The Emerald Queen

I AM NORA RYAN

"W...What?" I stutter.

"Nora, I talked to my Father today. Your Father was the Alpha of the Jade Moon Clan, a pack that we are in close allegiance with. When your Father passed away 18 years ago, on this day to be exact, nobody understood what had happened to him. He was found just outside the Jade Moon border, next to a woman who had also passed away. It was thought that the woman had just given birth, but with no baby to be found, people didn't know what to think. That woman, who we may assume to be your mother, didn't belong to the Jade Moon Clan."

"Today is my Birthday. It was me. WHAT HAPPENED?" Why did they both die?" I'm starting to panic now. How could that happen? I lost both of them on the same day. Who took me to the school? So many questions needed to be answered.

"It's your 18th Birthday today? Why didn't you tell me, my Love? Now I understand why I didn't pick up on your scent during my visit to the school last year." 

"My scent?" I shake my head. I mean, I know I never smelt great, but what is this guy talking about? 

"I've never celebrated a Birthday, I didn't expect this one to be any different."

"CAKE IT IS THEN!" squeals Mrs Murphy. I flash her a smile through my confusion. I've never had a Birthday cake.

"Patrick, what's going on?" I ask.

"Let's enjoy your Birthday dinner and cake, and then I promise we will have that long talk, ok?" 

Patrick rubs my cheek in an effort to calm me and cheer me up. It works, for now, but I still need answers. In the meantime, I guess I can enjoy this Birthday dinner. The food already smells irresistible. I guess I'll need the brain power too.

Mrs Murphy sets before me a dinner that looks fit for a king. Roast chicken, garlic potatoes, steamed vegetables and gravy. It's pipping hot and the steam that is rising from my plate, teases my nose. I dig into my food, savouring every bite. Moans of pleasure escape my lips with every mouthful and Patrick stares at me, his eyes full of lust. Mrs Murphy really is the best cook. When I can't eat another bite, I lean back in my chair and let my stomach settle. I have never felt this satisfied in my life.

"Did you enjoy your dinner?" Mrs Murphy asks as she clears my plate from the table. 

"It was the best food I've ever tasted, thank you so much. I have no doubt you will fatten me up with plates like this." I giggle. 

Returning in front of me, she places a slice of chocolate cake under my nose and winks. It looks rich and indulgent. Fresh cream sits on the side, topped with a cherry. 

"Dig in, and Happy Birthday Luna."

I didn't think I could fit another bite in my stomach, but looking at this cake, I'm almost positive that I've grown another. I finish my slice in record time and now I truly am full to the brim.

"Mrs Murphy, your cooking is dangerous. Thank you again, this has been the best birthday ever. I think I could use a nap now." I laugh. 

"We call that a food coma, Luna and it will be the best sleep of your life." Mrs Murphy says with a smile. 

Standing to leave the kitchen, I feel a ton heavier. Patrick rushes to my side to help me upstairs to my room. I walk straight to my bed and fall on my back. Patrick laughs and comes to lie beside me. What should feel intrusive and strange, feels normal. He feels like home to me so I put up no objection. He pushes my hair behind my ear then rubs his thumb across my lips. 

"You're perfect, Nora and you're mine." He says before leaning in to kiss me. It is a passionate kiss, his lips are soft and gentle, yet they feel like they are in need. In need of me. He nips at my bottom lip and I gasp. The parting of my lips allows him to invade my mouth with his tongue. He searches for mine and massages it, fighting for space in my mouth. It is a dance of passion and it is a perfect first, real kiss. 

He pulls away from our kiss and I whimper. I wasn't ready for it to end. He smiles at me and caresses my cheek. 

"Ready to learn who you are, Nora?" he asks. 

I nod, still breathless from our kiss. He sits me up and looks me in the eye, a more serious expression gracing his handsome face. Oh God, is it bad?

"Nora Ryan, you asked me what a Mate is. A Mate is a soul that is made for you and only you. A perfect match created by the Moon Goddess herself, and that's what you are for me. I am a Werewolf, Nora. Your Father was a Werewolf and so, you are a Werewolf too." 

"What?" I gasp.

I'm astonished. This can't be true. I've always felt there was something different about me, something more to discover, but I never thought it would be this. I'm a Wolf??