The Fall Moon

Mr. Yummy

River POV

Ever since I was a young girl, I knew I was destined to love someone so deeply and completely that it would consume me, my soul mate.

I was always told I had a big heart, but the real reason was that I needed to love the people around me in order for the love inside of me not to hurt me. This need always threatened to consume me. When my Mom gave me a gold, heart-shaped locket with a dazzling ruby gem in the middle that was enchanted as a gift for my Quinceniera, she told me, "This locket will carry your love when it overflows." I knew then that my love was a very powerful gift that the moon goddess had bestowed on me.

I learned the hard way, though, that loving people in such a selfless and complete way could lead to heartache and pain. My best friend Tess betrayed me by manipulating the people around me and creating hatred in my other friends because of her jealousy of my position as the Alpha's daughter. When she abandoned our pack and went rogue, a trail of misery and pain was left for me to try and heal with my gift of love. Because of her betrayal, I nearly killed myself trying to help others. That was how I learned to be cautious and to guard my heart.

I only let people into my inner circle who I knew only had my best interests at heart. Veronica and Tracy were the only people who had passed the test so far.

Veronica was the daughter of our pack's Delta, Shane. Although we grew up together, she was always a bit abrasive and cocky. However, once we got to high school, she seemed to tone down somewhat. We started to form a friendship in Science class when we were lab partners. We quickly discovered that we both enjoyed learning and that we shared an interest in all things Renaissance.

I was into cosplay and going to the weekend Renaissance faire's with my family as my creative outlet. Veronica was into medieval weaponry and was learning to smelt iron. It was a match made in heaven. She started to accompany my family on our trips, and she allowed me to create costumes for her, and she made me many different pieces of costume jewelery and small weaponry. My favorite piece Veronica has made to date is the metal ornate hair piece that looks like a vine growing over a trellis that accentuates my silky, dark hair. It includes an ornate hair pin that was sharpened to a razor-sharp point. If needed, I could reach up and grab the pin to attack at close range.

Throughout high school, Veronica and I grew very close. We both dated, but nothing serious, and we always joked that we would end up finding our mates one day together.

As we neared the end of our senior year, we decided to go to the local university together. I chose to continue my passion for history, and she chose to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice as a forensic weapons investigator. That was where we met Tracy. She was a red head with a temper and mischief to match. She was loyal, though, and that alone made her part of my inner circle. Our first 2 years at university went by in a flash, and we found ourselves at the beginning of our junior year. Although we all have very different personalities and interests, we have stuck together. Towards the end of the first quarter, my social life began to pick up quite a bit, and I was beginning to be noticed by many good-looking men. That made me nervous and caused me to withdraw a bit. Veronica tried her hardest to get me out of my shell, though.

That night, Veronica bounded into our small apartment living room with a flyer in one hand and shopping bags in the other.

"River! You've gotta see this! The Kappa Delta Theta fraternity is throwing a house party tonight! That group has the dreamiest guys," she sighed happily, "and I am willing to bet we can find a pair of guys that will worship the ground we walk on!"

Ugh. I did not want to people tonight, and it didn't help that Veronica had been on a crazy kick lately to try and find us our mates. Not that I would mind, but we were both still 3 months from our 21st birthdays, and since we receive our wolves on the first full moon after our 21st birthday, I was more than a little nervous about it. You see, I am still a virgin.

Veronica chose to enjoy her newfound freedom once we got to university. She would come home to our apartment late at night and tell me stories about her trysts with her new boy toy of the month. I lived vicariously through her hot and heavy tales, and I dreamed of the day that my mate would make me feel the same way. I wanted to save that experience to share with the one that held the other half of my soul. My fated mate. Until then, though, Veronica was determined to place as many men in my path as possible. Which brought me back to the present situation I found myself in.

I had a lot of work to do in order to be ready for exams next week.Not to mention my 10 page paper on the history of the Egyptian mummification process and significance. But when Veronica came barging into my bedroom with shopping bags and stuff to get ready for the party, I couldn't concentrate any longer. I decided to take a break from mummies before I became one.

"Look at the dress I picked out for you, Ri! You are going to make everyone drool."

"Roni, I don't need drool anywhere near me. If they can at least hold an intelligent conversation without being a sleaze ball, then I will call the night a success."

"Ri, you need to just loosen up and enjoy yourself! Have a drink and let the music move you, " she said, grabbing my hips into a swaying motion. "Shakira was right. Hips don't lie." She winked mischievously.

"Ugh, my hips are huge. There is no lie in that," I complained. It's true, though. My Abuelita (grandma) always said I had child-bearing hips. "It's in your blood, mijita," she would always say. Well, one day, maybe it would serve me well.

I sighed dramatically, "Okay, what's the plan, Roni?"

"You let me play Barbie with you, and we will see if your Ken magically appears tonight." she wiggled her perfectly arched eyebrows at me. This girl knew how to draw me into her schemes.

My left eyebrow rose in skepticism, "I am not looking for a beach blond surfer boy who cannot chop wood."

"Ok, then maybe we are looking for Kent the logger?" she sarcastically suggested. She could be such a butthead at times.

I let Veronica style my rich chestnut brown hair, and she did my makeup, too.

When I looked at my reflection in the mirror after slipping on the body con dress she had bought, I realized I looked HOT! The dress was a beautiful wine color with short sleeves, and the length hit just above my knees. I had a pair of black peep-toe stilettos that I slipped on. My makeup was very natural, and Veronica had expertly applied it to enhance my high cheekbones, cupids bow mouth, and almond shaped brown eyes. Damn, I looked good! I felt ready for anything tonight. Veronica and I got into my cherry red, classic Mustang, picked up Tracy, and drove to the party being held in Hollywood Hills.

Veronica, Tracy, and I made our way inside the sprawling mission style house that had people spilling out onto the front lawn and outside sitting areas. We eventually made our way to a small sitting area in the common room of the frat house. We began talking about the next Renaissance Faire we were planning on going to.

"This Faire is going to be in Lake Arrowhead, and I hear it is going to be the perfect weather to actually camp out!" Tracy said excitedly.

Roni and I looked at each other and knew we were in. We loved to camp out in the woods and hang out around the campfires that people created around the Faire. Not only did it give us a chance to socialize with others who shared our interests, but it also allowed us a perfect excuse to enjoy the woods among other shifters who already had their wolves. It led us to some exciting stories and experiences.

"We're in!" we said in unison.

"Jinx!" I said, 'You owe me a drink!"

"Hmm, or I could let Mr. Yummy over there, get us drinks?" Veronica gestured with her eyes to a handsome, sandy, blond haired hunk leaning on the kitchen island.

I turned slightly to my left, and nothing I had dreamed of would have ever prepared me for the moment that I would find the most beautiful sky blue eyes gazing at me from across the room.

I couldn't breathe. He was so good-looking. I tore my eyes away from his gaze and looked down at my shaking hands.

Just then, a shadow fell over me. I knew instinctively that it was him. My heart started to pound wildly, and it was so loud I knew he could hear it.

"Hello ladies," he said in the most delicious Australian accent. How are you liking the party so far? Can I get you any snacks or drinks?"

"We could use a few drinks and some of those yummy hors d'oeuvres we saw making the rounds!" Tracy said.

"Oh, you saw my handiwork then, did you? I love watching Food Network, and I got the idea for those cucumber roll ups from something I saw on Guy Fieri's new show."

"You are cute and handy in the kitchen....hmm, it sounds like we need to get to know you better, don't we River?" Veronica said. I shot her a look that said,'I am going to kill you later'. She giggled, and then I decided to play along. Kill them with kindness, I thought.

I turned to Mr. Yummy said,

"I suppose I could spend a few minutes longer here before I head back to my house to study for the exams."

He nodded and nearly ran to go get us our drinks and snacks. Veronica and Tracy started giggling.

"Did you see how he practically fell apart at your feet, River?!" Roni said

"I only have eyes' for you....." crooned Tracy.

"Oh my gosh, you guys!" I hissed. "Pipe down or else he might hear you!"

"He seriously has underestimated the power of a real woman," Tracy stated, "A real woman draws you to herself and then traps you with her witty comebacks like, "I suppose I could spend a few minutes longer here...." I mean, you could not say anything else?!"

"Pull yourself together, woman!" Veronica quipped. "Here he comes! Play it cool and follow my lead River." We turned towards Mr. Yummy, as he carried a tray of drinks and snacks like a waiter.

"Here you are, ladies, snacks and drinks."

He slid the tray down the table like he was bowling. I'm shocked he didn't spill anything.

"Oh, these looks absolutely amazing! What's your name again?" Veronica asked, batting her eyelashes at him.

"Troy Williams, at your service ladies." He winked at me directly. So much for coy flirtation.

"And in the name of hospitality, who do I have the pleasure of serving tonight?" he asked, looking straight at me.

I swallowed hard and suddenly felt like my mouth was the Sahara Desert. I gulped down some of the fruity mixed drink he handed me. Thankfully, Tracy intervened.

"My name is Tracy," she said, "and this is Veronica, and this," she gestured to me, "is River."

He stared at me like a lovesick puppy. Oh boy, this could get interesting. After a few more moments of awkward silence, Tracy cleared her throat loudly and spoke up.

"So what do you major in, Troy?" she asked.

"Oh, well, I started off in technical engineering, but then I realized that wasn't really meant for me. Too much maths."

We all laughed because that was the whole reason I was majoring in history, and they all knew it.

Troy continued, "Now, I am majoring in public relations with a minor in political science. What are you all majoring in?"

We all looked at each other knowingly before answering.

"Elementary Education," Tracy said.

"Criminal Justice," Veronica said.

"History," I said softly.

"Interesting. What brought you three together?"

Before I knew what I was doing, I blurted out, "We grew up together.Together, we make up the Three Musketeers! Huzzah!" I said quickly as I raised my glass in a toast, and the girls met my glass in the air with a clink.

I panicked. What a dumb thing to say! I was face palming myself in my mind. Huzzah? I couldn't have said anything normal like cheers? I feel like an i***t. I glanced at Veronica in panic, my eyes wide with terror.

Troy suddenly burst out laughing. It was an amazing sound, deep and rumbling. I melted inside a little, I felt like it was a big cat purring next to me.

"That has to be the first time I have ever heard someone use the term 'Huzzah' in public!" He said incredulously.

I had nothing to say. My mouth kept opening and closing like a fish. I downed the rest of the cocktail and set my glass down hard on the table while trying to formulate a response.

"Well then, maybe next weekend we can all get together and take you to get some exposure!" Veronica piped up.

I glanced at Veronica and Tracy in panic, and then we started giggling. I was laughing in response to being so nervous, and I knew the other two were laughing AT me. I knew what was coming. They were going to pay for this.

"Yes! Yes! You must join us, dear sir!" cried Tracy. "It would do us good to have some male companionship with us on this trip."

My eyes started to bulge at the idea of him being with us all weekend. What were they thinking!? Did Tracy and Veronica eat some special brownies, or were they seriously just out of their minds!? I might as well play along... I can definitely act the part if needed. I cleared my voice and tried my best impersonation of a British accent.

"We would be honored to have the pleasure of your company, Sir Troy."

He looked shocked that I had spoken more than two words.

"Well, my fair maidens," he said, "I accept your invitation and look forward to it gladly!"

Now we've done it. It's all over now. We are going to be the laughingstock of campus shortly.

"Yes!" Veronica pumped her fist. "We have planning to do ladies." Let's get out of here and hit the shops!"

Oh no... Nope. I am going home. I have no desire to be the center of their conversation anymore tonight. Tracy and Roni can go shopping on their own. I spoke up, "Can you guys please drop me off at my house?" I have to study for the exam. Plus, I already have my outfit for next weekend."

"Yeah, of course we can. It's right on the way to the store I have in mind anyway." Veronica said

"Well ladies, it's been a lovely evening chatting with you and getting to know you a bit. Here is my business card, which has both my house and my cell number on it. Let me know when and where to meet up next weekend!"

He handed his card directly to me. Me!?

Our eyes met as I took the card. Then his voice lowered as he huskies said, "Anytime day or night you can call me."

Oh boy, I knew what that meant. I blushed so hard I am sure I was beet red.

"Thanks," I half-whispered as I stood to leave. "We will be in touch soon."

As we walked toward the front door, Troy called out, "Fare thee well, young maidens!" and we all looked at each other and burst out giggling as we piled into my car and drove away.

As soon as we were a few streets away, I shouted, "What the f**k just happened?! You invited a completely unknown man along on our Ren Faire camping weekend?!"

"Calm down Ri," Roni said. "I am sure he is not the camping type, and I never said anything about sleeping with us. It will all be good fun."

Tracy piped up from the backseat, "Plus, I know him a little bit. He is my cousins roommate, and I have a wickedly good idea to make him a bit uncomfortable too." she said with a sinister grin.

"I can't believe that this just happened. What the hell am I going to do? How do I even entertain the idea of cosplaying around someone I don't even know!? It's different with you guys, I know you, I trust you. But he is a completely different breed."

"Don't panic, Ri, just get home, finish up your exam studying, and finish your paper so we can all enjoy next weekend!" Veronica said.

"Fine," I grumbled as I exited to the highway near our apartment. "You guys will be the death of me one day."

"Not today, River, we have planning to do!" Tracy said, a little too cheerfully. I pulled into the parking garage of the apartment building, thankful to be home finally, but dreading the next weekend.

Ugh. I knew I shouldn't have peopled today.