The Wolf King's Luna

CHAPTER 18

CATHERINE.

For some reason, the sun's rays are starting directly into my eyes, a development that does not make sense because I always keep the curtains drawn shut.

"Ugh," I groan as I turn the other way only to be met with the same predicament.

Who pulled open the curtains?

I slowly open my eyes and I am met with a grinning Melissa.

On my bed.

Lying right next to me.

"Gah," I scream as I tumble off the bed.

"Oh, my goddess. Are you okay?" she asked as she scrambled to the side of the bed.

I look up at her in shock.

"What were you doing?" I groan out from the floor.

"Waiting for you to take up so we can go shopping," she answers.

I crawl up to my feet and ask, "Are you the one who opened the curtains?"

"Yeah, I didn't want to disturb you so I figured nature would do the trick."

What?

"Are you ready to go?" she asks

"Go where?"

"Shopping."

"Wha-, I just woke up," I tell her.

"Right. Sorry, you will want to have your bath and breakfast, yes?"

"Yes, if that is not too much to ask."

*Not at all. I am sorry, I know I am coming on strong, I am just so bloody excited. You are out Luna and so perfect. I love it. I love you."

I wonder, would you still like me when you find out I am from the Skylight pack or that I am planning on running away?

"I will leave you to have your bath and dress up. You can meet me in the kitchen when you are done," she says as she walks out, leaving me to my devices.

I head over to the bath for a hot shower. The hot water relieves my body of any tense muscles.

After that, I dress up in a pretty cream-ruffled top paired with a pretty high-low, peach-colored skirt. I arrange my hair into a sideways ponytail and after applying some lip gloss, I head out of the room and down the stairs.

The kitchen is empty, save for Melissa.

"Where is everyone?" I ask.

"Uhm, Damon had to train some of the wolves today, Ryder is on patrol duty and Mom is cooking for the children today," she answers as he throws what looks like crumbs into her mouth. "Here you go," she says as she places a plate of muffins and coffee in front of me. "food for the gods."

"Thank you," I say as I dig in.

"So, how are you liking the pack so far?" Melissa asks as we drive out of the pack.

"It is great," I answer, my eyes scanning and taking note of the patrol positions and the security around the pack. I also make a note of the landmarks we pass on our way. "Everyone is so great and welcoming. It has been wonderful."

"I am glad. You will find that most of the rumors about our pack are just that, rumors."

I can already see that.

"Are you saying that Damon doesn't hang the heads of his enemies at the borders of the pack?" I ask.

"Oh, he does. Out of necessity and to make a statement. I can assure you, he doesn't like it. He doesn't like killing either. He is just a big baby. A serious big baby."

I smile at the description. It kind of fits him.

The entire car ride is full of getting-to-know-you banter, it almost feels like she is fishing for information. But she doesn't press me and she backs off when I get antsy.

"Ugh," I groan as I crash onto the bed, loads and loads of shopping bags littering the floor.

"That was fun" Melissa remarks.

I am firmly of the belief that nobody in this pack does things in moderation.

She said shipping. I thought of a few clothes, a few shoes, and the like.

It felt like we bought the whole store, and more are still to be delivered tomorrow.

The amount of money spent on me today is almost enough to make me rethink my plan of running away.

Almost.

I feel terrible, knowing that they have just wasted their money but I can't risk my life. I just started living it.

"I am tired," I cry out.

"Me too. How about we leave this here till tomorrow? We will sort it out then."

"Fine by me."

I will be long gone by then.

I watch her pick herself from the floor and walk out while I go for a shower to wash the sweat off of me.

I checked the time and it is just past three. I crawl into bed for a quick nap. Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

A three-hour nap and prepare for my escape.

I wake up with a start.

Looking around, I see the sky is already black and that it is past ten.

Even better.

With astonishing adrenaline, I leap off the bed and pack up some bare essentials. A few changes of clothing, two pairs of heavy-duty boots that I had shamelessly asked for, and a long thick coat for the weather.

I found a pen in one of the drawers and wrote a short note.

I am sorry.

"You are making a grave mistake."

I don't respond.

I notice a tray on the shelf and figure that someone has delivered my dinner.

I practically inhale it all and head for the window. Looking around to ensure there is no one passing by, I jump down and take off. Careful by going through the paths that I am sure no one would cross. At least for a while.

Just as I am close to the clearing, I hear a mastering of voices. I quickly duck under a large crevice and wait for them to pass me by.

A few minutes later, their voices are gone and I come out of my hiding space only for me to hear a snapping from behind me.

Before I can turn around, I am hit with such force that darkness envelopes me before I hit the ground.