The Sacrificed Luna

Chapter 6

“Carrier, stop! What are you doing?” I tried to scream, but no sound came out. I tried to wave my arms, but I couldn’t move either. Right in front of me, Ted and Carrier were f*****g on my bed. Seemingly oblivious to my presence.

Then they were coming at me, with knives. So many knives! Silver glinted all around me. I was surrounded!

“Help!” I tried to scream again, but nobody came. My baby! I had to protect my baby! And just as the knives were piercing my skin, I woke up with a start.

Cold sweat dripped from the nape of my neck and down my back, and made me shiver. When I opened my eyes, Mason was turned around, staring at me, and Nellie was pulling the car over.

“Goddess, Vanya are you ok?” Mason reached out to take my hand, but I flinched. “You were screaming like you were being murdered!”

Before I could stop myself, I blurted out. “Oh Mason, I WAS murdered!” I covered my face with my hands and sobbed, ashamed of crying over a dream like I was a little baby.

Within moments, the car was pulled over and Nellie slid into the back seat next to me. “Shhh, it was only a dream!” She rocked me like a child.

“It wasn’t only a dream, that's the problem!” I cried.

The air in the car suddenly chilled, and everyone could feel it.

“What do you mean?” Mason formed his words slowly, as if he was afraid of the answer.

Careful, Vanya. We can’t go around telling people that we have been reborn. Verona’s voice in the back of my mind was scared and suspicious. If word gets out, it could ruin our plans!

If I can’t trust Mason and Nellie, I can’t trust anyone! And they would never reveal our secret. She tucked her tail between her legs and retreated back into my consciousness.

I took a deep breath. “You know that whole thing about me suddenly leaving Carrier and wanting to come with you to the border?”

They both nodded.

“I’ve been reborn! In my past life, I married Carrier and became his Luna, and when I was pregnant with his child, I caught him and Ted having s*x in his office, and then they killed me and I woke up on my 18th birthday.” The words came out fast, in one long sentence. “The Goddess has given me another chance at my life, and that’s why I want to be a warrior so that I can get my revenge and never be Carrier’s victim again!”

I couldn’t stop. Now that I was talking about it, it just kept on coming.

“All I wanted was to be Carrier’s Luna and have his pups and live happily ever after. But it was all wasted! Years of chasing him and he never wanted me. He was just using my body to make him an heir to be Alpha after him, then he was going to banish me! He never loved me! And now, all I feel is hate for him and Ted and I want them to pay for killing me and stealing my baby” I could feel my heart racing as the panic and fear rose up inside me.

Mason and Nellie stared at me, dumbfounded.

“You think I’m crazy, don’t you?” Tears filled my eyes once again, as I started to regret saying anything.

Mason shifted in his seat uncomfortably. “Vanya, I don’t think you’re crazy…but that’s a lot to take in.”

“Ok, so to recap.” Nellie spoke carefully, weighing each word on her tongue. “You’re saying future-you was murdered then transported back into past-you, and now you want revenge?”

“Basically, yes”

“And you want us to help you?”

“Yes.” I braced myself for their reactions.

They were quiet for a long time, each lost in their own thoughts as they struggled to comprehend what I’d told them. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Mason reached out and took my hand

“Vanya, I believe you. And I believe that Carrier would do those things. If the Moon Goddess wants you to have your vengeance, I’m going to do everything in my power to help you for the sake of our parents in that other life who had to lose another child too soon.”

“Me too!” Nellie fervently agreed. “If Carrier could do that after everything Hollis has done for this pack, then he’s a monster.”

I hugged Nellie tighter and squeezed Mason’s hand. Already, I could feel my fear and anxiety melting away. With their help, maybe I can do this.

“Don’t tell anyone else about this until we can speak to a shaman,” Nellie added once she was back in the driver’s seat. "We don’t want others in the pack to think you’re a witch or something. Soldiers are very superstitious.”

“Speaking of which, training is going to be very tough, so I hope you’re ready.” Mason popped open the Tupperware and handed me a macaroon before popping one into Nellie’s mouth as she pulled back onto the road. “Nellie won’t go easy on you because you’re my little sister.”

“I know. I want to be a warrior and do what I couldn’t in my previous life. I’m not going to give up until I’m strong enough to get my revenge.”

“Revenge is a strong word. You’ve never taken a life before.” Mason turned back and stared out the window. I know he’d killed rogues before, but he always sounded so proud about it. Now, he just seemed sad.

The rest of the drive was mostly silent and somber. I guess we each had a lot to think about. When we reached the border, it was almost nighttime. Despite us all being tired from the long drive, Mason and Nellie both put on stoic and self-controlled expressions as we approached the gate.

“Welcome back, Gamma. Did you and the Sergeant have a good leave?” The sentry peered into the back seat. “You brought a visitor!”

“My sister, Vanya.” Mason replied.

“Very good, sir. I’ll radio the office to prepare the visitor’s quarters.”

“Thank you, Private.”

As we drove into the base, I realized that I barely recognized this Mason. This wasn’t my playful, teasing brother, but the Gamma of White Creek pack, and commander of the Border Forces.

When we got to the base, Nellie went straight to the barracks, but Mason walked me to the bedroom that served as visitor’s quarters.

“You’ll stay here for now, ok?” The plain bedroom had been brightened with a few things from my childhood bedroom. An art poster, a fluffy blanket, a stuffed bunny I’d had since I was a baby - they looked out of place in the spartan military room, but definitely made it look more like home.

“Did you bring these?” I exclaimed. Mason had a goofy grin on his face, the same as when he used to play his harmless pranks as a kid.

“I snuck them out when you went to say goodbye to Mom and Dad!”

“You’re the best brother ever!” I hugged him until he blushed. “But I thought I would be moving into the barracks.” I was grateful for the chance to settle in, but I was impatient to get started. “Why can’t I start training?” I whined. “I’m ready!”

Mason shook his head, but smiled. He sat down and patted the bed, motioning me to sit next to him. I plopped down and crossed my arms obstinately.

“Vanya, you’ve been through so much in the last few days. You were murdered, for Goddess’ sake! You need to rest! You’ll be safe here at the border with Nellie and me, away from pack politics, and that weasel Carrier.”

He put an arm around my shoulder and jostled me amicably. When I didn’t react, he dropped his hand and tickled under my arm.

“HEY! Not fair!” I laughed and swatted him away. “Ok! Ok!” I’ll relax. But not for too long. I need to start training as soon as I can. This is important to me.”

“I promise you will be in training soon enough.” He reached out and put a hand to my cheek. “You’re my only little sister, and I love you so much. I want to make sure that you’re rested and ready before you start on your quest. So for now, forget about being a warrior and just be my baby sister. Can you do that for me?”

His eyes were misty as he looked down at me. I wanted so desperately to be strong and brave, and I was so ready to start my training! But it seemed that Mason wasn’t ready. Even though this was a different Mason than the one who mourned my death in my other life, he had been thinking about it, and feeling that pain. I needed to be patient for his sake.

“Okay, I’ll rest for now, Mason.” I said, smiling. He gently kissed my forehead and thanked me with relief. Then, he jumped up from the bed, and put his hands on his hips,

“Then get up, and let’s make this bed!” He was so happy that he’d be able to take care of me for a while.

Mason pulled out the sheets and comforter with a flourish. We laughed and talked while we made up the bed with my fluffy blanket, then carefully placed my stuffy on the pillows. It was like doing our chores together when we were kids.

When the bed was set up, and my things unpacked and put away, he left me to have a quick nap before I went down for supper.

Even though I’d promised to wait, I still burned with impatience at every moment. Carrier was out there, weakened by the scandal I’d caused at my party, but still alive, and still a conniving asshole. I was sure he’d be plotting some way to get back at me for the embarrassment I’d caused.

Hopefully, I’d have enough time to train before he came after me.