The Moon Goddess

Chapter 1 ROSE’S POV  A shiver went down my spine as a large gust of wind blew through my window. I groaned and threw the covers off of my body so I could get up and shut it. As I approached my curtains, I saw something glowing in the trees that rested in the dense forest that faced my window. As my eyes adjusted to the dark the light began to glow brighter. When I bent down to examine the glow further, it disappeared. I stayed there for a moment, watching, waiting. After nothing more came, I sighed and laughed at my superstition. I returned to bed and soon drifted back to sleep. My slumber was short-lived however, when my two older brothers burst into my room. One playing their jazz saxophone and the other clashing symbols together while blowing into a kazoo. “What the hell?!” I said as I threw my pillow over my ears and buried my head into the mattress. “Get up sis. Time for school.” My brother Jacob chimed as he took the saxophone off his lips momentarily to speak. “No f*****g way,” I grumbled, throwing my pillow off the bed and crawling over to my clock to see it was already 7. “s**t,” I said as I pushed my brothers out of my room "Get out so I can get ready!" I ran around frantically. I grabbed a Blue T-shirt and threw on a pair of jeans before grabbing my backpack and running down the stairs.  I to the kitchen where my mom was at the stove cooking. Once she saw me she threw a piece of toast at my face. “Hey!” I said as I snapped my head over to my mom who was casually stirring oatmeal. “You should have been down 15 minutes ago.” She said, condoning the fact she just threw bread at my face. I rolled my eyes and grabbed a sausage from the hot pan. “Ouch” I mumbled wincing in pain as I followed my brothers out to the car. I stopped at the doorway to tie my shoes quickly when a loud honk almost made me fall face first onto the pavement. “Piss or get off the pot, Rosie!” Andrew (my other brother) called from the passenger window. “Coming!” I called back as I ran and hopped through the window into the backseat. “How was my form, boys?” I asked while I straightened myself out and placed my bag onto the floor of the car. “I give it a solid 8/10. Little rushed, but getting better every day.” Jacob said as he winked and turned the key to start the ignition. “Eh, I’d say 7/10. Little too long of recovery time.” Andy said in rebuttal.   I rolled my eyes and chose to put my headphones on and watch the trees pass by as we flew down the road to school. I suppose I should introduce myself. Hi, I’m Rose Harrow. Average 17-year-old girl with dark brown, medium length wavy hair, pale grey eyes, petite but slim and muscular figure, and 2 18-year-old twin brothers who wake me up with kazoos, symbols, and saxophones. My dad died when I was young and so my brothers, even though they are only a year older, really stepped up. I was basically their little brother, not their little sister. It was my first day of senior year in a new town called Roslyn. Roslyn, Washington. My brothers were starting school at a local college today so they offered to drop me off on their way. I was used to being the new kid, we usually move twice a year because my mother is in the military and gets transferred around quite often. We were supposedly staying here for longer, or at least until I graduate. I already hated it here. It had only been 2 weeks and I had already walked the entire town twice. After that, I chose to stay in. I relaxed the rest of my summer engulfing myself in the works of Jane Austen, William Goldman, and Emily Brontë. But now was the time I had to integrate into society. My brothers dropped me off at the front of the school and started blasting Cotton Eyed Joe as loud as the car speakers went. I didn’t even look back before I stopped walking and started dancing cotton eyed joe in front of my entire school. What can I say? It’s been a school tradition since preschool. It was our dad's favorite song and favorite dance. So every day on our first day of school we would do this. They eventually got out of the car and danced with me until the song was over. They gave hugs, said goodbyes, blah blah blah. Once they had left I took in a deep breath and walked up the stairs of my new hell. The first thing I looked for was the library. I checked out the books they had, found a dusty secret corner I could hide in, and then proceeded to check out the gym situation. I may enjoy reading, but physical exercise was very important to me. I followed signs until I came to the gym, and I used my new student ID to enter. I stepped through the door and scanned the room. It wasn't very large but they had everything I'd need. My eyes wandered to where the treadmails sat and I literally felt the only oxygen I had, blown out of my lungs. I stood there speechless as I watched very hot very shirtless boy. He was quite literally gorgeous. He had short and shaggy dark brown hair, tan sun-kissed skin, and from the looks of it, blazing blue eyes. I stood there completely still, watching beads of sweat roll down his perfect toned body, unable to move. He noticed my presence and our eyes locked. He flashed a brilliantly bright smile and I had to look down to conceal the blush that had crept it's way onto my face. I suddenly became aware of the fact that I had been staring awkwardly. I tensed up and turned to leave when I heard the treadmail turn off. I stopped in my track and turned around uncomfortably, knowing I'd have to face this beautiful beast of a man.  Power exuding off of him as he walked towards me with an outstretched hand. “Hi” He greeted kindly. “I’m Apollo." “Rose.” I said responded shaking his hand.  "Are you new?" His voice came out like silk. "Yes. My family and I just moved here a couple weeks ago." "Well, Rose. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have to go shower before class but I’m sure we’ll meet again.” He mused, before brushing past me and walking out the door. I stood there dumbfounded for a few minutes while I tried to process what had just happened.  "Yea. Nice to meet you too." I mumbled to more to myself. My mind replayed the encounter over and over. I thought about the moment our hands came in contact, though it was faint, I could swear I felt.... tingling? I suppose it's nothing. I shook it off and finished looking around the school.  APOLLO’S POV  As soon as I closed the door to the gym I grabbed my fast-beating heart and tried to control my breathing. “HOLY f**k. You i***t. You absolute MORON. You PATHETIC excuse for a human being!”   I rolled my eyes. “Shut up. You smelled the human on her. You know why I didn’t claim her right then and there.” “I don’t care what she SMELLS like! She’s our mate!” My wolf continued to yell at me as I gathered my bearings. “Wolves can’t mate with humans, you obtuse idiot.”  I snapped back as I entered one of the showers. “Then she’s not a human!” He retorted. I chose to ignore him while I turned the faucet on and ran my hands through my wet hair as I stepped under the shower head.  I’m Apollo Sage. Future Alpha/King of werewolves. Yea, you heard that right. Werewolves. Crazy right? That conversation my wolf and I wolf just had was concerning that girl I ran into in the gym. Every wolf has a mate. Someone they were destined to be with. Fate brings them together once they are 18. However, I’m not 18 yet so I wasn't expecting to find my mate. Plus she’s human. Werewolves can’t mate with humans, and she reeked of human. So she can’t be my mate. It was probably just teenage hormones doing their job. My wolf seemed to think otherwise.  “Hey man, just linking to let you know that your father called saying he couldn’t get a hold of you and he is PISSED, but also, that you have a super high priority meeting so you’re gonna have to ditch.” My Beta Dominic said through our mind link. It was a thing werewolves could do, but only if they had a strong bond. Which is why my dad called my phone. He and I aren’t the closest. “Alright man, I’m stepping out of the shower now. I’ll be back in 10-15.” “Alrighty, I’ll see you after school then.” “Hey, can you do me a favor?” “ANYTHING for my Alpha” I rolled my eyes at the mention of my future title. “Shut up. I need you to keep an eye on a new student. Her name is Rose.” “Ohoho you sly dog. Do I sense a little crush brewing?" “I don't ha-.” I sighed. “She might be my mate.” “What?! But you’re not 18 yet??” “I know, AND she’s human so I don’t understand it but my wolf was convinced it was her when we met in the gym today.” “Hm. Alright man, I’m not gonna say I get it, but I’ll look out for her.” “Thanks. I’ll see you after school ok?” “Okay. Good luck with the meeting. Your dad made it sound boring as fUck.” He said emphasizing the U. I rolled my eyes and closed the mind link. I stepped out of the shower, wrapped a towel around my waist, and checked my phone. I internally groaned at the sight of the 30 missed calls from my father. I swiped to call him back and he answered immediately. “Son! Where the HELL have you been. We have a very important meeting and I swear to god, if you don't show up I'll-.” “I was in the shower, that's why I missed your calls." I interrupted. "Dom mind linked me and let me know about the meeting. I’m gonna get dressed and I’ll be there in 15.” “Oh. I see. Alright then. Meet us in front of the palace.” “Ok,” I responded curtly, before hanging up. I sighed before getting dressed and walking out the door. As I was scrolling through my emails I felt something hard hit my chest and fall to the ground. I looked to see who I had run into and saw Rose lying on the ground with papers scattered around her. “Oh my god! I am so sorry!” She started to say as she got onto her knees and began collecting her papers. “You’re sorry?” I said letting out a small questioning laugh as I crouched down to help her. “Well, yea. I ran into you.” She said looking up at me just to immediately look back down to what she was doing. “No no, don’t apologize. This is all my fault. I wasn’t paying attention.” I said as we stood up at the same time and knocked our heads together. “Oh no I’m so sorry,” I said laughing as I pretended to wince in pain. (Werewolves have a higher pain tolerance than humans.) She returned the laugh and it was the most intoxicating sound I had ever heard, and I never wanted to stop hearing it. We stood there in slightly awkward silence. “Oh, H-here,” I said handing her the papers she dropped while I scratched the back of my head. “Thanks.” She said looking down, a slight blush on her cheeks. The thought of her blushing because of me made me smile to myself. “Hey I have to get going, but I'll see you later.” I said as happily as I could. I hated the thought of not being close to her though.  “Yea I should probably get going too.” She responded, her cheeks still flushed pink. I smiled and walked past her, making sure to brush my arm against hers before I left. I felt the fantastic fireworks I had felt when our skin had touched before. I smiled to myself before running out to my car and driving to my pack-house. Since our territory was, well, the entire town, and I didn’t have time to drive through it all, I stripped down, tied my clothes to my ankle, and shifted into my giant black wolf. First I felt my bones begin to break and reshape themselves, then I felt my claws breaking my skin and poking through my fingertips. I felt the hair begin to protrude every pore on my skin until I stood on four legs instead of two, and towered high above the ground. I ran as fast as I could. Feeling the wind weave through every strand of my fur, I raced through the woods to our pack-house, enjoying the smells of the forest. I stopped about 50 feet before the tree-line and shifted back into my human form. My claws and fur retracted and my bones reshaped themselves back to my human form. I put my clothes on and checked the time. I still had 10 minutes so I decided to take my time and enjoy the walk. The trees danced to the song the birds sang and the small bushes were alive with small plump berries. I looked up to see light peering through the branches. I put my hand up, blocking the sun from my eyes and I smiled. I was glad the sun was still shining. I thanked the goddess every day for it. It was one of the small things I still hold on to every day. Now I had one more thing. Her face flashed across my mind. Beautiful dark brown hair, thin fox-like face. Slender but muscular figure. “Rose Harrow.” I murmured quietly and slowly to myself. Her name rolled like honey off my tongue. I smiled to myself before exiting the tree line and coming face to face with our pack territory. I nodded towards the guards at the border as I walked by. I continued to walk until I entered the walls of our small town. I call it a town but it was more like a glorified neighborhood in the middle of a giant clearing deep in the woods. We preferred to be more secluded because it gave us a chance to be who we really are. We had all the space we needed. Room for training. Houses scattered around so mates could raise their families, and the main pack-house. Those who didn't want to live in the middle of the forest lived in town. We were a pretty large pack, we dominated the towns population. The town really only had a couple hundred humans. The town was very safe and our pack was very strong. Mostly because of my father. Even rogues respected him too much to even try to attack. I only hope I’ll be as respected as him once I’m King. I walked through the street that led to the pack-house. Nodding, smiling, and exchanging a few hi’s and hello’s when I saw a familiar face. When I reached the pack-house, my father and his Beta were waiting outside. As I got closer to them my father was scowling at me. “Where have you been?” “Relax. I’m here.” I said blankly. He may have been a good Alpha but he wasn’t a very good father. “They’re pulling up. Look presentable.” He said, giving me a look of disgust. I rolled my eyes and his Beta, and father of my best friend, Mark, gave me a sympathetic and understanding look. I appreciated having him around. I gave him a small smile in return before returning to my professional decorum. The Alpha of our closest sister pack was pulling up to discuss the future of his pack. You see, he was very old and didn’t have an heir. His mate died young and he refused to take another. I respected it. Unfortunately, my father didn’t. Alpha John wanted to integrate out packs together. He trusted my father but more so, me. I had a similar trust for him. The problem was that my father didn’t respect his choice not to take another mate and viewed him and his pack as weak, but we were his last chance.  “Hello, John.” My father said curtly. See? He didn’t even show cultural respect by putting his title before his name. Alpha John frowned slightly before nodding his head and shaking his hand. “It’s nice to see you again Beta Mark.” He said shaking his hand and giving him a sincere smile before turning to me. “And of course you Apollo. It’s so nice seeing you again.” He said throwing on a big smile and shaking my hand. The whole thing may have been a little unprofessional but honestly, I didn’t mind. I was never one for formalities anyway. “It’s nice to see you too Alpha John.” I chuckled, returning the smile. “Please. Call me John.” He insisted joyfully. I could feel my dad stirring beside me and when I took a glance at his face it wasn’t much better. He was glaring. No, he was pouting. Like an angry child. I had to hold back a small laugh as he cleared his throat. “Ahem. Shall we go to the conference room to further discuss the future of your pack?” “Yes of course.” Alpha John said before giving me one last glance before following my father. I rolled my eyes and swallowed my pride before going in after them. ROSE’S POV  I smiled to myself as the lunch bell rang. I was so hungry. As I walked down the halls I was looking down responding to a message when BAMM. I ran straight into someone. I looked up and saw a very handsome looking boy. I didn't find him quite as attractive as Apollo but he was definitely still a looker. Ashy blonde hair, brown hazel eyes and light skin.  “I am so sorry. I should have been looking where I was going.” Geez, I need to stop running into people. I thought as this mysterious new guy bent down to grab my things. “It’s ok. Here let me help you with those.” “You’re the new girl. Rose, right?” It was more of a statement than a question but I nodded anyway. “My name is Dominic. I’m a friend of Apollo’s.” The mention of Apollo had the butterflies flying around in my stomach and my knees almost collapsed from under me. “O-oh. Well, it’s nice to meet you. Um.” I looked around hesitantly. “I’m sorry, but I haven’t really eaten today and I’m really really hungry.” Desperation dripping from my tone in the last few words. I expected him to get offended but instead, he just laughed. “Rose, I have a feeling we’re going to be very good friends.” He said, looping his arm through mine and dragging me down the hall in the direction of what I hoped was the cafeteria. APOLLO’S POV  As soon as the meeting was over I said my goodbyes and tried to get back to school as fast as I could. I think I’ll be able to make it back in time for lunch. Maybe I could even see Rose again. I parked my car and rushed into the school. I ran through the halls until I found the lunchroom. I stood breathing heavily while my eyes searched the room until they landed on a beautiful set of grey orbs. She was laughing. It was such an intoxicating sound. I was unsure of the source until I saw my Beta and best friend sitting next to her participating in the joyous moment she seemed to be having. Suddenly anger boiled through me and a growl erupted from my chest, but I managed to take a deep breath before walking over to them. “Hey, Dom.” He looked up surprised, but then it turned into a smile. “Apollo! Hey man! Rose and I were just laughing at how Mrs. Arnold always scrunches her nose every time she tells you to open a textbook.” While I was angry about Dom being so close to her I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. It was true. She did scrunch her nose like that. ROSE’S POV I was laughing at something Dominic had said when I noticed him. Standing by the door. He looked almost… angry? But then his expression relaxed and he walked over. “Hey, Dom.” “Apollo! Hey man! Rose and I were-” Dominic was talking but I could only focus on Apollo. I took a moment to appreciate his features. I was picturing myself running my hands through his hair and all over his body when he let out a low sexy laugh. The Sound filled the room, drowning everything else out. I stared in awe, but more so in lust. It was only until I heard my name that I snapped out of it.  “Huh?” I asked, looking between the two for any sort of explanation. “I just said hi.” I heard Apollo say as Dominic let out a laugh. “O-oh. S-sorry.” I said as my cheeks heated up and I looked down to hide my blush. “How are you liking Roslyn High?” “I’m liking it a lot so far. Thanks for asking.” “Have you met anyone yet?” “Well besides you and Dominic, no. I haven’t. But I’m guessing you guys don’t get many new students right?” “No, not at all,” Apollo said, letting out another low chuckle. “Hey, I have an idea.” Dominic chimed next to me. “I can introduce you to my girlfriend Lia. She’s in a study group right now but I’m sure she’ll be free tomorrow. She’ll love you.” Hm.. another girl. Thank god.  “Ok. Yea that sounds good.” I said smiling. Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad here after all. Just then, the bell rang. Signaling the end of lunch. I sighed to myself internally. I was disappointed I wasn’t going to get to spend more time with Apollo. I didn’t know what it was but something drew me to him.  APOLLO’S POV Rose looked deep in thought when the bell rang. I decided I was gonna figure out this whole mate thing. Which meant I needed to spend more time with her. Being the future king of the werewolves had it’s perks in such a small town since most of the pack members lived here. So I had my schedule changed to match hers.  “What’s your next class?” I asked as casually as possible although I already knew the answer. “Uh, English.” She said while looking at a small piece of paper I assumed was her schedule. “Wow, me too! We should sit together.” “Okay.” She said with a smile. “Sounds good.” I walked beside her to English. She was quietly taking in the halls of the school and I didn’t want to interrupt. Our arms brushed against each other now and then, sending sparks through my entire body. Every walk to class was like this. We would stay silent as our arms gently brushed now and then. I dared a glance at her and I could see her blushing. Which made me blush myself. This girl is so mysterious. I was curious about her but not just to find out what her past was. I wanted to truly get to know her. I decided I would ask her to hang out once school was out. The bell signaling the end of school had just rung and I was eager to propose my question. As she gathered her things I was about to speak when suddenly her phone rang. Her face was filled with concern as she answered it. “Hey, mom. What’s going on?” She started. I used my wolf hearing to listen to what the woman on the other line had to say.  “Hey. Sweetie, look um. I have some bad news.” “Well is everything ok?” Panic flooded her voice. I wanted to comfort her, but I decided against it and focused on the conversation. “I was just called to duty. I have to leave for 6 months.” “Oh. I guess I should get home then.” “Why is that? I’m not leaving until tomorrow.” “Well to get packed and everything.” “Oh, Rose no. I’m going alone. The boys are 19 now. And you’re almost 18. I left plenty of money for food and bills. The boys both have jobs and access to my bank account. I trust you’ll all be in good hands. Just promise me you’ll take care of each other.” Hm... So she's not 18 either... I thought to myself as Rose sat back down in her seat and sighed before responding. “Yea, sure. I promise,” she whispered sadly into the phone. The look on her face made my heart sink. I hated seeing her in pain. “Ok, hun. I’ll see you when you get back.” “Yea. See you.” She brought the phone down from her ear and ended the call. She looked down, tears threatening her eyes. “Hey, you ok?” I asked placing my hand on hers. She looked up surprised. I wondered if she felt the same sparks I did. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize anyone was still here.” Guess not. “Don't apologize. Are you ok?” I asked, refusing to move my hand. She just shook her head and looked down sadly. “Not really no. My mom is a commander in the Navy and was just called to duty. Usually, we move with her but this time she’s going alone. I’m worried about her that's all.” I was surprised at her bluntness. I think she could tell because she quickly spoke again. “I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t be telling all of this to a stranger. I should get going anyway.” “Will you let me walk you?” It was her turn to be taken off guard, but she just nodded. I sent her a small smile before helping her gather her things and we walked out of the classroom and out the front doors of the school. *** “I’m sorry about your mom,” I said. Breaking the surprisingly bearable silence as we walked down the familiar streets of Roslyn. “It’s ok.” She said giving me an appreciative glance. “I’m used to her leaving, but I’m also used to going with her. It’ll just be different that's all. Besides, I’ll have Andy and Jacob with me.” I gave her a confused look and clearly, she noticed because she let out a small laugh. “Wow. I say that like you know who they are.” “Who are they?” “My brothers.” I gave her a look of understanding before focusing on the road in front of me again. “Tell me something about you.” “What do you wanna know?” She sighed. “I don't know. Something. Anything. I just feel like you know so many things about me and I know nothing about you.” “I don’t know anything about you besides a few things about your family.” “Ok well how about this. I ask a question and once I get a sufficient answer, you can ask a question.” “Deal.” I had nothing to hide. Kind of... “Ok um. Do you have any siblings?” “Not biologically, but Dom and I grew up together so I’ve always considered him one.” “Oh. I didn't realize you two were that close.” “yea, It’s nice to have someone around.” Now was my chance to push. To figure out our strange connection. But then I looked at her. I could tell she was vulnerable. I wasn’t about to exploit that. “What’s your favorite color,” I asked with a slight smirk. “WAY too deep man. Can’t go there.” She said behind layers of sarcasm. “Come on, for real.” She glances at me for a moment considering something. What it was I didn’t know. But finally, she sighed and looked back ahead. “Green.” “Why green?” “I think It’s my turn to ask a question.” “Alright fine. What do you wanna know.” “Tell me about our parents.” My expression turned hard. She noticed because I felt her hand on mine. “I’m sorry. If it’s a touchy subject you don’t have to-” “No, no it’s ok.” She gave my hand a gentle squeeze before letting go and suddenly gave me the confidence to continue. “My father isn’t the best person in the world and my mother. Well, she died when I was very young.” “I’m sorry.” “What about your parents?” “Well, as you know my mother is in the military, and I never knew my father. My mom doesn’t talk about him and I don’t push.” “Aren’t you curious?” “Yes, but whenever I used to bring it up my mother's face grew grim and told me to drop it.” “That must be hard. Not knowing what he was like.” “That’s surprising coming from someone who isn’t super close with their dad.” “What do you mean?”  “Don’t take this the wrong way. It’s just that usually when people aren't close with a family member they consider someone lucky when they have a better relationship, or better yet, none at all.” “I would never think that. Relationships are hard. No matter what form they come in.” “You know, it’s nice talking to someone about this stuff.” “Yea I mean it’s weird. I’ve only known you a day, but I feel like I can trust you with anything.” “Yea. I feel that too.” She said quietly. She suddenly looked up. “Oh. we’re here.” I looked up to see a fairly sized average-looking suburban house. “I guess I’ll see you around.” She said before turning to walk up the steps when suddenly her front door flew open and a woman, who I assumed to be her mother, stood there, arms folded across her chest, staring daggers. At… me? “Rose. Get inside now. I’ll deal with the..” She looked me up and down and her face twisted into one of disgust. “Dog.” “Mom he’s not a dog” “I said get in the house Rose.” Rose gave me one last glance at me before sighing and walking through her front door. Her mother shut it and then walked down the driveway towards me. She stopped a foot away from me and although I towered a foot and a half above her, she was intimidating. She radiated power. “Look. I know what you are. Stay away from my daughter if you know what's good for you.” “If you know what I am then you know I can’t do that.” The blood suddenly drained from her face and she looked at me in horror. “No. You can’t be her…” She looked down, her face filled with contemplation. “If what you say is true. You have to be careful. I wouldn’t try to take her away from you but her past is... complicated.” She turned to leave without saying anything else. “Wait, aren't you going to ask any questions or explain anything?” “Just heed my warning.” She mumbled without turning around. I watched her disappear back through the door before I started to walk away. Things just got a whole lot more strange.