Winterlust (COMPLETE)

Bringing Luna Home

Violet

Violet opens her bleary eyes. She blinks for a few seconds and then looks around. Nothing. Like, nothing nothing. Blackness? It’s hard to describe. She looks down at the rest of her body and it’s almost like she’s floating.

“Violet, we need to talk”, a voice says, startling her. Violet whips her head around wildly but sees no one. “Who said that?” “It’s me, Ellie”, the voice replies. Violet feels very strange, but she isn’t afraid. “I can’t stay long, but I’ll be back soon” “Where are you going?”, Violet asks. “I used all of our energy for our friend, and I need to build our strength back up. We need to rest, so I put you to sleep”, Ellie tells her. “Is it you who told me to run home? And to go to our friend? How do you know he’s our friend?” “I can’t explain everything right now, Violet. I need you to trust me, and to trust the man who is coming.” “What man?” “A battle is coming, and we need to be ready. Promise me, Violet.” “I… I promise.”

Blackness.

Travis

This is the longest drive of his entire life. Travis tries to keep busy by explaining everything to Dr. Mitchell in excruciating detail. Dr. Mitchell nods periodically, taking it all in. Finally Travis sees the exit and sighs audibly. “Get ready, Doc. We’ll arrive in about five minutes. He links Janie, “We’re coming”. Dr. Mitchell begins to pull some items out of his bag. Travis glances at the SUV behind him full of warriors as he turns on his indicator.

Janie is standing in the driveway with the old woman from the motel, when they pull in. Travis leaves the truck running and runs to her. He scoops her up in a big bear hug, twirling her around. “Are you alright?”, he asks, setting her down gently. He places his hands on the side of her face and tucks her hair behind her ears. “Yes I’m alright, Trav”, she leans in and hugs him again.

The old woman clears her throat beside them. “Oh! Forgive me!”, Janie exclaims, “Alpha Travis James of Crimson Moon, meet Muriel Morrison, Violet’s grandmother”. Travis reaches out to shake Muriel’s hand, “Hello again, ma’am. Would you please direct Dr. Mitchell to my gamma?” Muriel nods and leads Dr. Mitchell inside.

“Trav, this is so big. Bigger than we ever could have imagined. Violet is a Cold Wolf”, Janie whispers. “A what?”, Travis asks. “She’s in grave danger. We need to get out of here as soon as possible.” “Where is she?”, he asks hesitantly. Janie motions for him to follow her inside.

In the living room, Travis takes in the scene before him. He immediately walks over to Lindsey and wraps her in a bear hug. The doctor is kneeling beside Peter. “Peter, I’m so sorry -“, Travis starts. Peter waves his hand, “I’m sorry I wasn’t the guy who got to bring your Luna home”, he croaks with a weak smile. “How is he, Doctor?”, Lindsey asks. “I need to get him on an IV for the inflammation. It’s astonishing how quickly he’s been able to heal himself already.”

“Violet healed him”, Evelyn steps forward. All eyes turn to her and she looks at Travis nervously. “I’m, I’m Evelyn Morrison. Violet is my daughter, Alpha.” Travis lets go of Lindsey and approaches Evelyn with his hand extended, “Hello Mrs. Morrison. I’m Alpha Travis James of Crimson Moon pack, and I am also Violet’s mate.” Evelyn shakes his hand and exposes her neck. “Where is your wolf, Mrs. Morrison?”, he asks her gently. “Please, call me Evelyn. I’ve been suppressing Raven with wolfsbane for many years now.” “I have so many questions for you, Evelyn. Before any of that, may I have your blessing to approach Violet?” Evelyn nods and steps aside.

“I’m going to go into the woods for our clothes and cellphones”, Janie announces as she turns to leave. “Take two warriors with you. Have the others set Peter and the good doctor up in the motor home.”, Travis commands and turns his attention to the sleeping angel on the love seat. “Hello, Peanut”, he whispers as he kneels on the floor beside her.

She is the most beautiful being on this very earth, and she is my mate. She’s absolutely perfect.

Travis cups Violet’s right hand in both of his and kisses it softly. She stirs just a little, and then settles back into her rhythmic sleep. “What’s wrong with her?”, he looks up at Evelyn. “Mother thinks her wolf is recovering from having healed Peter, Alpha.” “I don’t think I understand”, Travis says as he shakes his head, “May I hold her, Evelyn?” Again, Evelyn nods, “Can I get you some coffee?” “Please”, Travis smiles.

As the warriors help Peter and Dr. Mitchell out to the motor home, Travis finds himself alone in the living room with his sleeping beauty. He scoops her up into his arms effortlessly, and leans her into his muscular chest, taking a seat in the oversized chair by the fireplace. He presses his face into her hair and breathes in deeply, letting her scent wash over him. Come back soon, little Peanut.

Evelyn and Muriel take coffee to everyone outside, leaving Travis until last. Both women sit on the couch across from him, sipping their coffee. “Alpha, we haven’t much time”, Muriel warns. “I understand. Tell me about this Cold Wolf”. “A Cold Wolf is very rare, Alpha. Two of them in the same family is even more so. Violet’s father Daniel is one too, and he will stop at nothing to kill his own daughter” “Why would he do such a thing?” Muriel sets down her coffee and looks Travis in the eye, “He hunts her because he can’t help himself. Daniel and Violet were both born during the Cold Moon phase, but each of their birthdays fall in such a way that they turn 18 directly during the Cold Moon full moon. Without anyone to coach Daniel about the Cold Moon, the dark side of his wolf took over. We simply didn’t know then what we know now. Violet will become a threat to him if she reaches maturity before he can kill her. She will be strong enough to defeat him, possibly. He’s been hunting her for years, and that is why we had to suppress her wolf. We almost made it, too”. Muriel’s eyes well with tears.

“My pack and I wish to protect our Luna. Please do not deny me my mate”, Travis says solemnly, “I’d like to protect you both, too”, he adds. “We can’t ask you to risk your life, and the lives of your pack for us”, Evelyn says softly. “You aren’t asking me, Evelyn. It is I who am asking you.”

Evelyn and Muriel look at each other for a few minutes. Travis turns his attention back to his little Peanut. Again, she begins to stir. “We will come with you, Alpha Travis”, Evelyn finally speaks.

“Mom?”, Violet asks quietly, “Is this the man that Ellie told me to trust?” Travis looks down into the most beautiful brown eyes he has ever seen. His heart swells with joy, and Shadow lets out a howl in delight. “It is, sweetheart. Who is Ellie?” “I didn’t see her, but I think she’s my wolf”, Violet answers and buries her face into his chest.