The Crystal Luna

Chapter 4: 10th Birthday

~Saphyre’s P. O. V.~

Dad knew I hated cars, yet here we are, riding in one. It made me mad that he nor my mom wanted to go to my real family’s home as wolves. Cars are smelly, they’re tiny and they block out the smells of the forest. I knew why, this stupid war for me, but that was all I knew. I stare out of the tinted window, listening to my music as we head for my pack. My pack. I was born to be a Luna, no. That’s not it, I was born to be THE Luna of The Crystal Lake Pack. I want answers. No more hiding it for ‘The right time,’ crap. Why were these alphas after me? Why was I born the way I am? No, no more secrets. I only want answers for my birthday.

“Saph?” Mom placed a hand on my lap.

“What?” I said in almost a rude tone.

“Are you okay?” She asked me.

“Oh, I’m great, mother. It’s my 10th birthday and I still don’t have all of my answers.” I rolled my eyes.

“Saphyre Diana! Do not speak to your mom that way!” Dad shouted from the front passenger seat.

“It’s okay, Orson. We said we would tell her today when she came to us.” More to my story, I guess. The sun was rising and my pack came into view. Mom and dad were looking worse and worse each time I saw them. I had a nasty pit in my stomach that wouldn’t go away. The car stopped and I jumped out to hug them. I really missed them.

“Saphyre.” My daddy stroked my hair.

“My baby.” Mom was crying.

“Mom, dad, are you okay?” They had fresh wounds on them. My dad was bleeding from his arm and had a crutch. I looked down and saw he had a missing leg. I gasped and covered my mouth. Mom had much worse. Her head was burned so badly that half of her face was missing. And she’s missing both her left arm and right leg. This was horrible.

“Mason! Tayla!” My dad and mom ran over.

“We’re alright, Orson. Luna Daisy.” My dad said to them

Grandpa Gunner came from behind them. He too was hurt. “They came out of nowhere. I suspect a witch is helping them.” He was bruised and bleeding a little. But not nearly as bad as my real parents. I clenched my teeth and fists. This war is killing them. Their ranked wolves came out and looked pretty bad themselves.

“They came last night in hopes to find her here.” My dad’s Beta said.

“The battle just ended less than 30 minutes ago.” Beta Winter said.

“I-I’m so sorry…” I began to cry, “This is all my fault.”

“Saph, look at me.” My real dad took a finger and lifted my chin. “None of this is your doing. Come on, kiddo. You said you wanted answers. It’s time we told you the worst of it.” The ranking wolves and both sets of parents led me to my dad’s office. There, we sat.

What they told me had my jaw dropping on the floor. The night of the party a blinding white light engulfed me? This mark is because of it. Those alphas think I am next to be the moon goddess? I leaned back in my chair and thought about this new information.

“When I was holding you, Saphyre, you were giggling as if the light were tickling you.” Grandpa Gunner explained.

“S-So, what? I’m the next in line to be The Moon Goddess? I’m only 10!”

“We think, honey. She hasn’t told anyone of her ultimate goal for you.” My real mom said.

“But this mark is proof!” I was scared, hurt and angry. Those damn alphas!

My family looked really disappointed and upset. I don’t understand how this could happen. A decade of war over me? Did the Moon Goddess not see this? Why choose me of all people to be the next goddess? I don’t even have my wolf yet.

I looked down at the mark on my arm, wanting to feel anger towards it. For some reason, I just can’t. It symbolizes who I am and who I must become. If nothing else, then to become this packs next Luna. I know that much at least.

“Let’s put this conversation on hold for a while. We are still researching and have little answers to give.” Grandpa Gunner interjected. “It is your birthday after all. After we get your parents healed, of course.” Grandpa Gunner and Grandma Serephina helped my birth parents to the pack hospital. Beta’s and gamma’s from both packs sat here with me while my adoptive parents went to scout the area for any more enemies that could be lurking nearby.

“Luna, you may take this time to look more around the pack if you wish.” Beta Tanner offered his hand to me.

“Beta, I am not a Luna yet. Please call me by my name.” I hated formalities. He only laughed and took my hand.

“I will stop with the title when you become this packs Luna.” He crossed his heart and held up his hand. “Scouts honor.” Somehow, that didn’t make me feel better.

Beta Tanner, Beta Female Winter, Gamma Anthony, Gamma Female Oliva, Delta Elliot and Delta Female Maddi surrounded me as if I were some porcelain doll that could break at any given moment. I have seen bloodshed and death. I’m not a little kid anymore. Beta Philippe, Beta Female Kendra, Gamma Nicholas and Gamma Patrice followed behind us. Delta Payton and Delta Female Bridgette were at the Glass Moon Pack running it for dad while we were away here. The ranked wolves would often shift around on who would stay home so the burden could be shared. Well, except for mom and dad. They are the only exceptions. Grandpa Gunner and Grandma Serephina always came along too. Grandpa Gunner is an elder after all. The Moon Goddess directly appoints these old men to lead the werewolf community. I heard him tell dad that there was once a female elder. She was amazing. Linette Marqs was her name. She is still alive today but travels with her immortal mate. One that is apparently so devoted to the Moon Goddess, that he is believed to have mated with her too. I think mom said his name was Gilgamesh? I don’t really know. His name comes up in conversation every once in a while. Now that I think about it, those days are the days I receive ominous gifts at my window. On my birthday, Yule, Valentines and even some amazing candy on Halloween. I left a plate of food for whoever leaves me these gifts at last year's Thanksgiving. It was licked clean. I got so lost in thought, that I didn’t hear Beta Female Winter speak.

“Over here is where our first celebration of Crystals & Clay started. Alpha Benedict, your grandfather of 16 greats, started this tradition.” I have already heard this story before, Winter. The rest of the adults seemed too captivated by her storytelling. I couldn’t stand to be cooped up like this anymore. I took the chance and snuck to mom’s garden area. It was such a beautiful place. The fountain in the middle of it had a stone wolf howling at the moon. Next to the wolf was a woman. She was gorgeous. I always assumed that was the Moon Goddess. I laid down on one of the stone benches and watched the party lights turn on as the sun fully set for the day. The stars twinkled like smaller lights at a holiday party.

With both sets of parents out for a while, I thought I was safe enough to take a nap. Warriors are everywhere, the ranked wolves are in earshot and I am in the most protected space here. Mom’s garden is in the inner courtyard of the castle. I let myself drift into a nap. Warriors are everywhere, the ranked wolves are in earshot and I am in the most protected space here. Mom’s garden is in the inner courtyard of the castle. I let myself drift into a nap. Before I could fully be asleep, though. I smelled someone off.

“Who's there?!” I quickly got up and took a defensive position. All I heard was growling. I couldn’t see anything in the shadows of the halls.

“We got her!” Was the last thing I heard before a cloth was placed over my eyes and I was knocked out.

~Luna Daisy’s P.O.V.~

“We got her!” A man said. I heard others approaching. No, no! Shifting, I ran as fast as I could. Spotting the man with my daughter over his shoulders. 2 more wolves appear before me, growling and snapping their jaws. Fern and I were outnumbered. And with Saphyre in the middle of this, I am at a huge disadvantage. Instead of facing them head on, I lifted my head and gave a howl that echoed through the territory. One of the advantages of having an Elder for an in-law is the perks of instant teleportation gifted to them by the goddess herself. Gunner came with a fierce roar and an attack they didn’t expect. The two wolves protecting the man were killed quickly.

“s**t…” Before he could take another step, a giant wolf with red fur jumped from the castle roof and decapitated the man.

It is finished. She is safe for now.

“Gil!” Orson came out from the castle and ran to Saphyre. I saw him pick her up. “Thank the goddess. She’s only unconscious.”

Gilgamesh: It is what you asked of me. Just remember the payment, Orson of Glass Moon.

Gilgamesh? When did Orson seek out Gilgamesh? The first werewolf in history? And what did he ask for payment?! My shock started to turn into anger. I ran in between my mate and this old wolf. Growling and lowering my head, getting ready to attack.

Gilgamesh: Luna Daisy. No need to bare your fangs at me. The payment isn’t something you don’t have in abundance. He turns away and leaves the area. I lose his scent instantly then turn my attention to my husband.

Fern: Explain, mate. What was he talking about? And what the hell was he doing here?!

The betas and gammas ran out and saw us. Betas Tanner and Winter looked furious and worried while my own beta’s bowed to us and apologized profusely. Gamma’s Anthony and Olivia looked worried but relieved. The Delta’s came out last and immediately took a knee.

“I sought Gilgamesh out years ago. The third week we had Saphyre with us. The payment, my love, is updates on where we go so he could follow in secret.” I backed down, my first thought about that was about Saphyre. Thankful that it was wrong. “He’s been protecting her from the shadows. That’s why he’s here.”

Fern: What about 2 years ago? When she was running from those 3 men?

“He didn’t do anything then because we were already in pursuit. He trusted us. And now we must trust him.” Saphyre was beginning to wake up. Everyone crowded her. Orson put her back down on the bench and started stroking her hair.

“Mmm.. Ow… What happened?” She rubbed her head.

“Some unknown pack warriors almost stole you.” Gamma Anthony said.

“How did they get in?” She asked.

“That is a good question. Randy is looking into it.” Beta Winter crossed her arms. Then, she did something no one expected. She knelt down. “I am so sorry, Luna. I should have been more observant.”

“Winter… Don’t bow to me. You know I hate that.” I saw her look away. I hate that she lives this life.

Mykel: Like it or not, you are heiress to this pack. It’s time you started learning how to be a Luna.

“What?!” She yelled and looked at Gunner.

Fern: Maybe in softer tones, dad. I turn my attention to Saphyre, He is right, Saph. You’re 10 now. Starting tomorrow, you will begin your training as the next Luna. And you will be training in combat as well.

She scoffs, “Dad! This is so unfair!”

Orson clears his throat, “It’s time, Saph. You need basic self-defense and my father is right. We need to get you up to speed on what it means to be a Luna.”

“Saphyre Diana Parker-Jones.” Alpha Mason came out with prosthetics to replace the limbs he lost. “You listen to your parents. We won’t be here forever.”

“Glad to see you up and about, old friend.” Orson went over and gave him a brotherly hug.

“I wish I could say I had it worse. Tayla’s still in recovery.” He limped over to our daughter. “What if we die before you take our place?” I heard her take a deep breath in. “We need you to live on. In order to do that, you need to learn self-defense and take lessons from your mothers.” She looked down, sadness written on her face. She thought about it for a moment before nodding her head.

“All right, dad. I’ll do it.” She looked back up at him and glanced at him. “Will you be okay, dad? It seems like every time I see you, you’re missing more and more of yourself.”

“I will be fine, honey. It’ll take some getting used to, but I’ll live.” She got up and hugged him.

“I’m sorry. I will do better. I love you, daddy.”

“I love you too, my precious jewel.” She snickered.

“You haven’t called me that in a long time.” She let go and hugged Orson. “Thank you for protecting me, dad.”

“Of course, sweetheart.” He hugged her back.

The rest of the night went smoother, Tayla came back with new scars and a couple of missing fingers. I won’t tell Saphyre, but the next big attack? I fear that Tayla and Mason may not survive.

When 1 am hit, we headed home. Saphyre and I ran while Orson and the others took the cars. I knew Saph hated the car. After tonight, I prefer her to be on one of our backs. Protected at all times.

“Mom? Can I confess something to you?”

Fern: Of course. What’s the matter?

“I…” She paused, trying to gather her thoughts as I heard her breathing go deep. “I don’t want to think this, but Mother and Father looked really bad tonight. I am scared that they will lose their lives one of these nights. I-I dont… I don’t want that to happen.” She began sobbing into my fur. “I can’t lose any of you.”

Fern: Saph. Listen to me. Dying is inevitable. That’s just a part of life. If they do lose their lives, then they gave them up to protect you from the enemy. Look at what happened tonight.

“I was almost kidnapped. And they were in the pack hospital.” She responded with hiccups.

Fern: Exactly. I have no doubt that Mason and Tayla would have saved you if they could have.

~Saphyre’s P. O.V~

Mom and I ran from Tigard back to Sootcreek. It took us several hours and I was super tired. But I sure as hell am not sleeping tonight. I am grateful that I am homeschooled. Otherwise, I would be failing 5th grade right now. Mom was a really great teacher too. She should have been a teacher at our elementary school. But she prefers teaching 1 student at a time. Soral, Miranda and Dakota asked mom once to homeschool them too, but without their parents consent, mom had to turn them down. They are currently getting ready for school when we arrive at the pack.

“Phy!” Soral comes up and helps me off my mom.

“You look terrible, Saph. What happened?” Miranda brought out her travel makeup kit.

“I’ll go get a new set of clothes for you. Dirt is not your look.” Dakota left us.

“Another pack attacked. My parents are not looking well.”

“Shit.” Miranda got a flick on the head from her mom.

“Language, missy. No foul mouths in front of me.” She was really old fashioned. Even down to her clothes. She always wears old western clothes. We all thought she was weird, but she made the best pies.

“Yes, mom.” Miranda answered. While secretly rolling her eyes.

“Luna Daisy.” They all said in unison.

“Luna, you look exhausted.” Dakota’s mom handed her a cup of coffee.

“Thank you, Zora.” Mom downs the coffee. “Zora, Annalise, Katie, can you do me a huge favor?” What was mom wanting their moms to do?

“Of course, Luna.” They again responded in unison.

“After school today, can you pack them clothes and a tent? I think the girls deserve a weekend out.” We all gasped in excitement.

Dakota came back and handed me a robe with a portable dresser. “Camping? Yes! We haven’t gone camping in forever.”

“Right?!” The three of us said at the same time. Then we started laughing.

“We can have that arranged, Luna.” Their moms agreed to it.

About 10 minutes later, my friends went off to school and I went with our head trainer. This will be a fun day… Not! Danny was a harsh warrior even on his good days. I had to go upstairs first to get on some workout clothes and to put up my white hair. I may not know much about fighting, but long hair can get in the way if not dealt with first. I decided on putting it up in a bun. Then I got my tennis shoes on. On my way down, I ran into my bully.

“Terrance.” I coldly said to him as I passed him.

“Freak.” He said with equal coldness.

“You know, one of these days, I am just going to ignore you all together and really treat you like you don’t exist. Get lost. This is my parents and my floor. You are breaking pack rules by being here.” I didn’t want to waste my time with him.

“I hope Danny squishes you today. Have a sucky birthday, loser.” He left with a giggle in his voice. I swear, I am going to punch him so hard that I’ll knock him out. Before meeting up with Danny, I go to my favorite place here to clear my head.

I get to the edge of the river bank and sit to watch the water flow. It helps to relax me. I take deep breaths in and let the stress and the bullying out of my mind. Letting it go like the water lets the leaves go. I spend a good 10 to 15 minutes there before I have to head to the training grounds.

The sounds of our warriors started filling the air, the sweat was making it gross. But I promised my dad that I would do this and a Parker nor a Jones would go back on their word. The warriors noticed me and bowed their heads.

“Luna Saphyre. Come.” Danny told me. I hate the title s**t. But I go over to him. “You will be observing today. I want you to see the training first hand before we start you off.” He turns to the warriors. “Begin!”

The way they started their training had me scared for my life. They tackled each other and threw themselves on the ground. It wasn’t until later that I noticed something about this. The ones attacking were letting the ones being attacked throw them. They were practicing defense. Getting the attacker in an arm hold and holding them down.

The day I spent watching them, I learned a lot. Their footing was solid and made it hard to move the bigger guys. The defense was almost impenetrable like a steel wall. Danny may have been a hardass, but his methods were amazing. No wonder other packs haven’t attacked here. They would get squished in an instant.

“Luna. What did you see?” Danny came over to me and expected me to reiterate what I learned.

“At first, I thought they were just wrestling. But then, I noticed that it was a hold. The footing was like this,” I got up and took the defensive stance. It wasn’t perfect, but I got most of it.

“Good, good. What else?” He asked.

“The blocks were almost like iron bars.” Again, I showed what I saw. “They looked like they hurt, but the muscles were like walls of steel.”

“Very good, Luna. And towards the end?” He sat next to me.

“The warriors attacking looked worn out from their movements, but the defenders looked as if they had energy to spare.” I sat back down, hoping I got what he was asking.

“I’m impressed. Good work for today, Luna. I expect to see you bright and early on Monday. Have fun on your camping trip.” He got up and gave a small smile. I made Danny smile?! Holy s**t! That’s a first.

Dad came to get me from the training grounds and led me back home. I was actually looking forward to Monday. I was getting excited to learn how to fight for myself. So excited that I giggled a bit too loudly.

“Was training that fun?” Dad asked.

“Danny just had me watch today. But I learned a lot. I can’t wait to start my training.” Dad patted my head.

“Don’t be too eager. Danny is a very strict teacher. Want me to watch your first day?” He laughed a little.

“That would be great, dad. I want you to tell me where to improve on and what-not.” I hugged my adoptive father.

“Very well. I won’t go easy just because you're my little girl.” He started tickling me.

I was laughing hard, “Dad! HAHAHA! STOP IT!” We were laughing.

“Come on. Your mother has a surprise for you.”

We continued to walk to the pack house. The wind in late spring always feels so good. I cannot wait to get my wolf. I wonder what she'll be like. Will we be good Lunas? That had me stop for a minute. I looked at my adoptive father and thought of my birth father. I started crying because of what could happen. What if daddy dies? Would the Glass Moon merge?

"Saph?" Dad turned his attention back to me.

"Dad? What if... What if they do die? What will happen?" The tears rolled like a waterfall. I couldn't stop them.

"If that happens, I will make sure that the pack is safe here." He comes over and wraps me in a hug. "I suspect that Beta Tanner will take over as alpha until you are ready." I just nodded and sniffled as I kept thinking about that possibility.

"I am your daughter too." He rubbed my back.

"What does your heart tell you to do then?" He let go and kneeled before me.

I stopped crying for a moment as I looked deep within myself. The right thing to do would be to merge both packs under Crystal Lake. "Merging them is what it says to me. Making Crystal Lake that much more formidable." A smile spread on his face. He didn't look disappointed that I would basically be destroying the Glass Moon Pack. "You aren't angry?"

"I am not. The Glass Moon Pack started with me. In another state at that. I am glad that you want to take over both packs." I wiped my eyes. "We had a good run, 13 years is not long, but it was worth it."

I nodded again. "Let's head back, dad. Mom is probably worried by now."

We get back to the pack house and everyone is there. Long tables with fresh food on them. My friends are holding presents. The pack warriors put up party lights and streamers in the courtyard. It was a real birthday party. I couldn't help but smile at this. Mom even bought fire sprinklers. This will be a fun night and I cannot wait to enjoy it with everyone.

Before partying, though, I went to my room. Usually there is a gift on my window banister that doesn't have a name on it. But it is always a great gift. I imagine that it's mom or dad putting the gift there, yet they label them. I got to my room and there it was. A box wrapped in blue paper and white lace. It's the same decor on the box as every year. I take it and sit on my bed. I gently unwrap the silky lace to save for a hair bow later. I never like to just tear into my gifts. I save what I can and use it for other things. Once the box has been fully unwrapped, I open it. I gasped at this new gift. Pulling it out. A beautiful snowglobe the size of half of my side table is inside it. It wasn't nearly as heavy as I thought it would be. Inside the globe were 3 wolves in a meadow of colorful flowers. They weren't howling, but they looked to be standing with pride. Protecting each other. I noticed that it was my real parent's wolves and a third with my eye color and hair color for fur. Last year's gift was also a snowglobe with wolves in it. But it was my adoptive parents' wolves and a white wolf with my eye color too. "Anubis and Fern. Cameron and Meadow. I do wonder what my wolf will turn out to be." Smiling to myself. "And who leaves these amazing gifts? They have to be rich." I laughed a little.

A few more minutes of looking at the snowglobes side by side, I decided it was time to get ready for my birthday party. Knowing Dakota, she'd start a food fight, so maybe not something I would wear to a nice dinner. Miranda, on the other hand, loves to be sneaky and grab 2 slices of cake for us later. Soral likes the games we play at each birthday party we attend. Her favorite game is Talisman. She can be such a nerd. But I love her for it. She wants to start playing Dungeons and Dragons soon. Why not tonight? We have the equipment for it.

I got ready and headed to my party. They all yelled 'Surprise' when I got there and what a surprise it was. The cake was a 6-tier cake with roses, bluebells and violets on it. The presents had their own table and were filling up fast as pack members began to show up. There was a d.j and a dance floor. An ice-sculpted wolf with flowers in its mouth was on another table. Mom and dad went all out this year. I will take pictures on my phone so my birth parents can enjoy this too. Some videos would help. Oh! I should definitely save a few slices of cake. When we go back, I want to share it all with them. Tanner, Winter, Anthony, Olive, Elliot and Maddi should see this too. I bet they would love it. It's decided. I will take as much of this as I can for next time. For now, it's time to party and have some fun.