Bound By Fate & A Mate

Daughter of The Moon

Taking Renley’s hand, Asterea led him through the pack house, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. “So many memories here,” she said softly, a fond smile gracing her lips.

“Did you have a good childhood?” Renley asked, his gaze filled with genuine interest.

“The best,” she replied without hesitation. “We never went without, but Mom and Dad also taught us to treat every pack member with respect and loyalty. Being the Alpha’s daughter didn’t make me better than anyone.” She paused, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Dad started letting us train when we were eight. He never treated Atlas, Lyrea, or me differently just because we were his kids. He wanted us to be able to protect ourselves.”

She confided in him, her voice dropping slightly. “Around nine or ten, Mom and Dad explained about me being the future queen of the vampires. They told me how important it was to learn everything I needed to know – how to dress, speak, eat, vampire history, politics with the council.” A small sigh escaped her lips. “So, from then on, I had two sets of lessons, but Dad never stopped my wolf training.”

She looked at him, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. “Honestly, Renley, I wasn’t even sure I was going to get a wolf.”

He looked at her, surprised. “Why?”

“Growing up, I was different,” she explained. “Not just the way I looked. I started having visions when I was five. At first, I thought they were just dreams, but as I got older, they became more vivid, and sometimes they happened when I was awake.” A shiver ran down her spine. “I eventually got scared enough when I had a vision of an attack and told my parents. That very night, rogues attacked the pack.” A soft smile touched her lips. “Dad told me he was proud of me. He and Mom said I needed to tell them whenever I had those visions so they could help me understand. But,” she continued, a hint of sadness in her voice, “a lot of the other kids didn’t want to hang out with me. They thought I was weird because I looked different, and there was even a rumor that I wasn’t really my Dad’s daughter, that Mom had an affair with a vampire, even though she was his fated mate.”

Renley’s eyes widened in shock. “I… I thought for sure wolves couldn’t be as bad as vampires with rumors and prejudice.”

Asterea laughed, a genuine, heartfelt sound. “Oh, Renley. Wolves are just… wolves.”

They made their way into the backyard, where a lively party was in full swing in honor of Atlas. Asterea introduced Renley to familiar faces, pack members she’d grown up with, and Alphas from neighboring packs. They grabbed drinks and headed towards the grill, where Ronan was expertly serving up a feast.

Asterea hugged her father tightly. “It’s so good to be home, Dad, even for a couple of days.”

Ronan squeezed her. “Feels the same way, Astri. Glad Renley could join you, so he could finally meet the family.”

As they ate, Asterea introduced Renley to more guests. Then came the inevitable moment when she introduced him to Atlas. Her brother, towering over Renley, clapped him on the shoulder, his smile wide but his eyes carrying a clear warning.

“Welcome to the family, Renley. Hurt my baby sister, and I will rip every limb off your body, one by one, until there’s nothing left.”

Asterea glared at Atlas, who simply laughed, while Renley chuckled good-naturedly.

“Going on the midnight run?” Atlas asked Asterea, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Asterea looked at Renley, who nodded. “Go enjoy yourself, my queen. Run with your family. I’ll be here waiting with your mother.” She started to protest, but he gently reminded her, “Jupiter hasn’t stretched her paws in over a week. It might be why you’ve been feeling so… restless.”

Asterea conceded, though in her mind, Jupiter snorted. “That’s not even remotely the reason, but whatever helps him sleep at night.”

Atlas gathered the pack’s attention, giving a heartfelt speech of gratitude and commitment. When he finished, he announced it was time for the moon run. Asterea and Renley slipped behind a large oak tree. With Renley’s back turned, she quickly undressed and shifted into Jupiter, her black fur gleaming in the twilight, the white tips of her ears standing out starkly. Jupiter bounded forward, brushing against Renley’s legs repeatedly, a strange sense of connection thrumming through her. Asterea had never considered it before – Renley wasn’t just her mate; he was Jupiter’s mate too, in a way. Since he didn’t have a wolf form, Renley was the anchor for that part of her soul. Renley ran his fingers through Jupiter’s fur, and a wave of tingles and sparks erupted all over her skin. She nudged his hand affectionately before loping towards the gathered wolves. Before taking off, she licked his palm, a silent promise of her return.

As Jupiter ran with the pack, the cool night air invigorating her senses, a sense of release washed over them both. “Maybe it was just that I needed to run,” Asterea mused.

“Positive that wasn’t it,” Jupiter retorted dryly.

Jupiter ran with confidence. Atlas was at the front of the line with his mate & Luna following directly next to him, behind him was their parents and Asterea and Lyrea followed behind them. The rest of the pack followed a few inches behind the girls. Jupiter kept her head held high soaking up the light of the moon embracing its healing capabilities and the way it made her feel so much stronger.

"Asterea" Jupiter said her name. Asterea didnt respond but, she was all ears listening and Jupiter knew it so she continued. "We may be a vampire queen but... We are also a daughter of the moon."

"What do you mean by that?" Asterea finally spoke up. Jupiter continued to run without giving Asterea an answer. "Jupiter... Tell me what it is that you meant by saying that? Was it supposed to be some type of metaphore or what exactly are you trying to tell me."

"In time you will know," Jupiter replied dismissively.

"Seriously? Thats all your going to give me?" Asterea huffed.

"Asterea we are both halves to a whole. I do not exist without you, and you do not exist in this world without me. You trust me dont you?" Jupiter questioned her.

"Without a doubt. I trust you more than anyone in this world. Like you said, your the other half of me, who better to trust than my own concious." She giggled.

"Then have some faith and trust me. I will tell you all that you need to know when the time comes. I would never hide anything from you intentionally, unless it was for a damn good reason Asterea. I have been a part of you since day one. You may not realize this but, I am not just up and born when you recieved me. I was hand picked for you by the moon goddess and have been with you since the day you were born."

"Really," Asterea asked in astonishment, "Is that true?"

"Yes Asterea, and one day I will be able to show you!" Jupiter said softly as she started to slow down.

"So why do you wait until we are teenagers before you become present in our minds and body?" Asterea questioned her.

"Thats because we too are growing. As pups we cannot protect you, and we need to grow and get to full strength before we come out and our mentality has to mature. We learn through your eyes!" Jupiter explained.

"I like that you have always been here" Asterea whispered softly. "I love you Jupiter."

"And I too love you Asterea. I will always protect you."

Jupiter came to a slow stop in the back yard and she pranced up to Renley.

"Also I like him. He cares deeply and it shows. He was willing to give up the crown so we would be ok and not have to suffer from these deaths happening it in the kingdom."

"I know... He is truly amazing" Asterea gushed over Renley.

Without another word Jupiter gave control back to Asterea, going back to her human form. Renley quickly wrapped a robe around Asterea pulling her close to him making sure no one seen her body. She giggled at his possesiveness and Renley bent down and placed a kiss on her lips. Asterea jumped as she heard a loud aggitated growl and Renley clung to her tightly.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY MATE..."