Luna Awakening

Chapter Six

The next morning, Aubrey slowly opened her eyes and blinked a few times. The first thought to register in her mind was how warm she felt. Although there was a hint of crispness to the air, all around her felt warm and cozy, and she took a moment to enjoy the peace and comfort. She could smell the scent of campfire smoke mixed in with that amazing smell of Broderick’s cologne or soap. She really needed to ask him what he used, she thought. Looking around, she noticed the light pouring in through the cracks in the curtains, and could hear the faint sound of rain hitting the roof of the one-room cabin. She loved the sound of rain. There was something about it that she found comforting and relaxing. Although it sounded as if it was coming down pretty hard, it was totally fine with her as she laid in bed snuggled up with Broderick and Atticus. In addition to the sound of the pouring rain, she could also hear Atticus snoring softly and could feel his warm body on top of her feet. Broderick’s arm was draped over her as he spooned her. She realized that this was a whole new feeling for her. Sure, she had snuggled up with her daughters before, especially when they weren’t feeling well, but sleeping wrapped up in a man’s arms was not something she could recall experiencing. Cassius had always insisted on her staying on her own side of the bed. He would even roughly push her cats away if they tried to sleep next to him, citing that he couldn’t sleep if anyone was too close to him. Aubrey didn’t realize how much she had longed for this kind of connection until experiencing it in this very moment, and it made her feel mixed emotions. She felt grateful for being in this moment, but she also felt sad that she had lived in such coldness for so long, and it was this thought that brought tears to her eyes. She lifted her hand and wiped the single tear that began to slip down her cheek. Suddenly, she felt Broderick’s hand come up and cup her hand, and he sat up and looked at her over her shoulder.

“You’re crying,” he said, sounding concerned.

“Uh, no. My eyes are just a little watery this morning. Probably from all of the campfire smoke,” she said.

“You’re lying,” he stated, as if it was factual information.

“I… I was just thinking about something,” she said.

“Are you regretting what happened last night?” he asked.

“No, not at all actually,” she said, feeling her cheeks turn pink.

“You don’t have to tell me the reason if you don’t feel comfortable. I never want to be the reason you cry, but if your tears are ever because of anything I did, I want you to tell me so that I can make things right. Okay?” he asked, searching her eyes.

“Okay,” Aubrey said.

“And I know we don’t really know each other very well, but I am here to offer a listening ear if you need one,” he said, breaking eye contact and looking down.

Aubrey could tell he was really pushing himself out of his comfort zone by speaking his mind so much.

“Thank you, Broderick. That means a lot. I… Uh… I’m coming out of a lengthy serious relationship. I’m getting divorced actually. I have two daughters with my ex. So, despite being separated and divorcing him, I still have to coparent with him which has been hard. I have been finding over the last couple of years that my relationship with Cassius wasn’t a healthy one, and when I find myself in situations with people who treat me well, it makes me feel upset that I allowed myself to be so lonely and disregarded for so long,” she said, wondering why she just told Broderick so much information. Were they even going to see one another after this weekend?

“Did he put his hands on you?” Broderick asked, his voice laced with a sudden aggression.

“Like hit me? No. No, he never put his hands on me, but he was and is very cunning, manipulative, and controlling. Before I started school and started seeing a therapist, I used to follow along with everything he said. I existed to make him happy, but after our daughters were born, he couldn’t be the center of my world anymore. I had the girls to care for and school. That’s when the majority of the fighting started. I started to have thoughts and feelings about how things were in my life. I began to feel as though all of the responsibilities fell on my shoulders. After I started therapy, my eyes began to open more and more to the way he treated me, and I started to realize that I deserved to be treated better. It wasn’t long after that that I discovered that he was cheating on me. That’s when I ended things. I moved back to my parents’ home, and my girls spend most of their time with me.”

Broderick was quiet, and as the silence dragged on, Aubrey started to wonder whether she had shared too much. Was he shocked to learn she was married? Did it shock him to know she had kids? Finally, Broderick broke the silence.

“Wow, I had no idea that you had been through so much. You come across as so confident, maybe a little shy, but there’s an underlying strength to you that I wouldn’t expect from someone going through what you’re going through. Your ex sounds like a jerk, and he’s definitely an i***t for not just losing someone like you, but mostly for treating you so poorly. It sounds like he needs to get his *ss kicked.”

This made Aubrey laugh.

“Are you surprised to hear that I have children?” Aubrey asked, bracing herself for the rejection she expected from men after learning she was a package deal.

“Actually, no I am not. First, there were the kid car seats in the back seat of your car,” he said as they laughed together. “And second, I can tell by the way you carry yourself and the way you treat people, that you’re a mom. You’re naturally a caring person, but there’s an added layer. It’s hard to explain, I guess. Sorry, I am not very good with words.”

“I respectfully disagree. I think you’re amazing with them,” she said, peering into his eyes.

Slowly, Broderick leaned his head down, brushing his lips with hers in a light feathery kiss. He pulled back slightly, studying her and lightly caressing her cheek with the back of his hand. Aubrey closed her eyes and lifted her head, connecting their lips again. This time, taking the kiss a bit deeper. Aubrey was lost in the kiss, relishing the sensations until a thought popped into her head that she just couldn’t ignore.

“Broderick, wait,” she said breathlessly, pulling back. “What are we doing? I mean, what are we exactly? I don’t know if I am ready for a serious relationship, but I am also not one to casually date. Are we going to see each other after this weekend? I’m sorry I just can’t keep going in this direction with you if I’m not going to see you again. I’m the kind of woman that gets attached, and… Well, I guess I kind of… like you, Broderick.”

Again, silence. Aubrey realized Broderick needed those three little dots at the bottom of messages that indicated the person was working on messaging back. He finally spoke.

“Well, to answer your questions of ‘what are we doing’ and ‘what are we exactly’, to me it seems like we have been enjoying each other’s company, especially the kissing part. So, I guess we are two individuals enjoying spending time together,” he said with a mischievous smile.

“Okay, your avoidance of what I am really getting at here speaks volumes,” Aubrey said, rolling her eyes and starting to get up.

Laughing, Broderick quickly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back down.

“Okay. Okay, I’m sorry. I was trying to make a serious situation feel lighter by being funny, and clearly, that backfired,” he said.

“I… I like you too, Aubrey. I don’t know if we are planning on seeing one another after this weekend. Do you want to see me again?” he asked.

“I do,” she replied quietly.

“I would like to see you again too. How about we just take things as they come? We don’t have to label it as anything. We don’t have to rush things. We can just do what feels right and go from there?” he proposed.

What was he saying? He thought to himself. He should be calling things off, not prolonging them. He had walked away from his supposed destiny for a life in which he knew he couldn't hurt anyone but himself. She was something precious. What if he turned out to be like his father? What if he hurt her? But looking into her eyes and holding her this close, he simply couldn't help himself.

“Okay, I like that idea. I have a couple things I’d like to say still,” she said.

“Okay, what are they?” he asked.

“First, are you dating anyone else? I realize we won’t be labeling this, but I am a very possessive person. I would say my experience of being cheated on definitely influences that, but I have sort of always been that way. I guess what I am saying is, I don’t like to share. If we are going to take this as it goes, I would like to keep it exclusive,” she said, cringing and waiting for his reply. This was the most direct she had ever been with someone, but something about Broderick made her feel like she could finally be her true and authentic self, free of any judgment.

“That is fine by me. I don’t like to share either,” he said with a chuckle that had a slight growl to it. It made Aubrey feel like she wanted to do more than just make out with him.

“Okay, the second thing concerns my kids. They have been through a lot with everything that has happened between their father and I. I don’t want to invite anymore uncertain things into their lives if I can help it. So, for now, I would like to hold off on you meeting them. I just want to be sure I have a substantial future with someone before I introduce them.”

“I completely understand and agree. I would never want to be involved in any additional confusion or harm to any child. It’s something that is very important to me,” Broderick said, clearing his throat.

Aubrey felt like there was more behind his statement, but for now she would leave it alone. Besides, now that they had these pressing issues out of the way, she wanted to get back to what she had been denying herself.

“I am so glad you feel that way,” she said as she crashed her lips into his.

*************************

Meanwhile, deep within h*ll, the grand duke, Abigor, was slowly losing his patience. With his blood-red eyes, he stared down at the lowly demon he had hired specifically to find his future bride. All of his plans rested on her retrieval. Once he had her, he could take care of the rest. He would go find her himself, but being in command of 60 legions of demons, he had his hands full. Yet, his patience was wearing thin as his subjects continued failing at their mission.

“What do you mean you haven’t found her yet!?” Abigor bellowed as he threw his scepter at the demon who jumped out of the way before it pierced his chest.

“I… I am so sorry my lord. I had picked up her scent last eve but lost it. I will not give up until I find her,” Fures insisted.

“This is your last chance, Fures. You have one week to bring her to me, and if you don’t, I will vanquish you and go find her myself. Do you understand how important she is!?” Abigor asked.

“Yes, my liege. I assure you, I do,” Fures replied.

“We have waited centuries for Gealai and her hostess to be linked. They are one of the most powerful pairs, and with her as my queen and mother of my children, I will not only rule the entire wolf population but will be able to harness her power as my own as her husband. BUT if she finds and mates with that worthless Adiran first, it makes carrying out my plan extremely more difficult. Don’t fail me Fures. I will ensure you regret it if you do,” Abigor growled.

“You have my word. I will stop at nothing,” Fures hissed.

Just then, the door to Abigor’s office opened, and a tall, sultry, dark-haired woman sauntered in.

“You requested my company, my lord?” she said, her red eyes looking Abigor's body up and down.

“Yes, I did,” he replied. “Now, get out of my sight, Fures. You haven’t earned the treat of watching Margaret and I,” he said as he gazed at her as she continued making her way to him. As she walked, she slowly peeled off her silk robe, revealing nothing underneath.

“Yes, my lord,” Fures said as he got up off of his knees and quickly walked out of the office.

The moaning began before he had even closed the door. He immediately began planning how he was going to kidnap the girl. He had been so close. He didn’t bother to tell Abigor how Adiran had gotten in the way of his last attempt. He very much enjoyed his head attached to his body. Regardless of Adiran’s presence, he would not fail this time.