Under The Blood Moon

Isabella

Mrs. Rose

Elle, I think it’s time I told you the reason why your mom fled faerie and the reason why we can’t go back. Years ago, the fairies and the vampires were in a vicious war. See, vampires are very attracted to fairy blood. It is like a drug to them. The fairy blood is known to give them powers out of their wildest dreams. They can walk the day when they feed on us. They are stronger and faster. It also makes them also inherit temporary powers from the fairy that they fed from, so if they fed on a fire fairy, then they would be able to control fire and so on.

This made fairies a big target for vampires. Many fairies would go missing without a trace, never to be heard of again, and then the war started. It was vicious and brutal; both races lost many of their people over greed and power. Until one day, the king of fairies and the king of vampires met and decided to make a peace treaty. The deal was to make an alliance between the two that would make them one. They both decided that their children would wed each other in order to bring peace. Your grandfather decided that your aunt Isabella, who was the first born daughter, would be the one to marry the vampire prince, but upon their visit to faerie, the vampire prince was smitten with their second born daughter, Iris your mother.

He wanted to marry your mother instead. Your mother was willing to go through with marriage until she met your father the night before the wedding, the night your mom and her sister Isabella snuck out of the faerie to have one last night of fun kind of like a bachelorette. That’s when your mother met your father and her mate. It was love at first sight and there was no way she would marry another now. Your mother never told anyone she had found her mate. She went back to faerie and returned her crown that night. Wrote an apology letter to the family and left without a trace. She left with your father for South America and made it almost impossible to be found.

Your grandmother and aunt Isabella were distraught. Your grandfather was angry and felt betrayed. To save face, your grandfather delivered your aunt Isabella to the vampire kingdom to be married to the prince. Everything went well, the wedding happened and went off without a hitch. The next week, there was a box delivered to the King and Queen from the vampire kingdom. It was a box with Isabella’s heart with fang marks on it. The vampires felt slighted and betrayed that your grandfather didn’t keep his word. The vampire prince was pissed that it wasn’t your mother as he was in love with her and called her his beloved.

There was an all-out war after that between the fairies and vampires way worse than before. That didn’t end until the vampire queen was killed along with your great aunt, your grandfather's sister. They were trying to get to your grandmother but killed the wrong person. The war stopped when both sides realized that their race was drastically decreasing. Now your grandparents were heartbroken. Not only did they lose two daughters, but they lost their heirs to the throne. They searched high and low for your mother but she was nowhere to be found. Your grandfather blamed your mother for everything and never forgave her. He declared her dead to him and banned her from the faerie forever. He decided to give the throne over to your great aunt, only child, your mother's cousin. When it was time, he felt responsible for his orphaned niece after his sister's death.

Your mother never forgave herself when she found out what happened to her sister Isabella. She always wished they had taken her with her and felt responsible for her death. That is why your middle name is Isabella, named after your aunt and beloved sister. Your cousin, who recently took the throne over from her mother, is now the current queen of faerie, but she is a horrible self-centered queen worse than her ever was. She has caused many of us to flee the kingdom. Those of us who chose to leave were banned from ever coming back. Years later, we found your mother again when she left South America and moved here. We have been her faithful followers ever since. We don’t blame her for what happened; she should never have been offered up for a peace treaty.

I have always made it hard for your royal essence to be traced by your family back in faerie. That is how they haven’t been able to find you for all these years. I don’t know how they found you now, but it can’t be good. I fear that they may want to punish you for what happened with your mother. Don’t open the envelope, Elle please, I….I will try to find a way to send it back or destroy it. I need to protect you. I promised to keep you safe. You girls and Alex are all I have now.

Elle

Mrs. Rose seemed visibly shaken and worried. I haven't seen her like this since the night our parents died and it genuinely scared me. Mrs. Rose is usually strong and composed even under the toughest of circumstances. All of this information was a lot to take in. I was named after my aunt, the only real family that I have left hated and possibly wants me dead. I hated all of the secrets that were kept from us. I know that our parents wanted to protect us and to give us a normal life, but it just seems like every day something new is being thrown at us. I decided I wouldn’t open up the letter just like Mrs. Rose asked if she was this worried about it, then I should take her word for it. I went to pick up the letter to hand it to Mrs. Rose when she panicked.

Mrs. Rose

No! Don’t touch it! If you touch the letter, it will open and it is sent for you. It can detect your fairy essence and then your grandparents and cousin will know that you indeed received it.

Elle

I pulled my hand back from the direction of the letter swiftly. Mrs. Rose then used her powers to enclose the letter in a glass box. She then grabbed the box and started heading out of my room. She turned around.

Mrs. Rose

I am sorry, Elle, sorry that we hid so many important things from you girls. We just didn’t know how to tell you. Your parents tried their best to keep you away from this world. They didn’t want you to deal with all of the bad things that came with it, but maybe we were wrong to keep this from you and to keep you away. Instead, we should have prepared you for it for the inevitable. For that we are sorry. I promise to try my best to help all three of you through all of this the best that I can. I owe you all that much. I will find a way to take care of this. You get some rest, sweetheart, goodnight Elle.

Elle

She left the room and I was left with so many questions and no answers. What other secrets were out there that we didn’t know about? I laid awake for the rest of the night not able to sleep a wink. I was worried that they would hurt my pack and the ones that I loved just to get back at me. I felt bad about this, especially since we were joining with Zanes pack. I didn’t want our problems to become his. I needed to find a solution to this and I also needed to be honest with Zane. It wouldn't be fair to just spring this on him and his pack. They needed to know what they were getting into.

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Arie

I slipped out of my clothes and jumped into the water. Thoughts of yesterday kept replaying in my head.

Flashback To Yesterday..

When Luca introduced me as the Gamma female I was shocked. I didn’t think that he would have the courage to do it, especially after what he did to me. I was so angry about him doing this but decided to stay professional. I didn’t want to make a bad first impression in front of the Crimson Moon Pack. I take my job as a Gamma seriously and my personal life will never get into the way of that. After the meeting we went to the conference room to talk about all of the important things that we were working on and also about Terry’s disappearance.

After we returned from the cells and went back to the conference room to discuss everyone's role during the merge, Luca and I were in charge of making sure that there was enough housing for everyone now that some people found mates they now want to live together, thus changing our original plans. That meant we were going to have to work together and see each other more. I hated the thought, but I would do anything for my pack. After the meeting was done, I decided to leave. Elle and Talia were going to stay a little longer to say goodbye to Zane and Allen. I said goodbye to everyone and made my way towards the portal. I heard my name being called. It made my heart skip a beat and I knew exactly who it was. I hastened my steps, walking faster. I just can’t be near him right now. As I was about to enter the portal, he grasped my hand. The tingles erupted everywhere. I hated how my body betrayed me.

Luca

Arie, please wait! I know I have no right to ask you for anything you don’t even need to give me any of your time. I know I caused this with my stupid choices and lifestyle, but I am trying to change. I broke things off with Shayla the next day after finding out we were mated. I know that doesn't mean much to you, but I am going to become the man that is worthy of you. You are everything I have always wanted and dreamed of as my mate when I turned sixteen. I just wish I could have done things differently, but I am going to work hard every day to prove to you that I am a changed man.

That I will be a better person and the mate you deserve. I will try to get this curse removed. I will do whatever you want me too, but please, Arie, don’t give up on me, don’t give up on us. My wolf, Leo, is smitten by you. He is a great wolf and deserves his mate. He didn’t agree with the things I did. He doesn't deserve to be punished. Just tell me what you want me to do and I will do it, whatever it is. It doesn't matter how big or how small..

Arie

Whatever I want? You will do whatever I want, Luca?

Luca

Yes, Arie, whatever you want, I will do it.

Arie

What I want, Luca, is for you to stop all of this! I want you to leave me alone and keep our relationship strictly professional. I can’t deal with all of this. Being around you makes me feel things that I don’t want to feel. It makes me want to give in to you and makes me want to forgive you for all of the stupid decisions you made, but then I remember that you can’t feel what I feel. You can’t understand what the mate bond does to a person. I can’t risk having you break my heart again. I made a vow to protect my heart years ago after dating someone like you. Without you being able to feel the bond, feeling this pull, you have nothing stopping you from slipping back into your old ways. I can’t trust you, Luca, and I don’t know if I ever will.

Luca

She stepped through the portal and I couldn't follow her since Elle hadn’t given us access yet. I didn’t know how to prove to her that I was going to do the right thing. I was telling the truth and that I would never hurt her. I may not be able to feel the mate bond but she was the woman that I have always wanted, the person I have always dreamed about. I would promise her anything but I couldn’t promise her that. I couldn’t promise that I would leave her alone. She may have given up on us even before it started, but I refused to give up on us and I vow to be the man that she needs and wants. I walked away from the portal more motivated than ever to make the woman of my dreams, my mate, my Arie, mine forever. I texted Elle that day asking if I could meet with Mrs. Rose earlier than we planned. I wanted to get this curse thing figured out as soon as I could. I needed to get my life back and I wanted my mate!

Present Day

Arie

How dare he mess with my mind and my heart like this? I can’t let him in. I needed to be strong. I jumped into the water and swam until I was too tired to think about him anymore.

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Zane

It has been two weeks now since we announced the merging of the packs. That means we have one week left. We have been reviewing the plans for the BloodMoon Ball. It was going to be the biggest one we have had yet. I wanted everything to be great and for Elle’s pack to feel welcomed by us. If we didn’t do a good job, our mothers would have our heads. They always loved planning parties and events for the pack and the fact that we didn’t let them know or plan the one where they would finally meet their future daughters-in-law was going to be a big deal. The least we could do is make it perfect. I couldn’t wait to finally have Elle with me, being away from her was torture. In one week I will finally have my mate here with me. I even had a special surprise for her that she deserved.

Luca

Elle was nice enough to schedule a meeting for me with Mrs. Rose. When she met me she could immediately tell that there was indeed a curse placed on me. It was a stronger curse than she thought and she needed one extra thing to break it. I needed to find my father's ex and find the thing binding his bloodline. Mrs. Rose said that it would have been something owned by my father since she cursed his bloodline. She stated that she would still have it regardless of where she moved and she probably would have it hidden somewhere in her house where no one could find it. Ever since then, I’ve been doing lots of digging about the curse. I found the name of my father's ex and was able to track her down. I have had some of our men following her to find out where she lived and they were reporting back to me. We learned that she is not a wolf, but not human either. Now that I knew where she lived, we just needed to learn what her schedule was like. I needed to break into her home when she was going to be gone for a long period of time so that I could look for what I needed. It’s been a week since our men have been following her and her schedule is all over the place. Does she not have a job? We tapped her phone lines and I finally found the break that I needed. She was going to be out of town the Friday before the BloodMoon Ball on Saturday. If all went well, I would be able to find what I needed to get it back to Mrs. Rose and hopefully have the curse broken before the ceremony.

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Arie

I decided to leave the pack grounds to go swimming this morning. Swimming has become a part of my daily routine. It was the only way I could stay sane. It was getting harder and harder to be around Luca. I started doing our meetings over Zoom. That way we didn’t have to meet in person. I tossed and turned every night, not able to get proper sleep. The more Ivory saw Leo, the more she wanted her mate. This made it hard for me to keep denying her that. Our wolves were innocent in all of this and they were the ones dealing with the consequences also.

So I went to my happy place each morning, but today was different. I wanted to explore more uncharted waters. I got into my car and drove to the nearest ocean and parked. I found the most secluded area to leave my clothes and then I got into the water. I wanted to explore to see what else was out there. I wondered if there were others like me. I was the only mermaid in my pack and I always longed to one day find others like myself. I saw all the beautiful fishes and even swam with a dolphin. After a few hours, I decided to head back home before Elle and Talia started getting worried. I was disappointed to not find any other mermaids. Maybe I will have to try other bodies of water.

As I was about to surface, I saw something in the corner of my eye. It was fast, but I knew what I saw. I turned around and decided to go in the direction that I saw the figure. I kept swimming and then I saw it again. I followed until I came to an opening where I saw the end of a tail. I darted after it before it closed. There I was quickly pinned by strong arms. I fought to break free using my training from Alex. I was able to break free and then I rushed over to the corner of the room and grabbed the closest object to use as a weapon. I stared into the face of a petrified girl around the same as me and a man, the one who had me pinned just a second ago. Then I heard their conversation but their lips weren’t moving.

Male

Callie, how many times do I have to warn you about following people to the surface?

Callie

But she was so pretty and she was golden . I've never seen a golden mermaid before. I didn't think she would actually follow me or that she would be so fast.

Male

Luckily, she isn’t human, but how do we know we can trust her?

Arie

You can trust me! Their heads both snapped in my direction.

Callie

How?? How did you just do that?

Arie

Do what?

Callie

You can hear our conversation and answer us too?

Arie

I guess I can. Why is..isn’t this a normal mermaid way of communication?

Callie

It is bu…

Male

It is, but not if you aren’t in the same pod.

Arie

Pod? What’s a pod?

Callie

It’s like a group or like a pack of wolves, or a school of fishes. Do you not have a pod?

Arie

I, uh.. have a pack, but not a pod.

Callie

Pack?

Arie

Yes, a pack. I am a wolf hybrid, so I live in a pack. I don’t have a pod. To be honest, you guys are the first other mermaids I have met.

Callie

Noah, please can she stay here with us? She doesn't have a pod and we really don’t have one either except for each other, and did I mention that she is pretty and you guys would make a cute couple and ….

Noah

That’s enough, Callie…

Callie

Oh s**t I forgot she could hear us… sorry

Arie

I chuckled internally.. I liked Callie. She was so sweet and Noah was pretty easy on the eyes. I have never met a merman before, but I've always seen them in the movies and I do have to say he looks even better.

Noah

No, we can’t keep Callie. She has her own home and we have each other. I am sorry… Um, we never got your name.

Arie

Arie, my name is Arie.

Noah

Noah and this is my little sister Callie. It's nice to meet you, Arie. I will release the locks now so that you can go back home.

Callie

Wait! Please come and visit again! It's just the two of us. It gets lonely sometimes.

Arie

I promise to come visit only if you promise to come visit me at my pack. Also, I have my very own swimming area that could use some company, since I am the only mermaid there.

Callie

Noah! Please can we visit?

Aerie

Noah hesitated; he seemed torn and needed more persuasion. So, I made a sad pouty face just like his sister.

Noah

Fine, we can visit your pack as long as you promise that we will be safe and welcome.

Aerie

Of Course you will, I am the Gamma of my pack!

Callie

Gamma?

Arie

Yes, Gamma, the third in command, I am a high-ranking wolf. My pack will welcome you with open arms. The smile on Callie’s face grew even bigger then I had the best idea. Callie, how do you feel about attending a ball?

Callie

A ball? An actual ball where you wear fancy dresses and heels?

Arie

Yes, that kind of ball would you like to go to one?

Callie

I would love to, but I don’t have anything to wear for something as fancy as that.

Arie

Well, lucky for you, my best friend happens to be a fairy and can get whatever you want with just a snap of a finger. So what do you say?

Callie

Can Noah come?

Arie

Only if he wants to. Before Noah could answer, Callie answered for him.

Callie

Yes, he wants to! We will both be there.

Arie

Great! I will come back tomorrow and visit and give you all of the details then. I have to leave now, but I promise to visit again tomorrow at the same time. It was so nice to find others like myself. Callie rushed over and hugged me and I happily hugged her back.

Callie

I’ve always wanted a sister but got stuck with this grouch! I am so happy that I met you! Can’t wait for tomorrow!

Arie

I laughed and headed out of the opening and made my way to the shore. I got dressed and headed to my car. As I drove home, I thought about this morning's events. I realized that this was the longest I had gone without thinking about Luca. This could be the fresh start that I was looking for……