I could feel his presence. So domineering, almost suffocating. While I felt confident I could stay hidden, it was only a matter of time before he discovered my hiding space. Making a run for it didn’t seem a viable option. Besides, this is my garden. I have very few things that are mine, but this is one of them. How dare he intrude on my space.“ I have no desire to kill you, sir. Although perhaps I should since you are trespassing in a space that does not belong to you.” My hand slammed over my mouth in an attempt to stop any other words from carelessly falling out. After the words tumbled from my mouth, I was surprised I had the audacity to say them. I was strong and powerful, but I doubt I would prevail in a one on one fight with this stranger. I said what I said, though. At this point, I had to stand my ground and suppress my fear. Luckily this boldness came while I still remained hidden in the bushes. “Show yourself!” His tone flat and emotionless yet menacing nonetheless. He

My body was heavy with exhaustion the next morning. The first hint of light was on the horizon and I was preparing the breads for breakfast. Bagels, danish, and croissants all had to be shaped and baked. As I portioned and formed the bagels I let my mind drift back to the night before. I am determined to identify last night's stranger. His aura seemed too strong to be a slave. He was likely a warrior assigned to the royal guard. He had to have already had his moon ceremony. His wolf was magnificent. The Kingdom of the Moon pack membership is by mating or invitation only. The royal pack is run on a very literal interpretation of rules of class and hierarchy, as is outlined in the sacred texts. No tradition is too antiquated to be enforced within this pack. Other packs comply with the rigid rules and strict interpretations when in the presence of the royal family and clergy. Once left to their own controls, the Alpha of the pack determines local customs and interpretations, but unde

“Silk, satin, lace— oh yes! You MUST have lace, taffeta, chiffon, charmeuse, organza, tulle so much tulle! Oh we can do so much with what I’ve holed away all these years my girl!” Agatha gushed. We are tucked away in the corner of the sewing room with sketches strewn about the table and floor. It’s overwhelming. “Lace… ummmmm I—“ “Lace! Of course you will have lace! At least to cover your head for the temple ritual!” Agatha insisted. “I just want something simple. Not too complicated. Elegant and…” I was searching for a delicate way to tone down Agatha’s enthusiasm. “Oh you will be ELEGANT! Ravishing! Demure! You will be the talk of the moon ceremony. Nothing but the best for the Alpha’s daughter!” Agatha jubilantly decreed. Agatha has been at this estate as long as I remember. She served my father’s household before Osiris. She became a mother figure to me when he passed away. The next hour was filled with sketches of all sorts of dresses. Mermaid, trumpet, A-line,

“Professor says we have to sign up for the Harvest Fair by the end of the week.” Dmitry explained. “We have to enter at least one contest in order to get our participation grade.”“What contests will you be entering?” I asked as I prepared the vegetables for supper. Dmitry would tell me about his school day each afternoon as I made dinner for the staff and the Alpha’s family. This was the best part of my day. “I think my best chance is in wood crafts. I've been whittling a barn owl. His wings are outstretched and talons ready to snatch an unsuspecting field mouse.” “I can’t wait to see it!”“I definitely want to enter the pie eating contest. I’m sure I won’t win but losing never tasted so good!” He patted his belly in a fit of giggles. “I heard this year the pies will be made of carrots!” I said solemnly as I poked the carrot I was peeling in his direction. “Ha. Ha. You’re joking. That’s not true!”“Oh, but it is!” I counter dramatically. “The crust of the pie will be beets and c

Mari pulled my hair into an elegant updo and accented it with two small stuffed ruby-throated hummingbirds. There is a male with a pearlescent green body, ruby throat, black chin, and white belly. He is perched as if he is dancing in flight in my hair. The second is a female posed as if the two are engaged in a mating dance, perched above observing the males display. She is a more intense green bird with a stark white belly and what looked like kohl lining her eyes. My make up was done lightly. A glossy pink lip, a coquettish cat eye, and my soft sun kissed skin. A simple, gold silk cord, tied neatly around my neck. It was a bummer to have to wear such a fancy dress the the day of the fair. I had to limit my fun to make sure everything stayed in its place and the gown stayed pristine. “Let’s go. I know Dmitry ran off to the fair over an hour ago. I want to see his wood craft entry!” I protest. “Stay calm. Beauty requires patience.” Mari snapped. “The judge should be looking