The Sacrificed Luna

Chapter 5

The next day, Mason was helping me pack when he blurted out.

"I can't believe you're coming back with us. It's so unlike you! There must be something else going on in that brain of yours." He laughed. "Is it your new wolf? Is she crazy? You can tell me if she's crazy."

I giggled as I folded a pair of leggings. I missed how he used to tease me when I was little. It was always good-natured, though. He never did it to hurt my feelings. "She is not crazy! Verona is awesome!"

"Well, Maximus agreed. He thought she was beautiful and strong on last night's pack run. Worthy of the daughter of the old Gamma, and sister to the current one."

I blushed. I don't think he'd ever really spoken to me like an adult before. And I couldn't remember him ever sharing his wolf's opinions with me. In my mind, Verona chuffed in disbelief, but seemed pleased nonetheless.

"So you're SURE that this isn't some tantrum or rebound? The Border is not a day spa or vacation resort." Mason was suddenly deadly serious. "It's tough, and you'll be expected to keep up with the other newer recruits. Plus, Mom and Dad will kill me if something happens to you."

I felt my pride swell up inside me. I'd keep up, even if it did kill me. Nobody was going to make me feel small or used, ever again!

"I'm sure. I realized that I don't want to just be someone else's wife or Luna. I want to be my own woman. Strong and brave! Like Nellie!"

"You know, Nellie is my mate, but she's still strong and brave. You don't need to be alone to be your own woman."

I thought about my brother's mate. She was tall and blonde and muscular, like a Viking warrior out of a movie. I could never be like her, but I could be strong enough to get my revenge. That was all that mattered.

We packed in silence for a while, until Mom and Dad gently knocked at the door.

"Honey? I just want to make sure you're not rushing into this." Mom was in tears. "I've already lost one daughter, and I don't want to lose another!"

I looked over at Dad and his deep blue eyes were also shining with tears. The only time I'd ever seen him cry was when they talked about Abby. She died when I was a baby, so I didn't remember her, but her pictures were still up around the house. She also had Mom's long dark hair and dusky skin, but didn't have Dad's freckles like I did.

I ran into my mother's arms and hugged her tight. "I'll be fine, Mom! I'll have Mason and Nellie there, and I'll come back if things get dangerous, OK?"

Mom pulled back and took both my cheeks in her hands. "I am so proud of you, Vanya. I'm scared of losing you, but I'm so so proud. If you're sure this is what you want, we support you 100 percent."

"That's right." Dad hugged us both. "Who wants some fruitcake Alpha-to-be anyhow? You're too good for him." I could tell he was trying to cover his worries with jokes; he's always been like that.

"And maybe you'll find your fated mate out there, right?" Mom added, a smile peeking through her sorrow.

"Moooom. I'm going to be there to train and get strong, not to chase after boys!"

Mason laughed, then joined in the family hug, "Who are you and what have you done with Vanya?"

I didn't answer. I just wanted to enjoy these moments with my family. I didn't know when we'd all be together again like this. With a sudden jolt of fear, I realized that Carrier might retaliate, and my family could be a target. Mason and I would be safe at the Border, but would our parents be safe here?

"Are you guys going to be ok?" I asked, "What if Carrier comes here looking for me?"

Dad drew himself up a little taller. "That whelp isn't Alpha yet. I can handle him if he comes looking for trouble."

We finished packing all together and carried the bags out to Mason's car. Nellie came out of the kitchen with a Tupperware full of something. She kissed Mom's and Dad's cheeks as she passed.

"I hope you don't mind. I made some snacks for the road. I left you guys a big plate." She winked and climbed into the driver's seat.

I hugged my parents one more time as Mason put my suitcases in the trunk.

My mother was openly sobbing again, and part of my felt bad about leaving her. In my last life, leaving home was a joyful occasion. I was leaving my childhood home as a young girl, and entering the packhouse as a wife and future Luna. Last time, she wasn't afraid for me, but this time she was.

"Don't cry, Mom!" I said, choking back my own tears. I wanted to be strong for them, to prove that I was meant to be more than just some Alpha's chosen mate! "I'll be back before you know it!"

"Be safe, my darling girl" She squeezed me once more and stepped backwards to let me climb into the back seat of the car.

Mason hugged them both, then got into the passenger seat. As we drove off, Mom and Dad waved over and over, until we had turned the corner and lost sight of them.

This was it! I was 18 again, and master of my own destiny. I knew the next months and years would be hard, but it would be worth it to avenge my past life. This me would be fierce and loyal and...and...

Without warning, tears started streaming down my cheeks.

I know you're determined to do this. So am I! But it's OK to be scared. Especially now. Verona's voice was gentle and soothing.

I was feeling so many emotions. Anger and hatred for Carrier and Ted. Sorrow for the child I didn't get a chance to meet. Gratitude to the Moon Goddess for this second chance, and for my family's support. Guilt for leaving my parents so suddenly.

"Hey..." Mason's voice broke through the maelstrom of feelings that were overwhelming me. "It's ok to cry, you know. You've been through a lot in the last 24 hours. Why don't you stretch out on the seat and have a nap? I'm sure you'll feel better after a little cry and sleep."

He reached back and wiped the tears from my cheeks. I could see Nellie's eyes in the rearview mirror, full of compassion and concern.

I nodded as he handed me a box of tissues.

"And Nellie made macaroons for the trip, so when you wake up, there will be a sweet treat waiting for you!" he added cheerily.

I smiled despite my tears, and as I was drifting off to sleep, I heard Nellie's voice, low and even.

"Do you really think she can do it? She's awfully scrawny. The other new recruits trained for years before they even got to the Border."

"Who knows?" Mason replied. "But if anyone can do it. She can."