Chapter 6

“I came here to talk to you.” Moore said. He walked over to the chair opposite Estelle’s and sat down. Following his actions, she sat back on her own chair and looked at him, trying to ignore the weird feeling in her stomach. She must’ve drank too much of the soda miranda gave her at dinner.

“I think it’s time we get to know each other.” He started. Estelle gulped in her throat, feeling nervous with where this is going. “For starters, why don’t you tell me your full name?”

Relieved at the simple question, she answered, “Estelle Andres. And you?”

Moore is glad that she didn’t whisper or mumble like she always does. Seems like spending time with Miranda gave her a little confidence. But, Andres? Where has he heard that name before? Shaking his head, he’ll think about that later.

“My name is Moore Corcoran. But you can call me just Moore.” His lips quivered into a smile at seeing Estelle’s brow scrunched upon hearing his name. Many have mentioned that it is a special name given to him during the moment his life changed.

“It was given to me by the Goddess.” Estelle’s brows shot up at that. The Goddess gave him that weird name? Does that mean he met her?

“Are you saying that you.. you met the Goddess?” She asked hesitantly.

Smiling, he leaned forward in his chair. “Yes. But that would be a story for another time. For now, let’s talk about you.” Estelle gulped, dreading this moment. She knew sooner or later they would interrogate her but she was hoping she could avoid it.

“What do you want to know?” She asked.

“Were you born without a pack?”

She shook her head, “No.. I used to have one, many years ago. It wasn’t small but it wasn’t large either.”

“What happened then?” Moore asked.

“Eighteen years ago, there was a massacre. I don’t remember much but my.. friend told me that a large pack of rogues attacked my pack. No one survived except for him and I, along with three others. I was three years old then. He was given the order to bring me to some safe place. My parents were the Leaders of the pack. It was called The Dawn.” She bit her lip.

Moore tilted his head at the mention of her pack’s name. He recognized the pack and its Leaders. It was one of the packs that allied with him. They got a call for help the day the pack was butchered but even with fast runners, by the time they got there everything was ruined.

Her parents were the Leaders, which means she was supposed to inherit the position. Leaders naturally have strong auras but why is hers so weak? He wondered.

“I knew your parents.” Moore gave a slight nod. “They’re powerful, with Alkaios and Andreas blood strong in them.”

“How did you know them?” Estelle asked.

“They’re my allies. One of the packs who is familiar with mine. I was told of the ambush the day your pack was attacked but I couldn’t get there in time. My companions, who are capable of... faster travel, weren't present so we had to run. And your pack’s location is the furthest from here.” He explained.

Estelle bit her lip. So her parents knew her mate? What a small world. Stumbling upon a pack that was once her previous pack’s close contact. She tried to remember anything about her parents mentioning him but a four year old’s memory is very distant; it had mostly faded. She doesn't even remember much of the attack, just what she was told by Tyler.

Forcing her brain to remember makes her head hurt so she changed the subject. “May I know why there are other creatures in your pack? From what I know, most species don’t get along with each other.”

She watched him smile at her question, as if he were expecting it. “My pack is bizzare. I consider them my family, which is why I asked them to stay here with me. The witches were sworn to protect me and the Vampire's Master once helped me and in return, I offer a recluse for him and his followers here. 

Unfortunately, only his followers remains.” A flash of sadness crossed his eyes and for a moment, she wondered what happened to the Master. Vampires are loyal towards their kind. And for them to address Moore as Master when the previous had passed, they must’ve trusted him a lot. Not only trust, but loyal as well since he isn’t one of their kind. It is unheard of for a species to take up another species, especially an enemy, as their leader.

“I told the Vampires that they are not obligated to follow me. But they insisted. Some did go, but they always come around once in a while. So don’t get startled when you see a new face around at random times.” He said.

“But how do I know if it isn’t the enemy?” Estelle asked.

Moore smirked. “This place is well protected. You would only find it if you know what you’re looking for. Even then, to enter, there’s a line you have to chant. Courtesy of the witches. Which really makes me wonder, how did you find this place?” He asked again.

Estelle sighed. No matter how many times she explained, it still sounds unbelievable. Even Miranda didn’t seem to believe it. “I told you, something calls me to this place.”

“Hmm.” He let it slide. She must be telling the truth. He didn’t sense any untruths from her. It pains him, doubting his mate. But he can’t just let it go that easily. Mate or not, if she can find it, someone else can too. He’ll have to look into it more later.

“What about the others?” She had to ask.

“Others?”

“The.. Incubus.”

“He’s my most trusted friend. We were both caught in the same bad situation and we got out alive because of each other. I got his back and he’s got mine. It’s been like that ever since.” He shrugged, looking casual. But Estelle could see the bond they share from Moore’s tone when he talks about him. There’s so much that she doesn’t know about Moore.

“There are other creatures that reside here too. Don’t worry though, they won't harm you.” He smiled.

Estelle nodded.

“How has Miranda been treating you?” He asked.

She smiled. Miranda has been really helpful. Showing and teaching her the ways, introducing her to a few people and even making her laugh. She realized, there’s more to the supernatural world than she can understand. She had really been living under a rock. Can’t blame her for that, with Tyler putting her on lockdown 24/7. Still, she should’ve tried harder to get away. She missed out on so many things.

“She’s amazing. Taught me a lot.” She replied.

Moore nodded, relieved that she has a friend to guide her.

“Can I ask you something?”

She gave a small yes. “Who is Tyler?”

***