The Blossom of Moon

First Sight

    The night's chill seeped through the cracks in the wood of Moon's cabin. She sat huddled up before a fire watching it flicker as the wind found its way into her home. Her previous mate used to keep up with the home. Since his exile, there really wasn't anyone to help. 

    She pulled the plush, soft throw tighter when the chill kissed her skin. If she used her wolf fur, she could stay warmer, but her obstinate mood kept her stubborn to her suffering. It was just a bit of winter chill after all. Nothing she shouldn't be able to endure. She'd endured so much worse before.

    The memory dragged down her mood even more. She hunched over in her small blanket feeling shame and sadness sweep through her. It didn't matter how many times she was assured things weren't her fault, she still felt shame having let a man control her so absolutely. To hinder her bright flame and make her wolf submit to his fury. She was the daughter of an Alpha; it was such a disgrace to the bloodline. The memories replayed in her mind, flicking like an old movie, pulling her to a fitful slumber.

                                                                                       ...

    The warming of her face pulled her awake. She felt the drag of the previous night come with her. There weren’t enough hours in the night to forget the past. The daylight didn't chase the shadows away. They lingered like a bad omen. Something she never could completely shake off.

    Moon rolled off the couch feeling every joint in her body creak from the huddled position she'd slept in. They opened as if old door hinges after long disuse. She wobbled to the kitchen to wash the bad overnight breath from her tongue. The pungent taste felt like tainted velvet in her mouth. Parched, dry and much like she'd eaten trash. 

    She swished the water in her mouth getting rid of the offensive taste giving way for her other senses to focus in on the morning's noise. The compound bustled outside her door, louder than usual. She groaned and completed her morning ritual and dressing before taking in the ruckus that was unfolding outside.

    She used to partake in many of the compound’s daily workings. Now, she couldn't bare much more than the minimum that was expected of her. Just enough to contribute her stay. Just enough to hear news of some new comers that were making their way to the pack. It wasn't often they accepted new comers into the compound. She suspected there was some sort of union to be blamed. 

    Trudging her way through the thick of gathering members and rambunctious pups weaving in and out of the crowd. The roar of the crowd pounded on her aching head. Each sound a fist against her temple. She attempted to block them out and make her way the rest of the way through before it made her too dizzy to walk. The end of the gathering was in sight. Just a few more steps. Her head pounded as feet stomping at a Queen's concert. She swayed and nearly lost her footing if not for a hand stabling her arm. 

    "Perhaps you should have stayed indoors today," a soothing voice intoned in her ear. Balm to the pounding that pressed tightly against her temples. She looked up and fell deep into wild and free eyes. She felt her world sway, but kept her footing this time. 

    "No time for laziness. I have work to do, if you would so kindly remove your hand." His crooked smile makes her breath hitch. As if she could take any more disruptions to her internal ecosystem. As it was, she struggled to maintain her hard-shell demeanor. His musk enveloped her in the warmth she would have killed for the night before. It took everything in her to walk away from him and get to the offices before he could speak another blissful word into her ear. Audible orgasms were not something she could deal with today. 

    He released her arm and she propelled herself forward. She could still feel those alluring eyes on her so she squared her shoulders and attempted to ignore their warmth. Oh, that warmth would have been heaven sent the night before. She mentally smacked herself for thinking back to that like some lonely hag. 

    The offices were bustling with activity as everyone attempted to make the newcomers welcome and at home in their own places. Women were gaggling over one of the new members. Moon rolled her eyes and attempted to block out the annoying grating of their swooning.

    "How was your night Moon?" The pack leader was seated at his desk when she entered. He always held her in high regard and she was thankful of it. It kept her in a position that meant she didn't have to do as much work. 

    "Cold and unforgiving." She sat at her desk and took inventory of her to-do list for today. 

    "I wish you'd just let someone come help you fix that."

    "No, thank you. I am perfectly capable."

    "No one ever claimed any different," he said more to himself. Moon decided not to respond and returned to her task. Men only caused trouble for her; she didn't need their help to fix a few minor things around the house. 

    On a typical day she only had a bit of clerical work to do before slacking off waiting on phone calls that rarely came through. Today however, with everything going on, she was tasked with getting the new pack members settled. 

    "Shad, why?"

    "Why what?" The pack leader answered as if he had no clue what she'd be asking about.

    "You know perfectly well what. Why am I being tasked with settling them in?"

    "Well, seeing as you've been daughter to a pack leader, you've done that sort of volunteering before, and you are probably the only unmatched female that's not drooling over a possible match." 

    "I don't need a match. I need to live my life in peace." 

    "Perfect, it's settled then. You will take them to their homes and make sure they know the rules and where everything is." Moon felt like stomping his face into the pavement. She's about as social as a mime.