The Luna's Bain

Chapter Three

Amory turned and walked towards her door, swinging it open and stepping across the threshold. The room was massive with a rustic stone fireplace roaring in the corner and and opulent four post wood bed against the far wall. The windows were arched and french doors led to a small balcony, and off to the left next to the fireplace was a sitting area with a small table and white chaise lounge.

This is crazy, Amory though. What are we doing here? Her mother was acting so strange, too. In her entire eighteen years, Amory had never known her mother to be impulsive. So why was she so quick to drop everything and drive here to her father’s family? Amory hadn’t known they were so… rich.

She dropped to her knees and began sorting through her suitcase. Grabbing a brush and some makeup, she headed to the bathroom that was attached to her bedroom. More like a spa, she thought, the bathroom something of a spectacle itself with marble counters and stone floors, a well lit vanity and a deep soaking tub that she promised herself she’d try out before they left. She settled at the vanity and took a deep breath.

Her ebony hair fell down past her shoulders in a tousled mess. Amory tugged the brush through until it shined and fell softly curling down her back. She didn’t usually wear much makeup, but first impressions and such she decided to line the tops of her bright cerulean blue eyes with a smudge of dark brown pencil. She threw some blush on her cheeks and a pass of clear lip gloss over her lips.

What does one wear to dinner in a place like this, she mused? She settled for a light blue sweater and her favorite dark blue jeans. Staring in the mirror, she felt out of place in her new decadent surroundings, like an imposter from another world.

She was just finishing dressing when she heard a light knock on the door. Her mother stood on the other side.

“Ready?” Her mother asked.

“I guess so,” Amory said. They walked down the hall together to where the same giant of a man stood waiting at the edge of the staircase.

“So, this is Dad’s family’s house?” she asked as they walked.

“Not exactly. Your father lived here, yes. But this wasn’t his family’s home.”

Amory furrowed her brows, confused. “I don’t understand -” She was cut off as they entered a huge dining room. Three polished antler adorned chandeliers hung over the long mahogany banquet table that looked like it could seat 50 people or more. Various pedestals overflowed with flowers and lit candles down the center, and Amory noticed several place settings had been laid out on the table. An older man, late-60’s or so, was seated to the left at the end of the table. His face crinkled into a smile as he caught sight of her and her mother, and he stood, walking towards them with outstretched arms. Amory thought he looked a bit like President Snow from the Hunger Games.

“Jane! It has been so long, you haven’t changed a bit. It’s such a pleasure to see you,” he said warmly. His eyes fell to Amory, and Amory thought she saw a touch of sadness in his gaze. “This must be Amory. It is so, so nice to meet you.”

She smiled. “Very nice to meet you too.” Who was he, she wondered? Her mother turned to her as if she’s spoken out loud.

“Amory, this is your father’s father. He’s your grandfather.”

Amory’s eyes widened. “Oh.” She was a little caught off-guard. “Well… okay.” She bit the inside of her cheek and mentally rolled her eyes. Could she be more awkward?

Her grandfather cleared his throat. “Shall we sit?” he asked. “Dinner should begin shortly and then I thought we could all spend the evening catching up and … discussing things.” He looked pointedly at her mother. Jane nodded silently and followed him to the table. What was that all about, Amory wondered.

After a few minutes of sitting in silence Amory heard footsteps on the hardwood floors. She looked towards the entryway as people started to enter. Beautiful people, Amory noticed. All striking and strong features, dark haired and high cheekbones. The men were so tall, towering over and filling up the room. Amory watched as they each took a seat at the table. So this must have been what her mother meant when she said her father lived here, but it wasn’t his family's home. It was like a community hall. Were these workers? They didn’t dress like how she envisioned the staff would be dressed.

Her thoughts were interrupted as her breath caught suddenly in her chest. Into her nose wafted the most delectable scent, a combination of worn leather and sweet honey bourbon. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, and it took her a second to realize the room had grown silent. The hairs at the back of her neck rose as if electrified. Heart pounding, she swept her eyes up to the head of the table. There, the most beautiful man she’d ever seen in her life stood, silently staring intently, almost hungrily, at her. Amory felt frozen in her seat. Her head ached with a pressure as if something were trying to push its way through, and her palms felt clammy. Amory felt a warmth growing in her belly, and it spread through her entire body slowly as she watched the man across the room breathing just as heavily as she was.

He was perfection. Long chesnut hair grazed his ears, high bronze cheekbones sat beneath black lash rimmed honey hazel eyes. All of the men were large but this man was the most impressive. He just kept staring… until he abruptly turned and walked around the table to where Amory sat, still paralyzed in wonder.

“Alpha, she doesn’t know…” her grandfather stood and trailed off as the man cast a dark look in his direction. He returned his gaze to Amory and his eyes softened. “Mate,” he whispered, reaching a hand out towards her cheek. Instinctively, Amory pulled back, even as her head turned towards his touch. She stood and moved next to her mother. The man glowered and dropped his hand. He looked… hurt?

“Who is she?” he asked her grandfather, still standing in front of her.

“Amory… my granddaughter.” Her grandfather started again, “But she has no idea… she hasn’t been … she hasn’t transitioned.” Amory watched their exchange and willed her tongue to work. Transitioned? She had a million questions that were battling with the overwhelming urge to wrap her arms around this gorgeous stranger and bury her face in his chest.

“Hello,” she started.

He looked surprised, and then a small smile played on his lips. Staring deep into her eyes, he responded, “Hello.”