Between Two Worlds

Chapter 1 Introductions

Neve

“You JERK!” I shriek as Jake playfully kicked water at me. I clumsily try to tackle him into the water as payback. Jake laughs and dodges my attack, running up the shore to where our friends were sitting in the sand dunes.

It was the last week of Summer break before we had to return to the Academy for our final term. Our pack lands were located on the West coast of the Summer Realm. The fierce sunsets here made the moon burn a blood red colour as it rose in the night sky, hence why our pack was called the Sangue Luna Pack (Blood Moon Pack). As with every evening this summer, our group of friends, Jake, Duke, Fleur, Samuel and Anita were headed to our regular hang out spot in the sand dunes to watch the blood moon rise, then swim in the ocean under the moon’s energising rays.

Jake was my ‘brother’ Duke’s best friend and our pack’s future Alpha. I say ‘brother’ because Duke and I were not related. His parents, Jonty and Angie had adopted me after my parents died in a plane crash. Aunt Angie as I called her, was my mum’s best friend growing up. Mum didn’t have any siblings, and my maternal grandparents had passed away before I was born. My father was not from the Sangue Luna Pack, he came from a pack in the Autumn Realm. Aunt Angie and Uncle Jonty said they didn't know him very well as they had only met him a handful of times, so they struggled to find any of his relatives to reach out to about me. As I had no other family, Aunt Angie and Uncle Jonty decided to adopt me and raise Duke and me as siblings. For the most part, Duke and I got along fine except for one thing, his refusal to let me date anyone.

Duke was only a few months older than me, thus we had the same friends. Jake was set to become the new Alpha once he graduated high school, providing he successfully completed his training at the Alpha Institute. And as Uncle Jonty was the current Beta, Duke was set to take over his position and be Jake’s Beta. Samuel, was set to be our pack’s gamma, and he was the hottest guy I had ever laid eyes on. Jake, Duke and Samuel… the future leader of the Sangue Luna Pack. Goddess help us! Jake, Duke and Samuel were the ultimate Alpha, Beta and Gamma trio. Born on the same day they had been inseparable since birth, causing havoc wherever they went. Fleur and Anita were my best friend in the entire world. We met on the first day of kinder when we were seated together. I confided everything to Fleur. Anita had become a little distant when she started dating Jake about six months ago. Their relationship was very intense. I would not be surprised if the Moon Goddess has destined them to be fated mates.

This weekend was the troublesome trios 18th birthdays. Turning 18 was a big deal for a werewolf, it was the first time you shifted into your wolf and you could also recognise your fated mate for the first time. Secretly, my Aunt was hoping that I was Duke’s fated mate as her and my mum had always dreamt of Duke and I getting married. Even though we would not be able to confirm their dream for sure until my 18th birthday in a few another few months, i personally found this revolting as Duke was more like a brother than a mate.

“Are you excited for the party on Saturday?” Fleur asked me.

“Sure?” My response was more like a question than a confirmation of my excitement.

“I cannot wait!” Fleur exclaims excitedly, before lowering her voice to ask “Do you think your mum and Aunt Angie’s wish will come true”

I roll my eyes and groan as Fleur giggles… she knows very well that being mated to Duke is the last thing I want. Besides, I had my eye on someone else. I shyly looked over Fleur’s shoulder and caught Samuel staring at me.

Knowing he caught my attention he called out to me “Hey, Neve!” and picking up the guitar sitting next to him he asked “How about you sing for us?”

I blushed furiously, refusing Samuel’s offer.

“Oh, come on! You have the best voice out of everyone, you have to sing for us,” Samuel replied, ignoring my refusal.

“Yeah! Sing, Neve!” Jake said, giving me a little nudge on the shoulder, indicating I should move closer to Samuel.

“Ok, if you insist!” I dramatically sigh in defeat and stood up to move around the circle closer to Samuel. Duke glared at me as I moved to sit next to Samuel. If it wasn’t Jake, his future Alpha, encouraging me to sing, Duke would have told me to stay sitting where I was. He was not fooled, he knew I was over the moon that Samuel asked me to sing with him.

Samuel started to clumsily strum Hotel California on the guitar. He was not a skilled musician, but he tried his best. Jake rolled his eyes groaning loudly, untangling himself from his girlfriend Anita, he leaned over to snatch the guitar from Samuel. “If Neve is going to sing, she shouldn’t have to be subjected to your s**t guitar skills!” Jake teased, winking at me. He immediately started to play a more upbeat, Spanish version of The Eagles’ classic.

Not wanting to show my disappointment at not performing a duet with Samuel, and not wanting to annoy Duke any further, I started to sing. Samuel quietly watched, not taking his eyes off me the entire song. His intense stare caused a warmth to slowly burn inside me, and goosebumps to form on my skin.

As the song came to an end, Duke looked at his watch, standing up abruptly. “Neve, we need to go home. Some important guests from the Autumn Realm are arriving early, and mum wants us to be present at dinner.”

Quickly standing with us, Samuel says “I should head home too, I’ll walk with you,” stealing a sideways glance at me as he shook sand from his clothing.

Duke narrowed his eyes in disapproval muttering “Whatever!” under his breath, turning abruiptly in the directions of home. Samuel and I trail behind him in an awkward silence.

“So, are you excited for your first shift into your wolf on Saturday?” I ask Samuel politely, hoping the small talk will relieve the awkward tension.

“Absolutely!” Samuel responds with excitement. “I cannot wait to see what my wolf looks like…” He hesitates, contemplating whether to finish his sentence, “…and to hopefully find my mate” he finishes quietly. As he says this, Samuel’s pinkie finger gently grazes against mine. My heart momentarily stops, not knowing whether his touch was intentional. Shyly I steal a glance at Samuel from the corner of my eye, I can tell from the slight hint of a smile at the edge of his lips that the touch was not an accident.

“Yes, finding your mate will be exciting,” I whisper back, hoping that Duke stalking home in front of us cannot hear our conversation.

We continue to walk in silence, side by side until we reach the pack house. Duke is learning against the porch railing waiting for me. Ugh! Why does he have to be so over-protective all the time? As Samuel and I reach the bottom of the porch steps I hesitate looking up at Samuel.

Duke, sniffing my attraction towards Samuel, straightens up and glares at me. “Let’s go, Neve! See you tomorrow, Samuel,” Duke then spins on his heels opening the front door. Realising I had not moved from my spot next to Samuel, Duke turns around again barking, “NEVE!” and I jump, sheepishly looking at Samuel who smiles sheepishly as he waves goodbye.

I follow Duke inside wondering if he will ever drop this protective big brother routine and allow me to have a life.