Of The Moon

Chapter 7: New Reality

Angel's POV:

Floating. That's how I feel, I'm out of my body floating, darkness surrounds me. I once again find myself with nothing to look at. Only this time I cannot move either. As it appears, there is no end to the time loop I have been riding for who knows how long. My body is so heavy. I only exist at this point.

The last thing I can remember barely makes any sense. The entire world has shifted on its axis. I have a baby. Well, I have a daughter and she is definitely not a baby anymore. How am I supposed to process this? How am I going to make this work? Also, I have a mate. I mean I knew I probably had one. I had only hoped to never meet him. This is why I stayed locked away in our home most of my life. I never wanted a mate, he shouldn't have to deal with my chaos. I will cause him nothing but trouble. Little old me is definitely not worth that kind of a headache. Plus, we have a goddess given pup, who is also a white wolf? I cannot handle this. I have passed on the very trait that always made me stay hidden. I have been terrified of discovery most of my life, and now our daughter gets to deal with the same amount of trouble.

(I wish you could see yourself the way I see you! You are worth more than you know.) Bay scoffs, she always gets angry on the subject of our mate. She believes we are worth the trouble. I have a hard time believing that. (I know you think you know what you're talking about Bay, but you have to love me. You're stuck with me! I can't shake ya! He shouldn't have to deal with all of this. He didn't sign up for it.) My response only makes her growl. I can almost see her walk as far to the back of my mind as possible and lay down in a dramatic huff. The image makes me chuckle. Of course she would think that. She is absolutely the best part of me. I would do nearly anything to keep my beautiful wolf happy, with the acceptance of our mate. Now that we not only have a mate but also our beautiful pup. I don't know what to do. I just need to... I really don't know. I never let myself believe a mate would be part of my life, and now we are in unplanned territory. That is a terrifying thought.

(I'm hungry Angel. We need to wake up. I'm losing too much strength.) Bay tells me this. What seems like every few minutes. (I can't wake up. I'm stuck here. I've been trying to wake up. How do I do it Bay?) At this point I'm helpless and hopeless. My body won't listen to me. (I'll try to reach someone and tell them we're having trouble. I'm pretty sure Fate can help us. Hang on Angel, we're going to be okay.) Her reassurance helps calm my nerves, but what if no one can help?

Every once and again, it feels like someone may be holding my hand. The warmth of my hand makes me feel grounded. Sparks fly up my arm, bringing a sense of longing with them. Whatever it is, I wish it wouldn't let go. Whenever the warmth is gone, I go back to floating.

Out of nowhere, my surroundings begin to change. From dark to light. As I'm struggling to let my eyes adjust, I wonder if maybe I have died, and this is the afterlife. I realize that I can't feel Bay in my mind. My panic began to rise as soon as my eyes began to adjust. I heard her before I saw her.

"Be calm, my child. You are in no danger." I knew that voice. I've heard it before. Why can't I place it? "You've been through a lot these last few weeks. I'm not surprised you are a bit afraid and confused. I would venture to say that it's normal even." Did she just hear my thoughts? As the voice finished speaking I realized, "Moon Goddess..er I mean Selene. I can't believe you're speaking to me." I craned my neck around as far as I could. It appears as though we are in a meadow. It is beautiful here. Lush green, rolling hills as far as I can see. Wild flowers are blooming in beautiful purples and yellows. There's a small lake with a bench, so you can just sit and look out at the view. It's breathtaking. If this is the afterlife, I think I could get used to it! The sun on my pale skin feels so wonderful and warm.

"Why wouldn't I be speaking to my beautiful granddaughter? I have spent most of your life waiting for the right moment to come, just so I could speak to you." Selene sounded upset that I would ask that question. Almost offended. "Wait, what do you mean granddaughter?" My head is spinning. Thankfully, I must have found my backbone. I straightened myself out, shoulders back. What is this goddess talking about? "Oh, my dear. Your mother has a lot to tell you! I will only say that she is my daughter, even if she is still mad at me." Finally, I laid my eyes on her. She was stunning. Well, of course she is, she is a Goddess after all. She has beautiful silver hair, crystal blue eyes, full pouty pink lips, a slim muscular frame, and creamy skin. Actually, maybe she is my grandmother. She and my mother share a striking resemblance. Selene is slightly taller than I am, but otherwise, she and I even look alike. "I...I don't know what to say..." I stammer out my response, trying to get a grip on the new family drama.

"You don't have to say anything. I understand, this is a lot and I still have more to tell you. First, tell your mother, it is time. She will know what that means, and soon you will too. I know finding out about Fate was a tough pill to swallow. I am sorry for all the indecision it has caused you. I did, however, know that you would need a little extra incentive to let your mate love and protect you. You will need his protection, Angel. You cannot avoid him. I hope that you won't want to, once you get to know him. He is quite impressive. He will give you as much time and space as you need. I have spoken with Bane on the matter." There's that name again. Selene must know Bane as well. She continued before I could ask who he was. "Angeline, this is the most important part. You must consult the coven. They will have many of the answers you seek, but do not find yourself in their debt. Some witches are not as friendly as they seem. Stay guarded and tell your mate the same. Do not reveal Fate yet, not to the witches. It would only cause more danger for you both. Also, I love you. If you need me, I will be there. However, I cannot always interfere. The balance will not allow it."

When Selene finished talking and looked at me once more, she shook her head with a chuckle. "Your face tells me you're trying to process. I can only imagine what is all going through your mind right now. I'm sure you have questions. Just speak to your mother. She will enlighten you. I believe she was working up the courage to tell you a few things just before you were taken." This time she strides forward to the lake and once more turns and speaks, "Fate has come to help you. It will not take her long. Follow her light and enjoy your family Angel. I'll see you again one day soon." her words ended in my mind as I was sucked out of the meadow by a cobalt blue light. Fate. She really is something.

I wish she would have let me ask her a few questions. Or at least stay in the meadow a bit longer. I'm not sure that I'm ready to face my new little family yet. Not when I have even more questions. Turns out, my life had been pretty boring until now. Who would have thought?

As I woke to reality, I heard Fate's beautiful little voice "wake up momma, time to eat." I couldn't help the smile on my lips. I may not entirely believe any of this is possible, but that little girl has my heart in every way. I think I will enjoy learning about her and her life so far. "Hello my pup. Bay knew you could help us." Fate is as adorable as I remember. My heart squeezes in my chest. I have missed so much with her already. I will not miss another second.

I heard a throat clear and I turned my head to see the most stunning specimen of man. I know who he is, I can feel the pull towards him already. He is tall, well over six feet, with broad shoulders. He has dark hair and dark chocolate eyes. His angular jaw holds a less than perfectly sculpted beard. He looks like he's had a rough few days too. My eyes trail down a muscular chest covered by a thin black cotton t-shirt that does nothing to contain any secrets about what lays beneath. Bay is losing her mind, howling inside my head. Snap out of it Angel, you're being weird. Finally, my mouth formed words. "Fate said you would protect me while we slept. Hello mate." His eyes lit up at my words, and I decided I really enjoyed that look on his face. I could feel his eyes roaming my face. Then he spoke, "Hello mate. I will always protect you. Please tell me, what is your name?" His deep, gravely voice sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't help the small laugh as I responded "I heard you wanted to hear it from me. My name is Angeline, most people call me Angel." His smile captivated me, he is beautiful. Can a man be beautiful? You know what, yes he can. He is definitely beautiful. "Angel. That is perfect. You are perfect." I felt my face heat up at his statement. I will never get used to this man saying those things to me.

"Can I ask you how to find your family? Your brother specifically?" His questions made ice run through my veins. My nerves hit an all-time high. I began looking for an exit, a way out. I had to get away. I knew this was going to go terribly. "I...I can't.." I stuttered. "Please don't be afraid of me. I would never hurt them. I only need to know so I can bring them here." He stepped closer to me and I forced myself to remain still. "You will need them. Especially your brother." By the time he finished speaking, he was standing right next to the bed. I forced myself not to scurry away from him. Maybe I can trust him. He is my mate after all. Selene seemed to approve. "Can I ask you why you're so worried about my brother?" He smiled at my question and answered, "you can ask me anything Angel. Your brother is your royal guard. I'm not sure how long you have been away from him but I can almost guarantee he is about to burn down the forest looking for you." This causes me to sit straight up in the bed. "His mark is royal! We always wondered why Jagger was marked that way. If you reach out to Alpha Woods in the mountain moon pack. He will get word to him. Wherever he is, his name is Samual Wyte. We call him Sam."

"I can reach him now that I know his name." I was puzzled by his statement. How in the world is that possible? Then again, how do I have a child with a complete stranger? Ha. This just keeps getting better. "Bane says he's not far and your parents are with him. They are now on their way." He announced after only about a minute. "Wait, how? Is Bane your wolf?" I had to ask. I have heard that name so many times and I still have no idea who he is. "There is much we need to discuss my beautiful Angel. First, I am King Daxton Right. Please call me Dax. Yes, Bane is my wolf. Also, I can speak to any royal guard in the world. Eventually, you will be able to as well, as my Queen" Oh. Shut. Up. You have got to be kidding me. The freaking KING? Crap, his face looked worried. Something inside me didn't like that. (It's me! I'm that something inside of you. Make mate happy again! Then he will be inside you too!) Bay loves Dax already. (You do realize he's still a stranger, right?) She just huffs at me and changes the subject (tell him you're hungry and you want his meat. I mean you want meat. Yea, that's what I meant) That isn't what she meant. She is such a dirty wolf. "The goddess said you were impressive. She says not many impress her." (I bet his meat is just as impressive. mmmmhhmmm.) Oh goddess, I know my face is flaming red. (Will you keep your thoughts on his meat out of my head Bay?)

Our inner conversation is interrupted by Dax. "Okay, now what are you and your wolf hungry for? Apparently she is famished." My stomach chose that moment to growl loudly, causing Fate to giggle. The look on Dax's face, listening to her melodic laugh, caused my breath to catch. I can already tell how much he loves her. "Bay says she wants meat. Red meat." She chuckles in my head (that is not exactly what I said, but I guess it'll do for now.) Thank the goddess she is leaving that alone. I have never had a friend. With the acception of Bay and Sam. Let alone a boyfriend. I am so far out of my comfort zone right now.

I concentrate most of my attention on Fate. Asking her favorite color and her birthday. Turns out she was born on my dad's birthday. He's going to love that! I wonder how my parents and Sam will take all of this news. I hope they can feel a connection with her like I can. That will make it a bit easier I think. (Don't worry Angel, they will know as soon as they see and smell her. She is our pup. No denying it. Also, she looks just like you!) I needed Bay's words. (You're right Bay. Thank you for knowing just what to say!) (I will always try to find the right words, A.) I don't know what I would do without her. She really is the best part of me. Without her, I am nothing. Fate and I continued to talk for several minutes until she decided it was Fate's bedtime. How many four-year-olds actually decide to go to bed? Isn't that usually a bit of a challenge? "Uncle Max said he would tuck you in tonight. Is that okay?" Dax asks Fate as he picks her up from the bed. "Yes but only if he reads me our story!" Fate seems excited. "He already has it lying on your nightstand munchkin. I love you baby. Have a good night. Tomorrow, maybe your momma will be up for a little trip with us." Watching their exchange brought tears to my eyes. He's a good daddy, I'm sure of it now. She loves him so much.

Fate rushes back to my bed to hug me once more, "I love you momma. I'm so glad you're finally here. Daddy, uncle Max, and I have talked about you my whole life." She was gone before I could respond. Tears still threatening to fall. My emotions are a wreak. I looked up at Dax, "I've missed so much, I don't know how to be a mom. I never thought..I didn't.." and the tears fell as I put my face in my hands. I felt the bed dip as strong arms wrapped around me, bringing me into his hard chest. The overwhelming scent of forest and man consumed my senses. "I still don't know what I'm doing. She makes it easy. Trust me, you will do great. I've done my best to make sure she would know you didn't choose to not be here." Dax tried to sooth my sadness and for the most part it worked. I never wanted him to let me go. I relaxed into his arms and allowed the mate bond to ease my mind.

There was a knock on the door, interrupting us, drawing a growl from Dax and a giggle from me. The food was here, and holy cow! He must've ordered a little bit of everything. Bay and I both approved. We love food. Sam and I always fought over food growing up. Momma always said we had endless pits for stomachs. She wasn't wrong.

Our conversation flowed freely. We did talk about my chat with Selene. He just listened and asked easy questions. I left out the grandmother part. I'm not sure that I believe it and if I say it out loud I'll have to deal with it. Considering all of the other news I've received today, we can put that on the back burner for now.

It was quite nice to have a meal and just talk. After we ate our fill and placed our dishes back on the cart. I saw Dax's eyes cloud over, "your family just got here. Are you up to all of that tonight? I can ask them to let you rest until morning. I'm sure they wouldn't mind." I got so excited I let out a squeel. " At one point I wasn't sure if I would ever see them again. I would love to see them tonight. Are you up for it though? You look tired." The concern in my voice made him smirk and reveal a dimple in one of his cheeks just above his beard. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. "Don't you worry about me. I will be just fine. I would be honored to meet your family..." another mind-link interrupted him. "Sam is not happy. He thinks we may have taken you." I was linking Sam before Dax could finish. He promised to behave. Well, pretty much. Oh Selene, please help me get through this with my hot-headed brother.