The Moon Goddess' Vessel

CHAPTER 15.

15. Ethan ||

I was so concerned when Rachael told me Sirius was here, that my heart almost left my chest. I had momentarily forgotten that there were people around me as I grasped her face gently, looking for injuries.

If we were in the castle, my father would have said I was showing weakness to the people. But I was just really upset. I couldn't explain it. Anytime Rachael was involved, I was very upset.

"What are you doing?"

It took me a while to recognize Naomi's voice as Rachael and I turned our heads simultaneously. I hadn't sensed her there at all.

"Why are you holding her?" Naomi asked. A grown was evident on her face.

I got on my feet slowly and glanced outside at the approaching guards. "Sirius was here." I turned back at Sarah. "She's lucky he didn't hurt her. I don't even know why he did that," I said.

I thought I saw Naomi glaring at Rachael. "Is the vessel okay?"

"She is fine and her name is Rachael," I reminded her. "At least she's a person. Treat her like one." Rachael did nothing and listened quietly, which was rare.

"She's been with the humans long enough, how can you be sure that we should support her?" She said behind me.

I saw it was inappropriate for Rachael to hear us. "What are you doing? Why are you supporting Ethan?"

Rachael cleared her throat. "I still don't understand why you people hate humans," she spoke for the first time.

Naomi's face slowly went into a frown. "Isn't it obvious? Humans are not honest creatures, they have greed and they only go for individual glory. They kill the world with any little chance they get, committing mass murder crimes by wiping out entire races with crazy weapons. And you want me to trust her?"

"That's a good one," Rachael nodded. "But the wolves aren't any different. You also kill humans when you get a little annoyed." Rachael moved closer. "I've seen humans almost snapped in half because they stared too long at a werewolf."

"That's enough," Father's voice boomed. "What's going on here?" He glanced at the sleeping Sarah. "Ah, I see. So that's what caused the commotion?"

"Sirius, he did this to her, he was here." I pointed at Sarah.

"I see, can you come with me for a moment? Alpha Rutherford wants to talk to you too," he said.

I glanced at Rachael. "I will be back, just stay with the guards." Naomi folded her arms and walked away.

Most council members had started to leave because the meeting had been concluded or they stood around talking to themselves. And there were lots of guards present inside now. Even Sirius wouldn't attempt to appear again.

Aloha Rutherford waited at the table and folded his arms.

"My lord, you sent for me?" I asked as I got closer.

"Yes, I did. You know, I like the adage that says I scratch your back and you scratch mine." He rubbed his hands together.

Father and I exchanged looks and we smiled briefly. "Sure, dear alpha," I replied.

Alpha Rutherford lowered his voice and his eyes travelled. "You know why I accepted this right? It's because of the upcoming wedding between the two of you. The union will mark a powerful era in our history. I believe you are a man that takes good judgement, isn't that right, lord Ethan?"

"Thank you very much. I entered to stand by our agreement. It would be very bad if something bad were to happen," I said. His demands felt selfish to me. I was also getting married to his daughter. Not like I was driving my way. Through.

"But I'm a little concerned about how you will handle the matter. Why then, do you get close to the woman like you know her?"

"Because something bad happened. I only worry about her wellbeing, sir Rutherford," I grunted.

"No need to jump to conclusions; I will honour part of my deal," I assured him. There was a chirping sound in my ears and I recognized the sound of the headphones. "Sorry, I will have to step away." I excused myself.

"It's alright, I will handle the rest with him, go." Father tapped my back.

I moved away from them to a quieter side of the mansion and listened. "Yes, talk to me?"

"My lord, it seems Sirius Jaeger was sighted outside town. There is no trouble today, it's going very smoothly....too smoothly to be comfortable with."

I glanced at my watch. "You can never be more careful. Prepare the cars, we are going back home. Keep your eyes peeled in the process." He was fast, he left even before the guards were able to detect him.

"Yes sir."

I tapped the buds, and it powered out and walked back to Rachael. Naomi was long gone, but Sarah had just gained consciousness.

"How do you feel?" I handed a bottle of water out. Sarah was reluctant to accept help from me and turned to

"My lord, thank you very much."

"You should actually thank Rachael," I said instead.

Rachael frowned at me. "Why? Why should she thank me?" She retorted.

"Because you stayed by her side when she needed help. That's just it. It's possible that Sirius changed his mind from his attitude."

"Who's this Sirius guy? Why does it seem like he is some super bad person? That I must not talk about?"

"I will tell you when we return, now's not the place." I lowered my voice.

Two of our own guards came and took Sarah away ahead of us.

"We need to talk," I told Rachael. "It's important, regarding what we will be doing in the next few days." I started walking with her outside. Her veil was back on her head.

"And what's that? I thought my life was boring and I was going to die behind the tall great walls—"

"You will have to train for a while, it seems you don't have any basic self defense knowledge."

"Self-defense?" She raised her voice.

"Yes, self-defense. This is in case I am not able to protect you; it's the last line of defence. I have a feeling the next few months will be very rowdy," I explained. "Everyone at the table accepted, but I know most of them want to have you killed or kidnapped."

Rachael's shoulders dropped quietly. "Why does it seem like it gets worse every time I think something good is happening?" She pulled at the sleeves of my shirt. "What about you? Where will you go if our defence is gone?" Her eyes looked up to me, there was something in her voice I hadn't noticed before and it had me leaning towards her.

I swallowed before answering. "Isn't it obvious? I will be putting my life on the line protecting you? Now I promised your uncle—I promised him I will take care of you, and I will see to that." I felt like I said something I shouldn't have said.