Shadow Moon: Secrets

Information Overload

Harry POV

                We had spoken with the elders over the years. It had been hard to find but we eventually discovered some salvaged records of the Stone River pack. Once we discovered that Luna Gentry had survived and hidden Scarlett from existence, we were certain there was a reason she wanted to simply disappear. If our suspicions were correct and Scarlett was indeed of primordial blood, it would explain the need to keep her existence hidden.

                We were shocked when we finally found the records and discovered that the Luna was in fact an Alpha wolf confirming our suspicions. Her being mated to Alpha Armin was a surprise because it was so unlikely for Alpha’s to be mated. Alphas were strong headed and often couldn’t make a pairing together work. We couldn’t find the last known record of an alpha-to-alpha pairing.

                In one of the journals the Stone River Elder had kept he had mentioned their Luna having healing abilities. He had suspected she was a healer. Our speculations with the research we had done, with his suspicion that Luna Gentry had been a healer was all the confirmation we had needed when Scarlett was young to suggest she was of primordial descent.

                We had also discovered that the Luna had been previously engaged and believed that the Alpha she had rejected for her mate played a part in the demise of the Stone River pack. But with no survivors to play witness to the c*****e that occurred we couldn’t be certain. It wasn’t much more than a rumor at this point.

                I looked over to Scarlett she had been awfully quiet this entire time listening as we explained everything we believed to know of her past. “I know it’s a lot to take in, Scarlett. We knew early on that because your mother fought so fiercely to protect you that we needed to protect you as well. If what we suspect is correct there are countless wolves and other beings out there that would do unspeakable things to get the power, you could possess. Keeping the knowledge of your history secret helped to protect any knowledge of the possibility from getting out there. Only us, and Beta Adrian are aware of your history. Your mother doesn’t know, although I’m certain Alpha Nolan will understand if you need to confide in her.”

                Alpha Nolan nodded. “I will permit Lucille to know the history of Scarlett’s past. As well as any information we obtain in the future should Scarlett choose to share it with them. However, as much as possible I do feel we need to keep this information as restricted as possible. This Leon guy attacked Lily but we can’t be certain that he wasn’t in fact after Scarlett.”

                Scarlett took a deep breath and finally spoke. “This is a lot to take in. I agree it makes sense to keep my newfound ability between us. I will likely share the information with Lucille as I feel comfortable. As far as my history, Dad, you should inform Mom.” She sounded sharp towards the end as if she disapproved of us deciding to keep this from her mother as well. I couldn’t help but hang my head a bit. We had raised Scarlett to believe that there were no secrets within the mate bond. Not that I could have done much, I had been instructed by my Alpha.  

Scarlett POV

                We were still sitting in the Alpha’s office. It had been hours now. My head was spinning. There was so much information that I needed to take in and to process. My injuries from the hit earlier had already healed. I insisted I didn’t need to have it checked by Dr. Grace but both Alpha Nolan and my father had insisted I do so.

                I stood up nodding to both men in the room. “Alpha, Gamma, if you don’t mind, I’ll excuse myself to the packhouse hospital now. This has been informative, but I would like some time to process and get some rest. It has been a long day.” I watched my father wince slightly at the formality. I didn’t hate him for the secrets he’d kept, but I needed to be formal now. If I hadn’t been, I would have unwound and lost myself in all the information. I needed to be a gamma.

                With nods in return, I made my way to the door. Letting myself out quickly before racing down the 4 floors to the main level of the packhouse. I walked down the hall into the reception area of the hospital. “Is there any update on Lily?” I asked Rose, a nurse sitting at the front desk.

                “Miss Grace was examined by Dr. Grace a little while ago, they are keeping her for observation, but she’s expected to recover by tomorrow morning.” I nodded with a heavy sigh of relief. The injuries had looked worse. I was worried she would need much more time to recover. “Thank you, Rose, could you let Dr. Grace know the Alpha and Gamma have requested she check over my injuries as well.” Rose nodded and I took a seat to wait.

                A few minutes later Rose called for me and lead me down the hall into an examination room. I walked in an sat at the foot of the hospital bed waiting for Dr. Grace. I looked around the room letting myself get lost in the thoughts of the history lesson I had received on my own life tonight. A prophesized wolf. I couldn’t even begin to wrap my head around it. “I told you we were special” Deva spoke softly. Had she known this whole time? Our wolves always seemed to know more.

                “I know quite a bit, little one. And in time you will learn what I know. You must be patient though. You’ll see. “Deva explained. Great, this was just what I needed yet another cryptic message from my wolf. I shook my head and watched the door willing Dr. Grace to appear at any moment.

                There was a soft knock at the door before Dr. Grace allowed herself into the room. “Hello there Scarlett. “She spoke with a warm welcoming smile. “I see you’re here to have your own injuries evaluated, but first, let me say thank you for protecting my grand-daughter. I don’t know what I would have done had something worse happened to her.”

                My breath caught in my throat and tears threatened my eyes. I had protected Lily. I had been so wrapped up in my drama and fear of rejection that I forgot that the years of training had paid off. Even without my power discovery, I had in-fact faced Leon to try to save Lily. “She would have done it for me.” I said softly feeling embarrassed by the gratitude she showed me.

                Dr. Grace nodded and went to work checking out my head. She had me follow her finger, answer some questions and checked my reflexes. A few moments later she nodded curtly and gave me a smile. “It would appear you don’t have any remaining injuries, Scarlett, that wolf of yours did amazing to make sure you healed up quickly.” I was surprised, I could have sworn the hit I’d taken to the head would need a day or so to fully heal. Perhaps I was more gifted than I realized.

                “Thank you, Dr. Grace, you know my father, he worries too much.” I offered her a smile before standing up. “If it’s okay I’d like to head to bed. Nurse Rose told me Lily was resting so I’ll be down to have breakfast with her. I don’t want to disturb her.” Dr. Grace waved her hand to the door. “Get some rest, dear, and please let me know if you’re not feeling well at all.”

                I had a lot of information to process still but it appeared that maybe I was gifted as my father suggested. I had healed quicker than most wolves would twice today. My stomach growled loudly, making the ridiculous sounds like whales. With all the excitement I had realized I had missed dinner. I sighed and walked towards the packhouse kitchen. Perhaps I could just have a sandwich to settle the urge to eat. Who knew fighting would make you so hungry?

                 I walked into the dining wing of the packhouse, pushing through the large double doors only to stumble backwards when I heard a loud “SURPRISE!” I shrieked softly startled by the loud voices yelling at me. It took a second for my eyes to adjust to my brain but when I did, I saw my parents, the alpha and luna, the betas, and their kids all sitting at the table with a large spread across it. “What’s this?!” I asked still in shock.

                Lucille stepped forward taking my hand and leading me to the table. “It’s your 18th birthday, Scarlett, and although it didn’t go completely as planned, we still wanted to celebrate and have dinner with you. We had Amelia make all your favorites while you were in with your father and the Alpha.” She pushed lightly indicating she wanted me to sit in my chair.

                Carter grinned from his seat near his parents “Yeah, just because you got to kick some guy’s pathetic ass doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a birthday dinner! We’re just sorry that Lily couldn’t be here. I tried to talk Dr. Grace into letting her come but you know how she is.” He flinched a bit when Luna Mia gave him a scolding look.

                Alpha Nolan chuckled. “Let me be the first here to say, Happy Birthday Gamma Scarlett Blake. We are thrilled to share in your joy today, but let’s keep the ass kicking to a minimum. “Some of the others spoke up to add their own sentiments. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was exhausted. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. But in this very moment I just felt loved and accepted. A tear slid down my cheek that I quickly wiped away.

                “Well, what are we waiting for?! I’m starved!” I exclaimed loudly grabbing and loading my plate down before diving in like a starved dog. I had really worked up an appetite. They may have kept a huge secret from me, but they did love me. They wouldn’t have thrown this together otherwise and I’d be damned if I was gonna let anything stop me from enjoying it.