Ultima, Octavia Of The Black Moon

Chapter Fifteen - The Bond That Binds Us

Predictable. The only word that came to mind when I thought of the actions of these wolves. All this power and they still only wish to conquer. Obtain what the one above you has. My thoughts stirred, staying with me whilst Tessa and I lead ourselves back to my chambers.

I am actually excited to see this room again. Exhaustion crept in on me and ever since turning my back on Eso I have felt drained. I can feel his sorrows. Pain. Anger. Fear. Pride. All of it took turns releasing the combinations he was suffering through.

If Tessa doesn't put on something soon I am going to embarrass her. She has already looked through my hung night dresses twice now. I may encourage her freedom but I am just so irritated now. My emotions are spiritic as if they are entangled with Eso.

While Tessa holds a black silk gown against her tan skin I ask her “What do you think of the four of us relaxing in the bath house later?”

Tessa got a pleasing smile across her face, “That sounds delightful.” Her face seemed puzzled, “Who is the fourth?”

“Beta Alcrea.” I state as if I am unashamed.

Tessa blushed and froze for a moment, “TAVY! You are such a gremlin!” She yelled at me before chucking the dress at me.

We heard the two others approaching. Tess slid on her soft red robe then grabbed the flowing pink night dress, “No really Tavy, who is it?”

“A future handmaiden.” I teased at her. Tessa raised an eyebrow at me, “She's someone I met earlier today”

A knock at the door before Hailey let herself in with the dark haired woman following respectfully behind. Tessa was by my side to greet her.

“Thank you so much Hailey” I grin at her before looking to our new guest.

Hailey smiles back, “This is Omega Rhea, former personal Omega of Gamma Isaura, and before that...” She paused looking at us, “...former Beta Female.”

Tessa was stunned “Wait what? What happened?!” Tessa pulled her on the sofa in the sitting area, a plush lavender, with three matching chairs. Rhea's face held so much confusion looking around at all of us. She stared at Hailey for approval that she was safe to speak.

Hailey nodded, “Rhea we never spoke before but since you have known me have I given you reason not to trust me?”

Rhea seemed annoyed and understandingly distrusting. She shook her head yes and poised herself. A Lady in drab, she would not require much polishing. Not only was she a naturally stunning woman like Tessa, she was confident and classy as well.

“It is true. My Mate and I were the Betas only several moons ago. We were accused of being disloyal to Alpha. When ever Alpha Eso had talks of furthering our boarders, or raging war on enemies, even battle strategy, Alpha would talk to my Mate. My Mate always came to me and talked freely. I would advise him. He would then advise or speak against Alpha at times but always with the intentions of helping Alpha, not all of Alpha's plans were sensible.”

We were all seated listening while Hailey opened a well hidden cupboard near the fire place. From there she gathered a several items, starting a small pot of tea over the fire place.

“We were accused of trying to fight and take over Alpha's Pack. My Mate. My Love. He never spoke against me but Alpha has always hinted that he knew I encouraged him to speak up to him as a Beta. My Mate was stripped of his rank, and left to the Alpha's fate” Rhea was angry but is still hurting.

“I am allowed to live but only ever as an omega. Our children omega now.” She hung her head, “My boys. How Their dreams have all been crushed. What if Their mate be ranked? Then they will suffer and the fault shall be all mine... I felt when my Mate died.” Tears welled up in her eyes

Hailey brought forth the tea handing Rhea a cup first, “Cinnamon, vanilla, honey and chamomile.” she recited

Tessa questioned, “If their Mate is ranked how will this cause suffering?”

Rhea stated as if it were common knowledge, “Rank members only want mated with someone of equal or higher ranks to best strengthen themselves and offspring. Any ranked member would reject a weak mate such as omega. Just ask Hailey what it's like.” Rhea now lost in miseries.

“Hailey? Is your mate a Ranked member?” I gasp! My eyes light up “Is it Beta Alcrea?” I demand. Tessa and I are studying every thing she does waiting for a response.

“No. Beta Alcrea I don't think would be so cruel.” Hailey let out.

“Then tell us! What happened?” I persisted

“Gamma Rowan was unmated awaiting the one destined to him, he refused all offers of other ranked females not his destined one. I came here from working on a farm in my village a days ride south. I milked cows and tended to their needs. A chance to work in the castle came up on the job postings in town and I took it.” She smiled fondly. “Once I arrived I knew he was here. His scent was all over the castle but I found him out in the stables of all places.” Her expression changed and she was just as in love as she was that day, “He ran up to me engulfing me into his body. He asked me my name and he repeated it back to me. But then he asked for rank.”

Once again her mood shifted and she was a scared child now, “I tensed up but told him, I am a milk maid Omega come to work at the castle. I was sure he was going to kill me. That was the only time he has ever been kind to me. He yelled out to all above us and rejected me as his Mate. The next day he was bonded to Isaura.” Her eyes stayed down unable to show us the shame in her eyes at feeling like Isaura's lesser.

“Who is this i***t?” I demanded

“Gamma Rowan. Since then he rarely shows his face around here. He prefers hunting, either our food or enemies it matters not. He is an expert shot.”

“That's peculiar. He is bonded yet chooses to stay away all the time?” I ask.

Hailey gracefully attempted to hide her smile, “Word is the Gamma Female is not as tolerable as Rowan was lead to believe”

I laughed at her comment, “You never fail to keep smiling Hailey. I love that about you.”

“The Moon Goddess's teachings are all done in love. Though a wonderful life I would have had with Gamma Rowan, He made his choice. I am sure I can know happiness with out that warmth I briefly knew.” She would heal from this wound too but it would take longer than her nearly healed leg. I dare not ask about more sad things. All the Ladies here sat Heart broken.

“Hailey where did the Moon Goddess come from?” I inquired, turning everyone's attentions to her.

She panicked briefly before giving in to our open hearts. “When the Earth God created his home here, he brought forth all manner of beasts. Time passed and left to govern themselves squabbles happened among the beasts. Earth God longed for a helper. His equal but counter. The beasts longed to be cared for and understood. In the night they cried out willing her to be. Nature's magik used to give her everlasting form. With Earth God, the Beasts and Natures Magik she came to us. Bonded us one to the other. Her will carried out by use of her familiars. She is the one who separated beast from Beasts. The one who brought forth the protector of all things magical, Ekatn”

Our eyes transfixed with Hailey's when the timing seem to prevent itself, “Rhea I would like to have you as one of my handmaidens.” My eyes serious and directed at her.

As if it were an order she immediately responded “Yes Luna” in a humble tone.

“You will have a different set of duties than what you are use to.” I warned her

“Yes Luna” She was very attentive for someone once in power

“My handmaidens I expect to be of the most refined quality.” I began. “They are each required to hone their skill sets and be instructed on today's modern cultures and arts. My Handmaidens are an extension of myself. Strengthening all of their being while nurturing it. Their heart, minds, bodies, and essence.” Rhea was still not aware of what I was telling her. “Only Alpha and Myself will out rank my Handmaidens”

Her eyes shockingly questioned me. Her poise never softened all the while taking in everything here and ignoring it all at the same time. I am not seeking gratitude but I had expected her to feel happiness towards the change made to her life.

Tessa reached for her hands to comfort her “Rhea? What troubles you?” Rhea avoided their hands touching, Tess spoke softly “please tell us, maybe we can help.”

“I will do as ordered Luna.” Rhea gently tells me. Still she is blank to me. No real feelings bubbling at the surface.

Hailey played with the arm of the chair she found a seat in. She sipped her tea once more before having the strength to speak again. “The loss of any kind to ones mate is painful. The deeper the bond the more their loss can kill you.” Tensing her voice, “And that doesn't mean just physically...” She looked down lost in her own hurt, “the pain inside... the pain goes to your head. You do or allow things to be, that you never would of allowed before. You allow yourself to become something that you weren't before.” her eyes were lost. The demon Despair had them both mesmerized.

So much pain and suffering caused, all from just having a mate? This hurt, I know how they feel. Garrett was not my wolf mate but we were bonded in our own way. His loss fueled my being here and now. His death changed me though I never let the demon Despair take hold of me when he crept in. They just needed a little help redirecting their energy.

“Ladies! This is not the end and this moment wont last. Trust me. For there to be light there must be darkness. Phases keep coming don't get trapped in this one.” I gave Rhea a hug she was not expecting, making her uncomfortable at first.

I stood up announcing, “We all caused enough trouble today and I would sleep better knowing you all were here with me. You are all to sleep here tonight” I was being honest in more than one way. Until I was respected fully as Luna none of us were going to be safe.

Hailey and Rhea got up retrieving night dresses for everyone. Once comfortable we all climbed into the large bed comforted by the warmth of one another. Though it was not the warmth of their mates like we all longed for. This warmth was soothing and a gentle substitute since none of us could have what we truly desired.

My dreams were stirred in my sleep. Changing my memories to a new nightmare where young Tessa and myself run to escape the wolves but this time we are stuck in an apple tree. She falls and rolls with them chasing biting at her. I jump down screaming at them to stop. They stop. They just stare at me, while Tess stays still on the ground. Their eyes just staring back at me, glowing.

I wake to the morning light shining through the tall windows with the other three already dressed and cleaning up. How they have the energy first thing in the morning is beyond me. I roll into my pillow ready to squeeze it for a little while longer when it's ripped from me.

“No more sleeping Luna, You will need to dress quickly. It is almost time for your bonding ceremony with Alpha.” Bless Hailey for keeping me motivated when I lacked all will.

“I am starving!” I declare, bouncing up on to the bed to do a few jumps before leaping off to straighten the linens. Rhea tries to take over but I don't allow it, “Rhea the rule has always been the last one out of bed has to make it so I have become an expert at making crisp corners.” I smiled at her

She just bowed slightly then went back to straightening up our mess from last night. I put a few new twists in my curls and securely fastened the bundle to my head before Tessa and I rushed out the door down the hall where Hailey explained was Eso's study. I was impatient to see him, see how he was doing from last night. It pains me to admit but I am looking forward to the small relief I will feel being near him.

I knocked twice before entering his lavish study. Old books I would adore spending time getting to know, lined the walls like a small library. His leather furniture stationed throughout the room with various tables and lamps, were red with brass rivets. Eso sat at his large desk filling out papers, Alcrea held a folder he was looking through, both were dressed professionally in their button up shirts and slacks. Bedwyr and Rowan seated with their mates standing behind them.

The room looked up as we approached, Eso stood to pluck a blade hung on the wall near him. He walked around His desk to meet us, “Good morning Luna. How was your night?”

Smiling at him I sweetly spoke, “Not the best sleep but I am rested. Yours was better I hope?”

“Just the kind of rest I needed.” He seemed in a good mood but something was off. “There is a tradition of bonding with your alpha and linking with your pack that we still practice. I am going to need your hand my Mate.”

Taking my hand and slicing it with out hesitation was not a shock. The blade is created with intention of releasing blood. Eso grabbing it only meant we had to bleed today. Eso sliced his hand before clasping mine. The rush of energy I absorb from our contact was exhilarating. His contact created a protective warmth around me that was consuming. Our blood mixed and I now find it easy to sense out all the Pack members. It is incredible, there are so many and it feels like they are so close but I know they are all scattered.

One more time, Black Moon, welcome your future Luna to the Pack! Eso's voice rang throughout my head though he stood before me, eyes faded over, mouth closed.

Welcome Luna!

We're so glad to have you Luna!

Luna!

Many voices called out to me. Greeting me. I am honored to be the Black Moon's future Luna. I confess to them.

Tess stands with us all, unsure of what is really going on. When Eso releases my hand, cleaning his off with a warm wash cloth Gamma Isaura hands to him. He places his hand out for Tessa's and she places her hand in his. He slices her palm faster than either of us could see. Then cuts his own, clasping his and Tessa's hands together.

Black Moon! Welcome Your new Beta Female, Tessa. Eso informed everyone and once again many voices rang out in our minds as the people called out and greeted her

She responded with a simple, thank you, to them