speak. We do not have fat mates in this pack." I raise my hands in a bit of a defensive manner, hoping to not have to deal with a fanatic zealot first thing in the morning. 

"I know..." Juniper says in a sad tone. "Rainer told me that when I told him we were fated. He doesn't understand. How can he not feel the bond? The Moon Goddess made us for each-" "Juniper?! JUNIPER!?" Ander yells from a distance, seemingly searching for the girl. 

I really don't want to be with her much longer so I speak up. "Over here Beta Ander!!" 

She looks at me with a frown, perhaps not wanting to go with him - but fuck you can't stay with me crazy lady. "Beta Ander can help you, Juniper." 

Ander runs up on us, giving me a bit of a suspicious look before looking over Juniper. "Why are you out here? You know you shouldn't wander around with Rainer or myself. Let's get you back to the pack house. It's cold." 

Juniper looks at him with a smile. "I was just going for a walk, Ander. My legs feel restless." 

'Didn't she say Circe told her to come out here?' Vesper grumbles, clearly not enjoying the lie. I mean I don't think outing Rainier's sister for bullying would help her either.

"Thank you for helping her, Omega." Ander looks back at me, giving me a slightly dismissive wave. 

I should say something. I shouldn't say something. Speak. "Beta Ander?" I speak to him as he tries to usher Juniper off. 

He looks back at me. "Yes?" I let out a sigh. "You should tell her to be careful what she says to others. It can cause...misunderstandings." I bow my head, showing I am being sincere and not malicious. 

Anders groans and looks at Juniper, who is looking at him like she stole a cookie. "Juniper, we have told you to not speak of anything to the pack. We don't want people to misunderstand or hurt you. This is not your old pack." 

"I am sorry, Anders." Juniper whimpers as she is dragged off by him, still lecturing her. 

'I don't like her being here...' Vesper mumbles. 

Rainer would not mate with a cultist. Him and Evette have been dating since forever. But I don't know why he'd bring that girl back. I'd be careful of a pretty face if I was him. Seems Evette and Circe are already up to no good with her.