The Golden Goddess

Chapter Two

Izzy's POV

It had been two days after my rejection, of course Alpha Koda had written it off as a random rogue attack; not that the pack had minded that I was the one attacked. My own parents hadn't even questioned where I was, until Jessica noticed I hadn't fixed dinner like I normally did after work. Thank Goddess Karma had been coming by to ask about my birthday plans; however, she found more than she bargained for. The doctors had said I had two fractured ribs and a concussion, which is why I had passed out, well that and the internal injuries from the kicks.Two days in hospital to monitor my ribs, and I was good as new, physically anyways. Karma knew it wasn't a rogue who attacked me, since she didn't smell them when she found me, but the scent she did find sent off red flags in her mind.

I had been dodging and evading her questions day after day, between pretending to be asleep and feeling pain whenever she mentioned who attacked me. I knew she was only trying to help, but she didn't understand the danger that came with asking those questions. It wasn't like I enjoyed lying to her, but if Waylen found out I had told anyone about us being fated mates, he would probably kill me along with whoever else discovered it. No, just a few more hours and it would be my birthday and I was free to leave and never look back.

"What are you pondering on so hard over there?" A voice chuckled from behind me.

I turned around, smiling as Karma came through the door carrying a large bag into the room. Karma wasn't the prettiest girl in the pack, but she was unique. She had fire red hair that matched the color of her wolf's fur. She was a rarity among the pack, who were mostly gray in color. Her brown eyes were simple, but they never held any negativity in them. She was never one to lose hope. Out of all her features, the only thing that stuck out amongst the pack was her height. Most females in human form stood between five foot nine and five foot eleven, but Karma stood an overshadowing six foot three inches. She was a giant among the females, and Carmen, her wolf, was just as big if not a little bigger. She never left my side, after she found me, calling into work and defying her parents when they insisted she just keep her distance. She was truly more than a friend; she was the big sister I always wanted

"I am just counting down the hours till the big day " I said, attempting to fake a realistic smile.

I continued to pack my things, not that there was much, as she gathered up the remainder of her flowers in the bag she brought with her. Karma was into healing and had the genes to use certain herbs and magical plants. Her grandmother was a healer and one of the last of her kind; she taught Karma from a young age, refusing to let the magic art waste away and die with her. She was unique among wolves, and considered a huge asset to the pack.

"I know. I was thinking we could go to the valley for your first shift. Carmen hasn't shut up about it all day, but I didn't want to overwhelm you since you are just being released " She giggled.

I bit my lower lip, turning to face out the window. I kept my eyes on my hands, as I thought of a way to let her down gently. I wanted to rip this band-aid off fast.

"Actually Karma, I was thinking that I would shift by myself my first time, and get to know my wolf. I mean if I even get one it's been so many years already. Besides, I don't know what she will be like and it may be a little much for another female to be right there when she meets me." I lied, praying that she would accept such a weak excuse.

I glanced back at her, hoping that she wouldn't be too disappointed, but at the same time what would she think when she realized I ran off for good? Would she hate me? Would she chase after me to hunt me down and drag me back? I just couldn't stay here with Jessica and now Waylen; no, I had to leave. Even though I love Karma like an older sister, she couldn't protect me from Waylen. If he ordered her to, she would kill me. It wouldn't be her fault, every member of the pack was forced to obey the Alpha aura, or risk such pain that it could kill them. I couldn't ask her to bear such consequences, not because of me.

"Oh....are you sure? I mean.... shifting your first time alone is kinda dangerous. It takes a lot out of the human and wolf. What if the same person who attacked you last time is waiting for you to shift?" She explained.

I lowered my gaze, zipping up my bag and tossing it over my over my shoulder, "Yea, I should be fine. Alpha Koda even upped the level of security after my attack. A rogue would have to be crazy to attack twice." I nervously laughed.

"Well if you insist. I guess I can just wait for you by the mountain range. We can let your wolf meet Carmen and maybe run up the mountain." She said, hopeful that I would accept the compromise.

I smiled and nodded, afraid my voice would betray me and give way to the sorrow and pain I could feel at the thought of leaving her. She jumped up and down, almost hitting the ceiling a couple times, cheering. I chuckled, wrapping my arm around her waist as we left the hospital. Karma was the only part of the Mountain Moon pack I was going to miss.

The time had finally come, ten minutes till midnight. I was finally going to be released from the chains binding me here once and for all. I would never have to deal with Jessica, Waylen and the pack trying to break my body, mind, and spirit. No more watching over my shoulder for someone trying to kill me. Just me and my wolf, hopefully, enjoying the freedom the woods would provide. I was scared about rogues at first, when I came up with my escape plan, but thanks to the books at the library, I had found the perfect hiding spot a good distance in between this pack and the Thunder Moon Pack on the other side of the mountains.

I had noticed a pretty large cave system in that territory, a couple of years after I started working at the library. I decided, on the first night Jessica was ever physical with me, to check it out as soon as possible to see if it was a potential hideout. If I ever needed to get away for a week or a few days, that's where I was. It was bigger than the map led on. The cave was perfect to house myself from rogues and curious woodland creatures, while the land around it was rich in nutrients to provide me a stable supply of food, if I put in the work to cultivate it properly. Nothing was going to stop me from leaving and living a simple happy life for myself.

I packed the last of my belongings into my duffle bag, and took one last look at the shabby attic I called my room. As I closed my eyes taking in the scent and pondering on the memories accumulated over the years, I shuddered in disgust. This was it, everything in my body was telling me to stay, but my mind was determined to break the cycle of abuse inflicted upon me from everyone. Pictures of Karma flooded my mind attempting to pull me back, but I shoved them away and climbed out my window, using the makeshift ladder I had made out of old clothes and bedsheets. I ran as soon as my feet touched the ground. I worried Jessica had somehow found out about my plan or she heard me, but as I reached the tree line behind the pack house, I knew I was home free.

I didn't stop running until I reached the edge of the lake, where I knew I would be safe. Alpha Koda's only daughter drowned in the lake before I was born. She had run away after being yelled at by her father at the small age of six, and fell into the lake. She didn't know how to swim and by the time the pack realized she was missing it was too late. As a precaution, the Alpha had the lake labeled as dangerous and a no go zone to the pack unless it was an emergency discussed with he himself.Karma knew no one was dumb enough to disobey the Alpha, so that's why she suggested it, and I was grateful. I hadn't thought of a spot to shift yet, despite my careful years of planning.

I sat by the waters edge with two minutes to spare. I closed my eyes and silently whispered a prayer to the Moon Goddess herself

"If you can hear me, please allow me to be graced with a wolf. I will leave and live a solitude life, if that is what you deem worthy of me. I just would like to have someone next to me to understand this pain. Someone who can comfort me slightly. I beg you to see fit to bless me with one of your children " I whispered.

My alarm chirped throughout the forest, breaking the quite that had draped around me. I smiled somehow feeling relieved and satisfied, but I couldn't understand why. It's not as if the Moon Goddess answered me directly, nevertheless, I was confident that my life was on track to finally achieve happiness.

"I believe she did Izzy; happy birthday by the way." A soft gentle voice rang throughout my head.

"Oh hi.... um.... thank you I think. Are you my wolf, or have I become so desperate I'm hallucinating?" I silently asked.

"No, Izzy you are perfectly sane. My name is Aurora, and I am very happy to meet you." She laughed.

I took a moment to try to find her, as I searched the corners of my mind, I couldn't seem to see anything but a black fog hindering my vision. I began to give up hope, when I heard claws scraping against the ground. My eyes widened, and I could feel my mouth fall open as she approached. Her eyes were the only thing I could make out in the dense fog, but if the rest of her held even an ounce of that strength, she would be beautiful. They were solid g. good, even the pupil was a honey brown that had flecks of gold floating in them.

"Oh... wow you have the most beautiful eyes of a wolf I have ever seen." I mumbled, unable to keep my thoughts to myself.

"You flatter me Izzy. Honestly you need to have the same confidence you place in me within yourself. You are truly a beautiful young woman. Our mate was an i***t for turning you down the way he did, and I am truly sorry." She

"Wait, you saw Waylen?" I gasped.

"Of course I did. That filthy wanna be Alpha had the nerve to say those awful things to you only because I wasn't around." She growled.

I dropped my head in shame, "Why didn't you come sooner? Was the Goddess mad at me or something?"

Her head snapped up; her eyes piercing into my soul, "Izzy, you must quit speaking of the Goddess in such a negative way. She loves you and sees the beauty, pure heart, and intelligence you possess." She declared.

"I'm a weakling, a nobody to my family and the pack." I argued.

She grunted, lunging forward until her snout was pressed against my nose, firmly but not enough to hurt, "You will understand in time how important you are to the Goddess and her creatures. If you ever have doubts please lean on me. I will forever be with you until our dying breath Izzy. I will protect you from anything, including yourself."

I nodded, tears pushing at the corners of my eyes. She was warm and inviting; I could feel myself being wrapped snuggly by her love for me. A feeling, uncomfortable and strange, I hadn't felt since Devlin left. The comfort she was showing me, a complete stranger, was overwhelming after the years of neglect I had suffered. I threw my arms around her, allowing myself the breakdown I had held back for most of my life to come out.

"I am so sorry. I didn't mean to just unload on you the very first night we are meeting." I nervously whispered, wiping my tears on the sleeves of my jacket.

"Isabella, I am your wolf. I will be here for all the tough moments. You will no longer have to keep things bottled up. I will help you see what me and the Goddess see in you." She stated.

I stood, looking down at her, "So why are you covered in thick black fog? Why can't I see you even when you come close?"

"The Goddess has a message she wants me to deliver to you, but I must warn you it is not safe to receive it here out in the open." She announced.

I looked at her in disbelief, "What do you mean a message? Does everyone receive a message from the Goddess upon greeting their wolf?"

"No, and you must never tell anyone you received her words personally. We will be in great danger if you were to share this message with anyone untrustworthy." Aurora explained.

I nodded, still in shock and confusion from what she was actually saying to me. The more I tried to understand, the more confused I was. A message from the Moon Goddess; maybe she was angry at me for cursing her after Waylen rejected me. I could swear I heard a low growl escape Aurora, at the thought of Waylen, and I smiled. Finally, someone who hated that d**k as much as I did.

Thirty minutes later, we arrived at the entrance of the cave. The bolder I put at the mouth to block it off was still there, and I couldn't pick up on any strange scents around the area, but to be safe I circled one more time to make sure no one was waiting in ambush.

"Your instincts are quite impressive for how young you are." I heard Aurora whisper, as we approached the entrance.

"My brother always taught me to be on guard, even when you think no one is watching. He use to make me play this game, where he would be the hunter and I prey and it was my job to out smart him an trap him before he could attack me. Plus, working at a library helped me gain an understanding of strategies my pack seems to ignore." I rambled, quickly becoming embarrassed.

I carefully rolled the bolder, slinking behind it; setting it back in place before someone would notice it even moved. I grabbed the torch and lit it with the matches I had left here the last time I was here. I began to wander through the tunnels and drops of the maze, leading out to the clearing I had discovered while exploring. I dropped the duffle bag down, placing the torch against the wall, as I pulled out my water bottle.

"Ok you need to tell me what message, before I begin to think this is all a bunch of bullshit to get me to run all over this green earth." I huffed, gulping down my water.

"The message is for you only. You are the only one allowed to hear the words." Aurora softly spoke.

Before I could say anything to her, my body became numb but quite warm. It felt like being wrapped in a blanket fresh out the dryer. My mind, once foggy an dark, was now becoming clear an vivid. I was at peace for the first time in a long time. I slowly began to drift, while Aurora's sweet voice rang in my ears. I couldn't focus enough to make out exactly what she was saying other than "do not" something "fear".

When my eyes fluttered open, I was surrounded by stars and darkness. I tried to concentrate on what I was standing on, but I didn't see anything. It was as if I was floating in place. My legs froze, unable to move out of fear of falling off the invisible platform or cloud. I was so lost in thought, I didn't notice the yellow star appearing in front of me until its aura vibrated throughout my body. I glanced up, smiling at the glowing star, but as I reached out to touch it, it wisped out of reach by a few inches. I smirked with anticipation, as it reacted the same everytime I reached out to pull it in. Finally, it zipped through the other stars, leaving a small glowing trail for me to follow.

I remembered Aurora's words, stepping out and allowing myself a sigh in relief as I remained upright an not spiraling off the edge of whatever I was standing on. I followed the trail, for what seemed like days in this universe, until my legs began to weaken, shaking with exhaustion each step I took. I stopped, anger building inside of me as I realized the game I was being forced to play. I looked at the stars around me, each an exact copy of the next, no breeze blowing in the background. I was being tested, playing tag to see how far I was willing to push myself at the expense of never reaching the end. I was never going to be allowed to reach the yellow star; to feel the warmth of love and happiness. It was always out of reach and I was doing nothing but chasing it by any means, even at the expense of myself.

"Goddess!" I shouted into the void, "You wanted to speak to me, not the other way around. If you wish for me to listen I'm here. If you want me to bend to your will and continue to play this loosing game, then please release me so I can being my life."

All was quiet and I began to fear I had offended the Goddess. I was becoming afraid that I would be trapped in this galaxy rip off prison for all eternity. When all hope seemed lost, and I had succumbed to the idea of making this stary vomit cube my new home, the yellow star zoomed back into view an into reach. I hesitated, but eventually I extended my hand and grabbed the annoying flame. My eyes widened as the star floated gently above my palm, never stirring or vibrating out of place. It simply hovered above, content to be in my hand it seemed, trusting me to not harm it in any way. As it floated, the backdrop began melting away exposing a bright flora oasis.

"You know I can see why Aurora chose you. Honestly you two were made for each other. I have never seen her so interested in a creature in all my lives." A voice laughed around me.

"Goddess?" I questioned searching around me.

"Yes child I am she. Mother to the wolves and other magical beings. I give life and guide it to it's final resting days. And you, my child, have been pretty touchy with me as of lately." She snickered.

I quickly dropped my head in embarrassment, "I apologize if I have offended you."

"Hush my child. I do not blame you for your questions and anger. I understand and have seen all the pain and hurt life has dealt you. I have kept my attention focused on you for quite some time Isabella." She interrupted, "While life may have not been kind to you, it has prepared you for your destiny."

"Destiny, what are you talking about? I am just an abandoned wolf, there is nothing special about me at all. Even my fated mate, a gift from you personally, even saw me as worthless." I cried.

I could feel anger and betrayal climbing up my throat, choking my words and air off from continuing. I needed to calm my emotions, but it seemed, just like with Aurora, I was venting out my frustrations with life on her. My tears only continued, as my mind began overthinking. What if she also deemed me unworthy? Would she take back Aurora? No, I had to push all doubts away and focus on being confident like Aurora said.

"I have left my pack. If I return, Aurora's life will be in danger just because of me; we can't go back." I exclaimed.

"Waylen was incompetent; his biggest mistake was ignoring Spencer and forcing a rejection on you Isabella, but you must understand, while I can't interfer directly with the lives of my children, I can lead them to events to help keep them balanced." The Goddess informed me.

"I don't care about Waylen or Mountain Moon pack. I just want to live my life in peace and quiet." I shouted; anger gripping me at the thought of returning to Waylen's clutches.

"You will not return right away Izzy, but make no mistake, you and Aurora will return as it has already been seen." She declared.

"Why me?" I growled, "What is it you expect me to do exactly?" I asked.

"I cannot tell you more at this time, you must find the answers about yourself along this journey. You and Aurora will be together, but the risk is extremely high. The blood flowing in your veins is not something to look at as weak, but rather impressive and powerful. You are the last of a long line of mighty warriors both physically and mentally. Your family was renowned for their gifts , and it is no different with you Izzy. You possess the power necessary to unite all my children, leading them to the future I had imagined for them long ago, when they first came into existence." She cryptically explained, "You will be blessed with a gift that will connect you to them in a way no other can. You will return them to their roots and to me, leading them away from the human world and back to the spiritual. A great number of my children have strayed from their purpose, just like you have Izzy. They are scared and hurting. I need you to ease their pain and show them that I have never left their side."

"How in the hell do you expect me to accomplish that? If you haven't noticed lately, I'm not exactly Ms. Popular in the pack." I snapped, turning my back to her.

"You will understand in time Izzy. Just remember, you must choose who to trust as if your life depended on it. If others were to find out about your true existence and your abilities, it will not only just be you and Aurora in danger, but the exsistance of Lycanthropes, werewolves, and other magical beings will be placed in jeopardy." She announced.

My eyes glanced around frantically searching for her. I could feel the warm loving embrace I was wrapped in, begining to fade as she drifted away.

"Wait... what does that mean?" I questioned, attempting to pull her back and explain herself better.

"I will return again when I can see you need guidence or advice Izzy. But for now, Aurora must properly meet and spend time with you to enhance your bond. You do not need to return to Mountain Moon today, but remember soon you must." She trailed off.