The Gravity Between Moons

Chaper Four

Chapter Four

Lexie hated the days she had to stay at home to be ready for training. The house awaiting her scarcely felt like home lately. It was a tiny hovel compared to Rory's. Back when her father was alive, there had been a warmth and love transforming the whole place. Now the curtains were frequently drawn, her mother holed up in her room as much as possible.

Occasionally Lexie could hear sobs and quiet crying, but mostly just silence as she slept away the days. Lexie would place a tray of food in the room, and as quietly as possible clean up around the house before escaping to Rory's.

Her mother would sometimes come out and try to do what mothering she could, fussing over Lexie's appearance, hugging her close, and expressing her love. Then, slowly, the depression would creep back in, and she would move closer and closer to her bedroom until again the door was shut and the cycle would begin anew. She ignored Lexie and Rory's relationship, but was always sweet to Rory when she had the chance.

Even with all the sadness and pain- Lexie didn't regret being adopted by the Binks as a pup. Her Mom and Dad had been incredible to grow up with. Poverty or not- they had made sure she had what she needed, and figured out something when she couldn't have what she wanted.

They had secretly made some connections with a few fae, as well as a witch or two. Every once in awhile on a full moon, they would venture out in the night, through the woods. In secret meeting circles they would dance with the witches as crystals and jars of water charged under the moonlight. There would be great feasts at the celebrations, fairy nectar, and delicious witches brews. They would leave with plenty of enchanted toys, medicines, food, and drink. All they had to trade was a bit of hair, a tear, or sometimes a weapon her father forged himself. She never understood why they had to keep it a secret from the Council.

They hadn't been to the woods since her father had died. They hadn't done much of anything really. Lexie had sold most of their scarce belongings to keep their heads above water. The Council made a small offering of food baskets and cash monthly, but it barely chipped away at the growing debt. Soon she would have to open her father's study and start selling the magical items and the last of his belongings. Her heart squeezed painfully thinking about it. She missed his deep warm laugh so much.

Turning her mind to more pleasant thoughts, as she made her way to the Council office. She daydreamed about her upcoming birthday.

She wasn't that excited about her 18th, though it would be nice to meet her wolf. She was fully convinced that her mate would be Rory- and even if it wasn't, she would choose Rory over anyone else. Her best friend, her soulmate, the love of her life.

She planned on proposing. She had saved up over the last year everything she could spare to get a ring.

It was all planned out to be as magical and romantic as possible. There would be twinkling lights, handpicked roses and petals, and sweet music in the background. Luckily she shared a birthday with one of the Alpha's sons, so everyone would be attending his party and distracted. They would be alone. She would wear her favorite-

A loud laugh interrupted her thoughts and she was knocked to the ground. Rolling over she swiped at the assailant but missed. She watched as Simon took off running, and growled.

“Catch me if you can, Binks!” he shouted over his shoulder.

“Damn it.” she cursed under her breath.

A strong hand wrapped around her arm and pulled her up. She turned to see Garrett Hazel standing next to her. She felt her stomach twist as she looked into his eyes.

"Want to help me get some revenge?" he asked with a wry smile. "They've been pranking me all afternoon. It's about time someone gave them their just desserts."

His expression changed slightly as he stared at her. The awkward silence on her end went on too long and he took a step back. "uh..."

"Sure let's do it." she said. She felt a weird pull to be near him. It didn't feel romantic at all, but s**t what if he is my freaking mate?! She thought.

Swallowing some bile she tried to force it from her head and concentrate on their game of revenge.

Together they tracked and chased the brothers through the Council grounds. Working surprisingly well as a team, they trapping Simon in the sparring room.

Garrett gave a low growl, blocking off the door as Simon circled them laughing.

"Now, now, Brother. I see you've enlisted this lovely ladies assistance. It isn't fair to take it all out on me. In fact, if you let me go, I will lead you to Gregory. It was all his idea anyway I swear!" There was a twinkle in his eye that Lexie just didn't trust.

"Gregory does tend to get away with most of his mischief, leaving Simon the Slow One to get caught and pay for the crimes." Garrett scratched his chin as he considered the proposal. "It's up to you Lexie."

She stared deep into Simon's eyes and got close enough to glare into them.

"Fine. let's find the rat and beat him at his own game."

"Fantastic!" Simon turned out the door and in a flash was gone.

Garrett groaned. "I feel like he might've tricked us into releasing him."

Lexie nodded, irritated. "Well, I need to get some things from the Council office before the secretary goes home for the day. This was fun though. Maybe we should get even with them another day when they're not expecting it."

"Deal," Garrett replied. " We can plan it out over coffee sometime. Actually, we work really well as a team. We should train together sometime. I know you're normally Rory's partner, but maybe we can work something out. I don't know her well, but...I don't know...it sounds fun."

"We aren't into threesomes." she joked.

His face turned scarlet. "Oh, no! I wasn't at all suggesting...I mean, that's not at all on my radar. You're not my type, I..." he stumbled.

"Relax, I know." she laughed. "I will talk to her and make some plans. I look forward to it."