Star-crossed Luna

Chapter 7

Amora

It was early dawn when the sound of a car pulling into the driveway woke me, though I was still half asleep. Two car doors slammed closed and the same delightful scent from yesterday was tickling my nose again. It smelled like cedar wood and sage. The sudden urge to go to its source pulled me out of my drowsy state, but as quickly as it came, it was gone again. I checked my phone, it was 4am. I groaned and rolled over in my bed. I hadn’t slept well, not because the bed was uncomfortable, but because I couldn’t relax enough to sleep longer than an hour at a time. I still felt on edge even with every window and the door locked and every curtain pulled closed. I inhaled deeply and got one last lingering smell of sage and cedar, instantly soothing my mind and I felt tired again. I closed my eyes and fell back to sleep.

When I woke up again, it was 6am. Diffused morning sun lit the guest house in a warm soft light through the sheer curtains. Morning birds chirped outside in a disorganized but pleasant orchestra. Looking at my phone I saw I had a text from my uncle asking how everything was going. I sent a quick reply that read everything was going well and that I’d send updates as I could. With a sigh, I lifted myself out of bed and fixed the covers before padding into the kitchenette area. I picked out a dark roast from the selection of coffee pods and started brewing a cup of coffee. While I waited for my coffee to brew, I opened the kitchen curtains and cracked open the window. I took a deep breath, hoping to catch the scent from earlier that morning, but only picked up pine and sea salt. The window faced the driveway and the front of the main house. No one was outside and only the ground floor lights were on, so I assumed Azriel was still asleep.

Once my coffee was done brewing, I opened the fridge, not expecting much, if anything, to be in it, but there was milk, half and half, and creamer plus a few snack items. I opted for the creamer and grabbed a strawberry greek yogurt that I paired with granola I found in the cupboard. After I was done eating, I took a quick shower and, unsure of what the plans were for the day, decided to wear my bathing suit with shorts and a tank top over it. Since Azriel never told me what we were doing today, I decided I would take myself to the beach. While sipping on the last of my coffee, I browsed the bookshelf and picked out a romance novel.

With my chosen book in hand, I ventured outside the guest house in the already warm morning air. I make my way across the circular driveway and into the side yard where Azriel holds his training sessions. Sea salt was in the air everywhere and trying to pinpoint a direction was difficult. After finally deciphering a direction, I scanned the tree line and noticed a small foot path leading into the woods. It was quite overgrown and obviously was not used often, but the smell of the ocean became stronger as I pushed through the bushes and branches.

After a about a mile hike through the trees, I found myself on a small private beach. I stared in awe at the glistening blue green water and became mesmerized by the gentle waves lapping at the sand. I quickly kicked off my shoes and ran to the water’s edge. The water was colder than I had expected but it still felt amazing in the early morning humidity. I stripped down to my bikini and threw my clothes haphazardly back onto the beach and slowly waded deeper into the water. The beach was in its own little inlet, secluded from any boats or other people. It felt peaceful. Eventually, I was able to completely submerge myself, and I felt at peace.

Only after my hands started to get pruny did I force myself out of the water. The warm sun felt good on my ocean chilled skin and I laid down in the sand. Once I was comfortable, I grabbed my book and started to read. After quickly getting absorbed into it, I suddenly found myself halfway through it. I set the book down and checked my skin. There was no sunburn but, I noticed a slight tan line was starting to form from my bikini. Looking around and sniffing the air, I confirmed I was alone before I took the top of my bathing suit off. I felt anxious that someone might see me, but reminded myself I was a mile away from the pack house and it was obvious no one came here anymore. The heat of the sun was beginning to make me drowsy and I accidently allowed myself to doze off.

“Amora!” The sound of my name being yelled jolted me awake. For a moment, I had forgotten where I was.

“Amora?” My name was called again, it sounded like Azriel.

“I’m here!” I called back as I lifted myself up only to realize to my horror I was still topless. Frantically, I searched around me for my bikini top while listening to Azriel’s footsteps getting closer. I finally found it and jumped to my feet while clumsily tying my bikini and tucking my breasts back into it.

“There you… are?” The sound of Azriel’s voice being so close made my freeze and I felt my cheeks start to burn red. I was too embarrassed to look him in the eyes and there was a long awkward silence between us.

“Amora?” Azriel said my name again, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you or catch you off guard.” I still refused to look at him, my arms crossed tightly over my chest.

“It’s no big deal, I’m sure it’s normal for you to be naked in front of pack mates just like it is for us,” Azriel reasoned.

“Yes, in front of MY pack. You’re a stranger I just met yesterday!” I yelled. I felt anger start to rise up in me, not at Azriel but at the whole situation. As quickly as the anger came, it started to dissipate along with the embarrassment, though not of my own accord. An odd sensation or energy had enveloped me and I began to panic, my emotions ebbed and flowed, like the foreign energy was controlling them. My heart started to race as the energy’s presence grew stronger around me.

“Woah, woah relax,” Azriel cooed, “That’s a lot of strong emotions.” I stiffened at his statement. How could he know what I’m feeling?

“Are you doing that?” I demanded as I whipped around to face him, “controlling my emotions?” He looked at me quizzically for a moment, like it was an odd question for me to ask.

“Oh right, you don’t have gammas,” he smiled softly at me, “it’s called the Gamma aura. I can subdue negative emotions, normally used to placate the Luna when in danger or under stress, but it can be used on any female shifter.” I glared at him, unhappy my emotions had been messed with.

“Don’t use it on me anymore,” I said flatly.

“That was the first and only time,” he agreed, “You haven't shown an ounce of emotion since he got here until just now.” I looked away from him and gazed at the sea.

“Hey, smile,” Azriel pleaded, but I ignored him. The next thing I knew, I was being lifted off the ground and thrown over a shoulder.

“Put me down!” I yelled.

“Not unless you smile,” Azriel grinned. I started squirming and fighting to break free but he had a strong grip on my waist, “last chance!”

I was suddenly thrown into cold salty water, but not before I was able to grab a hold of his shirt, knocking him off balance and bringing him down with me. We both came up at the same time. Azriel had the biggest smile on his face and was laughing. For the first time since my father died, I smiled and laughed too. Not forced or faked, true laughter.

“So you do laugh,” Azriel teased me.

“Of course I do.”

“Could have fooled me,” and he splashed me with water. I couldn’t help but laugh again. We both made our way out of the water and I became incredibly aware that my nips were now erect and poking through the bathing suit fabric. I fought off a blush the best I could and put my tank top on as quickly as possible. I hoped Azriel didn’t notice but I knew he had.

“Alpha Marcellus has requested to meet you today,” Azriel said formally.

“Oh,” I said surprised, suddenly feeling uneasy.

“He didn’t specify when but I wanted to let you know, and I also came looking for you to see if there was anything you wanted to do today. Obviously, you’ve already found something to do,” He smiled warmly at me.

We began the long walk back to the packhouse while making small talk. The narrow path made it hard to walk side by side and our arms and hands kept brushing against each other.

“I’m starving,” I complained.

“We’ll be at the packhouse soon and you can get you something to eat,” he chuckled.

“What’s on the menu?” I asked right as I tripped over an overgrown tree root. Before I could catch myself, I was face first in Azriel’s chest, with his arms gently holding me up. My heart began to beat faster and I could hear his heartbeat racing as well. I mustered the courage to glance up at him only to be met with rich brown eyes looking down at me.

“You,” he said softly and his grip tightened, “are incredibly alluring.” He closed his eyes and settled me back onto my own two feet.

“Sorry,” I said awkwardly, and began walking again.

When we got back to the packhouse, food was already there waiting for us. Big BLTs with a side of fresh made fries. We sat down at the big dining room table on opposite sides facing each other.

“How are you liking your stay so far?” Azriel asked before taking a big bite of his sandwich.

“It’s very nice,” I said and gave a fake smile.

“Do you miss home?” His tone told me he didn’t buy my smile and I wondered if he ever did.

“Yes,” I said honestly, “though it is nice to get away, have a break.”

“A break from what? What do you do there?”

“Actually, the same as you, I’m the training instructor,” I half laughed.

“I believe it, your skills yesterday were very impressive,” He complimented me, “who’s doing that while you’re here?”

“The Beta,” I said, and took another bite.

“Normally, that’s a position given to a high ranking member, or an officer. So tell me, what is your rank,” His eyes were burning into me and I took my time chewing before answering.

“Does it matter?” I finally asked.

“No, I suppose not, but when the Beta called and said you were coming he didn’t give a rank, and now you’re here and you don’t seem to want to say either. I just find it odd,” he explained.

“I just don’t want my rank to affect how I’m treated here.” Azriel contemplated my words for a moment.

“Smart, though it pains me and will hurt the Alpha to know that is how you think we are. But I promise, whatever your rank we would treat you the same, high or low,.” His smile was genuine and I shrugged, “I get the feeling you’re high ranking though.” I smiled, a real one, while I plopped a fry into my mouth.

“Still not telling you,” I smirked at him.

We continued to chat with more and more intimacy as the day went on. When it got to dinner time and still no word from the Alpha, Azriel told me I could go back to my guest house if I wanted. I obliged, dying to take a shower, and grabbed my dinner to go. Azriel walked me back to the guest house despite me telling him I was more than capable of going alone.

“Good night Amora,” he smiled at me when we reached the door to the guest house.

“Good night,” I smiled back, looking up into his eyes. We stayed there for a moment, our eyes locked, and I felt his warm hand gently caress mine. He leaned forward and my heart started to pound in my chest and my breath hitched. I was anticipating him to kiss me and I strangely wanted him too, but he stopped inches from my lips. His hand gently squeezed mine before he quickly left, leaving me confused and dazed.