Surviving My Fate

Chapter Seventeen Truths

After many more episodes of paw patrol, most of which I’ve seen. We decide to start our day. Carter offers to dress Alex and seeing it as good bonding time I agree.

I head to the master bathroom which houses a walk-in closet easily the size of my old bedroom probably bigger. Carter has filled it with a ton of new clothes for me and every day I’m amazed. The closet itself reminds me of the princess diaries but everything is a nice muted grey with silver highlights. It’s very sleek and updated where as a-lot of the mansion is a rustic modern feel.

I contemplate how to tell Carter about my visit from the Moon Goddess while getting dressed. I slide on some black skinny jeans wiggling to get them over my hips and booty. They have rips down the front and give a peekaboo effect. I pair a strapless blue lace corset top with them and complete the outfit with some cute black sandals. For makeup, I keep it simple applying some mascara and lipgloss. I then run my fingers through my hair and tie the top half up in two cute space buns. A couple of sprits’ of two of my favorite perfumes woody lavender and midnight nymph and I’m done.

It’s selfish of me but I want a little longer without the stress I know my dream will cause so I’m settling on putting off telling him anything until after lunch.

I walk out to the living room to find the guys already waiting on me. They stand when they see me and I look them over. Alex is in one of his favorite spidey and friends outfits, his red hair is brushed out of his face and he’s looking handsome as ever. I take my hungry eyes over Carter next going from the bottom up. The man is absolutely perfect making my mouth water. He’s wearing nice dark blue fitted jeans and a navy button-down both outlining his body in all the right places. Honestly, we couldn’t have coordinated better if we had tried. His usual messy hair has a hint of gel brushed through it giving a roll-out-of-bed tousled look I want to run my fingers through. I meet his captivating gaze and I can tell he feels the same, those gold flecks in his emerald eyes flaring to life.

“You look, beautiful baby.” His husky voice sends delicious shivers down my spine and my core heats.

“Thanks” I should’ve worn foundation he’s bound to see my blush. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

“Haha thank you.” He pulls me in for a sweet kiss then bends to pick Alex up taking my hand as we walk to the door.

It’s already past noon by the time we’re entering what seems to be the dining hall. A lot of the pack minus some of the warriors, a few families who live in separate housing, and those that work outside of the pack are moving around, gathering to eat. Carter leads us to the end of the central table pulling out the two chairs directly to the right of what I assume is the Alphas seat which is located at the head of the table. It’s different from the rest, the back sits higher and there are arms on the chair. He carefully places Alex in the second chair scooting it forward then helps me into my seat which is next to his. He pushes it up as well before taking his seat.

I’m zoned out taking in the dining hall in all its expansive glory. Three long mahogany tables run down the center each post at the four corners carved with magnificent wolves, they each have different poses. There’s easily enough space for one hundred and fifty people if all the tables were to be filled. The walls are painted a light grey and the vaulted ceilings house enormous chandeliers every ten feet above the tables. Their brilliant lights shine brightly, the crystal crescents dangling from them creating delicate rainbows. The chandeliers are made with sterling silver enhancing their beauty. The chairs themselves are a work of art, plush seats draped in a piece of lovely silver fabric, the backs made up of tree limbs twisting to connect into the frame. Whoever decorated this room took their time. They brought elegance and wilderness together and made it look natural. Carter hadn’t brought us to the hall prior to today because of Ashley, she made every situation tense.

As my eyes make it to the entrance Mel comes in with Abby. She proceeds to where we are, gently helping Abby into the chair next to Alex. They instantly start chattering amongst themselves. They’ve become the best of friends. “Hey Cassie” Mel greets taking the seat next to Abby.

“Hey Mel, where’s Marcus?”

“On his way from morning patrol, they’re about to switch off.” She waves her hand in the direction of the other warriors who look to be finishing their meal.

“Oh”

I’d rather have everyone together and avoid explaining everything twice so that just leaves Levi and Amelia to find.

The cooks bring fresh plates to our table and set the dishes they’ve prepared for lunch in the center. Mel and I go about making the kid's plates first and then our own. The ladies really outdo themselves. The Mac and cheese is perfect the crispy top layer and gooey cheese stretching with each dip into the bowl, the green beans fresh, buttery, and slightly garlicky, and the chicken tender with a hint of lemon melting in my mouth. I moan into my food sinking into my seat.

“Save those moans for me, baby.” Carter’s sexy voice whispers into my ear.

“What did I miss?” Marcus asks placing a kiss on Mel's forehead before pulling out a chair and grabbing a plate.

“Probably just kept these two from christening the dining hall,” Mel remarks sarcastically and Marcus laughs.

Damn werewolf hearing.

“That’ll still happen,” Carter says shooting a wink at me. I duck my head hiding the heat creeping up my face. I really should’ve worn foundation.

“Ew” Amelia’s comment alerts me to her presence “keep it pg brother.”

Amelia slides in next to Carter as the table erupts in more laughter.

Wolves are s****l creatures, especially with their mates. Pg isn’t exactly the standard.

Lunch goes well everyone chatted while enjoying the food. The ladies return removing the plates as we finish. Everyone seems to take that as a cue to excuse themselves already discussing pack business. Mel and I take the kids up to the playroom not stopping when everyone else veered toward the offices. Once they’re safe inside their toy wonderland Mel pulls the live video stream up on her phone giving us access to watch them from anywhere.

“You okay Cassie?”

“Hmm yeah, I’m good.” Am I though? My nerves are wracked.

“You sure? You seem distracted.”

She’s not wrong my mind hasn’t stopped replaying Selene’s eerie message.

“Sorry, there’s so much happening and I’m trying to take it all in.” I try to explain it away.

“I’m here if you need to talk.” Mel offers a genuine smile and I’m grateful to have made such a good friend.

I know It’s time to come clean to Carter.

Right as we step off the last stair Mel goes beelining for Marcus who is going over papers with Amelia.

I’m instantly left alone in the large area feeling like a million steps lie between Carter and I.

One.

Two.

I get closer and closer to his office door bracing myself for what will come.

I close the space slowly. Turning the knob I push the door open and slide inside. I turn to face the door as I shut it. Releasing a deep breath I spin around to face Carter.

“Carter” he looks up from his desk briefly.

“Cassie.”

“I’ve got to tell you something.” He’s typing on his laptop not putting his full attention on the situation.

“I’m listening babe.” He doesn’t look up, I need his unwavering attention right now.

“Can you stop what you’re doing, please? I hate to take you away from your business but this is important Carter.” The laptop closes with a click, he’s in front of me quicker than I can blink, and then he’s lifting me into his arms. He sits on the couch placing me on his lap “You have my undivided attention beautiful.”

The way he drops everything gives me the courage to go on.

I nod grasping my fingers tightly. I stare into his emerald eyes “Cain should listen too.” The gold flecks brighten “I’m here mate.”

“Good” I pause.

How do I say this?

“I had a visit from the Moon Goddess, from Selene.”

I gauge his reaction and when he notices I’m not continuing he speaks. “When?” He’s steady, calm, and soft-spoken toward me.

“Last night.”

“Why did it take you so long to tell us?” He sounds hurt.

“I wanted to enjoy the wonderful morning we were having. Seeing you with Alex like you were,” I pause, “it made me happy and I wanted to stay happy for longer.” I should’ve told him. It affected the whole pack. As the future Luna I should’ve considered that.

“I understand, I put off pack duties today for the same reason.” He places a soft kiss on my lips pulling away so it doesn’t deepen.

“Really?”

“Yeah, baby.”

“Thank you. Carter, can you ask everyone else here? Marcus, Mel, Levi, and Amelia? They should hear this too.”

“Can you enlighten me first?”

“I’d rather only explain it once anything outside of what they should know I will tell you after,” I promise.

“You better” he growls kissing me deeply.

“Call the others.” I breathe breaking away.

His eyes glaze for a second “They’re coming.” Is that what it looks like when he mind-links someone? I’d never noticed.

I glide out of his lap and fix myself on the couch next to him.

Mel, Marcus, and Amelia entered together rather quickly as they were just down the hall. Levi takes longer and we don’t answer any questions until he arrives a few minutes later.

“Now will you tell us why we’re here brother?” Amelia asks before Levi can even sit down.

“The Moon Goddess visited Cassie.”

They all gasp.

“Why?” It’s Mel.

“I don’t know yet, she wanted all of you to be here too,” Carter explains.

“Are you sure the Moon Goddess actually visited her? She’s a human. Most wolves never meet the Moon Goddess Carter.” I can understand Amelia’s skepticism. I would be skeptical too.

“I’m sure sister. She’s visited us together before remember?”

“Still you're our alpha, that makes more sense than the Moon Goddess visiting your human mate” Amelia growls standing from her chair angrily.

“Sit down” Cain roars standing.

“Sorry Alpha.” She bows her head, neck out turned in submission. Even though she is an alpha female and Carter's sister, Cain won't let her disrespect his mate and Amelia isn't dumb enough to push him.

I don’t let it go further though I had expected someone who claims to be my friend to have reacted better. It’s my time to intervene. I place my hand on Carter's arm drawing him down beside me.

“I understand why you might be skeptical Amelia. I was too and I would be in your situation.” Her demeanor shifts becoming calmer. “I don’t know why the Moon Goddess has chosen to reach out to me or through me as it may seem.” I’m honest, they deserve that. “Selene disappeared without answering my questions and the ones she did answer were met with a “no”. What I do know is that she left a warning.”

“A warning?” Mel squeezes Marcus’ hand silencing him and nods for me to explain.

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot. It’s more of a riddle than anything. Her exact words were “Be weary of that omega, be watchful of your past, change your future. This is your fate” I’m certain “that omega” is Ashley but I thought that was settled when she was exiled.” I look to Carter “My past is Ian, which we are aware of. My future and my fate, those are here.” I smile gripping his hand. “If we have to change something I don’t know what that is.” I meet each of their eyes. When I lock on Mels she gives me a warm smile full of support. Marcus and Levi both have expressions showing them deep in thought. Amelia still appears mad but she too seems to be thinking.

“I agree with Cassie, Ashley is the omega and Ian is the past.” Mel’s the first to speak.

“What if the change is simple?” I ask of the room.

“What do you mean Cassie?” Carter faces me looking confused.

“I mean what if we can change small things to change the bigger picture? Like we thought Ashley was gone but what if she’s not? What if it’s like my Ian situation and she comes back?”

“She could be right Carter, that omega is obsessed with you.” Levi agrees.

“So what do you suggest?” Carter queries.

“I don’t know I’m not quite in the loop on everything,” I respond snappily immediately feeling guilty.

“Ashley slept with most of the guards and warriors we should question them.” Levi offers.

“You think they would’ve told her anything?” Mel asks.

“I think it’s possible. She is very seductive and tends to get what she wants.” He replies.

She almost got what she wanted. What had I not met Carter? Who knows how that would’ve ended?

“We’ll question all of them.” Carter agrees.

“What information are the guards and warriors privy to?” I ask feeling left out.

“War tactics, patrol times and routes, evacuation plans.” Marcus lists and I listen raptly.

If Ashley knows these things she could be of great benefit to anyone trying to attack the pack.

“Be weary of that omega” I whisper.

Everyone’s attention snaps to me I hadn’t meant for them to hear.

“Do you have an idea, Cassie?” Mel encourages.

“Just a thought really. Marcus said they knew war tactics etc. if Ashley managed to garner that information she would be very beneficial to anyone plotting against us and as Selene said “be watchful of your past” we already have someone she could turn to.”

“Change our patrol patterns. Tighten up the border anything out of the ordinary I want to be notified and a team led by one of us will check it out. Do you understand?” Carter cuts me off and commands in his Alpha tone.

“Yes Alpha” they all reply in unison.

Carter squeezes my hand his demeanor becoming calmer from the contact.

“Levi, Marcus come up with a new patrol rotation, start at different points and end at different ones. No two days the same.”

“Will do. When do you want to start questioning the warriors?” It’s Marcus who asks.

“In the morning, every one be at the training grounds we’ll do it there.” Carter is going to do it all in the open. Leaving no one or nowhere to hide.

“I’ll let them know the 5 am is mandatory” Levi doesn’t hesitate to add “anyone who misses it will deal with repercussions.”

“What do you need me to do brother?”

“Monitor rogue sitings throughout the packs and other supernatural territories.”

What does Carter mean about other supernatural territories? Are there more than werewolves?

“You’re all dismissed.”

They exit without another word leaving Carter and I alone.

“Carter” he pulls me back into his lap inhaling my scent.

“Cassie” the way he says my name melts my insides. No Cassie. You have to figure this s**t out.

“The questions Selene answered, they um they were a no because she told me I’m special and will have more abilities in the future.” I blurt it out feeling embarrassed.

He meets my eyes “What do you mean Cassie?”

“My healing, it’s not because of you or the bond and it wasn’t her. She said when I figure the rest out call to her.”

“But you’re human?”

“I know Carter. I’m not sure what’s happening. Something is awakening.” I close my eyes sighing.

“Whatever it is, I’m here for you. I’ll protect you always.”

I believe he means that. If my future is to be a battle I’m not naive enough to believe he or anyone can stop it and I have to protect Alex always.