Suddenly I Knew

Chapter Eleven.

When we put our trays away, we all headed to our last class of the day. Everyone went in different directions, but Musa and I walked the same way.

“What do you think about all this?” Musa asked, her tone thoughtful. I sighed. “Well, I don’t know what to think about it. It’s a lot for someone who just turned 18, and on top of that, I also need to figure out who I am as a person.” I told her, and Musa gave me a sympathetic look as we walked into the classroom. Seeing Rose and Logan already seated, I went over to Rose to let her know about tomorrow.

“I’m still mad at you, but we have an appointment with your Alpha tomorrow after school. It’s also about your transfer to Blackfang as a second Beta-Female,” I told her.

“With everything going on, you thought about that too?” she asked, surprised.

“Well, I didn’t fake being your best friend. For me, it was real. Your happiness has always been important to me,” I replied sincerely. With that, I went to my seat and sat down. When the teacher began the lesson, I tried to focus but struggled to pay attention. Instead, I started writing down questions I wanted to ask my biological father—questions like:

Why did you break contact with my mom and leave me?

Did you know something that put me in danger?

Was I a disappointment to you?

With every question I wrote, I felt myself growing sadder by the minute. No, I told myself, I’m not letting these questions ruin my day.

After writing down all my questions, the last bell of the day rang, signaling the end of school. I began gathering my things and packing my bag when I saw Nova approaching. An idea struck me.

“Nova, grab your stuff. We’re going to my house,” I told her.

“Why?” she asked, puzzled.

“Well, Musa is going to explain my Luna responsibilities, and you’re coming along to teach me about Alpha duties,” I replied. Musa watched this exchange and shrugged.

“I’m sorry, Musa. I should’ve discussed this with you first,” I said, feeling guilty. “But I thought you wouldn’t mind, since you and Nova will be working together in the future anyway.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m surprised you’re thinking so far ahead,” she said, pride evident in her voice.

“Oh, and who’s the most skilled warrior?” I asked them both.

“Why?” they asked in unison.

“Well, I’m going to be a Luna, but I’ll also be an Alpha. I need to start training as soon as possible. If a fight breaks out, I want to be able to protect not just myself but also the pack. I’ll need the best trainers—apart from the Alpha's since I doubt they’ll support my decision,” I explained.

“That would be the Gammas,” Nova said. “They’re not only in charge of the warriors but also responsible for fight strategies.” Musa nodded, confirming her words. As we discussed this, we made our way to Musa’s car. She got into the driver’s seat, I took the passenger seat, and Nova sat in the back. Once we were all buckled in, Musa started the car and drove to my house.

When we arrived, I hoped to see my mom home taking a break from work, but her car wasn’t in the driveway. She was still at work. Musa parked in my mom’s spot and turned off the engine.

As we got out, I grabbed my house keys from my bag and unlocked the front door.

“Do either of you want something to drink?” I asked.

“No, thank you. I’m good,” Nova replied.

“Can I have a glass of soda?” Musa asked.

“Sure! I didn’t ask for no reason,” I teased. “Coming right up. Oh, and please take off your shoes—I don’t want to vacuum later!” I called back as I headed to the kitchen.

“Sure, we’re taking them off!” Musa shouted back, making me smile. In the kitchen, everything looked exactly as I had left it that morning. That meant Mom hadn’t been home in three days. This was the longest she’d worked non-stop, breaking her own rule of never working more than two days in a row. Weird, I thought, pouring the drinks. Just as I put the cola back in the fridge, I heard the doorbell.

"Vi, I asked the twins to bring some books. Maybe those books can help you figure it out," Musa said.

"Fine, but they are not staying. Since you asked them to bring those books, you can get the door, Musa," I told her. Still not wanting to talk to them—maybe I was acting like a little kid—but I didn't care. They only want me because of this bond. Well, work for it, then. So far, they haven't proven anything about wanting me for me. With my head held high, I got two glasses and walked back to the living room, past the front door. As soon as I entered, I waited for Musa to come back with those books.

"Vi? Can I ask you a question?" Nova asked me.

"Sure, what's up?"

"Well, the twins are your mates, right?"

"Yes, they are. But that isn't the whole question," I said to her. She smiled and nodded.

"Why are you ignoring them?" she then asked. I sighed and gave her an answer. "They want me because of the mate bond, not because of me. I find it hard to believe that they have known me for years and now they suddenly want me because a part of them is saying that. No, I am my person with enough drama as it is. If they want me—not because some part of them is saying that, but because they love me—then we will talk again. Until then, they need to leave me alone."

"What about your wolf, though?"

"What about her?"

"When you find your mate at 18, most werewolves mate and mark one another, claiming them as their mate. When you deny the mate bond, it could make your wolf counterpart weaker." Before I could ask what she meant, Musa walked in with a ton of old-looking books. Nova and I cleared the table, and Musa placed them carefully on the table.

"They gave us the books they think will benefit us the most," Musa said with a little smile. I nodded at that. Then the doorbell rang again.

"That will be Rose with some books from the library of Bloodmoon," Nova said with a cautious smile.

"Same as Musa—you asked her, so you can get them from her," I said in a determined tone. As soon as I heard the front door close, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"She was not happy with me getting those books from her, but she respected your decision not to talk to her. She hopes that when you meet our Alpha, your biological father, it will make some sense," Nova told me with a sad smile.

"Well, I like a best friend who is my friend because she wants to be, not because she's told," I said in a bitter tone.

"Let's take a look at those books they brought," I said while picking up one of the books from Bloodmoon.

It was titled Generations of Alphas.

"That is a good book to start with. It's about every Alpha there was in Bloodmoon, their children, who they are mated to, and which pack some have joined. I like the story about your grandparents," Nova said with a little smile. Feeling curious about one set of grandparents, I carefully looked up their story. When I found the page, I gasped. I looked like my grandmother from his side—the same ice-blue eyes, same nose, and same face shape. It was so weird to see. I have a family besides my mom. It was like I was filling in some of the missing pieces that make me me. It made me happy to know I have a history.

"I look like her. I look like his mother," I said out loud to nobody in particular. Looking at Nova, she nodded at what I said. "I know. Believe me when I say I had to think twice about calling you Vi. Your grandmother was one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. Your father has trouble keeping her in check as it is, let alone when she knows she has a granddaughter who is going to take over," Nova said with a little evil smile on her face.

Oh boy, why was I happy with the fact I had a family again?

"Because you like to know where you come from, just like everybody else," Melody said to me, making herself known again.

"And where have you been?" I asked her in an annoyed tone.

"I was sleeping."

"So you didn’t think to tell me before taking off?"

"Like you did with telling our mates to back off?" she threw it in my face. Realizing the mistake I made, I sighed, getting the attention of Musa and Nova, who were reading their books.

"I’m sorry, Melody, for making that decision on my own. But I need time to figure this out without them for now."

"Why?"

"Because I want to know everything before they make me theirs. Right now, I am an obstacle. Knowing I’m holding them back in what they can do," I told her.