Violet Waves

The Arrival

At some point during the drive I had fallen asleep, and was only woken when we had arrived at a rest stop for a bathroom break and some snacks. I declined getting out but requested a water and a pack of gum. I felt I would need it since I didn't have a chance to pack and bring my toothbrush. I stayed curled up in my seat as I watched Darlene dash in and out of the bathroom and into the convenience store for the drinks and snacks. I noticed her eyes trailing back to the car every few seconds, checking that I'm still here and not making a run for it. I knew that usually a girl would be happy to be bumped up from the lowest status to the highest, but being put somewhere on the other side of the country without those I trust? Just didn't seem ideal.

Gerald had come back from his extended stay in the bathroom and plopped down in his seat

"Phew! Nothing makes you need to go more than a long drive! How are you doing back there kid?"

I shrugged and pulled my knees up to my chest. I could hear him sigh and he turned around to look at me.

"C'mon, it can't be that bad, you can always go visit your 'rents, you'll be the Luna. You can do whatever you want."

"I… hadn't thought about that. I guess you're right. No way they can keep me from seeing them." This news put a smile on my face, but I still hugged my knees closer to my body. Darlene had surfaced from the store with a stuffed bag and slid into the front seat instead of in the back with me. Her arm reached back towards me to hand me my water, and as soon as I grabbed it her hand slid back and reached back into the bag.

"I wasn't sure what kind you wanted, so I got Spearmint and bubblegum." She handed me the two packs of gum and I opened the bubblegum first.

"Variety is the spice of life, thanks Darlene, I really appreciate this." The smile on face was genuine and she looked at me with caring eyes.

"Do you want me to tell you a little bit about where we're going and who your Alpha will be?" She waited for an indication from me, and when I nodded she began to crawl into the back seat with me.

"Blood Moon is not your average pack. They coexist with a large coven of witches, this makes them far more powerful than usual. It's why we are certain it's the right place for you. The Alpha however, has had some challenges, and I can only give you vague details on that…" She was unclear if she should proceed, but I was curious now about what "challenges" an Alpha might have to face. "So Alpha Levi has had several 'mates' so far. Wolves from all over coming to him and claiming to be his mate, most coming after their true mate who we placed them with has died, and he has no choice but to accept. You see, he will never feel the mate bond, for the first time, or as a second chance mate. His mother was cursed and it was passed onto him. The only way he will know if it's his true mate…" She paused and took a moment to word things the way she wanted.

"How will he know? Are you saying he's my mate?" She sighed at my question.

"I'll get to your first question in a second, but the answer to the second is yes and no. You will feel the pull, he won't. If things don't progress quickly, you will start to lose the feeling, and eventually a new mate will be presented to you. The Moon Goddess doesn't care to push the curses of others onto more people, so if he doesn't come to realize, you'll get a second chance."

"But how does he come to realize? I'm still confused on that part." I shouted in my seat to face Darlene more fully, and cracked open another piece of gum, making the wad in my mouth larger to keep my jaw occupied while she continued to explain.

"He…. He needs to mate with you, then he'll know." My heart panged a little knowing my mate had been with others so far.

"How many?" I cautiously asked.

"How many what?" Darlene was the one who looked confused now

"How many others has he had? You know, "mates"?" My thumbs found each other on my lap and I continued to look down at them as they danced with each other. I heard yet another sigh come from Darlene, and even a small, disapproving groan from Gerald in the driver's seat

"We know of at least one a year… for the last 18 years since his wolf came in at 16." Darlene's face flushed, embarrassed about having to let me know how many had come before me. A frown displayed itself on my face, partially with disgust.

"So he's 34? And he's a man w***e. Love that for me…" I rolled my eyes and my hope from earlier started to disappear.

"Not exactly, he's been lied to, taken advantage of. He's not wanted any of this, but the system has failed him, time and time again. I don't mean to make him out to be the victim, but you can't blame him. His hopes were raised and then crushed. We're really hoping that he's not given up just yet and will give you a chance." Her small hand reached for my shoulder and she gently grasped it, reassuring me yet again. I sighed and nodded.

"Do you think he won't accept me since he's been burned so often?"

Darlene opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Gerald.

"Ladies, we'll be there in about 30 minutes, you can find out then. Why don't you enjoy the sunrise as we come up the mountain?"

My eyes shifted towards the window and for the first time since the drive had started, I paid attention to our surroundings. Mountains. Vast, and sprawling, covered in the most lush greenery I'd ever seen. With the warm sun beginning to spread its rays over the land, I could see how tall the trees were and how they gave the mountains an even larger appearance. The orange and red glow made them shine and look almost gold, but I could see one spot that stood out from the rest. In the side of the mountain stood a massive building, caste-like in stature, and melding into the side of the mountain face. A small gasp escaped me and my eyes widened.

"Is that Blood Moon?" My voice was barely above a whisper.

"It is Iris. Your new home."