The Crystal Luna

Chapter 3: 8 Years Later

~Saphyre’s P. O. V. ~

I was sitting in my real daddy’s chair. I didn’t want to leave with my adoptive parents today. I crossed my arms and glared at both sets of parents. My real mommy was crouched down next to me.

“Saph. Baby, you need to go with them.” I humphed and turned away.

“And why should I? This is my home!” I screamed. My home that I only see once a week.

“Tay, it’s time we told her.” My daddy said.

“She’s only 8, Mason.” Mommy pleaded. Tell me what? I looked around at my family. All of them either look angry or scared.

“He’s right, Luna Tayla. We need to tell her what happened and why.” Now I have an interest. I sat still and watched them exchange looks. My adoptive daddy knelt before me. “Saph, sweetie, what we are about to tell you will hurt your heart and will make you scared, but we are all here to protect you.” I saw sadness in his eyes.

“Saphyre. Honey,” My adoptive mommy came up to me and held me close. “Baby, there are people who want to take you from here and never let you see us again. Some want to hurt you, others want you because of who you are meant to become. We will tell you that last part later in life, okay?” I nodded as I tried to understand.

“There are alpha’s from 8 years ago, 3 days after you were born who tried to trap your father into treaties that had you mated to one of their sons.” Grandpa Gunny said to me. I thought mates were found, according to both my daddy’s and mommy’s.

“We took you as a baby to protect you, honey. But we also wanted you to bond with your real parents, so we have shared joint custody over you. To keep you safe.” My adoptive mommy said to me as she kissed my head.

“That’s why you only come to us once a week, baby.” My real mommy took my hand. “And not on the same day.” She looked around at my family. “We just want to make sure you’re safe,” I nodded again. They want me safe? I began to cry as I thought of that.

“Oh, my poor grandbaby.” Nana Sery came up and kissed me on the cheeks.

“Honey bunch.” Granny Sophia also hugged me. “I know that this makes you scared.” I just sat there and screamed as I cried.

“We need to get her home, Luna Tayla. I’m sorry we can’t have her here longer.” My adoptive daddy said. He picked me up from mommy’s lap as I continued to cry. “I know this isn't fair. Come on, it’s a long journey.” Mommy hugged my other mommy as both of my daddy’s grabbed each other’s arms.

“Thank you for taking care of her, Alpha Orson.” My real daddy said.

“It’s been a pleasure, Alpha Mason. She’s safe with us.” Mommy and daddy kissed me on the cheek as we left.

“We will see you next week.” Grandpa Gunny told my birth parents. I looked at them and saw what this war did to them. Mommy has a giant scar on her left arm and over her right eye. Daddy has part of his neck missing along with one of his eyes. I caused this, I caused my birth family harm.

“Don’t you dare think that, Saphyre.” I looked at Nana Sery. “It is not your fault. It’s those damn alphas that are to blame.”

“Sera! Language!” Grandpa Gunny scolded her. He looked down at me in my adoptive daddy’s arms. “Grandma is right. Don’t ever think that this is your fault. It’s wolves who have bad intentions.” I just nodded and sniffled.

“Saph, my sweet baby girl, don’t ever think that it’s your fault.” Daddy held me tighter and kissed my forehead. “You are loved by your birth family and your adoptive family.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried harder.

“I hate them, daddy!” I screamed.

“I know.” He rubbed my back as he held me in his arms. Grandpa Gunny said they wouldn’t dare attack with an Elder present. I don’t know what an Elder is, but if that is true, why do I smell other wolves?

“Daddy? I smell other wolves.” I whispered.

“I know. I can smell them too. They were lucky to find you today, but unlucky that Grandpa Gunny is here, right?” He lifted my chin. “If they attack, run fast and run far, sweetie. Do you remember how to blend in?” I nodded and took out my camo beanie, putting it on and making sure my white hair was fully under it. “Good. Repeat what we have taught you.”

“Run, blend, hide. If dirt is available, hide my scent with the smell of earth. Move to where my scent is going away from the attackers. And don’t make a sound.” He hugged me harder.

“Perfect, baby.” We continued to walk out. Mommy’s ranking wolves kissed me on the cheeks and told me good luck. My breath caught in my throat as I noticed 3 men standing in the way of our car.

“Alpha Hues.” Daddy put me down. My family pushed me back behind them. I understood.

~Alpha Orson’s P. O. V.~

I heard her feet running away from us. I stared down one of my most hated enemies while I lived in Oregon the first time. Alpha Hues, he led an attack on my Luna’s pack. Slaughtering them all. “Get out of here.” I growled and warned him.

“I’m surprised, Alpha Orson. You allied yourself with these mutts?” Tayla and Daisy roared as they shifted into their wolves.

“Why is it surprising? My father is an Elder. And that girl is my adoptive daughter.” Anubis wanted to come forth and tear his head off.

“We are only here to talk. Perhaps work this matter out?” He stepped forward.

“Calling us mutts and then having the absolute balls to ask us for anything?!” Mason yelled.

“I am simply asking that this matter be resolved. Just have her mated to my son and this whole war could end.” We all shifted into our wolves. Fern came by my side and snapped her jaw at him. “Luna Daisy. It’s been a while.” He smirked. “You were 19 at the time?” I couldn’t hear this anymore. Anubis attacked first. One of his men jumped in front of him as my jaws grabbed his throat. I tore into the flesh and broke the bone off. Killing this wolf instantly. Mason attacked the second one. When we looked, Alpha Hues was missing. The women and the grandparents attacked the others that were hidden. Saphyre! I quickly ran around the building with Mason behind me to find her. We caught up with a massive gray wolf who was running after her. Anubis picked up his pace. Catching up to him, grabbing the nape of his neck and forcing us into a tumble down a hill.

Anubis whimpered and whined as we fell with Hue’s wolf. When we landed at the base, I quickly got up and began circling this wolf. I let Anubis have full control. He bit, kicked, pulled and tore at the flesh. Bloody and panting, we both stared at each other. It was him to go down first, not dead yet. But Anubis was about to fix that. He grabbed his jugular, before we could kill him, another wolf appeared and got me off. Another two assisted him. They growled at me and retreated. Saph, where is she?! I ran back up to the pack house and saw her crying into my father’s legs. Thank goddess. I went up to her and licked her face. I wanted to reassure her that the bad guy was gone.

“Daddy!” She came to me and hugged my wolf. “I was so scared, daddy. I heard you whimpering and crying out. I thought you died when the sounds stopped.” Anubis lowered his head and pulled her closer to us. He laid down for her to climb onto his back. Once she was on us, Fern came over and licked her too. “I’m sorry…” She cried. “It’s my fault.” She sobbed into my fur.

Anubis: Saphyre, what did Nana Sery tell you?

She sniffled before answering, “This isn't my fault?” Her little voice turned hoarse.

Anubis: Exactly. Do not blame yourself, sweetheart.

Cameron: If anyone is the cause of this mess, it’s those who are too selfish and greedy for their own good.

Meadow: This will never be your fault. Please don't think that?

Saphyre nodded, “You all get hurt from protecting me, though.”

Fern: We will heal. She licked her face once more.

My father’s wolf, Mykel, came up to her too. Mykel: It is the price we pay and we do so gladly.

My mom’s wolf was slightly smaller than my dad’s. Fay: What I want to know is how they found out that we were here today.

“That is a question we are looking into.” The previous Alpha said to the group.

“When we find out who or what tipped them off, I will personally deal with it.” The previous Luna said. She growled at the thought of a traitor in her pack.

Cameron: You think someone betrayed us, mom?!

“I do. Who do you think would want Saphyre gone? I bet you it was that she-wolf w***e. Kaylee.” Her eyes have gone black. Who was this Kaylee, I wondered.

Cameron: Mom. I doubt it was. Meadow and I made sure to tell her that we would kill her if she did anything.

Anubis: Care to elaborate, Alpha?

Cameron: Before I met Tayla, there was a she-wolf that would try to get me to sleep with her. I was never one to w***e myself out.

Mykel: Language! He yelled.

Everyone rolled their eyes. Cameron: I told her when I was 19 that I was waiting for my mate. She thought it was her, since she didn’t have her wolf either. Ever since, she had been trying to get me to think I made a mistake with Tayla. Well, the day of the party for Saphyre’s birth, she shredded all of Tayla’s clothing. Meadow, however, put scars on Kaylee’s body after biting into her leg. She hasn’t made an appearance since. His mom might be onto something.

“The lady with the tooth marks on her right leg? That was done by you mommy?” Saphyre sat up and looked at all of us.

Meadow: She insulted you and me.

“She’s over there.” Saphyre pointed to a figure in the trees. Cameron growled and ran after her. Clearly, he didn’t think she wasn’t a threat. Cameron threw her into our family circle. She looked afraid and angry.

“Elder Gunner.” She trembled as she bowed.

“You little skank.” Sophia came up and slapped her. “You called that alpha here, didn’t you?!” She screamed.

“W-What? No! Sure I hate Tayla and her daughter.” She glared at Saphyre. Anubis let out a roar to make her back off. “But I don’t want to die! I’m not that much of an idiot.” Her heart was racing, but it was elevated. She was either really good at hiding her secrets or she was telling the truth.

“Get out of my sight, then. Never come near my son or his family again.” Alpha Carter shouted. She huffed and stomped away with grumbling words.

Cameron: That clears that matter up, I guess. Saph? Go home. We will figure this out, okay?

Saphyre nodded and laid back down. “Can I ride on you, daddy? I don’t like cars.” She whined a little.

Anubis: Of course, kiddo. One of my human workers was in the driver's seat. He knows about Werewolves and is in line to be a warrior of mine. I nodded for him to start driving back home. We said goodbye as we left Mason’s territory.

~Saphyre’s P. O. V.~

The trip home was nice, the wind caught in my hair. The trees blew in the wind as the moon rose high into the sky. I looked at the moon and wondered why these bad men were wanting me. Mommy said it was because of who I am meant to be. I had a lot of questions in my head. Like why these alphas want me specifically? Am I special or something? I leaned into my daddy’s fur and closed my eyes. Anubis was a big white wolf that looked like he was wearing a black full-faced wolf mask and black socks. His eyes were white too. Mommy’s wolf, Fern, was this pretty gray wolf with white speckles and green eyes.

“Daddy?”

Anubis: What’s up, sweetie?

“I’m scared. Why are they after me?” I dug my face into his fur and tightened my eyes shut.

Anubis: We will tell you more when the time is right. For now, you are just a bit too young to understand.

“Okay.” I hugged his neck as we continued to run through the forests of Oregon. Moon Goddess? Why are they after me? I wanted answers, I needed answers. But what I got was silence. I opened my eyes and looked at the mark on my arm. It resembled a white wolf howling towards the sky. It’s on my forearm and it stands out from my skin color. Running as wolves was a lot faster than driving in cars. I hated cars. They gave you little to no room and you couldn’t see everything. I sniffed the air, something didn’t smell right. “Daddy! Stop!” My heart beat faster and faster. It smelled bad, really, really bad.

Anubis: We can’t stop. Those are rogues you are smelling. I didn’t argue. This is the first time I had been smelling rogues.

“What are rogues?” I asked.

Anubis: Wolves who have no pack and live on their own. They smell like sewer and garbage because that’s all they have is garbage to feed off from. And already dead animals.

“Why would they come near us, then?”

Anubis: Honey, save the questions until we are home. I need to concentrate, alright?

I nodded, “Yes, daddy.” Mommy and Grandpa Gunny are taking down those wolves like they were nothing. I saw the fight end as quickly as it began. It made me wonder, what if my mate turns out to be a rogue? I know that I will accept him, but would my family accept him? I shook those thoughts for now. Even if he were a rogue, I could give him a better life and more food than he could ever want.

Fay: Saphyre Dianna Parker-Jones. You stop thinking about boys right now, missy. I blushed red as I remembered my Nana Sery could read thoughts.

Anubis: Mom, calm down. He chuckled. I was her age when I thought of my mate.

“What if he’s also a rogue?” I asked them.

Anubis: If he is your destined mate, then, we will accept him. If he turns out to be a non-violent rogue. I know that some have formed their own colonies and call them packs. But without an Elder’s permission or license, they are not technically packs. Those are okay. It’s the ones that attack first and those that mean us harm that we don’t like. Some official packs do take in some rogues and have helped them get back on their feet. If your mate is a rogue, we will accept him for who he is. I smiled at daddy’s response. I don’t care about where he comes from. Just that he will be good to me. Like both of my families are.

Fern: I hope he is a rogue. Just so I can laugh in those alphas' faces. It would show them that rank doesn’t matter.

“I don’t care where he comes from, mommy. I just want him to be a nice boy.” They all snickered as we continued our way home. It was nice to feel and see the outside. I laid on daddy’s neck again and closed my eyes. I thought about what he would look like. Though, I guess we will see in time. I shouldn’t try to put an image in my head that would be unrealistic. Instead, I smiled at how he would treat me and my family. I just hope, wherever he is, he’s a good boy. And he’ll be my other half.

We got home around 2 in the morning. I was exhausted. Daddy let me down as I dragged my feet to bed. Once I got inside my room, I fell onto my pillows and stuffies. I pulled my sharkie plush to me and snuggled into him. I heard my parents talk to the ranking wolves about what happened tonight. They agreed that they would come next time, leaving Delta Payton and Delta Female Bridgette in charge, while the other 3 ranks followed daddy and mommy to my real family's home.

In my sleepiness, I heard a voice echo in my room. I thought it was just my mind playing tricks on me since this isn’t the first time I heard a voice. Only this voice didn’t sound like the soothing one I am used to hearing. It was a harsher voice and saying words I couldn’t understand. I ignored it and fell asleep.

The next day I wasn’t awake until almost 11 am. The day was bright and beautiful. Mommy and daddy let me do what I wanted outside. I greeted my adoptive pack members. One boy started following me around. He was irritating. Kept making fun of my hair and how it was white. I merely just flick it in his face when he likes to get close to me. Then, I walked away without engaging him. I think that makes him even more angry. I merely laugh at his attempts to irritate me. It does work, but I never show it. I met up with my three friends.

“Miranda! Dakota! Sorel!” I laughed as I hugged them.

“Hey, Saph.” Miranda hugged me back.

“How was your trip?” Dakota asked. I was happy here too, just as much as I am over at my real parents place.

“Exhausting. Daddy had to fight off this one alpha. Then, rogues attacked. Mommy and Gunny took them down, though.”

“That sounds terrifying. Are you okay?” Sorel hugged me too.

“I’ll be fine. I did get a little information this time.” I looked down and had to wipe my tears away. “My real parents are at war because bad wolves want me. That’s why I am here.”

“For real? I’m sorry, Saphyre.” I loved Dakota. She had such a good heart.

“Why over you, though?” Soral was the most inquisitive girl I have ever met.

“I don’t know. Mommy wouldn’t say. I think it has something to do with my mark.” I showed them my arm. They knew it was there, but they still liked seeing it.

“It’s possible. I know I haven’t seen another wolf with that mark before,” Miranda said. She held my arm as she traced the pattern.

“Next time? I’m going to get more answers. I hate not knowing.” I pouted. We all went to where daddy’s warriors could watch us. I may have the freedom to do what I want. But that doesn’t mean I can go anywhere I want without an escort. Which, now I know why.

“I bet your lake looks awesome!” Soral wanted to see what the lake looked like.

I just laughed. “It’s not mucky or dark, that’s for sure. The river here is just ugly compared to The Crystal Lake. But it is warmer. The lake itself is like ice. Best in summers. Where the river here is like a hot spring or something.”

“Are there any cute boys in your hometown?” Dakota wanted to find her mate as soon as possible. I thought we were too young. She talked about holding his hands and kissing his cheeks. Gross.

“Not that I have seen. Then again, I am waiting to find my mate too. I hope he’s like both of my daddy’s.” I looked up at the clouds that were passing by.

“Man, you’re so lucky, Saph.” Miranda smiled. “2 sets of parents.” I don’t know if I was lucky or cursed.

“Yeah, double the rules. So lucky,” Soral said in a not fun tone. She rolled her eyes. I smelled the boy earlier. But I acted too slowly as he dumped water all over me.

I growled in anger. “Terrence!” I turned around and started to attack him.

“Ah! Hey! Take a joke, freak!” He tried to get me off of him. I bit his arm. There is only so much bullying a girl can take before she snaps.

“Saph!” Miranda and Dakota pulled me off him. “Terrence! What is wrong with you?!” Dakota yelled at him. Miranda took off her coat and handed it to me. The warriors came down with the noise.

“Why do you hang out with her? She’s a freak! Look at her hair!” The clearing of a throat made us all turn. It was my daddy. I immediately bowed my head. As do my friends. Terrence looked scared.

“Saphyre. What happened?” He was using his calm voice. He was very mad.

“Terrence poured a bucket of water on me while I was talking to my friends.” I wiped the water off my face as a warrior came with a towel.

“It’s true, Alpha Orson. We were just talking and watching the clouds.” Miranda said in my defense.

“Then, he poured water on Saphyre. She physically attacked him. But Alpha?” Dakota looked up with worry. “He’s been bullying her for a while now.”

My daddy raised his eyebrow at Terrence. “Alpha Orson. She didn’t do anything wrong. She only reacted to him picking on her.” Soral said to my daddy.

“How long has this been going on, kids?” I looked back down.

“Almost a year, daddy.” I whispered. “I try to handle it myself. I know how busy you and the other adults are, so I will try to make it stop.”

“Terrence?” Daddy crossed his arms. His eyes turned cloudy. He was mindlinking to someone. Once his eyes turned back, he looked at Terrence.

“Alpha… I-I… She…” He couldn’t come up with anything. Two more people came down. It was Terrence’s parents.

“Terrence!” His daddy yelled. “I am so sorry, Alpha Orson.”

“Were you aware that your son has been bullying my daughter?” Miranda, Dakota and Soral were helping me dry off. Mommy came down with new clothes for me.

“Come on, girls. Let your father handle this.” She started to take us away from Terrence and his family.

“I was not. I apologize, Alpha. He will be punished.” I still had my extreme hearing.

“I have the perfect punishment. He is to train with my head warrior for a month. That is final.” I smiled at this. Head Trainer Danny isn’t nice to any of the warriors. Serves him right. I held my head high as I knew he would hate it. Mommy led us upstairs to Alpha’s floor. My friends were allowed up here since my room is up here. I had sleepovers with them occasionally.

“Wait in the bedroom, girls. She’ll be out in a few minutes.” Mommy said to my friends.

“Yes, Luna Daisy.” They sat on my daddy’s bed as mommy took me into her bathroom.

She smiled at me and hugged me. I hugged her back. “I am so proud of you, honey. You don’t put up with bullying.” I was confused. She made me change into dry clothing and blew dried my hair. Putting it up in a ponytail.

“Shouldn’t you punish me for biting him or something?” I asked as she was working with my hair.

“Probably. But I’ll let your father decide on that.” She giggled. “That boy had it coming. Some other kids told me. They didn’t want me to tell your father.” She winked at me.

“I hope he learned his lesson.” I crossed my arms. “He’s so rude.”

“Training with Danny should straighten him up. There we go. Not a drop of water. Now go on, go play with your friends.” She laughed as I hopped down from the counter and ran back to my friends.

“Come on. Let’s go to my room. No boys allowed.” They all giggled and followed me. We went into my room.

“Let’s build a fort! It’ll be so much fun,” Miranda said.

“Yeah! I’ll get the books and blankets.” I ran to my small library in my room and pulled out the biggest books I could. I was grunting as I took them over.

“I’ll go get the flashlights!” Dakota left to get those.

“I’ll get the food. Forts need food, right?” I laughed and nodded. Soral went to the kitchen. The head cooks are amazing people. Miranda and I built the fort as Dakota and Soral came back. We each grabbed a pillow.

“So, what should we do?” I asked.

“Oh, I know! How about a scary story? We each tell one.” Dakota loved scary things. I like fantasy things.

“Okay!” We all said together.

“You first, Dakota.” I said. We each had a turn telling different stories. Dakota’s wasn’t the most scary to me, that honor belonged to Soral. She made my skin crawl with her story about a faceless wolf. Miranda’s was tamer. She told the story of a ghost girl who ate bugs and other things like that. Dakota tells the story of a group of kids drowning from a tentacle monster, who then ate them for energy.

“Okay, okay. My turn.” I rubbed my hands together. Then there was a knock on my door. “Come in!” I said and giggled.

“Saphyre.” Daddy’s voice still sounded mad. I got out of our fort and bowed my head to him. “Girls, your families are here to pick you up.”

“Awe. Yes, Alpha.” They hugged me and left my room. I was getting nervous. He stood there without saying anything for a few minutes.

“What am I going to do with you? You bit his arm.” I nibbled on my lip. “You made him bleed.” I looked away and pouted.

“He splashed water on me, daddy. He’s been bullying me. He calls me a freak because of my hair.” I heard him take a deep breath. He gets down to my level and places his hands on my shoulders.

“I understand that, but biting him? Was that the actions of a Luna?” I looked at him. Luna? “Was there nothing else you could have done?”

“Orson. He deserved it. The kids see him picking on her all the time. She snapped once, so what? Don’t punish her for sticking up for herself.” Mommy came in and defended me.

“I’m not punishing her, Daisy. She needs to understand that there were other things she could have done, though.”

“That is such bs, Orson. If she didn’t teach him that that wasn’t okay the way she did, I doubt he would have learned his lesson.” Daddy didn’t like to argue with mommy a lot. I saw him relax some. They kissed first.

“Ew!” I covered my eyes.

“You win, Daisy. However,” He looks back at me, “Next time, call me to handle it, okay?” He smiled at me. I nodded. “Now, who’s up for ice cream?” I smiled a lot and nodded. We took each other's hands and walked out of the pack house. I saw the clouds moving as the blue sky was even bluer than before. We walked to the ice cream shop. We each got our favorites. Daddy likes cookies & cream. Mommy loved this one. I can’t pronounce it. But it has vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. I love pistachio ice cream. Mommy took pictures of me eating the ice cream as we walked to the river. It was a really pretty day. The water glistened as the sun shined on it. Daddy told stories.