The Lost Queen

Ellamara Three flights and a long-ass Lyft ride later, I'm finally in Moon Valley. The city is on the bigger side, though not as big as the ones I just saw in France. At least I'll see my brother. It's been three long days without him or Nat. Nat is short for Natalia. She likes it better when I call her Nat. I don't ever call her by her full name unless I am very mad at her. "Miss, we are here," calls the driver, pulling me out of my head. I say thanks, get out of the car, and type in the pin for the gate. I walk in and almost make it to the door before I'm pulled into a bone-crushing hug. "JAX!" I try to say, but it sounds more like a gasp. He quickly puts me down and apologizes, but I just laugh at the face he makes. "I'll take it that Max missed me, too. There was definitely some wolf strength in that hug." "Yes, we both did. He doesn't like you being across an ocean where he can't see you and get to you if need be." "I was fine! I didn't even interact with anyone in the supernatural world that had enough pull to cause trouble. And, even if I had, I'm human! I was perfectly safe." "I guess. We still didn't like you that far away for so long." "I know. I didn't like it either, but it had to be done. Mom needed me to cover for her at the show. Now, I'm going to go unpack and then head to the store." I make my way inside, then up to the third floor where my room is. I haven't been here to this house and my room in years. But it looks like the rest of my rooms, blue with gold accents. I put my suitcase on the window seat, turn on some music, and begin to unpack. Once I get everything put away, I go to the bathroom to take a shower. Then I walk to my closet and pick out a red, off-the-shoulder shirt, black leather pants, my black leather jacket, and my red heels. I grab my purse, throw it over my shoulder and head down to the living room where Jax is sitting and playing on his phone. "Jax, are you ready to go?" I ask. "Yeah. I guess I'll drop you off, then I have some business to attend to while you’re busy," he replies. I raise a brow and ask, "What do you need to do?" Jax answers, "Mom and Dad want me to talk to the rogues in town to make sure there’s no trouble. I already checked all the borders, and it looks safe. But if there’s any sign of trouble, you run. Like you said, you're human and with your condition, I don't want you to get hurt." "I don't have a ‘condition’," I argue. "I simply have a hard time being near really powerful or large groups of supernaturals.” "Yes, I know. But we are near the Royal Wolf Pack, and they have some of the strongest wolves. So, if you see trouble, YOU RUN AWAY! Am I clear? "Crystal…" I grumble, then I stomp over to the garage. I feel so mad! Jax always babies me and acts like I'm going to break at any moment. Like, if he isn’t there I’ll shatter. I mean, I know he is just trying to protect me. I used to not talk much and I still don't talk to many people. The world that he, Mom, and Dad belong in does scare me. But I’m not stupid or a baby! He finally gets in the car with me and drives us over to the large mall in silence. When we get there, I begin to open the door and he finally speaks. "Remember, stay away from supernaturals and run the other way if you see one. If you have the slightest thought that they may be one, you walk away!" "Fine!" I say. I get out and walk inside the mall building. I can't believe him. Ugh! I walk into one of the stores and head to the counter. Not one of the three workers says a word to me. There isn’t a single customer. When I make it to the counter, a young blonde lady says in a rude tone, "Yes? How can I help you? Ross is on the other end of the mall." "What makes you think I want Ross?" "Your outfit and hair. You clearly can’t afford a thing in here!" "It’s Mandy, right? Well, Mandy, first I don't know how you think speaking to anyone like that is okay, because it’s not! Second, I'm Ellamara Jem. You know, the daughter of the owner of this chain of stores? I’m also a designer for this store. Now that we’ve gotten those two things cleared up… You’re fired!" "WHAT?! NO! But I'm the assistant manager." Mandy whines. At that moment, an older lady walks out of the back and says, "Ladies, don't forget the owner’s daughter is coming in today. Let me handle it. Ok?" "Too late!" one girl says. I nod. She sees me and says, "Oh! You must be Ellamara!" "That’s me," I say. "I think we need to talk Nancy."