Blood Moon Gathering

Cottage in the Woods

She left his office and ran straight to the cottage on the eastern border of his territory. It was as he had said quiet, hidden and masked by the mulberry bushes surrounding it. Walking in to the little grove she was cautiously optimistic. He had said so many things her head was swimming. Her father had killed her mom, taking over the Blood Moon pack that was her heritage. Muriel, his new mate could not produce pups for him and has paid the price repeatedly.

She was the only heir and she was beginning to understand she would be able to take her place and then maybe put this pack in its rightful place, but was that by her side under new leadership or under her control for what they had done to her.

As she made her way in to the little grove she calmed all at once. It was surrounded with beauty. The mulberry bushes were not only pretty but they did cover any scent of the area so she needed to proceed with caution. As she crept through the small grove she observed everything. It was as he said quiet, abandoned, and she was sure it would be the perfect place to think. She entered the cottage taking in the quaintness and warmth of it. There was a large room that had kitchen dining and family space all in one. The hallway held two bedrooms and a bath suite. She had everything she needed from food tho soft towels and clothes. somehow she felt like she was home. She showered for the first time in days then put on a track suit that was soft and inviting. Her old clothes she threw away. Part of her life she was finished with. The remainder of her night was uneventful and once she was done eating she washed dishes and went to bed. She'd have time to explore in the morning.

The moonlight trickled in the bedroom window causing her to stir. Something was amiss she felt it. Quietly she went from the bed and crept in to the hall. She could barely make out a figure in the kitchenette. She grabbed the nearest thing she could, an umbrella, and prepared to defend herself if she needed to. Slowly making her way in to the living space she tried to remain calm grasping the umbrella tightly. Just then the figure turned to her surprising both of them. She lunged at the figure causing him to jump backwards knocking the freshly brewed coffee to the floor.

Serenity is me! He said.

She stopped short of throttling him with the umbrella.

Victor, what are you doing here, and so late.

Thad sent me. I brought your locket.

Oh. I thought you'd be coming during the day.

Well I was going to but Thad suggested nighttime would be better, you know so nobody would follow me. You just left and well you don't need people finding you here.

Right. So why did you come tonight? I haven't been gone but a few hours.

I know, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

She struggled a little with that. He'd never shown he cared at all. No he never was mean, but no kindness really either.

Why? She blurted out.

Um. He stammered, I just mean that you made it safely and were okay.

Yes, but why?

For goodness sake Serenity just because.

She could see he was uncomfortable so she dropped it.

Thad charged me with making sure you have what you need and that you are okay. So I'll be around frequently. I guess you can say that's why. He and I are trying to get out from under our families poor legacy, rebuild our pack, make it better. There's so much hate right now.

Im sorry, I do understand. She smiled at him.

Thank you. Do you want some coffee?

Since you made it yeah I could use a cup. You just turned eighteen last month right?

Yeah, why?

Maybe you'd be okay talking about what I should expect?

Oh, is that all?

Yeah what did you think I was asking for?

Oh nothing, so many have already asked if I can sense my mate yet. He laughed.

Can you?

Such an original question. No not yet. She will become known to me when it is time. He smiled.

Oh. What's it like?

What part?

Well did you get your wolf? Is he kind? How do you think with him in your head?

Whoa slow down. You just reminded me of him. He is always yacking in my head.

I'm sorry. I just don't know what to expect.

It's okay. I wasn't sure either. Since Geo came in to my life it's been crazy at best.

Geo? She was curious.

Oh Geo, he's my wolf. He's strong and fierce when he wants something, and yet he seems kind and loyal also. Make sense?

Sort of. I'm worried my wolf won't like me.

Why would she?

I'm nothing special Victor, you know that.

Well maybe not to you, but your wolf may think so. And I know your mate will. I mean, once you find him.

How can you be so sure?

I don't know I just am.

Must be a wolf thing. She looked at her coffee.

Yeah something like that. He muttered.

They spent a couple hours talking about wolves and pack history before he decided he needed to leave.

I had better go before the sun comes up, we need to keep you safe. Is there anything you might want me to bring next time?

Next time?

I will be making my way here every so often to bring supplies and things you might need.

Oh yeah right. She was hoping he'd come just to see her. Yes I could use some fabric, if I'm going to the blood moon gathering I'll need a dress, I'd like to make it myself.

Wow. Didn't see that one coming.

Why am I not crafty enough for you She laughed.

No. I just didn't know you made up your mind so quickly.

Oh I haven't but if I'm here for a month I may as well have something to do.

Okay, you're probably right there.

So can you bring some fabric swatches so I can see what I'd like to have?

Sure. Anything else Alpha?

Stop that. I don't know im gonna be the alpha yet. She scowled.

Oh come on, you know you're thinking about it.

Thinking and doing are two very different things.

Okay, whatever. I'll be back in a couple days. I'll bring what I can then.

Thank you Victor, I hope this all works out okay.

Have faith Serenity, Thad will do everything he can to make this work.

With that he left, as he ran off in to the bushes she caught a glimpse of him shift in to his wolf form. Geo was beautiful, midnight black with soft white in his muzzle. As he turned as to say goodbye she saw his piercing blue eyes run down the length of her and she caught her breath. Why did her heart skip a beat at that moment she wasn't sure, but she felt renewed hope spring forward with his exit.