CHAPTER 3

BLUE MOON PACK

HIS GREETINGS WERE simple yet it brings havoc to my system. I don't even know how I managed to go downstairs without tripping.

And how did he know about my birthday? Maybe he knows everybody's birthday. He's the Alpha after all.

I marched to the training ground to find Lorkan. I smiled when I spotted him together with his brothers, Logan and Landon.

My smile widened as I eyed the three. They are triplets and I am five years younger than them. The triplets almost have the same facial features, they even have the same eye color which is evergreen. But it's not really hard to distinguish which is which.

The oldest, Lorkan, bears a cold expression but he's actually the gentle one. He's usually quiet and observant. Then the second one, Logan, was playful and very friendly. His brother even thinks that he's the male version of Ayla. And lastly, the youngest, Landon, is the black sheep of the family, as Logan always claims. He is the mischievous type and has a typical bad-boy image.

Aside from their attitudes, you can also identify them through their hair. The three have curtain haircuts but with different styles. Lorkan's is wavy, Logan's hair is curly, and Landon's hair is straight.

But despite their differences, I know that they care for one another. For three years I've witnessed how they watch each other's back whenever problems arrive.

Moments later, Logan's eyes found me so I waved my hand to greet him. He then left the trainees and jogged toward me.

"Hey, ma chérie! What brings you here?" Logan asked while showing his perfect set of teeth.

"The Alpha asked me to look for your brother Lorkan," I told him.

"Ooooh, is this about last week?" he asked gently.

"What are you talking about, Logan?" I asked with confusion.

He straightened his back and his face turned serious. "Lorkan was given a task by Alpha Lucien but he was unable to fulfill it because he got distracted."

My brows furrowed. "With what?"

"Our brother found his mate."

I gasped and my eyes widened. "He found her already?! Where?!" I can't hide the excitement as I uttered those questions.

Logan then laughed while watching me react. "Yes, ma chérie. And you know that once we see our mate, we literally drool like dogs."

I grinned upon hearing his choice of words. "Where did he find her?"

"He found her in the river where we used to hang out. We decided to visit the river before doing our tasks but all of a sudden, Lorkan's behavior shifted and he was acting odd. He becomes agitated and his eyes darkened. Later on, he hastily left us. We were worried so we followed him but what we saw next left our mouths open. We saw our brother, trapping someone on a huge rock!

"And that's when we realized that Lorkan has found her. But then things didn't go well, Lorkan became unstable and we fear that he might end up hurting his mate. You see, among the three of us, Lorkan is actually the hardest to tame. I tried to restrain him but I was having a hard time and our idiot brother Landon didn't even bother to help me! So I was left with no choice, I bit Lorkan."

My mouth dropped after listening to Logan. I didn't expect it. I've read about werewolves and their mates. It's the red string of fate that connects them with their mate. They said that the bond between you and your mate is strong. When werewolves find their mates they tend to be aggressive and intense. The lust to mark their mate is also strong.

But you can end the bond by rejecting your mate or cutting your red string. Cutting your red string means you won't be able to feel your mate's essence even if your mate is close.

Once your string is broken you will feel unbearable pain. It's like half of you has been ripped apart. You will feel empty and lifeless.

Then I suddenly remember what happened three years ago in the woods of Assura. The unbearable pain I felt that night was so sudden. But it's impossible. There is no way I am destined with an unnatural being, especially a werewolf. A human destined to be with a werewolf is very rare and it is almost impossible.

I snapped with my thoughts when I felt a sudden pain in my forehead. I gave Landon a sharp gaze when I realized he just flicked my forehead.

I was so engrossed with my thoughts that I didn't even realize he was already beside me.

"A penny of your thoughts, bambina? You seemed so lost with your trance," he asked, smirking.

My forehead formed a knot upon hearing him. Another thing about the triplets is that they are so fond of giving me endearments. Logan calls me ma chérie, Landon gave me the endearment bambina while Lorkan's endearment for me is hermosa.

"How's Lorkan doing?" I asked Landon.

"Well... after three days of being chained, he's good," he said with a shrug.

"What do you mean chained?" I asked with my creased eyebrows.

"You see, bambina. Lorkan's mate is from Blue Moon Pack, from the land of Aveion, that's why we have to restrain him because he might do something that will endanger him... or us."

"Yes, yes! Our pack really doesn't get along well," Logan interfered.

"Why? Have done something towards each other?" I asked, concerned. "And is it impossible to fixed?" I added asking.

Landon shakes his head. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't tell."

I nodded my head to let him know I understand. I didn't ask further questions and chose to shift my attention to Lorkan. He seems well but when I looked closely at him, I noticed dark circles below his eyes. And the gentle smile on his lips did not mask the exhaustion on his face.

I feel really bad for his current situation. I do hope that things will eventually go well for him and his mate.

I already informed Lorkan that Alpha Lucien is looking for him. After he left, I also bid goodbye to the two because I still need to do some chores in the kitchen.

*****

"HEY, BIRTHDAY GIRL! Do you have plans for later?" Ayla asked with a grin.

She keeps on asking about my birthday plans. I honestly haven't thought about any plans for my birthday. Well, I do have something in mind but it's not something fancy. Just a simple dinner with them in the quarters.

Ayla is still eying me intently so I told her what I really have in mind. But judging from her contorted face, she doesn't like what I plan to do.

"Sissy, this is the third time you declined to celebrate your birthday. I understand the first time you decline because I know that you're still grieving from your loss and the second time, you claimed that you forgot about it but my mother's memory was sharp so we took you to Ashwood to have fun. But now, I don't think I can let this pass."

A secretly smiled after she said those. But what she said was true.

"We should go out, Sissy. How I wish we could go to town just like before."

"You know we can't. We are forbidden to stroll during nighttime, remember?" I said, reminding her about the house rules.

Ayla then pouted her lips while tapping her foot on the ground. She didn't talk any further but I feel like she has something in mind.

It was dinner so we started to prepare the food for the pack. Nana Selma then instructed some of the servants to bring some food to the meeting room because the Alpha, along with his second and third in command is conducting a private discussion.

After our chores in the kitchen, we finally retired to our quarters.

Around 20 normal beings are serving the pack house. According to Ayla, a limited number of normal beings are chosen to work here.

Each family that serves the pack house has its own shelter. The kind of house we stay in is a bungalow type.

Upon reaching our house, Nana and Mama Melly surprised me. I was shocked because I had no idea they prepared something for me. I almost got teary eyes but managed to prevent my eyes from shedding a tear.

After dinner, both women gave me their presents. It was another surprise from them and I wasn't able to stop myself from shedding a tear.

"Mother is heading to Ashwood tomorrow to visit an old friend. Do you want us to come?" Ayla asks but I can sense a glimmer of hope in her voice.

Ashwood is the largest town in Preousia. It is also where the supplies are being bought. When I visited the town before, I noticed that most people who reside there are unnatural beings.

My eyes found Ayla once more and I secretly smile when I realized that her eyes never left me. Her round eyes glimmered with anticipation.

"Alright, let's go with your mother tomorrow. I miss going in there."

Ayla claps her hand and wrapped her arms around me. "Thanks, Sissy!"

I shook my head and went on with cleaning the dishes. Tomorrow is Sunday, which means we are free from work.

After cleaning our small kitchen, Ayla and I stayed in the living room for a bit. We talked until later on, Ayla rose from her seat and told me she has something she needs to get in our room.

I gave her a nod and waited until she gets back. While waiting, an image of my grandmother suddenly appeared in my head. It has been three years since I lost her but the pain in my heart still lingers. I just hope that wherever she is, she has found peace.

Moments later, I felt something hard nudge my shoulder. I turned my head sideways to check what it was.

"Here, Sissy. It's my birthday present for you."

My mouth parted as I took her present for me. I guess the day won't end without Ayla, giving me a present.

Her present is a book. Aside from cooking, I have a deep love for reading and Ayla is very well aware of that.

We have a library in the mansion but because we are often busy with our chores, I couldn't give myself time to read.

After expressing my gratitude to Ayla, we decided to end our night.

Before Ayla went to our room, I told her I'll stay for a bit to double-check the lock of the house.

After I made sure that everything is in order, I decided to head to our room but I stopped in my tracks when I saw Mama Melly.

"Mama Melly, where are you heading to?" I asked.

She looked startled when she saw me. "You're still awake?"

"Uh, Ayla and I stayed for a bit for a chit-chat," I sheepishly answered.

Her mouth formed a small circle then she told me to get some sleep since it was late.

"How about you, Mama Melly?"

"I need to go back to the mansion. I forgot to place the box of herbs in the kitchen. Doc Morgan needs them tomorrow, early in the morning."

Doc Morgan is a healer of the pack. She was the one who treated me before.

"Let me do it, Mama Melly. Just go back to your room and rest."

She looks exhausted so I insisted on doing it instead.

"Are you certain, Bella?" she asked with reluctance.

I showed her my bright smile to assure her it was fine. "Of course! Where is the box of herbs?"

"It's in the greenhouse. After that, you can place the box in the kitchen because it needs to be cleaned tomorrow."

I gave Mama Melly a nod and then left to get the herbs. On my way to the greenhouse, I spotted Sentinels patrolling the area.

It took me a couple of minutes to find the box. I immediately brought it to the kitchen and place it on the table.

I was already on my way back to the quarters when I suddenly heard noises from the left side of the hallway.

It could be the Sentinels. I thought.

I shrugged and left but then I stopped in my tracks when I heard another voice but this time, it was from someone familiar.

It's Alpha Lucien!

I know that the best option now is to leave but my curiosity is taking over.

"And now you're planning to leave," the Alpha said with a restrained voice.

"Please, I can't keep on doing this Lucien. It's not fair!"

My brows furrowed. That's Lorkan's voice and he sounds... in pain.

"We don't have a choice. You know the Blue Moon Pack won't allow it. They won't allow you two," Lucien answered firmly.

What are they talking about? Does it have something to do with Lorkan's mate? And, wait? Lorkan's leaving?

"What the hell Lorkan! I thought we talked about this?!" It was Landon's voice and he sounds angry.

"I hate to say this but the Alpha's right brother. In the meantime, let's think of a better way for you to meet."

It was Logan. But unlike his brothers, his voice is calm.

"For how long Logan? Lorkan's slowly losing his shit!" Landon exclaimed. "Is there no other way, Lucien? You know we can't let him be this way for too long."

"They won't compromise unless we surrender him to them. We give him... or nothing," Alpha Lucien answered.

"That's bullshit! It's been five years. If we hand him over they'll punish him!" Logan's angry voice echoed.

I'm getting confused. Who are they referring to this time?

I know I'm not supposed to listen further but I really can't help it. I should leave before they see me. But the next thing Lorkan said made me stop.

"I don't want her to suffer like your mate Lucien."

I heard something broke right after he said those. It was so sudden and all I can hear is Logan's nonstop cursing while Landon is asking for help to restrain the Alpha.

"DON'T DISRESPECT ME IN MY OWN HOUSE LORKAN! You know nothing!" Alpha Lucien growled.

"It's true! That night... on Rees' birthday. What you did... I know she felt it."

I don't understand what was happening but I felt a pang in my chest right after I heard Lorkan say those words.

*****

Ed_Dianthe | Ms. Ed