Goldie and the Three Wolves

Chapter 2: Awakening

Chapter 2: Awakening

Tensions are high in the Locks' house today. What was meant to be a joyous day turned into one of choice and disaster. This soap opera may have been foreseen, but one can only hope. One last standing ovation for mother and daughter.

“She did it, Levi. I told you she was a rotten egg.” Linda says. Levi stands in the kitchen surrounded by three women: Linda, his mate, Mindy, his step-daughter, and his daughter, Goldie.

Goldie looks at her father in a testing manner, her body rigid with a hurricane of emotions: anger, betrayal, and a hint of hope. For her, this is his one last chance. Depending on how Levi reacts determines everything.

How did they get to this point? It was June 21, 2030. Everything about that night was eerie. The night held a certain shadow over everyone. This was the night that changed everything.

Linda is the twin sister of Lisa Carlisle. Lisa is Levi’s fated mate. Linda was always jealous of Lisa. They never had the connection and bond that other twins have. Linda had to have everything Lisa had, including her mate.

Three months after Lisa became pregnant, Linda had a one-night stand to get pregnant on purpose. For years, Linda had been grooming Levi to her will. She would subtly place doubt here and there so when the time finally came, he’d melt right into her hand.

Linda created text messages to make it look like Lisa was having an affair with some guy. Due to Linda’s manipulation over the years, it didn’t take much for Levi to believe her.

Lisa tried to tell her mate that Linda was lying, but he wouldn’t listen. He rejected his eight-and-a-half-month pregnant mate right then. In the midst of her heartbreak and the pain of rejection, Lisa went into labor. The stress of the rejection was far too much to handle.

Despite Levi’s wolf, Rhett’s insistence that he listen to their mate, the damage was already done. Linda’s manipulation had already taken root and spread like a cancer inside Levi. Not even his own wolf could tell him any different.

Levi might have rejected his mate, but he wasn’t heartless. Deep down, he knew there was a chance the child inside her belly could still be his, so he did the honorable thing and took her to the pack infirmary.

He didn’t dare look or acknowledge her existence until the child was born. Lisa laid in the hospital bed for an emergency labor. She was fearful for her daughter’s life. Lisa wouldn’t dare blame Levi as she knew the true root of the issue.

Lisa has battled her sister for years. She has taken everything from her. She accepts that the war between her and Linda has been lost. Linda finally got it all. The one thing she has left, her daughter, Linda, could never take that away, so she will hold her daughter as close to her and protect her for as long as the Moon Goddess allows her life.

Lisa loves Levi and will until her last breath. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, but it turned into one of heartbreak and tragedy. Through the pain of giving birth her a much greater pain grew in her heart.

All Lisa could do was pray to the Moon Goddess that everything would turn out. Once her daughter was fully delivered, she let out a cry so loud you could hear it for miles. Some say it was a cry from the gods, while others say it was the cry of hope.

Lisa had a slight suspicion that her daughter might just be meant for greatness if she could send out a cry like that. At hearing the child’s cry, Levi came running into the room. The infant’s scent spoke to Levi, confirming he is the father.

Lisa knew right then that Levi wouldn’t just punish her. He’d use their own child against her. The first charge was naming their daughter. As you can imagine, with a name like Locks, you’d avoid certain names. However, Levi named their daughter Goldie Locks, Goldie Adalaide Locks, and she was certainly true to her name.

Lisa knew the name would cause their child some teasing, but she honestly loved the name. Lisa thought the name felt classic and old Hollywood. Because of this, Lisa didn’t fight it.

There wasn’t much Lisa could do about her mate’s actions. Deep down, she thought if she let him punish her, he’d forgive her and take her back. She loved him that much. However, that never happened, even though she was truly faithful to Levi even after the rejection. Lisa could only ever love one man, even if he was so cruel to her.

Three months later, Linda finally has what she wanted, Levi. She made him feel sorry for her because her unborn child didn’t have a father. Levi stepped up to the plate, though she would never truly be his daughter. Linda also had a daughter on September 15, 2030, and named her Mindy Carlisle.

Levi wouldn’t allow Mindy to take his last name since she wasn’t his actual daughter. Linda may have tried, but she failed in doing this. Linda allowed Levi to have his way just this once. Instead, she gave him her last name.

Levi and Linda eventually get fully mated and married. Goldie lived between her mother and father. She preferred to stay with her mother because of how Linda and Mindy treated her.

Mindy had grown up to be just like her mother, mean and nasty. She tormented Goldie every chance she got, just as long as Levi wasn’t around. Linda and Mindy could tell Levi anything, and he’d believe it, but if he saw how they were towards Goldie, he wouldn’t stand for it.

Despite everything, Levi was a good father, especially when it was just him and Goldie. There are time when he regrets giving her the name, Goldie, when he see’s someone bullying her because of it. Then he remembers why he did it. Goldie was the best way to get revenge on Lisa.

Linda had no problem helping Levi come up with things to punish Lisa with. She even convinced Levi to forbid Lisa from letting her family meet Goldie. Linda knew her family would see what she had done.

The family member who lived in the pack couldn’t be helped. They never said or did anything despite knowing seeing what Linda’s influence had done.

The main person Linda was worried about was her and Lisa’s older sister, Grace Maddison. She moved to the Shadow Knight pack years ago when she found her mate, Connor Maddison. She hasn’t come back to the Moon Rider pack in years.

Goldie's birthday isn’t a day she is made to feel special, like most. Lisa would always make her feel special on the day, but her father always seemed to do the bare minimum. At least that’s how it seemed to Goldie. What neither she nor Levi knew was that Mindy would steal Goldie's birthday present.

Levi would leave them on the kitchen island for Goldie every morning before he went to work. He knew she would be with her mom the rest of the day and would leave them for her. Linda and Mindy would replace the gifts with a simple birthday card, while Mindy got to keep the expensive gifts.

On her twelfth birthday, everything changed. Goldie shifted for the first time. She was alone during her first shift except for her mother. Goldie was truly living up to her name. Her hair was golden blonde, and her skin held a natural golden tan. When Goldie shifted for the first time, Lisa knew instantly her daughter was no ordinary werewolf.

Her wolf’s name was Adalaide. Her fur was gold. Under the moonlight, her fur glowed with a golden, metallic, and shining sheen. Her eyes were as golden as gold bricks. Her very presence held power and strength. In that moment, Lisa knew for sure that her daughter was meant for greatness.

Lisa warned her daughter that she should not tell anyone about Adalaide, not even her father. The pack would later believe she is wolfless, having not ever seen her wolf before. Lisa was fearful of what Linda might do if she knew how special Adalaide was. It would put Goldie in danger.

At fourteen years old, Goldie lost her mother. Lisa died from cancer, a cancer only werewolves can get. This cancer affects your wolf. Only rejected wolves can get this cancer if they go unmated for too long. Lisa’s wolf, Ivory, longed for her mate. The pain of Levi’s betrayal became too much for her to bear. Wolves bear a lot for their human halves, but even they have their limits. When this happens, they begin to fade.

This cancer isn’t like being a broken wolf. This cancer drags the human half with it. The wolf will fade while the human’s heart will slowly decay, eating away at itself. They call this cancer the void because that is just what it is, a void created in the heart that could never be filled.

After losing her mother, Lisa was left living with Levi permanently. Now that she lived with her dad full time, Linda and Mindy upped their game. They did not want her there. The goal was always to get rid of her. They might have finally succeeded in doing so. However, Goldie has a few cards up her sleeve.

As a golden wolf, Goldie can just look into a person's eyes and see the truth. She knows when they are lying and when they are telling the truth.

One day, Goldie heard Linda and Mindy talking about her 18th birthday. They were planning to finally get rid of her for good in the hope that Levi would disown Goldie. What they didn’t know was that she was leaving of her own choice. This last little act was unnecessary. Goldie feared that they would do to her what Linda had done to her mother.

For years, Goldie recorded their conversations and had plenty of video of them. She recorded this conversation between Linda and Mindy. If they were going to shoot this last shot, then Goldie would make them burn.

During Lisa’s funeral, Goldie met her Aunt Grace for the first time. Linda and Mindy just couldn’t help themselves. Grace saw what Linda was doing and stepped in. Levi noticed the commotion and came to Linda’s aid.

Linda threw a dramatic fit, telling a tale that was far from the truth. Grace was the only person to stick up for Goldie.

Seeing how Goldie was being treated, Grace warned Linda to stop her silly childish ways. Grace was always cleaning up Linda’s messes. She knew Linda was jealous of Lisa. She’d watch as Linda would set things up just for Lisa to fail. Grace would always have to step in. She never allowed Linda to get away with anything, which is why Linda never wanted her to come back.

Grace told Levi the truth, but he had already become so blinded by Linda’s stories that he couldn’t see past them. Now it might be too late.

Grace and Goldie stayed in contact from that day on. She told Goldie that she always had a place with her and that she could come stay with her and Connor if she ever felt she needed to leave. Goldie has never met Connor in person, only through video chat, but from what she can tell, he’s a pretty stand-up guy.

The year is 2048, and today, on Goldie's birthday, everything has been set in motion. Whatever Levi’s choice, Goldie is leaving. The old blue used Jeep Levi gifted Goldie for her sixteenth birthday is all packed and ready to go.

On Mindy’s birthday, Levi gave her a brand new red Corvette. Levi has done very well for himself. He’s the C.F.O of a corporate company and lives quite comfortably.

Goldie’s Jeep may be old and used, but she loves it nonetheless. She never liked flashy things. She’s more of a simple girl who likes the simple things. Goldie gladly took the Jeep without a hint of jealousy because she knew something Linda and Mindy didn’t. This would throw a wrench in their plan.

Levi set up a trust fund and college fund for Goldie to inherit when she turned eighteen. Levi never set up anything for Mindy’s future. Linda may have blinded him, but Levi still has his morals. Goldie is his daughter and his responsibility. Mindy is not his.

Levi surprisingly didn’t go to work today for Goldie’s birthday. He wanted to spend the day with her and hand over the college fund and trust fund. He planned for them to go out for breakfast together alone that morning. However, before Levi and Goldie could leave, Linda and Mindy surrounded Levi.

They showed him some documents they had faked and claimed to have found. These documents show money from his bank account being transferred into an account under the name Goldie Locks.

Levi looks at the documents with his face contorted in confusion. He wonders why Goldie would do such a thing. Hadn’t he given her everything she needed?

Goldie smirks and chuckles under her breath. She looks at her father to see what his choice will be today. He can believe Linda and Mindy like always. Or Levie could believe her for just this once.

“She stole from you Daddy,” Mindy says as she points her finger at Goldie accusingly. Goldie shakes her head in disbelief. “She did it, Levi, I told you she was a rotten egg,” Linda says.

Goldie claps her hands, giving Linda and Mindy their standing ovation. “Bravo, truly, this might just be your best act yet. It’s too bad it will be your last.” Goldie says in a condescending way. Goldie learned a long time ago not to get upset or angry around them. It only lights their fire.

Goldie turns to look at her father. “I. Did. Not. Steal. From. You. I beg you to see the truth.” Goldie says this, knowing it might be the last time she speaks to him. The slight hint of hope she has left for him is nothing but a flicker of light.

Levi looks at Goldie, unsure, and back at the papers. “But the evidence, how could you?” Levi’s choice is made. A single tear escapes Goldie’s eyes. She nods her head in acceptance. She was prepared for this. “I understand, you will always choose their side over mine. You always have. But before I show you this, I want you to know you allowed this to happen. You let her manipulate her. You helped her kill Mom; you are the creator of my torment. I love you and I always will, Daddy, but it’s time.” Goldie pours her heart out to her father.

Her father has broken her heart. He chose them once again, even though the truth is sitting right in front of him. She quickly wipes away the tears and turns to Linda and Mindy. “I hope you know you’ve created a monster, and one day that monster standing next to you will turn on you one day. You and I both know I didn’t steal from him. I have the proof.”

Goldie pulls her phone out and shows her dad a video and recording of Linda and Mindy discussing their plans to finally get rid of her. Levi watches the video in disbelief but soon turns red in anger. Mindy and Linda turn red in both anger and fear.

“I also have no reason to steal from you, as I gain my trust fund and college fund. Also, you give me an allowance every month that is more than enough to satisfy anyone.” Goldie adds before anyone else could say anything.

“You what?! A trust fund! What about Mindy? Why doesn’t she have one, and she’s your f*****g daughter too.” Linda explodes. All she can focus on is the money now.

“Mindy is NOT my daughter. Goldie is, and how dare you frame her!” Levi yells back. Goldie shakes her head in anger. “No, you don’t get to yell at them. Not when you’ve played into their hands all these years. You have no right to come to my aid. I am leaving, and I am never coming back.” Goldie says.

She meant what she said, she’s not coming back to the Moon Rider Pack again. “What the f**k do you mean you’re leaving. Where the hell do you think you are going?” Levi sharply turns to his daughter.

“I don’t think I’m going anywhere. I KNOW I’m going somewhere. I’m going to live with Aunt Grace. She’s already set my pack transfers up. Alpha Paxton has already signed off on it. All that's left to do is renounce the pack.” Goldie says.

Levi is devastated. Deep down, he wonders if Linda has lied about anything else. Was he truly so blind? How could he let this happen? Did Lisa truly have an afair? He can’t remember one time when he felt betrayal within his mate bond with Lisa. Maybe just maybe he acted too rashly and should have listened to Rhett all those years ago.

Regret stands evident on Levi’s face. “You made me kill my mate and the mother of my daughter, and for what?!” He instantly turns to Linda. Rhett comes fully to the surface, ready to strike. The only thing holding Levi and Rhett back is Goldie.

Very subtly, Goldie uses her powers. She can command anyone of any rank, even a Lyan. Very subtly, Goldie commands Levi and Rhett to calm down and go for a run and not to hurt Linda or Mindy. As much as Goldie would love to see them have their asses handed to them, that would be stooping down to their level, and she won’t allow her father to ruin the rest of his life for them. They aren’t worth it.

Goldie isn’t against reconciliation with her father, but he will have to put in a lot of work. Goldie isn’t going to just trust him because he’s seeing the truth now.

Just like a moth to a flame, Levi follows Goldie and Adalaide’s command. He quickly storms out of the house without a single word. All that stands in the kitchen is Goldie, Linda, and a crying Mindy.

Goldie almost feels sorry for Mindy. Levi has been the father figure in her life, and he only half accepts that responsibility. He played father to Mindy when she was a minor, but now that she is older and almost 18 he doesn’t have to take that responsibility anymore, not for another man’s child.

Linda knew Levi would never fully accept her daughter, which is why she needed to push Goldie out of the way. Her sister and niece were in her way, and she was forced to get rid of them. Now she fears she may have gone too far this time.

Linda knows Levi would never leave her because if he did, it would be a second rejection. Chosen mate rejections aren’t so powerful, but after experiencing one fated mate rejection, he might now survive another. Levi very well could develop the void.

Without saying a word, Goldie turns on her heels and leaves the kitchen to grab the last bag from her bedroom. Outside her house are her two best friends, Ashley and Talon. Ashley is Alpha Paxton’s daughter, while Talon is a training Zeta. A Zeta rank is a pack warrior.

Ashley and Talon know about Goldie leaving the pack today and came to say see her off. They’re sad that she’s leaving but they understand, as she doesn’t have the best relationship with her family.

Goldie has a long trip ahead of her. She plans to drive her Jeep to the Shadow Knight pack where Grace and Connor are waiting for her. The drive to the Shadow Knight Pack is two days from the Moon Rider Pack.

Meanwhile, as the child with the cry of hope has come of age, the gods feel it is time to bring back the ancient order that kept the peace so long ago.

In the eerie forest, a place no one dares to enter, a place where time doesn’t move, amber around the woman known as Terra begins to crumble. Time has begun to tick once more in these forests. The essence of what had passed long ago can still be felt in these woods.

The sun no longer shines upon this clearing; all that can be seen and felt is a cold darkness. As the amber crumbles, so does the shield with it. Soon, the darkness will awaken once more, and destiny will come to pass.