Beneath a Blood Moon - Book Two (Moon Child Series)

Chapter Two

I’m jolted awake by a cool hand stroking my cheek. I glance up from where my head lays on the bed, Fae’s eyes resting on me.

“Hello, my love.” She croaks. I sit up and place my forehead on hers, tears falling from my eyes.

“Why? Why did this monster do this to you?” Her hands stroke at my cheeks softly and she leans forward, planting a small kiss on my lips. My heart sings at the feel of her lips on mine.

“There is no use dwelling on the actions of others, my love. Let us just enjoy what little time we have together. Hold me.” Her eyes fill with tears as her body shivers. “Please. I don’t have long.” Tears stream down my face as I shift her over and slide in next to her. I pull her close to my chest as I stroke her head. Her body is quivering with shakes as her hand clutches at my shirt. “Do not let hate take you heart, my sweet Luca, and don’t close your heart to love.” Her soft voice is but a whisper as she kisses me again. “Even though we have only known each other but minutes, I love you, my mate.” One last kiss and a deep shudder shakes her body, and then stillness. Her eyes are empty, her body already growing cold. I clutch her to my chest as I feel my heart break, the physical feeling causing me to cry out in pain.

I’m not sure how long I lay there, but I’m soon pulled away from her. My body is numb. I can’t hear anything anyone says to me as I’m led from the infirmary. Small hands grasp at my cheeks and pull my eyes towards familiar dark green eyes. I stare into the face of my sister as I see tears streaming down her face. Weird thing about twins, at least shifter twins, they can always feel what the other feels when there is strong emotions or pain involved. Her voice is the only one I can hear as she strokes my tears away.

“Luca, breathe.” I do as I’m told and take a deep breath. I hadn’t realised I’d been hyperventilating. Her voice is like cool ice on my frazzled mind and I’m pulled from my numbness as she pulls me into a tight hug. My sister is my rock, always has been. Growing up we loved and supported each other and were each other’s best friends. The way she was able to calm me unlike any other was a testament to that.

“How are you here?” I croak into her shoulder as I cling to her. Her hands stroke through my hair.

“I felt your pain and teleported here without even knowing how I did it.” She pulls back from our hug and stares her eyes into mine, their depths reflecting my pain. “Luca. I’m so sorry.” We sit there for hours, just holding each other, our sibling bond the only thing keeping me from crumbling into nothing. My dad walks in and throws his arms around both of us and he squeezes.

“Let’s go home.” He says softly. “Oliver will visit in a few weeks with a report on the witch.” I stand with them and clutch Mia’s hand in mine, holding onto her like a lifeline. When we sit in the car, she pulls my head into her shoulder and hums an old lullaby that mum used to sing to us. I squeeze her hand to let her know it’s helping.

“So, you’re a witch then?” I mumble quietly, gazing up to her from her shoulder. She smiles.

“And a wolf.” I nod. If circumstances were different this would be more surprising. But I was too numb.

“Cool.” I said quietly as I close my eyes. She chuckled softly before continuing her humming, and I feel the darkness consume me gratefully.

***

*Three years later*

“Mum says if you don’t wake up in the next two seconds, she’s sending in Uncle Fergus and he’s got some big birthday smooches for you.” I moan as I roll over in bed and glare at my twin. She shrugs and skips out of the room. With one last groan I pull myself out of the bed and drag my feet down the stairs and into the kitchen, where my whole family; uncle Magnus, Aunty Emma, Seth, Danny and Freya; Uncle Fergus and Uncle Connor; and my mum, dad, Mia, Axel, MJ and Hailey stood with party hats on and party blowers in their mouth.

“Happy birthday!” They said in unison as they blew on their party blowers. I growl and turn to head back up the stairs. I’m stopped however by my twin as she grabs my hand and pulls me towards everyone’s waiting arms. A group hug ensues, and I groan.

“C’mon guys! You know I don’t celebrate my birthday anymore.” My mum stands in front of me with her hands on her hips, her face stern.

“Now, young man. If I had to spend twelve plus hours in labour to give birth to you, we sure as hell are going to celebrate it.” My dad chuckled as he pulled her back into his chest.

“It is something to celebrate son. Even if a shadow hangs above us on this day, you were born today. And that’s something to be joyous about.” I grunt as I’m led to the table by Mia and sit down for the customary birthday pancake feast. My mood improves with each moment I spend with my family and by the end of practice I’m agreeing to going shopping with Mia so we can buy some nice clothes for Seth’s wedding next week.

I shower and get dressed before I head down to the car where Mia heads off to town. The drive is peaceful as she hums a sweet tune. The sun beaming down on us warms me.

When we arrive at the mall, I follow Mia as she drags me to all her favourite stores in search of the perfect dress. I don’t even mind having to wait while she tried on multiple different dresses. I liked spending time with Mia, especially on our birthday where she is the only one that does not look at me with pity. Three years had passed since I’d lost Fae, and it hurt less the more time that went by. I still felt angry that I was cheated out of my only chance at happiness. But I remember her words and my anger turns to peace, at least for a little while.

“Helloooo?” A hand waves in front of my face as I’m spaced out in my own mind. I shake my head and look up at Mia as she spins in an emerald green strapless dress that falls just above her knees in a full skirt.

“What about this one?” I grab her hand and spin her again making her laugh.

“It goes well with your hair and your eyes.” I reply honestly. With a beaming smile she claps her hands and skips back to the change rooms. I lean back against the wall with a bemused smile and wait for her to get dressed. We pay for the dress and then head towards the food court. We eat in silence, me trying to ignore the giggling teenage girls a few tables down as they ‘discreetly’ whisper about how cute they think I am, until Mia glances up at me from her baked potato.

“Hey, Luca?” I look at her, my eyebrow raised.

“Yeah?” I ask suspiciously. She plays around with her potato for a little bit before looking me in the eyes.

“Do you think that you’ll ever get a second chance?” I stiffen at her words and look at her questioningly. Tears fill her eyes as she looks away from me. “I know it’s not a great day to ask it. I just... I don’t want to you to be lonely.” Her hand grasps mine as a small tear falls down her cheek. I sigh.

“I don’t really know, Mia. That’s not really for me to decide. That’s the will of the Moon Goddess.” She nods sadly and swipes at her cheeks as she continues to eat her potato. We once again continue eating in silence and when we’re done, head to a suit shop to buy me a suit, leaving behind the twittering little girls.

I can understand why she asked. After Fae, I’d closed my heart off to the prospect of ever loving again. And everyone around me was pairing up and finding their mates. She didn’t want me to be alone. Even though I’d always have her, one day she would find her mate and I would be the only single in the family. It didn’t really bother me. I’d spent the past three years focusing on becoming the best pack warrior. I trained longer and harder than anyone else and when Seth had become Alpha, I’d earned my place by his side as his beta and head of warriors. I felt control when I fought, control I did not feel in other aspects of life.

I’d put all thoughts of relationships and women behind me and focused solely on my strength. Whether the Moon Goddess was going to deign me with a second chance at love I’m not even sure I’d accept it. The little time I knew Fae she’d won my heart and soul wholly. There was no room for another, and no one would replace her in my heart. Ever.