The Oralei

***PROLOGUE*** * * ??? POV I was sat watching the supernatural news in the living room with my parents. I was eight years old and the next in line to inherit my father’s pack and the Alpha title. For this to happen though, I had to have found my mate. It was one of the longest standing rules of our pack. ‘Without a mate, the title shall not be passed onto the next heir, but will continue to be held by the current Alpha, until such a time they discover their mate and complete the mating bond’. Luckily for me, I already knew who my mate was. She was too young to know it too, but I knew that once she came of age - despite her being a hybrid - that she would feel the bond as well. Out of nowhere, an emergency broadcast flickered onto the TV. A voice started speaking, full of sadness. “It is with the greatest sorrow that we have to announce the annihilation of “The Golden Moon” pack. Unfortunately, there have been no known survivors. We pray to the Moon Goddess that the Alpha, Luna and their child find peace in the next life and for all eternity. The same goes for all pack members who have sadly lost their lives today.” I froze at the words coming from the television, my mouth dry and my heart thumping abnormally hard in my chest. A feeling of utter dread filled my insides. I felt nauseous. No. It can’t be. I heard my parents both gasp at the revelation before us. The Alpha and Luna of Golden Moon were their best friends and longest standing allies. My mother began sobbing as my father held her tightly, tears also swimming in his eyes. I refused to believe it. Refused to believe that she was gone. I vowed to myself that I would stop at nothing to find her and bring her home, to me, where she belonged… * * ***PRESENT DAY*** *Avianna’s POV* “Flight 573 to New York is due to land in JFK at approximately 10.25am local time. We’d like to ask all passengers to please relax, enjoy their flight and thank you for flying with us today.” I sat and listened to the smooth voice of the captain echo over the plane tannoy, feeling slightly nervous as I did every time I was on a flight. Only this time was different. This time I was on a one way trip to New York from London, England. I was excited but overwhelmed. New start, new life, new apartment and a new job. I stuck the headphones in my ears and started watching one of the inflight movies - ‘The Heat’. I sat for the next few hours laughing along with the film and had a couple of gin slings to calm my nerves. The flight passed quickly and before I knew it we were descending over the beautiful city of New York into JFK. As I walked through terminal 7 with my luggage, I followed the signs to the exit and made my way to catch a taxi out front. Finally, I managed to grab one of the empty, infamous ‘yellow cabs’ and asked the driver to take me to my new apartment in Manhattan. Around 30 minutes later, we pulled up on 10th Street. I’d only seen my apartment over the internet thus far, so I was excited to see it in all of its glory! I put my key in the door, turned it and pushed it open to reveal my space for the foreseeable future. It was quite small but still spacious, it had an open plan living room/kitchen with a small dining area big enough for a table and chairs. I set my bags down in the kitchen and went to explore the rest of the apartment. A small balcony overlooked the quiet street below and had room for a patio table and chair - perfect for sitting and having my morning tea. The bedroom was a good size with a small closet but big enough for me to transform into a walk in wardrobe. The bathroom was a nice size - all in all, the apartment needed an update and some new decor - but, I loved it! I couldn’t wait to start making it my own, but first I needed food and a nice cup of English tea. I made my way down onto the street, allowing my mind to process my new surroundings. I couldn’t believe how different it felt to London. There were bars, restaurants, cafes and little shops lining the street and it was so refreshing. I started to walk down and came across a nice little cafe called ‘Morgan’s’. Lovely cream, cast iron tables and chairs out front, flower baskets and with homey interior; the whole place looked really welcoming. I made my way into the shop and ordered a tea and a cheese toastie, though they called it a grilled cheese. As I finished my last mouthful of food, one of the waitresses made her way out to my table. She had long, auburn hair pulled up into a messy bun, a pretty face with very defined features and abnormally bright green eyes. The tag on her shirt told me that her name was Morgan, maybe she owned the place? “Hey honey, I hope you enjoyed your food! Can I get you anything else?!” Her voice was full of enthusiasm as she flashed a wide smile at me. “It was lovely, thank you! Just what I needed! I would love another cup of tea though, please,” I replied, trying to equal her enthusiasm. “Great, I’ll go and get that for you now!” She took my plate and cup and headed back into the cafe. A few minutes later she came back carrying a fresh cup of tea and some biscuits. “Thank you so much! So, is this your cafe?” I asked her, pointing to the name tag on her shirt. “Oh, no! It’s my parents’. I just work here some days - to give me some life experience apparently!” she laughed in reply. “Well there are worse jobs I could think of...do you live round here?” gesturing my hands to the street and our surroundings. She hesitated slightly before answering. “Yes I do, my apartment is a couple of blocks away. Are you new round here? I’ve not seen you in this area before.” “Yes, I am actually. I just got here today, I moved from London,” I smiled. Morgan seemed genuinely interested in having a conversation with me which was nice. Usually I am too embarrassed to talk to people whom I don’t know, but that was going to have to change now as I didn’t know anyone here. “Oh, wow! Well, seeing as you’re new around here - I’ll take you out one day and show you the ropes if you like? Count me as your first New York bestie…sorry I didn’t catch your name?” I couldn’t believe it; I had made a friend - or ‘bestie’ as Morgan called it - in my first day of being in the Big Apple. “Avianna. Well, I…are you sure?!” I stuttered. Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly recovered herself. “Wow, what a unique name, it’s beautiful and suits you! Also, what do you mean, am I sure?!” Morgan laughed. “Well, I’ve just never had anyone really want to be friends with me before, it was more out of necessity and pretending to be someone they were not,” I replied, flushing with embarrassment at the memories of my former ‘friendships.’ “Trust me, no need to worry about any of that with me, honey! I’m as genuine as they come and there are plenty more people the same!” Morgan smiled at me with genuine kindness. I sighed in relief, happy that the first person I had properly spoken to was so friendly and upfront. “Write down your cellphone number for me and I’ll text you in a few hours. I’ll show you one of the best clubs in Manhattan if you’re up for it?!” Morgan laughed as she shimmied jokingly. “Sure!” I laughed. I wrote down my phone number on a napkin and handed it to her. “Right, well I best get back to work! Go and get your dancing shoes ready honey, you’re going to need them!” Morgan waved at me as she headed back into the cafe. Well, that was unexpected! I finished my tea quickly and headed back to my apartment. Walking into the kitchen, I noticed my still packed case on the floor and sighed in frustration. “Damn it! My going out clothes are at the bottom!” I muttered. This was going a lot more smoothly than I expected. I still couldn’t believe that I had made a friend already AND she was taking me to a club! I best start getting ready…first impressions are everything! *Morgan’s POV* I watched Avianna through the cafe window as she walked away. I still couldn’t get over the fact of how much she looked like her. Her features, her mannerisms, were all so similar. It must be her, how many others have that name and the striking resemblance is uncanny. I took my phone out of my pocket and dialled the first number in my phone book. “What is it?” He stated impatiently. “You’re not going to believe this, but I think I’ve found her,” I reply hesitantly. “Found who?” He questioned. “Really, Jax?! Avianna!” I replied with exasperation. “WHAT!” He shouted through the phone, “In New York?! That’s not possible, we’d have known if she was this close before now!” “She only arrived here this morning. She was literally just here in the cafe. I have her number, I’m meeting her tonight and taking her to Mission.” I explained. “You make sure you text me when you’re on your way there Morgan. I’ll see you later.” He said before hanging up. “Joyous as always,” I muttered to myself. While my phone was to hand, I quickly inputted Avianna’s number and saved it. I texted her letting her know it was me and asked for her address. I added to be ready for 7pm sharp. Almost instantly my phone pinged with a reply. ‘Hi Morgan! My address is 93A 10TH Street. Can’t wait to go out! See you at 7pm! X’ Well, this is going to be an interesting night.