The Lost Lunas Mates

The Inn

As I headed down the highway i realised how tired I was. Watching all the cars headlights and break lights was making me sleepy and my vision blurry. The adrenaline of the last few hours was finally wearing off. I felt like i was now far enough away to feel safe.

I made the decision to leave at the next exit and look for a place to stay. I looked at the time on the cars dash clock illuminating in the dawn light showing it was almost 5am. At least I had put 5 hours distance between us for now. I had no idea why I had driven in the direction I had I just know ive never been this way before. For some reason I know, subconsciously, i was heading in the right direction. For what I dont know but I will follow my instincts for now.

I saw an exit in 2 miles and decided no matter where it was to I was heading there for some sleep, a shower and food. I didn't even think about how hungry I was until my stomach decided to let me know with a loud growl. I had to drive for another hour before I found somewhere that looked like it would be safe enough for me to stay for a few days while I sorted things out. Well at least try to get some answers or figure out the voice.

"Happy f*****g birthday Bella" I thought to myself as I pulled into a small parking lot belonging to an Inn. I took my phone out and sent a text as i walked into the quaint little building that looked like the kind of place you imagined your grandmother living. I didn't know my grandparents so it was just what I thought it would be like, not from experience. I didn't meet my grandparents, well I guess they wouldn't of been MY grandparents anyway I thought sadly as I messaged Kate.

Me: its Bella I had to leave please dont tell my mother i have contacted you. Something strange is happening and I am not safe with them.

Kate: whos number is this? are you ok? Where are you? Why are you not safe with your parents?

Me: I will explain when I can. Its a burner phone. I may text you off a new number later. Im sorry I wont be with you all to celebrate today you all put in so much effort for me

Kate: happy birthday beautiful be safe and message when you can. I wont ask questions for now but you will be answering them soon Missy. I assume you are somewhere safe now?

Me: thanks kate. I appreciate you. Yes im safe. I've been driving all night.

Kate: ok just please keep in contact so I know you are safe

I put my phone back in my pocket and looked up at the building in front of me.

I slowly walked inside the large log cabin looking building and I saw an older gentleman sat on a stool behind a big ornate wooden desk. The desk had a wolf howling at the moon carved into dark wood on the front of it and the name of the Inn "Cresent Moon Inn" above it in swirly old fashioned letters. It looked like it had been there for a very long time.

As I walked in the door the man seemed to put his nose up as if sniffing the air around him. Wow do I smell that bad after only 5 hours driving here? Let's hope they have a room so I can shower I thought to myself while outwardly trying not to look to awkward.

"Well hello there Miss how can I help you today" the older man asked. He had grey hair and a kind face but he didn't look to be much older than my so called father and this man didn't have a single grey hair unlike James. He was at least 6ft3 because even i had to look up at him. Suddenly I realised I hadn't replied to him and apparently my mouth didn't want to form words right now.

"Um I was just wondering if you have any rooms available just for 2 or 3 nights. I've had a long night travelling and I need some rest and maybe a bite to eat if possible?" I asked quietly. It wasn't exactly a lie but I wasn't telling a stranger the truth. "Let me see dear. Ah yes we have 2 rooms available one has a bath and an impeccable view and one only a shower and view of the car park out front but it is much cheaper. Which would you prefer miss?" The kind older man asked me. "We can have a sandwich and a small desert sent up when you are settled in. Just call down when you are ready"

"I really dont mind but what is the price difference please. Oh and do I smell?? I saw you smell the air as I walked in" I asked embarrassed if I did smell. He chuckled at me and said "No my dear you do not smell. I will put you in the room with the bath you look like you could do with some relaxation and it has that incredible view no extra charge im feeling nice today" he chuckled again looking a little mischievous.

"My name is Claude. Welcome to our little Cresent Moon Inn i hope you like your room and enjoy your stay. I must check if you said 2 days i forget sometimes what people tell me" he smiled. "Probably just 2 days but maybe longer if the room stays available" I replied. "Of course dear make yourself at home We are like a family here." He was so kind and friendly I felt a little bad about having to be so secretive about who I was and why I was here but I needed to protect myself as best I could.

He asked me to sign my name in the guest book and I just put Miss Smith as I didn't want to use my real name. I paid cash so there wouldn't be a paper trail of where I had been. I needed to stay safe at least for now, although I may need to use my card at some point but I would have to drive somewhere miles away to do that. I will not risk them finding me.

Claude walked me to my door and opened it up to the most beautiful room I have ever seen. It was all white even the furniture. The bed was white wood with gold swirls and the most comfortable looking cushioned duvet i have ever seen. The rest of the room had accents of gold throughout with pictures of wild flowers in gold frames all over the wall. The floors were white wood with gold rugs placed around in the perfect areas. There was a desk in the corner and what looked like a walk in wardrobe, which i thought was strange for an Inn. The view was also incredible, he wasn't wrong about that. It literally made me gasp and took my breath away. How had I not noticed it when i had driven here? The room had big wide floor to ceiling windows with a view of the forest with the mountains in the background. It was like looking at a painting not a view. It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. I had lived a sheltered life but I still saw some beautiful places when we travelled for mothers dances and events.

I remember one place we went. It was a grand ball that my so called mom took me to. I remember seeing a beautiful house that looked black in the darkness only lit up by orange flickering lamps everywhere and the moon overhead. You could see the mountains behind the house just slightly lighter than the dark sky. I had thought back then that it was a little scary looking but now I realise how beautiful that sight was. When we left the following morning I realised that the black house was actually a dark red brick and the mountains were green and lush. The same sight at different times of day were both as beautiful as each other.

"Happy birthday to me" I said under my breath a little happier than earlier about where i was but Claude seemed to hear me. "Happy birthday? How old are you today if you dont mind me asking Miss...... " he waited for me to say my name. He must of realised I didn't use my real full name in the book. "Im 18 today and my name is Bella sir" I replied. I didn't realise I had used my real name until I had said it and internally slapped myself for being so stupid.

His eyes went wide when I said that. Umm what was happening. Have I done something wrong. Oh dammit I kinda liked it here. I stood there and waited to be kicked out but he just turned to leave and said "Happy birthday Miss Bella" as he walked away.

WHAT IS GOING ON?