LUNA, LIES AND AWKWARD HOWLS

Chapter 6: The Witch And Her Secrets

"Of course you have to come in!" Maya practically bounced on her feet, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "My bookshop isn't officially open yet, but I can't say no to Oakwood's famous thriller writer and his gorgeous brother!"

Ava shot her best friend a look. Maya was acting weird—way too hyper for someone who was usually so calm and collected. Ever since the Cross brothers showed up, she'd been like some overly caffeinated TV host.

"Famous? That's way too generous," Liam mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'm just a regular writer."

"Don't listen to him," Noah jumped in with that charming smile of his. "He's way too modest. Three of his twenty psychological thrillers made it onto national book club reading lists."

Ava raised an eyebrow, looking at Liam with new interest. "Really? You never told me the titles."

"Oh, um, the 'Dark Moon Rising' series," Liam said quietly, staring at everything except her face. "Nothing special."

"Nothing special?!" Maya shrieked. "Ava, that series is absolutely incredible! One of the best supernatural thrillers I've ever read!"

Liam's pale cheeks turned bright red. Ava couldn't help but smile watching him—there was something adorable about this tall, handsome guy who seemed so uncomfortable with compliments.

"Okay, let's go inside before Maya passes out from excitement," Ava said, amused.

Maya threw the shop door wide open and ushered them in. Maya's Bookshelf was like something out of a dream—tall dark wooden shelves that reached the ceiling, rolling ladders to get to the top books, cozy reading chairs tucked into corners, and the amazing smell of paper, wood, and coffee all mixed together. Even though some sections were still being set up, the whole place already felt magical.

"Wow," Noah breathed, tilting his head back to look at the small glass dome in the ceiling that let sunlight pour in like cathedral rays. "This place is..."

"Magical," Liam finished for his brother, and for once he sounded genuinely impressed.

Maya beamed with pride. "Thanks. It took a lot of... magic to make it happen."

Something about the way Maya said 'magic' made Ava frown. She'd known Maya since college and was used to her friend's quirks—her obsession with astrology, herbal teas, and 'energized' crystals. But since moving to Oakwood, Maya's weird habits seemed to have gotten way more intense.

"Let me show you around," Maya clapped her hands together cheerfully. "This front section is general fiction and bestsellers. Over here," she gestured toward an area still packed with cardboard boxes, "will be the kids' section with carpets and cushions. At the back there'll be a small café with pastries and coffee. And back there..."

Maya paused in front of a heavy purple velvet curtain that divided the room. "This section is special," she said mysteriously. "My collection of books about mythology, folklore, and... unusual things."

"Can I see?" Noah asked, sounding way too interested.

"Of course," Maya swept the curtain aside and let Noah go in first. Before following him, she turned to Ava and Liam. "You two check out the thriller section. There are some books I want to recommend to Ava."

Before Ava could protest, Maya had disappeared behind the purple curtain, leaving her alone with Liam among the towering bookshelves.

"So," Ava broke the awkward silence that immediately fell between them, "your brother is... interesting."

Liam snorted softly. "That's one way to put it."

"You guys are really different," Ava observed, walking slowly along the thriller shelves. "Personality-wise, I mean."

"That's what everyone says," Liam followed her at a careful distance, like he was afraid to get too close. "Noah's always been the outgoing, popular one. I'm more..."

"Mysterious?" Ava suggested with a small smile.

The corner of Liam's mouth almost formed a smile. "I prefer 'thoughtful,' but 'mysterious' sounds cooler."

Ava laughed, surprised by his dry humor. Maybe Liam Cross wasn't as awkward as she'd thought.

"So, Dark Moon Rising," she said, running her fingers along the book spines. "What's it about?"

Liam immediately looked flustered again. "Um, it's about a detective investigating weird murders in a small town. But then he finds out the killings are connected to... supernatural creatures."

"Like vampires and werewolves?"

Something flashed across Liam's face—panic, quickly replaced by forced calm. "Yeah, among others. But it focuses more on werewolves."

"Werewolves?" Ava raised an eyebrow with interest. "So you're into werewolf stories?"

"You could say that," Liam answered stiffly. "I... did a lot of research on werewolf mythology."

"Interesting," Ava stopped in front of a shelf labeled 'L-M,' her finger landing on one particular book. "Oh! Here it is, L.A. Cross."

She pulled out a hardcover with a dark cover showing the silhouette of a wolf and crescent moon. The title "Dark Moon Rising: The Alpha's Secret" was written in dramatic silver letters.

"Maya really is your biggest fan. She already stocked your book before the shop even opened."

Liam looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor. "Maya's too nice."

"I'm buying it," Ava decided, studying the cover with a smile. "It looks intriguing. Plus, it's not every day I can get a personal autograph from the author, right?"

"You... want to read my book?"

The shocked, almost scared look on Liam's face confused her. Weren't authors usually happy when people bought their books?

"Of course. I'm a book editor, remember? I love reading different genres."

"But..." Liam looked almost panicked. "It's... it's just fiction. Pure imagination. Not based on real experience or... or actual knowledge about, um, werewolves."

Ava stared at him weirdly. "I... wasn't expecting you to have real experience with werewolves?"

"Of course not!" Liam answered way too quickly. "I mean, they're not real. Werewolves. Not real at all."

"Oooookay," Ava said slowly, more and more confused by his behavior. "Obviously it's fiction. I wasn't thinking you actually hang out with furry creatures that transform during full moons."

"Haha, of course not," Liam laughed awkwardly. "And by the way, that's a common mistake. Werewolves don't have to transform during full moons. They can shift whenever they want—the full moon just makes the urge stronger and their control more..." Liam suddenly stopped, his face going white. "...but that's all fictional research. For the book."

Ava couldn't stop herself from laughing. "You really are passionate about getting the details right, aren't you? I admire that. No wonder your books are so good."

Red crept up Liam's neck again, reaching his ears. Ava realized that making this shy guy blush was surprisingly satisfying.

---

Meanwhile, behind the purple velvet curtain, Noah Cross stood frozen in the middle of a room filled with ancient books and strange objects—small crystal skulls, glittering stones, old runes, and antique mirrors displayed on the shelves.

"This... isn't part of a normal bookstore," he murmured, breathing in air thick with incense, spices, and something he could only describe as... magic.

"It's not," Maya said calmly, closing the curtain and locking it with a weird hand gesture. "This is the special section for special visitors."

Noah looked at Maya suspiciously. "Special visitors like...?"

"Like werewolves and witches," Maya replied directly, a huge smile lighting up her beautiful face.

Noah's body tensed immediately, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Maya laughed softly, her voice like wind chimes. "Oh, come on, Mr. Beta Werewolf. Don't play games with me. I've known what you are since you first moved to Oakwood."

"You..." Noah stepped back. "How could you possibly...?"

"Witch," Maya pointed to herself casually. "That should explain everything. We're both supernatural creatures living among humans. The difference is, my identity is easier to hide. No ears that suddenly pop up or claws that accidentally come out when you're angry."

Noah shook his head, not believing this situation. "You're a witch. And you're friends with Ava, who's completely human?"

"Ironic, isn't it?" Maya smiled. "Just like your brother who happens to be mated to my best friend as his true mate. Fate has a weird sense of humor."

"Wait," Noah held up his hand. "So you already know that Ava is my brother's Luna?"

"Of course. I sensed it from their first meeting," Maya snapped her fingers, and two steaming cups of tea magically appeared on a small table in the corner. "Sit down. We need to talk."

Noah blinked, still processing everything. Reluctantly, he sat in the chair she pointed to, accepting the teacup.

"Don't worry, there's nothing weird in it," Maya chuckled, seeing Noah sniff the tea suspiciously. "Just chamomile with a little lavender. Good for calming stressed werewolves."

"I'm not stressed," Noah protested. "Just... surprised."

"Naturally," Maya sipped her tea elegantly. "So, what do you think about our plan to help your awkward brother win my best friend's heart?"

"Our plan?" Noah almost choked on his tea. "We have a plan?"

"Well, we do now," Maya set down her cup and leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Look, I know the werewolf rules about Lunas. Liam has one year to make Ava fall in love before he can reveal his true identity. And I know Ava—she's smart, independent, and super skeptical about love. So we've got quite a challenge here."

Noah stared at Maya with a mix of amazement and suspicion. "How do you know so much about werewolves?"

Maya gestured to the bookshelves behind her. "I don't just sell books, Noah. I read them. And my werewolf collection is pretty extensive. Plus, my family has a long history with your pack."

"Your family?" Noah's eyes widened. "Wait... Rodriguez. You mean you're descended from Maria Rodriguez? The witch who helped our pack during the Civil War?"

"Exactly," Maya nodded with satisfaction. "My great-great-grandmother. She wrote down everything about the Cross pack in her journals—including details about Alpha and Luna bonds."

Noah rubbed his face, looking overwhelmed. "This is... a lot to take in."

"I know," Maya patted Noah's hand sympathetically. "But it's also a great opportunity. With my powers as a witch and your position as Beta, we have a real chance of helping them get together."

"And why would you want to help?" Noah asked carefully. "Don't witches and werewolves have a... complicated history?"

"Because Ava is my best friend, and she deserves to be happy," Maya answered simply. "Plus, I can see the fate threads connecting them—red and strong. They're meant to be together, and who am I to fight destiny?"

Noah studied Maya more carefully, trying to read her intentions. As Beta, his protective instincts toward his Alpha and pack were incredibly strong. But somehow, he felt like he could trust this beautiful witch sitting across from him.

"Alright," Noah finally nodded. "What's your plan?"

Maya's eyes lit up. "First, we need to create more opportunities for them to spend time together naturally. Liam is too uptight and Ava too guarded to be pushed into obvious dates."

"Agreed," Noah grinned. "And I think I have some ideas about that."

"Perfect," Maya smiled with satisfaction. "Oh, and one more thing you should know..."

Noah raised an eyebrow expectantly.

"Your lip," Maya gestured with a small movement. "There's tea on the corner."

"Oh," Noah quickly wiped his mouth, suddenly not feeling like his usual confident self. "Is it gone?"

Maya looked at him with an expression that somehow made Noah's heart beat a little faster. "Almost. Here, let me help."

Gently, Maya reached out, her thumb brushing the corner of Noah's lip to wipe away the remaining tea. The brief contact sent a small electric shock through both of them, making them gasp softly.

"What was that?" Noah asked, feeling the strange sensation that had just run through his body.

Maya pulled her hand back quickly, her expression unreadable. "Just... magical resonance. It happens sometimes when witches touch other supernatural creatures."

"Magical resonance, huh?" Noah raised an eyebrow with a returning teasing smile. "Interesting."

Maya cleared her throat, looking slightly flustered for the first time. "We should get back before they get suspicious."

"Of course," Noah stood, still smiling. "By the way, that 'magical resonance'... I wouldn't mind experiencing it again."

Maya rolled her eyes, but Noah could see the small smile she was trying to hide. "Focus on the mission, Mr. Beta. We have a couple to bring together first."

"Absolutely," Noah nodded seriously, though his eyes kept dancing with mischief. "But after that..."

"After that, we'll see," Maya shrugged lightly, but the gleam in her eyes told Noah that a new game had just begun.

---

"And back here will be a reading lounge with comfortable couches," Maya's voice explained as she and Noah rejoined Ava and Liam in the main part of the shop.

"I love the concept," Ava nodded approvingly. "Oakwood really needs a place like this."

"Thank you," Maya smiled, her eyes glancing at the book in Ava's hands. "Ah, you found Liam's work!"

"Yes, I'm buying it," Ava held up the book. "But Liam hasn't told me when he's releasing his fourth book."

"Book four is in progress," Liam answered, clearing his throat nervously. "Still... looking for inspiration."

"Well, Oakwood is full of inspiration," Maya said meaningfully. "Especially for supernatural stories. This town has a long history of... local legends."

Ava looked at Maya curiously. "What kind of legends? You never mentioned them before."

"Oh, all kinds," Maya waved her hand casually. "Stories about the forest around this town, for instance. Legend says it's home to a pack of wolves that aren't ordinary wolves."

Liam suddenly choked on his own spit, while Noah looked like he was trying hard not to laugh.

"You mean werewolves?" Ava asked with amusement. "Maya, you and your wild imagination."

"Imagination, is it?" Maya smiled mysteriously, her eyes meeting Liam's warning look. "Maybe. Maybe not. That's Oakwood's charm—you never know what's real and what's just legend."

"What's for sure is that this town definitely has a different vibe," Noah added, saving the situation. "I can see why my brother likes living here."

"And now you'll be living here too?" Ava asked Noah.

"Temporarily," Noah nodded. "I'm... helping my brother with some things."

"He's unemployed and needs free housing," Liam said dryly, earning a playful punch on the arm from Noah.

"I prefer to call myself a 'human relations consultant,'" Noah corrected with a big smile. "This brilliant brother of mine can write complex stories about human nature, but when faced with actual humans? Total disaster."

Ava laughed softly, watching Liam's annoyed expression. "I can imagine."

"Don't listen to my brother," Liam shook his head. "He was sent here to test my patience."

"Oh, come on," Noah wrapped his arm around Liam's taller shoulders with some effort. "You know you love me. Who else would teach you how to socialize like a normal hum—" Noah stopped abruptly, glancing at Maya who shot him a warning look. "I mean, like normal people in general."

The atmosphere between the four of them felt strange—a mix of awkwardness, hidden secrets, and somehow, unexpected chemistry. Ava sensed weird energy flowing between Maya and Noah, like a silent conversation only they understood.

"Well then," Maya clapped her hands, breaking the silence. "How about we all have lunch together? There's a cute Italian café that just opened two blocks from here."

"I..." Liam began, clearly looking for an excuse to say no.

"My brother and I would love to join," Noah cut in quickly, patting Liam's back a little too hard. "Right, Liam?"

The look that passed between the two brothers made Ava even more curious. There was some kind of hidden communication there—Liam looked ready to strangle his brother, while Noah gave him a look that said 'trust me.'

"Sure," Liam finally answered stiffly. "Lunch sounds... great."

"Perfect!" Maya exclaimed cheerfully. "Ava, you can make it?"

Ava hesitated for a moment. On one hand, there was something about the Cross brothers that made her cautious—secrets that seemed to surround them like thin fog. On the other hand... she couldn't deny her attraction to the quiet, awkward yet somehow intense and captivating Liam Cross.

"Alright," Ava finally nodded.

"Wonderful!" Maya smiled brightly, her eyes meeting Noah's meaningfully. "Let's start our little adventure."

As the four of them walked out of the bookstore, Ava couldn't shake the feeling that this 'little adventure' might take her places she never expected. And strangely, she didn't mind at all.

Maybe Oakwood really does have its own magic, Ava thought, glancing at Liam's tall figure walking beside her with stiff but protective posture. Or maybe the magic is in my mysterious neighbor.

What Ava didn't realize were the meaningful looks being exchanged between Maya and Noah behind them—conspiratorial smiles between a witch and werewolf who had just started their secret mission: bringing an Alpha together with his Luna before time ran out.