Destined

Chapter Nine: The Stranger

* Unknown POV*

I was in my office doing some paperwork and catching up on some pack business. There had been rumors going around packs nearby of an Alpha who was abusing his power and pack. The rumors stated even his own Luna ran away and rejected him. They also stated that he was still searching for her. I have no idea what a psychotic alpha like him would do to her if he ever caught her.

Unfortunately, the council did not have concrete proof of any of the rumors to be able to take action against the alpha and remove him and save the pack. I had been doing some research to see if there were any other escapees, aside from the former Luna, we could possibly track down as witnesses. So far there was no luck on that, as it seemed anyone who managed to escape quickly went missing. I had decided that I would try to track down the former Luna.

My thoughts and work were interrupted by a knock on my door. “Come in.” I called.

I watched as the pack’s beta walked in.

“Alpha is looking for you.” He spoke politely before exiting my office.

I got up from my desk and made my way to the Alpha’s office down the hall and knocked on the door. I heard a faint “Come in.” from the other side of the door and opened it and sat down in the chair in front of the desk.

“You wished to see me, Alpha.” I said.

“Yes, I did. As you know, you are my best tracker. I know you have been working on the Ash Moon Pack situation and I believe the best move would be to try to track down the former Luna. Her testimony will weigh the heaviest with the elders.”

“Yes Alpha. I agree with you and was already planning on how to track her down. I am thinking since no one, including Ash Moon, has been able to track her down, she had the help of a witch. But not just any witch. I believe she had the help of Regina, the most powerful witch in the area. I was hoping with your permission, of course, that I could summon her and ask for her help."

“Ah, yes Regina. I had not thought of her. Yes, you have my permission to summon her. Hopefully, she will be willing to help. But if needed offer to compensate her, whatever she asks for shall be hers.”

“Yes, Alpha.” I said before standing and taking my leave, going back to my own office.

When I made it back to my office, I was surprised by a message sitting on my desk that was not there before.

Seaside Inn.

Go alone.

After I read the message, it burst into flames and disappeared. It seems the witch knew I was in need of her assistance and had decided to help me. Now armed with a destination, I quickly packed. As I made my way to my car, I sent a mind link to my father letting him know that I was beginning my search. I quickly entered the destination on my GPS and was on my way. I hoped that when I got there the former Luna would not spook and run.

*Lily POV*

I had thought all night about the prophecy. Could my Roselei really be the one? Well if she was I would need all the help I could get. Putting that thought aside for now I got myself and Roselei ready for our day. We had guests depending on us for food anyway.

“What do you think miss Roselei, should we make muffins and crepes today?’’ I asked my smiling happy baby.

I giggled as she let out an excited squeal. She loved helping me make food, especially muffins and crepes as they were her favorite. We walked into the kitchen and I placed her in her high chair and washed both of our hands. I moved about the kitchen grabbing ingredients and getting breakfast ready. I was so lost in my process of breakfast I did not notice when Claire walked in.

“Good morning, beautiful Momma and Baby! How did you guys sleep?” She said cheerfully. Clair grabbed the plates to set out in the dining room for the guests.

Startled, I jumped. “ Oh! Good morning Claire, I did not hear you come in. We slept well, thank you. How are you and Josh? Any closer to setting a date for the wedding?”

“Ugh, no. I still want a fall wedding and he wants a spring/summer one. Who knew planning this thing would be so difficult. It is like everything we want is different. I thought men did not care about the wedding, just the honeymoon.” Claire giggled.

Claire was human so she did not know about werewolves and I intended to keep it that way. So I had not let out my wolf in so long and at the mention of Josh, Claire’s fiance, my wolf Annabelle whined in my head. I know she missed having someone that was ours but she did not hold it against me and she understood we could not have stayed with Daniel. Our pup came first and we would never put her in that situation.

As Claire and I finished up breakfast, Annabelle started getting more and more restless in my head. I had no idea what was wrong with her. I excused myself and grabbed Roselei to go outside and play, I figured some fresh air may help settle down Annabelle. I felt bad that I could not let her out but I was worried that someone may see and report back to Daniel my location. Roselei squealed and pointed over to the swing set in the yard outside the dining room. I placed her in the swing and started pushing her as she let out cute little giggles. Roselei loved going high and fast.

As I was pushing Roselei on the swing, Annabelle kept getting more and more restless in my head. Suddenly the wind picked up for a moment and I caught a whiff of something sweet. It was gone so quick that I could not tell what the smell was and I almost thought I had imagined it. I looked around and noticed a new guest had arrived. I grabbed Roselei and went inside to ask Claire how many guests we were expecting for the next week so I could do my meal planning. As I walked inside Annabelle started jumping around and yipping in my head. I turned the corner to go to the front desk and was overwhelmed with the sweet scent of a spring breeze through a meadow mixed with the salty ocean air. I looked up at the man standing at the desk and when my eyes met his.

Annabelle growled MATE!