Luna of Light

There's no such thing as werewolves!

Gaia

He was a wolf. He was a giant wolf, as silver gray as the moon itself, even as it faded to give way to the sun. It was so clearly Dawson, from his deep blue eyes to his regal stance, even when sitting. But…he was a wolf. Was I a wolf?

Yes, honey, you’re a wolf.

I jumped, astonished at how he had responded to my thoughts. How can you hear me? How can I hear you?

It’s called mindlinking, Luna. Something werewolves can do to keep in communication with our pack.

Werewolves? Pack? What the hell are you talking about? And why do you keep calling me Luna? I’m Gaia!

He laughed. Well, he didn’t really laugh, but I sensed his mirth in my mind as his wolf tongue lolled out.

I know, baby. Luna is your title. The mate of the Alpha, me, is the Luna, you.

Mate?

Yes, Luna Gaia. You are my mate. I am yours. And you are the queen of these lands, my lands, and our pack.

Pack?

Yes.

Of werewolves.

Correct.

Are you nuts? I blinked at him. There’s no such thing as werewolves!

He glanced down at his own wolf body, and then tilted his head at me.

I hate to break it to you, baby…

No! I’m dreaming. Yes. I fell asleep after my birthday party and this is a really messed up dream. Okay. I’m ready to wake up now! I shook my head even as it filled with Dawson’s laughter again. Don’t laugh at me, you d**k!

He sobered. Sorry, you’re right. This isn’t funny.

What did you do to me? Did you drug me? Was it in that necklace you gave me?

He sighed, seeming to run out of patience and got up, pacing closer.

Gaia, I understand that this is a shock for you. I’ve never heard of a wolf reaching maturity without ever even knowing that they were a wolf. Nevertheless, that is what you are. It’s what I am. And your future is waiting for you now. I can be patient, give you as much time as you need to adjust. But this is happening. It’s real. You are a werewolf.

I blinked at him, so confused.

Gaia, think about your human self. Imagine your body, your hair, your arms and legs and face. Think about what you look like and imagine yourself turning from the wolf to the girl.

Feeling like I could cry at any moment, I tried. I conjoured a picture of myself in my head. My tan, freckled skin, my big green eyes and wide mouth, my body, curvy, short, toned from years of cheer, my legs, my feet…

I felt a ripple of energy down my body. All at once my flesh began to shift and my bones cracked and snapped, as I could do nothing but ride it out.

I fell to my knees in the dry, rocky grass, shivering and I realized I was human again…and butt naked.

A warm garment wrapped around me and I was surrounded in Dawson’s amazing scent again as he pulled me up into his arms. “Hi there, my little Luna. Welcome back.”

He scooped me up and began to run at a ridiculous speed through the trees.

“Whe-” my voice was hoarse and gravelly. I swallowed and tried again. I was so freaking tired. “Where are you taking me?”

“Home.” He responded, smiling down at me. I had the awareness to feel relived at that. I pressed my face against his hard, bare chest. He was so warm, and the smell of his skin was mouth watering. I nuzzled against the light dusting of hair in the center of his chest. He shivered.

Easy, Luna. I think we’ve tested my restraint enough for one day. Rest now, my little Gaia. When you awake, you will be home.

I had a thousand more questions. But my eyelids were so heavy, and the gentle bounce of him carrying me through the trees was enough to lull me into sleep.